Sub Branch reports

The IEU has 19 geographical sub branches across NSW and the ACT, plus the Principals’ sub branch. Sub branches meet four times a year, usually in the first three or four weeks of each term.

Sub branch meetings are a way for reps and members to provide feedback to the union about what’s happening on the ground in their workplaces. The meetings are also an opportunity for reps and members from each region to hear updates from IEU organisers.

Each sub branch sends four to six delegates to quarterly IEU Council meetings. Council is the union’s decision-making body, bringing together about 115 member delegates from throughout NSW and the ACT.

The IEU Executive of 22 members is elected every three years by members.

All reps and any IEU members who would like to develop their union activism are warmly invited to attend their region’s sub branch meeting.

Contact your rep or organiser if you would like more information.

Central Coast

The Central Coast Sub Branch includes Gosford, Erina, Green Point, Lake Munmorah, Tuggerah, Wyong and surrounds.

The Central Coast Sub Branch held its AGM on 13 February at Ourimbah RSL. A 2025 committee was elected as follows: Arden Cassie, President; Georgina Martin, Deputy President; and Ann Hall, Secretary. The meeting thanked the previous committee for their service and congratulated the new committee on their election.

Members discussed the Catholic Schools Broken Bay agreement. It is a four-year deal with a 1.5% pay protection clause (guaranteeing staff 1.5% above other Catholic dioceses). One hour of additional release from face-to-face teaching continues until the end of 2026, at which point it will be reviewed.

The new operational framework (previously known as the Work Practices Agreement) provides a number of improvements to conditions, and a $100 overnight payment for camps/excursions for teachers has been agreed.

The Association of Independent Schools multi-enterprise agreement, won through the IEU’s ‘Now’s the Time’ campaign, was also discussed and Christian schools represented by Christian Schools Australia were updated on their enterprise agreement, which is not yet finalised.

Issues raised by individual schools include use of all-staff email, staggered playground supervisions, restructures and employee rights, and speculation about the federal election and who will win the seat of Robertson (currently held by Labor’s Dr Gordon Reid).

Jim Hall Organiser

Central Metropolitan

The Central Metropolitan Sub Branch includes central Sydney, Sydney’s inner-western suburbs and Rhodes, Concord and Meadowbank.

The Central Metropolitan Sub Branch held its AGM on 18 February at Burwood RSL, the first of four meetings scheduled for this year. Fourteen members attended, including representatives from Catholic and independent schools, primary and secondary sectors, as well as professional and operational staff. It was great to see such a diverse and engaged group coming together to discuss key union matters.

Election of office bearers for 2025 were held: Michelle Mella, President; Nadia Fried, Deputy President; and Keith Smit, Secretary. Four additional committee members were also elected.

Members engaged in robust discussions around the ongoing issue of teachers remaining on temporary contracts. One school rep also brought up the issue of learning support officers being left alone with students with special needs, raising safety concerns.

There was also concern about last-minute contract non-renewals in the Amadeus music education program, leaving affected staff with little to no explanation as to why their roles were terminated. Additionally, members highlighted increased tutorial sizes in the program due to staff absences.

Reps talked about ongoing workload pressures and supported the push for morning briefings to be included in the 10-hour meeting cap, a move Catholic systemic employers are resisting in the current negotiations.

The next meeting will be held on 21 May at 5pm at the IEU office in Ultimo. This is a valuable opportunity to stay informed and have your voice heard. Dinner will be provided, along with a tour of our beautiful heritage building. We warmly invite all reps in the sub branch to join us.

Christina Ellul Organiser

Members at the Central West Sub Branch meeting

Central West

The Central West Sub Branch includes Dubbo, Bathurst, Orange and Lithgow, as well as Cowra, Mudgee, Parkes, Forbes, Grenfell and Wilcannia.

The Central West Sub Branch AGM was held in Orange on 14 February after what proved to be a dramatic chain of events that ended in scenes akin to ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’.

At the end of January, the IEU was advised that renovations on our Term 1 venue in Forbes would be delayed, which instigated a quick swap with our Term 2 venue in Orange.

On the day of the meeting, airlines randomly cancelled flights from Sydney which left four IEU officials stranded. Quick thinking prompted three of them to jump on a train to Lithgow where they would continue the journey to Orange by car. The race was on with the 6.30pm meeting start time pushed back to 7pm.

