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 West

These are the delegates, members and activists who are standing up for UWU members across Brisbane 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

Mick Metcalfe

Senior Critical Care Paramedic | Brisbane West

I'm a Senior Critical Care Paramedic based at QAS Toowoomba, and I've been a union member for 26 years. When I started in the ambulance service, the job was defined by low pay, poor safety practices, and a culture where workers were shut out of decisions about their own workplace. I joined to add my voice to the push for change and quickly became a delegate to help drive it. Being part of the union means having a support structure and people around you when you need advice or help. Outside of work, I love riding motorbikes, catching concerts with my wife, and spending time with our three kids. I'm also a die-hard Sydney Roosters fan.
One of the biggest wins I've been part of was the introduction of a formal fatigue break as a condition of employment. Before that, ambos were expected to open the station doors at 8am no matter how many times they were called out overnight. That was a serious safety risk, and the union fought to fix it. I'm standing because I've been disappointed by the behaviour of some senior leaders and their pattern of discouraging local engagement and feedback. It's time for change. United For You supports Queensland candidates who fight for Queensland members. The executive at the heart of this ticket are the same people who identified and pursued the misuse of union resources. That matters to me.

Tammy Stewart

Teacher Aide | Brisbane West

I'm a Teacher Aide (TA4 Level 4) at Jimboomba State School and I've been a UWU member for about 14 years. I joined the union for protection and to have a say in our working conditions. Over the years, I've seen organisers and delegates offer advice and lead members to make safe working choices. Being a union member means having a voice, and joining that voice with others so we get what we deserve in our working lives. Outside of work, I look after my grandson one day a week, which I love. I enjoy crafting, reading and colouring as my way to relax. I've had a long connection with Jimboomba State School through my three children and have been an active P&C member for over 20 years, currently focusing on fundraising to give students the best education possible.
Having strong representatives at bargaining time has made a real difference for me and my workmates. I'm standing as a convention delegate to make sure all members receive honest representation as our union moves into the future. I want to achieve a fair, safe workplace for every member. I don't know everything, but I will do my best to help you find the answers you need. I'm supporting United For You because I want a union that supports members, listens to members, and is the voice for members.

Carolyn (Carol) Elphick

Teacher Aide | Brisbane West

I'm a Teacher Aide (TA004) at Woodcrest State College, and I've been a union member for about 23 years. I joined not long after I started with the Department of Education because I've always believed in the importance of standing together and advocating collectively. From the start, I believed in fairness at work and making a real difference through solidarity. Being a union member means we are not alone. We are represented, supported, and heard. Outside of work, I'm a devoted family member with two beautiful grandchildren. I love music, sewing, books, and art, and I've been involved in a number of community musical productions.
There have been many moments where the union has made a real difference, from making sure teacher aides received their entitled breaks to securing permanency for Teacher Aides and Cleaners after years of negotiation. That outcome changed the pathway for future members in education. I'm standing because I want members to know they are valued, that their voices matter, and that they have someone who will stand up for them. I want safer workplaces, action on occupational violence, fair workloads, and real wage growth that keeps pace with the cost of living. I care deeply about Teacher Aides being recognised as skilled professionals, not just numbers in a system. I'm backing United For You because this ticket strengthens the delegate and member voice, and believes in a union that is run for its members. I'm proud of what we've achieved together and the vision our leadership upholds.

John Teodo

School Cleaner | Brisbane West

I'm a cleaner at Indooroopilly State School and I've been a proud UWU member for 17 years. I joined the union to help members become stronger in standing up for their rights at work. Being a union member means standing with others and fighting for what we deserve. Outside of work, I'm involved with my church group, spend time with family, and have a passion for collecting old comics and TV shows. I also have a growing music collection, and my wife has kindly suggested I stop buying from the NFSA before I retire.
The union has always been there for me. Whenever I've had questions about our working conditions or our EBA, I've been able to pick up the phone and get real help. That's the kind of union I want for every member. I'm standing because I want to be part of shaping the direction of our union and making sure every member understands how the union works and what we can achieve together. I will work hard to be there for you. I'm backing United For You because this team delivers results and puts members at the centre of everything they do.

