Long term Southern Branch Secretary and Shoalhaven Council Delegate Robin Sharpe Resigns from Council and the USU.
For 21 years, Robin Sharpe tirelessly supported us, working her way up from member to Southern Branch Secretary.
Robin has advocated for and supported countless fellow members and delegates.
It’s hard to cut down 21 years’ worth of unionism to one short journal article, so we asked Robin what her proudest moments were – as a delegate and as branch secretary.
Proudest delegate moment? The April 2022 action taken at Shoalhaven council, opposing the contracting out of council jobs. The action led to a strike which saw members picketing council’s administration building. Despite the miserable weather, our members stood firm and maintained the picket line.
Their actions saw council agree to create 22 new, permanent jobs and prioritise secure council jobs over fixed term and labour hire.
Proudest Secretary moment? Effectively organising southern branch meetings and communicating effectively with everyone on the branch. Accommodation bookings, dinner arrangements, other logistical details for the south region’s biggest branch – anyone who has been to a southern branch meeting will appreciate what an enormous task this is, especially for one person!
True to form, while announcing her resignation from Shoalhaven council and consequently the USU at the November Southern Branch meeting, Robin dedicated most of her resignation speech to thanking others – for supporting her, mentoring her and giving advice.
We thank Robin for all her hard work and wish her every success in her new role as Library Manager at TAFE NSW: Nowra campus.
Pictured above: General Secretary Graeme Kelly OAM with Robin Sharpe (Southern branch Secretary, workplace delegate at Shoalhaven City Council) at the November 2024 Southern branch meeting.
Robin braving the rain and cold to speak at Shoalhaven Council’s April 2022 strike action.
Robin standing proud alongside her fellow members at the April 2022 Shoalhaven council strike against council’s use of contract labour.
