United magazine Spring 2023

UNITED 

Official journal of the United Services Union • Spring 2023 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT 

STATE AWARD 2023 

USU Growth Conference 

120 YEARS STRONG 

98.5% say YES 

Congratulations 

Sharon Sewell 

UNIONS FOR YES: 

The Voice to Parliament is 

UNION BUSINESS 

The long road 

to recovery

United is the official journal of the United Services Union 

Editor USU General Secretary Graeme Kelly OAM. 

Print Post: 100007536 

To contribute to United please contact USU 

Manager Administration and Finance Erik Jansen on 

(02) 9265 8211. 

EXECUTIVE 

President: Sharon Sewell 

Vice President: Larry Freeman 

General Secretary: Graeme Kelly OAM 

Treasurer: Ross Crawford 

Alex Baker, Alby Bordignon, Raffaele Catanzariti, 

Erika Chadburn, Carl Cleaver, Katie Gillen, Ben Mott, 

Stephen Mulholland, Stella Newton, Adair O’Brien, 

Jim O’Malley, Natalie Piggott-Herridge, David 

Scott, Thao Tran, Glen Wallace, Ross Warren 

HEAD OFFICE 

Level 7, 321 Pitt St, Sydney, 2000 

Phone: 1300 136 604 • Fax: (02) 9261 2265 

Support Team: 1300 136 604 

Email: united@usu.org.au • Website: www.usu.org.au 

ON THE SHOULDERS 

OF GIANTS 

aa 

Making life better for 

future generations is 

what drives me every day. 

OFFICIALS 

Manager Administration and Finance: Erik Jansen 

Manager Metropolitan: Steve Donley 

Manager Energy, Utilities & Private Sector: Narelle Rich 

Manager Industrial, Rules, Governance & Compliance: 

Daniel Papps 

Legal Special Projects Officer (Metro): Vacant 

Industrial Officer: Bill O’Kell 

Training Officer: Sanam Niknazar 

Metro Organisers: Peter Cole, Thomas Gao, Sandie 

Morthen, Lester LuaLua 

Child Care Organiser: Zoe O’Rourke 

Energy, Utilities, Private Sector & Airlines: Troy Dunne, 

Michael Jones, Peter Munford, Melissa Pond, Clare Raffan, 

Paul Sansom 

Support Team: Alex Conneely, Katie Su, Cathriona 

Dolan, Jenny Chen, Claudia Marrone 

REGIONAL OFFICES 

Northern Branch 

Newcastle Office 

125 Racecourse Road, Rutherford, NSW 2320 

Ph: (02) 4962 1444 • Fax: (02) 4962 1758 

Manager North: Stephen Hughes 

Organisers: Luke Hutchinson, Donald Edwards, Danielle Kelly 

Industrial Officer: Noel Martin 

Port Macquarie Office 

233 Hastings River Drive 

Port Macquarie 2444 

Ph: (02) 6584 7787 

Fax: (02) 6584 6924 

Organiser: Damien Welsh 

New England Office 

1/226 Goonoo Goonoo Road 

South Tamworth 2340 

Ph: (02) 6771 4911 

Fax: (02) 6771 4911 

Organiser: Mark Hughes 

Southern Branch 

Wollongong Office 

Suites 1-3 100 Market Street Wollongong 2500 

Ph: (02) 4226 4784 • Fax: (02) 4227 6951 

Manager South: Gary Vann 

Organisers: Rudi Oppitz, Aarron Vann, Michael Jones (C&A) 

Industrial Officer: Stuart Geddes 

Central West Office 

Shop 11-12 

142 William Street 

Bathurst 2795 

Ph: (02) 6334 4825 

Fax: (02) 6331 2834 

Organiser: Shane Reece 

Murray Office 

Unit 7, 54-56 Fitzmaurice St 

Wagga Wagga 2650 

Ph: (02) 69317990 

Fax: (02) 6931 7271 

Organiser: Jason Mitchell, 

Jed Lawton 

NATIONAL 

National Secretary: Robert Potter 

Northern Office 

Shop 2, Mid City Arcade 

57 Prince Street 

Grafton 2460 

Ph: (02) 6643 5299 

Fax: (02) 6643 2799 

Organiser: Nicole Eldridge 

North Western Office 

PO Box 1811 

2/46 Church Street 

Dubbo 2830 

Ph: (02) 6881 6766 

Fax: (02) 6881 6816 

Organiser: Jamie McKinnon 

Riverina Office 

Suite 8 

165 Lachlan Street 

Hay 2711 

Ph: (02) 6993 1419 

Fax: (02) 6993 1419 

Organiser: Brian Harrington 

ACT Office 

3/289 Canberra Avenue 

Fyshwick 2609 

Ph: (04) 48 636 066 

Organiser: Josh Polak 

Sharon Sewell 

USU President 

It is with great honour and humility 

that I take on the role of President of 

our great union. 

It is even a greater honour to be 

elected as the first female President. 

I stand here on the shoulders of giants 

- both men and women - who 

have gone before me. 

My two predecessors, Steve Birney 

and Glen McAtear have left big boots 

to fill but they have also left me with 

the inspiration needed to fulfill my 

duties to you - the members of the 

United Services Union. On behalf of 

the USU I thank outgoing President 

Glen McAtear and wish him well in 

his retirement. 

As we celebrate our 120th anniversary 

I pay particular tribute to the women 

of the USU, like Betty Spears and 

Edna Ryan who played crucial roles 

in the early equal pay campaigns and 

who forged a place for all of us. 

I am also inspired by women who 

have fought for justice in recent times 

because no matter how far we have 

come there is always more to aspire 

to. Women like our own Emily 

Callachor who, through the annual 

Emily Callachor Memorial Award program, 

continues to influence members 

with her passion for workers’ rights. 

With our annual Growth Conference 

recently wrapping up I realise what 

an exciting time it is to become 

President. I welcome the oportunity 

of continuing to be part of the 

leadership team working alongside 

Graeme, Larry, Ross, and the new 

USU Executive. 

With Labor in government in NSW 

and federally we have a unique opportunity 

to push reform for working 

Australians. An opportunity to 

work with government rather than 

always having to fight against attacks 

on workers and the union movement. 

What better way to highlight this relationship 

than with the great honour 

of having both the Premier and the 

Prime Minister address our conference 

and talk with delegates. 

Making life better for future generations 

is what drives me every day. 

I have two beautiful daughters and I 

want to leave better conditions, better 

rights and a better life for them 

and other young Australians. 

We can only do this by standing together 

as one. Our members are 

proof of what can be done when we 

are UNITED. The stories of victory in 

our journal are proof of that. 

I thank members for entrusting me as 

President. I am by your side. 

Sharon Sewell, USU President 

2 • United Spring 2023

IT’S TIME! 

A FAIR GO FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT 

It is time for local government to 

stop being treated like the poor relation 

when it comes to funding. 

Back in May with the Albanese government 

set to deliver their budget 

I was pleased to be able to lead a 

delegation alongside ASU National 

Secretary Robert Potter, to advocate 

for an increase to Federal Assistance 

Grants for Local Government. 

In great news for our members 

$3.1billion was promised for the 

2023/24 financial year, with further 

increases following. There will also be 

a further $54.3million in new funding 

for apprenticeships! 

Earlier this year I was pleased 

to meet with President of the 

Australian Local Government 

Association, Cr Linda Scott, 

Assistant Minister for Local 

Government Kristy McBain MP 

and ASU National Secretary 

Robert Potter, to discuss how 

councils and local government 

employees continue to deliver 

for their communities. 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT WIN 

In a further win, at the recent 

National Australian Labor Party 

Conference the USU was able to 

win significant commitments for 

local government from the Labor 

Federal Government (see page 11). 

On behalf of members I 

presented Prime Minister 

Albanese with the 

Certificates of Registration 

of our great union: 

“I’m wrapped with the 

present from Graeme - being 

the City Council employees 

union way back there a 

hundred years ago. I grew up 

in the City of Sydney Council 

and the community was full 

of workers from the council.” 

- Prime Minister 

Anthony Albanese 

GROWING IN STRENGTH 

In August we held our conference where we had the honour of celebrating 

our 120 year history with the Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese 

MP. Our Growth Conference followed on from a very successful Women’s 

Conference. Check out our conference reports on pages 4-10. 

A VOICE TO PARLIAMENT 

122 years after our constitution was 

written it is time Aboriginal and 

Torres Strait Islander people have 

recognition in a practical form and a 

say on issues and policies that impact 

their lives. 

In 2017, 250 Aboriginal and Torres 

Strait Islander leaders held a 

Convention at Uluru – the result of 

which was the Uluru Statement from 

the Heart. This powerful document 

became an invitation for Australians 

of all backgrounds to walk together 

toward a better future for all of us. 

The Uluru Statement, among other 

things, asked Australia to consider updating 

the 122-year-old Constitution 

to finally reflect the 65,000 years of 

continuous culture held by Aboriginal 

and Torres Strait Islander people. 

That recognition should be in a form 

of the right to be listened to by politicians 

on issues that affect them – a 

Voice to Parliament. 

It’s time we open our nation’s next 

chapter by voting ‘yes’ at the referendum 

on October 14th. 

I urge you to find out more about this 

important vote. Find out why this 

vote is union business on page 15. 

Sign the pledge 

to support an 

Aboriginal and 

Torres Strait 

Islander Voice 

To Parliament 

Graeme Kelly OAM USU Secretary 

United Spring 2023 • 3


120 YEARS UNITED - 12 

At Conference this year we celebrated our 120th anniversary. It was an 

honour to have the Prime Minister of Australia The Hon. Anthony Albanese 

MP address delegates. The Prime Minister welcomed the delegates and 

thanked Graeme Kelly and the Executive for the opportunity to address our 

Conference and talk directly with delegates. 

While we celebrated our past, this Conference was all about the future, 

focusing on growing our great union to ensure the workers of tomorrow 

continue to have a say in their workplace - whether it be about pay rates, 

workplace safety, conditions at work or a better work life balance. We want 

our children and grandchildren to have the best possible working lives. We 

want to go forwards - not backwards. 

Our conference was officially opened by Unions NSW Secretary Mark 

Morey and included some key speakers such as the NSW Premier Chris 

Minns MP, Duane Leo, National Secretary & Benedict Ferguson, President 

of the New Zealand Public Sector Association, Michele O’Neil, President – 

ACTU, The Hon. Ron Hoenig MP, NSW Minister for Local Government and 

Cr Linda Scott, President - Australian Local Government Association. 