Brenda Heskett

Teacher Aide | Brisbane West

I work with the Department of Education Queensland and I've been a union member for 35 years, through the FSU, LHMU, United Voice, and now UWU. My father, a WWII veteran, strongly encouraged me to join when I first started work in the 1980s. He had seen many workplace inequalities in his lifetime and believed that workers' conditions could only improve through solidarity and having a collective voice. That advice stuck with me. Being a union member means working together to achieve change and positive outcomes, and knowing the union has your back if something goes wrong. Outside of work, I have a strong connection to the RSL through my local community and my father's service. I enjoy keeping active, reading, socialising, travelling, and visiting my adult children.
Every EBA that has been negotiated has improved our working conditions, especially for a female-dominated workforce. Without a strong union, we cannot achieve better outcomes. I'm standing to raise awareness, ensure accountability, and encourage fairness and collectiveness. I want to see the smooth implementation of our new EBA and be part of a progressive team. Great things can be achieved if we work together. I'm supporting United For You because I want to ensure educators are treated with respect, valued and supported in their workplace.

James Burley

Advanced Care Paramedic | Brisbane West

I'm an Advanced Care Paramedic at QAS Metro South and I've been a UWU member for 21 years. I joined because the union represented a collective group of people focused on supporting and standing up for ambos. It's an incredibly tough job at times, and knowing you're part of a union with the skills to advocate for you is important. Being a union member means strength, support and a force for change. Outside of work, I'm a father to four amazing kids who keep me on my toes. Being a dad is the best thing I've ever done.
In our last EBA, we secured wins that have seen QAS take real, meaningful steps to manage our psychosocial health and safety. That's a huge win for ambulance members. I'm standing because I want to make sure the right people are in place to keep supporting and expanding the industrial support we provide. I've seen first-hand the difference our organisers and Member Rights team make for people going through workplace disputes. I want to see more people in that team so that when someone needs help, there's always someone to pick up the phone. United For You is a group of delegates with real experience fighting for members, and they want to see this union grow stronger across every sector.

Katrina Hardi

Teacher Aide | Brisbane West

I'm a Teacher Aide at Durack State School and I've been a UWU member for 21 years. I joined the union because I wanted a say in shaping our working conditions, and because the union matched my values: fairness, dignity, integrity, and transparency. Being a member means having a voice and helping to build workplaces where everyone is heard and treated with respect. Outside of work, I'm fascinated by different cultures and love a good conversation. I talk to my plants and adopted pigeons about all sorts of things. Crafting takes me to a quiet space for hours, and I have a soft spot for finding offbeat little cafes, which are also great for people watching.
A defining moment for me was when an issue had to be escalated right to the top. The unwavering support I received from my organiser showed me exactly what union solidarity looks like. He fought as hard for one person as he would for an entire site. I'm standing to strengthen our union from the inside, to represent the issues that matter to us, and to make sure our direction stays member-driven. I want to show fellow members that someone is fighting in their corner and that real workplace issues get pushed forward, not ignored. No one stands alone. I'm backing United For You because this ticket is built on real member-driven priorities. It's about real action, real protection, and making sure our voices are heard at every level.

Raymond (Ray) Gilbert

Trainer and Assessor | Brisbane Central

I work at Asahi CUB in Yatala and I've been a UWU member for 25 years. I'm a workplace delegate and HSR in the Food and Beverage industry.
I’m proud of our union and what we have been able to deliver together. I want to see that continue.

Michelle Hackett

School Cleaner | Brisbane West

I'm a school cleaner at Highfields State School and I've been a UWU member for 30 years. I joined the union on the day I first became a cleaner, when cleaners were fighting for their jobs. I stood alongside my mum and petitioned. Being a union member means standing up for our rights. Outside of work, my life is full. My husband and I are fixing up our boat and hoping it'll be ready for the water soon. I have three beautiful girls who have all finished school and have great jobs, and a grandson who keeps me on my toes and who I adore.
The union has made a difference for me by helping get all the facts together before going into meetings. I'm standing as a convention delegate to gain new experiences and be a voice for cleaners. I want to see success on the EBA. I'm a happy person who will go above and beyond for anyone. I'm backing United For You to vote for a strong, effective union that delivers for members.

Russell (Russ) Bromley

Trainer and Assessor | Brisbane West

I work at Asahi CUB in Yatala and I've been a UWU member for 10 years. I'm a site delegate in the Food and Beverage industry.
I’m standing with United For You because they’re the team that really delivers for members.

