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.

Sunshine Coast & Central QLD

These are the delegates, members and activists who are standing up for UWU members across Sunshine Coast & Central QLD. 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

Toni McKay

Medical Imaging Assistant | Sunshine Coast & Central QLD

I joined the union to improve conditions not just for myself, but for future staff. Being a union member means I don't stand alone when things get hard. It means I choose courage over silence. It means I back myself and my colleagues. It means I value fairness more than comfort. It means I won't accept "that's just how it is" when something is unsafe or unjust. Outside of work, I'm a proud grandmother and value family time deeply. I'm someone who believes in community, loyalty and supporting the people around me. I want members to know that I believe in consistency and accountability. Standards should apply to everyone, and I won't shy away from difficult conversations if it protects our members.
I'm standing because I care deeply about safe workloads, fair pay and respect for frontline staff. I don't believe decisions about our profession should be made without strong representation from those actually doing the work. This term, I want to strengthen accountability, protect safe workloads and ensure that fairness isn't selective. I want members to feel supported, informed and confident that their union representation will not shy away from difficult conversations. I'm supporting United For You because they understand the realities of frontline work. Safe workloads, fair pay and professional respect aren't abstract ideas. They are everyday realities that need strong advocacy.

Bernie Smith

Senior Radiographer | Sunshine Coast & Central QLD

I've been a UWU member for 19 years. I work as a Senior Radiographer at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, where I serve as a Delegate, Industry Committee Member and Bargaining Rep. I joined the union as a new graduate because in a previous career I didn't have a union available to me when I had a workplace issue with my employer. I managed to get through it myself, but I realised that's not always the case. Not everyone feels confident or empowered enough to stand up for themselves, and that's why being part of our union matters. To me, union membership means being part of a collective of like-minded people who have the best interests of workers in mind. There is real strength in that. Outside of work, I have a wife and two primary school-aged girls who keep me well in dance dad mode. I also enjoy bushwalking and working in the shed on a classic car. I want members to know that I am a strong believer in social and procedural justice. The rules are there for a reason, and there is important history behind where we have come from. It matters that we learn from that history so everyone has the opportunity to be the best they can be.
A memorable moment for our workplace was when, through clauses in our enterprise agreement, we were able to request a Psychosocial Risk Audit to look more thoroughly at health and safety issues. We had many risks to people's wellbeing, but through union action during EBA negotiations, we secured a clause that can lead to positive workplace change. That is a great example of what collective power can achieve. I'm standing because it is the next step in my union journey. Being a union member also means being part of positive change and democratic process. I want to achieve stronger democratic processes and make sure we have the biggest impact possible for the membership. I feel United For You resonates most with my beliefs about what is best for our union.

Tamara Hutley

Ops Coordinator | Sunshine Coast & Central QLD

I've been a UWU member for 21 years. I work as a State Operations Coordinator at the State Operations Coordination Centre in the Queensland Ambulance Service, where I serve as a State Councillor based on the Sunshine Coast. I joined the union because I saw firsthand how easy it is for workers to be overlooked when decisions are made without us. I wanted protection, fairness and a collective voice, not just for myself, but for my workmates. I believed that standing together gave us strength we don't have on our own. Being a union member means having each other's backs. It means fairness, respect and accountability in the workplace. It's knowing that no matter what role you're in, your voice matters and you're not standing alone when things get tough. Outside of work, my family is everything to me. They are my biggest support and keep me grounded. I'm also deeply passionate about health and wellbeing, and spend a lot of personal time training and competing in bodybuilding. It has taught me discipline, resilience and the importance of showing up consistently, even when it's hard. Those values carry through into my work as a delegate. I want members to know that I'm approachable, honest, and I genuinely care. If you raise an issue with me, I'll listen, I'll follow it through and I won't disappear once the conversation gets hard.
One moment that stands out was working collaboratively with the Assistant Commissioner within the Queensland Ambulance Service to address fatigue and operational pressures affecting our crews. Through constructive union advocacy, we put forward practical initiatives aimed at ensuring staff could finish on time while maintaining safe and effective service delivery. A key outcome was the introduction of a dedicated night shift at Tin Can Bay, which reduced fatigue risks for paramedics and ensured 24-hour ambulance coverage for the Cooloola Coast community. That was a clear example of the union working strategically, not just raising issues but delivering solutions that improved staff wellbeing and strengthened services. I'm standing because I genuinely care about the future of our members and our industry. I want to be a strong, practical voice that represents real workplace experiences. I want to see stronger protections, better communication, and members feeling confident that their concerns are being heard and acted on. I'm supporting United For You because it aligns with my values of unity, fairness and strong representation for members. I believe this team is genuinely committed to improving outcomes for workers and ensuring decisions are made with members, not for them.

