Conference is an important date on the USU calendar and this year was no exception. It was the first year members from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander group attended and it has proved to be one of our best conferences ever. Manager North Stephen Hughes has been attending the Union’s conferences since the mid 1980’s when he was a Delegate and later a State Executive member between 1993 to 1997 and then as an Organiser between 1998 to 2002 and ever since as the Northern Manager.
“Our conferences have changed significantly over the years but in my opinion the 2024 conference was the best run, and I had the most positive feedback from attendees.
“Our new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander group attendees contacted me after the conference and were full of praise for how it went and for the honour of being both invited and recognised by conference.
“It will be hard to beat this conference in the future.”
In particular our members found the address by Branch Secretary WA Branch ASU Wayne Wood inspiring.
Thanks for a great three days, it was an informative and interesting to hear all the guest speakers get up and talk.
Special thanks to Wayne for sharing his story again, I’m sure there were some very uncomfortable people in that room listening ot you talk.
A big thanks to you Stephen for supporting us all, we are lucky to have someone like you running the committee.
I enjoyed meeting you all in person. I was proud to sit with you.
I also want to thank Stephen. It is good to see, what I think will be a huge step in the right direction for USU. Thank you Stephen.
I also like say that I respect Graeme and consider him to be a close friend.
Thank you for your hospitality
I agree with Perry’s sentiments, and I thank you Stephen, very much, for the time and all the effort that you put in to making this happen.
Personally I thoroughly enjoyed the last couple of days and was especially impressed with Graeme Kelly’s speeches.
I felt he spoke straight from the heart and meant every word that he said. Hope to see you all again soon. Thanks again
As Perry as said it was an absolute pleasure and honour to attend my 1st USU conference.
We all appreciate Stephen’s hard work to pull us all in from all the different LGAs across our state.
To hear Wayne’s story highlighted how someone who has risen to be a strong union leader is a testament to the proud indigenous man you are.
Onwards and upwards to the USU ATSI delegates, stay in touch bra’s.
Hi Stephen
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be a part of the 2024 USU conference showcasing our newly formed ATSI Committee , which you put together over the past 12 months.
Due to your hard work commitment and dedication towards our Group we as a committee were recognised and acknowledge at the conference, which is awesome.
I appreciate everything you have done to get the group / Committee up and running.
Wayne
Thank you also for making yourself available and supporting our cause.
You are a great Role Model. Listening to you speak was a highlight. Appreciate your involvement towards our committee.
We missed out on the YES Vote regarding the referendum
But I believe we got a YES vote from the USU family.
That’s a great start and the only way is forward.
To the Committee members
Great bunch of Men. Deadly to spend time with you all over the three days.
Keep in touch and keep moving forward together.
Brothers forever!!
