New program to increase access to studying hairdressing in remote areas

First Nations remote communities across the Northern Territory will now have better access to be able to study hairdressing on their home soil, thanks to a new program by Charles Darwin University (CDU).

A new partnership between Charles Darwin University (CDU) and CDU alumni Gary Strachan, The Deadly Hair Dude, will train First Nations students in remote communities in the art of foiling and clippers in a bid to inspire them into hairdressing and employment opportunities.

As a part of the partnership the students will gain basic hairdressing skills, and have the option to pursue a SHB30416 Certificate III in Hairdressing at CDU if they choose and become hairdressers through apprenticeship or by full time study. 

The students gain key qualifications and skills in hairdressing to set them up for a long career as a part of the initiative. Once completing the traineeship, students can choose to continue studying a diploma or take their skills into remote communities.

CDU Lecturer in Hairdressing Leah MacLean said the partnership would support a pipeline of graduates wanting to study hairdressing in the Northern Territory.

“This is a great partnership, which gives students essential basic hairdressing skills and opens the pathway for them for further study and qualifications for an enriching career,” Ms Maclean said.

“There is a huge shortage of hairdressers across the Territory, so the more we can support remote students into study pathways, the more we can get students into industry into meaningful careers and fill the gaps.”

Former lawyer, the Deadly Hair Dude, Gary Strachan dedicates his days to improving access to hairdressing in remote Indigenous communities.

Mr Strachan came up with the idea when representing Aboriginal community members as a lawyer and noticing many of them needed vital access to hairdressing services before court appearances.

“I wanted to support small remote communities as much as I can with the trade, I know best,” Mr Strachan said.

“This partnership will allow students to return to community to work as hairdressers and provide a new service in remote areas. It’s also a way to engage young people in education and new skills that support their communities.”

With CDU already having two hairdressing training salons in Darwin and Alice Springs this initiative will give students once they have graduated, the option to study at those locations should they wish.