School officer nominated for Emma Miller Award
Lourdes Hill College laboratory technician and union member Bernadette Murray was honoured with a nomination for the 2011 Emma Miller Award.
The Emma Miller Awards were established by the Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) to recognise women who are making a significant contribution as an activist in their union.
Emma Miller was a leading activist who did much to argue in Queensland for women’s social, political and economic rights.
Bernadette's passion for our union began over a decade ago and her commitment has not waned, as evidenced by her integral involvement as a general member on union council.
Bernadette played a vital role in the school officer campaign in 2001 and again in the reclassification campaign this year.
From participating in three single bargaining units, to being actively involved with various sector-wide union campaigns, Bernadette has always also worked quietly behind the scenes to help others.
In true Emma Miller spirit, Bernadette said: “I try to help others to realise the importance of unions without being overbearing...(to) show what we have acheived by our combined efforts which an individual can not do on their own.”
Bernadette said she felt humbled that a school officer was IEUA-QNT's nomination for the 2011 award.
“It shows how far we have come from when I first joined; school officers now have a career path. We are a part of our union not just a little group on the side. It shows our union appreciates us and the support we give to teachers,” she said.
The Emma Miller Awards and dinner on 4 November was hosted by QCU. The annual awards are a tribute to the pioneering spirit of Emma Miller and a celebration of the achievements of contemporary female unionists.
For more information about the awards, please click here.
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