Meanwhile, back in Sydney, Deputy Secretary David Towson was rescheduled to a later flight that would see him arrive for the final part of the meeting.

All was progressing according to Plan B when the Lithgow train stopped at Mt Victoria and passengers were told to exit – this was to be the final stop. After a quick call, the designated driver continued through to Mt Victoria, picked up our hapless travellers and U-turned for Orange. A revised arrival time of 7.05pm was provided.

About 6.30pm, members started arriving at the venue. As the clock neared 7pm, the ever-flexible members decided we would commence the meeting with issues in schools in the hope that the missing people (and the AGM papers) would arrive shortly.

Our three intrepid travellers turned up just as the first course was being served and the meeting continued as planned.

The newly elected sub branch executive members are: Louise Hughes, President; Peter Nunn, Deputy President; and Nicole Downey, Secretary. Discussion of the union agenda for the year followed.

At some point after the meeting, the remaining missing traveller arrived – after finally catching his flight which was even further delayed.

Here’s hoping the rest of the year is less dramatic for the Central West Sub Branch.

Donna Widdison Organiser

Cumberland

The Cumberland Sub Branch includes Parramatta, Mt Druitt, Castle Hill, Marsden Park, Blacktown and nearby surrounds.

The Cumberland Sub Branch met on 24 February at the IEU office in Parramatta.

The meeting was well attended by reps from various sectors, including with primary and secondary Catholic systemic schools, independent schools, Catholic independent schools and ELICOS (English language intensive courses for overseas students).

The meeting revisited the major issues of 2024 and the wins members had achieved, especially in the independent school sector with the ‘Now’s the Time’ campaign. We also discussed the upcoming Catholic systemic claim and other agreements that expire this year.

Reps raised their local issues including class sizes in Parramatta diocesan schools. Issues relating to noise and health and safety in the remaining open-plan spaces continue, with some spaces having three classes. In some schools, confusion remains regarding the definition of ‘meetings’ – what is included and what is not.

All reps agreed that a key issue is some parents using personalised plans to intensify demands on teachers. This is causing much stress amongst staff who at times have to manage difficult conversations with parents.

The restructuring at Western Sydney University continues, where some members have been offered voluntary redundancy or the option of applying for new roles. The negotiations for the expiring enterprise agreement continue and other issues such as casual conversions and roles of teachers are being examined.

We encourage all reps to attend sub branch meetings so they can connect with other reps and keep current with key industrial and professional matters. If reps are unable to attend, please encourage a chapter member to attend in lieu.

Our meetings will be held at the Parramatta IEU office on Monday 5 May, Monday 28 July, and Monday 3 November from 4.30pm to 6pm.

The new elected sub branch executive are: Robert Paluzanno, President; Jessica Divis, Deputy President; and Elias Abi-Elias, Secretary. Committee members are Sally McCaul, Felicity Briggs, Lorraine Maher and Karyn Paluzanno.

Lubna Haddad Organiser

Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley Sub Branch includes Newcastle, Maitland, Singleton, Scone, Taree and surrounds.

The Hunter Valley Sub Branch held its AGM on 17 February at the Blackbutt Hotel, New Lambton, with 30 members in attendance.

A new executive was elected: Sarah Gardiner, President; Katrina Easton, Deputy President; Kim Keating, Secretary; and new committee members Dot Seamer, Wendy Chantler, Isabella Rendina and Kate Tolfree.

The IEU delegates for Newcastle Trades Hall Council are Mark Wilson, Kate Tolfree, Sarah Gardiner, Carlo Rendina, Raelene Maxworthy and Jim Hall. Cate Larke becomes our representative on Hunter Workers Women’s Committee.

The meeting thanked the previous committee for their service and congratulated the new committee on their election, with special thanks for outgoing President Amanda Woods who will remain on the committee. The union is strengthened through the effort and commitment of activists.

Issues raised by individual chapters included: the right to disconnect; professional development days, including compliance training without adequate time to complete it; teacher-directed professional development; learning support assistance; remuneration for attendance at school camps; enforcing the 10 hours per term meetings cap; the restructure at the Catholic Schools Office and resulting redundancies.

Meeting dates for 2025 were set as 12 May, 4 August, and 1 December and the next AGM will be on 16 February 2026. All reps in the sub branch are warmly invited to attend.

