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.

North Queensland

Meet Your Team

These are the delegates, members and activists who are standing up for UWU members across North Queensland. 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.

Endorse Our Candidates

Mandy Dewey

Teacher Aide| North Queensland

I am a proud Worimi woman and have lived and worked on Bulwai/Djabugay country for over 40 years. I have been a Teacher Aide for 36 years and a UWU member for 34 years. I serve as Co-chair of the UWU National First Nations Roundtable and have been a member, delegate, on bargaining committees, industry committees, and member council. As a First Nations person, we believe in collective, that's how we work, we make decisions together and go forward with it. Wherever you work, if you become a member of the union, you should know you have backup and support all the time. You think your employer will look after you, but they won't, at the end of the day they'll look after their own pockets. But as union members we look out for each other and work towards a better future all together.
A favourite union moment was when the LNP government were threatening to sack all the school cleaners and put contractors in. School cleaners and teacher aides went to Brisbane and we stormed Premier Campbell Newman's office. We campaigned for about three months until they gave up and left the school cleaners alone. Through the First Nations Roundtable, we have created proposed changes to the NES to broaden the definition of family for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Those standards just aren't up to today's way of life, they're very archaic. This work matters to me personally and to our communities. I have seen how United For You places members at the heart of campaigns. Member leadership isn't just a talking point, it's how they operate. United For You has championed First Nations issues and supported First Nations members to play an active role in our union.

Cameron Thorpe

Pharmacist | North Queensland

I'm a pharmacist working at Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service and I've been a UWU member for 5 years. I serve as the CHHHS Pharmacy Delegate, an Industry Committee representative, and a member of the HPDO Bargaining Committee. I came from private enterprise and found navigating the layers of policy and directives in the public system difficult. My local delegate convinced me to join and gave me guidance. Within a year I was a new site delegate, and I went on to become an industry committee member and most recently a bargaining committee member. Being a union member is about the collective, about making sure members are heard. Outside of work, I'm a mountain biker, 4WD and camping enthusiast, and all-round family man.
I'm standing to ensure allied health is represented in the union's leadership. Allied health is one of the smaller cohorts but we have a significant impact on the patient journey through the public system. I want to make sure those concerns are raised and represented through union policies. United For You values transparency and represents the best parts of the union movement. It forms a modern union, adapting to the changing requirements of the workplace and ensuring members have all the tools available to achieve long-lasting change.

Kaitlyn Sturre

Educator | North Queensland

I've been in early education for 12 years and been part of the union for at least half that time. I first joined when I was young and didn't fully understand, but from another educator I worked with, I knew I should protect myself. Now after many years, I'm still learning all the ways the union can help us.
I want to advocate for and help other educators with the knowledge I gain from the union. Our union has delivered a 15% pay rise for early childhood educators and is fighting for more. I'm backing United For You because this team has delivered real wins for ECEC workers and has the plan to keep going. Every educator deserves a union that fights for better pay, safer workplaces, and respect for the work we do.

Janet Williams

Teacher Aide | North Queensland

I've worked as a Teacher Aide in regional Queensland for over 40 years. I've been a delegate at my school for over 30 years, after all the other members stepped backwards very fast. I've enjoyed learning about how a union operates through my role as a delegate, especially coming from a very conservative family and area. Becoming an industry committee member and representing not just my school but members from my region was a step outside my comfort zone. Now I've been on rallies, represented all TAs in a bargaining campaign, and participated in Labour Day activities. I've been a Member Councillor from the start of UWU. I enjoy learning about all the industries that make up our union.
I support United For You because I've experienced first-hand what having the union behind you means during a difficult work situation. They had my back and helped with every aspect of a dispute. As a result of that support, I've continued in my role in Queensland education. I want to see the union continue to provide that support to all members. We need a union that has your back and uses every method available to get the best results.

