ADMINISTRATIVE & CLERICAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION SA BRANCH

(now part of the Community & Public Sector Union)

Held By:       

Artist: Cath Cantlon

Funded By: UTLC All Our Working Lives Project

Produced: 1984

The ACOA covered white collar workers in the Commonwealth Public Service. It was the largest white collar, public sector union in Australia in 1984. The banner celebrated its growth and achievements in South Australia.

Reflecting on her work, artist Cath Cantlon stated:

I’ve recently decided to change the direction of my work away from the elite world of large impersonal artistic endeavour and into the community in which I live.

I’ve enjoyed my contact with the union executive, and I think they have with me...As well as continuing to work in my community, I’d like to do more public art work with workers at their workplaces.

The images on the banner attempt to deal with the issues of equal opportunity for gender and race, workers health and technology, unity and service to the public.

All Our Working Lives: A project by working people documenting their struggles and achievements, co-ordinated by Andrew Hill, Eugenia Hill, United Trades & Labor Council (SA), Working Women’s Centre, Trade Union Training Authority, Community Media Association, Kitchener Press, 1984, p. 91.

Image: Artist Cath Cantlon with completed banner, Courtesy of Catherine Murphy.