FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hairdressing for the Homeless: ‘Because sometimes it is good just to do something good’

Fuelled by a genuine commitment to make a difference to the lives of an often forgotten and misunderstood community, the Australasian College Broadway in conjunction with the Murphy Gozzard Hair Community are excited to announce their long-term collaboration with Sydney Homeless Connect, a non-for-profit volunteer organisation whose primary goal is to connect hundreds of volunteers and service providers with thousands of homeless, at their annual event on Tuesday June 3, at Sydney Town Hall from 10am to 3pm.

The Australasian College Broadway who have proudly supported Sydney Homeless Connect for the past 4 years will be joined by the Murphy Gozzard Hair Community providing hairdressing services at the event. In addition the Australasian College will also be offering make-up services to attendees this year, the perfect addition to any feel-good makeover.

Says Sydney Homeless Connect Co-founder and CEO, Andrew Everingham,

“During the past five years of running the event, we have learnt that homelessness has many faces. Being homeless isn’t constricted to the stereotype of the down and out bloke on the street corner in the CBD. It is also the thousands of people who sleep on friends’ couches night to night. Or the family of six who sleep bundled tight in their car to stay warm this winter.”

Everingham continues, “When our community comes together to ‘connect’ and donate everything from bread rolls and dental services to employment guidance and hairdressing, it’s incredible what type of impact this creates on everyone involved.”

The Australasian College Broadway was established over 20 years ago by Maureen Houssein-Mustafa OAM; it has been her passion and commitment to community progression that has enabled the College to strive to make a difference. It is this commitment that enables the College to increase awareness of homelessness and contribute to an important cause.

Julie Halkidis, Head of Faculty – Hairdressing & Make-up at The Australasian College, Broadway, adds,

“The Australasian College Broadway has been involved in this initiative for the past 4 years, and every year, we are blown by the difference we can make. It is also a really rewarding and grounding experience for our students, and one that we believe to be important for their overall development. With over 3,500 homeless people expected to attend this year’s event, we are extremely grateful to contribute once again to a wonderful cause and are looking forward to the Murphy Gozzard Hair Community coming on board.”

For further information, please contact:

Jo Coles +61 457 576 831 jo@lilyblue.com.au

 

Whilst the initial focus of Murphy Gozzard’s newly formed relationship with Sydney Homeless Connect is to provide their talented hairdressing services and community spirit on June 3, Brett McKinnon and Brett Albury, co-owners of Murphy Gozzard, are committed to extending their support beyond the event itself, to provide ongoing support to those affected by homelessness throughout the year, and to work with Sydney Homeless Connect to contribute to an awareness of the issues faced by the homeless and those at risk of homelessness.

Says Brett McKinnon, on behalf Murphy Gozzard,

“The creation of an authentic and inclusive community is an ongoing focus for us at Murphy Gozzard. We believe that a salon can create a real sense of belonging and help to shape someone’s identity. To take that ethos out into a broader community, where a sense of belonging is a more challenging concept is a connection that we feel extremely compelled to fulfill.”

For more information on Sydney Homeless Connect, please visit www.sydneyhomelessconnect.com

Sydney Homeless Connect Social Media Twitter: twitter.com/SydneyHC Facebook: www.facebook.com/sydneyhomelessconnect Instagram: @sydneyhomelessconnect #SHCiPledge

The Australasian College Broadway 87 Bay Street, Glebe T. 02 8587 8888 Website: www.tac.edu.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/AustralasianCollege Instagram: @the_australasian_college

The Murphy Gozzard Hair Community 447 Oxford Street, Paddington T. 02 9360 2189 Website: www.murphygozzard.com.au Email: community@murphygozzard.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/murphygozzard Instagram: @murphygozzard

For further information, please contact:

Jo Coles +61 457 576 831 jo@lilyblue.com.au