We’re United For SA
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.
South Adelaide and the Hills
These are the delegates, members and activists who are standing up for UWU members across South Adelaide and the Hills. 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
Maria Wynn
Educator | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I've been a UWU member for 10 to 15 years and work as an Educator at Goodstart Blackwood in childcare. I serve as a delegate in my workplace. I joined the union to be part of something that is bigger than me. Being a union member means support, working towards making a better future for working people. Outside of work, we have 2 grandchildren that we are totally involved with on a weekly basis. We also have 2 doberman dogs that we adore. One thing I want members to know is that I'm a good listener who is passionate about the rights of working people. I love seeing people get on in life and I love supporting people.
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The pay rise was a moment that really made a difference for me and my workmates. I'm standing for election to keep the union strong and in a good direction, as it is going at the moment. I want to continue a strong leadership and keep going in the right direction for the rights of working people. I value and trust our current leadership with all the wins that have happened this year under their guidance.
Barbara Possingham
Public Health Worker | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I've been a UWU member for around 24 to 25 years and I work as a team leader at FMC in the health industry. I'm a delegate at my workplace. I've always been in or joined a union in my respective jobs. I joined because making a difference in the workplace for fairer wages and conditions, as well as ensuring management follows the rights of its workers, is not just up to one person but all of us as a collective, because there is strength in numbers. Being a union member means solidarity in our goals for our working environment, and working together with other members when issues arise. Having that backing of other members is important. Outside of work, I'm married, 43 years now. We both love travelling and cruising. Bali is my favourite place to go to destress, and cruising is our go-to for holidays. I like to find a quiet place to read or play Mahjong on my iPad, and I enjoy watching cats and dogs on TikTok. I want members to know that I've always worked hard for my members, doing a lot on my days off, putting up flyers around the hospital, organising meetings, and doing union training, because I believe that members need someone who really cares about them and the issues we all face in our workplace.
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Winning our current EB was a proud moment. We all stood together and we were strong in our conviction to the government for our right for better wages and conditions. I'm standing for election because the union needs to have a strong and diverse group of people, from a wide variety of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, to keep the union moving forward with ideas and conviction. I want to keep management on their toes and under control by ensuring they follow the EB and Award. We need them to provide better staffing and continuously through the year, to ensure our staffing levels aren't minimised to the detriment of our members, or start introducing jobs that are nursing based. I'm supporting United For You because being united is not only for me, but the members and the union collective as a whole, across all hospitals, home and community care, aged care, and everywhere the union covers.
Helen Gibbons
Director of People Culture & Capability | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I've spent most of my life working in early education, during which time I was a proud union member and delegate. I originally trained as a primary teacher and developed great learning environments for the youngest members of our community. As an official, I led the Big Steps campaign, fighting to ensure educators are respected and recognised as the professionals they are. In 2022, I led thousands of early educators in a walk off that shut down centres across the country, demanding that the federal government deliver higher wages. I have always fought for workers, whether it was taking on Swan Services in 2013 when 50 Tasmanian cleaners were sacked by text message and locked out of their workplaces, or building the campaign that went on to win a 15% pay rise for early childhood educators.
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I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together — but there is always more to do.
I want to see us invest more in training our delegates and strengthening the team that supports members when they face problems at work. As a former delegate, I know firsthand how vital good training and strong backing are. When delegates are confident and supported, our whole union is stronger.
I have always been a strong voice for early educators in everything I do. It would be an honour to continue working for Big Steps members - and for our mighty union.
Andy Fallon
Disability Service Officer | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I've been a proud UWU member for 13 years and currently work as a Disability Service Officer at DHS - T2H Brighton. I serve as a delegate in my workplace. I first joined the union after being bullied in aged care, and the union helped me with workplace issues. Being a union member means solidarity on the worksite and fighting to improve workers' conditions. Outside of work, my wife Sophie, who is also a union member, and our two girls, Evie (8) and Cora (6), mean the world to us. One thing I want members to know about me is that I know what is right and wrong, I have a good sense of injustice, and I believe in keeping employers accountable and workplaces safe.
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I've seen the union make a real difference, including a significant pay rise in disability services and making sure aged care workers got what they deserved. I'm standing for election because our union can continue to be member led. I want to keep fighting for workers' pay and conditions. I'm supporting United For You because I want our union to continue to be member led, to stay focused on improving lives for all workers, and in particular the lives of DSWs and NDWs as a whole.
