Co-reps Tracy Bancroft, left, and Vickye McKechnie in front of their outstanding union noticeboard.
Support staff members Vickye McKechnie and Tracy Bancroft work together as a team to represent the IEU for all staff at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Port Macquarie.
Tracy has worked at St Joseph’s for 22 years. “I moved from Western Sydney and started at Joey’s as a casual, one day a week in the office, printing our school newsletter,” she said.
“Then I became the school’s library/technology assistant before moving into the classroom to support the needs of our students.”
Tracy has worked across all grades, but she currently works mainly in Stages 2 and 3.
“I love my job, even though it can be challenging,” she said. “But seeing our students achieve and grow is amazing.”
Vickye started at the school as a volunteer. “Becoming a parent in the St Joseph’s community in 2000 as my oldest son began his first year of school, I threw myself into school life and became a part of my son’s education by volunteering,” said Vickye.
She volunteered in every aspect of school life, from the classroom to the canteen, at carnivals, on committees, at parent assembly, and she helped fund raise.
“Fast forward seven years to 2007 and I accepted a paid position as an Educational Assistant.”
Tracy became an IEU rep in 2016 when the teacher who was in the role moved on. Vickye joined her in 2018, and the pair decided to work as a team.
“I attend regular sub branch meetings across the Mid North Coast and was lucky enough to be invited to the 2024 March Council Meeting in Sydney as an observer,” Tracy said.
Subsequently, Tracy was elected to IEU Council as a delegate for the Mid North Coast Sub Branch. Council is the union’s decision-making body of more than 100 delegates.
“This is where I can advocate for educators and especially support staff. I have built and managed a large chapter of members within our school. I have grown in confidence as I am willing to speak up for what is right.”
Tracy encourages members to stay informed via the IEU Facebook page and the website.
Open and honest
“Vickye and I hold regular chapter meetings where staff can discuss openly and honestly any issues and seek guidance from us, or we refer them on to our IEU organiser,” said Tracy.
“I started networking with all support staff in the Mid North Coast Sub Branch area to offer support during the Hear Our Voice campaign.”
Tracy said getting support staff active in the union is important. Having two support staff members representing teachers has not been an issue. Tracy said it has increased the representation for support staff within the school.
“We are very equal at this school,” she said.
Vickye has long been interested in what the union stands for, as well as the many benefits and safety that the union provides its members.
“I attended chapter meetings and before long, became the minutes secretary of our chapter,” she said.
“It was at this point I became involved in helping to organise information sessions, chapter meetings and advocating for our school members as a support staff employee, assisting the two St Joseph’s Primary School representatives.”
One of the school’s reps left and Vickye was nominated. She was accepted and ratified as the second rep alongside Tracy.
“This proved to be a unique situation, with the position of rep held by two support staff members,” said Vickye. Like Tracy, she was invited to the Council meeting in Sydney to observe proceedings.
“I progressed from an observer at the Council meeting to now becoming a delegate for the Mid North Coast region,” said Vickye.
“It has been a whirlwind ride, but being part of the union keeps you well-informed and more confident in the workplace, meeting many lovely, like-minded passionate people along the way.
“We both thoroughly enjoy the experience of being St Joseph’s reps, learning an enormous amount and having the honour and privilege of campaigning on behalf of our peers.”
Working as a team has advantages, Tracy says. “We all know the challenges and are able to support each other,” she said. “You have car insurance for your car, why would you not have insurance for your job? The IEU is your insurance,” she said.
The pair encourage support staff to consider becoming a union rep.