Western Plains App
Western Plains App
What's what out west!
Get it on the Apple StoreGet it on the Google Play Store
What's OnShop WestEat Drink StayYour Local MemberYour CouncilAdvertise NOWEducationEmergency ContactsPuzzles & GamesRadio
Western Plains App

Condo's "barber shop quartet" are a cut above

Western Plains App

Kristin Murdock

06 June 2023, 7:40 AM

Condo's "barber shop quartet" are a cut aboveCondobolin High School students recently undertook some barber training, thanks to Granville Boys High.

No barber shop? No worries!

 

An unlikely pairing between Condobolin High School (CHS) and Granville Boys High (GBH) situated 437 kilometres to the east has brought a needed resource to town and taught local students skills while encouraging aspirations in the process.

 

The school now has two barber stations set up thanks to the fundraising efforts of GBH principal Noel Dixon, SRC chairpersons Eesa Khaled and Khaled Zreika and a large contingent of students. All up $3000 was raised by the Granville students who held mufti days and sausage sizzles to purchase barber shop equipment for Condobolin High.


 

A contingent from GBH arrived at Condo in late May, complete with barber equipment and a crew of experts in all things hair, including students, barber Charles Lomu and Abdul Elnazer. They taught Condo students how to use clippers, cut fade hairstyles, tidy up mullets and shave lines and designs.

 

"Not only have they brought this equipment out but they are leaving it for our future use - how amazing is that," Condobolin High School's social media told the public before the event. "The boys are pretty excited to learn and if you are keen, come in and lend your head!"

 

Mr Elnazer and Mr Lomu spent three days teaching local students how to use the barber equipment and said they had a wonderful experience forming new friendships.

 

CHS principal, Wendy Scarce was also enthusiastic about the program.

 

"It was like watching them fulfil a dream, it was just beautiful, it's why we do what we do," Ms Scarce told media. "One of our young men, I've never seen him so enthralled, so focused and so engaged."

 

Another school spokesperson said Charles Lomu, was incredibly impressed by the boys and commented that they showed natural ability.

 

"We intend to continue this reciprocal relationship with GBHS and look forward to further opportunities to support our students with their barbering skills," the spokesperson said.

 

CHS students Nate, Ernie, Lachie and Isaiah, aka the town's latest "barber shop quartet", were reported to demonstrate a development of talent and ability beyond belief.

 

The connection between the schools began when the Granville pipe band played at the Condobolin Tattoo last year and the students got talking.

 

The barber shop idea really appealed to the country kids while GHS hopes to host Condobolin High's Indigenous dance troupe in the future.

 

Mrs Scarce said the relationship with Granville Boy's School has been "transformational" for rural students.

 

"One of the parents said her son went home on Monday and hit her up for a $1500 pair of clippers and has the ambition to open a business," Ms Scarce told media.