Importantly, we also heard from USU delegates and officials about recruiting 

for growth; awarded Delegate of the Year to two outstanding delegates 

and presented New Gen awards to an outstanding mentor and apprentice. 

(pp 6-7). We were also fortunate to hear from our sponsors Active Super, 

Carroll & O’Dea solicitors and Australian Mutual Bank. 


0 YEARS STRONG 

WANT TO SEE 

MORE PHOTOS? 

Scan me to check out 

more photos and videos 

of the conference! 



SUPPORTING RUGBY 

LEAGUE PLAYERS 

Jayden Simms wins 

Apprentice of the Year 

Delegates were pleased to 

hear from Rugby League 

Players Association Secretary 

Clint Newton at conference. 

Clint attended conference to address 

and thank your union for supporting 

and campaigning with the RLPA during 

the recent dispute over payments 

and more importantly conditions of 

employment. 

Clint praised the USU for our support. 

Your union stands by the players and 

the RLPA in all future negotiations. 

Without the positive influences of genuine mentors in the 

workplace, an Apprentice/Trainee Award could not be held. 

In recognition of this, we have a Mentor of the Year award 

in addition to Apprentice of the year. This year, the winner 

was Mathew Pfeifer - Team Leader for Carpentry and 

Joinery at City of Newcastle Council. 

While undertaking his key role in Council, Mathew has selflessly 

continued to mentor and develop many apprentices 

over the years at Newcastle. According to his nominees 

Mathew is always available to answer questions, provide 

support and offer advice. He assists his mentees develop 

and sustain a network of professional colleagues so they 

can benefit from ongoing support and opportunities for 

growth throughout their career. He promotes respect and 

harmony in the office and is a pleasure to work with. 

From left to right: Kyle Loades (Chairperson, Active Super), Jayden 

Simms (Apprentice of the Year and Waste Operator, Shoalhaven 

Council), Graeme Kelly OAM (General Secretary, USU), Sharon Sewell 

(President, USU), Luke Hutchinson (Organiser, USU). 

Congratulations to Jayden Simms of Shoalhaven Council for winning the 2023 

USU Apprentice of the Year Award. Hardworking, bright and dedicated, Jayden 

is a huge asset to his team and Shoalhaven Council. 

Earlier this year, Jayden won the Illawarra and South Coast Training Award 

for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year and the Illawarra Regional 

Training Award for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year. 

He has since been nominated for the NSW State Awards in the same category. 

A big thank you to Active Super for giving Jayden $2500 in prize money. 

Mathew Pfeifer wins Mentor of the Year 

From left to right: Kyle Loades (Active Super), 

Mathew Pfeifer (Mentor of the Year, City of Newcastle 

council), Graeme Kelly OAM (USU), Sharon Sewell 

(USU), Luke Hutchinson (USU). 

As a mentor, Mathew has gone beyond teaching technical 

skills. He has patiently explained complex techniques. 

One of his greatest strengths is his ability to lead by example. 

He consistently demonstrates a high level of skill 

and expertise in his trade, inspiring his team members to 

strive for excellence. Congratulations Mathew. 


Congratulations Mig and Jeffry 

Mig Arellano 

Mig Arellano of Wollongong Council has won Delegate of the Year. 

A member for almost 40 years, a delegate for 30, Mig has stood 

alongside and fought for members’ rights many many times. 

Most recently, in 2022, he led the largest industrial action at 

Wollongong Council in 20 years. This action saw 650 members go 

on strike. The excellent working conditions at Wollongong Council, 

long considered some of the best in local government, exist thanks 

in no small part to Mig. 

To ensure the conditions he fought for are protected and members 

are looked after well into the future, Mig spends his spare time 

training the delegates of tomorrow. 

Angle-ri Stuart Geddes (Southern Industrial Officer, USU), Mig 

Arellano (Delegate of the Year and Compactor Foreman, 

Wollongong Council), Aarron Vann (Organiser, USU). 

USU Delegate of the Year 

The USU awarded two great delegates with the delegate of the Year Award. Thank you to Mig 

and Jeffry and all our delegates for the work and commitment to the USU and our members. 

Jeff Rayner 

Jeff Rayner from Canterbury Bankstown Council joined Mig Arellano in being 

awarded Delegate of the Year. Jeff was unable to attend Conference so his organiser 

accepted the award on his behalf and will present it to him on behalf 

of the USU. 

Over the few years that Jeff has been a delegate, he has raised the importance 

of solidarity and Union membership. The total staff at the Bransgrove 

Road depot is now 160. Through Jeff’s determination and dedication, he has 

increased the membership to 155 members which is 96% of the workforce at 

the depot. Additionally, Jeff has encouraged two other staff members to become 

delegates within the Bransgrove Road depot. 

An amazing achievement from a professional, intelligent, dedicated, and loyal 

young man. Congratulations Jeff! 

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS 


Women’s Conference 

Women 

Inspiring 

Women! 

The 2023 Women’s Conference was 

held on the 20 th and 21 st August. Over 

70 female USU members gathered 

at Penrith to support and learn from 

each other. The conference included 

presentations on mental health for 

leaders, tools to motivate and inspire 

your best self, estate planning and 

making your Super work for you. Two 

panel discussions were held - one on 

women in politics and one on women 

in male dominated industries. 

The union gave an update on the 

Early Childhood Education and Care 

Campaign and the Emily Callachor 

Perpetual Award recipients spoke of 

their secondment experiences. 

For many the highlight of the event 

was the 1970s themed conference 

dinner and especially our guest 

speaker Stacy Jane from Escabags. 

Stacy’s story 

Stacy shared her horrific story of domestic 

violence and rebuilding her 

life in a new country and ultimately 

starting a charity to support others 

who may be in the same situation. 

Escabags are simple tote bags, sewn 

by volunteers and left in select businesses 

for those in need to collect 

without any explanation. 

Thank you 

to the amazing 

women who organised 

this event. It was my first 

time and I got so much 

out of it. I feel motivated, 

validated and part of 

something strong 

and caring. 

- Jane Armstrong 

President Sharon Sewell, USU Women’s 

Committee Co-ordinator Sandie Morthen, 

General Secretary Graeme Kelly OAM and 

Stacy Jane from Escabags. 

USU President Sharon Sewell announced 

that the USU would be a 

corporate sponsor for the year ahead 

as well as a stockist of the bags in all 

our offices. 

www.escabags.org/ 


USU Women’s Committee 

Scan me 

to check 

out more 

photos and 

videos of the 

conference! 

Our Award winners! 

President Sharon Sewell also announced 

the 2023 winners of the 

Betty Spears and Edna Ryan Awards. 

The Betty Spears Award was presented 

to Ruth Smallwood who battled, 

and won, to have foster carers and 

guardians afforded the same parental 

leave rights as birth and adoptive 

parents in her workplace and for continuing 

to advocate on this important 

matter. The Edna Ryan Award was 

presented to Dr Clare Cochrane for 

her unwavering work for members in 

her workplace and growing the union 

whist balancing her work and family 

responsibilities. 

Whilst Ruth and Clare were the ultimate 

winners of the Awards all of the 

finalists had stories that are inspiring 

and deserving of recognition. 

THE FINALISTS WERE: 

Betty Spears Award: 

Marie-Jeanne Bowyer (MJ) 

Stella Newton 

Ruth Smallwood 

Thao Tran 

Edna Ryan Award: 

Tanya Barton 

Liza Buckley 

Clare Cochrane 

Michelle Jones 

Nicole Powell 

Rachel Sutcliffe 


TIME FOR A FAIR DEAL IN NSW 

No matter which party is in office, 

our priority is improving the 

lives of working men and women 

and easing the struggle working 

families face. 

Following the State election held 

earlier this year, General Secretary 

Graeme Kelly OAM met with NSW 

Premier Chris Minns to discuss how 

the new state government can support 

workers - including our members 

in local government, energy, utilities, 

airlines and the private sector. 

USU delegates had the opportunity 

to talk directly to the Premier at our 

Conference opening night. 

For many workers times became 

very tough under the previous 

Liberal National Government led by 

Barry O’Farrell, Mike Baird, Gladys 

Berejiklian and Dominic Perrottet. 

USU General Secretary Graeme 

Kelly OAM congratulated 

Premier Minns and his team 

following the 2023 election. 

Chris Minns welcomed 

delegates to our 

2023 Conference. 

In their first few years in office they attacked workers compensation, set wage caps for public 

sector jobs, surged ahead on the sell off of public assets and reduced the role of the NSW 

Industrial Relations Commission. 

The USU worked with the cross benches and the ALP to protect the Local Government State 

Award. A move to the federal IR system would have cost our local government members 

dearly in wages and conditions. 

Our members are always our focus and we look forward to working with a government that 

respects our members and our great union. 


LOCAL GOVERNMENT MATTERS: 

USU wins big for local government workers 

USU members have been calling for an increase in Commonwealth 

funding for local government services and we’ve just had a big win! 

In every corner of Australia, USU/ASU members in local government 

deliver critical services to our communities that are relying on local 

government services more than ever before. Local government jobs 

are good, union jobs. 

Local government services have faced extreme financial 

pressures with the reduction of critical funding causing reduced 

services, outsourcing, and over time, an erosion in 

the quality of local services and the quality of jobs. 

USU members have been campaigning to make sure our 

communities and the workers who deliver these important 

services have the investment we need for a secure 

and sustainable future. 

BIG WIN! 

At the recent National Australian Labor Party Conference 

your union representatives were able to win significant 

commitments from the Labor Federal Government for local 

government, including: 

Check-sq Increased funding for Federal Assistance Grants. 

Check-sq A commitment to run a detailed Parliamentary Inquiry 

into how the government can increase funding to local 

government, as well as issues affecting local government 

capacity like rate capping and cost shifting. 

Check-sq An ongoing partnership between the government and 

the USU/ASU to build better funding and fairly paid, 

secure jobs in Local Government. 

That’s why your union has been calling on the Federal 

Labor Government to turn back the tide and build good 

quality, long-term sustainable local jobs and services in local 

government for generations to come. 

General Secretary 

Graeme Kelly OAM 

successfully moved a 

motion at the ALP 

National Conference, 

that will see increased 

Federal Funding for 

Local Government 

nationally! 

These commitments were supported unanimously, which 

shows the power of USU members in local government to 

have our voices heard. 

Now we must work together to make sure these commitments 

are delivered. 

The USU is by your side for quality services, secure jobs, and 

proper investment in local government. 


AWARD 2023: 9 

Your new Local Government State Award was made in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission and came into effect 

on the first full pay period after 1 July 2023. 

