2025 Emma Miller Awards
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 130 No 7, 3 October 2025, page no 6.
Louise Nicholls has been presented with the Queensland Council of Unions 2025 Emma Miller Award, which celebrates the achievements of contemporary union women and recognises rank-and-file female members for their dedication and impact within the union movement.
Louise’s journey as a union activist spans 24 years of continuous involvement with the Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU), beginning in 2001 as a student member. Over the decades, she has held numerous leadership roles, but her impact goes far beyond titles.
Louise is a grassroots powerhouse — a mentor, organiser, and advocate whose activism is woven into her everyday life. She consistently goes above and beyond, not for recognition, but to support her colleagues across Queensland. Her work is grounded in integrity, humility, and a tireless commitment to the values of unionism.
Respected across every space she contributes to, Louise’s legacy is defined not only by her years of service but by the strength of her character and the depth of her dedication. She exemplifies the spirit of union activism and continues to inspire those around her.
After receiving the award, Louise said: “What a wonderful surprise it is to receive this award. I am a proud unionist, and this award is very special to me, especially because I am well aware of the amazing previous ‘Emmas’. I am proud to represent my Union, the mighty QTU, in my workplace every day.“
The awards are named in honour of Emma Miller, a trailblazer for workers’ and women’s rights in Queensland. As a founding member of the Australian Labor Party and a leader in the women’s suffrage movement, Emma played a pivotal role in securing voting rights for white Australian women in 1902 — the first women to vote in a federal election.
Throughout her life, Emma remained fearless in her activism, even famously confronting the Police Commissioner during the 1912 General Strike at age 73. Her contributions to social and political reform during a transformative period in Queensland’s history earned her recognition as a courageous and compassionate leader.