We’re United For QLD

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.

Brisbane Central

These are the delegates, members and activists who are standing up for UWU members across Sydney South East. 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

Barb Turomsza

School Cleaner | Brisbane Central

I have been a UWU member since 2003 (23 years) and work as a School Cleaner at Mount Gravatt High School. I serve as a Convention Member, Member Councillor, GFRC Member, Industry Committee Member, JCCC Member, Workplace Delegate, LCC Member and EBA rep. I joined the union after my delegate explained its benefits. It felt like an insurance policy for my rights at work, support if needed. Over the years I have learnt that unions offer much more than assistance. Being a union member means belonging to a collective of employees who work together to pursue better conditions in the workplace. So many of the benefits we now associate with employment, such as annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, long service leave, penalty rates, superannuation, workers' compensation, and even the eight-hour workday, are the direct result of the ongoing efforts of unions and their members. Outside of work and union activities, I enjoy spending time with my children and grandchildren. I also like attending theatre productions, musicals, and various events at QPAC. In addition, I'm learning tai chi.
Between 2011 and 2015, during the Newman era, the union started the Public and Proud campaign. The union, school cleaners and teacher's aides worked tirelessly to stop the government from outsourcing our jobs. Although the struggle was lengthy, we ultimately succeeded. I am standing for election because I believe UWU members deserve to have a strong voice representing them. I am committed to standing up for all members, ensuring that everyone is heard and supported. Throughout this term, my primary focus will be on advocating for safer workplaces across all industries. I am a determined individual. While I may not always be outspoken or assertive, my persistence and resilience make me a strong advocate and supporter for everyone. The United For You ticket offers the best path for a stronger union. Our worker group believes that strategy matters more than loud confrontation, and we use all available resources to win campaigns. We value our union and consider every member essential.

Gary Bullock

UWU QLD State Secretary & Director of Finance & Political Power | Brisbane Central

I have spent decades fighting for working people in Queensland and across Australia. I began my working life in the hotel industry before moving to Taubmans Paints, where I first experienced the power of a unionised workplace. In 1994, I became an organiser and in 1995-96 was involved in my first major industrial dispute over the sacking of 3,000 school cleaners. That dispute demonstrated to me that when members stick together, they win. In 2001, I was elected Assistant Secretary of the Queensland Branch and given responsibility for the Ambulance section, where members undertook significant action to improve the Ambulance Service and their pay and conditions. I was also one of the architects of the Clean Start campaign. In 2007, I was elected Queensland Branch Secretary and later served as National President of United Voice until our merger in 2019.
Throughout my career, I have focused on improving conditions for members across all industries in our union. During COVID-19, I advocated strongly for workplace safety measures to protect workers and the broader community. Two years ago, I took on the responsibility of restoring our union's finances and ensuring long-term stability. I am proud to be known as someone who gets things done. I have spent my life standing up for working people and remain committed to building a strong, united union that delivers real wins for members.

Leah Malzard

Educator | Brisbane Central

I am an Early Childhood Educator with 37 years industry experience. I was the first educator to come on board with the Big Steps Queensland campaign and have continued to be active throughout the years of this campaign. I have never wavered in my belief that all educators deserve a professional wage. I have been a union delegate for 20 plus years. Prior to the union merger I was a branch member of United Voice Queensland and following on from that I continue to hold a position on Member Council which I don't take for granted. In 2020/24 I contested the local government elections as a candidate.
I'm standing for election because quality outcomes for children are shaped by quality environments that support both children and educators. This means fair pay, manageable workloads, professional respect, psychologically safe workplaces, and strong union representation grounded in ethics and social justice. Throughout all my union activities and experience, I have conducted myself with honesty and integrity. This is not an option. I believe a union should not play games with members' money, nor should they take money from bosses. This practice is simply wrong and inexcusable. Which is why this election I will stay focused and contest with integrity as part of the United For You team.

Heather Jackson

Aged Care Worker | Brisbane Central

I have been with the union for 25 years and a delegate for 24 years. Being a member means comradeship and helping out in other industries when needed. I am very loyal and straight up. I speak my mind. I am always helping out members when I can.
My proudest moment was being a part of the Royal Commission into Aged Care and to bring changes and pay rises into the industry. I want people to know I'm always there for members, and United For You is the team that will keep delivering real change for aged care workers.