Carlo Rendina Organiser

Members at the Ku-ring-gai Sub Branch meeting.

Ku-ring-gai

The Ku-ring-gai Sub Branch covers Sydney’s north shore, including Hornsby, Wahroonga, Waitara, Warrawee, Thornleigh, Pymble, Turramurra, Berowra and Asquith.

The Ku-ring-gai Sub Branch held its AGM and Term 1 meeting on Monday 17 February. Present were eight reps and members – teachers and support staff from independent schools, Catholic schools and primary and secondary schools in the region.

Assistant Secretary Lyn Caton was warmly welcomed to the meeting.

First were the formalities with a new sub branch executive elected: Courtney Smith, President; Grace Fowles, Deputy President; and Marie Anderson, Secretary. We congratulate all three.

The meeting discussed the new agreements made in Catholic Schools Broken Bay and in independent schools. Members were overwhelmingly positive, saying their colleagues are clearly relieved that negotiations have concluded and that they are now among the best paid school staff in the country. Members also agreed that their war on excessive workloads is heading in the right direction.

As always, we enjoyed a meal and drinks together after the meeting, and this time in particular it was great to use this time together to celebrate two big union wins.

The Ku-ring-gai Sub Branch will next meet on 12 May at 4.45pm in the bistro at Hornsby RSL.

Charles Wheeler Organiser

Lansdowne

The Lansdowne Sub Branch includes Lakemba to Liverpool, including Bankstown, Fairfield and Auburn.

The Lansdowne Sub Branch held its AGM on 27 February at Fairfield RSL, with 11 reps from a variety of schools attending, and four IEU officials. The meeting elected its 2025 executive: James McFarlane, President (re-elected); Mohamad Elali, Deputy President (re-elected); and Connie Holmes, Secretary.

The successful outcome of the ‘Now’s the Time’ campaign and resulting multi-enterprise agreements in independent schools was a major topic of discussion, with IEU Secretary Carol Matthews providing a detailed report on the gains achieved by members, particularly in relation to teachers’ salaries compared with the employer’s original offer.

Among Catholic systemic reps there was insightful discussion about the increasing workload burden of parent-teacher nights. Several reps observed that such events often prevent members from spending time with their own families.

The sub branch meetings this year will be held at Fairfield RSL commencing at 4.30pm on Thursday 22 May, Thursday 14 August and Thursday 6 November.

We invite all reps to join us and the union provides dinner after the meeting. This year we mark the Lansdowne Sub Branch’s 40th anniversary, and several reps who regularly attend have been members of the IEU for 40 (or more!) years.

Aidan Anderson Organiser

Metropolitan East

The Metropolitan East Sub Branch covers Sydney’s eastern suburbs, including Bondi, Waverley and Bellevue Hill.

Reps from the Metropolitan East Sub Branch held its AGM at Juniors in Kingsford on 19 February. This is a new venue for us, a big improvement on the previous one, and we were happy to welcome a bigger turnout.

The meeting elected its executive: Gary Osborne, President; Jenny Muscat, Deputy President; and Jacky Guadascione, Secretary; Michelle McLauchlin was also elected as a committee member.

Reps from across the sub branch heard updates on union gains in the new independent schools multi-enterprise agreements, and on progress on the Catholic systemic schools multi-enterprise agreements and Work Practices Agreements, as well as changes in NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) arrangements.

Kendall Warren Organiser

Mid North Coast

The Mid North Coast Sub Branch includes Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Bellingen, Nambucca Heads and surrounds.

The Mid North Coast Sub Branch kicked off the year with a well-attended AGM, bringing together familiar faces and some welcome newcomers.

The election of a sub branch committee for 2025 saw many members returning to their roles, while fresh voices joined the team.

There was plenty of curiosity about voting for the independent schools’ multi-enterprise agreements (see p1), with some members eager to understand how schools might fit into the special allowance category. Members also asked about how the new pay structures recognise ISTAA and NESA accreditation, reflecting interest in professional pathways.

A hot topic of discussion, raised by our support staff members, was the need for a clearer toileting policy for students without a diagnosed specific need. Members rightly agreed that better clarity in this area would benefit the health and safety of both staff and students.

