We’re United For NSW

Our candidates are workplace delegates, union activists, and everyday members who share one thing in common: a commitment to building a stronger union for you.

Sydney South West

These are the delegates, members and activists who are standing up for UWU members across Sydney South West. They come from your workplaces and your industries. They know the challenges you face because they face them too.

They're ready to fight for a union that wins for you, picks up the phone when you need help, and puts more money in your pocket.

Meet Your Team

Endorse Our Candidates

Oneil Benjiamin

Airport Security | Sydney South West

I've been a UWU member for three years and I'm a delegate and deputy HSR at Sydney Airport Terminals 2 and 3, where I work as a security officer. I joined UWU at the airport because I had worked in a few industries before where there was no union, and I saw unfair treatment and low wages in those workplaces because there was no strong union membership. Being a union member makes me feel proud that I am part of something which is directly helping me with my livelihood, cares about human rights, and works collectively for a better society.
I was very well represented by my union on my own industrial issues at work, and I saw the union help many coworkers with their industrial and safety issues and deliver huge outcomes. We also got a good pay rise and better conditions through our UWU negotiated EA at the airport. I'm standing for election because I want to see us maintain what we've achieved and build on a better future for all of us.

Rizwan ‘Riz’ Chowdhury

UWU Organiser | Sydney South West

I've been a UWU member for 16 years. I first joined the mighty LHMU on day one of my cleaning job because I wanted to help myself and others, especially migrant workers whose English is a second language. I wanted to be part of winning the historic Clean Start Campaign, stopping wage theft in the cleaning industry, and winning Portable Long Service Leave for contract cleaners in NSW. The union means everything in my working, personal, and family life in Australia. Everything I can be proud of is because of my union. Over the years I've served as a cleaner, delegate, and union official across United Voice and UWU, and I now work as a Political Organiser. I have a small family with my wife and two young kids. My wife was also a rank and file member and delegate of this union, and we are both heavily involved in community work, especially with the South Asian community in Australia. I love music and cricket, and my family is regularly involved in cultural activities. One thing I want members to know is that my skills, experiences, commitment, and positive attitude will always be put to work organising workers, building leaders, mobilising members to take action, and achieving big and permanent wins for them and future generations.
I'm particularly proud of the work I've been able to contribute over the last four years building political power with our early childhood, home care, and school cleaning members in NSW. I've worked with a key group of members to coordinate lobby days with MPs and Ministers, attend and speak at ALP National and State Conferences, deliver Political Leader training, and bring member activism and energy to campaigns including the Yes Campaign and the 2022, 2023, and 2025 election campaigns. As a result, aged care and home care workers won more than 28% in pay rises, early childhood educators won a 15% pay rise fully funded by the Federal Government, and school cleaning has already been partly insourced. I'm standing for election as a convention delegate because with more than 14 years of continuous experience across different roles within UWU, I want to keep breaking down the systemic barriers that stop workers from getting equal opportunity to fight for their rights. I want to achieve more unity, solidarity, and collectivism for our NSW members, and make sure we deliver more member-led political action to hold governments accountable. I'm supporting United For You because I believe in a union that wins big and permanent for its members.

Mario Abela

Manufacturing | Sydney South West

I've been a UWU member for 43 years. I work as a manufacturing and process worker at Joyce Foam in Moorebank and at Blacktown Workers Club, across the manufacturing and clubs and pubs industries. I'm a delegate at my workplace. I joined UWU because I believe in solidarity, supporting one another, and getting the support we need to achieve a common goal. Being a union member means friendship and camaraderie with other workers, helping others especially new members, and helping organisers achieve outcomes for members. Outside of work, I have a wife, a son, and a daughter. I'm heavily into rugby league and all sports in general. I help others in the community if they work in different industries, and I'm a member of the Australian Labor Party. One thing I want members to know about me is that I am always honest and I fight for what is right for members.
Nearly 20 years ago we had a big problem with a manager over our personal and carer's leave. Despite us providing medical certificates, the manager started questioning members and bullying staff. Union members organised a walk off against that manager, the whole site was shut down, and we got better treatment and restored respect at work. We've also won good pay rises and conditions through our union negotiated EAs. I believe in the power of the union. I'm standing for election because I want union members to be united and supported, and I want to make sure the union does the right thing by members. I want every UWU member to be under an EA with better pay, better conditions, and better job security.

