Church hosts free haircut event

NEARLY 60 community members in need received free haircuts this week thanks to the efforts of a local business owner.

Teneal Williams, 34, spent three days at the Central Baptist Church in Clifton Springs delivering a variety of women’s, men’s and children’s haircuts.

The mother of seven said the initiative was more popular than she expected with people travelling from Geelong and across the Bellarine Peninsula to take up her offer.

Williams said there were many people in the community doing it tough, and she was pleased to be able to provide those interested with some extra support.

“Being a business owner, I see a lot of people are struggling, especially after COVID.

“I’ve been attending Central Baptist now for about 12 months and there’s been a few times where I’ve thought that I really want to help, I really want to give back to the community.”

She decided offering free haircuts was the best way to achieve this.

Ms Williams is a qualified hairdresser, personal trainer, and owner of Energy Force Fitness in Drysdale.

She also has a bachelor’s degree in psychology which she said goes “hand-in-hand” with hairdressing.

“I love being part of making people feel better about themselves,” she said.

“I know how much confidence I can bring to somebody [with a haircut] so I’m hoping that it just brings happiness and more confidence.

“I just want to give back. That’s my aim.”

Those that were able were encouraged to donate a gold coin towards upgrading the kitchen facilities at Central Baptist Church.

Ms Williams said the church was heavily invested in the local community and the renovation would allow it feed more people in need and further contribute to those in the area.

Pastor Andrew Meager said he wanted the church to host more community events this year, and the kitchen upgrade was part of his goal to grow the four-acre block into a community hub.

For more information, head to centralbaptist.com.au