It really is my favourite time of the year – well, apart from Christmas and birthdays!

Gathering together with USU Delegates from across NSW is an absolute joy to me. Talking to members about what matters at work and in their lives drives me to do the best possible job as President of our great union.

First with the Women’s Conference where I get the opportunity to talk to other members just like myself – I thought last year’s conference would be hard to beat – but this year it got even better. Thanks to Sandie Morthen and the Women’s Committee for the tremendous amount of work they put into making that event a “must have” on your calendar.

This is followed by two days of networking, listening to speakers, taking part in breakout groups and looking at ways to grow our union. Because it is when we join together that you really hear our roar!

Our conference is all about developing strategies to grow in strength and numbers.

There are so many highlights from Women’s Conference and the Growth Conference I find it hard to isolate a few key events.

Certainly presenting Awards to outstanding delegates like Max Dawson is an absolute highlight. The Delegate of the Year Award as well as the Betty Spears and Edna Ryan Awards topped off by the recognition of a great apprentice/trainee and mentor via our New Gen Awards is such an honour.

Indeed, presenting special members with Lifetime Awards is also an honour. A very personal pleasure I had this year was being able to present former President Glen McAtear with his Lifetime Award at the Conference Dinner. Glen’s shoes were big to fill when I became President but he made sure the transition was easy by working with me as Vice President. Glen has already started to enjoy his well deserved retirement and it was extra special being able to present him with his Award at the home of his beloved Panthers!

We have had some amazing feedback from Delegates about this year’s conference and the strategies the union has developed over the past 12 months to serve our existing members and to welcome new ones. We are already planning for next year’s event – and I can’t wait!

Sharon Sewell
USU President