Six decades of dedication: Hairdresser's lasting legacy at Sundale

Eunice and friends inside the salon.

Eunice receiving the keys to Cut Above Salon.

Eunice Krome was just a teenager when she started doing residents’ hair at at James Grimes Care Centre in Nambour in 1963.

Now, after six decades of service the hairdresser has officially opened her own dedicated space, Cut Above Salon, at the Sundale centre.

“I was an apprentice hairdresser at Dorothy’s Beauty Salon in Wilson’s Arcade in Nambour,” Eunice said. “I didn’t have a driver’s licence, so J.D. Grimes (Sundale Board President 1960 - 1978) used to collect me from Dorothy’s and drive me to Sundale.

“Sixty years later, I’m still cutting residents’ hair, and I have no intention of giving it away.”

Throughout the 1970s, Eunice regularly pushed a hairdressing trolley room-to-room to visit each of her clients. Her two young children, David and Kylie would often be in tow, and the trio quickly became an integral and much-loved part of the Sundale community.

“The kids grew-up at Sundale,” Eunice said. “They had grandparents in nearly every room.”

Eunice said her long chats with residents have always been her favourite part of the job.

“They’re delightful, their stories, their lives. You go home and the smile is still on your face,” Eunice said.

“It’s a wonderful job because I get to help people. When you love what you do, it’s not work.

“Everyone needs a little bit of TLC from time-to-time and I’m honoured I can listen to and care for the residents.

“Sundale has given me so much. I love the residents and the opportunity to spend time with them – they make my life better.”

Sundale CEO, Helen Sharpley said a recent multi-million-dollar refurbishment of James Grimes Care Centre was the perfect opportunity to dedicate a stand-alone salon space to Eunice.

“Cut Above Salon is one small way we can thank Eunice for the vital role she has played at Sundale,” Ms Sharpley said.

“Eunice’s influence at Sundale cannot be understated. She has become a dear friend to hundreds of residents over the past 60 years and conducted more than 40,000 haircuts.

“Eunice does so much more than cut hair. She provides comfort, kindness and compassion to our residents.

“She is a mentor, a fantastic friend, a wonderful mother and exceptional role model to her five grandchildren and the broader Sunshine Coast community. We’re very lucky to have her at Sundale.”