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Brenda Seymour interview with Carol McKirdy.
Brenda Seymour was Assistant General Secretary (Research and Industrial) of the NSW Teachers Federation 1999-2009. Brenda Seymour was awarded life membership of the NSW Teachers Federation in 2011. This is one of three interviews conducted with leading Federation women officers by Carol McKirdy, to mark the Federation’s centenary in 2018, and to inform the book “On the voices” by Sue Doran. This interview took place on 1 June 2018, in the recording studio, Teachers Federation House, Mary Street, Surry Hills. The other interviewees are Jenny Diamond and Joan Lemaire. Contact library for access. Archived in Extensis Portfolio. Executive summary: In the interview Brenda not only describes the type of work she did in detail, she explains the exhausting working hours and conditions. She also describes ways she and fellow officers released tension after long days presenting evidence in court. A reasonable work life balance was difficult to achieve.” -- Carol McKirdy. Summary: "Childhood, Gosford, NSW; Trained NSW Conservatorium, Newcastle, as a music teacher, 4 years, specialising in piano and cello. Commenced teaching Music and English, 1970, NSW, and London; Cheltenham Girls High School, Fed Rep; Councillor for Ryde Macquarie Association; Co-authored article for Journal of Industrial Relations 1984, about barriers to participation of women in the NSWTF, controversial, as part of M.A. Degree in Psychology at the University of Sydney; Pressure of having to stand for re-election to position every 3 years; Extremely long hours of work; Elected as Research Officer NSWTF 1983, no computers then, difficulties of preparing and revising large submissions using typewriters; Role of Teachers Federation Library in assisting research work; Campaigns: release time for primary school teachers, salaries, temporary teachers; Enjoyed representing the union in the Industrial Relations Commission NSW, advocacy largely unseen by members; Strong social justice philosophy; Spent nine years as a research officer, nine as an industrial officer and nine as the assistant general secretary. Treasures letter of thanks from Professor Tony Vinson, for assistance on salaries matters in preparing the Vinson Report and, on her retirement from the Federation in 2009, from Roger Boland, President of the Commission, to Bob Lipscombe, President NSWTF, acknowledging the high standard of work and courtesy Brenda Seymour demonstrated; Michael Walton, vice-president of the Commission, invited Brenda Seymour for morning tea. Recalls hard work and commitment of colleagues, often challenging and intimidating court environment. After retiring from the Federation in 2009, spent 5 years working for the Police Association of NSW on industrial issues." -- Library. Executive summary: In the interview Brenda not only describes the type of work she did in detail, she explains the exhausting working hours and conditions. She also describes ways she and fellow officers released tension after long days presenting evidence in court. A reasonable work life balance was difficult to achieve.” -- Carol McKirdy. Summary: "Childhood, Gosford, NSW; Trained NSW Conservatorium, Newcastle, as a music teacher, 4 years, specialising in piano and cello. Commenced teaching Music and English, 1970, NSW, and London; Cheltenham Girls High School, Fed Rep; Councillor for Ryde Macquarie Association; Co-authored article for Journal of Industrial Relations 1984, about barriers to participation of women in the NSWTF, controversial, as part of M.A. Degree in Psychology at the University of Sydney; Pressure of having to stand for re-election to position every 3 years; Extremely long hours of work; Elected as Research Officer NSWTF 1983, no computers then, difficulties of preparing and revising large submissions using typewriters; Role of Teachers Federation Library in assisting research work; Campaigns: release time for primary school teachers, salaries, temporary teachers; Enjoyed representing the union in the Industrial Relations Commission NSW, advocacy largely unseen by members; Strong social justice philosophy; Spent nine years as a research officer, nine as an industrial officer and nine as the assistant general secretary. Treasures letter of thanks from Professor Tony Vinson, for assistance on salaries matters in preparing the Vinson Report and, on her retirement from the Federation in 2009, from Roger Boland, President of the Commission, to Bob Lipscombe, President NSWTF, acknowledging the high standard of work and courtesy Brenda Seymour demonstrated; Michael Walton, vice-president of the Commission, invited Brenda Seymour for morning tea. Recalls hard work and commitment of colleagues, often challenging and intimidating court environment. After retiring from the Federation in 2009, spent 5 years working for the Police Association of NSW on industrial issues." -- Library.

Brenda Seymour seated portrait in white.jpg