Maria Weeks
Sterile Tech | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I've been a UWU member for over 12 years and work as a Sterile Tech and Team Leader at FMC CSSD in the health industry. I serve as a delegate in my workplace. I joined the union because I believe in strength in numbers and working for the common good. To me, being a union member means belief in power to the people and workers, and keeping those in charge honest. Outside of work, I like to rest! I chauffeur my mini Schnauzer, Ned, around town and country. I enjoy gin, cheese, and travel. One thing I want members to know is that I like to be a quiet achiever.
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The recent EBA and the historic win it delivered really showed me what the union can do. The union is always present, not just at EBA time, and that matters. I'm standing for election to keep the union strong and heading in a good direction, as it is at the moment. I want to continue building strong leadership and keep going in the right direction for the rights of working people. I'm supporting United For You to continue the strength of the union, and to improve working conditions and address issues in our workplaces.
Julie Crawley
Carer, Aged Care | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I've been a UWU member for 12 years and work as a Carer at Edenfield in West Park in the aged care industry. I serve as a delegate in my workplace. I joined the union because I wanted a better working environment for staff, support as a collective in a large group, an increase in wages, and recognition in aged care. Being a union member means support by the union and membership, and power at the workplace. Outside of work, I love watching netball, community involvement, scoring netball, and fundraising. I have an amazing daughter and I love spending time with my dogs. One thing I want members to know is that I will listen, fight for the good fight, and stand up for fairness in the workplace.
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When the government listened and took notice, funding a pay increase for aged care workers, that was a moment that really showed what we can achieve together. I'm standing to help keep people honest. I want to continue the aged care wins, deliver better outcomes for members and residents, and keep owners accountable for where the funding goes. I'm supporting United For You because it stands for honesty, accountability, and a financially strong union that puts members and members' needs first.
Ian Lees
Disability Support Worker | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I work as a Disability Support Worker at Minda. I serve as a delegate in my workplace. I joined the union to improve my workplace and in turn use their standing to improve conditions across the sector. Being a union member means standing side by side with fellow delegates to improve conditions and offer support across the sector. Outside of work, I volunteer for the People's Platter and I love the outdoors. One thing I want members to know is that I'm confident and driven to promote DSW wellbeing outcomes.
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The union has assisted me to access more training opportunities, sick work hours, less crossings, and working from home. I believe we should be member led and I want to provide members' voices to be heard. I want to achieve opportunity for DSW workers' access to be paid for every hour of work, including overtime or penalties. I'm supporting United For You because I believe their leadership provides strength for DSWs in the sector, with a national wide focus on workplace and local issues.
Daniel Roocroft
PSA | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I work as a PSA at Repat Health Precinct in the health industry. I've always been a union member in previous jobs, so it just felt right.Being a union member means always having someone to fight for you, your job, and your union never alone. Outside of work, I've got 3 cats (can send pics if required!). One thing I want members to know is that I've lived down south my entire life, so I understand the specific needs of our area.
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Receiving the largest pay rise in public sector history, thanks to the hard work of the union, was a moment that showed me what we can achieve together. I'm standing for election to give that voice to my members that they need. I want to achieve fair, equal, and transparent representation for all members. I'm supporting United For You to ensure fair and transparent leadership, to use every avenue possible to ensure the best representation for members.
Cresenciana Cameron
Carer, Aged Care | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I've been a proud UWU member for 23 years and work as a Carer at St Basils, Aegean Village in the aged care industry. I serve as a delegate in my workplace. I joined the union because I wanted to be protected at my work. Being a union member means a lot to me because I feel my voice will be listened to, and it means I can help my co-workers too. Outside of work, I am very independent and very devoted to my family. One thing I want members to know about me is that I am not afraid to stand for what is right.
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The pay rise was a real moment of recognition for the work we do in aged care. I'm standing for election to have my voice heard. I want to fix the problems in aged care and make things better for workers. I'm supporting United For You to make a difference and to make the union better in the future.
Julie Takacs
Personal Care Worker | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I've been a UWU member for 32 years and I work as a personal care worker at Bolton Clarke Holly in aged care. I joined the union when I was young. I had zero idea of my rights so I needed to feel protected, and joining was the right thing to do. Being a union member means achievement, change and protection, and feeling strong in the workplace. After working in the aged care sector for over 30 years, I've seen firsthand how important it is to stand together. My family is very important to me and I've always loved cats and dogs. I want members to know that I will keep fighting until I win and everyone is treated fairly.
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After working in aged care for over 30 years, finally seeing us being recognised for the important work we do was a moment I will never forget. I'm standing for election because we can't afford to lose what we have, and I will not stand by and watch everything we have worked for be taken away. I want us to keep winning great outcomes for all members in every industry. I'm supporting United For You because they have a plan to win great outcomes for all members in every industry.
