Rare moment as Toowoomba barber cuts five generations of family’s hair

It is a rarity for a barber to say he’s been able to cut five generations of a family’s hair, but as of this week Greg Gabbett has done just that.

( From left ) Glen, Brad, and Mitchell McKeiver watch barber Greg Gabbett cut 20 month old Connor McKeiver's hair for the first time. 5 generations of the McKeiver family have had their hair cut by Greg Gabbett. Picture: Nev Madsen.

It is a rarity for a barber to say he’s been able to cut five generations of a family’s hair, but as of this week Greg Gabbett has done just that.

Greg Gabbett’s Barber Shop operated in Toowoomba for more than 50 years before closing last month, with Mr Gabbett earning a long-overdue retirement.

Mr Gabbett, now in his mid-70s, started his barber apprenticeship in 1959 and never looked back.

He has chopped the locks off many Darling Downs residents throughout his career, and one family who used his services time and time again was the McKeiver family.

Greg Gabbett cuts 20 month old Connor McKeiver's hair for the first time watched by Mitchell McKeiver. 5 generations of the McKeiver family have had their hair cut by Greg Gabbett. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The McKeiver family began visiting Mr Gabbett at the start of his apprenticeship, with Arthur being the first to sit down in his chair, the next was Glen, then Brad, Mitchell and yesterday it was 20-month-old Connor’s turn.

While Mr Gabbett is weeks into his retirement, he made a special exception for the toddler, not wanting to break the family’s tradition.

“You very rarely get to cut five generations of hair, so I didn’t want to miss out on doing it,” he said.

Connor’s dad Mitchell said it was a pretty proud moment to have Greg cut Connor’s hair for the first time.

( From left ) Toowoomba barber Greg Gabbett with clients Glen, Brad, Mitchell and 20 month old Connor McKeiver. 5 generations of the McKeiver family have had their hair cut by Greg Gabbett. Picture: Nev Madsen.

“He did my first haircut and knowing he’ll have done five generations of haircuts is pretty special,” he said.

“Not many people can say they’ve had that.”

Connor’s mum Karissa McKeiver said as sad as she was to see his first baby curls go, she was happy to see him with a “big boy” haircut.

“He has the most beautiful blonde curly hair that I’m definitely heartbroken to have to cut, but it’s been getting unruly and was time for his first trim,” she said.

“There’s no one else I’d trust more than Greg with such a special task.”