People Australia

  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites
  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites
  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites

Browse People:

Browse Lists:

Cultural Advice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

Older articles are being reviewed with a view to bringing them into line with contemporary values but the original text will remain available for historical context.

Aikens, Thomas (Tom) (1900–1985)

This article was published:

Thomas Aikens, n.d.

Thomas Aikens, n.d.

City Libraries Townsville, 0010591

Thomas (Tom) Aikens (1900-1985) politician

Born: 28 April 1900, Hughenden, Queensland. Son of John Aikens, teamster, and Emily Wilkinson. Married: 16 February 1921 to Margaret Ann Myers. They had one daughter. Died: 30 November 1985, Townsville, Queensland. No religion.

  • Educated Charters Towers state and high schools
  • leaner, fireman, driver Qld Railways, Cloncurry, transferred to Townsville for political activism, 1930;
  • State councillor and delegate Australian Railways Union and secretary Cloncurry branch;
  • patron Townsville Trades & Labor Council;
  • active in singing and eisteddfod circles; president of the Townsville Choral and Orchestral Society.
  • Active in local government; alderman Townsville City Council 1936-49, Deputy Mayor 1944-49.
  • Secretary of the ALP Cloncurry branch for various periods during 1933-1940;
  • expelled from ALP 1940/41 for supporting Medical Aid to Russia Committee;
  • established Hermit Park ALP branch.
  • MLA for Mundingburra 1944-1960; Townsville South 1960-1977 (defeated). 

Sources
Waterson & Arnold; Menghetti, 1981.

This person appears as a part of the Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 17. [View Article]

Related Entries in NCB Sites

Citation details

'Aikens, Thomas (Tom) (1900–1985)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/aikens-thomas-tom-12124/text25171, accessed 1 June 2023.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Thomas Aikens, n.d.

Thomas Aikens, n.d.

City Libraries Townsville, 0010591

Life Summary [details]

Birth

28 April, 1900
Hughenden, Queensland, Australia

Death

30 November, 1985 (aged 85)
Townsville, Queensland, Australia

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Occupation
Key Organisations
Political Activism
Workplaces