Josh Maguire

Officer in Charge QAS | North Queensland

I've been a UWU member for four years and currently work as an Officer in Charge at QAS Gladstone, where I also serve as a workplace delegate. I joined the union because I saw how local delegates advocated and fought for the rights and safety of paramedics. Without that support, our concerns were being overlooked. Being a union member gives me a collective voice to speak up and make a real difference at work. Outside of work, my wife and I have recently welcomed our first child, and we're excited to start this next chapter. When I'm not spending time with my family, I enjoy playing rugby and any other sport I can fit into my week. One thing I want members to know about me is that I truly understand what it feels like to be disempowered and without a voice. I've experienced that frustration firsthand, and that's why I'm committed to standing up and making sure every member feels represented, respected, and supported.
At my workplace, the union and local delegates made a real difference by calling out unsafe practices that were forcing paramedics to work 20 to 24 hours without sleep. Without that advocacy, workers would never have felt comfortable raising their concerns and pushing for change. That experience showed me what a strong union can do, and it's why I'm standing for election. I want to help create a union where members feel supported and know the union is looking after their best interests, run ethically and with respect for the views of everyday members. I'm supporting United For You because I want my union to behave ethically and use its funds and resources to support members.

Tereena McCombe

Teacher Aide | North Queensland

I'm an Educational Interpreter and Teacher Aide at North Shore State School and I've been a UWU member for 8 years. I serve as a delegate, Regional Consultation Committee member, and sit on the QCU Townsville Branch committee. I first joined because I was concerned about how staff at my school had no idea of their rights and were too scared to stand up for themselves. Being a union member means being in a big team that works together to help and support each other to achieve a common goal. Outside of work, I'm a very involved grandmother of four wonderful grandchildren. As a family we're very social with lots of extended family get-togethers. I enjoy gardening, particularly my vegetable garden, and I'm an avid reader.
The union made a real difference when I was told my permanent hours were being reduced with no way to get them back. The union rep was amazing and helped me and the other affected members fight it all the way to the state government level. And we won. I'm standing because I want my fellow members to have their EBA endorsed, more support in their workplace, and to feel valued. I'm a kind, compassionate person who fights for what I believe in. I'm backing United For You because this team delivers results and stands up for members.

Wendy Edwards

Educator | North Queensland

I'm a very proud mum of two teenage boys, one is a diesel fitter and the other is a bull rider. Raising them in a regional community has shaped who I am. Living regionally has taught us about hard work, resilience, and looking out for each other. Coming from a union family, I was already part of the union movement. Early in my career, a director said "The union lady is here, but we don't talk to her." I joined United Voice straight away. I used to read the EA on my lunch breaks because I wanted to understand my rights, improve conditions, and make things better. That centre is now 98% unionised. I've never been scared to speak out when something isn't right.
Being part of the fight for well-deserved recognition, better pay, and improved conditions has been a highlight of my union involvement. The rallies, postcards, petitions, and collective actions alongside Mackay members showed me the real power of standing together. I'm standing to make sure members' voices are heard, especially those working in early childhood education in regional areas. Real change starts with listening to workers, not the hierarchy. I want members to know I'm here for them. Some days that means standing up and fighting hard, and other days it's simply being there to listen.

Terry Zillmann

Critical Care Paramedic | North Queensland

I'm a proud union member of more than 34 years and a Critical Care Paramedic with extensive frontline experience. I've served on the Union Negotiating Team for four Ambulance Enterprise Bargaining Agreements and as a Regional Delegate for over 10 years. Throughout that time, I've consistently advocated for fair conditions, safer workplaces, and strong, accountable representation. As a Critical Care Paramedic, I understand the pressures, risks, and responsibilities our members face every single day.
Workplace health and safety is not negotiable. It is never acceptable for a worker to go home injured from work. Strong unions deliver safer workplaces, challenge poor management decisions, and make sure those decisions are corrected when they fail our members. The hard-earned union fees we all contribute must be managed with the utmost financial responsibility and transparency. I bring lived frontline experience, industrial knowledge, and a deep commitment to standing beside members, especially when they need support the most. I have the experience. I have the commitment. And I will always put members at the centre of decisions.

