Industry Day 2025 – Event Recap

More than 150 education leaders, salon owners, RTOs, trainers and industry professionals gathered at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park on Friday 27 June for the AHC Industry Day 2025, hosted by the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC).

The highly anticipated annual event sparked powerful conversation around the future of education and training in hairdressing – uniting the entire education ecosystem in one collaborative, solutions-focused space. With representatives from TAFEs, public and private RTOs, salons, government and independent educators, the room buzzed with insight, shared purpose and momentum for real change.

Setting the tone for transformation, AHC CEO Fiona Beamish and MC Richard Kavanagh opened the day with a strong message about community and the collective leadership needed to drive progress. Anthony Gray, member of the AHC Education & Training Committee, followed with a compelling overview of the Committee’s work – particularly its tireless advocacy leading up to the long-awaited Training Package Review.

Key data and insights shaped the morning’s agenda. Liz Maher (Taylorweir and AHC Education & Training Committee) shared findings from the national AHC Apprentice Survey, providing a candid look into apprentice experiences across the country. Peter Gilchrist (Apprenticeship Support Australia) followed with national completion data, highlighting broader trends and challenges in attracting and retaining future professionals.

In a standout keynote, Sandee Harris from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations outlined the real-world support available to salon owners through wage subsidies and flexible employment pathways – while championing the value of diverse teams and creative thinking in workforce development.

A highlight of the day was the lively panel session, “Salons Doing Apprenticeships Differently – and Making It Work”, featuring Sharlene Lee (Circles of Hair), Justin Pace (Co & Pace), and Sheridan Rose Shaw (MAMAWEST). Each speaker shared how they’re reshaping traditional training in their businesses – with measurable improvements in retention, productivity and culture.

With the Training Package Review now underway, the agenda also featured two critical sessions led by Service & Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA). CEO Natalie Turmine provided a clear breakdown of the review process, followed by interactive workshops facilitated by SaCSA’s Aaron Hines and Katrina Higham. These sessions enabled attendees to provide direct feedback and play a hands-on role in shaping the future of qualifications for hairdressing and barbering.

Another powerful moment came during “Real Impact Through Hairdressing”, an emotional interview between Fiona Beamish and community leaders Gary Strachan (Deadly Hair Dude) and Krystal White (Hair Aid). Their stories illustrated how hairdressing can empower individuals and transform lives in remote, disadvantaged and global communities.

The afternoon looked firmly to the future, with industry icon Sharon Blain sharing her vision for education and announcing Hair the Movement – a major three-day event in September 2025 featuring global educators and changemakers.

The final panel, “Independent Educators Bridging the Gap”, brought together Anthony Gray (MIG Training), Kylie Dwyer (Elite Hair Education), and Paul Pardini (TAFE QLD). The session addressed how independent educators are working directly with salons to better support apprentices and align education with real-world salon needs.

Feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising the open dialogue, practical takeaways, and spirit of collaboration.

“It felt like the whole industry was in the room – and for the first time in a long time, we were all speaking the same language.”

AHC Industry Day 2025 not only delivered insight, but impact. It affirmed that Australia’s hairdressing industry is ready to reimagine its future – and the AHC remains firmly at the centre of that evolution.