The following members were awarded Life Membership of the United Services Union for their outstanding contribution to the union.

Jeff Wearing from Wollongong City Council was at Conference to receive his Award. We congratulate these outstanding USU members.

Jeff commenced his career with Wollongong City Council in 1986 in Parks and Turfcare. He joined the then Municipal Employees’ Union shortly after commencing employment and quickly became an active and committed union member. In 1996, Jeff was elected as a workplace delegate, beginning what would become decades of dedicated representation and advocacy for his fellow workers.

At the time, Jeff was employed in a salaried position and was motivated to become a delegate because he believed that simply standing on the sidelines was not enough. Dissatisfied with decisions being made by Council management, he chose to become actively involved, recognising that meaningful change could only be achieved through strong workplace organisation and collective action. That philosophy defined his approach throughout his union career.

One of Jeff’s most significant contributions was his leadership during the unification of the union’s membership at Wollongong City Council. Working closely with fellow delegates, including Scott Petersen, Jeff played an instrumental role in bringing together what had historically been separate groups of salaried and wages employees into a single, united branch. He also contributed significantly to the consolidation of multiple industrial instruments into a single Wollongong City Council Enterprise Agreement. That agreement continues to be regarded as one of the strongest and most comprehensive local government industrial agreements in New South Wales and stands as a lasting legacy of the work undertaken by Jeff and his fellow delegates.

Jeff’s leadership and commitment were recognised by his peers through his election as President of the Wollongong City Council Delegates’ Committee. He was also elected to the Southern Branch of the union, where he served with distinction as Branch Treasurer for many years, helping to strengthen the branch and support its members.

In 2014, Jeff was elected to the Executive of the United Services Union as the Southern Branch representative. He served on the Executive for two terms, providing thoughtful leadership and representing the interests of members across the Southern Branch until he began transitioning towards retirement.

Throughout his career, Jeff earned the respect of members and colleagues alike as a principled, approachable and highly effective union representative. He was instrumental in protecting and improving the wages, conditions and rights of employees at Wollongong City Council while also mentoring and encouraging a new generation of delegates and workplace leaders. His willingness to share his experience and knowledge has left a lasting impact on both the workplace and the Union.

Reflecting on his years of service, Jeff said:

“Being a delegate of the USU has been one of my career highlights. I always enjoyed helping out our members (well, most of them….). I continue to remain a retired member of the union and consider a number of people I have met along the way as true lifelong friends.”

This sentiment captures the spirit with which Jeff served—dedicated to helping others, deeply committed to the union, and valuing the friendships and solidarity forged through the labour movement.

Jeff Wearing’s decades of distinguished service, unwavering commitment to union values and significant contribution to the strength of the United Services Union make him a thoroughly deserving recipient of Life Membership. His legacy will continue to benefit members for many years to come.

Noel Martin, United Services Union, Sydney Metropolitan Branch

Noel Martin commenced employment as a then 15-year-old on the 2nd of February 1982 at Maitland City Council as an apprentice Gardener.

Noel joined then then MEU in August 1982, however our records list him as joining officially on the 2nd of January 1983.

In 1987,  at the age of 20, Noel completed his apprenticeship and was elected as a wages delegate at Council.

Noel participated on Council’s Union Picnic Committee, OH&S Committee, Consultative Committee and Award Implementation Committee during which time he represented the Union and his fellow members at Council, including organising and participating in various local campaigns which  resulted in improved workplace conditions.

Noel was elected onto the Newcastle Branch Committee of Management representing his Council attending Branch Meetings as well as State Conferences of the Union.

In May 1997 Noel was seconded to work as an Acting Organiser where he was later appointed full time on the 8th of December 1997.

Whilst in his secondment position, Noel gave evidence in July 1997 on behalf of MEU members at a Public Enquiry that resulted in the sacking of the elected Maitland City Councillors.

In 1998 Noel conducted his first arbitrated proceedings against Maitland City Council regarding Council’s Salary System with the result leading to significant backpay for eligible members at Council.

Noel was appointed to the position of Northern Industrial Officer in June 1999.

In the 1999-2001 period the then NSW  State Labor Government sought to strip NSW Councils of their State Road Funding to put it instead out to contract, this would have decimated many Councils’ Construction and Maintenance Crews. Noel played a significant leading role in the campaign that defeated this move by then then State Roads Minister Michael Costa.

