Brisbane has unveiled a street sign in Hendra honouring one of the suburb’s longest-serving small business owners — Charlie Parrella, an 85-year-old barber who has been cutting hair at his long-time Hendra address for more than 50 years.
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The sign, named “Charlie Parrella Place,” was unveiled on 7 March in front of a gathering of family, friends, and long-time customers. The event was organised with the support of Cr Tim Nicholls and Cr Julia Dixon, whom Charlie credited personally in his remarks after the day.
In a message shared on his Facebook page following the unveiling, Charlie wrote:
“To all my Family and Friends — Especially Tim and Julia who made this Special Day happen. I would like to thank all the people who attended on my ‘Charlie Parrella Place.’ I will remember this for the rest of my life. I hope to catch up with you all again on another Special Day if possible.”
From Italy to Hendra
Charlie Parrella was born in Italy, where he first learned the barber’s trade before emigrating to Australia in 1955. He settled initially in Inglewood, a small town in south-west Queensland, where he rented a shop and worked as the town’s barber for a decade, all while learning English.
In 1968, Charlie moved to Brisbane and established his salon in Hendra, bringing with him the original ornate barber’s chair he had used throughout his Inglewood years. Over more than half a century at the same address, the shop has built a loyal following. In one media interview, he revealed that around 90 per cent of his customers have always been regulars.
Still Coming In
At 85, Charlie is still coming in to work. When asked why, his answer is straightforward: he comes in for the social life, to talk to his friends. It’s what gets him out of the house.
Charlie’s shop walls are covered in photos and memorabilia accumulated over the decades. Charlie has always been clear about what the job demands: a barber, he has said, needs to understand what a person’s appearance means to them.Otherwise, they simply don’t belong in the trade.
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A Permanent Place in the Suburb
The naming of “Charlie Parrella Place” by Brisbane’s local officials formally recognises his contribution to the Hendra community. The unveiling was attended by family, friends, and community members who gathered to mark the occasion.
Charlie has operated from the same Hendra address since 1968.
For Charlie, the milestone is personal. As he wrote after the day: “I will remember this for the rest of my life.”
Published 9-March-2026