Mary Kirikino

Storeperson | Sydney South West

I've been a UWU member for 11 years and I'm a delegate at GPC Repco in Ingleburn, where I work as a storeperson in the logistics industry. I first joined the union for security. It was a way for me and my workmates to protect each other and to make sure everyone went home happy, well paid, and safe. It was our way to bring fairness into a male dominated workspace for women and provide accountability when management didn't follow the rules. We were a strong shed at the time I joined and we held the bosses accountable for it. Being a union member means being part of a family. The union is one big family that looks after each other. We are all trying to use our collective power to help each other be happier and safer, and that power is what being a member means to me. Outside of work, my family is really important to me. I have my grandson who I always take care of and spend my time after work looking after. Family is my number one priority. I am a fierce, tough woman who will never stop standing up for people's rights. My culture has always taught me to have a deep respect for all people and to stand up for them when they need a voice. One thing I want members to know is that I am always there to listen, and they are always heard with me.
After constant runs of EBAs with minimal increases and back door deals which saw our conditions worsen, our last EBA was the best one we ever had. We got the largest pay rise we had ever seen in our working lives, on top of fixing issues we didn't even know existed until we got to this EBA and learned more. We built our power and we won. During our mass meetings people were cheering and hugging us with every improvement we would get, and that showed me the difference the union makes. I'm standing for election because our union needs to be one of integrity and honesty, and I am a person who values that deeply. I want members to have a union that is accountable to them and will always listen to their needs, one that is strong, powerful, and will continue to win across all of its industries. I want members to experience what I experience at my site and to win like we do. This union has the ability to do great things. I have seen my site turn around and I want to see that across the whole union. United For You has the plan to make that happen, and that's why I am here.

Catherine Rautahi

Storeperson | Sydney South West

I've been a UWU member for nine years and I'm a delegate at GPC Repco in Ingleburn, where I work as a storeperson in the logistics industry. I first joined the union in 2017 because it was the best way for me to get security in my job. I knew from the start that the power of the members would always protect me. I also joined because it was my way to get fairness in my shed. We were a very strong shed run by the members and delegates at the time I joined and we ran the floor. Being a union member means being strong and part of something bigger than you to fight for your rights and other people's rights. It means being able to put food on the table for families and fight for other people to do the same. The union is a family, and to be union is to be part of a family. I am a proud Maori woman who loves her culture and is proud of it. My culture taught me to always be passionate, strong, and stand up for my people, and to always have a strong sense of justice about it. I have a deep respect for people of all indigenous cultures and will always stand up for indigenous peoples' rights. Outside of work, I am very family driven. I have a big family, including my two grandsons who I care for deeply, and a big family back home that I always can't wait to see when I get the chance. One thing I want members to know about me is that I am approachable and will always give any member the time of day and listen to their issues.
Our most recent EBA was the best experience of the union we have ever had at our worksite. We won the largest pay rise we had ever received. We were ready to take action together, and we saw our EBA get resolved before we had to. The EBA before that saw a deal negotiated behind the members' backs without input from the membership or the delegates, which cut redundancy for new workers in half and gave us only 2.6% per year for four years. With our most recent EBA, we actually had it run by the members and the delegates for the members, and that win was tremendous. We improved the redundancy for new workers and saw an increase of 5% in the first year, more for forklift operators. We got hugs from our members while announcing the offer at a mass meeting, and that was beautiful. I'm standing for election because I want our union to be powerful and strong and be able to take on the boss and win across all industries and politics. I don't want to see the way our site used to be repeated at other worksites. I want to stop backdoor deals with bosses that undercut redundancies and provide low wage increases, and put the power back in the hands of the members to make the decisions. I'm supporting United For You because I have seen how great and powerful this union can be at my site, and I believe that United For You has the plan to repeat that across all of our union.

Sherelle Roberts

Food manufacturing | Sydney South West

I've worked at Tip Top for over 30 years. I stepped up to be a delegate years ago because no one else would do it, and I've never looked back. I've been involved with bargaining at my site for over 20 years. A lot of people at my workplace have English as a second language, and I love helping them have their say. Outside of work, I'm a massive Suzi Quattro and KISS fan, and I'm a mad South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter.
I want to be part of United For You because I want to make sure the union's resources and money are spent wisely.

