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Robert (Bobby) Madders (1905–1977)

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This entry is from People Australia

Robert (Bobby) Madders (1905-1977) coal miner and unionist

Birth: 31 March 1905 at Howard, Queensland. Son of John Madders, miner and unionist, and Mary Jane nee Evans. (Brother of Tom and David). Married: Mary Elizabeth Kenny on 27 December 1924 at Howard, Queensland. They had six children. Death: 1 February 1977 at Maryborough, Queensland. Methodist.

  • Became active in Miners’ Federation at the time of a big pre-war drive to improve conditions;
  • Coalminer, Burrum, Queensland. Chairman of Torbanlea branch of Miners' Federation for 18 years, also sometime branch secretary;
  • member Federation's Queensland Board of Management and Burrum - Maryborough Board of Management;
  • President, Area Committee; Architect of district-wide organisation at Howard which continued despite the union being expelled from QCEU during 1930s;
  • Attended Miners’ Federation conventions; Member, Communist Party; retired 1964. 

P. Thomas, 1986; Common Cause September, 1967 p.2

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Citation details

'Madders, Robert (Bobby) (1905–1977)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://labouraustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/madders-robert-bobby-31943/text39407, accessed 16 July 2025.

© Copyright Labour Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

31 March, 1905
Howard, Queensland, Australia

Death

1 February, 1977 (aged 71)
Maryborough, Queensland, Australia

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.

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.

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