We’re United For QLD & 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.

Gold Coast & Northern NSW

These are the delegates, members and activists who are standing up for UWU members across Southern Queensland & Northern NSW. 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

Judith Barber

School Cleaner | Gold Coast & Northern NSW

I have been a UWU member for 17 years and work as a School Cleaner. I serve as a Member Councillor and Delegate. I joined the union because it's the smart thing to do and every worker should! Being a union member means strength, support and solidarity. It means never feeling alone in an industry where workers are often isolated.
I am standing to bring my voice and passion for members in my industry and region to our union's convention. Not every industry and region is the same. We need delegates that understand what it takes to organise and win when workers are spread across hundreds of worksites in regional areas. I want to continue building a union that is progressive, strategic and focused on bettering members' lives. Our campaign to insource school cleaning demonstrates how effective our union can be. I want to make sure that we continue the fight to insource the remaining outsourced regions.
United For You runs strategic campaigns that deliver real results, like insourcing school cleaners in NSW. I want to keep building a progressive union focused on winning for members.

Petelo Taualii

Aviation Protection Officer | Gold Coast & Northern NSW

I've been a UWU member for 10 years and work as an Aviation Protection Officer at Gold Coast Airport, where I serve as a workplace delegate. I joined the union because I believe in standing in unity to ensure strong EBAs, fair wages, and good conditions. Being a union member represents a commitment to your fellow workers, knowing that strength in numbers can make a real difference. It means our workplace rights and conditions are protected and our voices are heard. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family. I also enjoy helping elderly people look after their lawns, playing golf, and sitting down to watch sport with family and friends. One thing I want members to know is that I will always stand for what I believe is right for the members.
The union has always made a difference in our workplace. In 2022, our EBA negotiations were thoroughly conducted to ensure stronger protection and improved conditions for all members. As a result, we received significant wage increases and secured important workplace rights. In 2023, I had been fighting to get my workplace onto a 12 hour rotation, and UWU stepped in and helped me achieve that. I'm standing for election because I believe in strong, united representation and protecting the hard won conditions in our EBA. I want to ensure every member's voice is heard at every level, promote transparency and accountability, and continue to advocate for fair wages, safe workplaces, and strong superannuation contributions for every member's future security. I want members to feel supported, treated fairly, and working in a safe environment. I'm supporting United For You because they stand for fairness, transparency, and strong representation for all members.

Donna Morgan

Teacher Aide | Gold Coast & Northern NSW

I've been a UWU member for 22 years and work as a Teacher Aide and casual school cleaner at Canungra State School. I serve as a school delegate, Industry Committee member, Regional Consultative Committee member, and sit on the Workplace Health and Safety Committee. I first joined the union to protect myself, as I worked with high needs inclusion students. Being a union member is about coming together in solidarity to ensure all workplaces are held accountable and are safe. It's a community. Outside of work, I'm a wife, a mum of two boys and a girl, and a grandmother of two boys and a girl. I enjoy camping and music. One thing I want members to know is that I am an honest person who likes to help when needed.
One of the biggest wins I've seen was when more teacher aides got access to work 30 hours a week, making a real difference to their livelihoods. I'm standing for election because I want to represent Teacher Aides and make sure we have a voice in the outcomes of our union. I want to achieve a safe and fair workplace for all members. I'm supporting United For You because I believe that as union members, we are the union, and those in charge should be transparent, have our back, and be accountable.

Mandy Tuckett-Reid

Senior Radiographer | Gold Coast & Northern NSW

I've been a UWU member for 15 years and work as a Senior Radiographer at BreastScreen QLD, where I serve as a delegate and LCF Committee member. I was encouraged to join United Voice to help make our workplace fair and equitable. Being a union member means standing up with my colleagues and presenting a united front. It is creating a fair and equitable workplace that follows our awards and agreements. It is speaking up, making our voices heard, and creating accountability. Outside of work, I am a mother with two children and one fur baby. I enjoy walking, reading, and spending time with friends and family. I would like members to know that I am passionate about creating fairness and equity in our workplace.
The union made a real difference in our workplace by having our Motor Vehicle Allowance reinstated and assisting us to use the Workload Management Tool to have administration support returned to our satellites and mobile service, creating a safer and more sustainable workload. I'm standing as a convention delegate to ensure the values and beliefs of our union are being upheld. I'm supporting United For You to ensure our union values and beliefs continue well into the future. Let's keep our union great!

