Between Sunday the 21st of September our Annual USU Women’s Conference was held, going into Monday the 22nd of September when the USU State Conference commenced going through to Wednesday the 24th of September as well as the USU’s State Executive Meeting.
Women’s Conference
The USU Women’s conference heard from twelve very knowledgeable and relevant speakers including a panel of three inspiring Women leaders from Local Government being Morven Cameron ex LMCC General Manager, Lillian Tiddy retired ex Executive Industrial Manager from LGNSW and Sarah Chessor current Manager of People and Culture at LMCC.
These three inspiring female leaders have decades of experience within Local Government and were able to tell their stories as well as answer many great questions from our Women’s Conference attendees. Nine other equally inspiring women also contributed to their sessions at conference.
The Women’s Conference dinner also heard from other inspiring women such as Sam Oaks, who gave her inspiring and emotional story of abuse, neglect and homelessness as a child in the system to one of overcoming adversity and establishing her worthwhile charity, The Formal Project which provides the opportunity for disadvantaged youth to acquire suitable attire to allow them to attend their school formal with dignity. Sam was very understandably emotional when she recounted her journey from abuse, neglect and poverty to one where she helps numerous others. Sam’s charity, The Formal Project has been shown on multiple media sites and channels including a current affair. If you or your organisation are looking for a worthwhile cause to support, The Formal Project is a worthwhile cause.
The USU donated $5000.00 to The Formal Project on the night which led to another emotional show of gratitude for this unexpected donation, which should provide clothing for at least 50 deserving youths.
Awards were given out at the conference and dinner that no doubt will be in an article from the outgoing Women’s Committee Chair, Sandie Morthen. READ MORE HERE
State Conference
This year’s USU State Conference has been somewhat different regarding both the agenda and the guests when compared to our previous conferences.
First, conference heard directly from our Women’s Committee of those issues that have come directly from this year’s USU Women’s Conference and the issues that arose from this conference were a priority of the full State Conference, with an emphasis on those issues that we can campaign on in seeking to attract and retain more women in our industries, by seeking to improve conditions that specifically impact on them such as reproduction leave and dealing with Domestic and Family Violence.
For the first time at our State Conference, we issued our attendees with 10-inch tablets which significantly reduced the cost, time and impact of printing and distributing large volumes of conference paperwork, especially as the cost of the technology has become much more affordable.
Conference paperwork is generally very bulky, which is problematic for those catching flights and often after conference, much of it is discarded.
These new tablets can be used to receive and access more useful Union information and will be a great asset to those who receive them, both at conference, but more importantly when they get back to their workplaces.
Mental Health session
Our Conference also included a session on mental health, in seeking to better educate our Delegates in identifying the early signs of mental health problems, as well as when and how to intervene, in seeking to assist in preventing the mental health issue worsen up to and including possible suicide.
Sadly, the issue of mental health is a growing problem.
We also invited some very important speakers and special guests to this year’s Conference in seeking to expose our Delegates in attendance to major stakeholders in their Industry who they may have heard of but never had the opportunity to hear directly from them and to meet them in person.
Conversely it also provided these special guests with the opportunity to meet with our rank-and-file Delegates and to witness firsthand how this Union is run, as well as being able to share their wisdom and experience.
Local Government Award 2026-2028
The USU Award Log of Claims for the 2026 to 2028 NSW Local Government State Award are due to be exchanged several days after Conference with the NSW Local Government Employer’s Association (LGNSW), with negotiations commencing soon after Conference.
We had a member both from the NSW IRC being Commissioner Muir as well as from the Federal FWC, being Deputy President Judith Wright who in the past was a Union Official for the ASU addressing Conference on State and Federal IR as well as the NSW Minister for IR and Work Health and Safety, the honourable Sophie Cotsis.
The Office of Local Government via Zoe Honeysett, the Director of the Apprentices and Trainees Program, presented a report prior to dinner on the Tuesday night of Conference, demonstrating to all the great success of the investment recently made by the NSW Government and the NSW Premier of $252 Million over the next 4 years which has thus far resulted in a total of 1304 new apprentices/Cadets and Trainees in NSW Councils being employed.
Premier Chris Minns
The Premier himself, the Honourable Chris Minns, addressed Conference directly after the presentation where he was applauded for his commitment to support the USU’s instigation of funding and creating many more opportunities for apprenticeships, traineeships and cadetships in NSW Councils. The Premier spent a significant amount of time personally meeting with numerous conference dinner attendees to talk, shake their hands and to pose for photos with them before finally sitting down to have his dinner.
