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Deep roots and fresh cuts
- 24 hours ago
- 2 min read
Courtside Barber – Ferntree Gully
Ferntree Gully is often described as the perfect blend of country charm and bustling suburban life. In the heart of it all sits Courtside Barber, a shop that feels less like a standard salon and more like a relaxed local hangout where people feel genuinely welcome.
At the helm is Sean, a local resident with 27 years of barbering experience. After years of working in high-end city shops and picking up opportunities cutting hair for international stars at Marvel Stadium, Sean chose to bring his skills back to the community he loves.
A barber shop with a courtside twist
The name isn’t just a coincidence. Step inside and you’ll find a basketball-inspired haven, complete with an NBA Jam pinball machine and a basketball-floor table.
“I wanted to build a place where everyone feels welcome," says Sean.
We have kids playing NBA Jam while they wait, tradies popping in for a quick cut, and mums catching up while the kids get their hair done. It’s a relaxed, chilled environment."
Located right next to rolling hills, the shop offers a unique, leafy outlook that customers rave about, a rare find for a local barber.
Deep roots and local ties
Sean isn’t just a business owner; he’s a pillar of the community. As the President of the Belgrave Cricket Club and a former local basketball and baseball player, his ties to the region are long‑standing and genuine.
"I can't walk five minutes down the street without bumping into someone I know," Sean jokes. Sean’s connection to Ferntree Gully runs deep, shaped by playing junior cricket with Johnson Park, The Basin and the Ferntree Gully Footballers Cricket Club. That connection has continued through his family, with his children attending Ferntree Gully North Primary School and both Sean and his son going through St Joseph's College.
This connection translates into a truly tailored experience. Sean prides himself on remembering the stories of everyone who walks through his door. It’s that "small-town" familiarity where the degrees of separation are tiny, and everyone feels like a neighbour.
More than just a haircut
While Sean has the skills to handle high-profile clients, like country music star Luke Combs, his heart is in supporting the Knox community. Courtside Barber regularly gives back by:
Sponsoring local sports clubs.
Donating "Player of the Week" vouchers.
Providing a local hub for residents in the Ferntree Gully and the surrounding suburbs.
"Being able to work in the community I grew up in means a lot to me," Sean says. "I’ve watched this area evolve from visiting the local fish and chip shop as a kid to now being part of the ongoing story myself."
