Geelong’s humans shine at expo

THE region’s breadth and depth of talent took centre stage at the weekend at the Humans In Geelong Expo.

The free event, held across Deakin University’s Waterfront campus, featured 45 exhibitors, 17 speakers and 12 live performances in the courtyard.

Nasir Sobhani, “The Streets Barber”, congratulated the organisers during his talk for creating such an inclusive event.

“We all have the ability to connect to people, and I do that through my craft.”

He spoke about his journey from drug addiction and misguided ambition – “when you’re trying so hard to be someone else, you’re never going to be you” – to now being a successful barber and giving free haircuts to homeless people.

Mr Sobhani, who also gave a demonstration haircut to a lucky member of the audience, recalled when he first offered at homeless person a haircut.

“The way his eyes lit up, it was like I gave him $100,000.”

Performances included Kim Cooper and Jack Treacy singing “This Is Me” with a flash mob suddenly joining in to dance, The Sweethearts, Hazara Youth Dance and the presentation of the Mental Health Week Awards.

Other speakers at the expo included Kristina McMennemim from Geelong Mums, Professor Steve Allender from Deakin’s Global Obesity Centre, and Tim Allen from Geelong Sustainability.