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.
Central Adelaide
These are the delegates, members and activists who are standing up for UWU members across Central Adelaide. 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
Suzanne ‘Suzie’ Gounder
Disability Support Worker | Central Adelaide
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I have been a UWU member for over 30 years and work at the Department of Human Services (DHS). I serve as both a Member Councillor and Delegate. I joined the union because it gave me a voice to fight for the rights of working people. Through stepping up and getting involved, I discovered my own power to create change for myself and my colleagues. Outside work, I am active in my local community centre, supporting elderly people and families in need.
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I believe I have much to give. This year, I helped secure the biggest bargaining result I have ever seen. I want to help other members achieve their goals, know their rights, and feel empowered.
I believe in the union we have right now. We have so much potential to grow. We have just had some of the biggest wins I have ever seen for members in public sector, aged care and early education, and I want to be part of building on this success.
Demi Pnevmatikos
UWU SA State Secretary & Director Public Sector | Central Adelaide
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I grew up in a union migrant family and going to protests, marches and picket lines was a normal part of my childhood. Being a worker meant being a union member. No other option. Being a union member is everything. It's part of life. It's the best and only and most effective way I know to change working peoples' lives for the better. I live with my husband and my son. We spend non-work time going on adventures, playing games and are a team who shower each other with love and support. I love listening to music and trying to get to a gig when I can. I've also developed a passion for exercise and fitness which I wake up super early to do.
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I was forced by an employer to sign an AWA and felt first hand what it meant to feel alone and powerless and the victim of anti-worker IR laws. As a union official, there are so many transformational and ambitious campaigns I've led and fought alongside members to win. The recent public sector SA bargain is definitely a highlight. UWU members keep Australia running. I want everyone to realise that and help win the respect, recognition, pay and conditions our members are entitled to.
I'm running because non-trade, non-professional workers are entitled to be ambitious and win big. I know how to make that happen. Our team knows how to make that happen. I want to build a union that wins big with members. Ambitious and life changing wins. Wins that change our country and economy. A national disability strategy that is well resourced and transforms the NDIS. Insourcing and reversing privatisation of public services and wage increases that improve members' standard of living. A massive hospitality campaign and a wine sector campaign. SA makes over 50% of Australia's wine, so the campaign starts here.
Our team knows what it takes to win big with members. We know that to do this you have to pull every lever, prioritise, be focused and strategic. We have the experience, are responsible with every cent of members' money, and have a proven track record of excellent governance. It's the right combination to take the union forward.
Alison Kromwyk
Chef | Central Adelaide
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I've been a proud UWU member for 8 years and work as a Chef at the Lyell McEwin Hospital in food services. I serve as a delegate in my workplace. I first joined the union because I wanted to know I had legal support to turn to when issues came up at work. Being a union member means knowing you have somewhere to go for support, and having people in your corner who will fight for better conditions and entitlements. Outside of work, I love spending time with family and friends. One thing I want members to know about me is that I believe everyone deserves to be treated fairly and with respect in their workplace.
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The union has made a real difference for me personally, both through the legal support I've received in the workplace and through the massive pay win that put me and my colleagues in a much better financial position. I'm standing for election because I hold the member rights and industrial relations team in high regard. Without them, the union would fall apart. I want to see a union that keeps delivering historic pay rises and better conditions, one that fights hard and smart and never stops until we get the result. I'm supporting the United For You ticket because I want our union to be honest and transparent with members. That matters.
Larissa Harrison
Director of Legal & Research | Central Adelaide
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I joined the union on my first day of work. I have always been a member of my relevant union, and I grew up seeing the importance of a union in the lives of my parents, and my family - helping to make a difference. Being a union member means the ability to stand together, to build power and to improve lives. Employment law is my absolute passion. Representing UWU members in Courts and Tribunals across Australia is the best job I have ever had. Outside work, I love to paint.