Viv Banks

Pharmacist | Brisbane Central

I have been a UWU member for 5 years and work as a Pharmacist at QEII Hospital in Queensland Health, where I serve as a Delegate. I have always been a supporter of the union movement and what they could do for workers. Specifically in pharmacy, during my intern year, it transpired that the interns had been underpaid for their entire year. When I moved interstate and commenced at Queensland Health, I wanted to make sure I had that support if I needed it. Being a union member means being able to provide input into working conditions and being part of something bigger to ensure that the workplace is safe and supportive now and for future employees. I've seen the victories that my healthcare colleagues in paramedicine and medical imaging have achieved and want to bring the same results to pharmacy. Outside of work, I am a keen social netball player and amateur powerlifter chasing down a 75kg bench press. I also enjoy going to see live music. I have an Italian greyhound named Narnia and I'm a Canberra Raiders tragic.
I'm standing for election as a convention delegate because I have been a workplace delegate and I am looking for opportunities to become more involved in shaping the future of UWU and what we can achieve for our members. Traditionally, pharmacists haven't been as involved in the union movement. I want to change that by bringing the voice of pharmacists to the table and also being able to take back to pharmacy what I learn at the convention about organising to help strengthen and grow this sector. I'm enthusiastic and not afraid to stand up when I think something is not right. I'm supporting United For You as I want to ensure the United Workers Union is best placed to support our members in the future and continue to be a strong union.

Jason Brummel

Ops Manager | Brisbane Central

I have worked in the security and facilities industry for more than 20 years, starting in frontline roles and progressing through supervisory and management positions to my current role as Operations Manager. Throughout my career in Queensland, I have worked amongst and led teams across complex, safety-critical environments. I understand the pressures workers face on the ground because I have always been on the frontline, on shift working, managing rosters, and supporting teams in real time. My experience spans operations management, emergency management, physical security, workplace safety and business leadership. I believe strong leadership means listening to workers, backing them when it matters, and creating environments where safety, professionalism and respect are non-negotiable.
Over the course of my career, I've seen how decisions made away from the frontline directly impact the people doing the work every day. In security and operational environments, safety and fair conditions are not abstract ideas - they are critical to protecting workers and the communities they serve. I believe workers deserve strong representation that understands operational realities and fights for practical outcomes. I am United because collective strength matters. When members stand together, we have a stronger voice, better protections, and the ability to shape our future instead of having it shaped for us. Being part of United means standing up for fairness, improving safety standards, and ensuring that members are always heard and respected.

Jase Lang

Airport Cleaner | Brisbane Central

I have been a UWU member for 16 years and work as a Cleaner at Brisbane Airport, where I serve as a Workplace Delegate. In my first cleaning job the contractor underpaid staff and had illegal shift times, only 2 or 3 hours at most, and my father who was a factory clerk told me to always join a union because they will protect you. Being a union member means being part of a team that supports each other and fights for what is right for all workers in the industry to make meaningful changes to workers' lives. I live with my family and enjoy playing computer games and IT work, watching movies and documentaries, swimming and being active.
By securing an EBA agreement at the airport and backpay for staff on underpayment from the employer, the union made a real difference for my workmates. I've worked in the cleaning industry for over 20 years and know the issues in the industry that members face every day. I believe I can bring a lot of experience to the table on what they face and what needs to change. I want to be able to secure wins for members and look after their interests. I am in their corner, I know the issues they face and will fight for them every day. I believe in fairness for members, and they deserve to be assured that their union works for them and their interests, not the other way around.

Fiona Scalon

UWU Public Sector Coordinator | Brisbane Central

I have been a UWU member for 16 years. I grew up in a union family. I worked in various administration and technical roles with the union from 1991 where I was a member of the appropriate clerical union. I moved into operational leadership and organising roles in approximately 2010. I see UWU make a difference for members every single day. Whether it be a member with a personal individual issue gaining support and assistance from the Member Rights Team, members coming together around a common issue, or new leaders finding their voice and tackling inequity and unfair practices, a difference is made every day. I am a mother of two who when not at work is dedicated to being a consistent caring force in my kids' lives. I enjoy road trips with my daughter who is learning to drive and have an interest in photography.
Working with members across our diverse membership has meant I have had the opportunity to stand beside members fighting and winning and seeing how effective coming together as a collective and using all of the levers available can be. Being part of something bigger than any individual is really powerful. I want to be part of making our great union greater. In areas where there is a sustainable plan to win that involves members from the outset and is guided by them along the way we have seen incredible wins - Public Sector wins across the country, ECEC, Aged Care and Property Services have really taken the opportunity to work at scale and back each other in. I have spent most of my working life working for UWU, UV, LHMU, FMWU. Working beside amazing member leaders and watching them gain confidence and develop effective organising skills is an amazing honour not many get to experience and I don't take that for granted.