Erin Bailey

Dental Prosthetist | North Queensland

I'm a Senior Dental Prosthetist and Laboratory Team Leader at Townsville Oral Health, QLD Health, and I've been a UWU member for over 4 years. I serve as a delegate and bargaining team member. I joined because I believe strong workplaces don't happen by accident, they happen when workers have a collective voice. Working in public health, I quickly saw how decisions about workload, classification, and resourcing impact both staff and patient care. Being part of the union meant having support, advocacy, and a platform to stand up not just for myself, but for my colleagues and the profession. Being a union member means standing together to protect fairness, safety, and respect at work. Outside of work, I enjoy creative projects, health and wellbeing planning, and spending time building ideas that support both professional growth and community engagement. I value balance, humour, and staying connected with people.
There have been several moments where union involvement helped provide clarity, support, and confidence when navigating workplace change. During periods of organisational restructure and role realignment, having access to advice and advocacy ensured staff felt supported and informed. I'm standing because I want frontline voices, especially those from technical and allied health roles, to be heard at a broader level. Too often, specialised professions are under-represented in decision-making spaces. I want to advocate for stronger recognition of specialised roles, clearer career pathways, and fairer workload expectations. I'm approachable, practical, and solutions-focused. I'm supporting United For You because it reflects a commitment to strong representation, fairness, and genuine member engagement. The values of the ticket align with my own approach: collaborative, transparent, and member-driven.

Nathalie (Nat) Eaton

Cleaner | North Queensland

I'm a cleaner at Thuringowa State High School in Townsville and I've been a UWU member for 16 years. I serve as a delegate, HSR, Industry Committee and RCC member, and I was part of the bargaining team. As a young single mum, I joined to learn about my rights in the workplace and how to protect myself. Over the years, I've wanted to help other cleaners understand their workplace rights too. Being a union member means everything to me. After years of wondering where my fees went, I decided to become more involved and I can honestly say I'm proud of our union and what we accomplish. Outside of work, I have strong family values. My family and grandchildren are my everything. I love catching up with friends and just chilling.
The moment that changed everything for me was when I got to see all the other UWU members who think and feel the same way I do. Being part of the bigger picture and seeing how members' faith can change after hearing positive feedback, that we're not in this alone. I'm standing because I believe in what we fight for. Even if we start with something small, it's a step closer to a better future for government cleaners. What you see is what you get with me: honest, passionate, easy-going, and easy to talk to. If I can help, I will. If I'm not sure, I'll find the answer.

Marnie Leighton

Medical Imaging Educator | North Queensland

I'm the CHHHS Medical Imaging Clinical Educator and I've been a union member on and off for about 30 years, with approximately 20 years of continuous membership. I serve as a delegate, industry committee member, and member of the bargaining team. My first workplace in Brisbane, Mater Public Hospital, was a "union preferred" employer, and my parents were also public sector workers, so I learned the value of union membership through them. Being a union member supports your industry and your colleagues. It helps maintain the workplace rights that past and present members have fought for. My husband and I have four children, three of whom have moved out. We love camping in the remote areas of FNQ, mountain biking, hiking, cooking, and good wine, especially when consumed around a campfire.
A few years back, CHHHS tried to take away the radiographer 3-hour recall allowance from just our site. The union stepped in and fought with us, and in the end, CHHHS backed down. That was a pivotal point in my career, and I finally understood that being part of a union matters on every level. I'm proud of the hard work that has gone into improving conditions for our allied health workforce and I'm committed to safeguarding what we've achieved. I've learnt that when you truly believe in something, there are many pathways to achieving it. I want to see a stronger focus on workplace health and safety, including psychosocial safety, and improved workforce planning. I'm backing United For You because they have consistently been a strong and unwavering advocate for the healthcare sector, working to amplify our voices and ensure our concerns are heard and acted upon.

Janette Hodgon

Aviation Protection Officer | North Queensland

I've been a UWU member for four years and work as an Aviation Protection Officer at Rockhampton Airport, where I serve as a delegate and Workers Consultive Committee member. I joined the union to support my colleagues and fight for better working conditions. Being a member means belonging to an organisation that delivers real, lasting change. It means standing together to secure better conditions, build unity, and strengthen our collective voice. Membership creates genuine bargaining power for improved wages, fair allowances, and stronger income protection. My family is first and is a very important part of my life. I also enjoy supporting the local Rural Fire Brigade as a Volunteer Educator and helping younger volunteers get involved. One thing I want members to know is that I have 100% integrity and every member matters to me.
During bargaining for our new EBA, the union was able to support members in securing wage increases, implementing allowances, and gaining income protection. That showed me what we can achieve when we work together. I'm standing for election because I'm an ordinary person who sees the true benefit of our union. I want to be a voice for all our members. We are a member led union, and I want their voices to be heard and their interests to come first. This term, I want to see members own their union again. I'm supporting United For You because, as a regional delegate and candidate, I don't want to lose our face to face support from our union. I will always be a voice for Central Queensland UWU members.