Noel has participated successfully in numerous overwhelmingly successful campaigns over the years.

As the Northern Industrial Officer, Noel has run and overseen numerous disputes in the NSW IRC over the years as well as in Anti-Discrimination and other tribunals and forums, where he has been overwhelmingly successful.

Noel established a very pragmatic and respectful working relationship in the NSW IRC over the years starting with the then Commissioner Redman, as well as the now late Commissioner Stanton and the now retired Deputy President Harrison as well as a number of Commissioners and Deputy Presidents from the Sydney IRC.

Noel has attended and given evidence on multiple occasions in Public and Upper House Inquiries on various matters.

Noel was a long-term member of the ALP and sat on the NSW Country Labor Executive for 20 years.

Noel participated in the Newcastle Industrial Relations Society where he promoted many issues relevant to our members and the Union, particularly regarding Local Government.

Noel was able to attend Newcastle University as a guest speaker to address law students, particularly in relation to the art of finding a suitable resolution in Industrial Disputation.

Noel was an elected USU Delegate attending many ASU Conferences.

Noel also attended decades of ALP State and Federal Conferences representing the Union. Noel mentored numerous Union Officials over the years, introducing them to the correct processes when dealing with Grievances and Disputes, particularly in the IRC.

The USU Organiser Dispute Checklist was developed by Noel to be used when matters couldn’t be resolved at the local level.

Noel was a strong advocate for mental health in the workplace.

Noel dealt with several very serious family tragedies over the years yet still remained committed and resilient enough to continue to look after the Union’s members.

Noel officially retires on the 22nd of February 2027 ending a 45-year career predominately either in Local Government or representing members of our Union within Local Government.

He is a very deserving nominee for Life Membership with 43 years of membership and 39 years of activism as a MEU/USU Member, Delegate and Official.

Luis Navarro NSW Nurses & Midwives Assoc. NSW C&A Branch

Luis Alfredo Navarro, known as Alfredo, was a hard-working member of the NSW C&A Branch, elected in 2019 to represent members from the NSW Nurses & Midwives’ Association after a year as a delegate in the workplace, and rising to the rank of Secretary of the branch in 2023.

Alfredo was a passionate delegate and could always be relied on to steadfastly represent members in the workplace, often taking on serious matters involving termination, bullying and harassment, overwork, and workplace health and safety matters to ensure his colleagues were kept safe and well looked after in the workplace.

Alfredo also worked incredibly hard in EBA negotiations whilst a delegate, chairing the log of claims committee and then bargaining committee, and taking a leading role in negotiations with the General Secretary of the NSWNMA. Alfredo never wavered in his duty to uphold members’ rights, often putting him in direct conflict with the General Secretary and other members of leadership within the NSWNMA. Alfredo was always willing to cop whatever flak came his way from representing members and did so with a smile on his face.

Alfredo was also a mentor to other delegates, both within the NSWNMA and on the C&A BCOM. His guidance to new delegates in particular allowed them to grow in confidence and ability and led to a growth in membership in new areas across the organisation.

Alfredo was an active member of the C&A BCOM, regularly raising policy development and ideas to grow the union across our sectors. His contributions were well thought out and received, and he worked with all members of the BCOM in building union campaigns. Alfredo was elected unopposed and unanimously by acclamation as Secretary of the NSW C&A BCOM in June 2023. Alfredo was also a passionate advocate for LGBTIQA+ issues

Alfredo’s life was tragically cut short in late 2023 while overseas on a well-deserved holiday with his long-term partner BK. He is deeply missed by his colleagues, former colleagues, USU staff and fellow BCOM members.

If not for his passing, it is extremely likely Alfredo would have been a USU member for well in excess of the 20-year requirement for life members. Alfredo’s exemplary service to the USU and the NSW C&A BCOM warrant the awarding of life membership posthumously.

The NSW C&A BCOM formally recommends Luis Alfredo Navarro for posthumous life membership of the USU.

Tony Fuller Walgett Shire Council North Western Branch

Tony commenced work with Walgett Shire Council in April 1986.  Coming from a farming background, he quickly discovered that local government operated in a very different environment.