Sarah Catlow

Early Childhood Teacher | Brisbane Central

I have been a UWU member for 25 years and work as an Early Childhood Teacher at Uniting Early Learning The Gap. Joining the union was one of the first actions I took when I completed my qualifications and began to work. The belief that individuals together could make a difference not just for each other but for the whole. Nobody should stand alone, and voices combined are stronger. There are very few times that I have used the services of the union for myself, but I continue to be a member and have conversations with others because there is always someone who does. I am a single parent and am at the stage of my life where my children are grown and I am finding space in my life that I get to choose how to fill, and that is scary and exciting all at the same time. Children are my passion, the drive to create and be a part of community.
The service I was working with was one of the services that participated in the Walk Offs. The union facilitated the ideas and conversations that could be had, with each other, with families and with the public. We had those conversations ourselves with confidence in the knowledge that we could and that we had the right to. The union helped us see that we could be seen and be heard and that together we had a strong voice. I want to ensure that the union stays member led and that the collective is an accurate reflection of the workers' voices, needs and rights. I want to achieve long lasting permanent changes and wins for members that will not only change the quality of their work and personal lives, but those in the future. Every person has a right to be seen. Every person has a right to be heard. Fairness and equality is not dependent on how we feel about a person, it is their right.

Maria Halwood

Teacher Aide | Brisbane Central

I have been a UWU member since 2003 and work as a Teacher Aide at Watson Road State School. I serve as a Delegate, Member Councillor, and on the Teacher Aide/School Cleaner Industry Committee. I joined for security and support if or when I needed it. I wanted to be part of a union that understood my role of being a teacher aide. Understand why I wanted support, knowing that they will have my back. Giving me the strength to stand up and fight back. I'm a mum of 2 and have 2 beautiful grandchildren. I have 2 manic birds and just adopted a rescue dog that had a hard start to life. I love my gardening and working on my pond.
In 2013 when Campbell Newman took away our industrial leave, when he was sacking public servants by the hundreds, we marched on the Executive Building calling him "Liar, Liar Pants on Fire" for his lies. We rallied, we marched and we supported each other to be able to still do face to face organising and meetings to look after members and their rights. He did not stop us. One of my proudest moments was when I was on the Enterprise Bargaining team back in 2018. We were able to get diabetes management recognised as a specialised health procedure and added onto our Enterprise Bargaining Agreement for those teacher aides who support and perform these duties. It also came with an allowance, which is rightly deserved by teacher aides. I'm standing as a delegate because I want to see our union come back to the way it was. Being able to have trust in my fellow Member Councillors, executives, secretaries and know that they are there for our members and me. I'm there for them, I'm honest and trustworthy and they can count on me. This cohort of people are diverse, trustworthy, honest and will stand up for what is right for the members and not be self absorbed.

Allan Chilcott

Teacher Aide | Brisbane Central

I have been a UWU member for 4 years and work as a Teacher Aide: Educational Interpreter at Indooroopilly State High School, where I serve as a Delegate and LCC Member. I first joined the United Workers Union because unions matter. Being a union member means being part of a collective agreement and driving positive change. It's about solidarity, fairness, and shared responsibility. Outside of work, I enjoy reading widely and experimenting in the kitchen, cooking meals to share with family and friends. I'm an avid theatre-goer and love supporting live performance and the arts. I'm also a proud supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and value inclusion, diversity, and advocacy.
The introduction of the standard job model revolutionised working conditions for teacher aides across Queensland. I'm standing for election as a convention delegate to expand my knowledge and play a greater role in the good fight that continues each day. I want members' voices heard loud and clear. My work as an Auslan Interpreter, both in and outside of schools, has given me a deep commitment to inclusion and equitable access. Advocacy is central to who I am, and I bring that same passion into my union involvement. I'm supporting United For You because I believe in unity, strong leadership, and member-focused advocacy.

Nicky Brummel

Early Childhood Educator | Brisbane Central

I have worked in the early childhood sector for over 20 years across a wide range of roles, including early childhood teacher, teacher aide, training and mentoring, as well as leadership and management positions. I understand firsthand the challenges our workforce faces and the dedication educators bring every day.
I'm standing for election because quality outcomes for children are shaped by quality environments that support both children and educators. This means fair pay, manageable workloads, professional respect, psychologically safe workplaces, and strong union representation grounded in ethics and social justice. When educators are supported and valued, children thrive, and our whole sector is stronger as a result. United For You understands this and fights for the conditions educators deserve.

