The Independent Education Union of Australia NSW/ACT Branch, which represents early childhood education and care (ECEC) teachers in NSW and the ACT, is lodging an application before the Fair Work Commission to allow supported bargaining for an enterprise agreement with a block of long day care employers in NSW.

From 6th June, the Secure Work Better Jobs Act reforms make it easier for unions to bargain for enterprise agreements with groups of employers. The IEU, along with the United Workers Union (UWU), which represents ECEC educators in NSW, and the Australian Education Union (AEU), which represents ECEC teachers in Victoria, are jointly lodging the application.

A group of over 20 ECEC employers in NSW has agreed to be part of the application. As it is supported bargaining, the funding body, which is the Federal Government in this case, will also be a party to discussions. Mark Northam, Secretary of the Independent Education Union of Australia NSW/ACT Branch, said the new legislation paved the way to address long-term inequity in the ECEC sector.

“The ECEC sector plays a crucial role in the education of our young citizens, and improved recognition of their value and professionalism is long overdue,” Northam said. “However, four-year university trained ECEC teachers in some long day care centres are only paid modern award rates.

“This means they could be earning $30,000 a year less than school teachers with the same qualifications.”

The 60 employers participating in this application nationally want to pursue an enterprise agreement under the new supported bargaining stream. 

Approximately 30 people enjoyed a delicious morning tea catered by Companions Thru Cancer and staff at Neighbour-hood Central.

Staff and volunteers from the Neighbourhood Central Parkes office, recently joined forces with members from Companions Thru Cancer to stage a Biggest Morning Tea event. Organisers were thrilled to raise over $600 of vital funds for the Cancer Council.

These funds will enable the Cancer Council to support people impacted by cancer when they need it most, speak out on behalf of the community on cancer issues, empower people to reduce their cancer risk, and find new ways to better detect and treat cancer.

Companions Thru Cancer has been providing informal support networks, built around a variety of social outings, since its formation in 2001. While Neighbourhood Central, in conjunction with Parkes Community Health, have been providing a Volunteer Palliative Care Service since 2013.

Along with Can Assist and local health services, both Companions Thru Cancer and Neighbourhood Central provide valuable support and assistance to people living in Parkes and the surrounding area.

Neighbourhood Central also recently held a Parkes Palliative Care Seminar. The day provided an opportunity to reflect on the important work volunteers and health professionals do, and on how they can maintain perspective in their work.

Beaté Steller, an accredited Mental Health Social Worker and training consultant specialising in End of Life related care and aged care, together with Carly Fisher, a Registered Psychologist and business consultant, facilitated interactive presentations that engaged volunteers and health professionals in practical activities that promote reflection and growth in their role.

The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all participants. Thanks to sponsors Northparkes Community Investment Program, Goldfields Masonic Lodge, Palliative Care NSW, Comfort Inn Bushmans and Parkes Shire Council for their generous support and assistance. And a huge thank you to Tony Fisher and the Parkes Palliative Care volunteers for organising the event. 

The Neighbourhood Central Palliative Care Volunteer Service recently organised and hosted a regional seminar for volunteers and health care workers. The theme was “The Cost Of Caring – Under the Umbrella of Palliative Care”.