Alistair (Al) Vagg

Advanced Care Paramedic | North Queensland

I'm an Advanced Care Paramedic with the Queensland Ambulance Service and I've been a UWU member for 25 years. I serve as a workplace delegate. I was fortunate to be raised in a family that believed in strong union ideals. Not being part of a broader collective that supports fellow workers is just not an option. Being a union member means solidarity and accountability. We're stronger together, and our union should always be member-driven, transparent and focused on improving real workplace outcomes. I'm married and a proud father of two. Both our kids have now left home, so my wife and I are adjusting to the next chapter. I've always loved rugby and I enjoy getting out on the water on my jet ski whenever I can.
The 2017 EB and remuneration enquiry was a defining moment. It delivered an approximate 30 to 40% wage increase for Queensland paramedics, making us nation-leading in remuneration. This didn't happen by accident. It was the result of disciplined strategy, unity and strong leadership. It showed what's possible when the union is focused, organised and strategic. I'm standing because I believe members deserve strong, experienced and principled representation. I want our union to be transparent, fiscally responsible, and focused on improving conditions, not distracted by internal issues. I'm steady, direct and outcomes-focused. I'm supporting United For You because I believe our union needs stable, strategic leadership that prioritises members, strong bargaining outcomes and responsible governance.

Deb Wynne

Teacher Aide | North Queensland

I'm a Teacher Aide at Rockhampton State High School and I've been a UWU member for 23 years, joining in 2003. I serve as a workplace delegate, Industry Committee rep, bargaining rep, WH&S delegate, CQ RCC delegate, and CQ QCU Vice President. I joined when an LHMU organiser came to my school. Back then, Teacher Aides went from term to term not knowing if they'd still have hours. There was no job security and I was living on casual hours that fluctuated constantly. I decided that to get job security, I needed to join the union. Being a union member means being part of something bigger than myself, a community built on respect, fairness, and solidarity. Outside of work, I love spending time with my daughter and two beautiful grandkids, listening to music, the beach, camping, and community campaigning.
Winning 30 hours permanency through bargaining and having a livable wage was a life-changing moment for our members. I'm standing to make sure we elect an executive team that stands for integrity, fairness and transparency. I want to ensure we have a voice as members to keep our union member-led, as it always has been. I have absolutely no filter. I'm backing United For You because this team stands for everything that is union.

Sarah Tippett

Teacher Aide | North Queensland

I'm a Teacher Aide at Hughenden State School and I've been a UWU member for 8 years. I serve as a delegate and RCC rep. I joined to raise awareness of rights. When I was a young person, I was unaware of the rights I had in my workplace. I don't ever want to see anyone be in the dark about their rights. I'm also doing this because I want remote areas to have a voice in our union too. Being a union member is important to me because I value the knowledge the union provides, keeping me up to date with my rights and entitlements. I'm a mum of three, grew up in a small town, and work at the school I went to as a child.
The day I first met an organiser when they came to my small town was the day I started my union journey. It opened my eyes not just to my rights but to anyone's rights in their place of work. I believe knowledge is power and I'm looking forward to continuing my work as a delegate and candidate. I'm backing United For You because United For You values its members.

Sandy Paxton

Teacher Aide | North Queensland

I'm an Educational Interpreter and Teacher Aide at Pimlico State High School and I've been a UWU member for 19 years. I serve as a delegate, TACC member, Industry Committee member, and Enterprise Bargaining team member. I joined 19 years ago when I was working in a primary school in a low socioeconomic area. The students had very complex needs and were at times violent. I felt it was important to join the union for support and to give us a voice in matters of safety. Being a union member means believing in the strength of the collective group to build power and achieve better job security, wages, and conditions for all teacher aides. I'm happily married for 33 years, have 2 married sons, 3 beautiful grandbabies and another on the way, and a gorgeous Golden Retriever. I love to travel, stay active with swimming, walking, Pilates and yoga, and I'm an active member of our local Labor group.
Over 19 years, some standout moments have been the amazing support provided through bargaining and the support given to ensure rights are upheld in schools. As we go to ballot for the EBA, I really hope we get it over the line. I believe we've built on an already strong agreement and negotiated new benefits for teacher aide members. I'm standing because I believe in our union message and I'm proud to be part of a union that supports its members and is there when they need them. I will always stand up and be a voice for others when they can't. I'm backing United For You because we are a strong, member-led union that always stands up and ensures our rights are implemented and staff are given a fair go.

