Hunter Hairdressers To Receive Domestic Violence Awareness Training

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Hairdressers across the Hunter will receive domestic violence awareness training to ensure they’re better prepared if a client discloses abuse when attending their salon.

The training work shops will be conducted across five regions in NSW over the coming months, including the Hunter, South Coast, Central Coast, Albury and Wagga Wagga.

Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the training, would help ensure victims were referred to support services if needed.

“Hairdressers are valuable members of our communities who develop meaningful relationships with their clients, particularly if they’ve worked with them for many years,” Mr Speakman said.

“This training is about empowering hairdressers with information to best ensure that they are equipped to recognize domestic violence, manage any disclosures from customers, and most importantly, support the victim to get the help they need."

“Salon professionals are also a female dominated workforce, so we’re confident this training can help with broader community awareness too, given the tragically disproportionate impact of domestic and family violence on women and children.”

Legal Aid NSW CEO Brendan Thomas said co-ordinating a program such as this was an innovative way of engaging with people needing legal support.

“The easier it becomes for women and children to gain the full protection of the law, the greater progress we will make in eradicating violence in families,” Mr Thomas said.

Australian Hairdressing Council CEO Sandy Chong said hairdressers often listen to the problems of their clients and offer a sympathetic ear.

“It comes with the job, so the workshops can help them know what to do if a client does disclose to them that they are experiencing domestic violence,” Ms Chong said.

“We encourage hairdressers to take up the opportunity to attend these workshops.”

 The workshops will be delivered by local legal and domestic violence services participating in Legal Aid NSW’s Co-operative Legal Service Delivery Program, which works to bolster support for vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in 12 NSW regions.

Government's proposal to scrap the Hairdresser's Act 2003

By Georgia-Lee Campbell

Newcastle hairdressers are fighting state government over plans to trim back industry regulations they say will let un-qualified people to call themselves professional hairdresser's.

The government proposes to scrap the Hairdressers' Act 2003 which removes the requirement for hairdresser's to obtain a TAFE three certificate in hairdressing.

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison says this is concerning to the community and small businesses because anybody will be able to pick up a pair of scissors.

Further, people who are un-qualified will be able to apply chemicals without proper training which is a safety concern for consumers.

The community is encouraged to sign a petition at their local hairdresser's which is being  circulated in Newcastle this week opposing the government's proposal.