Great Speakers
We had Senior Industrial Staff from LGNSW attending with the Office of Local Government, some General Managers, Elected Mayors and Councillors and representatives from other Unions and for the first time we included positions for some life members of the USU to also attend enabling them to impart their wisdom to conference based on their decades of experience and commitment.
As mentioned earlier, our Women’s Conference too included many great speakers, with three of those including Lillian Tiddy who for decades was a senior Industrial Manager for LGNSW in a period that saw huge improvements in our Local Government Industry Award as well as very recently retired LMCC General Manager Morven Cameron and the current Manager of People and Culture at LMCC, a Council which provides for better pay and working conditions under their enterprise agreement than that provided under the Award, as well as guaranteeing core employment numbers and a redundancy payment of 76 weeks for any forced redundancies, should they occur.
Lillian, Morven and Sarah provided firsthand experience of Women Leadership today in the workplace, as well as what it was like both at the commencement of their careers and during them in their many years in Local Government.
Stephen Hughes
Acting General Secretary
CHECK OUT OUR YEAR IN REVIEW VIDEO >>>>
Speakers
Our conference was officially opened by Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey and included some key speakers such as:
NSW Premier Chris Minns MP;
Mark Morey – Secretary, Unions NSW;
Zoe Honeysett, Director, Apprentices & Trainees Program – Office of Local Government;
Christopher Muir, Commissioner – Industrial Relations Commission;
Judith Wright, Deputy President – Fair Work Commission;
The Hon. Sophie Cotsis MP – Minister for Industrial Relations & Minister for Work Health & Safety;
Glen Warner – Relationship Manager, Australian Mutual Bank;
Peter Lleonart – Senior Legal Counsel, Carroll & O’Dea;
Kyle Loades – Chairperson, Active Super and
Stephen Rowe – CEO Vision Super
Morven Cameron, Chief Executive Officer – Lake Macquarie Council;
Lillian Tiddy, Executive Manager – LGNSW (retired);
Sarah Chessor, Manager People and Culture – Lake Macquarie Council;
Rebecca Viney, Relationship Manager – Australian Mutual Bank;
Aleisha Nair, Lawyer – Carroll O’Dea;
Anna Watson MP, Member for Shellharbour;
Sally Stevenson, Executive Director, Illawarra Women’s Health Centre;
Dr Karen Williams, Psychiatrist & Special Advisor on Mental Health – Illawarra Women’s Health Centre;
Melinda Gibson, Client Relationship Manager – Vision Super;
Alecia Spoors, Ataris – Art Therapist
Life members
These members were awarded Lifetime membership at Conference.
Jim O’Malley, North Western Branch Warrumbungle Shire Council
Gerard Carr and Robert Barrett, Energy & Utilities Branch Goldenfields Water
Sinead Francis-Coen, NSW C&A Branch NTEU
Brad Bassett, Southern Branch Sutherland Shire Council
Robin Sharpe, Southern Branch Shoalhaven City Council
Vicki Hodges, Southern Branch Bega Valley Shire Council
Pictured right: The family of Executive Member Jim O’Malley was presented with his Award at the Conference Dinner.
About Jim O’Malley, North Western Branch Warrumbungle Shire Council
The North Western Branch nominates James (Jim) O’Malley for Life Membership of the United Services Union. Jim unfortunately passed away on 24 May 2025 and the Life Membership will be awarded posthumously.
Jim joined the then Municipal Employees Union (MEU) on 16 May 1999 working his way through the system to become the Trade Supervisor at Warrumbungle Shire Council.
Jim was a staunch Trade unionist becoming a workplace delegate at both Coolah and Warrumbungle Shire Councils in the North Western Branch.
Jim joined the North Western Branch Committee of Management in March 2010 representing Warrumbungle council.
Jim held the following AEC elected positions:
- To North Western Branch: 30 May 2011
- As Alternate Delegate to Conference: 30 May 2011
- Delegate to Conference: 17 June 2015
- Election to Executive: 16 May 2019
- National Conference Delegate: 16 May 2019
Jim was a highly respected member, delegate, branch delegate, conference delegate and Executive member who always put the members of the Union first.
Jim continually advocated for a better work life balance for all members across the Union no matter where they worked.
Jim’s passing is devastating news, we have lost a
wonderful comrade.
About Gerard Carr and Robert Barrett, Energy & Utilities Branch Goldenfields Water
This nomination is an extraordinary and uncommon motion from the Energy & Utilities Branch. We proudly and unanimously nominate both Gerard and Robert for Life Membership of the United Services Union in a single, joint motion. While each has demonstrated exceptional commitment in their own right, their service to the Union and our members has been so closely intertwined that their achievements are best recognised together.
