Craig Hollywood

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Australian of the Year Award winning CEO
and social impact maker.

In 2016 whilst sitting in the barbershop Craig came up with the idea to offer free haircuts to people in need.  Calling it Short Back & Sidewalks, it has now grown into a national organisation.

Craig can’t cut hair, he’s a civil engineer. But knows the power of a conversation.

What started as an idea has grown into a volunteer-led movement that’s positively impacted the lives of over 10,000 people in need across Australia.

As the 2022 Western Australian Local Hero as part of the Australia of the Year Awards, Craig Hollywood is a valued member of the Australian social impact landscape. Through the power of a conversation the value Craig brings to society is of national and global importance.

Not only is he an innovative motivational speaker and businessman with a knack for thinking outside the box, but the work he puts back into the community has the power to truly inspire.

Craig understands the power of a conversation. And is the Founder of Short Back and Sidewalks. A social impact movement providing free haircuts and conversations with some of Australia’s most vulnerable people.

Having started in a car park in Perth in 2015 Short Back & Sidewalks now operates across the continent and continues to positively impact people’s lives by providing a consistent, judgement free service which helps to break the stigma often attached to those in need.

Having lost a family member who experienced homelessness, Craig set out to find a way to help some of the most at-risk people in our society.

Craig’s story about positively impacting communities through the simple act of giving a free haircut and having a chat is inspiring the next generation of giving access across the country and beyond.

He believes the collaboration is key to any success, but first we must connect with each other on a human level.

Craig is a humble, community leader who thinks differently about how we can change society for the better, together as one.

An expert collaborator and team builder, he shares stories of the power of positive connections and making a difference by activating our social consciousness.

Craig truly embodies what is good about society and his openness, humility and determination for more inclusivity is inspiring.

Not only is Craig an engaging and charismatic motivational speaker who talks from the heart, but his inspirational story and message will leave a lasting impact that will allow you to think differently about the mark we want to leave in this world.

SPEECH TOPICS:

  • Ideas can come to us all in the strangest of places. Ideas are something that we all have, and something that shouldn’t be dismissed.
  • The power of positive connections and conversations.
  • Activating social consciousness through the act of having a simple conversation.
  • Thinking outside the box about the mark we can all leave on society is a game changer.

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Accolades from previous speaking engagements

  • “Craig Hollywood is a passionate, down-to-earth, community leader. I’ve witnessed the community work Craig and his team do to help those who are in need. His openness, humility and determination for more inclusivity is inspiring.”

    Hon. Mark McGowan MLA, Premier of Western Australia.

  • “Craig Hollywood is warm, engaging and has a deep passion for giving without judgement to all members of the community in Australia. I’ve witnessed first hand the work he and his organisation Short Back & Sidewalks are doing to create a more inclusive and judgement-free world for all. Craig is an engaging speaker who talks from the heart and I can understand why he is Western Australia’s Local Hero as part of the Australian of the Year Awards”

    Leanne Liddle, 2022 Northern Territory Australian of the Year, Director Aboriginal Justice Unit Department of the Attorney General.

     

  • “Business Events Perth were delighted to work Craig Hollywood on our recent Western Australian Destination Showcase events, in which we hosted prospective clientele in both Melbourne and Sydney. Aside from being the 2022 Australian of the Year-Western Australia’s Local Hero and all-round Inspiring individual, Craig was an asset to our presentations, echoing an understanding of the value of positive connections and positively impacting others. Craig was so personable with all the clients, truly a ‘people person’ with a genuine care and interest in others that shines through. His story is inspirational and thought-provoking, and paired with amazing energy and a great sense of humour, his very relevant and inspirational message left a lasting impact on our audience. We couldn’t recommend his services enough!”

    Senior Business Development Manager, Business Events Perth.

     

  • “Every speaker has a story.  Craig Hollywood’s story is truly unique. He engages the audience from the moment he stars and keeps them engaged as he shares the Short Back & Sidewalks Journey.  Craig is ideal for any time slot in an event but if you really want to make an impact, make him first or last speaker and he’ll leave the audience with a fire in their belly about their own possibilities and what they could achieve.”

    David Julian Price, Executive Speaking Coach.

  • “I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks to Craig Hollywood for a wonderful talk at the Volunteering WA AGM.  I speak for myself, team, Board and our members in saying how much they loved his speech and how great it aligned with Volunteering WA’s purpose and AGM, a great combination.  Craig’s humility and humongous heart are wonderful traits and make him a very special and extraordinary human being.  He is an incredible champion for homeless people and volunteering, and I hope we can continue to support Craig in his endeavours in the future.”

    Tina Williams, CEO, Volunteering WA.

     

  • “Craig Hollywood is a community focused trailblazer who volunteers his time, effort and leadership to inspire a better future for others. A Local Hero in the Western Australian community, he is a fireball of community spirit, enthusiasm and energy, a talented and engaging speaker; and a living case study of the positive impact that volunteering can have on the lives of others.”

    Emeritus Professor Gary Martin FAIM FACE, CEO, Australian Institute of Management.