Congratulations: Staunchy Award Winners!

29 May 2026

A big congratulations to ASU delegates Andrew, Taw Taw, David, Phillip, Mandy, Jane, Phil, Colleen, Barry and Ben from Ararat Rural City and Central Goldfields who recently won the Staunchy Award at Victorian Trades Hall Council May Day event.

This was won in recognition of the tenacity and solidarity delegates and the broader ASU membership displayed to win the first local government multi-employer agreement in the country. Whether it was winning majority support (whipping up signatures before management could work out what was going on!), standing their ground on claims and taking protected industrial action at CGSC or holding the line at Ararat to stand together – they’ve all made history industrially and in our union.

The ASU is very proud to stand with you all.

The nomination submitted is below:
"ASU members at Central Goldfields Shire & Ararat City held the line to win the first local government multi-employer agreement (MEA) nationally. Ararat consented, while Central Goldfields fought tooth and nail dragging workers to the Fair Work Commission, a Full Bench then Federal Court. Ararat workers stayed the course in solidarity, throughout the Central Goldfields fight. Central Goldfields are one of the most socio-economically disadvantaged areas in Vic. Workers there took industrial action to ultimately win their MEA, improved conditions and were extra staunch in standing firm to gain a savings clause so that existing conditions will apply to any new workplaces roped in in future. Hepburn and Pyrenees council workers have now voted to join this agreement”

A big well done to you all, and to the ASU team involved in working on this – particularly Billy, Luke and Zoe. Hope to see you all sometime soon out and about.