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Frank Charles Weigel (1892–1980)

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Frank Charles Weigel (1892-1980) ironmoulder, trade union official and Communist

Birth: 13 September 1892 at Brisbane, Queensland, son of Heinrich August Weigel (1854-1941), a basket maker, born at Crimmitschau, Saxony, Germany, and Queensland-born Marie (Mary), née Schuler (1864-1919). Marriage: 23 December 1924 at Brisbane to native-born Florence May Tapsall (1903-1975). They had one daughter and two sons. Death: 8 January 1980 in Hillcrest Nursing Home, Annerley, Brisbane. 

  • Joined Moulders Union in Brisbane on 26 January 1914.
  • Was Queensland secretary of the union from 1922 to 1965, opposed only once.
  • Federal vice president and then president of the Metal Trades Group of Unions for many years.
  • Delegate to Queensland Trades and Labor Council and court advocate for moulders.
  • Prominent figure in Brisbane labour movement for sixty years.
  • Joined Communist Party of Australia in 1926-1927. Member of Queensland delegation at 1971 meeting that formed Socialist Party of Australia.
  • Cause of death: cerebral thrombosis (12 months}, cerebral vascular disease (years), generalised atherosclerosis (years) and senility. 

Sources
Tribune (Sydney), 3 May 1967; Australian Foundry Worker, n.d.; Socialist, 13 February 1980.

Additional Resources and Scholarship

Citation details

'Weigel, Frank Charles (1892–1980)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/weigel-frank-charles-35238/text44621, accessed 18 March 2026.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

13 September, 1892
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Death

8 January, 1980 (aged 87)
Annerley, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Cause of Death

stroke

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Occupation or Descriptor
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