Gerard joined the USU on 6 August 2002 and remained a member until re-tirement around 6 December 2023. He is still a member of the Retired members Club – Murray.
Robert Barrett joined the USU on 9 January 2001 and has remained a financial member even after retirement in 2024.
Union Leadership and Award Achievements
Gerard and Robert were instrumental in one of the most significant industrial achievements in our region, the successful establishment of an Enterprise Award at Goldenfields Water. Without their unwavering dedication, this outcome would not have been possible.
They worked tirelessly with our members. Gathering vital information, developing and articulating claims, coordinating meetings, and maintaining open lines of communication day and night. Their leadership and persistence ensured the Award delivered industry-leading wages and working conditions, a legacy that benefits members to this day.
Courage and Campaigning Against Hostile Management
Across their time at Goldenfields, Gerard and Robert witnessed many changes in leadership; some positive, others less so. During a particularly hostile period under a General Manager known for vexatious behaviour and repeated attacks on members’ hard-fought conditions, both men again stepped up to lead.
Faced with a litany of unfounded allegations and a clear agenda to erode the Enterprise Award, Gerard and Robert mobilised our membership and our outdoor delegates. What followed was a hard-fought, disciplined, and strategic campaign, industrial stoppages, numerous Commission matters, and a wave of media coverage that gave voice to our members’ frustration.
Their efforts paid off. In a moment that remains memorable to all involved, the General Manager simply failed to return to work and word quickly spread that he was gone. This was a moment of real justice, brought about by strong union values, fearless advocacy, and member solidarity led by Gerard and Robert.
About Sinead Francis-Coen, NSW C&A Branch NTEU
That the United Services Union awards Life Membership posthumously to Sinead Evelyn Francis-Coan, in recognition of their extraordinary service, dedication, and contribution to the USU, and in acknowledgment that their untimely passing prevented them from reaching the formal threshold for Life Membership.
Life Membership Nomination – Sinead Francis-Coan
Life Membership in the United Services Union is traditionally awarded to individuals who have rendered outstanding and dedicated service to the organisation over a significant period of time, typically no less than 20 years as stipulated in our rules.
Sinead Evelyn Francis-Coan demonstrated exceptional commitment, leadership, and service to the United Services Union, and to the broader union movement throughout her years of active involvement. Sinead made substantial contributions that had a lasting positive impact on our organisation, and to her own community. It was widely anticipated and supported by the Branch that Sinead would be nominated for Life Membership upon meeting the required minimum years of service.
Sinead joined the USU Women’s Committee in 2018 and quickly became a core member who contributed above and beyond expectations. Current members of the committee have stated that Sinead was the heart of the committee. She continuously drove the participants to set high goals and contributed to the achievement of these. This included two successful campaigns around domestic violence awareness and assistance.
Tragically, Sinead passed away on 23 June 2025. Had it not been for her untimely death, the Branch acknowledges she would have fulfilled the required years to be awarded life membership.
This motion seeks to honour Sinead’s legacy and acknowledges her exceptional service to the USU. Granting this honorary recognition posthumously not only reflects the spirit and intent of our Life Membership criteria but also serves to affirm the value we place on commitment, integrity, and community impact.
About Brad Bassett, Southern Branch Sutherland Shire Council
Brad began his activism as a Union delegate not long after joining the Union. He has been a member of the Union for 42 years and remains active with the Union as a retired member.
Brad was an elected delegate to the Southern Branch with contributions about what was occurring at his Council along with letting the Branch know how he and his family were going racing his race cars.
Brad was a consistent attendee at Consultative Committees, where he has seen General Managers and Directors come and go with all their great new ideas on how they were going to improve the Council and make work more efficient for our members. Brad was the person at those Committee meetings who methodically but politely informed the “newbies” “we have tried this in the past and it didn’t work, why do you think it will work now?”, to the annoyance of those who were presenting proposed changes to the Committee.
Brad made the work for officials relatively easy, if meetings needed to be arranged, he sorted it out, if a member needed representation, Brad was by their side, if a manager needed a touch-up, Brad took care of that.
He was and is a highly respected delegate and union activist at the Council – General Managers, Directors and our membership sought him out for his opinions and views which they mostly took on board.
He was the driving force for our members’ annual Picnic Day activities at Sutherland, ensuring members and their families were able to get together and enjoy a day away from work with their families and workmates.
There is the other side of Brad that surfaced when he believed one of our members were being treated badly at the workplace, his representation at meetings on behalf of members and the Union was respectful but forceful, I don’t think he knew how to take a step back but this attitude resulted in countless members successfully defeating management on whatever claim they were making.