This follows months of negotiations and hundreds of member meetings held across NSW councils throughout May and 

June giving members the opportunity to vote on the new Award. A massive 98.5% of members voted YES to the new 

Award. 

We thank all of our members and especially our delegates for the support over the past months to ensure the best 

possible Award could be achieved for our members. 

You should have received your 4.5% pay increase in your first full pay period after 1 July. If you have not 

received your increase contact your USU delegate or organiser or call the Support Team on 1300 136 604. 

Central Coast Council 

Oberon Council 

Randwick Council 

Junee Council 

Waverley Council 

Sutherland Council 

Scan here to view more photos, 

download a copy of your new 

Award or to find out how members 

at your council voted. 

Lismore Council 


8.5% SAY YES 

Liverpool Council 

Federation Council 

A unanimous vote at Clarence Valley Council Grafton 

Byron Council 

Woollahra Council 

New England members braved the cold to have a say! 

The USU conducted over two dozen meetings with members 

across 12 councils throughout the New England region 

as part of the 2023 Award Negotiations. Several meetings 

were held at sub zero temperatures with -6 recorded at 

Armidale, -7.7 at Glen Innes and -9.4 recorded at Walcha 

where the members braved the cold to cast their votes 

on the new Award. At every council throughout the New 

England, and despite these challenging temperatures, the 

USU continued to grow with new members coming on board 

at many meetings, including several who joined after many 

years of not believing the Union could benefit them until 

seeing the Award package presented to them. The work of 

the delegates at all the councils in getting the information 

out to all members and prospective members, and organising 

the many meetings is to be commended. 


Essential services - NOT sell offs! 

Within weeks of being elected 

to government in NSW, 

MPs started talking to the 

people that matter - workers. 

In May two great USU delegates 

MJ Bowyer and Craig Diebert 

went to NSW Parliament 

House to tell their stories. 

A big thank you to all the MPs 

who met with our delegation 

of essential workers and union 

members led by UnionsNSW. 

It is important to ensure that 

all workers are valued, and receive 

the pay and conditions 

they deserve! 

Thanks to Liesl Tesch MP 

(right), Michael Daley MP 

(far right), Sally Quinnell MP, 

Clayton Barr MP, Member for 

Cessnock, Stephen Lawrence 

MLC and Mark Buttigieg MLC 

(above). 

USU ELECTIONS: YOUR NEW TEAM 

In May nominations opened for the election of the union’s leadership team and executive. The results of the election 

for the following offices were conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) 

Act 2009 and the rules of the organisation. Ann Dougan Returning Officer declared the following candidates elected. 

Northern Sub-Branch 

Erika Chadburn 

NSW Clerical and Administrative 

Sub-Branch Katie Gillen 

Riverina Sub-Branch Alby Bordignon 

President Sharon Sewell 

Vice President Larry Freeman 

General Secretary Graeme Kelly OAM 

Treasurer David Crawford 

Executive Committee Members: 

ACT Clerical and Administrative 

Sub-Branch Adair O’Brien 

Airlines Sub-Branch Stella Newton 

It was great to 

catch up with you all 

and hear some real 

stories from delegates 

MJ and Craig direct 

from the workplace ! 

Mark Buttigieg 

MLC 

Central West Sub-Branch 

Stephen Mulholland 

Energy and Utilities Sub-Branch 

Thi Thu Thao Tran 

Murray Sub-Branch Benjamin Mott 

New England Sub-Branch 

Glen Wallace 

Newcastle Sub-Branch Ross Warren 

North Western Sub-Branch 

Jim O’Malley 

Southern Sub-Branch David Scott 

Sydney Metropolitan Sub-Branch 

Alex Baker 

Raffaele Catanzariti 

Carl Cleaver 

Natalie Piggot-Herridge 

Full results are available on our 

website at www. usu.org.au/ 

financial-reports-and-governance/ 


USU AT ‘YES23’ DAY OF ACTION 

The Union participated in the ‘Yes23’ 

action day in July 2023 in support of 

an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. 

Recently General Secretary Graeme 

Kelly OAM met with The Honourable 

Linda Burney Minister for Indigenous 

Australians to discuss the upcoming 

referendum for the Voice To 

Parliament. 

Sign the pledge to support an Aboriginal and 

Torres Strait Islander Voice To Parliament 

On 14 October, Australians will vote on a change to the Constitution which will 

enshrine a Voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

It’s an important change that will make Australia fairer and better – and the United 

Services Union is proud to be campaigning in support of a Yes vote. 

Why is this union business? 

As unionists, we believe that all workers and all people deserve 

to be consulted about changes in the workplace and 

in society that affect us – and by speaking up collectively 

we can make change that benefits us all. 

The Voice to Parliament is a natural reflection of this 

principle of union values of consultation and collective 

voice. Enshrining a Voice to the constitution will enable 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to provide 

advice to Parliament on policies and projects that impact 

their lives. 

Be part of a fairer Australia. 

General Secretary 

Graeme Kelly OAM 

attended the Public 

Service International’s 

Committee meeting 

Right now, the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are not heard in 

our parliament. Too often, politicians make policies that are not sensitive to the lived 

experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and do not work as 

intended – because the people impacted by those policies aren’t adequately consulted. 

As unionists, we are proud to stand in solidarity with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait 

Islander brothers and sisters in demanding this change. 

Every Australian deserves a genuine voice in our parliament on the issues that affect 

us – no exceptions. Together we can create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait 

Islander communities determine policy solutions and outcomes. 

Find out more at www.usu.org.au/unions-for-yes/ 


October 1910: 8-Hour Day procession in Sydney where the new MEU banner was displayed. 

FROM STRUGGLE TO STRENGTH: THE EA 

120 years ago on 20 March 1903, a 

new union to represent wage workers 

at the now City of Sydney Council 

had their paperwork stamped ‘registered’ 

at the Office of the Registrar 

of Friendly Societies. This was the 

birth of our great union. 

Our story is the history of two unions 

that merged into the USU in 2003: 

Check-sq the Municipal Employees’ Union 

that grew to cover all employees 

working in local government 

across NSW; and 

Check-sq the Federated Clerks’ Union that 

represented professional office 

workers, or “clerks”. 

Our 30,000 members across NSW and 

the ACT can still trace their roots back 

to one of these two unions. 

A City of Sydney ‘block boy’ on 

Elizabeth St in 1909. 

The history of both unions is grounded 

in the struggles of the early 20th 

Century, from equal pay for women 

and the 1917 ‘Great Strike’, to the 

WW1 anti-conscription campaign, 

and the 1918 influenza pandemic. 

The Federated Clerks’ Union, which 

was formed in 1907 and registered 

in 1908, was for years denied access 

to legal protections as there was no 

recognition of clerks as a collective 

group, or industry, across different 

workplaces. 

This was a time when the term 

“sweating” was used to describe being 

overworked and underpaid. And 

there was much debate in the press 

about the plight of ‘sweated clerks’. 

Clerical employees at a music 

store in Sydney, c1905 


(City of Sydney Archives: A-00006712) 

RLY YEARS 

Explore the history of these two 

unions, and how they fought to 

gain recognition from employers 

and government in the first 

decades of the 20th Century, in 

our timeline: ‘From Struggle to 

Strength: THE EARLY YEARS’. 

We’ll explore more of our history 

over the course of the year, and 

will also be talking to officials, 

delegates and members about 

their experiences and memories. 

With special thanks to City of 

Sydney Historian and USU member 

Laila Ellmoos, and the City 

Archives staff for their overwhelming 

assistance in the preparation 

of our early timeline. 

usunsw.org/120timeline1900s 

Sharon Sewell: 

Our new President for new times 

In 1916 the Bega Branch Secretary of 

the Municipal Employees’ Union (MEU) 

enlisted to fight in WWI, which lead to 

his wife, known only as ‘Mrs Evans’ to 

be unanimously elected as Secretary 

during her husband’s absence. This 

made Mrs Evans the first woman to 

hold an official position in the USU’s recorded 

history. 

Between Mrs Evans and now, many 

women of the MEU, the Federated 

Clerks Union (FCU) and the USU have 

contributed to our union’s strength. 

Likewise, the union has stood alongside 

women and pushed for equality 

throughout its 120 year history. And we 

will continue to do so. 

In 2023, we welcomed our first female 

President – long time member, delegate 

and executive member Sharon Sewell. 

Long before becoming President, Sharon 

has been dedicated to the USU. A member 

for 25 years, a delegate of the Central 

West Committee of Management for 18 

years and a member of the NSW State 

Executive Board for 14 years Sharon is 

enormously dedicated to the USU. 

Graeme Kelly congratulates Sharon 

‘As we celebrate 120 years of 

this wonderful organisation, 

I’m proud to be the first female 

President. But I’d also like to say 

thank you to the women and men 

who have come before me and 

fought to achieve this equality. 

I’m honoured to stand by your 

side, fighting for the rights of all 

USU members across the state.’ 

- Sharon Sewell, President of 

the United Services Union. 


THE LONG ROAD 

General Secretary Graeme Kelly OAM 

and USU Treasurer Ross Crawford 

appeared before the Senate Select 

Committee on Australia’s Disaster 

Resilience Public Hearing chaired by 

Senator Lambie in Lismore outlining 

the union’s concerns about disaster 

relief funding and federal funding of 

local government generally. 

Graeme and Ross both impressed 

upon the committee the funding realities 

that local councils face, particularly 

when natural disasters wreck 

devastating consequences upon our 

regions and communities. 

Graeme called for the committee to 

urgently review inadequate funding 

models, including Federal Assistance 

Grants. Graeme called for the Federal 

Government to provide additional 

funding to bring the percentage of 

total tax revenue annually, from 0.5% 

to 1% annually on top of appropriate 

disaster relief funding for councils 

when disasters hit. 

“Wentworth is the point where all four of the rivers have met up - the Lachlan, Darling, 

Murrumbidgee and Murray, so no one really knew how big it was going to get. 

We had 22 pumps in Wentworth, so I was on call constantly for four months straight. 

Just two of us running around, sometimes we were up all night. 

But we managed to save the airport and the cemetery - using a 7 kilometre levee 

bank. We built it out of dirt with trucks and graders, rollers - anything and everything 

we had. 

It was crazy living through it. We were flat out constantly, there were roads with 

water over them that we’ve never seen with water. 

We even had to cut holes in roads to relieve pressure around the town to let water 

out. One of the roads was brand new, and we had to cut right through it. 

It was months just focused on pumps, sandbags and levees on repeat. Knowing that 

the USU was there if we needed anything, just a phone call away, it really helped.” 