Early in his employment, Tony found himself in difficulty as he worked to understand council processes and workplace arrangements.  He sought guidance from local MEU delegate Len Howard, who helped  him  understand the Award and how it applied in practice.

Tony began assisting Len in his delegate duties, when Len retired 12  months later Tony stepped into the  role himself.  He took the responsibility seriously, viewing it as an important way to keep management accountable and to ensure members were properly represented.

Through Tony’s leadership, Walgett Shire Council soon achieved 100% union membership. In 1996, Award restructuring was introduced across councils, with a set timeframe for compliance. Walgett Shire Council attempted to delay implementation and resist the change. When Council eventually complied, staff became entitled to back payments; however, Council refused to pay them. In response, Tony initiated a vote of no confidence  in council management, followed by a one-day strike that achieved 100%  participation from members.

Tony was later advised by a long-serving deputy engineer that this was the first industrial action taken by staff in more than 50 years. Through his perseverance, courage and diligence as a delegate, Tony secured back payments for all staff at Council.

Tony’s more than 30 years of service as a workplace delegate at Walgett Shire Council is a remarkable example of commitment, integrity and advocacy. He consistently put members before himself and worked to ensure they were treated with dignity, respect and fairness.

His contribution deserves strong recognition and commendation.

Col Myers Canterbury Bankstown Council Sydney Metropolitan Branch 

Col Myers has worked in Local Government for 61 years, a union member for much of that time. He has had a dedicated, proud and on occasion colourful career in NSW Councils. Col is the true embodiment of a Council worker and a NSW public servant – kind, selfless, absolutely supportive of his community and with a great sense of mateship that has created a wonderful sense of a united family everywhere he worked, but especially at Canterbury and the amalgamated Canterbury-Bankstown Council where he has worked for more than 30 years.

Many a member, Council leader, Elected Councillor and even a government minister have said that ‘Col represents the very best of public service’. He has been a dedicated Union member throughout his working life, and a proud and incredibly active United Services Union Delegate for more than three decades. Col operated with such integrity and respect that he uniquely held complete trust both from the organisations he represented members in and with the members he fiercely advocated for. He was able to read every relationship and situation with professionalism and a sharp eye- which many who know him say he had from the beginning of his working life. Col also knew when to call things out and when to ask members and Councils to take responsibility, which honed that respect for his views that made him the go-to voice of Council. This respect earned him the affectionate nickname of “number 1” at Canterbury and then Canterbury Bankstown Councils from members.

As a Union Delegate, and Sydney Metropolitan Branch Delegate Col worked to improve communication and consultation mechanisms at the Councils for the betterment of members and the organisation. He built up strong co-delegates and encouraged policy and procedure improvements where changes were being made.

Col was pivotal in steering the membership through the Council amalgamations- supporting all members and ensuring their anxiety and uncertainty about the future was both acknowledged by the leadership but also addressed at all levels so workers were protected through the significant changes. Col built such respect from Council leadership and recognition of the members’ collective power to the point where if he called the Chief Executive Officer, they knew to answer and to listen to his concerns.

Col also created an unshakable sense of community in the membership he represented- he held 100% union membership in the departments he worked in over his Delegate career, he built respect for the Union at all levels of his Councils and in the wider community, and he fostered friendship and mateship amongst the membership – including:

  • Having Council set up a dedicated Union meeting space at the main Leslie Street Depot for members to come and meet him in the mornings and work to resolve issues and feel supported.
  • Organising and running the very popular local tipping competitions.
  • Running a popular and successful social club with events and prizes and support for members when they needed it.

Col’s service to the community and dedication to his role as a Union Delegate cannot be understated, he has worked tirelessly and passionately for members for decades to foster a strong Union voice, presence, and reputation in all his time at his Councils and for these reasons and with the support of the Canterbury Bankstown Membership we nominate him for life membership of the mighty USU.

Peter O’Connor Wollongong City Council Southern Branch 

Peter commenced employment with Wollongong City Council on 15 October 1985 and has dedicated much of his working life to representing and advocating for his fellow workers. For more than 25 years and likely in excess of 30 years, he has served as a Union Delegate providing steadfast representation, support and leadership to members in the workplace.