Brad made sure he got around the Council to see our members and new starters, taking these opportunities to recruit new members and recruit delegates and activists, he was so successful in doing this that he would know what was happening in a section of Council before a lot of management even knew.
We recommend Brad Bassett for Life Membership to our Union for his dedication and support of our Union and the Membership at Sutherland Shire Council.
About Robin Sharpe, Southern Branch Shoalhaven City Council
The Southern Branch move that Robin Sharpe be accepted as a Life Member of the USU. Robin has excelled as a workplace delegate and a Branch Delegate including holding the role of Secretary.
Robin Sharpe was a USU member for 21 years, having joined us in April 2003.
In those 21 years, Robin worked her way up from rank and file member to Southern branch Secretary.
Robin was on the Southern Branch committee for 14.5 years. For nine and a half of those, she was Branch Secretary.
In Robin’s 21 years of service to the United Services Union, she advocated for and supported countless fellow members and delegates.
Robin’s proudest moment as a delegate was the April 2022 action taken at Shoalhaven council, opposing the contracting out of council jobs.
The action led to a strike, during which members picketed council’s administration building.
As a result, council agreed to create 22 new, permanent jobs and prioritise secure council jobs over fixed term and labour hire.
As Southern branch secretary, Robin booked everyone’s accommodation, dinner arrangements and other logistical details for every Southern branch meeting. This is an enormous task for one person yet everyone was looked after.
In every role Robin took on for the union, she excelled and the union thanks Robin for her hard work and dedication.
In recognition of her efforts, it was moved at the Southern branch’s March 2025 meeting that Robin receive Life Membership.
About Vicki Hodges, Southern Branch Bega Valley Shire Council
The Southern Branch move that Vicki Hodges be certified a life member of the USU.
Vicki joined our union on 6 March 2006 and in that time became a long term, respected, delegate and a Southern Branch member where she sat on the front bench as Vice President.
Being a strong advocate for women’s rights in the workplace Vicki joined the Women’s Committee and was a proud active member.
Vicki was an asset to our Union and has been missed since departing from Bega Council. The assistance she would offer to our southern office and officials was outstanding, she was always ready to take on any issues that came up in the workplace. This only touches the surface of what Vicki has done for our Union and for that reason, deserves Life Membership.
CERTIFICATE OF MERIT : Craig Peate Northern Branch Tweed Shire Council
Craig Peate | Revenue and Recoveries Coordinator – Corporate Services.
Craig retired last August after being a member of the USU for 43 years.
Craig joined 13/11/81, three years after he started work at Council as a Clerk.
Craig has been on the board of Active Super for 13 years representing the USU and has been the chair of various committees whilst on the board.
In recognition of his long commitment ot the United Services Union and its members, the Northern Branch moves that Craig Peate be nominated for a Certificate of Merit.
Delegate of the Year
Our delegates are the heart and soul of the union. They all work hard for fellow members day in and day out. We recognise these outstanding delegates who were nominated for Delegate of the Year. This years winner was Laurie Canty (read more here)
Owen Carolus, Waverley Council Sydney Metro Branch
Alison Page, Coffs Harbour Council Northern Branch
Chris Harvey, Ausgrid Energy & Utilities Branch
Rebecca Kolkman, Slater & Gordon NSW C&A Branch
Laurie Canty, Goulburn Mulwaree Council Southern Branch
Pictured right: Laurie Canty was presented with the Delegate of the Year Award at Conference.
About Owen Carolus Waverley Council Sydney Metro Branch
Owen Carolus is a long-standing delegate at Waverley Council and has consistently dealt with Council on a number of matters, always standing strong on the importance of solidarity and collective action.
Owen is always there for members, willing to do whatever he can do to assist them and get the best outcome possible. More recently, Owen has been instrumental in getting Council to agree to renegotiate their 15 year old EBA, and he has personally taken time out of his normal workdays to spread EBA material throughout as many workplaces at Council as possible. Owen also ensures that all new starters in the Civil and Trades areas join the USU.
Owen is selfless and principled in his approach to his role as a delegate. Owen always advocates on behalf of all members and does whatever he can to push for better pay and conditions across Council.
Owen wears his heart on his sleeve and he does not take a backward step when he deals with management. He is steadfast and uncompromising and all members at Waverley Council benefit from Owen’s commitment to union values and to pursuing what is fair.
About Alison Page Coffs Harbour Council Northern Branch
Alison is totally dedicated to her role as a USU delegate. Alison has set up and assisted with campaigns, encouraged new membership, outlined low density areas of membership, ensured quality communication, empowered members, represented the USU in a positive light and has gone above and beyond to provide quality information to her members and organiser.