- Riley and Ross, Wentworth Shire Council 

Graeme said an appropriate funding 

model would place councils in a 

better position to prepare for such 

events. Better plant and equipment 

to restore damaged infrastructure in 

a more timely manner would be especially 

beneficial. 

“The USU is proud of the work that 

USU members do in the case of 

a disaster or an emergency,” said 

Graeme. 

“There was one weekend 

where we thought the whole 

town was going under. 

It didn’t thank god, but 

everyone was panicking. 

Brian (our USU organiser) 

really had to hold the fort 

down, supporting all of us 

while we were going through 

it, because it was so chaotic. 

He was a godsend, he just 

looked after everything.” 

-Janelle, Murray Shire Council 

“The north and south of 

the town were going to be 

blocked off from each other 

- we thought the north was 

going to be flooded. So we 

decided to do a last minute 

garbage run, not on their 

usual bin day, because they 

were about to be blocked off 

and they had to leave their 

houses. The whole parks and 

garden team were pitching 

in to get stuff done.“ 

- Helen, Edward River Council 

“The phone was just 

ringing constantly, lots of 

people were coming in 

scared and stressed. We 

were helping people with 

road directions, to work 

out how they could get 

where they needed to be. 

You have to step up - I was 

out filling sandbags, and 

Bec was out doing levee 

bank patrols at night.” 

- Mia & Bec, Hay Shire Council 


TO RECOVERY 

“There’s been an extraordinary amount 

of work following the floods. Now that 

the water has gone, it’s a huge task to get 

everything repaired. 

Everyone rallied and did what they had 

to do. It’s what small communities do. We 

were constantly out making signs and 

closing roads - I think all the blokes did a 

good job.” 

- Chris and Peter, Murrumbidgee Council 

“We’re the start of the drainage channel 

here at Berrigan, so when the Murray was 

full there was nowhere for the water to go. 

The east side of the town flooded. 

Back in ‘81 one of the guys I started with 

insisted I had to join the union. I’m glad I 

did, because they’ve saved me a few times. 

Back when he was an organiser, Graeme 

Kelly even came down here and saved my 

job - he was excellent.” 

- Smiley, Berrigan Shire Council 

“We were able to save about 50 houses, 

which would’ve gone under, but we tried 

thinking outside the box a bit to keep the 

sewer system from overflowing. So those 

people didn’t have to be evacuated. 

The office staff were just inundated with 

calls. But they handled all of that, and 

managed to support the outdoor workers 

however they could as well. It was a real 

team effort.” 

- Daryl, Murrumbidgee Council 

General Secretary Graeme Kelly OAM visited flood effected 

council areas in northern NSW on his way to give evidence at 

the Select Committee on Disaster Resilience Inquiry in Lismore 

on Wednesday 28 June. 

While in Lismore, Graeme, along with Senator for NSW and 

Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery Tony Sheldon met with 

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg. 

Mayor Krieg also gave evidence to the Select Committee on 

Disaster Resilience Inquiry. 

On 30 June the Federal Government announced $800 million 

in funding to the Northern Rivers flood effected areas. 

Senator Sheldon met with United Services Union delegates 

from the Northern Rivers about their experience with 

the floods and ongoing disaster recovery work. 

Welcoming the news, Graeme said: “This funding is urgently 

needed to allow councils to get on with restorations of flood 

damaged local infrastructures.” 

Graeme Kelly OAM with Senator Tony 

Sheldon and Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg. 


Why should someone choose to work or to 

remain working in NSW Local Government? 

Northern Manager Stephen Hughes believes there are plenty of reasons. 

By the time you read this article the new 2023 NSW Local 

Government State Award will be ratified following the voting 

at around 350 mass meetings of our members employed in 

local Government and ratification in the NSW IRC on the 26th 

of June, the new 3-year Award will commence on July 1st. 

The NSW Local Government State Award is a 3-year Award 

which, since 1995, has provided for annual salary increases 

each and every year. 

Wage increases 

This new Award provides for a 4.5% increase from the first full 

pay period after 1 July a 2023 and a 3.5% increase in July 2024 

plus a $1000.00 lump sum payment and a further 3% increase 

plus a further $1000.00 lump sum payment in July 2025. 

For an entry level worker new to the industry at Band 1 Level 

2 the lump sum payments alone equate to approximately 2% 

each and for a worker on $100,000.00 it equates to 1% each. 

The vast majority of our members will receive between 13% to 

15% in Award increases over the next 3 years. 

service compared to our award with access after 5 years’ service 

and the Act only has a accumulation rate of 0.8 weeks per 

year or 8 weeks LSL after 10 years compared to our Award rate 

of 1.3 weeks of LSL per year or 6.5 weeks of LSL after 5 years up 

to the first 15 years of service, which is 13 weeks per 10 years. 

This significantly increases to 2.2 weeks accrual per year for 

those who achieve 15 years of service for each year of service 

after 15 years. 

The additional accrual of leave in excess of 0.8 weeks per year 

can be salary sacrificed into super if requested and the option 

of requesting LSL at double or half pay is also available as it is 

for excess annual leave. This could be very useful for saving for 

a home deposit or to cover unexpected expenses. 

Additional Benefits 

There are numerous additional benefits in the Award that 

most other workers can only dream about including Union 

Picnic Day that we still have, but which was made illegal as 

prohibited content in Federal Awards under John Howard 

back in the Workchoices era. 

This can provide our members with financial confidence regarding 

their income over the next 3 years, which is something 

that the vast majority of workers don’t have. 

Most workers only learn of any increase shortly before it is 

handed down by the Fair Work Commission each year, but it 

must be remembered that the Fair Work Commission hasn’t 

provided increases every year to most workers. 

Salary System 

The NSW Local Government Award also provides that each 

Council must have a salary system that provides every position 

with a salary range, which unless topped out also provides 

a further means to receive additional salary/wages. 

The Federal Modern Award for Local Government, that we fortunately 

avoided being captured by through our smart political 

manoeuvring, only provides for 11 rates of pay to cover from basic 

entry level jobs right up to technical and management positions. 

Each of these levels are significantly below the NSW Local 

Government Award entry levels. 

It doesn’t provide a salary range for progression, nor does it allow 

for industry wide negotiations to improve conditions. 

Better standards and leave 

Our Award is superior to most Awards and minimum legislated 

standards, such as providing vastly better Long Service 

Leave than the LSL Act which only grants access after 10 years’ 

Union fees are also one of the few guaranteed simple tax deductions 

that many workers can access as the ability to claim 

many other things has diminished over the years. 

When you factor in the tax return on your fees and other benefits 

available such as Union Shopper discounts and access to 

our Solicitors for free wills and assistance for workers comp 

etc, the cost is minimal not to forget access to advice and assistance 

such as industrial representation when and if needed. 

It really is much better to join our team of 30,000 members 

rather than being on your own. 

Local Government provides for secure long-term employment 

with great opportunities to advance if you take the opportunities 

as they arise or claim your Award right to a training plan. 

After leaving the Army in the early 1980’s local Government 

gave me the opportunity to start a career commencing on the 

old Red Scheme into a concreting crew then a bridge crew and 

into a technical job in soils technology and construction. It gave 

me the chance to get my first mortgage and to raise a family 

as it has done for countless others and will continue to do so. 

There are many vacancies that have arisen within almost every 

Council after the Covid period. Speak to your friends and 

family about joining our industry and for those that are considering 

leaving to start work outside of Local Government I 

can honestly state after almost 40 years in the industry that 

most who leave regret it and many then seek to return. 


THE Early Childhood Educators Award & THE UNITED SERVICES UNION 

Be part of 

history 

U 

S 

U 

Approximately 5% of all Local 

Government employees in NSW 

work in the Early Childhood 

Education and Care sector. These 

workers are responsible for starting 

the education of young children before 

they enter primary school. 

There has long been a belief that 

these workers were providing child 

minding services which is far from 

the truth. Whilst many children are 

placed in care so parents can work, 

these educators have stringent educational 

guidelines and reporting that 

must be adhered to. 

Earlier this year we held a very productive meeting 

with employer representatives, on the road to 

creating an Early Childhood Educators’ award. 

The industry is predominantly female 

and the education standards required 

of employees are not recognised in 

the remuneration received. 

In 2022 the Sydney Metro team commenced 

campaigning around the 

development of an Early Childhood 

Education and Care Award that 

would sit alongside the NSW Local 

Government State Award. Members 

were encouraged to sign a pledge to 

show their support for the negotiations 

and to encourage non members 

to join to provide strength behind the 

negotiations. 

In the last 12 months over 150 

new Early Education members 

have joined the USU! 

Early this year the Metro team commenced 

centre visits to discuss the 

endeavour. Each Monday the team 

visits a different Council and talks to 

members in the early education centres. 

To date, all metropolitan centres 

have been visited at least once and 

the team has just commenced a third 

rotation. Due to the nature of the 

work the team may miss members 

who have not commenced their shifts 

at the time of the visit and leave further 

information in staff lunchrooms. 

Negotiations on the Award have commenced 

with three meetings being 

held at this time. Some of the items in 

the Union’s log of claims are: 

Check-sq 

Check-sq 

Check-sq 

Allowances for 

Educational Leaders 

Allowances for Nominated 

Supervisors 

Additional sick leave to allow for 

the greater exposure to illness. 

Visit our campaign 

page for further 

information and 

to view the full 

log of claims. 


It pays to have USU delegates in unions 

Meet Lyndal Butler and Ray 

Mifsud, two of the hardworking 

delegates at the 

New South Wales Nurses 

and Midwives Association. If 

you have wondered if Unions 

need delegates, then wonder 

no longer. 

Before COVID shut down most 

workplaces across Australia, we 

were in EBA negotiations with the 

Association. We all had to adapt to 

the hybrid nature of work with many 

new systems needing implementation 

so that the workplace functioned 

as best it could during these unprecedented 

times. 

Ray and Lyndal, as well as ex delegate 

Peter Munford, who is now 

a USU organiser, and USU bargaining 

representatives, lost no time in 

setting up information pathways to 

communicate with members so that 

negotiations may continue as best as 

possible. These professional and dedicated 

delegates and representatives 

worked with the Association to ensure 

USU members were able to attend 

virtual meetings, vote on issues 

from negotiation meetings and have 

Members at REX Airlines have been in negotiations for a new Enterprise Agreement for more 

than a year. 

COVID, airline disruptions and delays in meetings have seen negotiations drag out with members patiently waiting 

for a decent wage increase. 

