March Update
The Pet Show Grooming Competition
Melbourne Showground
March 25th and 26th
We had 6 weeks to organise this event and from the start the team at The Pet Show were amazing to work with. Sponsors were extremely generous providing over 10 k in prizes.
Thank you to the following sponsors
Petway PetCare, Delta Grooming Scissors, Botany Bay Imports/Shear Magic
Purely Kind Essence, Groomer Nation, Pamper Paws,Get Grooming
Andis/Kramar, Pure Life Pets, Dog Bowz by Lisa, Refuresh, Paw by Blackmores
The PIAA, The Pet Show & Diamond Valley Trophies
We had limited spaces and both days were at full capacity with 60 entries in the grooming classes as well as a Model Dog Class.
The grooms were outstanding. What a wonderful display of the artistry and expertise in our industry in full view of the public. With 16k attendees to the show over the weekend we had massive crowds around us each day
Best in show went to Maggie Naldoza from the Asian Fusion Class and Runner Up Best In Show went to Taylan Ann Bradley from the Commercial Class a full list of each class results are available on The Pet Show Dog Grooming Competition 2023 | Facebook Judges Cathy Wallace NZ and Jessica O”Carroll. NSW did a fabulous job in a tough field.
PIAA Director Sandra King assisted on the weekend along with
our CEO Anthony Ramsey. Additional thanks to all our volunteers,
Michelle Guzel - Author.
Donna Cusbert of Adoreabubble Grooming in Sydney.
Yvonne Thorne of Simply Stylish Grooming in Melbourne.
We also had support from groomers husbands who often assist with set up and pack up each event and Lainey from cracking grooming assisted to organize the model dogs.
Thank you everyone who contributed to such a fun event and we are looking forward to Brisbane and Sydney
Please feel welcome to contact me anytime you need assistance with industry matters
0409250968
Jo Marsden
Grooming Director
February update
Salon Trends
It seems our industry is moving towards the future. The standards and presentation of premises opening are quite beautiful.
The Home Based Salons are also increasing in numbers and popularity.
There are many new Boutique style Salons offering multiple services like walking and day care as well as the latest in doggie fashions. Many operators are from corporate backgrounds and inspired by the love of their own dogs and often below part experiences themselves.
Then the search for the right team begins. It is often a learning curve however these salons are succeeding and thriving. Perhaps this is a direct result of their experience in a corporate or business background as is reflected in the ability to grow and maintain teams of groomers.
Mobile Business continue to grow with increasing numbers of operators. A smaller number are starting out in vans rather than trailers with modern designs set up as boutique style ventures and beautifully presented with Air conditioning , generators and even bathrooms for the operators.
Across the sector Demand for Groomers and for staff is increasing.
We are starting to see a return of overseas groomers increasing finally.
Education and Training news
Additionally we have wonderful new training centres opening with Groomer Nation in Tweed Heads and online https://www.groomernation.com.au
Melanie Newman had opened the most state of the art Training centre in Ravenhall Victoria offering fabulous seminars regularly https://melanienewman.com.au
TAFE are back offering Classes and online is available with job placement requirements in application
Cairns Finally has A Heiniger Academy launched by Tara Tinsey who is a respected Heiniger Assessor. Tara is one of the most successful Corporate Salon Managers previously in charge of a Best Friends store and leading an exceptional team.
There is also a new Grooming Training Centre launching in Sydney in the coming months.
If you fancy a holiday on the north coast or in tropical Cairns and want to have some training at the same time these are brilliant locations.
Client Trends
Many groomers report a shift towards an increase in pure breed clients – is the tide of oodles finally turning? There are also reports of customers travelling far and wide to find groomers who understand breed styling. Perhaps the training centres are perfectly timed as with so many oodles we have seen an apparent skill shift. For many 80% of clients have been oodles for many years ( poodle x breeds)
Have you noticed any shift in your business?
New Event
We have launched the first The Pet Show Dog GroomingCompetition in Melbourne 2023, March 25th and 26th in the Grand Pavilion at Melbourne Showgrounds.
There will Also be Competitions in Brisbane July 1st and 2nd and Sydney 18th and 19th November.
The Event Organisers are supportive of us presenting an educational format with the Competition and are assisting to format some factual resources to help educate pet owners in care and maintenance and of their dogs coat.
The Show has a section called Groom Town and exhibitor stalls are available to suppliers wishing to market to the public directly. Organisers Event Crowd are industry leaders in event management.
Please get in touch if you would like an introduction to the event managers.
Please feel welcome to contact me anytime you need assistance with industry matters
0409250968
Jo Marsden
Grooming Director
January Update
Training update
Due to the new government and changes post pandemic to Jobkeeper and training incentives, much was in a holding pattern with the change in government and announcements are slowly filtering through with websites with not all being updated at this stage. A lot of information is only just filtering through
If you wish to employ a trainee It is best to speak to a local employment service provider
A Certificate in animal care and management qualification is a recognised traineeship.
Fee subsidy in each state are available only through approved RTO.
Tafe is approved. There are still some RTO’s going through the application process.
For example
Victoria
https://www.skills.vic.gov.au/s/how-to-check-your-eligibility
Students may also receive on the job training and complete the course via Heiniger academy ($1600) with employer support
Some tutoring subsidies are available to people with disabilities and other special needs as well as remote areas.
Another useful department is
https://www.aapathways.com.au/contact-us
Groomers can enter Australia under a 494 visa for regional employers only https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-employer-sponsored-regional-494
This visa enables regional employers to address identified labour shortages within their region by sponsoring skilled workers where employers can't source an appropriately skilled Australian worker
You can live, work and study only in designated regional areas of Australia
You can apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the time your visa is granted
They can stay for 5 years.
Or as animal attendants and trainers/handlers nationally http://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list?srckeyword=Animal%20attendants
As all groomers are aware there is a shortage of skilled groomers all around Australia. By becoming a PIAA member, we will be better equipped to address these issues.
Jo Marsden
Grooming Director