The 2026 Queensland Philanthropy Awards marked a proud moment for Epic Hair Designs. Our salon group received the prestigious Board of Governors Award for its commitment to giving back.
Queensland Gives hosts the annual awards. They recognise individuals and organisations creating meaningful change across the state.
Epic was honoured for supporting many important causes. These include domestic violence prevention, homelessness, period poverty, cancer research and Queensland’s creative industries.
While the award carries the Epic name, it belongs to our entire community. Our team, clients, sponsors, volunteers and event partners have all contributed to this achievement.
Epic Hair Designs at the 2026 Queensland Philanthropy Awards
Epic Hair Designs received the Board of Governors Award, sponsored by the Queensland Public Trustee.
The official announcement from Philanthropy Australia recognised Epic’s long history of community involvement. It also celebrated our approach to charitable giving and advocacy.
Epic Hair Designs has grown throughout Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Alongside this growth, our responsibility to support Queensland communities has also increased.
Epic Hair Designs owner and founder Brendon Mann has driven much of this work. His partner, Brendan Smith, has also played a significant role.
Together, Brendon and Brendan have championed fundraising and advocacy for Women’s Legal Service Queensland. They have also encouraged others to help create safer futures for women and children.
Our History of Supporting Women’s Legal Service Queensland
Epic began its focused fundraising mission for Women’s Legal Service Queensland in September 2021.
The partnership followed a rise in domestic and family violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
WLSQ provides free legal and welfare support to women across Queensland. Its services assist people experiencing domestic violence, sexual violence and complex family law matters.
The organisation helps women understand their rights and navigate the legal system. This support can provide an important pathway towards safety.
This partnership is especially meaningful to the Epic community. Most of our team members and clients are women.
Since 2021, the Epic community has helped raise almost $1.5 million for WLSQ. This has been achieved through events, campaigns, donations and ongoing advocacy.
How the Epic Walk for DV Grew Across Queensland
The Epic Walk for DV began as a grassroots initiative and has grown into one of Epic’s most important annual community events. Each year, survivors, families, businesses, salon teams and supporters walk together to raise funds and start vital conversations about domestic and family violence.
The first walks demonstrated how strongly the Epic community wanted to support the cause. Over time, participation grew and the event expanded beyond Brisbane to reach more Queensland communities.
In 2026, the fifth anniversary of the Epic Walk for Domestic Violence brought approximately 1,700 participants together across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Airlie Beach. The four events raised more than $363,000 for WLSQ in a single year.
Across its first five years, the Epic Walk for DV community raised more than $650,000. Beyond the financial impact, the event has helped reduce stigma, encourage important conversations and remind survivors that they are not alone.
Brendon Mann and Brendan Smith’s Record-Breaking Fundraising
In 2022, Brendon Mann and Brendan Smith took their advocacy to the dance floor for WLSQ’s Dancing CEOs.
After six months of preparation, the pair performed before more than 1,100 guests at Brisbane City Hall. Together, they raised more than $240,000 and became the event’s all-time fundraising champions. That year’s Dancing CEOs campaign raised more than $605,000 in total for WLSQ.
The same year, the inaugural Epic Giving Gala welcomed more than 320 guests to Victoria Park. Through ticket sales, auctions, raffles and the generosity of suppliers and community partners, the evening raised more than $50,000.
Philanthropy Through Everyday Salon Visits
Epic’s support for WLSQ extends beyond major annual events. Salon point-of-sale donations allow everyday appointments to contribute to women’s causes, demonstrating how small actions across a large community can create significant change.
Epic has also supported awareness campaigns and WLSQ’s digital presence, while our salons, team members and clients continue to promote information about the services available to Queensland women.
This sustained approach—combining fundraising, donations, events and advocacy—is central to the impact recognised at the 2026 Queensland Philanthropy Awards.
What the 2026 Queensland Philanthropy Awards Mean to Epic
Receiving the Board of Governors Award is an honour, but it is also motivation to keep going.
We are deeply grateful to Brendon Mann and Brendan Smith for their leadership, and to every person who has walked, donated, volunteered, sponsored an event or helped share the message. Our community impact is only possible because so many people choose to stand with us.
Together, we will continue supporting Women’s Legal Service Queensland and working towards a future where every woman can access safety, justice and hope.
