Learning from History

IEU members gathered in Ballina on 10 August to share professional experiences and hear from local historian and NSW History Fellowship recipient, Dr Kate Gahan, on her new project Entangled Encounters.

Kate described her project as exploring cross cultural exchanges during the colonial era, traversing the Clarence, Richmond and Tweed River districts. Her research will be published in book form and a local exhibition will examine 12 stories from the region, highlighting the importance of our regional stories to understanding our place, as well as the state and national story.

Kate’s address demonstrated her passion for our regional history, and several teachers were lining up afterwards to book her in for a future school visit.

Pam Smith, Convenor of the IEU Women and Equity Committee, gave an overview of the 2017 Union agenda in this sphere and spoke of challenges at federal, state and local levels. North Coast IEU Organiser Sandra White reported on the work being undertaken by the Lismore Diocesan Workplace Gender Equality Committee, such as developing recruitment and selection policy and drafting job share support documents and a parental leave toolkit.

It was a relaxed and enjoyable night and members expressed their appreciation for this IEU hosted regional event.