Labour Australia

  • Tip: searches only the name field
  • Tip: Use double quotes to search for a phrase

Browse People:

Browse Lists:

Cultural Advice

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.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

Older articles are being reviewed with a view to bringing them into line with contemporary values but the original text will remain available for historical context.

Madders, Robert (Bobby) (1905–1977)

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

Original Publication

Related Entries in NCB Sites

view family tree

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 28 May 2022.

© Copyright Labour Australia, 2012