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David Joseph Black (1898–1979)

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David Joseph Black (1898-1979) orchardist, excise officer, public servant and trade union leader 

Birth: 26 June 1898 at East Park, Davenport [Port Augusta], South Australia, son of John Black, labourer, later station manager, and Mary, née Hannigan. Marriage: 17 August 1921 in St Saviour’s Church, Brompton, South Australia, to Veronica Bridget Campbell. They had no children. Death: 10 December 1979 at North Balwyn, Melbourne, Victoria. Religion: Catholic. 

  • Enlisted in Australian Imperial Force on 6 September 1916. Wounded in action (gassed) in France in May 1918. Returned to Australia per City of York on 24 February 1919. Discharged on 23 May 1919.
  • Was an orchardist at Cadell, on the River Murray, in 1921.
  • In 1928 joined Postmaster General’s department (PMG) and became secretary of PMG sectional committee within twelve months.
  • 1930 SA branch councillor, Commonwealth Public Service Clerical Association; 1933 vice-president; 1935 president; 1937-1958 president SA branch; 1943-1953 Federal president.
  • 1951 awarded life membership of union.

Sources
Federal Public Service Journal, March, April 1953

Additional Resources and Scholarship

Citation details

'Black, David Joseph (1898–1979)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/black-david-joseph-32254/text39908, accessed 10 July 2025.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

26 June, 1898
Port Augusta, South Australia, Australia

Death

10 December, 1979 (aged 81)
Balwyn, Melbourne, Victoria, 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 or Descriptor
Military Service
Key Organisations
Workplaces