One of the biggest concerns came from Catholic systemic members, who are frustrated over increasing cost-cutting measures, particularly when it comes to relief staffing. The ripple effects are being felt across schools, with staff shouldering heavier workloads, losing professional development opportunities, and seeing break times disappear.

Two key motions were passed to inform upcoming WPA negotiations:

  • aligning pupil-free days with the government sector to give Catholic systemic members more flexibility for planning and preparation, and
  • capping meeting hours for staff in coordinator roles to help them balance leadership responsibilities with their day-to-day teaching.
With plenty to discuss and advocate for, members were engaged and ready for the year ahead. Our next meeting will be held on 23 May at 6pm at The Westport Club in Port Macquarie. All reps from the region are welcome.


Sean van der Heide Organiser

Monaro

The Monaro Sub Branch covers Canberra and the ACT.

The Monaro Sub Branch AGM was held on 20 February at the IEU office in Deakin, attended by members from different sectors. The meeting provided an opportunity to elect the sub branch committee for the coming year. Di Lefebvre has stepped back but all expressed gratitude for her years of service as President. Alex Thompson was elected President.

Reps were given an update on current negotiations and the positive duty on employers to prevent sexual harassment. Many signed the petition in support of parental leave for colleagues in G8 early childhood centres (see p5).

The sub branch commends the work of the reps and organisers who have supported staff through very challenging times at Brindabella Christian College (see p1).

The meeting discussed various issues affecting members, including excessive and pointless executive ‘walk-throughs’ and better ways to support teachers’ professional growth.

Unmanageable workloads, regular overloading, camps, bell timings that prevent teachers from taking a 30-minute break, and practices that take away vital planning time are still issues for many teachers. Of particular concern was the impact of increasing numbers of students with additional needs and personal plans.

Attendees passed a motion calling for Council to investigate and advise on best practices to ensure inclusion and safe workloads. Reps agreed to work together to share ideas and use WHS legislation and policies to push for better systems of work.

The next Monaro Sub Branch meeting is scheduled for 29 May.

Alex Thompson Sub Branch President

Members at the North Coast Sub Branch meeting.

North Coast

The North Coast Sub Branch covers Lismore, Tweed Heads, Kingscliff, Pottsville, Murwillumbah, Mullumbimby, Kyogle, Ballina, Lismore, Casino, Coraki, Woodburn, Yamba and Maclean.

The North Coast Sub Branch meeting was held on 19 February at the IEU’s Lismore office.

Assistant Secretary Amanda Hioe travelled up to attend this meeting and was welcomed by the group.

Elections were held for the sub branch executive: Kath Egan, President; Simon Smith, Deputy President; and Jennifer Allen, Secretary. A committee was also elected: Emily Webster, Stewart Grant, Carrie Scott, Jenny Lee and Anthony Moulay.

The meeting discussed the following issues:

  • plenty of movement of principals and assistant principals in acting roles
  • COI process has been streamlined and the expectation is that only one goal is required
  • cuts to the casual teacher budget are hitting schools
  • some schools are noticing a drop in student numbers because of fee increases
  • class sizes are going over agreed limits in some secondary schools
  • teachers are discouraged from taking personal leave as they’ve been told they won’t be replaced for one day away – this results in their colleagues picking up the extra work
  • some teachers in some schools are finding that due to timetabling they cannot physically teach all their assigned classes, so casuals or underload teachers are filling the gap, but preparation and marking still falls back to the main teacher
  • some schools are finding that their 20-minute morning briefing is going well over 20 minutes
  • staff prayer is timetabled for 8.15am and it is an expectation that staff will attend
  • there was also plenty of talk about why briefings are not included as meeting time
  • the sub branch is still disappointed that the consequences for students who are making AI video’s and images of staff members and other students are less than satisfactory, and
  • some schools place an extra burden on staff to date and sign online program daily.
    • Richard Ryan Organiser

    North West

    The North West Sub Branch covers the New England region including Armidale, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Tenterfield, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

    The North West Sub Branch AGM was held on 21 February at the Tamworth Hotel.

    Congratulations to our new sub branch committee: President Harry Vella from McCarthy Catholic College Tamworth; Deputy President, Teresa Boyd from St Mary’s College Gunnedah; Secretary, Sophie Westermark from PLC Armidale. Additional committee members are Kate Clynch, PLC Armidale; Kimberley Taggart, St Joseph’s Primary School West Tamworth; Fiona O’Neil, McCarthy Catholic College Tamworth.