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In the last 4 years, I have had the absolute privilege to represent UWU members in the Aged Care Work Value case delivering wage increases of up to 26%, the ECEC multi-employer agreement which now covers over 52,000 workers and 520 employers, gender undervaluation proceedings delivering wage increases of up to 28.5%, and same job same pay orders adding an estimated $10m each year to labour hire workers' pockets at UWU sites alone.
Ashley Mendt
Field Tech (SA Water) | Central Adelaide
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I've been a UWU member for over 15 years and work as a Field Tech Jet Rooter at Service Stream for SA Water. I'm a delegate in my workplace. I first joined the union to support my fellow workers, improve conditions, and be a conduit between management and workers, especially when it came to explaining the EA process. To me, being a union member means strength, knowledge, security and education. I'm married with two adult sons. I love coaching football, mentoring, reading, history, photography, travelling, cooking, and going for a weekend drive. My commitment to helping others is what drives me.
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One of the proudest moments in my union life was during a past EA negotiation that resulted in strike action. We marched through King William Street to Parliament House, and eventually we won and kept all our entitlements. I'm standing for election to help in any capacity I can for the union, bringing my skills in negotiations and helping to represent my fellow members. I want to achieve greater security, financial security and equality for all members, and to put SA on the map. I'm supporting the United For You ticket because I want to provide a positive outlook and support for all members.
Fayaza Shahabuddin
Educator, ECEC | Central Adelaide
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I work as a Senior Educator at Goodstart Cowandilla. I first joined the union to make sure my workplace rights were protected and to have access to support and representation when I needed it. Being a union member means having workplace protection, access to support, and a stronger voice through collective representation. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and gardening, which is one of my passions and helps me relax. Since 2011, I have been actively volunteering with several community organisations in SA. I want members to know that I care about supporting my workmates.
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I saw the union make a real difference when a workmate felt they were being treated unfairly. The union listened, provided guidance, and stood behind them. That matters. I'm standing for election as a convention delegate because I care about the direction of our union and the wellbeing of its members. This term, I want to ensure fellow members' voices are heard and represented. I aim to support fair pay, safe working conditions and a respectful workplace. I'm supporting the United For You ticket because it is focused on unity, strong representation, and putting members front and centre.
Ben Watkins
Diet Liaison Assistant | Central Adelaide
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I've been a UWU member for 3 years and work as a Diet Liaison Assistant at the RAH in health. I'm a delegate in my workplace. I joined the union to help fix the issues in my workplace and to stop my coworkers getting taken advantage of. Being a union member means standing with my coworkers against bosses who take us for granted. It means uniting together against poor corporate behaviour. I come from a family with 4 kids. I always know my tribe is crucial, and I have played team sport most of my life so I know team values. Bosses don't like me, but my coworkers do. I'm a staunch unionist who doesn't stop until workers get justice.
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Through grassroots organising, we were able to secure record wage rises recently. My coworkers and I now go to work happier and less stressed. I believe we must cut through the noise and stand up for member interest. I am committed to ensuring better outcomes in our individual worksites and our collective struggle. I want wages and conditions that set the standard for all unions, and I want workers to come to work and enjoy being there. I'm supporting United For You because our union puts members first. I am wholly against reactionary individuals who don’t know the real meaning of hard work and solidarity.
Kristie Underdown
Diet Monitor | Central Adelaide
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I've been a UWU member for 2 years and work as a Diet Monitor at Hampstead Rehab in food services. I first joined the union to stand up for the small people. Being a union member makes me feel great about helping people. Outside of work, I'm a mum of 2 and a dance and soccer mum. I also love creating events in the community. One thing I want members to know about me is that I will always fight for what is right.
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The proudest moment for me in the union was winning the last campaign and securing the biggest pay rise. I was asked to stand as a convention delegate and I said yes because I believe in what we're doing. This term, I want to achieve bigger gaps between pay levels so that experience and responsibility are properly recognised. I'm supporting the United For You ticket because it's the right thing to do.
