Bert pictured when he received his Australia Day Award.
In a quiet corner of Boorowa’s bustling Pudman Street, there’s a little shop that holds a treasure trove of stories, laughter, and memories. For over four decades, Bert McMahon has had his doors open his iconic Boorowa Baa Baa Shop every Saturday morning, offering more than just a haircut. He provides a place for locals to share a yarn, reminisce about days gone by and catch up on the week’s events.
Bert, now 86 years old, has been a barber in Boorowa for more than 60 years. His story began in the early 1960s, when he moved to Boorowa and established himself. After a stint in Wagga Wagga, Bert returned to Boorowa, where he continued his work as a barber and eventually became a well known figure in the town.
In 1974, the local Shire President and Clerk approached him with a request to open his shop on Saturday mornings. While some businesses in the area had started to move to the nearby town of Young, Bert’s decision to offer this service was a lifeline for the community.
“People were heading out of town, and the town needed some kind of service to keep the business community alive,” Bert recalls. “So, I agreed to open up on Saturday mornings, and I’ve been doing it ever since.”
Amazingly, Bert often doesn’t charge for his service and instead leaves out a donation box. “I just love getting in there on a Saturday morning and having a few yarns, it isn’t really about the money” says Bert,
“There’s always two or three who call in just to sit down and have a yarn as well. It’s about the community as much as it is about the haircut.”
But Bert’s contribution to Boorowa extends far beyond his role as a barber. He has been a key figure in many of the town’s most significant organisations. He is a founding member of the Boorowa Junior League, which has grown into one of the largest School Boys Rugby League Carnivals in the state, and has been recognised for his 25 years of service to the event. Bert also played a foundational role in the Boorowa Pony Club and Boorowa Swimming Club, showing his dedication to fostering community spirit and supporting youth involvement in sports.
Bert’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. In 1999, he was named Boorowa Citizen of the Year, a well-deserved recognition for his years of selfless service to the town. In 2000, he was awarded the Australian Sports Medal by Prime Minister John Howard for his sporting achievements, a testament to his longstanding involvement in local sports and recreation. Bert was also invited to open the Boorowa Agricultural Show in 2009, a role that further cemented his status as a pillar of the community.
Perhaps one of Bert’s greatest legacies, though, is his instrumental role in the fundraising and estab-lishment of the Boorowa Community Hall, a vital space that has become central to the town’s social life. He also served as President of the Senior Rugby League Club for six years and refereed both junior and senior rugby league matches, further cementing his place as a community leader.
Through it all, Bert has remained humble and grounded. His approach to life has always been one of quiet dedication, a desire to contribute to the community without seeking recognition.
“I’ve just done what I’ve always done,” he says. “If I can help out, I will. If there’s something that needs doing, I do it. That’s what it’s all about.”
Despite being in his mid 80s, Bert shows no signs of slowing down. He still opens the doors of his Baa Baa Shop every Saturday morning, offering his services to the people of Boorowa. And it’s not just about cutting hair. It’s about keeping the connection alive with the people he’s known for decades.
“The secret to good health is to keep active,” Bert shares, a piece of wisdom he’s clearly lived by. “I’ve got a little farm, so there’s always something to do. It keeps me busy and keeps me going. I’m 86, and I still love coming in and seeing the locals. It’s great medicine for me.”
Bert’s ability to connect with people, to be a friend, mentor, and role model to so many, is a testament to his character. He’s more than just a barber, he’s an icon of Boorowa, a man who has given so much to his community and continues to do so, year after year.
For many of the men who visit Bert each Saturday, the Baa Baa Shop is more than just a place for a trim. It’s a space to connect, to share, and to feel a part of something bigger. It’s a tradition that has endured for over four decades, and it’s a tradition that, thanks to Bert, will continue for many more years to come. In a world that’s constantly changing, it’s rare to find someone who has remained such a constant and beloved figure in a community.
Bert McMahon is truly one of Boorowa’s local legends, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come.
So, hats off to you, Bertie, for all that you’ve done and continue to do. You’ve earned your place in the heart of this community, and we’re all the better for it.
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