This year the USU New Gen Committee is again presenting two special awards to two special members. The Apprentice/Trainee of the Year and Mentor of the Year. Due to their enthusiastic interest in supporting younger workers Active Super is proudly sponsoring both Awards.
1. The Active Super Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Award: $2,500.
Awarded to a USU member, currently undertaking a workplace apprentice/traineeship, who deserves recognition. Due to their enthusiastic interest in younger workers “Active Super” is proudly providing a prize of $2,500 to the winner to supercharge their career!
This important award has been an annual commendation for over 10 years to promote ongoing New Gen campaigns in increasing apprentice/traineeships across the USU industries. The USU thanks Active Super for their partnership with the New Gen Committee to support these Awards.
The winner will be announced and presented their award at this year’s USU Conference in August.
CRITERIA: Please ensure you tick all the criteria and attach supporting evidence.
- The nominator and nominee are financial USU members, please provide membership numbers.
- The nominee is undertaking a recognised qualification by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) please provide a copy of the RTO course details.
- The nominee is respected by peers and their fellow union members – please complete the nominators, and provide two supporting statements below.
2. The Active Super Mentor of the Year Award: $500.
Awarded to a USU member who actively engages with workers, creates harmony in their team environment, and has an awareness of issues that affects all workers. Due to their enthusiastic interest in supporting younger workers “Active Super” is proudly providing a prize of $500 to the winner as recognition of their efforts in providing vital skills and guidance to younger workers.
This important award has been an annual commendation for over 10 years to promote ongoing New Gen campaigns in increasing apprentice/traineeships across the USU industries. The USU thanks Active Super for their partnership with the New Gen Committee to support these Awards.
The winner will be announced and presented their award at this year’s USU Conference.
CRITERIA: Please ensure you tick all the criteria and attach supporting evidence.
- The nominator and nominee are financial USU members, please provide membership numbers.
- The nominee has actively mentored workers, please provide examples if available demonstrating mentoring in the workplace.
- The nominee is respected by their peers and their fellow union members – please complete the nominator’s statement and, provide two supporting statements.
How do I nominate someone?
Nominate for 2025 Active Super Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Award
Nominate for 2025 Active Super Mentor of the Year Award
or email lhutchinson@usu.org.au
Submissions close at 5 pm Friday 25th July 2025.
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If you have any questions about this email, please contact USU New Gen Committee Group Officer Luke Hutchinson on 0419 761 323 or via email at lhutchinson@usu.org.au
Our great winners from 2024
Recipient: Lauren Tearle – Trainee Library Assistant, Richmond Tweed Regional Library Service – excelling in Certificate III in Library and Information Services
Lauren has been recognised not only for her exceptional dedication to her studies but also for her exemplary role as a young Union member. Lauren’s nomination was strongly supported, receiving six nominations instead of the required three. Here are some direct quotes from her nominators:
- “Lauren brings a can-do attitude to work every single day. If we need help, especially with IT, we ask Lauren. She is very dedicated, driving from Kyogle to Murwillumbah daily to pursue her career in library services.”
- “Lauren is an enthusiastic and willing worker, happy to accept any challenge with a positive attitude. She is fun to work with, has great customer service skills, and a strong willingness to learn.”
- “Lauren brings a positive outlook to the workplace. She is a keen, fast learner with excellent people skills and has quickly become a favourite with customers.”
On behalf of the New Gen Committee and in strong association with Active Super, the USU proudly congratulates and recognises Lauren Tearle as a very deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
Pictured: Active Super Chairperson Kyle Loades, USU President Sharon Sewell and USU President Graeme Kelly OAM congratulate Lauren.
Recipient: Lauren Ackerly – Facilities and Recreation Planner, Wollondilly Shire Council
Without the positive influences of genuine mentors in the workplace, an Apprentice/Trainee award could not be held. This year, we are proud to celebrate and award the 2024 USU New Gen Committee and Active Super Mentor of the Year to Lauren Ackerly.
Lauren, a Facilities and Recreation Planner at Wollondilly Shire Council, has selflessly continued to mentor and develop many young workers and apprentices while excelling in her key role. Her nominators provided compelling support for her commendable contributions, including the following quotes:
- “Lauren has been an inspiration to many throughout her 20-year Local Government journey. She began with a Horticulture Apprenticeship and has advanced to her current role in Facilities and Recreation Planning. She is exceptional in her role, well-regarded among her peers, and possesses extensive knowledge and experience, evident in the continued great outcomes she achieves for our organisation and community.”
- “Lauren epitomises a new age Local Government Professional, having gained tremendous knowledge throughout her journey. She has been successful due to the time and effort other staff have invested in her development.”
- “Starting at Council as an apprentice, Lauren has come full circle, now using her accumulated knowledge to mentor the next generation.”
On behalf of the New Gen Committee and in strong association with Active Super, the USU proudly congratulates Lauren Ackerly as a very worthy recipient of this prestigious award for 2024.
Pictured: Active Super Chairperson Kyle Loades, USU President Sharon Sewell and USU President Graeme Kelly OAM congratulate Lauren.
