AHC LIFETIME MEMBERS
Wendy Blair
BOARD MEMBER: 2013 - 2019
Wendy Blair’s journey in the hairdressing industry began as an apprentice, igniting a lifelong passion for both hairdressing and education. After completing her apprenticeship, Wendy quickly took on leadership roles, managing and eventually owning her own salon. Her love for the craft and a desire to nurture the next generation led her to TAFE NSW, where she dedicated herself to training and empowering others.
Wendy’s career spans both the public and private sectors, where she has held various educational and management positions. Her commitment to vocational training is evident through her active involvement on vocational training committees and appeal panels for State Training NSW. From 2013 to 2019, she served as a director on the board of the Australian Hairdressing Council, advocating for meaningful improvements for apprentices and employers alike.
Wendy’s remarkable contributions to the AHC positioned the association as a vital advocate for educational and training reforms within the hairdressing and barbering sectors. Her efforts ensured that the AHC was recognised as a key player among a diverse range of government and industry agencies, furthering the advancement of the profession.
A true champion for education, Wendy played a pivotal role in the reintroduction of the Certificate III in Barbering in 2016. Recognising the need for this qualification, she mobilised barbers across the nation, gathering essential support to ensure that apprenticeships were available in every State and Territory.
Wendy’s influence in the VET sector, particularly within the Hair and Beauty industries, has been significant and enduring. Although she has retired from formal work, her passion for mentorship continues. Wendy now dedicates her time to her family and travel, while still offering guidance and support to many within the industry. Wendy Blair exemplifies the spirit of dedication and leadership, making a lasting impact on the hairdressing community in Australia.
Faye Murray
FOUNDING BOARD MEMBER: 2010 - 2021
Faye Murray’s hairdressing journey began in Maryborough, Queensland, where her talent for winning clients and managing people quickly shone through. By the age of 25, she owned three salons with a team of 23 staff members, showcasing her natural leadership skills.
Her career progressed in Brisbane as an educator for Schwarzkopf, where she also owned several salons. She then spent 17 cherished years as General Manager at Jon Le Court, overseeing more than 25 salons and 250 staff. For over two decades, Faye has been a respected business coach and speaker in the hair and beauty industry, achieving the unique distinction of being inducted into both the Hairdressing Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Beauty Hall of Fame in 2019.
Faye has been instrumental in shaping the Australian Hairdressing Council and Salon Select. In November 2006, she chaired a crucial meeting for Service Skills Australia to review the hairdressing training package, resulting in a report for the Federal Minister. This gathering united 30 industry representatives, including salon owners and product companies, and laid the groundwork for a national body for hairdressing despite limited financial support. In the early years Faye travelled to capital cities to promote the newly formed AHC, and the Salon Select accreditation program, dedicating her time and resources to the effort, despite many challenges.
Faye remained committed as a founding Board Member for more than 10 years, establishing a constitution to ensure fresh ideas and ethical business practices remained at the forefront. Under her guidance, 70 pilot salons underwent the first accreditation process to become Gold Salons, with Faye and Sandy personally conducting audits.
Faye was instrumental in creating the framework and systems that supported the AHC, launching “Salon Select” as a key initiative. The development of a comprehensive business plan, procedure manual, and resource library followed, providing hundreds of resources on various essential topics such as marketing, client service, and workplace standards.
Faye Murray’s dedication to the AHC and the broader hairdressing community is profound. She takes immense pride in what the AHC represents, and the milestones achieved, feeling privileged to have played a significant role in its journey.
Sandy Chong
AHC CEO: 2012 - 2024
FOUNDING BOARD MEMBER: 2010 - 2024Sandy Chong’s remarkable journey in hairdressing spans an impressive five decades, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. As the former CEO and board director of the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) for 12 years, Sandy has been a steadfast pillar of support and leadership. Her expertise also extended to a directorial role at the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia (COSBOA), where she championed the needs of small businesses.
Sandy has played a vital role in the development of the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC). In November 2006, she was invited by Service Skills Australia to attend a pivotal meeting to review the hairdressing industry. This initial gathering brought together 30 industry representatives, including salon owners, barbers, state associations, product companies, RTOs and media industry members. This collaboration sparked the formation of a united national body for hairdressing, despite a lack of financial support. Alongside Anthony Wynne-Hoelscher, Sandy travelled to each capital city to promote the newly established AHC, investing their own resources and time. Facing scepticisms and obstacles, Sandy remained committed to the AHC, helping to establish a constitution that prioritised fresh ideas and ethical operating standards.
A passionate advocate for the Australian hairdressing sector, Sandy has been instrumental in enhancing business practices and advancing training and education. Her tireless efforts have forged essential government relationships, ensuring that the voice of the hairdressing community is heard and supported in policy and advocacy initiatives.
As the owner of her salon, Suki, for 38 years, Sandy has demonstrated exceptional business acumen, earning numerous accolades, including her induction into the Industry Hall of Fame and the Australian Hair Industry Special Recognition Award. In 2023, she was honoured with the Small Business Champion Award by COSBOA, a testament to her commitment to excellence.
Sandy is dedicated to elevating industry standards in ethics, technical skills, and workplace practices. She has developed and presented impactful business programs both nationally and internationally for leading brands such as L’Oréal, Redken, Goldwell, NAK, Aveda, DeLorenzo, TIGI, ghd, Kérastase, and the AHC. Her insights are highly sought after, and she has regularly contributed her expertise to various media platforms, including television, radio, print, and online.