Annah Skillen

Advanced Nuclear Medicine Scientist | Brisbane West

I'm an Advanced Nuclear Medicine Scientist at Gold Coast University Hospital, and I've been a UWU member for 3 years. I joined for two reasons. First, to meet my AHPRA professional indemnity insurance requirements. But the timing also coincided with a campaign to address longstanding workforce issues in Nuclear Medicine in Queensland, and I wanted to show my support. I've worked in Nuclear Medicine for over 20 years and have seen our small workforce get left out of planning and decisions that directly affect us. Since joining the union, my perspective has shifted. I've learned that being a small workforce actually means we hold real power when everyone is aligned to the same goals. Outside of work, I have a young family, a shift-working partner, and a dog that's bonkers. I enjoy being active and going on outdoor adventures with my family. I'll also admit to an unhealthy obsession with my Sir Walter Buffalo lawn.
Our union was instrumental in getting us the opportunity to advocate directly with the Premier, Health Minister, and Director General of QLD Health about the unique challenges our Nuclear Medicine workforce faces. Through this advocacy, we achieved a historic workforce incentive package including a 25% allowance to address longstanding recruitment and retention issues, plus funding to build a workforce pipeline for the future. That level of advocacy would never have been possible without the support of our organisers and the strength of our union. I'm standing because our union needs to keep members' best interests as its priority. We need a union with experience, strategy, and expertise that listens to its members and has their backs when it matters most.

Brett Fournier

Ops Supervisor | Brisbane West

I'm an Operations Supervisor in Emergency Management at QLD Ambulance. I've been a union member since 1999 and have served as a State Councillor since 2005. I've worked as an Advanced Care Paramedic since 1998.
I back the United For You team because they understand each industry is different and each needs an approach that works for them.

Papakura (Anna) Terei

Process Worker | Brisbane West

I'm a Process Worker at Nomad Breads and I've been a UWU member for 4 years. I'm a union delegate at my workplace.
I want a union that delivers for me and my workmates, I think the United For You team has the experience and expertise to deliver real wins.

Eric Eyre

Ambulance Worker | Brisbane West

I joined the union over 30 years ago because back then, that's simply what you did. At the time, the union was fragmented, not industry-specific, and representation often missed the mark. Over the years, the union evolved to become more proactive and to recognise that each industry faces different challenges. The introduction of industry-specific representation was a turning point, and that's when I became a delegate, to support the union's goals and to empower members within my own industry.
For me, the most important moment wasn't overdue recognition of our profession or a pay rise. It was when we achieved specific industry representation. As a delegate, I provide support and guidance, and I help members stand up for their rights. Members know I'm approachable, that I listen to their concerns, and that I treat everyone with respect and without judgement. I follow up on matters raised and I am honest and transparent in everything I do. I support United For You because I want a proactive union that continues to evolve and stays committed to strong, industry-specific representation.

Amy Williams

UWU Public Sector Organiser | Brisbane West

I've been a union member since 1997, when I first joined the Missos while working in hospitality. Joining a union is like breathing to me. If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. Being part of something with real conviction, where you know you are fundamentally improving workers' worth and lives, you just can't beat that. Outside of work, my family and I are involved with grassroots community groups, holding fundraisers, and doing our bit to make the world a kinder place.
My first experience of union power came early. My employer was paying us under the award, and when we raised it, he sacked us. The union got him for unfair dismissal and forced him to reinstate us and pay back the stolen wages. That's real power. I'm standing because rank and file members are the lifeblood of this union, and we can't have elected leaders taking donations from employer groups. I want to continue the work of closing the gender pay gap, building on the huge wins in female-dominated industries like Aged Care and ECEC that have begun bringing women off the poverty line. I'm backing United For You because this ticket represents the true heart of our union: grassroots organising and a member-led vision. United For You is the only path that keeps power where it belongs, in the hands of workers.

Megan Langer

Educator, ECEC | Brisbane West

With 23 years of experience in early childhood education, I have progressed from a trainee to my current role as an Early Childhood Teacher. Throughout my career, I have reminaed passionate about supporting young children’s growth, learning and wellbeing. I am incredibly proud of the work I do and the value the meaningful relationships I build with children and families. Having witnessed the significant changes and growth within the early childhood sector over the years, I embrace and endorse the vital work of early childhood educators and advocate for the profession and the children it serves.
The United For You team has the experience and record of delivering for Early Educators like me.

Stand with us. Endorse United For You in Queensland.

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 Queensland.