Asren Pugh

Food manufacturing | North NSW & Gold Coast

I have been a UWU member for 4 years and work as a Manager in Food Manufacturing. I have been a union member since starting work at Woolworths when I was 15 and will always be a member of my union. The UWU is a strong and progressive union that looks after its members, stands up for our industries and uses smart campaign strategies to win. Being a union member is about standing with my workmates to make our working lives better. It's about supporting other UWU members who work in other industries like childcare, who looked after my kids when they were younger, or school cleaners, who keep my kids' school safe and hygienic. Being in my union is about working together to win.
United For You runs smart, effective campaigns that deliver real wins for members across all our industries.
I know the union is always there for me if I need it and have used it for advice and to clarify questions when I need help. I see the impact that my union has all the time when I see wins for childcare workers, wins for school cleaners, wins for raising the minimum and award wages. I want to support the current leadership as I have seen their wins in insourcing school cleaners in NSW and the massive pay increases for childcare workers. I know the union is in good hands with Jo and Mel. They run smart, effective campaigns.

Kirsty Reed

Teacher Aide | Gold Coast & Northern NSW

I've been a UWU member for 18 years and work as a Teacher Aide at Mudgeeraba Special School. I serve as a delegate, Health and Safety Representative, and sit on the Teacher Aide/School Cleaner Industry Committee, Teacher Aide Consultative Committee, and Teacher Aide Enterprise Bargaining team. I was born and raised in a unionist family and community, advocating for workers' rights, equality, fairness, and respect. Being a union member means advocating with my comrades to be an integral part of the decision making process for workers' rights. Outside of work, I have a tight connection with my immediate and extended whanau. They are my number one priority. I'm also involved with the Queensland Community Alliance as a member and previous co-chair, and I'm part of the UWU Climate Action Group. One thing I want members to know is that I am approachable and will always endeavour to assist with enquiries regarding teacher aide entitlements.
One of the biggest wins I've seen was when it was recognised that over 6,000 teacher aides were unable to maximise their hours to make a liveable wage. Nobody at my worksite had maximised hours. Through the union's work, those who wanted to were able to move to 30 hours a week, and we also won that no ADO make up is required when taking long service leave or sick leave. I'm standing for election because we are, and always have been, a member led union. As a member, I want to ensure that correct processes are followed and that members are well informed and continuously updated. I want to build higher membership, because that means stronger negotiating power at the table with employers, and I want to grow our networks within the community. I'm supporting United For You to ensure our mighty union stays strong and in the hands of its members.

Troy Winningham

Brewery Technician | Gold Coast & Northern NSW

I work as a Brewery Technician at Asahi CUB in Yatala, where I serve as a site delegate in the brewing and food and beverage industry. I'm standing for the Northern NSW and Gold Coast electorate.
I believe in a strong, member led union that fights for fairness and delivers real outcomes for workers. I'm proud to stand with United For You to help keep our union focused on what matters most, its members.

Deborah Tapper

Teacher Aide | Gold Coast & Northern NSW

I've been a proud union member for 18 years and a workplace delegate for the past six years at Mudgeeraba Special School and Robina State School. I also serve on the Local Consultative Committee at my school, where I work with colleagues and leadership to address workplace issues and support positive outcomes for staff. Over the past 18 years, I've worked in both Early Childhood Education and Education Queensland as a Teacher Aide, with most of that time spent in special education. Through my work, I've built strong relationships with colleagues and understand the importance of having strong and effective workplace representation. I've also participated in many union actions, including the 2018 Goodstart walk offs in Early Childhood Education and Care, and assisted in the Theodore campaign during the 2020 State Election. Having recently celebrated my 55th birthday, I bring both life experience and a strong commitment to supporting my colleagues and fellow union members. I am a proud mother of three children and grandmother to three wonderful boys. As a delegate, I support members in the workplace, listen to their concerns, and help ensure their voices are heard. I believe members deserve clear information, strong representation, and someone who will stand up for them when issues arise.
During many Enterprise Bargaining Agreement negotiations over the past 18 years, I have worked with and liaised with members to discuss workplace issues and help ensure they understand what proposed agreements mean for them. I believe in strong representation, clear communication, and the power of members standing together. When we support one another and speak with a collective voice, we create stronger workplaces for everyone. I'm proud to stand with United For You because I believe our union is strongest when it's led by its members.

Lisa Barratt

Cleaner | Gold Coast & Northern NSW

I'm Lisa Barratt and I'm running to be a convention delegate for the Northern NSW and Gold Coast electorate. I've been a union member for a number of years and have had the opportunity to work as a Member Organiser. I believe our membership should always be at the forefront of our union.
Being open and honest about the union's finances and the leadership of the union is the most important thing. I'm standing with United for You because they have the members' best interests at heart.

Mandy Sutherland

Medical Imaging Assistant | Gold Coast & Northern NSW

I work as a Medical Imaging Assistant at Gold Coast University Hospital, where I've been for almost ten years. I'm a UWU delegate for our large department of radiographers, sonographers, and medical imaging assistants. I've attended a number of UWU events over the years, including International Women's Day and State Conference on the Gold Coast. I enjoy supporting my colleagues and encouraging union membership growth, especially explaining the importance of membership to new graduates who join our team each year. In my spare time, I enjoy heading into the bush and have completed a number of Australia's top multi day hikes. I also enjoy yoga, meditation, and attending live theatre and outdoor concert events.
I've seen firsthand how important it is to have strong union representation in healthcare, where our teams of radiographers, sonographers, and medical imaging assistants do vital work every day. I'm proud to stand with United For You to keep building a union that supports and fights for every member.

