People Australia

John Brennan (1923-2005) seaman, trade union leader and Communist 

Birth: 26 August 1923 at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, son of John Brennan (b.1899), able seaman, later labourer, born at Castlebar, Mayo, Ireland, and Margaret, née Dignan (1904-1964) born at Renfrew, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland. Marriages: (1) 21 June 1966 at the Registrar General’s Office, Sydney to a divorcee, Helen, née Crooks, late Alexander (b.1926), a clerk, born in Lanarkshire, Scotland. The marriage ended in divorce in February 1972. (2) 16 June 1972 at the District Registrar’s Office, Newcastle, New South Wales, to native-born Elaine Mary, née Rothery, late Thomas (b.1935), clerk, a divorcée. Death: 13 October 2005 in his usual residence at Tirriki Street, Charlestown, Newcastle, NSW. He had no children. 

• Had arrived with his parents in Sydney by 1929.
• In 1949 was elected assistant secretary of the Seamen’s Union of Australia (SUA), Sydney. 1 February 1953 moved to Newcastle as branch secretary. Remained there until his retirement in 1987.
• Executive member, Newcastle Trades Hall Council, from 1953 to 1987, senior vice-president from 1955 to 1987. Secretary, Newcastle Waterfront Group, for 33 years.
• Instrumental in many community campaigns in the Hunter region — establishment of cancer oncology unit, maintenance of Stockton ferry. Member, Newcastle Workers Club executive. As SUA official ensured Flag of Convenience campaign was conducted energetically in the port of Newcastle.
• In 1957 defeated Broken Hill Pty Ltd’s local demands to reduce manning levels on bulk carriers.
• Supporter of E.V. Elliott and part of general SUA instigated improvements in conditions of shipboard life, remuneration and leave.
• Communist Party of Australia member. First trade unionist to visit Afghanistan. Peace activist.
• Cause of death: astrocytoma brain.
  

Sources
Seamen’s Union, December 1987, March 1988; Brian Fitzpatrick and Rowan J. Cahill, The Seamen’s Union of Australia: a history, (Sydney, 1981).