Exciting ‘dos, hair tints and stunning new make up and nails are likely to be seen around Ngukurr with the return of ten young women after completing an introductory hairdressing and make up course.
The course run by professional hairdressers and make up artists has taught the girls to cut, shape, colour and maintain healthy hair and the basics of beauty and make up. The course organized by Roper Gulf Regional Council Youth Services was run as an intensive live in course at CDU Katherine Regional College.
The girls were introduced to theory and had hands on practice including working with volunteer models all under the watchful eyes of Margaret Lyle and Dianne Jennison. Dianne and Margaret have over 65 years of experience in hairdressing, make up and trade teaching between them.
Both were thrilled with the progress and excitement shown by the young women.
“Several of the girls have shown real talent and interest in hairdressing and we hope that they will continue on learning. This is just a taste but will give some great personal skills” said Margaret Lyle.
Most remote and very remote towns do not have a professionally trained hairdresser let alone training opportunities. An apprenticeship or TAFE college involves travelling and living away from home for a long time so it is a big challenge for young people living in these communities and a substantial cost to the individual.
Young indigenous women like all young women want to dress well and fashionably and have the latest in hair styles. Even in remote locations people have access to the internet and TV and know as quickly as anyone else what is in style.
This course offers some basic skills they cannot access without having to travel to a larger regional town. The course was sponsored by the NAK hair products which provided each girl with an introductory set of hairdressing products.
And were the volunteer models happy with the end result?
“Very happy”, according to Vicki Williams CDU Administrator at the Rural College who volunteered as a model. “The cut was very professional and neat and the students treated us with real care and interest”.
Roper Gulf Regional Council CEO, another willing volunteer added, “…it was exciting to see them all in action and the level of enthusiasm they were showing. They certainly are an impressive bunch”
Mr. Berto also thanked staff and trainers for their good work and said he was very proud of the girls.
“Roper Gulf is leading the way with training opportunities for people of the region.”
Roper Gulf Regional Council, Youth Services will continue to offer the Hair dressing and beauty course and other personal development and employment tasters for young people living in the Roper Gulf region. More courses are planned for later in the years for other communities.
For further details please direct your inquiries to Michael Berto, CEO Roper Gulf Regional Council on 08 8972 9000.
ENDS