Vale Leigh Schelks

Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 130 No 4, 20 June 2025, page no 6.

The Queensland Teachers’ Union mourns the passing of one of its most charismatic and beloved comrades, Leigh — a man whose presence could light up a boardroom, fire up a rally, or quiet a room with a perfectly timed humorous interjection that cut to the heart of the matter.

Leigh’s involvement with the QTU stems back to 1977. At the time of his retirement Leigh had spent more than 35 years giving to the QTU. 

Leigh’s journey in education began in Central Queensland, where his deep commitment to public education was first forged. Over the years, he became a respected voice for the students and teachers in the Far North and the QTU, earning the ear of Ministers, Directors-General, Premiers, and, just as importantly, teachers.

A tireless advocate for justice and equity, Leigh was especially passionate about First Nations education. He understood that true progress in our system meant walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, listening with humility, and fighting with integrity. Whether it was pushing for better resourcing or a more culturally responsive agenda, Leigh was loyal and unwavering in his support. He never spoke for communities -he stood with them.

He was a man who could charm just about anyone - and he did. Once, during a QTU rally outside a local MP’s office, the team found themselves without power for the PA system. Leigh convinced the MP’s receptionist to let them run an extension cord from the office itself. As the chanting began, the bewildered MP asked: “Are you holding a rally… using my power to do it?” Leigh just smiled.

Whether speaking to colleagues in a remote staffroom or debating policy at the highest levels of government, Leigh knew when to listen, when to speak, and when to lead. He had a rare instinct - he knew exactly the right moment to step in, and when he did, the room followed.

While Leigh might not have put his point across in the most conventional of ways, people listened to what he had to say.

Leigh worked hard, played hard, and loved nothing more than ending the day with a scotch and soda, a cheeky bet, and a good game of NRL. A proud Queenslander, he bled maroon.

Leigh was a rogue in the best possible way - cheeky, clever, charismatic. He never lost sight of the people beside him. Fiercely loyal, he loved his mates - and they loved him back.

One of the things about knowing and working with Leigh was that he always made you feel important and that his attention was completely on you in any conversation. 

Leigh was incredibly generous with his time - he never made people feel rushed or harried when he spoke with them. Leigh made himself available and took the time to truly appreciate the people he was with. 

Leigh’s contribution to the Union was recognised in 2007, when he was awarded the Queensland Council of Union’s Activist of the Year, and again in 2013 when he became a life member of the QTU.

Leigh was many things: a teacher, a unionist, an ally, a strategist, a mischief-maker, a proud Queenslander, and a mate. He made an indelible mark on the profession and on the lives of all who had the good fortune to know him.

Rest in peace, Comrade. You gave it everything - and you made it count.

Zeb Sugden
Contributions from Kate Ruttiman, Thalia Edmonds and Paige Bousen

QTU Service Award for Michael

South Queensland QTU stalwart Michael Sullivan has been honoured for the decades he has dedicated to serving his colleagues and state education.

Michael (pictured above with South Queensland Organiser Zeb Sugden)has been presented with a QTU Service Award in recognition of his 37-year Union career. 

A dedicated unionist, he spent the majority of his career working in the Southern Downs as a principal, classroom teacher and head of special education. Michael, who joined the Union in 1988, represented the Warwick Branch on State Council for more than 15 years and was the Branch Secretary and President for many more.

 ​2024 financial statements available

Audited annual financial statements for the Queensland Teachers’ Union of Employees and the Australian Education Union, Queensland Branch are now available for the year ending 31 December 2024. 

The statements can be found on the QTU website at https://www.qtu.asn.au/financials. You will need your QTU password.