Outback barber brings fresh fades and more to the Gulf

The further you travel into remote Australia, the more you realise distance is measured not only in kilometres, but also in the absence of everyday things.

On Mornington Island, a remote Aboriginal community in the Gulf of Carpentaria, one of those things is a hairdresser.

Little wonder then, when 42-year-old Mount Isa barber Jon James stepped off a small plane carrying a bag of clippers, he found a crowd waiting to welcome him.

"I couldn't believe how many people already knew who I was through all the social media videos I'd done," he laughed.

"I've got the crazy-coloured hair and everything like that, and the tattoos … but I just fit in."

The surprise continued when the first session of North West Remote Health's (NWRH) Fade Wellbeing Barbering Program was not due to begin until 10am, but by 9am young men and children were already waiting.

Following a difficult year in which Mornington Island was affected by several suicides, NWRH invited Mr James to lead the three-day program.

The organisation wanted to create a positive diversion for young people by teaching practical skills that could stay with the community long after the workshops ended.

More than a fresh haircut

The workshops were a first for the barber, who has spent more than 20 years behind the chair, including the past 12 running his own shop in Mount Isa.

Over the past six months, he had volunteered at community haircut events across north-west Queensland, including Doomadgee and Yallambie.

NWRH acting wellbeing team leader Sarah Gifford said the organisation wanted to create something that promoted healing, connection and hope.

"We knew Jon brought more than barbering skills," she said.

"He has a genuine ability to connect with people of all ages, creating a safe, welcoming space where conversations happen naturally.

"His approach reflects our belief that people heal people."

No barber to many barbers

"I could've gone over there and done free haircuts all day, but once I leave, that's it," Mr James said.

"Teaching them how to barber is definitely the next step.

"What's that saying? Give someone a fish and they'll eat for a day. Teach them to fish and they'll eat for a lifetime.

"That's how I feel about barbering."

Over three days, students progressed from learning the basics to confidently cutting skin fades.

"I couldn't believe how quickly they picked up barbering," Mr James said.

"They're like, 'Let's go further.'

"And then they were doing skin fades straight up, and then they were doing them on their own."

By the end of the workshops, 20 professional barber kits had found new homes across Mornington Island, giving students the equipment to continue cutting hair in their own community.

A whole community looking sharp

Partway through his visit, a local family approached Mr James with a request.

Would he cut the hair of the groom and members of a wedding party?

"Absolutely," he said.

While Mr James prepared the wedding party, the students he had spent the previous three days teaching put their new skills to work cutting the hair of wedding guests.

This big day carried a bit of extra weight — something not lost on Mr James.

"I was aware there had been a few suicides beforehand in both families and the wedding would bring the community together and heal,"

he said.

"To be part of that emotionally and be asked to attend the wedding after, it was incredibly humbling. I'm so grateful that I had that opportunity."

Between workshops, Mr James also helped residents prepare dugong on the beach.

Watching a one-armed man skilfully process the catch was another moment he will not forget.

"They're a very resilient, strong community and they've got community spirit that I'd like to see more of in Mount Isa," he said.

"They're so remote and not many outsiders come in there, and they're just so welcoming.

"That really means the world."

Mr James hopes one day soon he will return to Mornington Island and again hear the familiar buzz of clippers.

"I'd absolutely love it if they had a little salon set up doing community cuts," he said.

"That would be off-the-chart awesome."

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