    Members moved to formally acknowledge our outgoing committee.

    Some of the issues raised by members include the required policies and procedures for the increased use of non-teaching staff on playground and other duties, the increasing number of unscheduled commitments for middle leaders and data collection processes and duplication.

    We also acknowledged the work of our members and reps in AIS schools who contributed to a far better multi-enterprise agreement through our ‘Now’s the Time’ campaign. Voting on the new agreements was finalised after this meeting, with backpay assured.

    Our meetings for the rest of 2025 are 16 May in Armidale, 1 August in Tamworth and 7 November in Armidale. The next AGM will be on 20 February 2026 in Armidale.

    Sue McKay Organiser

    Northern Beaches

    The Northern Beaches Sub Branch includes Manly, Dee Why, Collaroy, Narrabeen, Terrey Hills, Warriewood and surrounds.

    The Northern Beaches Sub Branch met on 12 February at the Dee Why RSL.

    The sub branch acknowledged the outstanding work of organiser Megan Bruce over many years and thanked her for her support and advocacy. Megan continues to work with the Northern Suburbs and Central Metropolitan sub branches.

    A key discussion for the sub branch was ensuring future meetings are accessible for all reps and interested members. It was agreed that, over the course of 2025, the sub branch will trial a different time and meeting format to support members in being active and involved.

    All reps and interested members are encouraged to join us for the next meeting at the later start time of 5pm on Tuesday 20 May. The meeting will be followed by a relaxed dinner, and reps are warmly invited to join us. This is a great opportunity to get to know members from across the sector in an informal environment.

    The sub branch also acknowledged and thanked the reps from independent schools who were present. Their commitment to the union’s ‘Now’s the Time’ campaign for pay rises in their sector was instrumental in achieving new agreements that far exceed the ‘final offer’ made by their employer. This campaign highlighted what union members can achieve when we stand together.

    I’d like to thank delegates for extending a warm welcome to me as the new organiser in this sub branch. I’ve spent many years organising in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley and I’m excited to meet members and reps in the Northern Beaches.

    We look forward to meeting again next term.

    Therese Fitzgibbon Organiser

    Northern Suburbs

    The Northern Suburbs Sub Branch covers Artarmon, Chatswood, Cremorne, Gladesville, Gordon, Hunters Hill, Kirribilli, Lane Cove, Lindfield, Milsons Point, Mosman, North Sydney, Roseville, Ryde, St Ives, St Leonards, Willoughby and Woolwich.

    The Northern Suburbs Sub Branch AGM was held on 11 February at The Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay.

    Anna Leudi of Villa Maria Catholic Primary School Hunters Hill stood down as President.

    Caroline Brehaut of Redlands School Cremorne was elected the new President, with Noel Neilson of Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School Middle Cove elected Deputy President.

    Members discussed various industrial issues, with a central topic the success of the ‘Now’s the Time’ campaign in AIS independent schools in achieving the vast majority of claims, including pay rises. Reps discussed how the campaign unfolded in their chapter and shared experiences of difficulties and successes. Valuable and interesting insights were shared.

    Upcoming meetings will be held at The Oaks on 14 May, 5 August and 5 November. The meeting starts at 5pm but reps are welcome from 4.30pm to chat with organisers and each other. Dinner follows the meeting and we warmly invite all reps to join us.

    James Jenkins-Flint Organiser

    Members at the Penrith/Blue Mountains Sub Branch meeting.

    Penrith/Blue Mountains

    The Penrith/Blue Mountains Sub Branch covers Penrith to Glenbrook, Katoomba and Blackheath.

    The first meeting of the year was held at Nepean Rowering Club on 19 February with good attendance. It was wonderful to spend the afternoon with like-minded comrades who are committed to improving working conditions for their colleagues.

    Chapter reps shared current issues in their schools with the group, with lots of similarities across the sectors.

    One emerging trend is the rise of the ‘Instructional Coach’ position in Catholic systemic primary schools, with members raising questions about their exact role and the consequences of lesson observations and how they may be used.

    The sub branch celebrated the ‘Now’s the Time’ campaign victories in AIS schools and expressed appreciation for the work of reps and organisers alike. Reps in AIS schools reported that the pressure placed on their employer was evident in their workplaces. Both members and non-members were asking for advice and information from the reps, which showed real support and respect for the IEU and the role it played in the great outcomes.

