Veterans

Veterans and their issues are central to the MUA's work, from retirement security and health care. Veterans are also part of the backbone of the MUA's industrial and political activism.

For more information about the Veterans' Committee, contact:

Branch contacts:

Sydney
President - Bob Lee (mob) 0416 151 109
Secretary – Bill Giddins (mob) 0409 122 140
Treasurer – Glen Wood (mob) 0413 003 010
Minutes Secretary – Alan Guihenneuc (mob) 0431 423 230

Western Australia
Jimmy Donnelly (mob) 0409 593 228
Click here to download the MUA WA Veterans Association Application Form

Victoria
President - Alan Bloom (mob) 0438 077 999
Secretary - Roger Wilson 03 9376 6429
Treasurer - John Brittain 03 9465 7419

Queensland
President/Assistant Secretary - Barney Sanders (mob) 0459 292 022 / pompom.2@bigpond.com
Col Davies (mob) 0418 198 824 / colfayes@tpg.com.au

South Australia
President – Brian O'Neill
Treasurer – Andrew Maher
Secretary – David Giles
Please contact SA Branch Office (08 8447 1779)

Published: 23 Mar 2020

During this current COVID-19 health crisis we have brought together the following information for members.
What is Coronavirus
Workplace Health and Safety Obligations
The Maritime Union of Australia has made the following demands on governments and employers during this global health crisis.

Published: 28 Jul 2025

MARITIME UNION OF AUSTRALIA

MEDIA RELEASE

29 JULY 2025

Indigenous wharfies and seafarers of the world call for peace at MUA Conference

A world first International First Nations maritime workers conference was held in Sydney last week. Participating in the unapologetically political gathering were First Nations representatives from across Australia, the Pacific and the Americas.

Published: 22 Jul 2025

Vale Jimmy Donovan

The MUA is mourning the loss of Jimmy Donovan, a former WWF and MUA Sydney Branch official, lifelong member of the Communist Party, and a resolute member of the working class until his last day.

As a child, Jimmy was brought to the Waterside Workers Federation’s union rooms by his mum, Jessie, who enrolled her nine year old son in art classes delivered there by artist Nan Horton in the union library built by Tom Nelson. It was as a child that Jimmy saw the Sydney wharfies’ mural first take shape in its and his formative years of development.

Published: 30 Oct 2024

Published: 29 Oct 2024

Published: 16 Aug 2024

Published: 7 Aug 2024

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Vale Julie Maplesten

We are sad to report that Julie Maplesten -- partner of retired President and long-term Branch Secretary of the Sydney Branch MUA & WWF Jimmy Donovan -- has passed away.

Julie was very well known to the MUA’s members, officers and staff for her constant involvement in the Union alongside Jim, and in more recent times, for her participation with our Veterans’ association.

Published: 25 Jul 2024

MARITIME UNION OF AUSTRALIA

MEDIA RELEASE

25 JULY 2024

MV Noongah discovered 55 years after sinking in heavy seas off Smoky Cape

Published: 29 Feb 2024

PADDY CRUMLIN – NATIONAL SECRETARY

MARITIME UNION OF AUSTRALIA

CRAIG HARRISON – NATIONAL SECRETARY
MARITIME UNION OF NEW ZEALAND

29 FEBRUARY 2024

MEDIA RELEASE

New cross-Tasman maritime worker federation to bolster MUA and MUNZ power in Kiwi and Australian ports

Published: 25 Feb 2024

MARITIME UNION OF AUSTRALIA

MEDIA RELEASE

26 FEBRUARY 2024

Maritime Union’s Quadrennial National Conference begins in Adelaide

Over 500 delegates from the MUA's rank and file will be joined by international transport union representatives, domestic trade union visitors and observers at the Maritime Union's Quadrennial National Conference, held in Adelaide this week.