Throughout his long period of service Peter has also served on the Committee of Management, been an active member of the Southern Branch for approximately 15 years and has held the position of Vice President of Wollongong’s internal delegate branch for around 10 years. In each of these roles, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the principles of trade unionism and the strength of collective action. Peter has played a role in negotiating successive EAs at Wollongong City Council, including what he regards, and many members would agree, to be one of the strongest local government Enterprise Agreements in NSW.

Over many years, Peter has consistently held management accountable, ensuring members’ rights have been defended and that workplace issues have been robustly challenged when necessary. He has earned a reputation as a passionate, outspoken advocate who has never hesitated to be a strong voice for members who may not otherwise have been heard. Perhaps Peter’s greatest legacy has been his commitment to maintaining a strong, active and highly unionised workplace at Wollongong City Council. Through his commitment and example, he has helped foster a proud culture of solidarity and collective action that continues to benefit members today. Peter O’Connor’s decades of service exemplify the values of the United Services Union and its predecessor, the Municipal Employees’ Union.

Kevin Crebert Cessnock Council Newcastle Branch

Kevin Crebert commenced employment with Cessnock City Council as a Tree Services Officer on the 18th of October 1999.

Early in his career, Kevin had the privilege of working alongside David Williams and Les Coyle, who were the Union delegates at the time (both of whom were awarded Life Membership of the USU on their retirement). They introduced Kevin to the United Services Union (USU) and provided valuable guidance and support. After several years as a member, Kevin became a USU delegate, and together he worked collaboratively with his fellow USU Delegates and USU Officials to represent and support outdoor staff across Council.

As USU Delegates, David, Les and Kevin were actively involved in Enterprise Agreement negotiations and regularly met with their fellow USU members to discuss workplace matters and advocate on their behalf.  Kevin’s primary responsibility was organising depot and yard meetings, ensuring, outdoor crews were informed about key issues, upcoming events and Union activities.  Les and Kevin also represented the USU on the Cessnock City Council Consultative Committee.

Following Les Coyle’s retirement Kevin assumed many of his responsibilities and progressed to being the Head USU Outdoor Delegate and represented his fellow USU members on the Newcastle Branch as well as at the USU State Conference.  In this role, he served on the Job Evaluation Committee, Consultative Committee and Safety Committee. Kevin also represented outdoor staff in workplace disputes and conflict resolution matters which unfortunately occurred under very hostile HR and Management for much of that time.

Kevin, due to some personal circumstances, temporarily stepped down from his official role as a USU Delegate when he transferred to Council’s Waste Services division.  Upon returning to the Parks and Gardens section,  he quickly resumed his position as the Head USU Outdoor Delegate and rejoined both Council’s Job Evaluation and Consultative Committees.

Throughout this period, Kevin continued to support and represent outdoor staff by:

  • Organising and facilitating regular depot and yard meetings.
  • Maintaining and updating Union noticeboards at the depot.
  • Coordinating information sessions for staff with representatives from Vision Super and the USU.
  • Advocating for members in workplace matters and disputes.

As stated earlier, Kevin also succeeded USU Head Delegate Les Coyle as the branch management representative where he attended the Newcastle Branch meetings initially in Newcastle and later in Rutherford when the USU office was relocated, a role Kevin held until his retirement on the 19th of June 2026.

Over the course of Kevin’s Union involvement, he participated in several significant industrial disputes,  including proceedings in the NSW IRC in both Newcastle and Sydney. One notable achievement was the successful resolution of the “three-minute rule” matter, where Council had not been compensating outdoor staff for an additional three minutes per day they had been working over an extended period.

The Union was also instrumental  in  negotiations surrounding changes to working hours. When the transition from a 43-hour week to a 38-hour week was introduced in the mid 1990’s by the then Local Organiser Graeme Kelly now USU General Secretary, we successfully secured grandfathering arrangements that enabled existing outdoor staff to retain their 43-hour working conditions when Council had sought to move back to a 38-hour week, while new employees commenced under the 38-hour framework. Through ongoing advocacy, outdoor staff have continued to maintain these conditions, contributing significantly to the attractiveness of employment with Cessnock Council.

