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IT'S OUR PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR NEWEST TEAM MEMBERS WHO ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT TEACHING AND SUPPORTING COLLEAGUES THROUGH THEIR TEACHING CAREERS.
Annette Kuehl, Elanora SHS 
Annette graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Hons) and History from the University of Tasmania, before completing my teaching degree. After relocating to the Gold Coast in 1999, she has gained over 20 years of experience teaching Psychology, Modern History and English. During this time, Annette has worn many hats, including pre-service teacher coordinator for 8 years and year coordinator for 6 years.
“I joined the Teachers Professional Association of Queensland because they provide legal and industrial assistance without any political agenda. I wanted to be part of an organisation that always put members first, resulting in members feeling valued and supported. Since joining, I have been incredibly impressed with their commitment to workers.” says Annette
“As a Branch Secretary, I am hoping to raise awareness amongst school staff regarding the TPAQ and their operations as a supportive professional teaching association. I believe looking after the wellbeing of staff is critical for our continued success in this ever-changing profession; I am looking forward to supporting members so no one feels isolated or silenced.” explained Annette
Peter Merrill, Yarrabah State School 
Peter has worked as an educator/trainer since 1981 when he took on casual positions with local councils as a youth arts workshop facilitator. Most of his work in the last thirty years has either been in education or events, entertainments and media production. This has included working on the international school circuit in Singapore, Indonesia and China.
Peter spent two years on the committees of the Logan Regional Resource Centre and the North Albert Shire council as a youth advocate. In this position, he liaised with local industry (retail, hospitality and youth support), council, government bodies and NGOs, broadcast and print media, and events management.
Peter was suffering anxiety and depression as a result of the months of increasing coercion and threats, harassment and plain bullying with regard to the vaccine mandates when a colleague mentioned TPAQ and the Red Union. He had left his previous union by this stage so didn’t hesitate to sign up.
“The extraordinary commitment which this organisation put into everyone in need, being a member or not – the legal strategies and advice, the wellness programs, the start your own business ideas and strategies, news updates, general advice and sometimes a damn good talking to, helped me regain my sense of empowerment and purpose and always left me uplifted and optimistic. Here were people that really did care. And were prepared to do something about it.” said Peter.
Following this Peter made a very difficult decision, as many have … he took a deep breath and decided that to provide a home for his family he needed to be vaccinated, and then Peter applied to be a delegate for the Red Union and wants to help change education from the inside.
“I look forward to the opportunity to advocate for existing members and potential members who have not yet connected with the Red Union or TPAQ. The chance to provide support for other professionals who have been marginalised and discriminated against and during the process, acquire the tools to be a voice for change and justice is powerful and personally re-empowering. I hope I can live up to the expectations of the role and move forward for positive change.” said Peter
“As a Branch Secretary/Delegate, I am looking forward to becoming trained, informed, empowered and armed with knowledge and understanding to be the best advocate I can for colleagues and friends and stand as a confident equal to any challenge thrown up by employers and to be unflinchingly validated in the face of any more bullying and dishonest industrial coercion and predictable threats.”
“Let’s say “No more...this is the line.” Let’s bring our teachers back. Let’s bring ALL our fellow professionals in education back. Let’s grow in the knowledge that we have the moral prerogative. For knowledge is power.”
Kareana Jensen - Hervey Bay Xavier Catholic College
Kareana is a Primary School Teacher working in both the classroom and specialist roles (The Arts and Health and Physical Education), She also has experience in High School as a Pastoral Care Teacher and has worked in Education for 20 years.
She joined the TPAQ as a result of the mandates, upon realising that the Independent Union wouldn't fight for her rights. “I was really happy to learn that there are no political affiliations either and I think that is extremely important.” she said.
As a Branch Secretary Kareana is looking forward to helping other teachers who need the same level of support that she has experienced.
“The personal touch that Red Union has makes so much of a difference when you are stressed and requiring assistance and direction,” she said.
“I have never needed a union before but when I did and it wasn't there for me, I understood how vital this service is. I love the thought that I can support people when they need it.”
Mark Ivory, Southern Cross Catholic College
Mark began teaching in 1991 and has taught prep, primary, secondary and even adult education courses. He worked in the public sector for many years before being persuaded to start work at a local Catholic School. Mark has worked as an outdoor educator, in IT and banking, and as a Japanese teacher for both remote and face to face classes. He has also worked as a guidance counsellor.
Mark has been a union representative for both the QTU and for the IEU and currently works at Southern Cross Catholic College as a secondary teacher. “It's a terrific school.” he said
“I became interested in the TPAQ because I felt that the IEU was not being proactive enough and was wasting time and resources on matters that were not of importance to the membership. I thought that TPAQ had a much more streamlined and focussed approach to supporting members.” said Mark
“I'm looking forward to supporting members through my role. I have a fairly logical approach to managing and prioritising issues, and I think that should be of benefit to the TPAQ.”
Kim Lobaczewski, Southport Special School 
Kim has been a teacher for 17 years in Australia and the UK. She has also had experience as a QTU union representative in the last four years.
Kim is currently employed as a full-time teacher in Southport Special School on the Gold Coast.
"I joined the Red Union as I believed this union would be able to represent my situation in a just and brave way. I had to move away from my last union due to them not representing all their workers fairly." Kim said.
As a TPAQ Branch Secretary Kim is looking forward to helping everyone reach a reasonable conclusion or solution to any challenges in the workplace. She has a good knowledge of different workplace policies and full access to the Red Union Support Hub for any difficult situations.