Stacey Boyden

Teacher Aide | North Queensland

'm a Teacher Aide at Ravenshoe SS P-12 and I've been a UWU member for 8 years. I serve as a delegate and IC member. I attended a union meeting with my school delegate and organiser after starting on a temp contract. There was so much I didn't know until that first meeting. Immediately my interest was sparked, and when the current delegate stepped down, I put my hand up. I'm just as keen today as I was back then. Being a union member means comradery, strength in numbers, and power. Union is family. Family has your back when you're standing strong and when you feel like you can't. Outside of work, I'm a mum to two boisterous boys aged 11 and 12, and a 4-year-old Labrador. My husband is amazing and we've been married for 15 years. The kids play junior rugby league and touch footy, and attend Taekwondo twice a week. I love my monthly women's circle, and being a homebody to binge some Netflix.
A long-serving member at our school had 10 permanent hours and was about to be overlooked for additional hours in favour of a new starter. I drafted an email to the Business Manager quoting the EBA, called the Member Rights team, and they confirmed I had done everything correctly. We arranged a conference the next day and the result was life-changing: the member went from 10 to 25 permanent hours per week. After that, I knew I could tackle anything. I had the knowledge and I had the backup. I'm standing because I want to make sure our voices in the Far North are heard. We are so far from the southeast corner, but our needs are the same. I'm backing United For You because this is a direct ticket for all Teacher Aides and School Cleaners in Queensland. They are my mates. We all deserve the best opportunities and working conditions for the hard work we do every day on the frontline.

Michelle Mantgaris

Emergency Medical Dispatcher | North Queensland

I've been a UWU member for 22 years. I currently work as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher at the QAS Cairns Operations Centre, where I serve as a workplace delegate, State Councillor, and bargaining representative. I've been a union member my whole working life. In every job I've had, being part of the union was just the norm, and I never hesitated to join. I've always believed in the importance of standing together at work, making sure we're treated fairly and getting what we're entitled to. For me, being a union member means looking out for each other. It means knowing that when something isn't right, we don't face it alone. I also really value that unions stand up for minority groups and workers who might otherwise go unheard. Outside of work, my family keeps me busy. My husband is a firefighter finishing up as the Cairns Branch President of the Queensland Professional Firefighters Union, so advocacy has always been part of our household. We have three daughters, and our eldest has recently made us proud grandparents. Our 18 year old works as a support worker in aged care, and our youngest is preparing for a three month exchange to Japan. We love travelling as a family, and I enjoy creative, hands-on hobbies when I get the time. The one thing I want members to know about me is that I'm not afraid to speak up. I believe members deserve a strong voice, and I'll always advocate for fairness and for what members actually want from their union.
The Newman Government years were a real turning point for me. For the first time, people who thought their jobs were secure suddenly felt exposed. We were hearing about job cuts, outsourcing, and huge changes across the public sector. Seeing the union step up and fight to protect workers during that time showed me how important it is to have a union that is strong, organised, and prepared for whatever comes next. Being part of the 2017 bargaining committee, where we won major wage increases, showed me how union wins can genuinely change members' lives. I'm standing as a convention delegate because I want to give back to the union that has supported me throughout my working life. I want to help ensure our union remains strong and member focused, delivering quality industrial representation and campaigns that win real improvements in pay and conditions. I'm supporting United For You because this team represents that strength and direction. From the uncertainty of the Newman years to the wins we achieved in bargaining, I've seen what our union can do when it's united and focused, and I want to be part of keeping it moving forward.

