The 2026 USU Women’s Conference, held on September 20th and 21st, brought together women from across all sectors of the union. Delegates enjoyed two days of inspiration, education, and motivation. Once again the Women’s Committee proudly presented to the USU Annual Conference.
Women in Leadership Panel
The Women in Leadership panel gave delegates the chance to hear directly from women shaping the future of local government and community leadership. It was fascinating to hear how these amazing women had reached the positions they are in – often facing adversity.
These three great leaders led the discussions:
Lindy Deitz, Chief Executive Officer, Campbelltown City Council:
Lindy Deitz brings over 30 years of Local Government experience to her role as Chief Executive Officer of Campbelltown City, where she leads the transitional phase of one of the largest and oldest councils in the state into a transformational powerhouse delivering innovative change for its communities.
Lindy is focused on delivering the services and facilities that the community needs and is a caring advocate for the wider southwest Sydney region.
She continually champions the important role Campbelltown and the south west play in shaping Sydney’s future and works tirelessly with all levels of government, private industry and community organisations to ensure that Campbelltown City gains the support it needs to embark on its evolution into a bustling metropolis at the southern gateway to the South West Growth Corridor.
Clare Phelan, Chief Executive Officer, Sutherland Shire Council:
Clare joined Sutherland Shire Council in 2019, bringing with her a wealth of experience as a local government executive. Clare started her local government career as an accounting cadet almost straight out of high school, and has gone on to build a career spanning more than 25 years working in regional and metropolitan Councils across Australia.
Clare has extensive capabilities in leadership, organisational strategy, financial management and business improvement. Clare holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Leadership, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is also a Certified Practicing Accountant.
In 2024, Clare was appointed as the new CEO of Sutherland Shire Council. As CEO, Clare leads the organisation and is responsible for carrying out the decisions and policies of the elected Council, as well as overseeing day-to-day operations. Clare has a deep commitment to creating a workplace that supports our people to do great things, keeping our customers at heart, and in turn, creating thriving communities.
Linda Scott, Chair of Care Superannuation Fund:
Linda serves as the Chair of CareSuper and is a Member-Representative Director nominated by Unions NSW.
An experienced Chair and Board Director, Linda is also Chair and Commissioner of the NSW Local Government Grants Commission and also is a member of the Director Nomination Committee of IFM Investors. She is also a Chair of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF), Australia’s leading organisation committed to preventing and minimising the harm caused by alcohol and other drugs, a Director of the Powerhouse, the largest museum group in Australia and a Director of the Industry Innovation and Science Australia (IISA).
Linda formerly served as the elected President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), attending National Cabinet and a wide variety of Ministerial councils, alongside the Prime Minister, Premiers and Chief Ministers, and a range of State and Territory Ministers. She was the first woman elected as President of Local Government NSW. Collectively, in these leadership roles she secured more than $25 billion for Australia’s 537 local governments. She has served as the City of Sydney’s Deputy Lord Mayor and a councillor, and on a range of other boards and taskforces, including the Commonwealth Government’s Regional Banking Taskforce, CSIRO’s External Advisory Group on Ending Plastic Waste and the NSW Environmental Trust.
Parental Leave
USU Comms Officer Hannah Mercer gave conference delegates an update on the union’s Paid Parental Leave campaign, reminding members that their voices and stories are powerful tools which can contribute to change.
Women in Adversity
Perhaps the most eye-opening and inspiring session was our Women Defeating Adversity panel. These stories were personal and showed just how tough our members are.
These members led the discussions:
Dr Clare Cochrane, Public Arts Officer, Liverpool City Council:
Dr Clare Cochrane is the Public Arts Officer at Liverpool City Council where she has developed and advocated for programs to increase delivery of high quality public art and legacy opportunities.
She is the proud mum of two young boys and the current President of her sons’ P&C.
Clare has a First Class Honors and Doctorate in Creative Arts. These studies honed her research and investigative skills.
16 years ago Clare started working at Liverpool Council and signed up as a member of the USU. She has been an Indoor Delegate for 13 years, Head Indoor delegate for 8 years and is the current Sydney Metropolitan Branch President.
KATIE WALLACE, Central Coast Council:
I have worked for the Council for over 30 years and have been a union member since 1998. I have served as a delegate for more than 15 years and am currently Vice President of the Newcastle Branch.
Throughout my career, I have consistently supported members across both outdoor and indoor roles, with a strong focus on improving workplace conditions and outcomes. I was also nominated for the Edna Ryan Award several years ago in recognition of my contributions.
Ruth Smallwood, Customer Support Administration Officer, Essential Energy:
Out of adversity comes passion.
I have faced my share of challenges throughout my working life and personal life and those experiences have shaped who I am today. They have strengthened my determination, my sense of fairness and my passion for standing up for myself and others.
There have been times when I felt overwhelmed and uncertain about how to navigate difficult situations. During those times, my union has been there to listen, support me and make sure I knew I wasn’t facing those challenges alone.
My union has given me the confidence to find my voice, understand my rights and stand up for what is fair. That support has made a real difference to me, both personally and professionally.
My experiences with adversity have fuelled my passion for fairness, respect and solidarity. I believe every
worker deserves to be heard, treated with dignity and to know that someone has their back.
Active and Engaged Delegates
The most inspiring part of the conference was the delegates themselves. Women’s Officer Danielle Kelly thanked the delegates and Women’s committee for the enormous contribution they make towards the successful campaigns of the union.
“We are already firing up for next year!”
“The Women’s conference is the highlight of my Union year. Thank you to all who work tirelessly every year to bring us such a positive, supportive and fun time.”
“Each session was great! such a wide range of topics – the panels were amazing! Food was great! Exceptional speakers . Loved it!”
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