2 May 2023

A team of TAFE NSW Yallah pet groomers has clipped, coifed and plucked their way to a string of top finishes at the Sydney Royal Easter Show last month.

Led by TAFE NSW Yallah pet grooming teacher Bonnie Harrison, the three-person team placed in a host of categories at the Sydney Royal Pet Grooming Competition, including Novice Purebred Scissor, Novice Poodle, Asian Fusion Model Dog and Open Purebred Scissor.

It comes amid a nationwide boom in pet ownership, with Animal Medicines Australia reporting an estimated 30.4 million pets across the country, with 69% of households now owning a pet, up from 61% only two years ago.

Ms Harrison, who runs her own pet grooming salon in addition to teaching at TAFE NSW, said the industry was booming and TAFE NSW graduates were highly sought after.

One of the many TAFE NSW Yallah graduates to find immediate work is Amanda Ensor, a former hairdresser and celebrity fashion stylist who completed the Certificate III in Pet Grooming earlier this month.

Ms Ensor, who finished fourth in the Novice Purebred Scissor at the show, said TAFE NSW had given her the practical skills and experience to secure a job with Handsome Pooch just weeks after graduating.

“I’ve always had a passion for animals and I love the creativity side of pet grooming,” Ms Ensor said.

“Bonnie has been such an inspiring teacher and she’s given us the skills and confidence to get a running start into the industry. The Easter Show was a great learning experience and Bonnie prepared us well.”

Ms Harrison said the show provided a valuable networking opportunity for graduates. She said a Certificate III in Pet Grooming would commence in July at TAFE NSW Yallah and described now as the “perfect time” to be entering the industry.

“The industry is booming and there literally are not enough pet groomers in the Illawarra to keep up with demand,” she said. “As soon as you get that certificate, you can open your own salon or mobile grooming business, or work for a salon.

“There’s so much flexibility in your own grooming business and you can work at your own pace.

“If you love animals, you can’t get a better career.”

TAFE NSW Yallah graduate Ben Ewings, who runs his own mobile grooming business, also placed highly at the show, finishing third in the Novice Salon Freestyle and Novice Poodle categories.

Media contact: Dan Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, mobile 0477 722 428