United Voice News
Shelley Holzheimer awarded for tenacious drive and spirit
At the Emma Miller Awards dinner held in Brisbane last October, Shelley Holzheimer received an award in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to the union movement and her local community.
Emma Miller was a strong advocate for workers and women’s rights in Queensland during the last century and the QCU hosts the Emma Miller Awards as a tribute to the pioneering spirit of this woman.
Michelle “Shelley” Holzheimer is a truly wonderful example of what it means to be ‘union’. Through her extraordinary and tenacious drive and spirit she has been successful in recruiting over 600 new members for the LHMU.
Shelley is now a retired Teacher Aide from Rosella Park Primary School in Gladstone. She has participated in her union in many ways and has spent many weeks working as a Member Organiser for the LHMU. When asked to take on this role she rose to the challenge achieving extraordinary success in recruitment. She has also been an extremely effective ambassador representing members at all levels and at many worksites other than her own.
Her commitment and drive extend beyond her workplace – Shelly will never let an opportunity pass her by – whether she is in a taxi or at a supermarket she uses every opportunity to talk union and actively encourage all she meets to join their union. Even in retirement, Shelley will continue to talk to groups of workers on behalf of the LHMU and continually recruit new members, her enthusiasm and passion knowing no boundaries.
Drawing on many experiences Shelley has taken a lead role in her community raising workplace and public awareness on the value and importance of union membership for all workers. Her continued commitment and belief is that for unions to be vital and effective, they must have active and articulate workplace rank and file representation.
Shelley Holzheimer is a fine example of an active unionist who constantly puts the needs to grow and encourage unionism to all workers above those of her own. Her attributes make her a standout unionist; union pride, dedication, commitment and a common bond with all workers.
The LHMU congratulates Shelley on her achievements and her acceptance of an Emma Miller Award at last year’s dinner.