Fletcher Nugent
Disability Support Worker | Central Adelaide
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I've been a UWU member for 17 to 18 years and work as a Disability Support Worker at Minda. I serve as a delegate. My mother was a delegate in the LHMU, and my political views aligned with fighting for union members. I knew the power of being part of the union. Being a union member means security at work and feeling safe with my union members. I enjoy spending time with my wife and three daughters. One thing I want members to know is that I am honest, committed, and I will always fight for workers' rights.
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The union has protected my conditions, including when my contract was threatened. I received legal support, representation, and advice from the members' rights team. I'm standing for election because I'm fighting for my union to continue to improve conditions across all UWU industries, with a focus on disability. I want to see all disability support worker conditions improve across the board. I'm supporting United For You because this ticket will always have members leading decisions. That's why I'm supporting it, and that's the way it should be.
Hannah Southcombe
UWU A/Lead , Public Sector | Central Adelaide
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I've been part of UWU for three and a half years and work as an Acting Lead Organiser in the Public Sector Team. I have always held a strong drive to fight against injustice and unfairness. I joined the union to help members fight for equity, recognition and their rights at work. Being a UWU member means joining thousands of others who collectively work to make workplaces better and our world fairer. My partner and I are lucky to live in central Adelaide close to family and friends. I love spending time with my dog, Archie, and spoiling him.
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My mum is a proud UWU member working for the Department of Environment and Water. Seeing her and her workmates, along with 7,000 public sector workers, win the biggest public sector pay rise in SA history was a proud moment. She knew how important it was to be a union member, to fight collectively and win life changing outcomes for herself and her workmates. I'm standing for election because I want to continue working alongside members to achieve the greatest outcomes possible, with a ticket that shows integrity, transparency and financial responsibility matter for the future of our union. I want to see our union continue delivering life changing reforms to wages and rights, and I know well planned organising campaigns that use every lever available can do exactly that. I'm supporting the United For You ticket because the members on this ticket are dedicated to working collectively to make change for a fairer future.
Mulu Tumezge
Food Service | Central Adelaide
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I've been a UWU member for 30 years and work in food service at TQEH. I am determined to fight for my rights and for the rights of my fellow workers.
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I believe in United For You and the fight for workers' rights. I'm supporting this ticket because I believe that when we are united, we can help workers fight for what they deserve.
Preshen Lakhan
Theatre Technician | Central Adelaide
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I work as a Theatre Technician at the Women's and Children's Health Network in South Australia. I serve as a delegate. I joined the union to fight for better pay, protect workers' rights and support my team at the worksite. Being a member means group support and a huge network of expertise. Outside of work, I enjoy recreational fishing, fish keeping, cycling, social events and spending time with my pets. I want members to know that I will stand and represent them.
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Over the last 18 months, the union made a real difference in our Enterprise Agreement. I believe in making positive changes, and I value people's opinions. I support and represent them. I'm standing for election because I want to see positive growth and the union moving forward, learning from past mistakes. I'm supporting United For You because the union representatives and groups on this ticket support my team and its members.
Richard Warley
Carer, Aged Care | Central Adelaide
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I've been a UWU member since December 2019 and work as a Personal Care Worker at West Beach Residential in aged care. I serve as a delegate. I joined the union for support and the possibility to help make change and improve conditions for fellow workers. Being a union member means support for our rights, and the ability to fight for each other as a united group. Outside of work, I'm a family man with a wife, children, grandchildren and a dog. I enjoy gardening, especially growing vegetables. I want members to know that support is always available from me when it comes to work.
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During the 2022 EBA negotiations, the union forced management to come to the table and negotiate through the correct and proper channels. That showed me the power of what we can do when we stick together. I'm standing for election to become more involved with union operations and to get a better understanding of how the union is run, including its governance and processes. I want to continue working for better conditions for members and fighting for their rights to stand up together. I'm supporting the United For You ticket because I want to understand the governance and processes of the union, and to have a say in what happens with funds, spending and resourcing.