Mark Nuttall

Brewery Technician | Brisbane Central

I have been a UWU member for 21 years and work as a Brewery Technician at XXXX Milton, where I serve as a Site Delegate.
I am standing with United For You to keep fighting for members in food and beverage manufacturing across Queensland.

Marcia Conlan

Casino Worker | Brisbane Central

I have been a UWU member for 10 years and work as a Croupier at Star Casino Brisbane, where I have been an elected Delegate for the past 8 years. I have always lived by the idea that if you want things to change, you have to do something about it. I grew up in Lismore, and in a regional town you learn that people only get through tough times when they look after each other. Those values came with me. Being a union member means I am choosing solidarity over going it alone. It means I am part of something bigger than my own job, where we look after each other and we set the standard for how workers should be treated. Outside work, I stay connected to my family. I’m active in the broader labour movement, LGBT+ organising and advocacy, Peoples Pride, Unionists for Palestine, and anti-racism rallies. I’m a bit of a bookworm. I write, I read, I get stuck into political philosophy, and I love table top games and storytelling.

Mindy Thomas

Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Safety Advisor | Brisbane Central

I am a proud Birri Gubba, Gungalu and Wakka Wakka woman from Central Queensland. Coming from the Watson and Bayles families, who have been active in the Aboriginal movement since the 60s and 70s, I continue to follow their example. As a proud advocate for my people, I follow in my grandmother Maureen Watson and Uncle Tiga Bayles’ footsteps and aim to make a positive contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advancement. I commenced with the QAS in 2001 and have held positions in both administr
I have always ensured I am a union member and became a Delegate in 2010. I became a Delegate to advocate for my colleagues and to ensure that they had the information to be able to make informed decisions about their entitlements and working conditions. United For You champions First Nations issues and member-led campaigns.

Heather Rees

Radiation Therapist | Brisbane Central

I have been a UWU member for 8 years and work as a Radiation Therapist at ROPART, where I serve as Lead Workplace Delegate, on the Industry Committee and Member Council. I joined to have support with defending my rights at work. I then became an assistant delegate, and then the lead delegate when that person retired. I now am involved in organising members, facilitating conversations between staff and management, advocacy for members and our patients with Government ministers, communication during enterprise bargaining, member support and coordinating industrial action. Being a union member means having support with defending my rights at work. To support other sectors (eg participating in BigSteps campaign) and workers in other countries through APHEDA: Union Aid Abroad. Together we are stronger and we can defend our rights and support each other. On the weekends I like to do Parkrun with friends or spend time with my two children (and cat). I am a volunteer with the Scouts group that my children attend. Other interests include reading or watching Nordic Noir.
The union has assisted us with being heard by Queensland Health, enterprise bargaining support, support for individual members with workplace issues, and getting the delegates a seat at the table with previous Government to advocate for our members and our cancer patients. I would love to be able to contribute to the future of our union in a collaborative and meaningful way. Reflecting on the last four years, the union has achieved a lot in Aged Care and ECEC and the establishment of multi-employer bargaining! This term I would love to see further movement in the health sector across Australia, cementing quality public health as a keystone for our society. I'd also like to see political advocacy for temporary visa holders, as the health service needs them to stay here. As a health care worker I need to be fair, professional and honest. This is what I bring to my role as a delegate as well. I will go above and beyond for my members. The core values of United For You align with my own - these are honesty, integrity and accountability.

Nathan Thomson

Brewery Technician | Brisbane Central

I have been a UWU member for 22 years and work as a Brewery Technician at XXXX, where I serve as a Site Delegate.
I am standing with United For You to keep fighting for members in food and beverage manufacturing across Queensland.

Jackie Lowe

UWU Chief Financial Officer | Brisbane Central

I am a qualified accountant and CPA with more than 3 decades of skill and experience. After being made redundant by the Howard Government, I made a deliberate choice to work with purpose-driven organisations rather than those driven solely by profit. This decision led me to United Voice, now UWU. During my nearly 13 years with UWU, I have been deeply committed to ensuring that every dollar of members' money is managed responsibly and spent in the best interests of members, both now and into the future. Integrity, honesty, transparency and strong governance underpin everything I do. As CFO I have consistently delivered sustainable financial performance and robust governance frameworks. With the finance team I work to ensure that the Executive and Member Councillors receive accurate, timely financial and strategic information. Just as importantly, I focus on ensuring they are also equipped with the skills to interpret and use that information to guide decisions rooted in value and focused on UWU members and the future of their union.
I believe that it is our collective responsibility to make sure that our union remains strong and sustainable for current and future members. This requires careful, principled decision making about how and where members' fees are directed - decisions that benefit not just a few, but as many members as possible, supporting, protecting and improving their lives. United For You understands, and is truly committed to this, which is why I am standing with United For You.