Michael Formica

Paramedic | Sunshine Coast & Central QLD

I've been a UWU member since 2010, and before that I was in the Electrical Trades Union. I am a big believer in unions and the union movement. I work in the Queensland Ambulance Service, where I became a delegate because the support base in our region was fairly light on. I wanted to give members in rural and remote areas a voice as loud as our comrades in the bigger centres and cities. I have represented many members both in my area and at the state level to get the outcomes they needed. I am a husband and a father to three children. All of my kids serve the community in different ways: one is in the Armed Services, one works for a local council and one is an auxiliary firefighter. They all have a sense of community that comes from watching their mother and father and the work we do, both professionally and as union delegates.
As a State Councillor in the ambulance service, I helped give rural and remote officers a voice at the bargaining table. The biggest win was the year we fought for and won a wages increase to bring us in line with other states and give ambulance officers the pay and respect their profession deserves. I am a member of the inaugural convention delegation and would like to continue in this role because there is still plenty of work to be completed. I have witnessed the power of the political vote and the need for the union to be in the political arena with strong delegates and a strong voice. I hope to continue building a great union that delivers a strong position so we can help all members when they seek help. I feel privileged to represent members from the local area, regional districts through to the state and national level.

Sarah Hazard

Aged Care Worker | Sunshine Coast & Central QLD

I work for Blue Care in aged care. I joined the union because I had a feeling I would need backing and support, and being a member means being part of a family and solidarity. I am one of the most loyal and honest people you will ever meet.
I was very proud to stand with my fellow members for all the changes that needed to happen in the aged care industry. Our union has helped deliver a 28% pay rise for aged care workers, but we need to continue the fight because we have only just begun in making us stronger. I'm standing with United For You because I believe in a united union that has members' backs every step of the way.

Heather Stroud

School Cleaner | Sunshine Coast & Central QLD

I've been a UWU member for 35 years, since 1991. I work as a School Cleaning Coordinator and Cleaner at Maleny State High School. I serve as a Workplace Delegate, Joint Cleaners Consultative Committee Member and Industry Committee Member. I first joined my union because I very much wanted to support my fellow workers as a collective, by improving pay and conditions. Strength is being united in numbers. Being a union member means a lot to me, as it is the only way to improve workers' pay and conditions and to stand up together to fight for justice. Outside of work, I enjoy treasured moments with family. I have two grown children and five grandchildren. I'm someone who loves exploring my creative side through drawing, painting, knitting and writing. I'm also a local ambulance committee member. Among the projects our committee oversees is promoting the importance of communities being educated in First Aid and CPR. We also work with a local sewing group to provide clothes for children in need, made from recycled emergency services uniforms. I want members to know that I am passionate about standing up for workers' rights.
As a workplace delegate with the support of my union and union members, I have been able to educate members in the complexities of the School Cleaners Enterprise Bargaining Agreement. That in turn has empowered members at the local level to voice their concerns on various issues and get positive results. I'm standing because I think it's so important to have a say in how our union moves forward, for the betterment of all its members. I want each member to understand their enterprise agreement, because it's only by knowing its contents that members will be empowered to actively voice their concerns. I'm supporting United For You because I believe in what this ticket stands for, a member-led union that delivers real results.

Natalie Formica

Paramedic | Sunshine Coast & Central QLD

I've been a UWU member since 2009 and became a delegate in 2016. I joined the union because it ensures a safe work environment and wages that reflect the work we do as professionals. I have always felt empowered as a union member to speak up and address issues that need to be fixed. The union allows workers to have a voice without fear of payback.
I have needed to use the union on a few occasions due to unfair treatment in the workplace, and every time it resulted in a positive outcome. I firmly believe that without UWU's assistance, those outcomes would have been harmful to myself and my family. I support United For You because I believe in a union that moves forward and stands up for its members, one that gives workers the confidence and backing to fight for what is right.

