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

Ross Kenna

Branch Vice-President (honorary)

Megan Andrews

Michael Stevenson

 

Branch Organiser/Branch Executive Committee Member (full time)

Joel Archer

David Swan

Paul Konaris

Michael Derrick

Steven Bonica

Branch Executive Committee Member (Honorary)

Cameron Watson

David Cragg

Nick Blackford

Aileen Brown

Timothy Ashby

Kevin Chivell

Benjamin Grabovic

Scott Grimes

Bill Hassan

Andrew Axford

Selwyn Jones

Jason Bourke

John Keys

Patrick Reilly

Dale Malcolm

Branch Delegate to National Conference (Honorary)

Paul Konaris

Jade Campbell

Shane Burd

Shenae Murray

Fez Riches

James Newbold

Jimmy Mastrandonakis

Branch Delegate to National Executive (honorary)

Candidates

Jimmy Mastrandonakis