In cyclone-ravaged Airlie Beach, there are some new faces in town. Seven crews of sparkies and apprentices have hit the ground as part of Operation Energise, helping get people back on the grid who would otherwise be stranded without power.

Another conservative government has been knocked off trying to sell power assets. And once again, the ETU was in the thick of it, defending the public and the power industry by taking the fight against privatisation to the streets.

After decades of struggle from activists against an insidious industry, Canada has finally announced a nationwide ban on the use, mining and importing of asbestos.

ETU members working at Parmalat in Victoria have won their battle with the company after spending two months locked out.

Some affairs are truly special. True love brings light where there was darkness, and keeps us warm no matter how cold the night is.