3rd Annual Industry Fundraising Luncheon
The Australian Workers Heritage Centre recently hosted their Annual Industry Fundraising Luncheon for the 3rd year at the Victoria Park Golf Complex with key note speaker the Hon Wayne Swan, and guest speakers the Hon Henry Palaszczuk, Peter Ong, Danny Filazzola, Ken Purdham and Graeme Watson.
On 20th August 2025, industry leaders and supporters came together for the Australian Workers Heritage Centre’s 3rd Annual Industry Fundraising Luncheon, held at the Victoria Park Golf Complex.
In attendance were a remarkable group of leaders and friends of the workers’ movement - current and former Members of State and Federal Parliament, councillors, union leaders, community advocates, and long‑time supporters of the Centre.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who attended and contributed - your support was instrumental in making this year’s luncheon a resounding success.
A special acknowledgement goes to our distinguished guest speakers, whose presence and words inspired all in attendance:
Dr Robert V. Anderson, OAM (Uncle Bob), Quandamooka Elder
Hon Wayne Swan, National President of the Australian Labor Party, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer of Australia
Peter Ong, Secretary Electrical Trades Union QLD & NT Branch
Hon Henry Palaszczuk, former Qld Minister Department of Primary Industries
Danny Filazzola, President of the Electrical Trades Union Victoria Branch
Ken Purdham, Author & Life member Electrical Trades Union Victoria Branch
Graeme Watson, Former Treasurer & Life member Electrical Trades Union Victoria Branch
The keynote speech delivered by the Hon Wayne Swan can be viewed here.
We would also like to acknowledge and thank the Hon. Steven Miles, MP, Leader of the Opposition in Queensland and former Premier, who also attended.
This year’s event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors: ETU Victoria, WIP Group, Electrogroup Apprenticeships & Training, and Future Skills.
We also sincerely thank John Crittall, Chair of Electro Group Apprenticeships & Training, for his outstanding contribution as both Master of Ceremonies and Auctioneer.
Our appreciation extends to the dedicated AWHC Management Committee - Chairperson Donna Pickford, Claire Moore, Pat Purcell, David Kerrigan, Debbie Gleeson, Annette Gleeson, Annastacia Palaszczuk & Henry Palaszczuk; thank you for your tireless work in preserving and celebrating the proud history of working people in Australia.
A special mention to - Mark Beresford, Annette Christoffel, Deanne Christoffel, Janine Aitken & Virginia Clarke, Harry Nash and Kaitlin Nash, whose support was invaluable throughout the event planning stages and on the day itself
Together, we continue to honour Australia’s workers - past, present, and future and share a commitment to the ongoing and future development of the Centre.