Delegates have been diligently negotiating for a fair agreement and say that the two key issues facing members are 

cost of living pressures and rostering issues that have negatively impacted work life balance. Other issues on the Log 

of Claims are improved salary structure and study leave. 

Management have said that they are committed to finalising the negotiations in a timely manner and the USU is 

committed to holding them to their word. 

Hopefully a good deal will be struck very shortly. 

input into how the USU progressed in 

the next round of meetings. 

Not only did they participate in the 

negotiations, but they dedicated a lot 

of their time outside of negotiations, 

to ensuring members’ voices were 

heard and issues were articulated 

and understood. 

You would think that Unions may 

not need to have the same level of 

on-the-ground advocacy as private 

organisations. That is not the case. 

Like any workplace, Unions still need 

to negotiate working conditions with 

their employees as well as manage 

LYNDAL AND RAY: Not 

only did they participate in 

the negotiations, but they 

dedicated a lot of their time 

outside of negotiations, to 

ensuring members’ voices 

were heard and issues were 

articulated and understood. 

employee adherence to terms and 

conditions of employment. 

That is why we are grateful to all of our 

delegates working in Unions where 

advocacy and representation relies 

on the good understanding of the 

workplace as well as union relationships 

within the Union movement. 

REX Members holding out for a fair deal 


USU WIN AT VIRGIN 

Members said NO to dodgy deal 

Earlier this year, after months of 

bargaining discussions, management 

at Virgin Australia decided 

to leave the negotiating table, 

and put forward a dodgy deal to 

workers. 

This deal offered a 4.2% payrise this 

year - in exchange for reduced sick 

leave, and changes to how other 

types of leave are accrued, which 

would hurt workers. 

Alongside our other ASU branches, 

the USU campaigned extensively 

for a No vote on the proposed EA. 

Throughout this process, our organiser 

at Virgin, Peter Munford, was 

regularly at the airport with delegates 

Tara and Karen, to talk with members about why they needed 

to vote no, and sign up new members in the process. 

We were successful in our efforts, and the EA was voted 

down Australia wide. Furthermore, USU membership at 

Virgin was also increased significantly at Virgin following 

this campaign. 

Virgin now have to return to the bargaining table, and their 

workers have now already received a 5.75% pay rise due to 

the decision of the Fair Work Commission. 


On March 10 we celebrated USU Metro Picnic Day with lots of 

fun and laughter at Luna Park! 

We loved seeing you all at our Metro Members’ Picnic Day - 

especially after such a difficult few years! 

PICNIC DAY 2023 - FUN, SU 


Well done on the picnic 

day at Luna Park. My 

family appreciated being 

able to go at night and 

relax after a long day at work 

and school, enjoying the 

lights of Sydney Harbour 

with other USU members. 

Marika De Vecchis 

N AND LOTS OF LAUGHS! 


Union win! This is why we fight 

WORKERS TO BENEFIT FROM A MORE 

COORDINATED AND JUST ENERGY TRANSITION 

The United Services Union welcomed the 

Federal Government’s commitment to a 

National Net Zero Authority which was announced 

in May. 

The Authority will support workers and their communities 

where businesses are affected by the transition to net 

zero emissions with individualised worker transition plans 

to get the best possible outcomes for them and their 

families. 

Establishing a National Net Zero Authority will be a life 

changing event for workers in affected industries to ensure 

quality secure jobs for workers and communities that 

power Australia. 

OUR ACTION MAKES A DIFFERENCE! 

In March Thao Tran, Ausgrid employee and Energy 

Executive Member, supported by Energy and Utilities 

Manager Narelle Rich, and Organiser Troy Dunne, 

along with ASU National Secretary Robert Potter 

travelled to Canberra advocating for workers to ensure 

their voice was heard in the discussion surrounding 

an Energy Transition Authority! The Government’s 

announcement showed our voice was heard. 

ASU National Secretary Robert Potter said the Authority 

was critical to coordinate programs and policies across 

government to support regions and communities, ensuring 

workers are at the forefront of the transition. 

“The union movement has pushed for this reform for a decade 

and our members should be proud that it has delivered 

a significant investment by the Federal Government,” 

said Mr Potter. “We do not have to choose between the 

environment and jobs – it is our responsibility to act on 

both to the benefit of all communities. 

JOBS FOR THE FUTURE: 

USU Organiser Troy Dunne, Energy and Utilities Manager 

Narelle Rich, Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson MP, 

Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi MP, and ASU National 

Secretary Robert Potter with Minister for Climate 

Change and Energy Chris Bowen MP following the policy 

announcement at Liddell Power Station. 

“For thousands of workers, the transition to clean energy 

affects their employment, the lives of their families and 

the viability of their communities. 

“In regions like the Hunter, Collie, La Trobe, Central 

Queensland and even Torrens Island Power Station which 

is set to close in 2026 and many others, the impact of 

transition is real and immediate. 

“There is a patchwork quilt of programs across the country 

to support workers and communities in the transition, 

and none are sufficient or well-coordinated to manage 

change. 

“Federal leadership has been urgently needed to plan 

and manage the transition so workers, families and communities 

are not left behind and benefit with new jobs in 

growth industries. 

“The new body will deliver federal funding and coordination 

under a structured plan, with workers’ voices at the 

heart of this effort.” 

This is a great step forward for the industry, ensuring 

training for better jobs into the future. The union is proud 

of the work we did to lobby on behalf of our members and 

this industry. 


Taking our experience to Canberra 

In June USU delegates, members and officials took 

part in a successful set of meetings bringing 443 

years worth of experience to discussions about the 

future of the industry. 

Our Energy and Utilities branch met with Ministers 

Chris Bowen MP and Kristy McBain MP, along with Dan 

Repacholi MP. USU General Secretary Graeme Kelly OAM 

attended the meeting and was proud of the contribution 

made by USU delegates. 

“It was great to catch up and talk with workers and to see 

so much experience around the table,” said Member for 

Hunter Dan Repacholi MP. 

TransGrid gears up for new Enterprise Agreement 

TransGrid Delegates are busy talking to members 

about what they see as the key issues for the Log of 

Claims for the new Enterprise Agreement. 

Delegates Paul Jupp and Peter Rodgers said that members 

are telling them that cost of living pressures are biting, 

and a good wages deal is imperative for them in this 

agreement. 

TransGrid dragged out the previous negotiations for over 

18 months in a bid to increase the pay period from one 

week to two - a move that was eventually stopped by 

members voting no in two separate votes. Members were 

very disappointed by management’s actions in the last negotiations 

and hope that these negotiations are handled 

much better from them. 

If you are a member and want a say in the next Enterprise 

Agreement, look out for our upcoming survey, and if you 

are not a member and wish to join, please contact Paul or 

Peter who are more than willing to assist you. 

WE’RE READY! 

TransGrid Paul Jupp left 

Peter Rodgers right 


WE’RE STANDING 

OUT FOR ALL THE 

RIGHT REASONS 

We’re excited to be one 

of six funds named an 

Outstanding Value Super 

Fund 2023 by Canstar! 

This shiny new accolade recognises that 

we’re providing exceptional value to 

members in the areas of investment 

performance, fees and product features. * 

* 

Based on a comparison of the Active Super Accumulation Scheme held by those aged 20-69 years and balances 

between $30,000 and $1.5 million. Active Super’s Accumulation Scheme is issued by LGSS Pty Limited (ABN 68 078 

003 497), as trustee for Local Government Super (ABN 28 901 371 321)(‘Active Super’). Consider the PDS and TMD at 

activesuper.com.au before making a decision. 

AS2086-06/23 


TIME TO GET YOUR 

SUPER HOUSE IN ORDER 

A new financial year is a good time to review your 

finances and plan for the future. 

The most common new year’s 

resolutions are around fitness, 

weight loss and diet, all worthy 

goals to improve our physical 

wellbeing. Similarly, the end 

of the financial year can be a 

good time to set goals related to 

financial wellbeing. 

Here’s five simple tips from our 

friends at Active Super, that 

you could use to get your super 

working harder in the year ahead. 

Look for lost super and 

consolidate funds 

If you’ve had multiple employers, 

changed name or address, you may 

have lost track of your super. You can 

check for lost super by using MyGov 

or calling the ATO’s lost super search 

line on 13 28 65. 

For those with multiple super 

accounts, consolidating funds may 

be worth considering. Moving all 

your super into one account can 

make it easier to manage and may 

save on fees. However, there can be 

consequences in consolidating funds 

which should be considered before a 

decision is made. Further information 

can be found at 

activesuper.com.au/consolidate 

Review if you’re on track 

To find out if your super is on track 

to meet your retirement needs, it 

helps to have a clear idea of how 

much income you’re likely to need 

in retirement. One way to do this 

is to use our Retirement Lifestyle 

Calculator which you can find at 

activesuper.com.au/ 

retirementcalculator 

If you are unsure whether your super 

balance is on track to achieve the 

income you may need in retirement, 

you can also speak to one of our 

financial advisers. 

Tax refunds 

For those who receive an annual tax 

refund, it may be worth considering 

boosting your retirement nest egg 

by depositing any surplus funds into 

a super account. Extra contributions 

may not be suitable for everyone 

and you should consider consulting 

a tax professional to see if it is the 

right decision for you. 

New super rules 

Super rules change frequently and it 

is important to understand what the 

reforms mean for you. For instance, 

on 1 July 2023, the Superannuation 

Guarantee rate will rise to 11 percent 

from 10.5 percent, which means you’ll 

have more funds going towards 

your super. 

Another imminent change is the 

end of the 50 percent reduction 

in minimum drawdown rates for 

account-based pensions. The rates 

determine the minimum amount of 

a pension that a retiree must draw 

from their super each year. They 

were temporarily reduced, providing 

retirees more flexibility to manage 

their income and avoid selling 

assets. The rates will return to 

pre-2019 levels after 30 June 2023. 

Seek advice 

If you require advice on your 

retirement needs, please contact 

one of Active Super’s financial 

planners. Feel free to contact 

us on 1300 547 873 or make an 

appointment at 

activesuper.com.au/appointment 

to see how we can help. * 

*Please note, should you choose to meet with one of our planners and decide to not obtain personal advice, no additional fee will be payable. However, fees may apply 

should you choose to proceed to personal advice. Your financial planner will discuss any fee payable when meeting with you and, if a fee is applicable, will advise you 

of the fee should you decide to proceed with obtaining the advice. 