Throughout Kevin’s time as a USU Delegate, he had the pleasure of working closely with USU organiser Luke Hutchinson.  Through Luke’s commitment and support, significant outcomes were achieved during Enterprise Agreement negotiations, including:

  • Multiple wage increases for staff.
  • One of the strongest superannuation contribution arrangements in the state.
  • Flexible work arrangements for indoor staff.
  • Improved sick leave provisions.
  • Numerous other enhancements to employee conditions and benefits.

Reflecting on his more than 26 years of service, Kevin states that it has been a privilege to represent and support his fellow USU members.  He is proud of the positive outcomes that were achieved together and the lasting improvements made to the working conditions, benefits and wellbeing of Council staff.

Kim Noack Liverpool City Council Metropolitan Branch

On the 4th of March 2004, Kim started her first day on the job at Liverpool Council and signed herself up as a USU member before lunchtime. Kim is union through and through. She is passionate about social justice, refuses to stay silent when there is disparity and has no time for inequality. Working in customer service ensured that Kim’s passion for community, equality and a fair go has never wavered. Kim is a fierce and unflinching advocate, both in the workplace and for her children. Never one to turn a blind eye to injustice, Kim has been the voice for those that are silenced and overlooked. Her no-nonsense approach is tempered by an infectious laugh and a sense of humour that would make a wharfie blush.

Kim has a tenacity and passion for what is right, in all fairness she couldn’t walk away even if she tried. Kim has always been at the front of industrial advocacy in her workplace; she fights the good fight. Representing our USU Kim has been on the front line of rallies, deep in the trenches, supporting countless campaigns, taking on leadership, and going head-to-head against hostile privatisation in the workplace. Her genuine nature, integrity and passion for the USU and its members have made her a fierce member, delegate and Women’s Committee representative.

Kim embodies an unwavering commitment to workers’ rights, a fair go and an unwavering commitment to honesty and transparency. Whether from Councillors, CEO’s, Directors, or colleagues Kim is an equaliser, she calls a spade a spade, she has no time for dishonesty or shady manoeuvring. Kim has a natural ability to put people at ease; she brings laughter and a sense of compassion to all her interactions and has often diffused tense situations or inspired members when hope is low with her mischievous smile and a glint in her eyes.

As a customer services officer Kim is at the coal face of Local Government. As all of you would know this is a thankless role, one where you experience firsthand mostly the worst of people. The desperate, the irate, the despairing, and those for whom this may be the only human contact they have in an isolated world. These are also the staff most overlooked and downtrodden and with Kim’s booming voice and wicked joy Kim fought for them to receive better conditions. She refused to be treated as a second-class worker and shone a spotlight on the poor conditions she and her colleagues faced. Kim refused to be invisible and would not stand for others to be ignored and taken advantage of.

Kim’s determination to advocate and secure a fair go for those in the workplace traditionally silenced was never more clearly displayed than in the battle against a private company engaged to run several Council Departments. This privatisation was a direct attack on workers’ hard won Award rights and aimed to isolate them from basic rights identified by Council policy and procedures. The aim of the company was to sever the areas from Council entirely and control every aspect of Kim and her colleagues’ working life. The conditions were untenable and, in traditional form Kim refused to back down. She instigated, organised, supported, and lead her colleagues to take industrial action in protest for detrimental and unjust practices. The workplace action led to multiple grievances, rallies, meetings, petitions, and other activations that escalated to proceedings in the Industrial Relations Commission and the removal of the company from Liverpool Council. Throughout this long and painful process Kim stood side by side with her colleagues, when the company blocked union emails to its members in these areas Kim ensured that messages and information kept coming through.

In addition to Kim’s ongoing union activism in the workplace, she has always maintained a constant advocacy for people living with disability and the families and communities that support them. Kim brings a ferocity and passion to this fight, and it has seen her advocate side by side with Federal Labor MP’s, fundraise and campaign for various not-for-profit charities and organisations and stand firm on equal rights for individuals and community with disabilities. Kim’s experience and generosity have seen her empower and inspire countless families to stand strong for their loved ones living with disabilities and facing insurmountable and unfair hurdles. Kim advocates for those that are traditionally excluded from decision making. She has used her voice as a woman, a mother, a member, and a delegate to stand tall and refuse to be silenced.

