Emma Miller Awards and Dinner 2008

The 2008 Emma Miller Awards and Dinner were held on Friday 31 October at the Mercure Hotel, Brisbane. Fifteen women were honoured this year - click here to download the program and find out all about these amazing unionists! Participants are pictured with QCU Assistant General Secretary, Amanda Richards.

Imelda Robertson (AMWU)

The AMWU's Anne-Marie Allan accepts the award on Imelda's behalf

Through the extraordinary and tenacious spirit of Imelda Roberston, the AMWU has been successful in profiling the importance of union membership and unionising a previously non-union workplace against a hostile and aggressive anti-union employer where bullying was a significant problem.

Imelda embraced the role of Delegate, completed training and returned to the workforce where she doubled union membership. But she didn’t she didn’t stop there and went on to successfully negotiate the first ever enterprise agreement.

Imelda has earned the respect of her work colleagues and peers and has embraced her role and discharged her duties within the Union with generous enthusiasm and an attentive, guiding intelligence.

Imelda plays a great role and is on e of the unsung heroes of our great union. Here is a true story of rags to riches.

The AMWU sincerely thanks Imelda for her highly valued contribution and is proud to nominate her a s recipient of the Emma Miller Award. 

Ruth McFarlane (ASU Clerical and Admin Division)

Ruth McFarlane has been a member of the Australian Services Union (C & SQ Branch) for 21 years and a Delegate for 13 years. She works in the IT development and training unit of the Rockhampton Hospital and is well known by hundreds of ASU members, not only in Central Queensland, but in all heath services districts because of her sound and practical advice.

Whilst her working like is busy, her union work never stops. She represents individual members with issues, holds member meetings on her own and when she’s had just about enough, gives the employer a bad hair day! She is a member of the Admin Interest Based Bargaining Committee that between 2006 and 2008 achieved reclassifications for 3000 admin staff and is one of two committee members that did all the appeals.

Without Ruth’s diligence and commitment as a lead activist in Queensland Health, many non-clinical industrial issues would not get dealt with, particularly for support staff.

Ruth has many achievements throughout the years including:

1999 - became a Branch Councillor
2000  -        became a member of the Branch Executive
2003  -        was a Delegate at National Conference
2005  -        was on the QHealth EB6 Negotiation Committee
                  became a Vice President of the ASU (C&SQ Branch)
2006  -        became President of the ASU (C&SQ Branch)

She is also very active on the Rockhampton Provincial Council, one of the biggest regional councils in the state. Ruth has, for a number of years, held executive positions on the Provincial Council and always ensures that she is one of the Labour Day March and Fun Day coordinators for Rockhampton (four coordinators in total).

Like a true activist Ruth ensures and evaluates the issues we address in the workplace for their campaignability and recruitability and most importantly, for the strength and union density. This ensures the ASU in central Queensland remains one of our biggest membership areas outside of South East Queensland.

In 2006, Ruth was chosen by the QCU to be a Delegate to represent Queensland on its tour of China.

Gail Seeney (Australian Services Union)

Gail joined the ASU in 1991 and has been a dedicated union member for more than 15 years. Gail became interested in helping union members resolve their workplace issues and became a delegate for the ASU at Pine Rivers Shire Council.

Gail has represented members in local government on the Union Local Government Industry Committee for many years and has been the ASU representative at enterprise bargaining negotiations for Pine Rivers Shire Council. Recently with the local government amalgamations, Gail took on more challenging roles including chairing the Local Transition Committee and Employment Sub-Committee with the Moreton Bay Regional Council.

Gail is a true champion of the ASU’s members in local government using all her experience and knowledge to help others. The ASU  now has the pleasure of having Gail on board as a member of the South East Queensland Organising Team.

Sandra Bratt (CEPU Electrical)

Sandy rejoined the union in 2003 after accepting a permanent position with Queensland Rail as a maintenance electrician in its Townsville workshop. She has been an active member of the ETU in her workplace and has taken on a mentor’s role with apprentices, in particular the female ones.

In April 2006 Sandy was nominated for and accepted the role as ETU co-delegate for the Townsville workshop. At this time, she became even more involved in not only promoting the ETU and its beliefs, but also in ensuring that workers’ rights and conditions were not only being met and upheld but also improved at Queensland Rail.

In 2007 Sandy was elected delegate where she continues to promote workers’ rights throughout Queensland Rail by participating in such committees as the Local Consultative Committee and the Regional Consultative Committee as the elected ETU Representative. In 2007 Sandra was also elected Branch Conference Delegate, representing Townsville at the ETU Biennial Conference.

She deals with local management on the day-to-day issues that arise within Queensland Rail and is strongly involved in promoting safety within her workplace.

