Activists Conference 2017 makes its mark

The Activists Conference at Leura in April was the fourth annual IEU forum with IEU members eager to learn more about their Union and enhance their participation. This highly popular gathering has now become a significant event in the IEU calendar.

Participants have the opportunity to gain knowledge but also to share stories about what motivates them.

Some of the new past participants are now IEU Reps, Council delegates, IEU Executive members and officers:

Adrian Di Qual Champagnat College, Pagewood

Ann Hall St John the Baptist, Woy Woy

Christina Ellul Good Shepherd Primary, Plumpton

Damien Tomsett Mackillop Catholic College, Warnervale

Dean Cox Nambucca Christian School, Macksville

Diane ButterfieldTangara School, Cherrybrook

James Dumas Red Bend Catholic College, Forbes

John Heffernan Mackillop Catholic College, Warnervale

Josh Walker McCarthy Catholic College, Tamworth

Katrina Pickering Holy Spirit College, Wollongong

Margaret Smith Holy Spirit College, Wollongong

Peter Tsambalas Aquinas College, Menai

Roger Myers Trinity Catholic College, Goulburn

Sarah Nowlan Red Bend Catholic College, Forbes

Skye McPadden St Joseph’s Primary School, O’Connor

Sokha Pawson SDN, Woolloomooloo

Vanessa Ryan St Keiran’s, Manly Vale

Yolanda Lu Catherine McAuley, Westmead

Zeinab Mokachar Green Valley Islamic College, Green Valley

History, camaraderie and workshopping of current issues was a feature of the conference.

Safeguarding the teaching profession from the excesses of government and employer policy is vital and non-ceasing work of the Union and the vehicle for this is a range of committees.

An opportunity to hear from Mark Morey, Secretary of Unions NSW, was rated highly by participants. Mark outlined the bigger picture and the opportunities for unions to build upon a value base which all workers understand – that being respect and dignity in the workplace.

The intent was to avail members wishing to become more active an opportunity to traverse the work of the Union. Being a member driven organisation is reflected in all facets of the Union. It is however incumbent upon members to be part of the fabric that represents the teaching profession.

Marilyn Jervis coordinated the conference, speakers on a range of topics were:

Mark MoreySecretary, Unions NSW

Wayne MoodyEducator/Organiser, ACTU

Jeffrey PrattIEU Executive member, Mt St Patrick’s College, Murwillumbah

Chris Wilkinson IEU President

John Quessy IEU Secretary

Gloria Taylor IEU Deputy Secretary

Carol Matthews IEU Assistant SecretaryPam Smith IEU Assistant Secretary

Keith Heggart IEU Organiser

Lubna Haddad IEU OrganiserJames Jenkins-FlintIEU Organiser

Lee Cuningham IEU Organiser

The Union looks forward to ongoing connection with our 2017 participants.