December 19, 2025
Last month, Mining and Energy Union Queensland District came together to celebrate the best of what makes the MEU strong – dedication, solidarity, and long-term commitment.
The Annual Queensland District awards night honoured the hard work of our site delegates and lodge officials, the frontline of support and advocacy in the workplace, while also recognizing the tenacity and promise of our emerging Union activists.
We also celebrated the long-term members of our Union, who have embodied Union values for the entirety of their working lives. Their presence, experience and advice continue to make a real difference across our sites every day.
The accolade for Best Delegate was awarded to Merv Wiki, President of the Moranbah North Lodge, who has helped build a strong and united Lodge under very difficult circumstances. Merv’s care and support of his workmates in the wake of the Moranbah North underground explosion this year has been exemplary, as has his excellent communication through bargaining and major workforce changes.
Merv is retiring this year, moving on to the next phase of his life. His example and his mentorship of the next generation of MEU activists will leave a proud legacy to take the Union forward.
The award for Best Up-and-Coming Member went to Sarah Ogilvie, also from Moranbah North Lodge. Sarah is an electrician who lives union values both in and out of the pit. She’s built a reputation for fearlessness, whether it’s standing up for her workmate’s safety, or in her love of skydiving and base jumping.
Sarah is also the founder of Power4Change, a registered charity that fights energy poverty by delivers electricity access to remote communities in developing countries like the Philippines.
Finally, we also acknowledged the long-term members of our Union, who have proudly stood with the MEU for the entirety of their working lives. Clinton Faine and Kerry Neilson both received awards for 40 years of membership, while Bruce Moulds was recognised for a staggering 50 years as an MEU member. Their commitment to the MEU stands as an example to us all.
We congratulate all of our MEU members who were recognized this year, and look forward to an excellent 2026.