She has participated in the Union QR Delegates Conference and has also assisted with the current QR agreement negotiations in the north.

 

Paula Simpson (Community and Public Sector Union)

Paula Simpson is employed as a Sales Consultant with Telstra in Townsville.

Telstra, as many will appreciate, is a very aggressive, anti-union employer, which makes no bones about actively targeting anyone who puts their hand up as a union contact or who assists work colleagues.

In spite of this open hospitality, Paula has taken on a number of roles at various levels within her union. She is the Workplace Delegate, OH&S Representative, Telecommunications Section Councillor and is a Governing Councillor on the National Council.

Paul has worked tirelessly and under great duress to assist members with issues in their workplace. She attends meetings between management and members as a support person and advocates on a regular basis. She has persisted in standing up for members’ rights even though this has led to her employment being threatened and to being targeted by management.

She has conducted surveys and encouraged member participation during bargaining campaigns and has inspired current members to actively participate in recruiting new members. In fact the density level at her work site has grown from 17% to 43%!!

Paula continuously and successfully represents her members in workplace grievances and is fearless in the pursuit of fairness and equity.

Paula has instigated investigations on serious health and safety issues in the workplace and has also conducted media interviews to force management to address health and safety problems at her worksite. She is completely selfless and gives freely of her own time to assist members and to promote unionism.

Paula has always acted with honesty, integrity and courage and has a strong sense of social justice.

It is with great pride that the CPSU  nominate Paula Simpson for an Emma Miller Award.

Charlene Anderson (CFMEU Construction and General Division)

Charlene commenced working for the CFMEU in April 1990 as the Office Junior sporting THE undercut hairdo of the century - a hairdo that was the subject of many entertaining office jokes. The hairdo did not alter her performance in any way and she worked her way through the ranks to become the Office Manager and Personal Assistant to the State Secretary, Wallace Trohear in 1996 and has worked in that role since - in total a period of 18 years!

Achievements to date include:

·  co-ordinating the CFMEU’s Royal Children’s Hospital Charity Ball which together with members’ contributions raised in excess of $1.2m in funds for the Hospital;

·  co-ordinating the annual CFMEU Vet’s Christmas Party - an occasion enjoyed by all;

·  low staff turnover - Charlene’s diplomatic, caring and nurturing attitude has made for some long-standing employees (and friendships) for over 13 years;

·  successfully working with the infamous Gary Howcroft – need we say more!

·  developing her knowledge of the union movement over the years and becoming a great activist, campaigner and dedicated unionist not just for the CFMEU but the broader trade union movement;

·  Administration Co-ordinator for the building trades group of unions (BLF, ETU, AMWU, CFMEU, PGEU) for many years and the ABCC Campaign in Queensland; and

·  breaking-in construction workers to an office environment - an achievement award worthy in itself!

Charlene’s colleagues believe she is well deserved of this award for her commitment, professionalism, tireless efforts and dedication to her work, her staff and the union movement in general. Charlene enjoys the respect and affection of all.

 

Denise Bloxsom (CFMEU Mining and Energy Union)

 

Denise met the love of her life, Doug in 1965 and they married on 18 June, 1966. Together they moved to various mining towns including Maryborough, Moura, Biloela, Blackwater and Clermont before finally residing in Mackay.

From 1975 – 1983 Doug, Denise and their children lived in South Blackwater, firstly in a caravan due to the lack of housing (some things never change) and then in a company house.

1980 saw the 13 week housing tax strike in which the mining unions eventually defeated the then Treasurer John Howard’s stance of taxing company-supplied, subsidised housing. During this strike, Denise became an active member of the women’s auxiliary caring for the families of striking mine workers and organising community assistance for families in hardship.

While in Clermont, Denise became active in the CWA and held the position of International Officer.

When Doug was elected as a full time official with the FEDFA in 1991, Denise became unofficial Officer Manager of the FEDFA working out of their home. After many years as a part time employee, Denise became the full time Office Manager in 2002 of the CFMEU (Mining and Energy) in Mackay after the amalgamation of FEDFA and QCEU unions.

Denise proposed that the union commence a traineeship for a young local school leaver as a commitment to the youth of the area and after much discussion, 2006 saw the employment of the first trainee under Denise’s guidance.

Denise has spent more than 28 years assisting union officials, members and their families. At the same time, she fulfils the role of mother to four children and supports Doug in his role as District Official and most recently, as mentor for the first Mackay trainee and current employee, Jenna.

Jacki Flegg (Finance Sector Union)

Jacki has been a member of the FSU since joining the finance industry in August 2003.

Since that time Jacki has fulfilled several roles within the union since becoming the Workplace Rep at her branch of Bank of Queensland soon after joining the union.

Jacki became involved in negotiations for Bank of Queensland’s collective agreement as she believed that collective bargaining was the only way to ensure improvements to the working lives of all Bank of Queensland staff.

