AUSTRALIAN HAIRDRESSING COUNCIL Embracing Change and Shaping the Future.

Passion for hairdressing and barbering education reached new heights a few weeks back on the iconic AHC, Hair Festival and AHIA Weekend.

Day 1 saw the AHC Industry Day 2024, held at the Fullerton Hotel Sydney, bringing together a diverse group of industry professionals, including RTOs, teachers, salon owners, independent and company educators, and business coaches, all dedicated to the advancement of industry training and apprenticeships. Day 2, saw the same venue host the Leadership Summit, followed by Schmoozefest, a gathering of industry leaders and salon owners marking a celebration of innovation, community impact, and leadership transitions within the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC).

Day 1:Shaping the Future of Hairdressing and Barbering Education

The day began with registration and a warm welcome from MC Richard Kavanagh, who set the stage for a day filled with insightful discussions and collaborative planning. Anthony Gray, AHC Chair of Education & Training, provided an update on the AHC’s efforts to enhance education and training in the industry, emphasising the urgent need for a new Training Package that aligns with the current demands of apprentices and salons.

The first highlight of the day was an interview with Brendon Mann of Epic Hair Designs, conducted by Sandy Chong. Mann shared his experiences and insights, shedding light on the evolving landscape of hairdressing and the importance of staying ahead of industry trends.

Natalie Turmine, CEO of Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA), delivered a compelling keynote speech, detailing the current status and future timeline of the Hairdressing & Barber Training Package. She emphasised the critical role of stakeholders in shaping the new Training Package, ensuring it meets the needs of future apprentices. Turmine’s address was followed by a SaCSA survey, whose results were discussed in depth, providing valuable data for the ongoing development of the training framework.

After a morning tea break, the discussion continued with a review of the Training Package by the AHC Education & Training Committee. This session provided an opportunity for attendees to voice their opinions and contribute to the shaping of the future training standards.

The afternoon session featured a lively presentation by Sandee Harris, Employment Liaison Officer with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR). Harris led a discussion on innovative recruitment solutions tailored to the hairdressing and barbering sectors, focusing on attracting and retaining apprentices.

A notable segment of the event was the Industry Panel, which brought together Belinda Cooper and Hannah Gerrittson, Belinda’s Hair Creations. Jenelle Charlton from West Wollongong TAFE. Jimmy O’Brien and Ian Yuen from Jimmy Rods Barber Shop. Gareth Philpott from The Barber Academy. This interactive panel provided diverse perspectives on the industry’s challenges and opportunities, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at driving positive change.

The day concluded with a workshop on SaCSA Professional Development and Micro-Credentials, focusing on the continuous education and training that occurs postqualification. This session encouraged attendees to brainstorm and share their visions for the future of professional development in the industry.

The AHC Industry Day 2024 was a resounding success, providing a platform for passionate industry professionals to collaborate, share knowledge, and shape the future of hairdressing and barbering education. As the event came to a close, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and a wealth of ideas to implement in their respective practices. The future of the industry looks bright, thanks to the dedicated efforts and innovative ideas generated at this pivotal event.

Day 2: Leadership Summit: Embracing Change and Innovation

The event commenced with an in-depth industry round-up, providing the latest statistics and figures from the Australian Taxation Office, Fair Work Ombudsman, and software company members. This session offered attendees a comprehensive overview of the hair industry in 2024, helping businesses understand their position in the current landscape.

The summit featured three outstanding international presenters who shared their wisdom and strategies for business growth and community impact.

James O’Loghlin: James’ keynote combined humour with practical advice on innovation, mental health, and persuasive communication. His diverse career and engaging style offered attendees valuable techniques to foster a culture of innovation and improve their overall business practices.

Gary Strachan: Gary highlighted the transformative power of his ‘Deadly Hair Dude’ program, which provides hairdressing training and education to remote Indigenous communities. His heartfelt presentation underscored the social impact and sustainability of his initiatives, earning him the 2024 COSBOA Small Business Champion award.

Andrew Griffiths: Andrew captivated the audience with his unique approach to business strategy, advocating for being the most expensive in the market as a means of future-proofing. His extensive experience and powerful storytelling provided attendees with actionable insights to transform their businesses and personal lives.

The event also marked a significant leadership transition within the AHC. After 14 years of dedicated service, Sandy Chong stepped down as CEO, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering commitment and exemplary leadership. The AHC extended its heartfelt gratitude to Sandy for her contributions to the hairdressing industry and wished her every happiness in her well-deserved retirement.

Welcoming Melissa Kalan as the new CEO, the AHC is excited about the future. Melissa brings a wealth of experience as a senior executive, known for her steadfast commitment to elevating professional standards, fostering robust business relationships, and cultivating new CEO. Her proven leadership in fostering professional communities and advancing industry standards will be invaluable as we continue to support and advocate for our members.”

The Leadership Summit concluded with Schmoozefest, a lively networking session filled with food, drinks, and engaging conversations. Attendees left the summit armed with new strategies, insights, and connections to drive their businesses forward in the ever-evolving hair industry.