Any advice in this article is general in nature and has been issued by LGSS Pty Limited (ABN 68 078 003 497) (AFSL 383558), as Trustee for Local Government Super 

(ABN 28 901 371 321) (‘Active Super’). This article does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on it, you should 

consider the appropriateness of it having regard to these matters. If you would like advice that takes into account your personal circumstances, please contact a 

financial adviser. LGSS Pty Limited (ABN 68 078 003 497) (AFSL 383558) has engaged Industry Fund Services Limited (ABN 54 007 016 195) (AFSL No 232514) (IFS) to 

facilitate the provision of financial advice to members of Active Super. Advice is provided by one of IFS’ financial planners who are Authorised Representatives of IFS. 

Fees may apply. Further information about the advice services that can be provided is set out in the relevant Financial Services Guide, a copy of which is available 

for download at activesuper.com.au or by calling 1300 547 873. IFS is responsible for any advice given to you by its Authorised Representatives. 

AS2086-06/23 


45 years but never forgotten 

The MEU made a promise to the 

families and colleagues to never 

forget, and we at the USU will 

continue to keep that promise. 

On 13 February USU General 

Secretary Graeme Kelly OAM, 

(now) President Sharon Sewell, 

Officials and Delegates attended 

the 45th Anniversary Memorial 

of the Hilton Hotel Bombing, 

which claimed the lives of two 

of our members - William Favell 

and Alec Carter. 

Police Officer Paul Brimistriw also 

tragically lost his life in the Hilton 

Bombing attack of 1978. Two more 

MEU members, colleagues Billy Ebb 

and John Watson, were injured in the 

blast. 

Alec, William, Billy, and John were 

part of a garbage collection team 

from the City of Sydney Phillip Park 

Cleansing Depot. They were completing 

their duties in the early morning 

of February 13th. Alec and William 

had just loaded the last bins from the 

Hilton Hotel. As they began to leave 

an explosion engulfed the truck. 

In the wake of the attack the MEU 

raised over $150,000 dollars for the 

families of Alec and William. That is 

just under $1 million dollars in today’s 

money. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us 

to remember them on this day as we 

do every year. 

Retired members out in force 

After several years of 

remote meetings due to 

Covid the Retired Members 

Club came out in force to 

meet earlier this year. 

It was great to see so many of our retired 

members come into the Sydney 

Office. In great news we were also 

able to award Karen from Inner West 

Council with her Life Membership. 

Retired member Dave McDonald 

voiced what many were feeling: 

“It was a good roll up. Great to see 

past work mates and big congratulations 

to Karen being awarded Life 

Membership for her outstanding contribution 

as a USU delegate.” 


Members stand up to STOP the sell 

off at Willoughby City Council! 

Taking the fight to a North Shore Council was never going to be easy. 

With everything going against us in 

the composition of the Council combined 

with the usual hostility of a 

North Shore Council bureaucracy, no 

one thought we stood a chance in 

standing up against the privatisation 

agenda of Willoughby City Council. 

Over a period of more than 6 months, 

union members stood together to 

stop the privatisation of Council’s 

Childcare and Community Services. 

One thousand signatures 

Members got organised and within a 

fortnight, over a thousand signatures 

were gathered from the community 

in support of their jobs. 

Across three Council meetings, USU 

members organised over 300 local 

families, residents, and ratepayers 

each time to rally against their 

Council’s woeful privatisation agenda, 

garnering significant local and statewide 

media attention along the way. 

If you have seen the USU truck in 

the last two years you would have 

seen Neville Drane in the passenger 

seat. 

Community must come first 

All this comes down to one thing, that 

local government is about servicing 

and prioritising the community before 

profit margins. 

Unfortunately, in this case factors outside 

of our control meant the majority 

support we had from the Councillors 

was stripped at the last minute. 

Coming so agonisingly close and losing 

by a tiebreak with the Mayor double 

dipping isn’t the end of our story. 

As heartbreaking as it is, we’re determined 

to continue this fight as 

Willoughby City Council pursues its 

privatisation and outsourcing agenda 

of community services. Only by getting 

organised do we stand a chance! 

VALE TO THE CO-DRIVER 

Neville took great joy in driving 

around with his son, Colin, delivering 

the USU message to people all 

over NSW. 

Neville and Colin 

Sadly, Neville passed away on the 

26th May 2023. We send our condolences 

to Colin and his family. 


City of Newcastle Enterprise Agreement: 

USU members unanimously support EA proposal! 

In late 2022, USU members at the City of Newcastle voted unanimously to accept a new 

Enterprise Agreement. 

It is a progressive agreement that guarantees wage increases 

for City of Newcastle workers over the next three 

years, provides job security and includes important and 

improved terms and conditions of employment. 

The Agreement commenced with an agreed 1% annualised 

lump sum increase to all employees (permanent, 

temporary, and casual) in December 2022, just before the 

holiday period. 

MAIN FEATURES AT A GLANCE: 

Check-sq WAGES: 

Three guaranteed wage increases over the life of the 

agreement including a total increase of at least 4.6% 

paid in two parts in December 2022 and July 2023. 

Further increases in 2024 (3.5% plus additional $1,000 

bonus) and 2025 (3% plus additional $1,000 bonus) to 

be applied directly from the Local Government (State) 

Award 2023. 

Check-sq MAJOR WIN: 

After many years of USU campaigning and activism for 

Civic Theatre and Events-Based workers an in-principal 

agreement was resolved to transition ALL Civic Theatrebased 

workers to the City of Newcastle Enterprise 

Agreement from 1 January 2023, ensuring an average 

wage increase of 32% for the lowest-paid workers! 

Check-sq IMPROVEMENTS: 

The following clauses saw improvements and increases: 

• Workplace Flexibility (four day week), 

• Job Security (core numbers), 

• Family and Domestic Violence Leave (20 Days), 

• Workplace Resourcing, 

• Waste Collections (increased allowances), 

• Heavy Vehicle Driver’s License, 

• Clarification of Ordinary Pay, 

• Casual Employment (conversion options), 

• Lateral Transfers (injured workers), 

• Shift Penalties (increase), 

• Public Holidays (option to transfer), 

• Paid Parental Leave (increased options), 

• Miscarriage Leave, 

• Cultural Leave, 

• Defence Service Leave. 

TRADE OFFS? NO WAY! 

The USU can confirm, due to the 100 years of collective 

union membership strength at City of Newcastle, all 

changes to the Enterprise Agreement are only improvements. 

All existing conditions including penalty rates, 

base rates of pay, and allowances (including increases) 

were maintained and increased. There were no confirmed 

“trade-offs” or reduction of conditions. 

USU action pays off for 

Civic Theatre members 

Civic Theatre member 

Lyndon celebrates with 

Organiser Luke Hutchinson 

“There was a deal for the permanent staff in 

2019 to come over, but not the casuals, so they 

stayed in solidarity with the casual staff. 

This time the USU made it number one on 

our log of claims, and we held strong that we 

wouldn’t agree to an award without bringing 

the theatre under the council award. 

It’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve 

achieved in my time at the union.” 

- Luke Hutchinson 

OUR GREAT DELEGATES 

USU membership has been integral in improving conditions 

of employment at the City of Newcastle and this 

agreement continues this record. The USU recognises 

the following delegates who represented USU members 

diligently and should be very proud of their efforts: 

Ross Warren, Keven Burgess, Shane Hardy, Jake Fly, Craig 

Perrin, Tony Priestley, Kurt Douglas and Andrew Mercer. 


NATIONAL WAGE REVIEW: 

A fair wage increase at last 

USU/ASU members have campaigned for a meaningful pay rise through the National Wage 

Case, and in June we won! 

On 2 June, the Fair Work Commission 

announced that Modern Award Rates 

would increase by 5.75% and the 

National Minimum Wage would increase 

by 8.6% on July 1, 2023. 

This win by union members is a clear 

example of how important it is to 

stand together to campaign for better 

pay and conditions in your workplace. 

USU/ASU members should be proud 

for campaigning and winning this pay 

rise which was only achieved through 

a united campaign by USU/ASU 

members. 

Our work continued with the need to 

ensure that employers passed on this 

wage increase to workers on 1 July. 

Following the increase employers 

should have reviewed your rates 

against the Award minimums and paid 

the relevant increase. 

The USU/ASU continues to work with 

our members to ensure everyone is 

paid what they are owed. 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: 

Check-sq Workers covered by Modern 

awards received a pay rise of 

5.75% as of July 1, 2023. 

Check-sq The lowest paid workers covered 

by the National Minimum Wage 

received a pay rise of 8.6% as of 

July 1, 2023. 

Check-sq Office and Admin workers, paid 

according to the Clerks - Private 

Sector Award 2020 received a pay 

rise of 5.75% as of July 1, 2023. 

Check-sq If you are employed on an enterprise 

bargaining agreement, you 

won’t receive a pay increase unless 

your base rate of pay falls below 

the minimum award rate for 

your classification (this is your rate 

of pay without separate amounts 

like shift rates or overtime). 

Taking it to the streets! 

What better way to meet workers 

than to take our information to the 

streets when workers are on their 

way to the office? 

According to Organiser Peter 

Munford it was great meeting so 

many office and admin workers 

when the team took to the streets 

earlier this year! The highlight 

was meeting Lachie, who told us: 

“Me and some others just started 

working in an office down here and 

we were talking about who the union 

is for office workers. Thanks heaps!” 


Australian Mutual Bank is a community-based banking 

organisation that values its members and puts their 

interests first, providing quality banking, loan and 

investment services to the community since 1953. 

Our purpose is to provide Australians who want ethical 

financial services with a bank that aligns with their values. 

100% Customer owned 

On becoming a member of our bank, 

you’re not just a customer, you’re an owner! 

Ethical banking 

The benefit of our members, society, 

and the planet drives everything we do 

Safe and secure 

Strict Australian regulation protects your 

deposits with us 

Creating social impact 

We contribute to the wellbeing of our communities 

and provide a helping hand to those who need it 

34 • United Spring 2023 

Environmental sustainability 

We aim to reduce the environmental impact on our 

operations through improved efficiency and innovation

Australian Mutual Bank provides banking services for human 

and social needs as opposed to corporate speculative gain. 

• Home loans 

• Car loans 

• Personal loans 

• Green loans 

• Visa credit cards 

• Visa debit cards 

• Budgeting tools 

• Savings accounts 

• Term deposits 

• Business accounts 

• Childrens account 

• Financial planning 1 

• Insurance 2 

Meet your Relationship 

Specialist Glen Warner 

We understand that life can be busy. This is why we 

have a dedicated team lead by Glen Warner. Glen 

has been a proud Australian Mutual Bank Business 

Development Manager for over 20 years and he is 

committed to making sure you are looked after as a 

USU member. 