Wes Cockburn

School Cleaner | Sunshine Coast & Central QLD

I've been a union member since 1994. I work as a Cleaner at Kawungan State School, where I serve as a Delegate, Industry Committee Member and Regional Consultative Committee Member. I joined as soon as I was employed. The main reason was to protect myself and my job. I had been a delegate in my previous employment as a slaughter-man in an abattoir, so I already knew the value of being in a union. Being a member means knowing you have support if anything goes wrong. Once you get to know others, it becomes like a big family. There is always someone there you can seek help and assistance from. Outside of work, I enjoy relaxing and spending time with my grandkids. I want members to know that you are never alone. I will always be there to support you in any way that I can.
The biggest moment for me was in 1996 when the LNP Government decided to sack us on the 2nd of August. With the union's help we fought this off and kept our jobs. Part of this fight was the biggest petition ever to be presented to the Queensland Parliament. We have come a long way over the years since then, and I want to make sure this is true for all workers covered by this great union. I want to improve working conditions for all workers, and the best way I can do that is to help pass on what is happening out there on the ground, so decisions take that into consideration. I'm supporting United For You because we are a member-led union. It's having people who are on the ground that gives us our strength, and our ability to face anything that arises and fight back. I don't know of a better group of people who could do the job that is ahead of us.

Maria Gould

School Cleaner | Sunshine Coast & Central QLD

I've been a UWU member for about 29 years. I work as a School Cleaner at Urangan State High School, where I serve as a Delegate. I joined the union because I believe there is power in numbers and also to know my rights in the workplace. Being a union member means being part of a strong union fighting for members' rights and conditions. Outside of work, I enjoy caravanning and reading.
One moment that stands out was sitting on my first enterprise bargaining negotiations back in 2006 and learning so much about negotiating to get better conditions for members. That experience showed me the real impact our union has at the table. I'm standing as a convention delegate because I want all members to get what they deserve. I'm supporting United For You because that's what the union is all about: it's for all members.

Sue Rewald

Teacher Aide | Sunshine Coast & Central QLD

I've been a UWU member for about 26 years. I work as a Teacher Aide across Crawford State School, Murgon State School and Murgon State High School. I serve as an Enterprise Bargaining Representative, Teacher Aide Consultative Committee Rep, Industry Committee Rep and Delegate. I initially joined for protection against allegations by students or staff, for security. But I have learnt the union is so much more than that. After a grievance that took its toll on me mentally and physically, I became more involved in our union. Winning the Education Support for Students with a Disability Allowance across all schools was an achievement for Teacher Aides in all settings that I am extremely proud of. I am married with three grown children who so far have given us two grandchildren with one more on the way. I've been involved with local basketball and church. I enjoy gardening and hiking, and have hiked the Great Ocean Road. I want members to know that I am a stroke survivor. My motto is: life is short, take the scenic route. I am resilient.
Union is unity. Solidarity is like-mindedness. When you unpack the meaning of union language, it is as simple as together we can make a difference, having each other's backs and never leaving anyone behind. Standing shoulder to shoulder as a group is powerful. Being part of enterprise bargaining negotiations for Queensland Teacher Aides is an example of teamwork at a higher level, winning standard days and improved allowances for Teacher Aides in all schools. I want to represent the values, standards and history our branch brought to the United Workers Union. I want to ensure the morals, ethics and transparency of our member-led union will continue to be upheld. I want the right team elected, who can move forward and lead our great union with integrity and high principles. I'm supporting United For You because this ticket upholds the long-standing values and focus areas of worker empowerment, equity, compassion and fairness that our member-led union was built on.

