By Afraa Kori
Doing good deeds for the community can sometimes come with a heartbreaking price, as one breast cancer survivor and entrepreneur has tragically discovered.
Born and raised in Officer for 55 years, Gillian Gilbert’s salon was robbed for the first time on 18 December.
Victoria Police confirmed they are investigating a theft where a woman entered her salon around 3pm and stole several wigs.
“I felt sick in the stomach, like I wanted to throw up. I felt invaded, like my space,” Gillian said.
“I’ve sort of turned at every noise and locked the doors. When someone comes in or out, I’ve locked the door after them instead of keeping it open. When you’re here by yourself a lot of the time, you can feel a bit vulnerable. So I’m just a little bit on edge and insecure.”
“Initially I was angry because at Wigsisters, we predominantly look after hair and headwear needs for ladies going through hair loss due to any medical reason, but predominantly chemotherapy, which is quite emotional and traumatic for them. I was angry that someone takes advantage of people that are trying to help people.”
Gillian who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, knows firsthand the challenges of hair loss during medical treatment.
“I found it difficult to find headwear and wigs locally, where you could go and look at things or try things on,“ she recalled.
This experience inspired her to start Wig Sisters, a unique salon that offers wigs, headwear, and a supportive community for women experiencing hair loss.
Wig Sisters has become a haven in the community, providing volunteer services for organizations like the Cancer Council and participating in fundraising events and support days for cancer patients.
Despite the theft, she encourages the alleged offender to reflect on her action and consider a different path.
“There’s people in the world who really need the products that you stole, not just to make a quick buck, to make them feel and look good when they’re going through some horrible, tragic times. So thinking of other people is worth way more than a couple of wigs, money-wise or price-wise.”
Gillian also encourages her community and entrepreneurs to remain united and committed to making a difference.
“Like what my aunt says, we need to try and trust people and believe that people are trustworthy and honest because there’s a lot more good people in the world than there are bad,” she said.
“I’ve had a lot of support with posts, phone calls and messages that people have been sending me. I’m glad people are conscious of what’s going on around them locally so hopefully people like this can be pulled up before they steal again.
“Business owners should be more diligent, with locking doors or maybe checking bags and keeping an eye on each other.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV, dashcam or any other information that can assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