Magda Embalo

Educator | Gold Coast & Northern NSW

My union journey began in 2005, when I was a young Early Childhood Educator and a respected leader encouraged me to join my union to protect my rights, my voice, and my future. I've believed in solidarity ever since. Over time, I saw the quiet injustices in our sector, from unpaid labour to increasing pressures that only intensified during the pandemic and rising cost of living, and it lit a fire in me for fairness. I chose to step up as a union delegate, committing myself to learning, organising, and advocating because I know real change doesn't happen by accident. It's built collectively. I remain grounded in the belief that educators shape the future, and I will always fight for the dignity, respect, and voice every working person deserves.
I've seen the quiet injustices in our sector firsthand, from unpaid labour to ever increasing pressures, and I know that real change only happens when workers come together. I stepped up as a delegate because I believe every educator deserves dignity, respect, and a strong voice. I'm proud to stand with United For You to keep building a union that fights for fairness and our members.

Mandy Smith

Personal Care Worker | Gold Coast & Northern NSW

I've been a UWU member for six years and work as a Personal Care Worker in aged care on the Gold Coast. I joined the union to collectively encourage changes in the aged care sector. I am very proud to have been the one who stood up in front of all aged care members calling for industrial action, and I've been on the front line with our members ever since.
I want to keep fighting for every member in our union and for future members, in strength and unity. I'm proud to stand with United For You because together we are stronger.

Jen Hall

Educator | Gold Coast & Northern NSW

I've worked in the Early Education sector for over 25 years. Throughout my career, I've been deeply committed to supporting children in their most critical years of development. I am passionate about seeing our industry grow stronger and more respected, and about being a powerful advocate for children and the support they need from birth to six years. I have proudly been a committed union member and a strong supporter of workers' rights throughout my career. I believe that when educators and early childhood professionals are valued, respected, and fairly treated, the children and families benefit as well.
I believe we need to empower employees in every workplace by advocating for their rights, needs, and professional recognition. Strengthening our collective voice and continuing to support one another is how we create positive change in our sector. I'm proud to stand with United For You to keep fighting for the recognition and respect that early childhood educators deserve.

Glenda Jensen

Aged Care Worker | Gold Coast & Northern NSW

I've been working in the aged care sector for more than 25 years and I'm a proud member and delegate for the union. Ever since I started working at 16, my mum told me the union would be there for me and fight for me. I've been a member since then. I love being part of Labour Day marches and lobbying in Canberra for fair pay and better workloads in aged care for all workers. We are stronger together.
I've spent over 25 years in aged care and I've seen what happens when workers stand together. From marching on Labour Day to lobbying in Canberra for fair pay and better conditions, I know our union makes a real difference. I'm proud to stand with United For You to keep fighting for aged care workers and all members.

Aaron Terry

Carer, Aged Care | North NSW & Gold Coast

I've been a UWU member for several years and I have over 20 years of experience working in aged care. I've dedicated my career to supporting and advocating for older Australians with compassion, dignity, and respect. Throughout my time in the sector, I've witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by aged care workers, from understaffing and increasing workloads to the ongoing fight for fair pay and safe working conditions. I joined the United Workers Union to stand up not only for myself, but for my colleagues across the industry. Being a union member means knowing that when workers stand together as a collective group, we are stronger, more empowered, and better able to create meaningful change.
Being part of the union has given me a platform to fight for the rights of aged care workers, advocate for safer workplaces, and push for the recognition and respect our essential work deserves. I am proud to stand alongside my fellow members, united in our commitment to fairness, dignity, and a stronger future for all workers. I'm supporting United For You because I believe in a union that is focused on members and fights for real outcomes.

Eileen Te Maari

Carer, Aged Care | North NSW & Gold Coast

My name is Eileen Te Maari. I'm a descendant of Ngāti Kahungunu and also of Irish descent. I am of New Zealand and a resident of Australia. I come from a family of 10 and was brought up by my grandparents as the eldest grandchild, staying in their care up to the age of 15. I've had a wide working life. At 16 I started at a biscuit factory, then went into home help, weaving, toko toko panels, and helping elderly people who live at home by themselves. I worked in duty free dealing with the public from other countries, and in security with Armourguard, travelling the North Island, working in shopping malls, private properties and retail security. I now work at Golden Age Southport on the Gold Coast. I value my job to the highest degree and I discipline myself to always be ready for what any day may bring, to respect my place of work and my fellow workmates. I'm very much a private person. Outside of work is my relaxing time. I have a son who lives in New Zealand and three mokos (grandchildren).
I have seen the United For You team deliver for members like me. They are committed to delivering for members and pulling every lever to win big for us.

Stand with us. Endorse United For You in Northern NSW & the Gold Coast.

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.

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