Sam Korn

Teacher Aide | Sunshine Coast & Central QLD

I've been a UWU member for 17 years. I work as a Teacher Aide at Chatsworth State School, where I have been a member delegate for a long period. I joined the union because I believe in workers standing up for their rights and standing together to improve them. Being a union member means having support from a wide range of diverse people who have experience and who may have faced similar issues. It means being part of a group that works together to achieve things correctly and will fight for you and your rights. Outside of work, I enjoy being with family and friends. I want members to know that I have been at Chatsworth State School for over 17 years, have always been a UWU member from the start of my role, and have held the delegate position for a long time. That shows my dedication and experience.
I have been a long-time union member and delegate, and I value the support and collective strength the union provides. Standing for election aligns with my commitment to helping colleagues and continuing to advocate for workers' rights. I want to ensure members have strong support, that their issues are taken seriously, and that they benefit from a union that works together to achieve outcomes and fights for their rights. I'm standing with my fellow members to continue representing our workplaces in a proudly member-led union. The strength, soul and direction of the United Workers Union have always come from rank-and-file workers standing together in solidarity, and I am committed to carrying that spirit forward.

Murray Kippax

Brewery Technician | Sunshine Coast & Central QLD

I've been a UWU member for 20 years. I work as a Brewery Technician at Asahi Beverages in Wulkuraka, where I serve as Site Delegate.
I believe in a strong, member-led union that fights for better pay, safer workplaces and respect for the work we do. I'm standing as a convention delegate because I want to make sure workers in our industry have a strong voice at the table. I'm supporting United For You because this ticket is committed to delivering real results for members.

Roslyn Litzow

Teacher Aide | Sunshine Coast & Central QLD

I work as a Teacher Aide at Urangan State High School, where I serve as a Delegate, Industry Rep, Regional Consultative Committee Member and Bargaining Rep. I joined the union to stand up for better pay, stronger job security and improved working conditions, not just for myself but everyone in our profession. Being a union member means standing together for fairness, respect and dignity at work. I believe together we are stronger, believing in the power of collective strength. I am a mother of four and grandmother of eleven. Outside of work, I enjoy bingo, sports, attending community events and poker. I want members to know that I will always lead with integrity and accountability, and they can count on me to stand up respectfully and always in the best interests of our members.
When we secured jobs we could count on, with permanency and increased hours, that showed me what our union can achieve when we stand together. I am standing for election because I believe in the power of representation and the importance of having strong, informed voices at the table. Standing for this role is about giving back to a union that has strengthened our profession. This term, I want real, meaningful progress for our fellow members, not just promises but outcomes that improve our daily working lives. I am supporting United For You because I believe in leadership that is member-focused, transparent and committed to delivering real outcomes.

Matt Fairbairn

Senior Radiation Therapist | Sunshine Coast & Central QLD

I've been a UWU member for 10 years. I work as a Senior Radiation Therapist at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, where I serve as a Delegate, HPDO Bargaining Rep and Industry Committee Member. I joined the union shortly after starting as a Radiation Therapist at Townsville Hospital. Coming from a working class background, I have always believed in a fair go and the power of people standing together. Being a union member means sticking together, standing up for what is right and not backing down in the face of threats or unjust actions. I grew up in Newcastle and most of my family is still interstate, but I'm lucky to have a great network of lifelong friends here in South East Queensland. I have two big dogs that keep me on my toes, and despite probably approaching retirement age, I still play rugby union. I love the sense of community and mateship you get from a team sport, and I'm actively giving back to my local club through committee work, fundraising and whatever else needs doing. I want members to know that I'm human and I'm not perfect. But I can promise I will always do my best, represent members passionately and professionally, and never shy away from a challenge.
The union has made a massive difference to me personally, to our worksite and to our profession. It has given me real support as a delegate through some challenging circumstances, and our worksite is better for having strong union membership and regular delegate meetings where members' concerns are heard. For our profession, UWU was instrumental in securing a significant allowance recognising the expanded scope of the Radiation Therapist role. Right now, the union is fighting to protect that allowance after Queensland Health targeted it for removal during enterprise bargaining. I'm standing because I have the experience and the connections within our industry to know what members are thinking and feeling, and I want to be part of their voice. I want to see this union be the best version of itself, with an unwavering commitment to representing members in industrial matters and an even stronger focus on resolving local workplace issues. I'm supporting United For You because I believe in the sound, rational leadership of key figures on this ticket. They have delivered results for members over many years, including some big wins. I have the utmost respect for the candidates on this ticket and know they always stand up for what is right.