Danielle McDonald

Aviation Protection Officer | North Queensland

I've been a UWU member for six years and work as an Aviation Protection Officer at Townsville Airport, where I serve as a workplace delegate. I joined the union after experiencing serious workplace issues that management refused to address. A co-worker suggested I speak with the union, and they stepped up for me when no one else would. Without the union, I don't know what I would have done. Being a member means I get to have a voice and be heard. I get to be part of something that brings change and helps everyone in the workplace. I value the knowledge the union provides and the way it keeps us up to date with our rights and entitlements. Outside of work, I'm a mum of three grown children and have two beautiful grandchildren. I'm a proud Navy Mum and love supporting our ADF in any way I can. I enjoy motorcycle riding and getting out into the countryside, and I love taking our two husky girls on walks. One thing I want members to know is that I will always be there for them. I will always stand and fight for their rights, and I'll always speak up when it comes to safety and wellbeing. I'm a no nonsense person, and everyone deserves to be heard.
During our last EBA negotiations, the union made a real difference. We were finally recognised for the risks we take each day in our jobs and paid accordingly. We achieved many great things through that agreement, and it was the union that made it happen. That's why I'm standing for election. North Queensland needs a voice. In Townsville, our membership is getting stronger, but we rarely get heard. I want to be the one who changes that. I want my fellow members to know and see that the union has their back, and I want to help everyone exercise their rights and receive their entitlements. I'm supporting United For You because this is how we can continue helping each and every member in their daily work life, making sure every person has their say. For delegates like me, it means continuing to work with people and businesses to reach good outcomes, whether financial, physical, or emotional. It's the United For You ticket that will continue putting you first.

Adrian House

Officer in Charge | North Queensland

I've been a UWU member for 30 years and currently work as an Officer in Charge and Critical Care Paramedic at QAS Mission Beach, where I serve as a State Delegate. I initially joined the union to ensure fair treatment and representation in a new workplace I was unfamiliar with. I was looking for reassurance that someone else was looking out for me. Being a union member means I am part of a much larger team. Collectively, we look out for each other and ensure fairness and accountability. Outside of work, I'm very family focused. My partner is also a paramedic and union member, and we have a young son who takes up most of our spare time. Health and wellbeing is a priority for me. I love cycling as a way to manage stress, and as a family we love camping, walking the dog on the beach, and trying to get away from the heat with an annual ski trip. I like to think I am honest, fair, and reliable. I believe in treating others as I like to be treated myself. I'm a good listener and problem solver, and if I don't know the answers, I will find someone who does. I am diligent and will follow through until a suitable outcome is reached.
The most significant change during my time with the QAS was the implementation of the 2022 EBA, which greatly improved wages and conditions for all QAS employees. While I was not directly involved in the bargaining team, seeing those results showed me what a strong, collaborative union can achieve, and it ignited a passion in me to become more directly involved. I'm standing for election because I want to be part of a union with principles, transparency, and accountability. I believe representation matters, and I want to be directly involved in choosing how we move forward for the next four years. I want to see consistency and fairness across all sectors of the union, honest and open communication, safe and secure workplaces, and transparency on how members' funds are used. I'm supporting United For You because this team best reflects my core values of fairness, accountability, and transparency. This is the team that will ensure long term stability with ethical decision making and financial sustainability.

Lee Williams

Radiographer | North Queensland

I've been a UWU member for approximately 17 years and currently work as a Radiographer and Sonographer on the Cape Outreach service with Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service. I joined the union because I wanted to understand my rights and make sure they were protected. In a busy healthcare environment, it's reassuring to know there's a team dedicated to advocating for safe workloads, fair conditions, and support when issues arise. As someone working on the front line, I see how important our union is for both our industry and our teams. The rights we rely on today didn't just happen. They were earned by colleagues over many years, and keeping those protections in place means we can work in environments that are safe, fair, and sustainable. Outside of work, with two very active teenagers, home life is always lively and full. I make space for hikes and holidays with friends and family when I can. Like many of us, I'm constantly trying to strike a healthy work life balance so I can show up well for my family, my colleagues, and myself. I'm dedicated to improving access to healthcare, which is why I'm proud to be part of the Torres and Cape HHS outreach ultrasound service that brings essential imaging to some of Far North Queensland's most remote communities.
The union was instrumental in ensuring Cairns Imaging staff received the same retention allowance that workers in the same roles elsewhere in the state had been receiving. Cairns Hospital Imaging teams had been denied this allowance for years with no progress, and only once the union assisted was there a fair and equitable result. The commitment to review sonographer musculoskeletal injuries in our EBA also meant that the injuries sonographers experience every day were no longer dismissed as just part of the job. There's now a recognised process to look at what's causing these injuries and push for changes that protect workers. So much effort has gone into improving things for the UWU allied health workforce, and I'm standing for election to make sure we don't lose that progress. I want to keep pushing for the strongest possible workplace conditions, especially for our rural and remote workforce. Improving working conditions and strengthening recruitment and retention for allied health staff in these areas is essential for creating sustainable workplaces and guaranteeing high standard care for all patients. I'm supporting United For You because they have been a steady and dependable champion for the healthcare workforce, working persistently to lift our collective voice and ensure the issues we raise are genuinely acknowledged and addressed.

