Victorian Branch Secretary

Ronnie Hayden, originally from Ireland, embarked on his

Australian journey in 1994. Starting in hospitality, he swiftly transitioned to the building industry, specialising in ‘twin rope access’ on Melbourne’s skyscrapers and later excelling as a tunneller.

In 2004, Ronnie’s advocacy for workers saw him elected as an AWU HSR on the EastLink project, leading to roles as AWU delegate and HSR on the Northern Sewerage Project tunnel. Becoming a regional Organiser in 2009, he ascended to lead regional Organiser in 2012. July 1, 2023, marked a pivotal moment as Ronnie assumed the AWU Secretary role.

Ronnie’s impact in civil construction is undeniable. He tirelessly negotiated robust Enterprise Agreements, making AWU members the nation’s highest-paid. Amid the pandemic, his leadership guided construction members through challenges.

Beyond union leadership, Ronnie’s influence extends. Holding a Diploma in Leadership, he serves as senior vice president of the Victorian Trades Council, a director of Chifley Services, and a board member of the Victorian Workers Health and Wellbeing Foundation. His involvement in WorkSafe Victoria emphasises his commitment to occupational health and safety.

Ronnie Hayden, as AWU Vic Secretary, envisions a future marked by solidarity, fairness, and continued enhancement of construction workers’ lives.

AWU Victorian Branch Assistant Secretary

Jimmy Mastrandonakis was born in Carlton (Victoria) just two years after his parents migrated from northern Greece. At the end of his schooling he became an aircraft mechanical structure apprentice and later studied part-time at RMIT towards aircraft engineering qualifications.

He was 21, and working at Boeing when he was elected an AMWU Delegate; four years later he became Site Convenor looking after 500 members. It was a natural move for Jimmy, whose father worked on the wharves and had long been a union supporter.

In 1994 he joined the AMWU, followed by a stint at the ASU, before becoming an AWU Organiser in 1998. He was elected Vice President of the Victorian Branch in 2004.

“I am deeply honoured to be a leader in an organisation that does so much for the welfare of workers and I hope I can continue to contribute to this union for many years to come,”.

AWU Victorian Branch President

Harry Lumanovski

AWU Victorian Branch Vice President (full time)

Megan Andrews

 

Branch Vice-President (honorary)

Percy Pillai

 

Branch Organiser/Branch Executive Committee Member (full time)

Jeff Sharp

Patrick Wood

Ronnie Hayden

Dave Swan

Branch Executive Committee Member (Honorary)

Joel Archer

Shane Burd

Peter King

Paul Spear

Neill Tacey

Megan Andrews

Johnny Keys

Vanessa Garbett

Branch Delegate to National Conference (Honorary)

Joel Archer

Tanya Harrington

Jim Ward

Andy Pearse

Peter King

Geoffrey Terrill

Branch Delegate to National Executive (honorary)

Candidates

Jimmy Mastrandonakis