Bob Hartley

Senior Quality Assurance Officer | Brisbane Central

I have been a UWU member for 30 years and work as a Senior Quality Assurance Officer at Queensland Ambulance Service. I am a former Delegate and EBA negotiator/organiser. I have been a union member in every job/role since I left the Royal Australian Navy. I could NOT, not be a member as I believe in the strength of the collective. While I probably do not need to be a member as a manager, I know that there is strength in numbers and I can add to that strength. I was an SES member for over thirty years and involved in social justice issues. I campaigned for decades on individuals' rights which resulted in the Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation in Queensland. I fly kites, big and small, for enjoyment and stress relief, and have what I believe is Australia's largest collection of jaffle irons.
The "Your Rights At Work" campaign made a difference for all employees, when our workplace rights were being actively undermined by the Federal Government. At about the same time the Queensland Government (in the Campbell Newman years) through the Workplace Harmonisation changes, attempted to race to the lowest common denominator in our workplace rights in the state. As a union, we fought hard to minimise the damage and in the subsequent Governments, we regained and improved our positions for workers. I want MY union to continue to be a union that fights for not only its members, but has a wider view of equality and equity. I consider myself a "Misso" (Miscellaneous Workers Union) at heart, with those strong beliefs and support of social justice matters, solidarity with international entities fostering peace and workplace reforms. I want to really return to a union with financial transparency and stronger policies surrounding social justice issues. While I am nearing retirement, I think getting the union back on track is an important fight that deserves my involvement and action. It has hurt my heart to see what has been happening, and I want to be part of the change I think is needed.

Rebecca Stark

UWU Property Services Coordinator | Brisbane Central

I have been a UWU member for 20 years and work as a Property Services Coordinator. I joined UWU (then LHMU) in 2006 after finishing university and accepting a job at the union. I'd been a member of the USU since starting my studies at university, and had become involved in campaigning against the imposition of voluntary student unionism. We didn't win, but I got active in lots of other campaigns on campus, against John Howard's treatment of refugees and fighting Workchoices. Being a union member means standing up for what's right, building solidarity with your workmates, and working together to fight for justice and decent work. Society has become too unbalanced - businesses have too much power and wealth, leaving working people to struggle. Workers need to be seen as human beings who add value, not as costs to be minimised. I come from a big family, with 5 sisters and 3 brothers, and have grown up understanding the importance of collective action and responsibility. My partner Cam and I have 4 kids, who are now all at primary school together.
Working for our union and serving our members for 20 years has been a huge privilege for me. The first campaign I was involved in, Clean Start, will forever hold a special place in my heart. We campaigned against wealthy property owners around the country, ran weekly actions in the CBDs, and made the hard work of cleaners visible. Cleaners stood up and demanded respect, and won up to 30% wage increases, 4 hour minimum shifts, and a range of other improvements. I'm standing for election because I want to make sure our union continues to fight for members using every strategy, tactic and tool that we have. To be a big, strong and effective union we need to be able to give our members a voice and power in the workplace, in parliament and in the community. I'm here for you - I'll always have your back, and will always be there to support you in your fight for respect, fair wages and better lives. I am resilient and never give up or back down.

Chris Gilmore

Ultrasound Team Leader | Brisbane Central

I've been a UWU member for 25 years and I work as an ultrasound team leader at The Prince Charles Hospital in health. I serve as a workplace delegate and sit on the Health Industry Committee. I joined the union so I could talk directly to my employer about my working conditions, plain and simple. Over the years, that meaning hasn't changed for me. It's always been about knowing your rights and working collectively to achieve the best outcome possible under challenging circumstances. Outside of work, I'm a taxi driver for the kids' sport and I do voluntary work for a professional organisation in my field of ultrasound scanning. I'm a hardworking and practical person.
One moment that stands out for me is when a workmate was going through a difficult workplace matter. I was able to connect them with a union organiser who stepped in and represented them directly. When that workmate came back to thank me, I said I knew they'd be in safe hands with people who cared. That's what this union does. I'm standing for election because my workmates and others around me think my perspective will be positive for the convention, and I'm answering that call. I want to achieve the best and long lasting results for members under any given circumstance. With 25 years as a member in the United Workers Union, the choice to support United For You is easy.

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