HALL OF FAME

Mrs Gaye Anderson (nee Meehan) 1950-2022

2022 Inductee

Student 1964 - 1966

Mrs Gaye Anderson was born on 20 April 1950. She attended Ipswich Girls Grammar School from January 1964 until November 1966. Gaye’s time at Ipswich Girls’ Grammar ended at the conclusion of grade 11, when she commenced her hairdressing apprenticeship with Queensland and Ipswich’s most renowned hairdressing salon, Sawyers.

In 1973, at just 23 years of age, Gaye opened her first salon, Gaye’s Hair Fashions at Leichardt. In the 49 years that followed, Gaye expanded her hairdressing enterprise to include 17 hairdressing salons and barber shops throughout Southeast Queensland and was Schwarzkopf’s largest Queensland client.

Gaye’s involvement in business was extensive and diverse and her longevity in varying industries was a testament to her fortitude, resilience, adaptability and innovation. Gaye expanded her business interests in 1999 with the acquisition of a number of taxi licenses, again in 2004 when she developed her own hair care range and further in 2010 when she acquired an Australia Post franchise and another, the following year in 2011.

Gaye was inducted into the Ipswich Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame in 2014, having been named Business Person of the year on three prior occasions.

Gaye was an exceptionally proud old girl of Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School and a tireless supporter and advocate for the school. Gaye was a stalwart of the Ipswich branch of the Old Girls’ Association and served as president in 1995 and 1996.

Gaye always reflected on her time at Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School with love and admiration for the school, its culture and the school community.

Gaye’s two daughters, Charne Quinn (nee Anderson) and Amity Anderson attended Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School as did two of her granddaughters, Lydia and Celeste Quinn.

Outside of the school, Gaye’s community service efforts were far-reaching. Gaye was a charter member of the Zonta Club of West Moreton and held continuous membership for 40 years. Gaye served on the Ipswich Mayoress’ committee for a period of 13 years as well as being a board member for the Bremer Institute of TAFE. Gaye and Gaye’s Hair Fashions were significant contributors to various charities including the Cancer Council, the RSL, the Ipswich Hospital Foundation as well as many additional local Ipswich charities and events.