Sydney's Veteran Barbers Defy Retirement, Embrace Lifelong Craft

In the heart of Sydney's inner west, Kyriakos Vasilis, aged 87, is believed to be the city's oldest barber, continuing a lifelong dedication to the craft of hairdressing. Vasilis operates from a small barber shop he established within the Cyprus Community Club in 1993, where he provides haircuts to members of the local Cypriot community, often free of charge. Despite officially retiring 15 years ago, Vasilis views his work not as a job but as an art form, stating, 'Hairdressing is not a job. Hairdressing is an art; either you have it, or you haven’t got it.' This sentiment is echoed by his fellow veteran barber, Con Apostolopoulos, 84, who has been in the profession for more than six decades and continues to serve a loyal clientele, some of whom have been visiting him for nearly 60 years.

The persistence of these veteran barbers highlights a broader trend in Australia, where an increasing number of older individuals remain in the workforce. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the participation rate of Australians aged 65 and over rose from 6.1% in 2000 to 15% in 2021. Patricia Sparrow, CEO of the Council on the Ageing (COTA), notes that many older Australians work either for financial necessity or to maintain social connections.

Vasilis, battling prostate cancer and having experienced a seizure two years prior, insists that his work is manageable and provides him with purpose. He expresses a strong aversion to retirement: 'What can I do if I retire? If I retire, what can I do after? No good.' His perspective resonates with Apostolopoulos, who believes his work keeps him engaged and active.

Guido Piccirilli, 78, another veteran barber in St Mary’s, reflects on his experience, having started his career at the age of 15 in 1962. Although he could have retired when his son took over the family business, he chose to stay on to fulfill the demand for barbers in the area. 'It’s the social aspect of the job that keeps me going,' he states, underscoring the role that community plays in the lives of these seasoned professionals.

The continued presence of older barbers in Sydney's hairdressing scene raises important questions about ageism in the workplace. Sparrow emphasizes the value of intergenerational collaboration in enhancing workplace productivity. She notes, 'What we actually know is the best workplaces, and the most productive workplaces, are actually intergenerational and multi-generation workplaces.' However, ageism remains a barrier, with many older individuals facing challenges in securing employment.

As these veteran barbers continue to shape the lives of their clients, their stories illuminate the significance of purpose and connection in the lives of older adults. The craft of hairdressing transcends mere aesthetics; it fosters community, nostalgia, and a sense of belonging. Vasilis poignantly articulates this sentiment: 'When you come to a shop, it reminds you of your past and what you are. You like to meet people; I’m not a person that likes to go in a corner and wait to die.' Their experiences serve as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the importance of finding joy and fulfillment in one's work, no matter the age. As they navigate the challenges of their advanced years, the stories of Vasilis, Apostolopoulos, and Piccirilli remind us of the value of community and the artistry of their craft, affirming that passion does not wane with age but rather evolves into a lifelong pursuit.