Nicole Calnan is the Federal Secretary of the Australian Education Union (AEU), leading national efforts to strengthen and advocate for Australia’s public school, early childhood, and TAFE sectors. She brings decades of experience as a teacher and union leader, grounded in her early career as a public primary school teacher in regional New South Wales.

Nicole has held senior leadership positions within the union movement for more than 20 years. From 2005 to 2020 she served in multiple roles with the NSW Teachers Federation, including Organiser, Membership and Training Officer, and Deputy Secretary (Communications and Administration). She went on to serve as the AEU’s Deputy Federal Secretary from 2020 to 2025 before being appointed AEU Federal Secretary.

Nicole is Chairperson of the Board of Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA, where she supports international solidarity projects that empower workers and communities across the Asia‑Pacific region. Her work reflects a longstanding commitment to social justice, collective advocacy, and empowering the next generation of educators and union leaders.