Trish Berrill

UWU Regional Organiser | North Queensland

I’ve been a proud United Voice and UWU member for 10 years and I’ve been a Unionist since I was 17.
I’ve lived and raised my family here in beautiful Far North QLD for 46 years. Go the Cowboys.
I love my local community and I work hard to help it grow and thrive. I’m involved with so many wonderful organisations, the Women’s Legal Service, women’s shelters and over 20 years as Secretary of the Cairns District Amateur Fishing Club.
I was the Queensland Council of Unions President for FNQ for a long time, proudly supporting Unionists through really important campaigns like Your Rights at Work.
I’ve always had a passion working to support women and children experiencing domestic violence.
I’m incredibly proud and grateful for my deep relationships with so many First Nations Peoples and communities here around Cairns and all the way up to the Torres Strait. Helping communities develop skills and access services, working with the whole of community to help everyone achieve their best makes my heart sing.
I’m standing for United for You because we have to keep UWU in safe hands. I know what will happen if that other mob take control of our Union. We’ll lose our voice in decisions that affect us- especially in Far North Queensland.
The United for You team understands who we are and where we work, the other mob doesn’t know and never showed much interest since we created the Union. So much UWU membership up here is Teacher Aides, Health, Cleaners, Aged Care, ECEC, Airports. I’m with the team that cares about us.

Brad Garvey

Critical Care Paramedic | North Queensland

I've been a union member for over 40 years, including 25 years with UWU and its predecessor unions, and 17 years with the QNU. I joined my first union at 17 as a student nurse in 1984, and I've been a member ever since. I currently work as a Critical Care Paramedic and Clinical Support Officer at the QAS Townsville Clinical Education Unit, where I serve as Acting State Councillor. Being a union member means belonging to an industrial body that can improve employees' rights and conditions, hold employers accountable, and prevent unfair action. Outside of work, I enjoy golf, fishing, and holidays, and I'm working toward retirement. One thing I want members to know is that I will happily ask the employer the question that people are afraid to ask.
One of the most significant moments in my career was negotiating the landmark EBA that brought paramedics up to professional peer standards. That experience showed me what a union can achieve when it fights for its members. I'm standing for election because UWU has been governed in a fair and transparent manner, where members are at the forefront of decision making, and I want it to remain that way. I want to continue holding the organisation accountable, to honour the initiatives negotiated in our agreements, and to ensure transparency in decisions that affect members. I'm supporting United For You because this team stands for transparency in leadership and a members front and centre attitude.

Bec Exelby

UWU Regional Organiser | North Queensland

I've been a UWU member for 12 years and currently work as a Regional Organiser for the United Workers Union. Over the years I've served as a member organiser, workplace delegate, Industry Committee member, and RCC member, as well as being involved in state and federal elections. I joined the union because it gives me a strong voice in my workplace. It helps protect my rights, improves working conditions, and ensures fair treatment for everyone. Being a union member means support, protection, and a voice at work. It means I'm not standing alone when issues arise and that I have access to advice, representation, and collective strength. It's about fairness, respect, and making sure workers are treated properly and safely. I have been married for 12 years and have two sons. When I left school, I moved to Vanuatu, and in my free time I travel back to work on different community projects there. One thing members should know is that I am committed to standing up for fairness and respect. I take my role seriously and work hard to make sure concerns are heard and followed up.
When my workplace faced a reduction in hours, many staff were worried about their jobs. The union supported us to ensure the process was fair, transparent, and followed the correct processes. They helped staff understand their rights, raised concerns with management, and made sure our voices were heard. Staff felt supported rather than left to face it alone. That experience showed me how important strong representation is, and it's why I'm standing for election. I want to represent the voices of workers and help shape outcomes that protect and improve conditions for members. I want to make sure members feel informed, supported, and confident about their rights. Most of all, I want to help build a stronger collective voice so members are heard and respected in decisions that affect their work and livelihood. I'm supporting United For You because it puts members first.

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