Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown—Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault)—I would like to recognise Brian Dowd, founder of The Walkabout Barber, for his outstanding commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing in communities across Australia. Based in Bennetts Green, Brian is a qualified trauma specialist whose work brings together barbering mental health first aid, creating relaxed and approachable spaces where people feel comfortable opening up and seeking support. What began as a small barber shop to balance Brian's counselling work with family life soon evolved into a mobile, not-for-profit service after he recognised that many people in need lived far from traditional supports. Walkabout Barber Enterprises now operates multiple mobile units delivering barbering, beauty services and trauma-informed care directly to communities. Working alongside other young Indigenous men, Brian has taken his service into communities across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, with a strong focus on men's mental health, domestic violence prevention, and healing for First Nations and neurodivergent people. Guided by the motto cuts, connections and conversations, the Walkabout Barber helps make mental health support less intimidating and more accessible. Through award-winning work, training programs and plans to expand further, Brian continues to champion connection, care and community-led healing.

A Community Recognition Notice is an opportunity for an MP to submit a short statement praising the work of an individual or group in the local community. If you have any ideas about people I can recognise with a Community Recognition Notice, please email and let me know!