Rishi Dulal
UWU Organiser, Aged Care | Central Adelaide
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I've worked in aged care as a PCA for 13 years before joining the UWU as an Aged Care Organiser. I was enjoying my job and didn't know my rights at first, but after joining the union I knew my rights. To me, being a union member is about getting help from the union, knowing things are going right, health and safety, and having a broad knowledge of the union. I'm from Nepal and I'm a member of a non-residential community. We are community members helping our community. I am actively involved in helping our community. I am honest, hard working, and always keen to help.
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I have encouraged others to join the union after learning that we need to know our workers' rights. I'm standing for election to provide information about the union to our members, to help them, to make it easy to work, and to protect their rights. I want to achieve better staffing, better night shifts, and improved health and safety for my fellow members. I'm supporting United For You because member rights are the most important thing to me, and I want to help our community.
Shinto Francis
Food Services/Chef | Central Adelaide
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I've been a UWU member for 5 years and work as an FSA/Chef at Southern Cross Care in Fullarton in the aged care industry. I serve as a delegate. I joined the union because I was sick of being treated unfairly, dealing with unfairness at work, and I wanted to stand up for workers' rights. Being a union member is about helping others, sticking together, and strength in numbers. I've helped unionise my worksite to 80% membership and we're still growing. Outside of work, I love soccer and cricket. I have 2 children under 5 and my wife is a mental health nurse. I want members to know that I fight for what's right.
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The union helped me get backpay for my role, and won back pay for chefs at SCC. That showed me what the union can deliver when we stand together. I'm standing for election because I want proper respect and change in the way things are done. I need to influence government to make changes in aged care, to make it better and give us a strong voice. This term, I want to be a voice for FSA and chef workers and fight for equal rights. I'm supporting United For You because it is the only way to change aged care for the better, and I want to be part of that fight.
Sunita Madaan
Carer, Aged Care | Central Adelaide
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I've been a UWU member for over 3 and a half years and work as a Personal Care Worker at Fullarton Southern Cross Care in Aged Care. I serve as a delegate. I joined the union to feel safe and have a better workplace, and to make a difference for all of us. Being a union member means standing up with the union for fair work conditions. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, being involved in my community, and learning new things. I am honest and hardworking, and I will always stand up for members.
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The union made a real difference when we won our pay rise. And beyond that, when there is no one else standing with us, the union is always there. I'm standing for election to represent aged care workers, to make sure our voices are heard, and to fight for fair pay and safe staffing. This term I want to achieve fair pay increases, safe staffing levels, better working conditions, and stronger support and communication for members. I'm supporting the United For You ticket because they focus on members' needs, fight for fair pay and conditions, and believe in unity and strength.
Zoe Hessling
Hospitality Worker | Central Adelaide
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I've been a UWU member for 17 years and work in gaming at the Watermark Hotel in the pubs industry. I first joined the union when I had issues in my first job in aged care and saw the need and importance of having protection in the workplace. Being a union member means a fair go for everyone in the workplace. Outside of work, I have 2 pet cats that keep me busy. Since I don't drive, I walk and cycle a lot and love my exercise with my outdoor gym group. Each year at the Royal Show, I give my time to run the Red Dove Cafe, and I've done that for over 20 years. I'm passionate about workers' rights and protection.
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The union made a huge difference for me when I was on WorkCover for a long period of time. The support and protection during that stressful time was invaluable, and the union helped me with the transition into my new employment. I've been a union member and delegate for 17 years, and I want my current union to keep fighting and winning for UWU members. I want to win and protect the rights of workers. I'm supporting the United For You ticket because I have seen the union's success over my 17 years as a member and delegate, and I want to make sure that is maintained and we continue to protect workers' rights.
Jason Waltke
Cleaner | Central Adelaide
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I've been a UWU member for 14 years and I work as a cleaner at the University of Adelaide. I'm a delegate in my workplace. I first joined the union because I kept getting in trouble and getting yelled at by managers, and I needed someone in my corner. Being a union member means having a safe position. Outside of work, I'm family oriented. One thing I want members to know about me is that I will help them.