Jacki was one of three FSU Reps on the negotiating team which successfully negotiated across-the-board pay increases of 12.5% over three years, increased loadings for working on public holidays and increased paid parental leave from six to ten weeks.

After the positive experience of significant success with the collective agreement, Jacki was nominated as Local Executive Council President for Multiple Employers in the industry. She was an enthusiastic President and attended National Executive meetings and National Conference where her contribution to the direction of the FSU was invaluable. At a national level, Jacki was able to ensure that Bank of Queensland members were well represented.

Today, Jacki is not only the Workplace Rep but a Local Enterprise Council member. She is active in her own workplace and visits other workplaces talking to members about their issues and explaining the benefits of union membership to potential members.

It is our privilege to nominate Jacki Flegg for the Emma Miller Award.

 

Shelly Holzheimer (Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union)

 

Michelle “Shelley” Holzheimer is a truly wonderful example of what it means to be ‘union’. Through her extraordinarily tenacious drive and spirit she has been successful in recruiting over 600 new members for the LHMU.

Shelley is now a retired Teacher Aide from Rosella Park Primary School in Gladstone. She has participated in her union in many ways and has spent several weeks working as a Member Organiser. When asked to take on this role she rose to the challenge achieving extraordinary success in recruitment. She has also been an extremely effective ambassador representing members at all levels and at many worksites other than her own.

Her commitment and drive extend beyond her workplace (Shelley will never let an opportunity pass her by) - whether she is in a taxi or at a supermarket she uses every opportunity to talk union and actively encourages all she meets to join their union. Even in retirement, Shelley continues to talk to groups of workers on behalf of the LHMU and continually recruit new members. Her enthusiasm and passion know no boundaries.

Drawing on many experiences, Shelley has taken a lead role in her community raising workplace and public awareness on the value and importance of union membership for all workers. Her continued commitment and belief is that for unions to be vital and effective, they must have active and articulate workplace rank and file representation.

Shelley Holzheimer is a fine example of an active unionist who constantly puts the need to grow and encourage unionism to all workers above those of her own. Her attributes make her a standout unionist; union pride, dedication, commitment and a common bond with all workers.

The LHMU is extremely proud to nominate Shelley Holzheimer for the Emma Miller Award in honour of her commitment to the LHMU and the union movement.

 

Elizabeth Eddy (National Tertiary Education Union)

 

 

Elizabeth came to work at the new University of the Sunshine Coast early in 1996, immediately joining the NTEU, and then putting her hand up for a life of activism and advocacy with the union. Anyone who knows Elizabeth knows that this is not unusual as she has also been a passionate peace and environmental campaigner for many years.

As the elected Branch President Elizabeth is totally committed to “her” members regardless of their position or occupation at the University, and, with equal determination she fiercely represents her Branch at the State and National levels of the union. Significantly, Elizabeth has made particular contributions in ensuring union collective bargaining at a time when the former Federal Government targeted the NTEU and made funding conditional on rolling-back union presence on campuses.

Elizabeth has successfully managed to integrate her union work with making a major academic and professional contribution to the university, providing a forum for progressive ideas especially about women, indigenous, environmental and union issues, whilst building and maintaining strong union-community ties on the Sunshine Coast.

Her energetic and always colourful style has earned Elizabeth a special place as a friend and mentor to many. The NTEU takes great pleasure in nominating Elizabeth Eddy for the Emma Miller Award.

Miriam Dunn – Queensland Independent Education Union

 

Miriam Dunn has been a unionist throughout her life. She has been particularly motivated in her work by the example set by her grandparents in Northern Ireland who took part in the General Strike in the 1920s. Her grandmother was a passionate woman (like Emma Miller) who fought for the rights of people who could not withstand the pressures of powerful and belligerent employers, and for the rights of women to participate in the workforce and the political life of a country.

Miriam’s real passion for active union work began when she started her teaching career in 1992.

At the time of the first enterprise negotiations she was a vocal and effective leader in shaping the working conditions of employees in her sector and especially in preserving those conditions that were threatened by opportunistic employers.

She generated activism and membership in her workplace chapter and galvanised the membership to take action in subsequent conflicts and negotiations to ensure that workers rights were not only protected but enhanced.

From this she became involved in the Industrial Committee of QIEU and was soon elected to Council. For seven years she was President of QIEU, an honorary position which she filled whilst being a full-time teacher in a secondary school.


Barbara Cook – Queensland Nurses’ Union

Whilst working in 7G Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Brisbane Hospital (RBH) Barb watched the arrest of protesting SEQEB workers and from that moment, vowed to fight for workers justice. At the RBH, Barb was active in the local QNU/ANF Branch as a conference delegate and representative.