Chris Field
UWU Lead Organiser, Property Services | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I've been a UWU member for 46 years, joining back in 1979, and currently work as a Lead Official at the United Workers Union in property services. I first joined while working at the Uniroyal rubber and plastics factory, where I needed a strong collective to protect and improve pay and conditions, as well as for individual issues like work injuries.
To me, being a union member means there's more power in the collective than as an individual. It means looking after each other at work and joining with other unionists to improve the lives of working people, both in workplaces and in society as a whole. Outside of work, I'm an active member of ASSH, a Sports History Association, which meets every month with speakers and discussions on a wide range of sports.
My wife Maxine is an amazing gardener and I'm the garden labourer helping her out. We also love looking after a neighbour's dog and travelling to the South East Limestone Coast area at least twice a year. As the old Peggy Seeger song says, "if you want a better life, you need a union too," and I know from personal experience that's true.
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When union members joined with members of other unions in the Your Rights At Work, Worth Fighting For campaign, which defeated the Howard Government's AWAs and led to Howard losing the 2007 federal election, that showed me the power of standing together. It showed that our union and others understood the necessity of having both good industrial strategies and broader political and social strategies.
The union needs leadership bodies like the Delegate Convention that have a mix of young people, middle-aged people, and older people, as well as gender balance and cultural diversity. Good leadership has a blend of new ideas and experience, and I hope to put my many years of experience as a member to good use.
I want to consolidate the gains we've made in community services, aged care, early childhood, and the public sector, as well as in large private sector workplaces, while also developing strategies with members' involvement that suit the industries they're in. A mentor of mine always told me to listen carefully to what the members are saying. He used to say, "don't be a one trick pony." I'm supporting United For You because this ticket will provide members with leadership that combines accountability, member inclusiveness, and comprehensive strategies for the union's direction forward. This approach will continue the way the union has operated since I joined it in 1979.
Erin Noack
Lifestyle Coordinator | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I've been a UWU member for 21 years and work as a Lifestyle Coordinator at RMCLHN Barmera Aged Care. I serve as a delegate in my workplace. To be honest, I joined the union because it's what I was taught by my parents, but I've learnt it is so much more than that, and it's an important organisation to be a part of. Being a union member means fighting as one for better conditions, feeling supported and valued, and always knowing there is someone I can ask for help and advice. Outside of work, I'm a devoted wife and mother of three, two energetic teenage sons and a spirited young daughter, who have all grown up immersed in sport. From football and basketball to netball and gymnastics, I've spent countless hours on the sidelines cheering them on and helping wherever I'm needed, whether it's canteen duties, scoring games, or stepping into the world of gymnastics judging. I'm also involved with the CFS and am a proud member of the Barmera Aged Care Auxiliary. One thing I want members to know is that I have a passion for helping others and I aim to get the best results possible for everyone.
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The union has assisted in ensuring care staff have a safe environment to work in, standing behind us when we needed change to duties that were out of our scope of practice. I believe the union is an important organisation and we need to stand behind it, just as it has always stood behind its workers, fighting for our rights and helping us gain improved conditions and fair pay. I'm supporting United For You because the union is a vital source of strength and support for all workers. It stands up for those who feel unheard and advocates for people who may not feel confident speaking up for themselves. It plays a crucial role in negotiating fair pay, improving working conditions, and protecting the rights and wellbeing of every worker.
Fritz Maranon
Carer, Aged Care | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I've been a UWU member for 2 years and work as a Wellbeing Assistant and Personal Care Worker in the aged care industry. I serve as a delegate in my workplace. I joined the union to ensure my workmates are not on their own when it comes to collectivising for our welfare. I joined not because I expected a service-provider model, but as a statement of solidarity: solidarity with the working class fighting for a fair share, solidarity with workers' right to self-determination and a safe workplace, solidarity with women workers for gender pay equity in this historically female-dominated industry, and solidarity with genuine rank-and-file trade unionism. Being a union member means I'm part of a bigger international working-class movement, one that has triumphed through industrial revolutions and continues to fight for the enrichment of workers' lives. Outside of work, I'm a devout Catholic, and my faith contributes deeply to my social engagement and community connections.
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Working in aged care, the Work Value Case launched by the union reverberated throughout our facility. A couple of years ago, carers were only paid meagre amounts higher than a Maccas worker on the main street. The union campaigned heavily by amassing grassroots support and using that strength to fight for better, morally right, and living wages. I'm standing because I want to have a say, a vote, and a seat at the table where people determine the direction of our union. I want to represent the workers of the South, regional workers, workers affected by climate change, young workers, queer workers, neurodivergent workers, aged care workers, estranged union members of country towns, and especially workers of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. I'm supporting United For You because I want a financially smart union, a moderate union that governs pragmatically without mismanaging members' funds, one that represents the desires of the members themselves.
