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The Fair Work Ombudsman has shared this helpful link to support you over the festive period - <a data-mce-href="https://www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/news/our-services-over-the-holiday-period" href="https://www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/news/our-services-over-the-holiday-period" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VIEW HERE</a>You’ll find tools and resources covering items such as:1. Rules and entitlements for employees working (or not working) on public holidays 2. Pay guidance to help calculate minimum rates for Christmas and seasonal casual hires 3. Information on shutdown periods and leave options for employeesIt's important to check the relevant resources before making decisions.

Fair Work Resources to Support You Over the Festive Break

Huge congratulations to the 2026 Skillaroos as they prepare for the 48th WorldSkills Competition, taking place 22–27 September 2026 in Shanghai.A special shout-out to the Social and Personal Services categories, proudly showcasing valuable skills that drive careers across both hospitality and personal services.&nbsp;Well done to every competitor, and an extra congratulations to Larni Roberts of Zedz Hair Salon and Alesandria Tipi of Eco Beauty Lounge Alice Springs. What an incredible achievement and we are cheering you on as you take this next remarkable step.Since 1981, WorldSkills Australia has championed skills excellence and helped more than 100,000 people compete in national and international skill competitions. Underpinning their passion is the knowledge and drive that skills grow careers - a message deeply aligned with CSRC’s commitment to capability, creativity and lifelong learning.The Creative Skills Retail Council proudly celebrates this national achievement and the role WorldSkills continues to play in shaping the future of skilled careers.Meet the 2026 Skillaroos team - <a data-mce-href="https://www.worldskills.org.au/competitions/shanghai/" href="https://www.worldskills.org.au/competitions/shanghai/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HERE</a>&nbsp;Image Source: <a href="https://www.worldskills.org.au/competitions/shanghai/">https://www.worldskills.org.au/competitions/shanghai/</a>

WorldSkills 2026: Celebrating Australia’s Rising Stars in Personal Services

<h2>Consumer Insights and Retail Trends</h2>The mid-year CSRC Snapshot Report - is in the member portal and the next one is about to drop this month (December)!This report offers a timely analysis of consumer behaviour, retail sector dynamics, and the key challenges facing hair, beauty and barbering businesses across Australia. Drawing on national data and industry sources, the report provides valuable insights to help operators navigate changing spending patterns and competitive pressures. It covers four core areas: <ol><li>Small business and Sector Overview</li><li>Business Operational and Financial Challenges</li><li>The Battle for the Consumer Dollar</li><li>Key Lessons, Implications and Strategy Suggestions</li></ol>Sanphot is designed to support members with strategic context and practical takeaways in an evolving market. Members can access the latest CSRC Snapshop in the member portal.<figure id="figure-6j4u0zumuxmdv2uvza"><img id="6j4u0zumuxmdv2uvza" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/39rIaJ7K9aEc25Ec7x5lrQXUYzePb8dKfSRXN0QETtKzaMetbtFe2G5BGLZdvURs.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/39rIaJ7K9aEc25Ec7x5lrQXUYzePb8dKfSRXN0QETtKzaMetbtFe2G5BGLZdvURs.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

CSRC Snapshot

Following significant legislative reforms across Australia, employers are now required to treat psychological health with the same seriousness as physical safety. This includes psychological harms such as aggression, workplace fatigue, bullying and harassment.From 1 December 2025, Victoria introduced new psychological health and safety regulations, bringing the state into line with other jurisdictions and reinforcing employers’ duty to proactively identify, assess and manage psychological risks, not simply respond once harm has occurred.Meeting these obligations ultimately comes down to prioritising the wellbeing of your people. A healthy workplace culture is not only compliant, it is more productive, sustainable and it's not optional.At Creative Skills Retail Council, our suite of professional development courses and resources is included for all members, supporting businesses with the skills needed to foster healthy workplaces that support both people and performance - <a href="https://mycsrc.org/">https://mycsrc.org/</a>Read the release applicable to Victoria - <a data-mce-href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-regulations-start-today-protect-workers" href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-regulations-start-today-protect-workers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HERE</a>Further information can be found via Safe Work Australia and WorkSafe Victoria and state and territory regulators.

