(Awarded Posthumously)
Charmaine Huisman was a proud trade unionist and feminist. She was a passionate advocate for justice in the workplace and champion of women everywhere.
All of Charmaine’s work was about improving the status of women. Whether she was fighting for respect and fair wages for the women-dominated profession of teaching, campaigning with other unionists for paid parental leave, convincing union members on why paid domestic violence leave is a union issue, fighting for equity in superannuation, or supporting women union members with individual matters – her feminist principles and desire to make the world a better place for all women was central to everything she did.
However, the most important legacy that Charmaine has left us, are the countless women she mentored and supported. Charmaine built an army of angry, articulate, and passionate women, who will continue to keep up the fight for fairness and justice for women wherever they work.
