All women members of the AEU and its Branches and Associated Bodies can apply for the Rosemary Richards Award.

Rosemary Richards was a proud feminist, unionist and educator. She was a respected leader, colleague and friend who played a crucial role in shaping the AEU as an organisation which reflects feminist principles. Sadly, Rosemary passed away in November, 2006 after a long battle with illness.

This award is in recognition of the significant contribution that Rosemary made to the AEU as an organisation and to all its members, women in particular.

Across the AEU, women's employment rights and women's union participation has been steadily advanced due to an active, committed and predominantly female membership, but challenges still remain.

All financial women members of the AEU are encouraged to apply for the Award which is aimed to extend women members' experiences and participation at all levels of the AEU (or international public education union) by supporting initiatives including but not limited to:

• the design and implementation of a discrete project;
• the establishment of a work-shadowing arrangement or a mentoring arrangement;
• esearch or study experiences; and
• formal and/or informal training and development opportunities.

As an example to applicants, the inaugural award project (2007) involved a recruitment and activism strategy for women working in two Victorian TAFEs. The project involved mentoring and a team approach within the union as well as the clear benefits of trialling and assesing new strategies to engage women. Please contact the AEU Victorian Branch (03 9417 2822) if you are interested in the outcomes of this project.

The scholarship is valued up to $10,000 per year.

Applying for the Award

Women members should apply by filling out the nomination form and sending it to the AEU Federal Secretary (120 Clarendon St, Southbank 3006), clearly marked “Rosemary Richards Award”.

An AEU Federal Executive Judging Committee considers applications and the successful candidate is informed as soon after as possible.

The award will hereafter be advertised in late March every year through the AEU's websites, journals and networks.

Beginning her career in primary school teaching, Rosemary joined the Women and Girls in Education group in the 1970s. She was appointed as the ACT Coordinator for the Elimination of Sexism in Education and produced the major report Sexism in Education in the ACT.

She was the Secretary of the ACT Branch of the AEU (formerly the ACTTF) from 1987 and its President from 1990 – 1995. She was a member of the AEU Federal Executive from 1990-1995 and assisted in the formation of the national AEU.

To learn more about Rosemary, her work and life, go to http://www.rosemaryrichards.com

Please find more background to the award here.