Alison volunteers her time outside her ordinary hours to gather important data for industrial updates and has been known to counsel members through challenging times. For a current dispute at council, Alison thoroughly investigated to obtain information from as far back as 1994 and used it to develop a spreadsheet, this took upward of 10 hours to complete, outside of ordinary working hours, and has helped provide clear evidence which will assist the Industrial team in the dispute.
When an outdoor delegate was unavailable to attend a yard meeting, Alison turned up at 7:00am (outside of her ordinary hours) to address the yard and introduce herself to members that she had not met.
Alison is also an active branch member (organised all the shirts for the branch) and attends the Women’s Conference – ensuring all relevant information is passed on to members. She is an extremely positive person, highly dedicated and is an absolute pleasure to engage with. She is always looking out for members and is the first point of call for many people within her organisation.
Alison has no other motive other than wanting to help people, and as such is a fantastic nominee for this award.
About Chris Harvey Ausgrid Energy & Utilities Branch
Chris Harvey embodies the very best qualities of unionism through his tireless, selfless, and passionate advocacy for his fellow workers at Ausgrid, as a proud delegate of the United Services Union (USU).
Chris has consistently placed the interests of members before his own. His deep sense of principle, unwavering leadership, and infectious energy have made him a cornerstone of union activity within Ausgrid. Whether he’s advocating for improved conditions, challenging unjust practices, or supporting colleagues during dispute processes, Chris approaches every issue with integrity and a clear focus on members’ rights, protections, and interests.
Throughout the recent bargaining period, Chris played a critical role in not only ensuring strong representation for members, but also in driving conversations around union values and collective strength. He was instrumental in leading policy renewal discussions, pushing back against regressive proposals, and ensuring the voice of workers was not only heard but respected.
Chris’s dedication is not driven by recognition or reward. His selflessness, principles, and unwavering commitment to the movement are what make him stand out. He leads by example, never shying away from the hard conversations and always willing to go the extra mile for his fellow workers.
About Rebecca Kolkman Slater & Gordon NSW C&A Branch
Rebecca has recently become an incredibly hard-working delegate at Slater & Gordon in Penrith, a site which was previously cold for the USU. When Rebecca joined the USU, she became the only member on site and took it upon herself to change that and grow the membership, agreeing to first become their bargaining representative in EBA negotiations, and later becoming their delegate during the bargaining.
Rebecca has taken her site at Slaters Penrith from having just her as a member to now having 10 members. Rebecca is a tireless advocate for the USU. Her persistence that Slaters staff join the USU has resulted in many long-term potential members joining the Union after having a conversation with her, including some stubborn hold outs! Rebecca is also active with new staff who start at the Penrith office, meeting with them one on one to have a recruitment conversation and showing persistence in gaining them as a member.
Rebecca worked incredibly hard during the 2024-25 EBA negotiations, advocating not just for her office, but also for legal assistants across the country in negotiating an increase to classification pay rates for them and for law clerks in the firm. Rebecca became a subject matter expert in negotiations and spoke passionately on behalf of her colleagues to advocate for improvements to their working conditions. In doing so, Rebecca proudly flew the flag for the USU in front of her ASU colleagues, impressing them and the leadership of the ASU. Rebecca shares ownership in the great wins that were achieved for ASU members across the country in the new EBA, including substantial increases for legal assistants.
About Laurie Canty Goulburn Mulwaree Council Southern Branch
Laurie has been a USU member for over 40 years and a member of the Southern Branch since its inception.
Laurie has been the driving force at Goulburn Mulwaree Council in recruiting new members. Every new staff member is approached by Laurie to join the Union and followed up if they haven’t joined on initial contact.
Laurie has had Council mapped for recruitment purposes, but this wasn’t just done by Laurie on his own, Laurie only needs to ask a member to undertake a task for the Union and the respect he has gained at his workplace results in Laurie having a large member activist group he can call on at any time.
Laurie has utilised this activist group to campaign within his workplace to reduce the use of casuals and labour hire staff. He and the activist group obtained information on the use of contractors within the Council and then commenced agitating for work to remain within Council, this agitation has been successful to date, but the work continues for Laurie and members on this front.
As a long standing employee of Council along with being the delegate, Laurie has gained the respect not only of members at Council but also from Management, to the extent that Laurie is often contacted by General Managers, Directors, Human Resources and other Managers seeking his opinion on all types of proposed changes and incidents that may have involved USU members. Laurie’s opinions are more often than not accepted resulting in good outcomes for the membership. As a Branch Delegate and a Delegate at Goulburn Mulwaree Council, Laurie has and continues to demonstrate all the positive attributes of a hard working dedicated Union Delegate.
CHECK OUT CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