    Finally, the meeting proposed two unanimous motions relating to current concerns. The first was in support of principals in the Parramatta diocese who were yet to receive the pay rise given to other staff in their schools. The second was brought to the sub branch from Penola Catholic College Emu Plains in relation to increasing incidences of abuse from parents.

    This second motion asked for clear measures to address the issue, including formal recognition of the problem, communication with parents and development of an assault register.

    Liz Heggart Sub Branch President

    Members at the Principals Sub Branch meeting.

    Principals

    The Principals Sub Branch AGM was held on 22 February at our IEU office in Ultimo.

    Leadership changes: Noeleen O’Neill is retiring as President and Chris Egan was elected President, with Niamh Marzol as Deputy President and Silvana Rossetti as Secretary.

    Key issues discussed at the meeting include:

  • Principals are reporting rising psychosocial hazards, including aggressive parent interactions, social media misinformation and inadequate systemic support.
  • Flexible work arrangements remain challenging, impacting timetables, workload and leadership stability.
  • Delays in staffing approvals and payroll inefficiencies are increasing administrative burdens.
  • Budget constraints and enrolment shortfalls create financial stress.
  • Workload concerns and lack of autonomy persist, with some diocesan education directorates engaging on these issues.
  • A new family engagement portal and online platform are being introduced across several dioceses.
  • Staffing transitions in Catholic Schools Offices continue to impact leadership stability.
  • Funding is being directed toward learning support, principal induction, and safeguarding initiatives.
    • Negotiations for three Catholic systemic principals’ enterprise agreements are pending. Principals in the Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese had not yet received the 3% pay adjustment but advocacy has led to a commitment to backpay. The next meeting will be on Saturday 17 May.

    Lyn Caton Assistant Secretary / Principals’ Organiser

    Members at the Riverina Sub Branch meeting.

    Riverina

    The Riverina Sub Branch covers Albury, Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Thurgoona, Wagga Wagga and West Wyalong.

    The Riverina Sub Branch held a very well attended AGM in Wagga Wagga on 28 February. Members attended from across the Riverina region with good representation from Albury, Leeton, Wagga Wagga and Griffith.

    The Sub Branch elected a new President, Albury-based teacher and Council member Vanessa Geddes. We would like to acknowledge outgoing sub branch President Mercedes Goss, who made a significant contribution in her time in the role. Also elected were Deputy President Holly Wright, a teacher at the Riverina Anglican College in Wagga Wagga. Secretary Terri-Anne Scott of Albury was returned to her position for another term. Further committee members include: Jesse Chant of Leeton; Sharon Jennings and Narelle Ryall, both from Albury; and Ornella Murray from Griffith. Congratulations and thanks to all.

    IEU Deputy Secretary David Towson updated the meeting on topics including the recent successful negotiations for the new independent schools’ multi-enterprise agreements following the successful ‘Now’s the Time’ campaign. The meeting also acknowledged the great work of reps in the AIS sector and their efforts to get majority support for the campaign in their schools.

    The Deputy Secretary also spoke about progress towards a just pay outcome in the early childhood education and care sector and recent improvements to legislation on reps’ rights and the right to disconnect.

    Members discussed a range of school-based issues, mostly related to workload increases and the upcoming negotiations for a new Work Practices Agreement (WPA) with the Diocese of Wagga Wagga.

    The sub branch also acknowledged and thanked the union for its great work in improved pay and conditions for members in the Catholic systemic sector, with ongoing work in WPA negotiations with the Catholic Education Diocese of Wagga Wagga.

    Members were encouraged, if the opportunity arises, to attend an IEU Council meeting in Sydney to develop their understanding of the IEU. Sadly, rep training was cancelled for this term due to lack of numbers and problems with the date and location. Discussion ensued and a new proposal was made for next term.

    We thank all members for their attendance and look forward to the next meeting to be held in Albury on 23 May.

    Vanessa Geddes Sub Branch President

    South Coast

    The South Coast Sub Branch covers the Macarthur region, the Southern Highlands, Wollongong and the Illawarra region and the northern end of the Shoalhaven region.

    The South Coast Sub Branch held its AGM on 24 February at the Wollongong Golf Club with 22 members in attendance. It was great to see new reps from independent schools.