Psychological Safety Matters Amid Significant Legislative Reforms

The Federal Government announced on 1 December, 2025 that incentive payments for many apprenticeships will be reduced from 1 January 2026.In a joint statement, Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth and Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles confirmed that a new payment will be introduced for employers of apprentices training in Key Apprenticeship Program (KAP) occupations - the skilled workforce needed to meet clean-energy and housing targets. However, support for other priority apprenticeships (non KAP) will be significantly scaled back. Read the full statement - <a data-mce-href="https://ministers.dewr.gov.au/rishworth/apprentice-support-key-sectors-extended" href="https://ministers.dewr.gov.au/rishworth/apprentice-support-key-sectors-extended" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HERE</a>

Incentives available to eligible Australian Apprentices and their employers will change

<blockquote><h3>Creative Skills Retail Council introduces a future-ready membership association offering training credits, per-seat pricing, and a social-impact purpose for hair, barber and makeup business professionals nationwide.</h3></blockquote>Supporting Australia’s hair, barber, and makeup creative industries into a bold new era, the Creative Skills Retail Council (CSRC) has officially launched.Introducing a membership-for-good model that redefines what it means to belong, CSRC represents an evolution in how modern associations deliver value, impact, and purpose.Built as a social-enterprise model that gives back, CSRC is a special-purpose, not-for-profit industry association focused on advancing business and workforce capability, sector research, skills recognition, and social impact.“CSRC exists for purpose - to create measurable social impact and deliver positive change,” said Executive Director Melissa Kalan, a respected association and business leader. “We wanted a model that genuinely gives back. Our focus is on value-centric membership for good.”“CSRC supports business owners, employers, educators, suppliers, and entrepreneurs who want to do business smarter, more sustainably, and with greater purpose. Together, we are building a movement - one member at a time.”Membership The Gives BackMembership options start from a $1-per-month community tier, scaling up to full Professional Member. The model uses a per-seat pricing structure, ensuring fairness for small and large entities alike.CSRC members receive cash-back training credits equal to their membership value, redeemable through the CSRC Academy. Credits may be used for professional development courses and micro-credentials, ensuring every dollar directly contributes to workforce capability.Shop For GoodFurther strengthening its social-enterprise model, CSRC has launched Shop For Good – an online marketplace where merchandise and courses can be purchased. Every purchase helps fund CSRC’s purpose.“Shop For Good isn’t just about commerce – it’s about purpose and impact,” Ms Kalan said. “It allows our members and non-members to contribute to meaningful change with every transaction.”CSRC AcademyThe CSRC Academy forms a cornerstone of the Council’s commitment to workforce capability. As a national professional-development hub, the Academy offers business-focused certifications and courses, included for Professional Members and their staff.Through short courses, micro-credentials, and flexible e-learning programs, the Academy equips creative professionals with future-ready business skills – raising commercial acumen and professional standards across the sector.“From workplace compliance and sustainability to sales, marketing, artificial intelligence, and customer service, we’re helping members do business smarter through purposeful membership,” Ms Kalan said.CSRC Industry Councils - Expressions of InterestAs part of its national rollout, CSRC is inviting business professionals from across Australia’s hair, barber, and makeup industry to join a State or Territory Industry Council.“We want to harness the passion, experience, and insight of people working across every corner of each sector,” Ms Kalan said. “By joining a CSRC Industry Council, professionals can play a direct role in shaping the future and creating change for good.”Industry professionals can register their interest at <a data-mce-href="https://mycsrc.org/join/creative-skills-retail-council-industry-councils" href="https://mycsrc.org/join/creative-skills-retail-council-industry-councils" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">www.mycsrc.org.</a>About - Creative Skills Retail CouncilThe Creative Skills Retail Council (CSRC) is a special-purpose, not-for-profit professional industry association focused on advancing business and workforce capability, sector research, skills recognition, and social impact across Australia’s hair, barber, and makeup personal services sector.For Purpose, Not Profit.

News

Fair Work Resources to Support You Over the Festive Break

WorldSkills 2026: Celebrating Australia’s Rising Stars in...

CSRC Snapshot

Psychological Safety Matters Amid Significant Legislative...

Incentives available to eligible Australian Apprentices a...

Creative Skills Retail Council Launches: A New Associatio...