Donna Douglas
UWU Lead Organiser - Aged Care | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I've been a UWU member for 26 years and currently work as a Lead Organiser at the United Workers Union. I joined the union back in 2000 while working in aged care. Myself and my co-workers realised we had been underpaid and wanted to change things, so we all joined, took on the boss, and won. Being a union member means collective action, change, and improving working conditions for workers. Outside of work, I have a big interest in animal welfare and rescue, and I support a number of small rescues in SA and other states. I have a younger sister and a 12-year-old spunky niece who I'm sure will keep up the fight of speaking up for others. Family is important to me and spending time with them. My surprise interest is that I'm a fan of true crime novels. One thing I want members to know is that I will fight for what I believe is the right thing for members.
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When I was working in aged care, the union made a real difference when all members stood together and demanded no loss of hours and correct pay for kitchen staff. We took action together, involved family and residents, and we won. I'm standing because I believe in the union we have. It is strong, it has values, and it wins every day for all union members. I want to keep our success going, keep building on the wins, and watch our union continue to be the most powerful and successful union around. After 26 years as a member, I believe in the values of the team we have and I don't want to see that lost.
Maddie Lawley
Carer, Aged Care | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I'm a UWU member and work as a Personal Care Worker at Bolton Clarke in the aged care industry. I serve as a delegate in my workplace. I joined the union for the safety of my job and to have a community that bands together to keep us happy and supported. To me, being part of the union is about creating a force to band together, keep everyone safe, and fight for what is right. Outside of work, my hobbies are adventuring with my dog, baking, and gardening. One thing I want members to know is that I'm passionate about my job and I love 50s and 60s music.
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I'm standing for election because I believe in better communication and teamwork, and I want to help fix short staffing issues in our workplaces. I want to achieve more members, better communication from management, and better staffing ratios. I'm supporting United For You because I know how much impact we can make together and for each other as SA members.
Tim Moorman
Disability Support Worker | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I've been a proud UWU member since 2015, and I currently work as a disability support worker at Minda in South Australia. My father was a union member and a labour movement member, so unionism runs in my family. I joined because I wanted to help protect conditions for staff. To me, being a union member means solidarity, and having people to talk to about the issues that matter. Outside of work, I love a good BBQ, getting out fishing, and volunteering in my community. I am a South Australian who will stand up for your rights.
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The union fought for an underpayment of wages at my workplace, and we won. That moment showed me what we can achieve when we stick together. I'm standing for election because I want to help other union members. I want to see better NDIS support for clients and better conditions for staff, so we can support the people we care for to the best of our abilities. I'm supporting United For You because I don't want to go in this direction where we miss out on the issues that matter. We should not let members go without a voice, and this ticket puts members at the centre of everything we do.
Ron Tishler
Vineyard Hand | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I have been a union member for over 40 years. I first joined the union in the Northern Territory in 1981, when I was working in the building industry. I worked as an organiser in the UFESA from 1984 to 1997, and I started working in the wine industry in 2005. I've been with Menschino Cellars ever since, and I'm currently a member of our workplace committee. Outside of work, I'm involved with the CFS, I volunteer, and I'm a proud member of the RSL. I want members to know that it's important to support and value our activists.
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I've always been a member of my appropriate union, and I want to support the organisation that protects my rights and conditions. I'm standing for election because I want to support a democratic organisation. I want the union to look after members' interests, and I believe we need strong voices at convention to make that happen. I'm supporting United For You because I want to support a union that is focused on members.
Ricardo Ahumada
Theatre Tech | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I've been a UWU member for 12 years, and before that I was a member for another 3 years. I work as an operating theatre technician at Flinders Medical Centre in the health industry. I joined the union for three reasons: family tradition, as my father was a union leader in Chile; to seek better employment permanency; and because I believe in better and fair working conditions. To me, being a union member means being part of the power to build and create better conditions for the working class of our society. Outside of work, I love my family. My son is where I find my focus and joy away from work. I also love my mother, who supports me in my fights alongside every sense and stand she takes. I want members to know that I am a regular bloke who fights for better working conditions.
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The closure of the Repatriation Hospital was the cruel reality of job loss for many. When our union density was indicted by low numbers, that was a wake up call to create and build power through member density. I'm standing for election because the voice of our members has historically been a driving power in SA, and through United For You we will have the power to make this union great again. I want to elect real leaders that listen to members and deliver for members and their interests. I want to bring back to SA the Christmas conventions and workshops that matter. I'm supporting United For You because it lines up with my principles and ideals, and because victory always comes through unity.
