Rikki Hendon, Branch Secretary
Rikki Hendon was elected as Branch Secretary in 2018 following six years as Branch Assistant Secretary.
Rikki first trained as a social worker, learning about the work of the CPSU/CSA in a lecture at Curtin University in 2006 when then-Assistant Secretary Jo Gaines was invited to present on the union’s “No Bandaid Solutions” campaign for safer staffing. As she approached graduation, Rikki saw an ad for a role in the CPSU/CSA’s UnionLink advice line and decided to join the people who stood up for her profession.
As the representative of 44,000 public sector workers, from Kunnunura all the way to Albany, Rikki plays a significant role in forming state and national policy. Over a 17-year career at the union, Rikki's major achievements include securing reclassifications for dental health workers and Family Support Officers, increased funding in Child Protection and a “Conversion-to-Permanency” process that delivered secure jobs to over 10,000 Western Australians.
Rikki is also proud of her role in establishing the Public Sector Alliance with other WA public sector unions, which has brought about the end of capped pay rises and a return to genuine bargaining for state government employees.
Outside of the office, Rikki is a proud mum who is passionate about human rights and building collective power, which she believes is key to building a better world for future generations.
Rikki Hendon is also the President of UnionsWA and a National Vice President of the Community and Public Sector Union - State Public Sector Federation.
Melanie Bray, Branch Assistant Secretary
Melanie Bray was elected Assistant Branch Secretary in December 2018 after 21 years as a member of the CPSU/CSA.
Mel started her career in the WA public sector as a Client Assistant in a Disability Services group home. She joined the union at her induction and was encouraged by her colleagues to nominate as a delegate soon after. After 10 years and significant wins on workplace agreements and the reclassification of social trainers, along with her insight into the quiet power and passion of public sector workers, Mel joined the CPSU/CSA as an Organiser in 2008.
Mel has a proud 17-year career in the union, rising through the Organising Division prior to becoming the Assistant Branch Secretary. Her achievements include a significant pay restructure and resourcing for Residential Colleges, which saw instant pay rises of up to $30,000, and reclassification for Youth Custodial Officers in 2023. Mel has also done significant work in modernising union processes and operations to prepare the union to represent public sector workers for the next 120 years of operations.
Mel is a mum of two and a proud PNG Australian who advocates for the development of leaders who can tackle the challenges we face from different perspectives. As Branch Assistant Secretary she is committed to developing a culture where all public sector workers feel connected to the work of their union.
