Caterina Cinanni, a prominent figure in Australia’s labour movement, has been recognized as a “trailblazer” in the Victorian Honour Roll of Women. Her induction, announced during a ceremony at the Arts Centre Melbourne on September 2, 2025, celebrates her significant contributions to advocating for vulnerable migrant workers, particularly women in the agricultural sector.
Reflecting on the accolade, Cinanni expressed her surprise at being honored, stating, “It feels a little unreal at the moment, I really wasn’t expecting it.” She was one of 24 women inducted this year, joining over 770 women since the Honour Roll’s inception in 2001. The roll acknowledges the profound impact women have on their communities, celebrating their achievements across diverse fields such as law, academia, and activism.
Cinanni, who lives in Brunswick, Victoria, has dedicated her career to the United Workers Union (UWU), where she has fought tirelessly for improved rights and working conditions for migrant workers. Her nomination for the Honour Roll highlights her commitment to empowering workers, stating, “I suppose if a trailblazer is about building a path to making change in people’s lives, then I think the entire union movement probably deserves this award, not just me.”
A Journey from Humble Beginnings to Union Leadership
Born to migrant factory workers from Calabria, Italy, Cinanni’s upbringing deeply influenced her commitment to workers’ rights. Her parents worked manual jobs throughout their lives, experiencing firsthand the challenges of low wages and job insecurity. As a child, she often waited with her siblings in their family car for her father to finish his shifts at the Australian Defence Apparel factory, which employed over 500 people at its peak.
Cinanni’s path into unionism began as a rank-and-file member and workplace delegate. In 1994, she participated in the inaugural class of Organising Works, a training program initiated by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU). Among her classmates were prominent figures such as Sally McManus, the current ACTU Secretary, and former federal Labor leader Bill Shorten.
After gaining experience, Cinanni joined the National Union of Workers as an organiser, and in 2019, she became its first female national president. In her current role as the farm sector executive director at the UWU, Cinanni continues to prioritize the needs of migrant workers.
Championing Change for Migrant Workers
Cinanni’s advocacy has led to significant improvements in the agricultural sector, which has historically faced issues such as exploitation and unsafe working conditions. Under her leadership, the UWU successfully campaigned for a landmark sexual harassment case in the Federal Court, securing compensation for seasonal workers from the Pacific Islands in October 2024.
“We’ve been able to organise workers to really fight back and win mass change in this sector,” Cinanni remarked, highlighting the ongoing efforts to elevate the rights of migrant workers. Her initiatives have resulted in a minimum wage and guaranteed hours for Pacific workers, as well as the introduction of labour hire licensing in Victoria and national legislation aimed at preventing modern slavery.
As a testament to her influence, Cinanni has also campaigned for road safety improvements in her local community, advocating for safer conditions in a notorious area near Nicholson and Albion streets. She cites her mother and grandmother as inspirations for her commitment to social justice and community empowerment.
Caterina Cinanni’s recognition as a trailblazer serves as a reminder of the significant impact one individual can make in the lives of many. Her journey from a childhood shaped by her parents’ struggles to a leadership role in the union movement exemplifies the power of advocacy and the importance of fighting for workers’ rights.
