MILDURA Central’s Babylon Barber manager Ahmed Ahmad wasn’t expecting to spend so much time in Mildura.
Mr Ahmad came to Mildura from Adelaide to help manage the new store at Mildura Central.
Babylon Barber, owned by Mr Ahmad’s father, has seven locations across South Australia.
The business provides haircuts for men and children, as well as facial shaving, threading, colouring, beard-trimming and more.
Mr Ahmad said the original plan was for him to work between Adelaide and Mildura but then the COVID-19 pandemic struck and SA closed its border.
Since then, he has been living in Mildura.
“It’s easier than going up and down all the time,” he said.
If Mr Ahmad did go back to Adelaide, he would have to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Fortunately for him, this is set to change, with SA reopening its border to all states from July 20.
Mr Ahmad said he was excited to be able to return home.
“I would be really happy if it was a bit earlier,” he said.
Although Mr Ahmad is keen to return to Adelaide, he has enjoyed his time in Mildura and working at the new Babylon Barber.
Mr Ahmad said the business had continued to operate throughout the pandemic.
For Babylon Barber, which prides itself on a high standard of cleanliness, COVID-19 restrictions have not had a significant impact.
“When it comes to cleaning and sterilising, we did it anyway because that’s part of the law in SA and Victoria,” he said.
Mr Ahmad said although work had been steady he expected the shop would get busier once further restrictions lifted and he was looking forward to welcoming new customers.
