Local barber shop offers free haircuts for people impacted by the summer bushfires

The new barber shop, run by Brendon and Tanja Wellham, will be offering free haircuts to locals between July and September who lost their homes during the summer fire season.

Brendon, Tanja and their sons Paxton and Levi moved to the area from Maitland in late January, but COVID-19 restrictions meant the barber shop wasn't able to continue operating over the past few months.

"We reopened about a month ago now, so this was really the earliest that we could do something for the people who lost their homes," Brendon said.

"I just want to do what I can to help the community.

"COVID-19 restrictions made it difficult for people to book appointments, but now that we're back open, I hope people who were impacted by the bushfires come in and see us."

Brendon has been in contact with Kempsey Shire Council and will be offering free haircuts to people who have been issued a Certificate of Loss.

"We're glad to help locals. The people who lost their homes in the fires can bring in their Certificate of Loss and get a free haircut."

The family of four are enjoying living in the Macleay Valley and have had a positive response from the community.

"The locals are great here and are very friendly. The overall response from the community has been very supportive."

Brendon comes from a barbering family, his mother has been a hairdresser since she left high school in the 60's and both of Brendon's older brothers also own barber shops.

"The only one not cutting hair is my father Tom who is a retired electrician, he cuts cables instead."

The business is family orientated, with the name inspired by Paxton and Levi's middle names.

"A lot of people think I'm Lee Colton, but they're the middle names of my two sons," Brendon said.

Anyone wanting to book an appointment can walk in and write their name on the board for a time that suits them, or call the shop to book over the phone on 0419 445 795.

Lee Colton Barber Shop is located at 32 Clyde St.