AMBA HONOUR ROLL 2024

At the recent AMBA’s, two very special individuals were honoured, much to the delight of the attendees who celebrated with a standing ovation for both!

Editor in Chief announced the recipient of the 2024 AMBA Special Recognition Award as Gareth Philpott, whose journey into the barbering world has been as unique as it has been transformative. A journey marked by resilience, vision, and an unwavering dedication to education and mentorship in the barbering industry.

Imagine a young man whose career began far from barber chairs and clippers—in fitness, business management, and registered training across multiple industries. Now picture that same individual learning to cut hair through YouTube tutorials, finding solace in the craft during one of life’s most challenging times, while his mother faced a critical illness.

This was the beginning of an unexpected journey into barbering—a journey that would, in time, redefine barber education for aspiring professionals across Australia.

Gareth’s story embodies grit and innovation, having developed an academy that not only equips students with the technical skills to excel in barbering but also provides them with the confidence to step directly into real-world barbershops.

Together with his mother, he founded a learning institution grounded in excellence and progressive training. His commitment to bridging the gap between theory and practice has not only shaped talented barbers but has set a new benchmark for modern barber training.

Gareth is about to embark on a significant collaboration with 4 Barbers Education, expanding his own Academy’s reach and making its programs more accessible than ever, across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Sydney and at the AMBA, he was recognised as a man whose passion for barbering and education has already been a beacon for so many and will be for years to come.

Kellie Woodhead, mocha group Art Director and MC for the AMBA’s announced the 2024 Hall of Fame Inductee.

Frank Ciccone is a true trailblazer in the barbering and styling world. This remarkable individual has made his mark on every corner of the industry, from sports stars to rock legends, and from the big screen to his loyal clientele.

His impressive roster of sports clients includes icons from tennis, AFL, soccer, and cricket, such as Tim Cahill, alongside teams like Tottenham and Juventus, and the stars of the Socceroos. For the past six years, he’s proudly sponsored Tom De Koning through his affiliation with the Carlton Football Club, while also taking care of the cuts and fades of the Melbourne City soccer team and collaborating with the prestigious Ferrari team at the Australian Grand Prix.

In the world of entertainment, he has worked with music legends such as Slash from Guns N’ Roses and iconic Australian bands like INXS, Powderfinger, Birds of Tokyo, and Wolfmother. He’s even styled Vernon Wells from Mad Max 2 and Commando, as well as the cast of Geordie Shore for nearly a decade.

Beyond his impressive work with celebrities, his commitment to giving back is truly inspiring. He is a proud ambassador for the Polished Man Foundation, has participated in the World’s Greatest Shave, and continually lends his support to both local and international charity events.

Frank is an ambassador for Fiat, further expanding his influence in branding and style and in the world of film and television. His talents were on full display when he starred as the “Bad Barber” in Netflix’s Australian promotion of The Gray Man.

In addition to owning an award-winning salon and barbershop, Frank has created his own men’s styling product and is a sought after ambassador to highly respected brands in professional grooming and in 2021, he earned the prestigious title of International Barber of the Year, and just this year, his salon was named International Salon of the Year 2024.

Congratulations to both Gareth Philpott and Frank Ciccone.