AEU New Educators' Conference 2014

When I was invited to attend the Australian Education Union New Educators' Conference, which was this year held at the QTU’s head office in Brisbane, I jumped at the opportunity.
I have come away from every QTU conference I have attended feeling empowered and bursting with ideas, and I am happy to report that this conference was no exception.

I am a strong believer that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. When I found out that there was a pre-conference breakfast being put on by QTMB and TUH, I knew it was going to be the start of a good weekend. I met QTU Deputy General Secretary Kate Ruttiman and Lynn Cowie-McAlister, the QTU Officer with responsibility for new teachers, over breakfast and am always impressed that such people are so down to earth, and ready to chat and answer all my annoying questions.

A highlight of the conference for me personally, was listening to AEU Federal President Angelo Gavrielatos speak. To hear someone speak so passionately about many current education issues was incredible and the whole room seemed to be mesmorised by his charisma.
As the conference progressed, there were lots of passionate speakers with inspiring stories. We were lucky enough to hear teachers from Fiji, the Solomon Islands and New Zealand share their teaching stories. Listening to different teachers from around the world tell their stories made me realise how lucky I am to be teaching in Queensland, and to be part of the QTU.

Throughout the weekend there were many opportunities to chat with fellow teachers from around the world. Similar issues affect us all. It was wonderful to share knowledge and listen to advice.

Coming away from the conference, I have a renewed sense of purpose and direction. I have forged connections with fellow QTU Reps from around the state and now feel confident to ask for their help and support with any upcoming issues that may arise.

Alice Hanley
Queensland delegate

Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 119 No 8, 14 November 2014, p25