For your convenience, Glen can make arrangements to visit you at work 

or wherever else is convenient for you to discuss your financial needs and 

make sure you get the right product and deal to meet your goals. 

Contact Glen on Mobile: 0413 656 361 or 

Email: gawarner@australianmutual.bank for further information. 

All loan applications are subject to Australian Mutual Bank Ltd normal lending criteria. Fees and charges, terms and conditions apply 

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ASX participant. AFSL 240837. Part of the IOOF group. 2. General Insurance issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 

AFSL 227681 trading as CGU Insurance. Australian Mutual Bank Ltd ABN 93 087 650 726 may receive commissions from an insurer 

when we arrange an insurance product. Before deciding whether to purchase an insurance policy, you should consider your personal 

circumstances and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations available at www. cgu.com.au/ 

about-cgu/partner-tmd. Any advice or information does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs 

and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. Please review our Terms and Conditions of Use and Financial Services Guide 

at www.australianmutual.bank before acquiring the product. Australian Mutual Bank Ltd ABN 93 087 650 726, Australian Credit 

Licence 236476, AFSL 236476. Registered office 59 Buckingham Street Surry Hills NSW 2010. 


USU Win – Member receives 

backpay and Grade increase 

Earlier this year when USU member Manuel Karakatsanis 

showed our Organiser his payslip he noticed that Manuel 

was not at the top of his pay grade despite having worked at 

Council for over 10 years. Manuel’s last annual assessment 

was in 2018. 

We advised Council that as per the Local Government 

(State) Award, Manuel should have completed an annual 

assessment to move up in the salary system in 2019, that he 

needed to have an annual assessment completed as soon 

as possible, and that our member needed to be paid the 

appropriate backpay. 

As a result, Manuel completed an annual assessment, 

moved up to the next pay level in the grade for his role, 

and received almost $7,000 in backpay. 

As a member of the USU, you have the back up and assistance 

of the Union. 

Thumbs up for FOUR at Georges 

River Council Works Depots 

Having endured some challenging periods, 

and then hostility in the years 

immediately succeeding the forced 

amalgamation combined with the impacts 

of Covid, members have earned 

the respect of management to truly 

be a part of the decision making from 

the very top. 

The USU got 

me $7,000 in 

back pay and a 

Grade increase. 

Led by longstanding and highly respected 

union stalwarts Craig Wilson and Mark 

Paul, members at Georges River have 

just come out of negotiations for a fourday 

week working model which will be 

trialled for the majority of outdoor staff. 

100% UNION, UNITED & STRONG! 

Following months of negotiation, the 

trial will reduce the working week 

from 38hrs to 36hrs with no loss in 

pay whilst crediting 16 days across a 

year back to members. 

At a time when Councils are facing a 

major staff attraction and retention 

problem, Georges River Council is 

taking the right approach towards addressing 

these challenges by further 

providing better flexibility and work 

life balance for USU members. 

Because it shows that when we 

are 100% union, we are united and 

strong! 


The passing of one of our 

longest members “Soot” 

Members may remember reading about Eric Blows in the winter edition 

of the USU journal back in 2021 (if not please visit usu.org.au/57- 

years-of-soot-midcoast and read the full story). 

Earlier this year the local USU Official 

and delegate for MidCoast Council organised 

to present Eric with recognition 

of his length of service with the 

USU. Due to Eric becoming ill this was 

not able to take place. Unfortunately, 

on the 23 May 2023 Eric Wayne Blows 

“Soot” passed away. Eric had been a 

member of the USU since 9 November 

1965 - a staggering 57 years 6 months 

and 15 days. 

Due to the inability to present Eric 

with his recognition Award, the local 

delegate and Official, spoke with 

the members at Eric’s depot to see if 

Eric’s son and daughter would like to 

be presented with the Award on his 

behalf and a BBQ lunch was organised 

for Friday 6 July 2023, to present 

the recognition Award in front of the 

Stroud depot members, family members, 

the Director of Infrastructure 

and General Manager of MidCoast 

Council. 

During the BBQ lunch there were 

many stories being passed around 

the group involving “Soot’s” working 

life, at Stroud Shire Council, then 

Bret Menser delegate, Adrian Panuccio 

GM MCC, Damien Welsh USU, Wayne 

Blows, Lee Blows, Aiden Blows, Nicholas 

Blows, Robert Scott director MCC 

Great Lakes Council and more recently 

MidCoast Council. Following 

the lunch, the presentation of the 

recognition Award was made by the 

local delegate Bret Menser and USU 

Official Damien Welsh to Eric’s son 

Wayne and daughter Karen. 

USU sends City of Sydney Award back for another vote 

Following a protracted and lengthy 

negotiation process, a series of 

presentations and meetings to vote 

for the City of Sydney Award were 

conducted. 

These presentations and vote 

meetings were based on the agreements 

reached through the negotiation 

phase and saw a good 

member turn out, with a positive 

response. 

At the conclusion of the presentations 

and vote meetings, the 

Council was advised of the outcome 

and forwarded a draft Award 

to the United Services Union. 

On receipt of the draft Award from 

Council, the staff at the USU conducted 

a review and identified several inconsistencies 

from the agreements 

reached in negotiations. 

Subsequently, the entire document 

was reviewed in detail, and comprehensive 

changes were required to 

bring the document in line with the 

agreements reached. 

The Council was advised of the findings 

and a series of online meetings 

took place to rectify the mistakes and 

ensure the Council produce a proper 

and correct document for ratification. 

In most cases, the changes were in 

favour of the members, however, 

the USU Metropolitan Manager 

Steve Donley and USU Industrial 

Manager Daniel Papps, were of the 

opinion that too many changes to 

the document needed to be made 

and therefore, further presentations 

and vote meetings were 

needed to ensure members were 

properly informed, vote transparency 

and proper accountability 

was achieved. 

The presentations and vote meetings 

have been underway and 

should be concluded, with an expected 

support for the Award by 

the time we head to print. 


Terry Knight: 

50 years of service 

Crookwell, NSW, 1973. Barely 21 years old, Terry Knight started 

at Crookwell Shire Council and joined his union on the same 

day. Fifty years later, his fellow workers came together to celebrate 

and reflect on his 50 years of tireless service. 

Starting out as a labourer on the 

Narrawa Bridge project, reporting to 

well-known local Norm Smith, Terry 

laid the groundwork for his long career 

with council. Once the bridge 

was finished, Terry and Norm wrote 

their names on the underside of the 

bridge, which is still visible today. 

After the bridge project, Terry did a 

short stint in the tar patching gang 

under Rodger Shelton, where he 

learnt how to operate a grader. It 

was while he was working here that 

Tom Horn, the overseer at the water 

plant, offered him work doing nightshift 

over the summer at the old sand 

filter plant. 

The night shifts proved challenging. 

All alone each night, Terry saw 

firsthand how the old water plants 

couldn’t keep up with the summer 

water demands of the Crookwell 

community. 

For his entire career, Terry’s service 

to the community never wavered. 

He has been on call 24 hours a day, 

7 days a week for most of his time 

at Council. No matter what the time, 

if it was his day off or even if it was 

Christmas Day, if someone turned up 

at his house reporting burst water 

mains or sewer chokes Terry would 

drop everything and help. 

Decades of being on call 24/7 was an 

enormous responsibility, yet whenever 

anyone tries to tell Terry that, he 

shrugs and says ‘I did it for the ratepayers, 

not the council’. 

When asked what he would say to 

young workers just beginning their 

careers at council, who are hesitant 

to join the union, Terry was straight 

to the point: ‘join your union. The 

union is the future. It saves your job. 

The way things are going now, you 

need them more than ever.’ 

Join your union. The union is 

the future. It saves your job. 

The way things are going 

now, you need them more 

than ever. 

- Terry Knight 

The USU, the Crookwell community 

and Terry’s comrades at Upper 

Lachlan Council come together and 

thank Terry for 50 years of dedicated 

service. 

USU action at Maitland City Council leads to review 

Grievance – Competency Assessments Review for Parks & Gardens and Maintenance Teams 

Meetings were initiated after receipt of a Grievance from several members requesting that a review be conducted 

regarding the steps of the current competency system and various blocks that staff are encountering. 

Members highlighted that there was a lack of training plans, clarity around timeframes for approval and for the 

system to be more transparent and simplified as best as possible and for the removal of any artificial barriers. 

Meetings were held with the individuals who wanted to discuss their individual concerns. USU Delegates were 

also in attendance. Resolution of members’ concerns is currently ongoing with the view of reaching a positive 

outcome. As a result, Council have advised they would commence a full review of the competency system in 

August 2023 which our members are very happy about. 


Scott Kirkman: 

A driving force for good 

In 1994, Scott Kirkman started out as a labourer at Forbes Shire Council. 28 years later, 

he retires a highly respected Plant Operator and USU Life Member, Branch Official and 

Delegate who has fought and won for his fellow USU members countless times. 

An outdoor delegate for 18 years, 

Scott took council to task when contractors 

they’d hired brought in asbestos-based 

material to crush and 

place on roadwork sites. Along with 

his fellow USU members, he fought 

council relentlessly until they agreed 

to not use the asbestos riddled materials 

and ensured its safe disposal. 

This big win is still talked about today. 

As well as being an active delegate, 

Scott was a highly respected member 

of the Central West Branch of the 

Committee of Management. Known 

for being a well prepared and passionate 

member advocate, much of 

his personal time was spent listening 

to and preparing cases to council 

management on behalf of members. 

An active member of the Consultative 

Committee and its processes, Scott 

successfully lobbied for outdoor staff 

to be able to wear shorts. 

A driving force behind the Forbes 

Shire Council Union Picnic Day, Scott 

made sure it ran every year and was 

enjoyed by all members. 

Scott’s hard work has paved the way 

for current members and delegates 

at Forbes Shire Council to continue to 

Scott’s passion and representation 

over the years haS paved the way 

for our current members and 

delegates. Good Job Scotty! 

- Shane Reece, USU Organiser 

fight for what is right in the workplace. 

The United Services Union thanks 

Scott for all his hard work for his community 

and wish him a happy and 

well-earned retirement. 

USU members win Excellence Award 

Warrumbungle Community Care 

provides a diverse range of services 

to local community members 

from community transport, 

social support and home maintenance 

to meals, respite for carers 

and home care packages. 

During the Covid pandemic, members 

at Warrumbungle Community 

Care realised that there was going to 

be an issue with delivering its services 

to the public during lockdowns, especially 

Meals on Wheels. The team 

developed a voucher-based system 

that would allow people to choose 

what and where they got their meal. 

