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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.

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Michael James (Jim) Donegan (1916–1970)

This entry is from Obituaries Australia

Many hundreds assembled in one of the largest Melbourne funerals for some years to pay tribute to Mr. Jim Donegan, Victorian secretary of the Ship's Painters' and Dockers' Union, who died recently.

Jim was known by many workers as a leader of the working class movement in many struggles. He became an organiser, first of the Munitions Workers Union and later of the Ironworkers' Union during the war. He had been secretary of the Ship's Painters' and Dockers' Union for over 20 years.

Speaking at the funeral, Mr. Terry Gordon, federal secretary of the union, paid tribute to Jim's activity and courage in such episodes as the struggle against the Essential Services Act (1948), support for the miners' strike (1949) and the national waterfront strike (1956).

Tribune joins with those who pay tribute to a fighter for the workers' cause. His death is a loss to the labor movement in Victoria.

Original Publication

This person appears as a part of the Biographical Register of the Australian Labour Movement, 1788-1975. [View Article]

Related Entries in NCB Sites

Citation details

'Donegan, Michael James (Jim) (1916–1970)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://labouraustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/donegan-michael-james-jim-33407/text41755, accessed 26 April 2025.

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