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The union made a real difference for me when I was getting blamed for everything at work. They stood up for me when I couldn't do it alone. I'm standing for election because I think it could be a good opportunity to make a difference. I want to fight for guaranteed jobs and for all entitlements to be transferred over between contractors, so workers don't lose out when contracts change hands. I'm supporting United For You because I think it should be good.
Jessica Butler
Educator, ECEC | Central Adelaide
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I've been a UWU member for 14 years and I'm a delegate at Rose Park Community Childcare, where I work as an Early Childhood Educator. I joined the union for peace of mind, knowing that if I needed it, they would have my back. Being a union member means being involved in our community, having a voice, and providing a sense of safety in our sector. Outside of work, I enjoy walking my dog Mia at the beach, a variety of art and craft activities, and adventures with friends. One thing I want members to know about me is that I am a loyal, patient, and kind person who wishes the best to all.
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Joining the multi-employer agreement and receiving the workers' retention payment was a big step forward for our service and the sector as a whole. I'm standing as a convention delegate to give our union the best opportunity to grow and flourish, continuing to achieve our goals. I want to encourage and uplift members to achieve and make the union the best possible version it can be. I'm supporting United For You because my values and beliefs line up.
Divyansh Divyansh
Educator, ECEC | Central Adelaide
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I've been a UWU member for three years and I'm a delegate at Mackinnon Parade Children's Centre, where I work as an Early Childhood Teacher in the ECE sector. I joined the union to get behind the cause of workers' rights and equity in early childhood education. Being a union member means collective strength and a voice in a world where employers usually have the upper hand. Outside of work, I love to travel and explore coffee cafes. I've also volunteered as a youth worker in the past. One thing I want members to know about me is that I am passionate about change and I strive for change that's meaningful and observable.
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The union supported me through tough and sticky situations at work and provided advice when it mattered most. I'm standing up because I believe in the principles of equity, fairness, and supporting the union with my contribution as much as possible. I want to see equitable outcomes for all union members and a transparent and fair union for all. United For You has my support because it represents and aligns with my personal values of fairness, equity, and inclusion.
I Chou Lao
Disability Support Worker | Central Adelaide
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I've been a UWU member for 18 years and I work as a Disability Services Officer at DHS in the support work sector. I joined the union because I believe workers deserve fairness, support, and a voice. In caring roles like mine, we give a lot every day, and it's important to have protection and guidance. Being a union member means I'm not alone when it comes to safety, fairness, and respect. It means being part of a community that looks out for each other and works to make conditions better for everyone. Outside of work, I am very family oriented. I spend a lot of my time caring for and supporting my family, including helping look after my elderly parents and being there for my siblings. With my background in healthcare and support work, I naturally look out for others in the wider community too. One thing I want members to know about me is that I am committed to standing up for others and making a difference. I understand the challenges we face because I live them too, and I will always speak up to make sure our voices are heard.
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When we had concerns about staffing levels, workload, and fair pay, the union helped us raise those issues safely and have them taken seriously by management. Our last campaign was a big collective win. Together, we achieved a significant pay rise of almost 30%, and that outcome made a real difference to our lives and showed the power of standing together. I'm standing for election because I want to help continue that momentum. I want to advocate for fair pay, safe staffing, and better working conditions, and make sure our members' concerns are heard at the highest level. I want to show members that they are valued, supported, and powerful when we stand together. I'm supporting United For You because I believe in their vision of putting members at the centre of everything the union does, keeping us informed, and building on the successes we've already achieved.
Stand with us. Endorse United For You in South Australia.
Our candidates are ready to work for you. Now we need you standing with us.
By endorsing United For You, you're showing your support for a union that delivers real results. Higher wages. Better conditions. Support when you need it. No fee increases.
This is your union. Back the team that's backing you.
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