Renee Freeman
UWU Organiser, ECEC | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I've been a UWU member for 18 years, and I currently work as an organiser for the United Workers Union in the early childhood education sector. I grew up in a union family. My dad spent my entire childhood telling me about the importance of being union. He explained to me that being in the union was the only way to make workplaces safer and have better conditions. Being a union member means being part of a community that supports each other, to make each other feel safe at work and safe in our community. Outside of work, I'm a soccer mum, a sourdough baker, and a crafter. I'm also a committee member. I have a 19 year old son who is also a member of our union. I want members to know that I will never stop fighting for what is right, and I will never stop fighting for our members.
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Seeing members come together to win a 15% pay increase for early childhood educators was a huge moment for me. These workers had been overworked and undervalued for so long, and this was a massive step in helping educators feel valued for the professionals they are. I'm standing for election because I want to see our union be the best it can be. There is no place for lies and dodgy deals in our union. I want a union we can all be proud of. I'm supporting United For You because this ticket is honest, transparent, and has the vision to achieve a better union for everyone.
Rajnesh Shrestha
UWU Organiser, Aged Care | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I've been a UWU member for 16 years and I currently work as an organiser for the United Workers Union in South Australia. I joined the union to be part of a powerful collective team. To me, being a union member means the chance to change workplaces in a better way, and to be a strong team together. Outside of work, I volunteer for community organisations, and I've got two kids with strong union values. I want members to know that I am an active community leader. I make sure that our community is aware of their rights and entitlements.
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The massive pay increase in aged care was a moment that made a real difference for workers in the industry, and it showed what our union can achieve when we fight together. I'm standing for election to achieve and keep our union values, and to keep members running the union. I want to keep winning decent wages and better conditions for members. I'm supporting United For You to make sure members' voices are counted.
Nazer Ibrahim
Theatre Technician | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I've been a UWU member for about 10 years and I work as a theatre tech at WCHN in the health industry. I'm a delegate at my workplace. I joined the union to fight for the rights of workers, for better treatment of workers from employers. Being a union member means strength. Outside of work, I have a wife, three children, and a stepson and cat. I love music, and I read a lot at news and articles about politics. I am passionate about my job and my team members, and I will always stand up for them.
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The union fought for my right at work and better pay. That's the kind of difference our union makes every day. I'm standing for election so that our union can show it has integrity and can uphold the core values of our union. I want union members to believe in the union and have faith in the movement. I'm supporting United For You because I believe in our union, its movement, and what we stand for.
Mark Ellery
Educator, ECEC | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I've been a UWU member for 9 years and I work as a qualified assistant at Goodstart Early Learning on Sheidow Place, Hallett Cove. I'm a delegate and a health and safety representative at my workplace. I first joined United Voice on a whim. I was having a discussion with my organiser on the history of the labour movement, and we eventually agreed that, without non-members joining the fight, the stakes would stay the same. Being a union member means knowing that like-minded people have your back, on important work-related matters and social matters too. Outside of work, I'm married with a 6 week old daughter. I'm currently on parenting leave. Outside of work I enjoy playing darts, and I'm the current president of the Southern Darts League. I'm also an active member of the Black sub-branch for the ALP.
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The big moment is winning the 10% workers retention pay rise for ECEC, alongside the countless EA wins in the Goodstart Enterprise Agreement. I believe this is the next stage in my union journey, and through this role I can help all members, not just early childhood educators. I want to achieve transparency. I'm a big believer in transparency, and I fight for it every day. By being open and honest, our union can only grow bigger and stronger. To do that, we need to be open about past mistakes and find solutions to fix them. I'm supporting United For You because we need to hold our executive accountable, and we need more transparency within the council.
Janette Osborne
Campus Operations Officer | South Adelaide and the Hills
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I've been a UWU member for 15 years. I work as a Campus Operations Officer in GSE at the Mount Gambier TAFE Campus. I joined the union because if you're not in the union, no one has your back. Being a union member means job security, looking after my work team, and better working conditions. Outside of work, I'm an animal person. I raise money to support wildlife after wildfires and I make doggy treats. Animals don't have a voice, so I speak for them as much as I can. One thing I want members to know about me is that I will do what I can.
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The union fought and won me a full-time position, and that made a real difference in my life. I'm standing for election because it's important that regional towns and Mount Gambier are represented. I want to help achieve an ethical, strong, member-led union. I'm supporting United For You because I want the strongest people in key leadership positions, the people who are the best for the job to create the best outcomes.
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