Victoria Stone-Meadows

A former farmer turned Mossman hair salon owner has been named as Tropical North Queensland’s top apprentice of the year.

Leanne Van Dyk (nee Lomas), owner of Belle and Beau Salon, said she was completely shocked to be awarded the prize at the ceremony in Cairns.

“My instructors nominated me and then I was shortlisted to five then three then on the night they had us all on the stage and it was a huge surprise,” she said.

“I had no idea it was coming.”

Mrs Van Dyk said she has worked hard running the business with her daughter while completing her apprenticeship after buying the salon about two and a half years ago.

It was through dedication to many late nights and weekends of study that she was able to finish her schooling late last year. 

“I don’t know if I could have done it without my three adult kids emotionally supporting and being there for me and noticing the work and improvements I made,” she said.

“I also got married last month and have had my husband Justin’s support as well which was really great.

“There were lots of late nights and weekends doing bookwork because I didn’t want to do book work at TAFE so I could focus on the practical work.

“I knew I could do the book work at home so I would finish at the salon and go home and work or not have lunch and just work through.”

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said Mrs Van Dyk took home the title of Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year as one of the 11 winners at the regional final of the 58th Queensland Training Awards.

“When Leanne Lomas decides to do something, she gives it her all and realising her passion was hairdressing, Leanne left her life as a farmer in remote Miallo behind and set about making her training dream a reality,” Ms Fentiman said.

Mrs Van Dyk will now go on to represent Tropical North Queensland at the Queensland Training Awards State Gala Dinner will be held in Brisbane on 14 September.

She also plans to continue studying and hopes to incorporate barber services into the current salon.

She said while completing her apprenticeship and running a business was a tough task, she encourages anyone thinking of studying later in life to take up the opportunity.

“Anyone who is mature age who is thinking of studying definitely should have a good look at it,” she said.

“It’s not as hard as what you think; we are capable and we might be old but we are not dead. Don’t be intimidated and just jump in.”