our supporters

Yolngu Community Member Northeast Arnhem Land, October 2019. 

“As a mother, community member and manager for Social and Emotional Wellbeing at the Aboriginal Medical Services in Nhulunbuy I am all too familiar with the need for services such as Deadly Hair Dude: Build up self-confidence and self-worth, upskill and develop in a field that they can take back to their respective communities, assist with building their people skills and public speaking, become familiar with customer service and retail, provide “real“ job opportunities, engage in formal training that may then see them training members of their own communities, potentially own their own business and provide a service to loved ones, peers and the wider community.”

Acting Executive Director, Youth Engagement and Partnerships, Northern Territory  Department of Education Northern Territory, 15 July 2021.  

“We support the application to deliver your program in areas of youth crime... your program has had some success with skilling young people and providing them with a pathway to employment. Employment in the field of hair and beauty is an area of significant shortage in the Northern Territory particularly in regional and remote communities”

Head of Campus Top End School of Flexible Learning, 5 November 2021. 

“The environmental workplace that Gary and Kyle create is professional and mimics a commercial salon. The workplace is orderly with tools and products of high quality. There is an awareness of the young people’s challenges such as hearing impairments and other stressors that may impact their participation. Hence the well-ordered, routine, soft noise atmosphere and their teaching method of “I do, we do, you do” works well. The program opens pathways to further training and a way to employment”

General Manager Darwin Correctional Centre, 5 August 2021.

“The program is delivered in a culturally sensitive manner which could support both the justice system and agency by: Obtaining a Certificate 2 in Hairdressing, developing and maintaining a capable workforce in remote communities , improve Aboriginal outcomes , opportunity to mentor and support as a peer, reduce recidivism by creating meaning, stability and a sense of purpose” 

Program Coordinator Atyenhenge Atherre Aboriginal Corporation ICN 7370 and Santa Teresa Enterprises, 1 November 2021. 

“We are relying on Deadly Hair to be able to continue our social Enterprise. Being able to bring our staff members into Alice Springs for appropriate training or having a service to come out to our own professional establishment that recognises, honours and respects indigenous knowledge, culture and education is not only the key to success for the Ltyentye Apurte Hair Salon for 2022, but for future generations of employment in our community”

Director of Community Development Barkly Regional Council.

“Initiatives such as this one being delivered in our region will improve anti-social behaviours, increase youth participation and engagement, support their mental health and emotional well-being, provide learning and skills development and economic empowerment, improving employment opportunities for at risk youth.”

Larrakia/Warai woman from Darwin and Adelaide River. The first student of Gary Strachan to become a qualified hairdresser.  July 2020.

“Gary’s training program is different as he builds in practical sessions early and this builds your confidence. He encouraged and promoted me and I achieved many awards and have since gone on to own my own businesses. We may end up doing business together again as I own the Indigenous Road Safety Academy.”

Program Manager, Homeless and Youth Program Mission Australia, 2021.

“Recently there has been interest from young people to participate in work experience and or gain employment through Deadly Hair Dude due to their focus on Indigenous training and employment options which are delivered in culturally safe environments”

Area Manager, Health Programs – Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs, Mission Australia.  

“MARRTS is an adult drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. A huge component of the program is to work holistically to improve residents’ emotional well-being, including building confidence and self-care, through having their hair done. We see a two-way learning opportunity…potentially inspiring residents to create their own pathways towards further education or employment, enhancing their rehabilitation towards a self-fulfilling life.”

CEO Danila Dilba Health Service.

“Danila Dilba Health Services is looking to work with Deadly Hair Dude and its mobile hairdressing salon in the context of our homelessness outreach services”.

CEO North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency, 9 September 2019. 

“The services offered by Deadly Hair Dude would be beneficial for our clients: Hair services for Indigenous persons going for a job, court appearances medical appointments, training youth justice clients in diversion programs, training for persons undergoing a term of imprisonment so when released from jail they have a pathway”.

MLA, Former Minister former Workforce Training and Currently, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Minister for Treaty and Local Decision Making, Minister for Parks and Rangers Northern Territory Government of Australia.

“I am writing in support of the Deadly Hair Dude Program proposal. The services would be beneficial for Aboriginal people by; attaining a certified qualification in Hairdressing, Aboriginal employment, Aboriginal people providing a service back in their community, training for youth justice clients and participants in divergence programs.”

MLA, Member for Araluen 12/5/21.

“It was great to see the training sessions in the Top End. Lack of respect, drugs and alcohol are sadly all too prevalent in remote communities. One of the purposes of  Deadly Hair Dude is to teach young people viable life skills which improve self esteem and provide them with an aspiration to a career which otherwise may not be available “ 

MLA Minister for Youth, Minister for Seniors, Minister for Women Northern Territory Government To Kyle Bambra.

"You are an inspiration on how facing challenges and addressing barriers to success can help you achieve your dreams, thank you for your contribution to the Territory”

Member for Soloman  – via Deadly Hair Dude site 17/12/ 2021 “keep up the great work “

Member for Namatjira, “I like your concept and current work. It meets a huge need in communities”.

CEO NT Farmers Association, 5/11/ 2021. 

“NT Farmers Association fully supports Deadly Hair Dudes application to the Indigenous Land Enterprise Infrastructure Fund. The innovative and much needed project will provide horticultural training, the produce and the profits from community gardens and horticultural training will provide social, economic and health benefits to the community of Gunbalanya” 

SCFC Coordinator Stronger Communities for Children Adjumarllarl Aboriginal Corporation 

“Our staff would love outside mentoring to operate a garden that can cater for the needs of our community with fresh fruit and veg….. if we can achieve this, we will be able to sell community fresh local produce at an affordable price and support healthy living and wellbeing.”

Director NAQS Plant/ Animal Surveillance, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment Australian Government.

“The current proposal offers a unique opportunity, community based plant health surveillance offers an early detection system in the context of remote Indigenous communities. This is achieved through supporting community gardens “

Chief Plant Health Officer, Northern Territory Department of Industry Tourism and Trade , 5/ 11/2021.

“This pilot will address emerging unemployment issues, provide opportunities for local people to access fresh fruit and vegetables, which has benefits for health, wellbeing, and longevity, and increase biosecurity knowledge, information, and capability in Indigenous communities across the north. The project is supported by the Gunbalunya community through Adjumarllarl Aboriginal Corporation , NT Government and NT Farmers Federation.”