Robert Sterling

Storeperson | Sydney South West

I've been a UWU member for two years and I'm a delegate and fire warden at PFD Food Services in Chullora, where I work as a storeperson in the food and beverage industry. I asked the site delegate to join me to the union when I became permanent, because my previous job was under a different union and I had already learnt that good unions back their members. Being a delegate, I don't mind being the mouth to be a voice for members. A lot of members need help understanding things and the support to speak up, and I've always liked to help people and support them to get what they deserve. It helps me stay happy and positive. Outside of work, life is about family, friends, and getting away on the boat to do some fishing. As a dad, it's great to explore the outdoors, go camping, and stay active. One thing I want members to know is this: when you go down the road for your $6 takeaway coffee, spare a thought for the cafe worker, for the storeperson picking and packing the coffee beans and cups, and for the milk processing workers. What part of that price are they getting as workers, and is it fair?
We have a good delegate group on site and I want to fight with them for a better deal in our upcoming bargaining. We're all struggling at the moment with the cost of living and companies are making big profits and the bosses get their huge bonuses. Workers should be getting what we deserve, rather than being undercut and having job insecurity. I think we need to be focussed on equal rights for members and making sure companies are kept in line. Let's be open and honest and fight for a fair go at what people deserve. I want to build more union power for better compliance on work health and safety on site and better pay. I'm supporting United For You because that's what this is about, fighting for members and making sure we get a fair deal.

Sourisak ‘Jason’ Singvongsa

Forklift Driver | Sydney South West

I've been a proud UWU member for over 15 years and I currently work as a forklift driver at Coles CDC, where I serve as a union delegate. I joined the union early in my working life. One of my first jobs, they were clearly exploiting workers, and because many of us came from non-English speaking backgrounds, most people were too scared to stand up for fear of losing their jobs. When I moved to a unionised workplace, the difference in pay and conditions was obvious, so I joined without hesitation and have stayed a member at every job since. Being in the union means I can proudly say that when we stand strong together, we can accomplish so many things. Outside of work, I come from a large Laotian family. I love sport, especially NRL. I'd like to travel more but I hate flying. I want members to know how passionate I am. I believe in myself, I believe we can make change for the better, and I believe in our people. I want members to know, we hold the power.
Our most recent EA negotiations really showed me the importance of being united. We endured attacks from management, but our membership grew stronger, with over 50 new members joining. We ultimately received more than we originally bargained for. That experience is why I'm standing for election as a convention delegate. I want to bring more power to our communities. I'm a proud delegate who stands his ground, and I want to help our people feel their voice, to share the confidence to speak up, feel heard and supported. I want members to have a more organised and honest union leadership that is always looking at what's best for members. I'm supporting United For You because I want to stand strong alongside the people of our communities in fighting to be heard. I hope I can drive, motivate and give confidence to people so we can push for better change within our communities.

Andrew Togiatama

Storeperson | Sydney South West

I've been a UWU member for four years and I currently work as a storeperson at GPC Repco in Ingleburn, where I serve as a delegate. I've worked at multiple warehouses including DHL, Linfox, and now GPC, and each time I've learnt that the power of the union is important to having a site that runs for the people and not for bosses' pockets. The union was there for me from the start as a level of security, keeping my job safe at sites where I really did need the help. Being a union member means being in a family. We all look out for each other, we make sure everyone's rights are respected at work, and we make sure no one leaves unhappy, unsafe, or underpaid. It's about having a collective voice that fights for the little guy and doesn't leave anyone behind. My family and culture always taught me the values every person needs to have, and every day I aim to live by those. Outside of work, I spend my time caring for my family and looking after my kids before my afternoon shift. I want members to know that I will be there for them when they need me. My members at my site know I will go in and fight for them, and members across the whole union need to know that too.
I had never stayed at a worksite long enough to see EBA negotiations play out. This last round was my first time participating, and from what I saw it was amazing. Our organisers ran meetings and involved the members every step of the way. It was our decision at the end of the day. Because of this, our EBA was outstanding. We got the largest pay rise the site had ever seen, and it inspired me to step up and become a delegate. I'm standing for election because I want our site's model to be repeated at all other sites. I want a union that is run for its members and that promotes members being involved as much as possible. I want to inspire people to step up as delegates and change their worksites with the support of a strong union. The values of United For You align with who I am and what I stand for. I believe United For You has the best chance of turning this union into the best union it can be.

Shabina Nisha

Airport Security Officer | Sydney South West

I have joined the union because I’m passionate about supporting my colleagues and making sure everyone is treated fairly. I believe in collective strength and wanted to be part of something that advocates for workers’ rights and positive change in the workplace. I want to support not just myself but also my colleagues. I believe in standing together to ensure fairness, respect, and better working conditions for everyone. The union gives us a stronger voice as a group. believe in having a collective voice in the workplace. Being part of the union ensures that employees are represented fairly, especially when it comes to working conditions, pay, and rights. It also provides support and guidance when needed, which gives me confidence and security in my role.i believe in having a collective voice in the workplace. Being part of the union ensures that employees are represented fairly, especially when it comes to working conditions, pay, and rights. It also provides support and guidance when needed, which gives me confidence and security in my role.
I am supporting United For You to ensure fair treatment, better working conditions, and a stronger collective voice for all employees. I believe that when we stand together, we can achieve positive changes that benefit everyone in the workplace. I believe in standing up for my colleagues and making sure everyone is treated with respect and fairness. The union gives us a voice and the ability to work together to improve our workplace. I am supporting the union to advocate for my colleagues, ensure their concerns are heard, and work towards fair outcomes in areas such as pay, conditions, and workplace rights. I want to help build trust in the union and encourage others to stand together.