Adrian Russell

Nuclear Medicine Scientist | Sunshine Coast & Central QLD

I've been a UWU member for 9 years. I work as a Nuclear Medicine Scientist at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, where I serve as Lead Workplace Delegate. I joined the union because during negotiations I realised that unless Nuclear Medicine Scientists are members, we will never have a voice at the table. Being a union member means having support to defend my rights at work. Together we are stronger and can support each other. My cohort of workers has benefitted greatly, achieving outcomes that could only have come from working collectively. As a health worker, I continuously have patients' wellbeing at the forefront of everything I do. That is how I tackle my journey with the union too, ensuring that all members are at the forefront of everything I do.
As a small cohort of members in Nuclear Medicine, we successfully campaigned for a 25% attraction and retention allowance, along with the creation of the first ever education pipeline in Queensland. That showed me what a focused, united effort can deliver. I'm standing because I believe in a union of the people that will fight and protect all of us. I want to ensure our union remains our union. As members, we are the union, and it is so important that we remain member-led. No decision about us without us. I'm supporting United For You because this ticket is about honesty, integrity and accountability. These are such important values for our union.

Eric Day

Paramedic | Sunshine Coast & Central QLD

I've been a UWU member throughout my 11-year career as a paramedic in the Queensland Ambulance Service. I am committed to delivering high quality patient care and contributing positively to workplace culture. Senior union members set a strong example for me early on through their professionalism, advocacy and integrity. Their leadership reinforced the importance of fairness, equity and respectful representation. I am passionate about ensuring staff are treated consistently and justly across the organisation.
I believe in a union that fights for fair treatment and professional respect for every member. The values I saw modelled by experienced union members early in my career are the values I want to carry forward as a convention delegate. I'm standing with United For You because this ticket represents the kind of strong, principled leadership our union needs to keep delivering for members.

Mike Gilbert

Brewery Technician | Sunshine Coast & Central QLD

I've been a UWU member for 42 years. I work as a Brewery Technician at Asahi Beverages in Wulkuraka, where I serve as Site Delegate.
With over four decades of union membership, I know what it takes to build and maintain a strong union. I'm standing as a convention delegate because I want to keep fighting for fair conditions and a strong voice for workers in our industry. I'm supporting United For You because this ticket represents the kind of united, effective union I have believed in throughout my career.

Michelle Evans

Educator, ECEC | Sunshine Coast & Central QLD

I'm Michelle and I've been working in early childhood education for 18 years, with 15 of those at Goodstart. I'm a proud UWU delegate and elected HSR representative. I'm passionate about our sector and the important work we do every day caring for and educating children.
Early childhood educators have never had a stronger voice than we do right now. United For You has delivered real results for our sector, including the 15% pay rise for early childhood educators with more to come. I'm standing as a convention delegate because I want to make sure we keep building on those wins. I believe United For You has the track record and the plan to keep fighting for educators like me, and for members across every industry.

Kaitlyn Butler

Educator, ECEC | Sunshine Coast & Central QLD

Gilmore
The recent wage increases have made a real difference to me and my colleagues. This wasn't a simple or quick win. It came from years of dedication, persistence, and collective action by educators across the sector. Before this, many passionate and highly skilled educators were leaving because they simply could not afford to stay. People were burnt out, undervalued, and struggling just to get by. Seeing colleagues now being paid closer to what they deserve and being able to live, not just survive, has brought renewed hope to the sector and reminded us of the power we have when we stand together. I'm standing for election because I want to keep moving forward. While we've made important progress, there is still so much more to achieve. I want to be part of the collective voice shaping a stronger future for our sector, advocating for continued pay improvements, safer ratios, and meaningful support for educators, children and families. I want to strengthen and grow our union by connecting members and reaching out to non-members to bring them on board. I'm supporting United For You because of their commitment to meaningful change across the sector and genuinely working in the best interests of members.

Stand with us. Endorse United For You in Queensland.

Our candidates are ready to work for you. Now we need you standing with us.

By endorsing United For You, you're showing your support for a union that delivers real results. Higher wages. Better conditions. Support when you need it. No fee increases.

This is your union. Back the team that's backing you.

Add your name to endorse United For You in Queensland.