Nov SCC: Retiring long-time staff member Frank Herzog with Kimberley-Pilbara delegates.

November State Council Conference was held again at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre last month.

State Council is the highest making decision body for the SSTUWA and more than 130 delegates met for two days to discuss union activities and direction.

Delegates also heard from keynote speakers Susan Hopgood, former president of Education International, AEU Victoria Branch President Meredith Peace, Early Childhood Education Minister Sabine Winton and Andrew Whitehouse, professor of autism research at UWA and Telethon Kids Institute.

At November State Council Conference, union members Monica Burnell and Cherie Fielder were named as this year’s recipients of the Lynette Virgona Award and SSTUWA Reconciliation in Action Award, respectively. Congratulations to both.

Graeme Repper was bestowed with life membership of the SSTUWA, while former union president Pat Byrne and former UnionsWA secretary Owen Whittle gave moving speeches to honour late SSTUWA work health and safety organiser Joy Barrett.

Many thanks to all those delegates who committed their time towards another successful State Council Conference.

Seen in the SSTUWA office recently was union member Vanessa Rooney, the 2024 Anna Stewart Memorial Project participant.

Vanessa, from North Metropolitan TAFE, spent a week with other union women delegates to see how unions are organised and learn more about issues and campaigns.

She visited UnionsWA and spent time at the SSTUWA building as well. Congratulations to Vanessa.

The SSTUWA would like to thank all of its members for their commitment to strong public education and workplace conditions this year and wishes them a safe and relaxing holiday break.