"From the Chalk Face to the Concrete and Coal Face" -ASMP 2010: Day 4

Today we separate, Meegan to the Sunshine Coast office and Paula to Toowoomba for the South QLD Area Council (SQAC) training. We'll now do a joint page each day and separately comment on our pages to reflect on our experiences.

Meegan - QTU Sunshine Coast

Today I've had the opportunity to participate in workplace visits, a branch meeting and observe the Beacon Foundation's workshop for young girls at risk, supported by the QTU.

I already know Terry Evans and his personal assistant Bec, but this was the first opportunity I've had to be at the office and observe a functional work day for an organiser.

Speaking with Terry, I have learnt and better understand the functional responsibilities he has for his Sunshine Coast members such as workplace advocacy, branch meetings and area council, ongoing roles and investigations, seasonal issues such as transfers. The broad range of skills demonstrated for this type of advocacy is impressive, so it's great to know, as a QTU member in this region, I'm well represented and supported.

Bec was able to explain the daily functions and routines for the use of the office for QTU and workplace related meetings, training and support for outside organisations, such as today's Beacon foundation workshop where selected women mentors interact with and support young women who are students at a local school with needs for empowerment and support.

http://www.beaconfoundation.net/

The day finished with the Coolum branch meeting and, as I am president, area council and state council rep for that branch, I was very involved in the meeting. It's so warm and fuzzy to know we're part of the QTU and what it achieves daily.

Note: Today my iPhone was completely wiped while trying to upload these photos, so now all of my past year's photos (including my Thailand trip where I worked with Asia-Pacific educators), contacts, text messages, notes etc. have disappeared. This is indeed a truly sad day!

Paula - SQAC Toowoomba