Barber Receives Australia Day Award

Since its inception, Boorowa township has seen many barbers: from R. Rigdon in 1881, Horrie Dunn in 1924, Jim Ryan in 1946, to Bert McMahon who was honoured at our recent Australia Day ceremony.

Bert’s business, the “Boorowa Baa Baa Shop” on Pudman Street has been trading for over 45 years, but Bert has been offering his coiffure services for over 60 years.

He also extends this service to older residents in their home, hospital or in aged care.

Every Saturday morning there’s a long line of gentleman outside Bert’s barber shop eager for a catchup, because it’s there they receive both style and camaraderie.

Bert has also been a founding member of many organisations:

• Boorowa Junior League – Life Member
• Boorowa School Boys Carnival (becoming what is now the biggest School Boys Rugby League Carnival in the State). Bert was recognised for his 25 years of service for this event
• Boorowa Pony Club
• Boorowa Swimming Club

Over the years Bert has been honoured with the following accolades:

• 1999 Boorowa Citizen of the Year
• 2000 Awarded Australian Sports Medal from Prime Minister, John Howard in recognition for his sporting achievements
• In 2009 he was asked to open the Boorowa Agriculture Show

Bert was also instrumental in the fundraising campaign and establishment of the Boorowa Community Hall, was the President of the Senior Rugby League Club for six years, and refereed both junior and senior rugby league.

Bert is regarded as a friend, role model and mentor for many people of all ages. Bert is an icon of the Boorowa community and is one of nature’s true gentlemen.

• Topics:

• Australia Day
• Awards