Activists and campaigns were the focus of celebrations at the 2021 AEU Federal Women’s Conference. 

AEU Tasmania delegates Lindyl Wingate and Michelle Rippon joined Belinda King, Coby Gore and Hariklia  Hearn-Kokkinos for the October 9 online event which saw 150 people from across the country tune into. 

Video presentation – 10 Years of AEU Campaigning – showcased what we have achieved for public education so far. Campaigns highlighted in the presentation included: Public Education- it is our future, Gonski, Fair Funding Now and Every School, Every Child. 

AEU Federal President Corenna Haythorpe provided a campaign update, reinforcing the need to lobby politicians to commit to the Rebuild with TAFE campaign and fund a minimum of 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard. 

Keynote speaker Sally McManus spoke about the respect at work legislation and how we need to hold politicians to account.  Her main message was of admiration for the bravery of young women speaking out, such as Tasmania’s Australian of the Year recipient Grace Tame.  

AEU Northern Organiser Michelle Rippon praised the one-day event which saw members split into ‘break-out’ rooms to workshop ideas. 

 “It was fantastic to share time and stories with strong AEU women from around the country,” she said. 

“Hopefully, next time we will get to meet in person.”