Rhiannon Reilly

Storeperson | Sydney South West

I've been a UWU member for about four years and I work as a storeperson at Primary Connect Erskine Park, where I serve as a workplace delegate. I made the decision to join the union after two years of being treated horribly at my previous job. When I began working at EPDC as a casual, I knew nothing about the union or my rights. My amazing organiser showed me how to find my voice, defend my rights, and fight back in the workplace. Being a union member means ensuring my rights are upheld, that I'm not alone in resolving workplace issues, and that I have a united voice to speak out against unfair treatment. It gives me a sense of unity and enables me to support my coworkers in their fight for fair working conditions. When I'm not working or being a delegate, I'm a full time mother to four beautiful children, three girls and one boy. I spend my days off supporting my autistic son's development, attending to his needs and appointments. I work very hard to give my four children a better life. I want members to know I'm not just a delegate. I'm just like them. I'm a dedicated mother who works very hard and is very passionate about what I fight for.
The union made a significant difference for me when I faced sexual harassment in the workplace as a casual. They supported me through a difficult process, especially when the company unfairly targeted me and again when I became a workplace delegate. The union gave me a voice and helped ensure my rights were protected. I'm putting my hand up to be a convention delegate because I want workers like me to be properly heard. I've worked in warehousing for over five years and I'm also a mum, so I understand the pressure of trying to balance work and family. I know what it's like to raise issues and feel like nothing changes or that no one is listening. I want to be someone who can take our day to day problems and make sure they're raised where decisions are made. This term, I want to create a supportive environment where all members feel included, and I'm committed to working alongside my fellow members in NSW to build a stronger and better union. I'm supporting United For You because I want to see real change for NSW and for our union. I want members and delegates to have the support they deserve, and I believe United For You stands for the transparency and accountability we need.

Layla Lynch

Storeperson | Sydney South West

I've been a UWU member for two years and I work as a storeperson at PFD Food Services in Chullora, where I serve as a delegate. I joined the union soon after I started on site. I'm a person who likes to speak up, and the existing delegates encouraged me to become the first female delegate on site, possibly ever. I like to help people and be approachable, open and honest, and help people understand processes and procedures at work. Being a union member means having a group of people beside me who I trust and who can stand together at work. Not everybody is comfortable speaking up, and I want members to be heard and understood. Recently after asking, I changed from night shift to afternoon shift, which works much better for me and my family as I'm a hard working mum and my partner is also a shift worker. When I have some free time I like to get active outdoors with my sporty kid, going to the beach, fishing or relaxing. I want members to know that I'm not afraid to speak up when it comes to our rights. I'm open and honest and I want to have fairness.
The union makes a real difference when you have delegates and members who trust each other and stand together. I feed off positive energy and I want to make a difference. I want to see our union sticking together and fighting for our rights, and being smart in using our resources. We need regular organiser check-ins but we don't need every little thing done for us. I'm standing for election because I want members to be heard and understood, and I want to help build a union where people feel confident to speak up for themselves. I'm supporting United For You because it stands for everything I believe in, a strong, united union that fights for members' rights and uses our resources wisely.

Gheelda Attaban

Storeperson | Sydney South West

I've been a UWU member for six years and I work as a store worker at Metcash. I serve as a workplace delegate. I first joined the union because I felt more united with my colleagues, and the benefits the union offers made it a must. Being a union member means I feel like I belong to something bigger. I feel protected and respected, and I'm able to promote our rights in the workplace. Outside of work, my life is all about spending time with family. Our weekends are filled with outdoor activities like camping, hiking, fishing, and volunteering at our local parkrun. One thing I want members to know about me is that I am very transparent and I make sure every member's voice is heard and valued in our decision making.
The union made a huge difference at our workplace when we secured a massive change in our EBA that made all the union members happy. That's what happens when workers stand together.
I'm standing for election as a convention delegate because I want to bring the voices of our members forward and ensure our concerns are heard and addressed. I'm committed to working collaboratively to build a stronger and more effective union for all of us. This term, I want to encourage more members to get involved and participate in meetings so we can build a stronger and more engaged community. I'm supporting United For You because I trust their commitment to prioritising our needs and working hard to achieve our shared goals.

