Juanita (Jo) Konings
Candidate for Council
I respectfully thank you for your time and seek your consideration in my candidacy for Councillor. I am a Clinical Nurse (ICU) at Townsville University Hospital. I have been a Registered Nurse for 36 years across many domains and involved with QNMU as a member for almost the same period.
As a proud Union Activist, I am committed to empowering our members to ensure your Nursing and Midwifery voice is acknowledged and respected in all sectors and levels.
My support and commitment is demonstrated by my involvement in;
QNMU, QCU and ACTU Campaigns
QNMU EB Campaigns
Delegate and Workplace Representative incl. reference groups
QNMU Professional Policy Committee Chairperson for several terms
Past Member Organiser
My activist history demonstrates my commitment to protecting the rights and interests of QNMU members in ALL sectors and levels. Nurses and Midwives must remain vigilant in upholding our values and strengthening our united collegiality to protect our professional and industrial rights and to influence the strategic direction, focus and advancement of our profession.
Our QNMU Members United Team has a track record of success, a plan to keep Nursing and Midwifery strong and we’re asking for your vote.
Support for Jo
“For the 23 years I have worked at Townsville I have witnessed Jo’s passion and activism for Queensland nurses and midwives. Jo goes above and beyond what is expected of a QNMU delegate, to proactively and creatively support nurses and midwives to engage with the Union. Jo demonstrates the values of the QNMU every day. I value her knowledge, compassion, exceptional leadership and communication skills and fearsome advocacy for nurses and midwives, and support her nomination to be a QNMU Councillor.”
— Dr Wendy Smyth, OAM
“I would like to submit a testimonial and recommendation for Jo Konings to become a QNMU Councilor or delegate at the next elections.
I have had the pleasure of working alongside and being supported by Jo as a delegate within my hospital for a considerable amount of time and have always found her to be earnest and to act with integrity at all times.
Jo is the first to offer support and guidance to any staff member experiencing work related difficulties and has consistently provided sound advice. She is a strong advocate for fair and equitable practice and provides guidance and support to both members and management alike ensuring due process is adhered to. Jo has consistently fought for improved conditions and motivated staff to engage with EB agreement negotiations. She is professional as well as compassionate and is highly respected amongst peers and management as a QNMU delegate. Jo is also a tremendous support to other delegates across the state. She is meticulous and thorough and would continue to be an incredible asset to QNMU in either a delegate or councilor position.
Her dedication and passion speak volumes, and her ongoing commitment to improving conditions for nurses and midwives across the health services should be supported by an active position within QNMU.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss my recommendation further.”
— Nichole Doran
“Jo Konings is an extremely professional and dedicated person who goes above and beyond to provide support, guidance and advice in all matters related to the union and the rights of workers within healthcare. Jo works tirelessly in representing others with an extensive knowledge of union related issues and information. This knowledge is always up to date and current across the vast healthcare spectrum. Jo will be the ideal advocate and representative as a councillor supporting the rights and interests of all involved. I have known Jo for many years and not think of a more respected and ideal candidate for the position of councillor. ”
— Paula Pianta, CN, Ingham
“I wish to provide a testimonial for Junita Konings who is currently a QNMU delegate/rep for ICU in Townsville. I have known and worked with Jo for the past 12 years.
Jo is truly passionate in her efforts to support all QNMU members within the ICU at Townsville. She is always available to give advice and support to her colleagues regarding workloads, BPF, and other union/work related issues brought to her attention. She does this with passion and also with the utmost confidentiality.
Jo continually shows she is passionate about BPF, and meets regularly, and raises concerns about BPF’s to champion the cause for Townsville Hospital Health Service Nurses and Midwives.
Jo is not shy in raising her concerns regarding union related matters, such as workloads. This is always done in a manner to ensure safety to patients and nurses/midwives. Even when managers give push back to her when raising concerns, Jo does not give up- and with great respect, continues to battle through.
I have previously spoken to Jo regarding multiple issues within our ICU, and feel she has listened to my issues, given me great advice, including the escalation pathways.
I would be most proud to recommend Jo to be a Councillor as she is very passionate in all things QNMU related, with a great breadth of knowledge for all things QNMU related.”