Barb suffered a workplace assault in 1998 which meant she had to re-learn how to read and process information. The QNU provided support in her recovery and resultant legal claim for her injuries. On her return to work she increased her activity within the QNU as branch secretary and delegate for Redcliffe Hospital. As a midwife she works within the community of Deception Bay supporting many disadvantaged women and children.

In 2006 Barb became an active committee member of the Longman Your Rights at Work Community campaign team that worked hard to defeat the Howard Government, and in 2007 saw the defeat of the then local member, Mal Brough.

Barb has served on the QNU and ANF State Council and Executive for many years and remains a committed unionist and member of the broader labour movement.

Penny Toland – Queensland Public Sector Union

 

Penny Toland has been an active member of the Queensland Public Sector Union since 2001 when she entered the workforce as a newly-graduated Medical Labatory Scientist for the Queensland Heath Department.

Over the last eight years, Penny has shown her level of commitment to the union through her role as an active member and workplace delegate campaigning through enterprise bargaining rounds as well as negotiating industrial issues locally.

In 2004 Penny took on the role of Lead Pathology Delegate and has worked two days a week in the union office ever since. Penny advocates, negotiates and heads the QPSU’s entire pathology membership through this role.

In more recent years Penny has been actively involved in the QPSU’s elected representative structures through positions such as council delegate for Queensland Health and her election as Gold Coast Branch President.

Penny currently holds the office of Junior Vice-President of the QPSU and brings to every role her sensible and thorough approach as well as her focus on due process, fairness and equity.

Therese Rourke – Queensland Teachers’ Union

 

Therese Rourke commenced her arts degree part-time at the University of Queensland majoring in English literature, whilst at the same time studying a full-time Diploma of Teaching at Kelvin Grove College of Advanced Education.

Her first teaching appointment was to Ferny Hills State School in 1978 and she has taught in a variety of primary schools throughout Queensland ever since. She is an enthusiastic and frequent traveller during several periods of long service leave and is presently on staff at Eatons Hill State School (near Albany Creek) where she is teaching years six and seven.

Therese’s union involvement began as a very young child when Cliff, (her Dad), a committed unionist, would take her on his shoulders to Labour Day marches in Brisbane.

Her QTU activism began in 1987 when she first took on the role of school union rep at Undurba State School. She has a proven commitment to feminism and has been the women’s contact for the QTU and a Sexual Harassment Referral Officer as well as a member of the QTU’s Women Teachers and Girls’ Education Committee. In 1993 she became QTU representative on the Queensland Trades and Labour Council and was a participant in the Anna Stewart Memorial Project that same year. She has also been a long-term and continuing member of the QTU’s Professional Development Committee and was the QTU State Council Representative for Geebung Branch from 1996 to 2003.

Besides her union involvement, Therese has always taken the promotion of the teaching profession very seriously. She has been the QTU rep on the Queensland University of Technology Internship Committee and in 1998 was elected to the Queensland Board of Teacher Registration as a teacher representative. She is still a Board member of the Queensland College of Teachers until the end of 2008.

The QTU takes great pleasure in nominating Therese to receive this year’s Emma Miller Award for her long-standing involvement in the union and for protecting the profession through her work with the Teachers Registration Board.

Leisa Cusack - Rail Tram and Bus Union

 

Leisa first became a member of the Rail Tram and Bus Union when she commenced working for Queensland Rail as a trainee locomotive driver in 2002 at the age of 22.

In 2003 she moved back to her home town of Cloncurry with Queensland Rail where she took up her role and a position with the union as Junior Sub Branch Secretary under the watchful eye of previous Emma Miller recipient, Josie Burke (Leisa’s aunty and most influential mentor).

Leisa utilised this opportunity to fully expose herself to what it truly means to be a rank and file member and actively became involved in the union movement. This involved a number of disputes with the previous management decisions on the north west corridor (which is still ongoing to date) and Leisa is still actively involved in these working parties.

She then moved to Mount Isa as a tutor driver in 2004 and was elected to take over the role of Sub Branch Secretary for the Mount Isa Sub Branch and has held this position to now.

Leisa has been fundamental in providing support and assistance to RTBU members in the region from train drivers to rail operators and she continues to increase union membership each year.

Leisa continues to work as a tutor driver, trains other train drivers and works shift work – all of this and she still manages to maintain her wonderful family and five children - what an inspiration! She has also been actively involved in assisting Queensland Rail to recruit more females into the operational fields which has proved to be very successful to date.

Leisa has been very fortunate to have had such great mentors in her life and attributes much of her success in her union and professional career to these people.

The Rail Tram and Bus Union is proud to acknowledge Leisa’s dedication to the union movement and is delighted to nominate her for this award.

 

 
© QCU 2006