Marcus Hei Hei

Storeperson | Sydney South West

I've been a UWU member for seven years and I work as a storeperson at the IKEA distribution centre in Marsden Park. I currently serve as both a delegate and a health and safety representative. I first got involved when EBA negotiations were coming up at our site and I didn't really know what it was all about. Once I found out, I immediately knew this was my calling. The organiser asked for a delegate in a mass meeting, I put my hand up, and here I am now. Being a union member means togetherness and security. The togetherness of the people is security for all of us. It's about people supporting people, having the backing to know my rights and ensure they are enforced. I am someone who always wants to see people be happy. I want to see my workmates go home happy and I do everything I can to make that happen. Outside of work, faith is a major part of my life and I believe very heavily in spiritual health. Mental health is always crucial to me, checking in on people and myself to make sure that is always taken care of. I have five grandkids and four daughters and they all keep me very busy when I'm not at work. One thing I want members to know about me is that I am passionate about getting what we all deserve.
We recently had a safety incident at our warehouse involving forklifts catching fire. As HSR with the union's backing, I was able to put in a Provisional Improvement Notice and force management to implement actual safeguards to prevent it from happening again and warn people if it does. That's the difference a union makes. I'm standing for election as a convention delegate because I want to see unity within our great union. Our union has the power to achieve so much and the only way we do it is through unity. I want to see one unified national union that isn't split, one that looks after all members equally. Whether you're a member from Alice Springs or Sydney, you should always have backing from our strong union. I'm supporting United For You because I believe I'm meant to be in this team. It's a team of unity that supports my belief in standing together for our members, and that's why I'm happy to be on the United For You ticket.

Alexsander Lukic

Storeperson | Sydney South West

I've been a UWU member for 12 years and I work as an inventory team member at Lactalis in the warehousing industry. I joined the union because I wanted to be part of that collective strength. Being in the union gives me access to support and representation. Being a union member means having a collective voice and standing together with others to ensure fair treatment, safe working conditions, and respect in the workplace. I serve as a workplace delegate and I genuinely believe that taking on the role has allowed me to grow as a person. Outside of work, I have three kids and I'm a soccer coach for two of my boys. One thing I want members to know about me is that I genuinely believe in honesty and respect.
During our EBA negotiations, the knowledge the union provided was invaluable. The training I received as a delegate made a real difference to how I could support my workmates. I'm standing for election as a convention delegate because I want to keep building on that experience and make sure members have strong representation. I'm supporting United For You because they align best with my values.

Alejandro ‘Alex’ Morales

UWU Lead Organiser, Property Services | Sydney North West

I started working as a cleaner with my parents when I was 13 years old and worked in the industry for 19 years. I've also worked in hotels, retail and hospitality. You could say I was forged, as a worker and an adult, in this union's coverage. In 2006 I proudly started working for this union and have been here for the last 20 years. I am UWU 100%. During my time here I have helped out in every industry we cover, visited many workplaces and sat on many pickets. In 2009 I became a lead organiser and since then I have been the lead of every industry we currently organise in bar one. If you asked me who I am, I would say I'm a good person, a good friend and comrade, and a unionist through and through. Having the privilege of working here is what defines me and it is who I am.
Respect, integrity and solidarity. Most unionists live by these words, and the UWU I know lives by these principles. United For You candidates have a proven record in all of them. Having worked in many industries both as a worker and as an organiser, I have the experience to know that there are no silver bullets and no one size fits all when it comes to strategies. In a union as diverse as ours, we need different tools and solutions for different situations. United For You understands this and that is how we have won for workers. The big wins have been won by being creative and resourceful to achieve real, lasting results like in aged care, early childhood education and school cleaning. United For You is the only group offering plans with strategies that are catered to win in our numerous and distinct industries, and we'll do it with integrity, good governance and by following the values I respect and live by as a unionist. It is an honour to stand as a candidate alongside the leaders who have my respect and admiration for getting UWU to where it is today and who have a plan to improve it even further.

Stand with us. Endorse United For You in NSW.

Our candidates are ready to work for you. Now we need you standing with us.

By endorsing United For You, you're showing your support for a union that delivers real results. Higher wages. Better conditions. Support when you need it. No fee increases.

This is your union. Back the team that's backing you.

Add your name to endorse United For You in NSW.