Kim’s passion for our union, workplaces and a shared dignity and respect is immeasurable. For decades Kim has welcomed and supported new members, bridged the gap between employees and employer, called out injustice, and fought to ensure a voice for those who have traditionally been excluded. Awarding her Lifetime Membership would be a fitting and well-deserved recognition of her outstanding contribution to the USU and has the support of Liverpool City Council members and Women’s Committee representatives.

Wayne Gordon Port Macquarie Hastings Council Newcastle Branch 

Wayne Gordon has been a dedicated and highly experienced USU member with 22 years of membership, 20 of those years spent as an active and committed delegate.  He is recognised for his strong advocacy, leadership, and unwavering commitment to protecting members’ rights and improving workplace conditions. Wayne has been a trusted representative who has consistently demonstrated integrity, fairness, and a profound understanding of the people he has represented.

Throughout Wayne’s time as a Union Delegate, he has:

  • Represented members in Workplace Change, Grievances and Dispute, and Award Negotiations.
  • Acted as a key liaison between Union Officials, Council Management and Members.
  • Advocated strongly for fair working conditions, workplace safety and accountability on the payment of allowances.
  • Supported Industrial Campaigns, bargaining processes and workplace reforms.
  • Mentored and trained other delegates throughout  Port Macquarie Hastings Council.
  • Promoted union values and encouraged active
  • membership participation by educating members   on the benefits of Union Membership.
  • Represented Port Macquarie Hastings Council members at the Newcastle Branch Meetings.
  • He has been a trusted leader who had established himself as the “go to” for all workers within Council. Throughout his career, he had built strategic relationships which assisted in resolving workplace issues at the local level.

With extensive knowledge of the Local Government (State) Award, historical agreements and workplace policies Wayne has kept Council accountable whilst showcasing his own internal integrity, reliability, and his strong moral compass.

For over two decades Wayne has served as a strong and respected representative of the United Services Union. He has played a key role in improving workplace outcomes, supported members through challenging situations, mentored the next generation of unionists, strengthened union density and educated members in understanding their Industrial rights.

Wayne exemplifies the core values of unionism – solidarity, fairness and as such we believe he is a highly deserving candidate for Life Membership.

Bob Mitchell Sutherland Shire Council Southern Branch 

Robert (Bob) commenced his local government career with Randwick Council in 1983 before later transferring to Botany Council. In 1989, he joined Sutherland Shire Council, where he would build a reputation as a respected employee, trusted colleague and tireless union advocate. Throughout his career, Bob remained steadfast in his commitment to the values of solidarity, fairness and collective action that underpin the trade union movement.

For approximately 20 years, Bob served as a United Services Union workplace delegate representing salaried employees at Sutherland Shire Council. During this time, he became a strong and dependable advocate for members, providing advice, representation and support to countless workers. His willingness to stand up for his colleagues, particularly during challenging workplace disputes, earned him the respect of members and fellow delegates alike.

Bob’s years as a delegate coincided with a period in which Sutherland Shire Council was governed by a predominantly Liberal-controlled council and, at times, members faced a difficult industrial environment and hostile management. Despite these challenges, Bob remained a consistent and principled voice for workers. He never wavered in defending members’ rights, advocating for fair treatment and ensuring that the union maintained a strong presence within the workplace.

Recognising his leadership and commitment, Bob was elected to the Southern Branch of the United Services Union in 2011, where he served for 12 years. As a Branch representative, Bob contributed to the governance and direction of the Union while advocating for members across the Southern Region.

One of Bob’s most significant contributions was helping to lay the foundations for the positive workplace culture that exists at Sutherland Shire Council today. Through years of patient advocacy, constructive engagement and unwavering support for members, he was instrumental in fostering a more respectful and cooperative relationship between the council and the union. His efforts helped create a workplace where consultation, mutual respect and recognition of employees’ voices have become far stronger than in years past.

Across more than 40 years of service in local government, Bob has exemplified the very best qualities of a trade unionist. His loyalty to his fellow workers and willingness to stand up for what was right have made a lasting difference to the lives of countless members. He has been a mentor to delegates, a trusted representative for employees and a steadfast supporter of the United Services Union throughout his career.

Robert (Bob) Mitchell’s distinguished record of service, leadership and advocacy reflects the highest ideals of the United Services Union and its predecessor organisations. His contribution has strengthened both his workplace and the union, leaving a legacy that will continue to benefit members for years to come.