Warrumbungle Community Care now 

partners with almost 40 local food 

vendors in the local government area 

to supply eligible clients with vouchers 

to access meals at a discounted 

rate, while supporting local business. 

The initiative was titled ‘Rise and 

Shine it’s Time to Dine’. 

The meal voucher program won in the 

USU members at Warrumbungle 

Community Care are elated with their 

achievement and the acknowledgment 

that the award brings. The USU congratulates 

our members on their success. 

category of Community Development 

– Population under 150,000. The winners 

were announced at an awards 

night in Sydney on 1 June 2023 and 

the team were elated with their 

success. 


DO YOU NEED 

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When it matters contact Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers. 

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Level 18, 111 Elizabeth Street, Sydney New South Wales 2000

WHY I’M UNION 

“At my previous job, it shocked 

me how people were treated, 

especially women - and they 

just accepted it, because they 

didn’t want to lose their jobs. 

I was yelled at by a male manager, and 

I just stood there and took it, even 

though I knew it wasn’t ok. I didn’t 

feel that I could speak up, because 

that was how it was always handled 

at my old job. 

So when I came to my job now, back 

in 2005, our delegate Joanne came 

to our induction to tell us about the 

USU. What grabbed me was the support, 

that you weren’t on your own 

dealing with problems at work. 

The way she explained the workplace 

protections, how we got RDOs, annual 

leave - it was all because the union 

was there to negotiate for us. 

Being a union member is 

so important for safety and 

respect in the workplace. 

Joanne fostered an environment of 

support - and I thought, I want to be like 

you. There’s been a lot of women like 

that throughout my time at the USU. 

I’ve now been on the other side of it, 

as a support person for another female 

member, and providing her that 

help was so rewarding. 

Being a union member is so important, 

knowing that they’ve always got 

our best interests at heart. 

We’ve achieved great working conditions. 

But we need to protect and 

grow this legacy for the next generation 

of workers.” 

-Thao Tran, Energy Delegate 

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SHORT COURSES: 

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Delegate Rights and 

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Support Person / Union 

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Grievance Handling 

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Mapping the Workplace 

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Workplace Investigations 

Navigating an Award 

New to Being a Delegate 

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Get to know your delegates 

in the southern region! 

DARREN BRENNAN – KIAMA COUNCIL 

How long have you been a member of 

the USU? 

Since 2005, so 18 years. 

What is your job at Kiama Council? 

Leading Hand - Cleaning. 

How long have you been a Delegate? 

Almost as long as I’ve been a member! 

Why did you become a Delegate? 

We needed a delegate in Waste not long 

after I started here, so I stood up and got 

voted in. 

What are some highlights 

for you as a Delegate? 

Representing members, 

stopping the amalgamation 

of Kiama Council in 2016 

(I helped run the protests, 

among other things), 

standing up for what’s right 

and maintaining a fair and 

equitable workplace for all 

members. 

TIM MANNING – WOLLONGONG CITY COUNCIL 

How long have you been a 

member of the USU? 

16 or 17 years 

What is your job at Wollongong 

council? 

Leading Hand – Civil. 


delegate? About 13 years. 


Originally, I did it to ensure there 

would be council jobs for my kids 

in the future, rather than contract 

ones. 

MAXINE DAWSON – WOLLONGONG CITY COUNCIL 

What are some highlights for you as 

a Delegate? 

There’s been a few! Representing 

members and saving their jobs, 

working closely with USU Officials, 

negotiating 3 Enterprise Agreements 

as the Delegate Secretary and the 

6 months I spent as an Organiser at 

the USU. 

What is your priority as a Delegate? 

I’ll continue to hold management 

to account, make sure members are 

treated fairly and our conditions don’t 

get worse. 


member of the USU? 

I joined in May 2001. So 22 years. 

What is your job at Wollongong 

council? I’m the Administration 

and Technical Officer for 

Recreation Services. 


Delegate? Seven or so years. 


A lot of reasons, but mainly 

because: I’ve used the USU myself 

on a number of occasions, I’m a big 

believer in having a voice and I believe 

in helping others whose voices might 

not be so loud. 

What are some highlights for you as 

a Delegate? 

There are heaps of highlights! 

Making a difference to our Enterprise 

Agreement with the help of our 

members; organising Picnic Day 

every year and seeing members’ and 

their families’ happy smiling faces on 

the day; and winning the state-wide 

recruitment competition in 2019 are 

a few. 


Every business or employer 

has an obligation to ensure that 

employees have access to adequate 

first aid provisions in the workplace. 

In order to meet this obligation, 

the employer must ensure that: 

Stethosc Adequate and suitable first aid equipment 

is provided for the workplace. 

Stethosc Each worker at the workplace has access to first 

aid equipment. 

Stethosc An adequate number of workers are trained to 

provide first aid, or workers have access to other 

persons trained to provide first aid. 

The obligation on an employer to provide suitable first aid 

is found in the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 

– at clause 42. 

The recommended number of 

trained first aiders at a workplace 

is dependent on the nature of work 

being undertaken at the workplace, and 

whether the workplace would be considered 

high or low risk. 

As a guide, the Code of Practice recommends: 

Low risk workplaces – 1 first aider per 50 

employees 

High risk workplaces – 1 first aider per 25 

employees 

Remote high-risk workplaces – 1 first aider per 

10 employees 

It is an obligation on your 

employer to ensure your health 

and safety at the workplace. 

It is not sufficient for an employer to simply provide first 

aid training to a number of its employees. Each workplace 

should have nominated and identifiable first aid officers, 

who, as part of their duties, are obliged to render first 

aid that is within their ability, given the training that they 

have undertaken. 

Instruction on how to meet this obligation is set out in 

Safework Australia First Aid in the Workplace Code of 

Practice. 

To fully comply with their obligations, an employer must 

consult with its employees who will be carrying out the 

work, and who will likely be affected by health and safety 

matters. If workers are represented by a WHS representative, 

any consultation must include that representative. 

Consultation should include discussion on 

such matters as: 

medkit The number, location and contents of first aid 

kits. 

medkit First aid procedures. 

medkit The number of first aiders at the workplace. 

These nominated first aid officers should be easy to identify 

and locate on every worksite, and the employer should 

provide information to its employees to ensure that all 

staff are aware of the identity and location of appointed 

first aid providers. 

Nominated first aid officers should also be responsible for 

the maintenance of the first aid kits in the workplace. 

Under the Local Government State Award, employees 

who hold appropriate first aid qualifications and have 

been appointed by the employer to perform first aid duties 

are entitled to be paid an allowance in accordance 

with the Award. 

If your workplace does not have nominated 

first aid officers, you should raise the issue 

with your delegate or WHS representative. 

Remember, it is an obligation on your employer to ensure 

your health and safety at the workplace, and part of that 

obligation includes the provision of adequate first aid 

equipment and well trained first aid providers. 


A health check on your job for 

Local Government members 

Every year your Union, the United Services Union writes many industrial updates 

and magazine articles informing members of your rights at work. These updates 

are written to keep our members informed of their entitlements and Award rights. 

Recently, there has been a number of enquiries about some basic entitlements that 

are leaving some people significantly affected, including incorrect hours of work 

and non-payment of certain allowances. 

With it being tax time and the 2023 Local Government (State) Award being ratified, 

it is a great opportunity to undertake a health check on your job. 

The below is a guideline for Award entitlements that you should consider checking; 

Personnel File (When was the last 

time you checked your personnel 

file? You have the right to sight 

your file and respond to any information 

that may be regarded 

as adverse including making an 

application to delete or amend 

any disciplinary or other record 

that you believe is incorrect, out of 

date, incomplete or misleading.) 

Position Description (Is 

your P/D up to date? Are 

you using skills or exercising 

authority that is not 

recognised in your P/D) 

Salary assessment (Have you had 

an annual salary assessment?) 

Is your position at the correct 

Band/Level/Grade? 

Hours of Work (Are you working 

the correct hours of work for your 

position? Is your position 35 hours 

per week or 38?) 

Allowances (Are you entitled to 

allowances such as First Aid or 

travelling? Some Councils will try 

and say that they have included 

these allowances in the Salary 

System) 

Additional hours (Are you required 

to work additional unpaid 

hours by your employer?) 

Superannuation (When was the 

last time you checked your super? 

Are you paying enough or too 

much? Talk to your local client relationship 

officer) 

Training Plan (Do you have a training 

plan?) 

Union Picnic Day (Does your 

council have a local event for 

Union Picnic Day? If not, maybe 

it’s time to get active and organise 

an event with your USU mates) 

The above is an indicative list of some of your Award rights 

that you may check. As always, your Organiser is only too 

happy to discuss members’ rights with you. Remember as 

a USU member you have a right to Union representation 

something that non members don’t. 


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And you will be able to make your purchases online – 

saving you time and money. 

TALK TO A REAL PERSON 

Phone our Call Centre on: 1300 368 117 


ORDER ONLINE 24/7 

Register for online access to The Good Guys Commercial 

website at: www.unionshopper.com.au/the-good-guys

KIDS CORNER 

COLOUR 

COMP 

GREAT PRIZES 

TO BE WON! 

WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED: 

AGES 8-12 YEARS AND AGES UP TO 7. 

Send your entry to: USU Kids, Level 7, 321 Pitt St, 

Sydney for your chance to win some great prizes. 

Name: 

Address: 

Age: 


Delivering the message - 

straight to your inbox! 

While we celebrate our 120 year journey from Struggle to Strength, we’re 

still looking to the future. 

We’ve recently updated our internal membership database to improve our ability to communicate with you and the 

rest of our membership in more meaningful and targeted ways. That means you’ll get faster and more relevant information 

– from SMSs on oncoming workplace visits, to more frequent Newsletters sharing stories and news from across 

the Mighty USU. 

Your journal will go online! 

That also means this is the second-to-last print edition of our Journal. Starting in 2024, we’ll move to a more frequent 

digital-only newsletter. You’ll get the information you need and want, delivered directly to your email on a regular basis. 

And at the same time, we’ll produce less paper and plastic waste, and more of your member fees will go directly to 

supporting members at work, and less towards printing and postage. 

No matter how you choose to read your journal it will be at your fingertips! 

And in the coming year, we’ll be launching your new member portal on our website. There you’ll be able to change 

your payment details, access information like your EBA or Award, see who your union delegates and organiser are, and 

download your tax statements. But that means it’s more important than ever that you update your contact details to 

make sure we have the best email and mobile phone number for you. 

Don’t use email or don’t have a mobile phone? You can always call 

phone our office on 1300 136 604 for any of the information you need!

United magazine Spring 2023

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