    Sub branch elections were held with Marco Cimino re-elected President; Lachlan Young, Deputy President and Kane Soligo re-elected as Secretary. Additional committee members are Jodie Howard, Rachel Stojcevski, Katherine D’Souza and Brett Wright.

    The meeting addressed several key matters, including ongoing enterprise agreement negotiations across various sectors. Discussions focused on Catholic systemic and independent school agreements, with an emphasis on maintaining conditions and addressing workload concerns. The introduction of new policies, particularly within systemic schools, has contributed to increased administrative burdens for staff.

    Payroll discrepancies remain a significant issue, with reports of unresolved payment errors causing financial stress for affected members. Members also raised concerns about staff being required to undertake additional duties without appropriate compensation, particularly in relation to school events and professional development sessions scheduled outside regular hours.

    Teacher wellbeing was a recurring theme, with members highlighting the impact of increasing workloads and limited access to support. Issues around long service leave entitlements and professional expectations were also discussed, with calls for greater transparency and consistency in policy application.

    The Term 2 meeting will be held on 14 May at Wollongong Golf Club commencing at 5:30pm. All reps and interested IEU members are warmly welcome to attend, along with dinner after the meeting.

    Luke Breen Organiser

    South East

    The South East Sub Branch covers Yass, Young, Broulee, Bega, Goulburn, Tumut, Pambula, Googong, Batehaven, Cooma, Queanbeyan and Batlow.

    The South East Sub Branch AGM was held on 21 February at the Statesman Hotel in Curtin ACT.

    Twenty-six delegates travelled from Tumut, Snowy Mountains, Sapphire Coast, Young, Queanbeyan, Goulburn, Grenfell, Googong, and Broulee. Delegates at the meeting represented a cross section of membership from the independent and Catholic schools sectors.

    The meeting welcomed Assistant Secretary Lyn Caton from the Sydney office.

    Members from independent schools thanked the union for achieving significant improvements in the new multi-enterprise agreements for their sector. IEU organisers acknowledged the outstanding support from school delegates in marshalling the votes for single interest bargaining which was crucial in turning the tide in the negotiations.

    Negotiations are beginning for the Catholic systemic schools enterprise agreement. South East delegates developed a list of workload issues to be included in the log of claims during IEU Council meetings.

    The committee for 2025 is: President, Margaret Findlay; Deputy President, Lyn Bathgate; Secretary, Leonne Challen. Other committee members are: Andrew Bigwood, Stefanie Brown, Terri-Anne Ryan and Mary-Jane Galliazzo. The meeting also called for expressions of interest to attend IEU Council as observers. Four reps indicated their interest in attending.

    Jackie Groom Organiser

    Members at the Southern Suburbs Sub Branch meeting.

    Southern Suburbs

    The Southern Suburbs Sub Branch covers the St George area and the Sutherland Shire.

    The first Southern Suburbs Sub Branch meeting of the year was well attended by reps, both at Tradies Gymea and on Zoom. Gerard McMullen was elected President, Paul O’Brien as Deputy President and our newest rep, Bronte Rams, as Secretary. Stuart Jones, our southern suburbs delegate to council, also took a seat on the committee.

    At the previous meeting, the AIS campaign was in slight disarray with competing claims of misinformation ringing across the playgrounds. Fortunately, support from both members and non-member colleagues in the single interest bargaining petition saw the campaign reach a successful conclusion.

    Your representatives from the two largest local independent schools, Inaburra School and Shire Christian School, were certainly all smiles regarding the teachers’ agreement. Our Aspect South East rep, however, had more important things to do, welcoming her third child, Micah, during the break.

    Representatives from Catholic systemic secondary and primary schools in attendance were asked to request the use of staff development days as teacher-directed days in lieu of any direct communication from Sydney Catholic schools, which would mirror gains in the government schools sector. Generally, reps were encouraged to be vigilant against workload creep, with additional twilights being offered for the day in lieu, being one egregious example.

    Assistant Secretary Amanda Hioe and new South Coast organiser Emily Cranney also attended the meeting. Brett Hawkins from NGS Super joined the meeting and reminded us all that superannuation is union business. He offered to visit schools in the area. It was a great beginning to the sub branch year.

    Josef Dabbs Organiser