The 10 amazing members nominated for NTEU Life Membership in 2021

Every year at National Council, NTEU Branches and Divisions nominate incredible and hard-working members to the honour of NTEU Life Membership.

With this year's National Council once again taking place online (on 3–4 December), we have prepared these graphics containing brief excerpts from each nomination to display throughout online Council.

To read the full certifications for all our 2021 Life Memberships, visit nteu.org.au/life_members. ◆

Michael Thomson, USyd & NSW Division

Michael Thomson

Michael Thomson made an enormous contribution to the NTEU from the time he joined in 1998, until he completed his term as NTEU NSW Division Secretary in May this year. His influence upon the trajectory and character of the NTEU is surpassed by few others.

Michael served with distinction for 12 years as President of the University of Sydney Branch. His resolve, toughness and calmness under pressure gave others confidence.

Michael was elected NSW Division Secretary in 2016. He oversaw a period of significant growth in Union membership in the NSW Division, with large spikes in membership around industrial action and protected action ballots, for which Michael strongly advocated.

Terry Mason, A&TSIPC

Terry Mason

Terry is a proud Awabakal man from Newcastle NSW. Terry joined the NTEU in 1999 shortly after commencing work, and was very active at two Branches: UWS and Deakin.

Terry also served on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy Committee (A&TSIPC) for 17 years (2004 to 2021), was Deputy Chair for 3 years and Chair for 10 years.

His contribution to this Union at a Branch, Division and national level cannot be understated.

Terry’s impact on the NTEU has been profound. He cemented the influence of the A&TSIPC on the fabric of the NTEU ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business is core Union business.

Sometimes irascible, stubborn when necessary, and periodically charming, Terry was a shrewd and effective voice for the NTEU mob.

Philippa Wells, UB/FedUni

Philippa Wells

During Philippa’s term as Branch President, she oversaw Bargaining in 2013-15, during the complex merger of the University of Ballarat and Monash.

In 2014 she also had to effectively run the Branch, alongside the VP (Academic), after the tragic death of the Branch Industrial Organiser, Athan McCaw, including advocating for staff, meeting with management and dealing with disputes, while also serving as Division President.

Wayne Reynolds, Newcastle

Wayne Reynolds

Newcastle Branch recognises the distinguished service of Wayne Reynolds, former Newcastle Branch President, to the NTEU. We note Wayne’s outstanding contributions through enterprise bargaining and approaches to developing academic workloads.

Of note is Wayne’s unwavering advocacy for NTEU members and his role in saving academic jobs during the 1996-2006 restructures at UON.

Kim Wilson, USyd

Kim Wilson

Kim’s attention to detail and meticulous note taking made her a formidable force. The organisational knowledge gave her strength in the face of management attacks.

She was more knowledgeable than any manager about workplace rights, enterprise agreements and what could be achieved when workers were given trust and freedom to perform their roles.

Jennifer Klingler, Monash

Jennifer Klingler

Jenny has been a fierce defender of higher education and workers’ rights as a delegate and elected representative.

Jenny assisted many members as a support person and representative and was able to achieve good outcomes and provide comfort to them during difficult times. She helped coordinate the industrial action for Library members, encouraging members to participate and supporting them when they did.

Mary Cleary, Monash

Mary Cleary

Mary has been a fierce defender of higher education and workers’ rights as a delegate and elected representative. Mary and Jennifer Klingler co-created the Library delegates network and set up the professional staff workload case committee.

The Monash University Branch wish to acknowledge not only her service, but the enduring impact Mary has had in keeping members optimistic and the Branch united during difficult times. Her legacy is one of the reasons the Branch has now been able to grow in strength and determination.

Steve Shanahan, NT Division

Steve Shanahan

In recognition of his significant role in local amalgamation of UACA and FAUSA, and for his active role for more than a decade from the earliest NTEU days, his continuing support since, and his contribution to the wider trade union movement, we wish to nominate Stephen Shanahan for life membership of NTEU.

Stephen Shanahan is widely respected and acknowledged as a strong advocate for education policy across the broader trade union movement in the NT.

Mark Schier, Swinburne

Mark Schier

Mark has also played an important role beyond Swinburne, with terms as Victorian Division Vice President and President and this work was especially difficult during the 2020 crisis.

In his own words, Mark has been ‘a deliberate unionist and accidental leader’ and his work has made a major positive difference to his members at Swinburne University.

Tim Moore, Swinburne

Tim Moore

Tim led the campaign to prevent the privatisation of Language and Academic Support at Swinburne (2012-2013), for which he was targeted as a troublemaker, and campaigned heavily to organise a no vote against the proposed non-union Enterprise Agreement (2015).

Tim has conducted important research and analysis for the Union around university management and governance issues.