Don's Testimonial

Central NSW Branch Secretary Robert Coombs reports that Don was

the NSW secretary from 1964 to 1984. The F&Ds amalgamated with

the Seamen's Union in 1993.

The function heard about a young Don who went to sea in WWII,

spending his early years on coastal vessels avoiding enemy torpedoes.

"When you walk through cemeteries and see people dead at 17 or

18, you realise the futility of it all," he said.

Don came ashore shortly after the war and commenced a magnificent

contribution to working class solidarity, peace and the progressive

political movement. He once stood as the Socialist Party candidate

for Balmain.

Don was also a committed internationalist, heavily involved in

ensuring the F&Ds were involved in protest actions against the

Vietnamese War, Dutch imperialism in Indonesia, apartheid and

military dictatorships in Chile and Greece.

He was joined by his wife Christine (pictured at an early function

alongside Don and EV Elliott below).

"Elliott taught me that the whole question of unionism is based

on political consciousness," said Henderson.

He counts among his unions greatest achievements the aggregate

wage, shore based leave and super.

Presentations and life memberships were made on the night with

Coombs congratulating all those in rolling funds who gave such

generous donations. Other life memberships were also presented

at the time including one to Bob Galleghan former Painters' &

Dockers' national secretary.