It will come as no surprise to the many friends of Brian to learn that on 28 April 2011 a large crowd of people, young and old, gathered to celebrate and honour the work of Brian ‘Brother’ Smiddy. Colin Brooks, the State Member for Bundoora hosted the award ceremony to honour Brian’s tireless activism and work for the Australian Labor Party. As an indication of the high esteem in which Brian is held, the Honourable John Cain presented the award.
Brian, an indomitably active branch member (Bundoora) of the ALP, joined the Party in 1966. In addition to Brian’s work for the Party, and his dedication to our society as Secretary, he was also the President of the Printing and Kindred Industries Union and was a union delegate to State Conference for over three decades. In a fitting tribute, Mr Brooks stated in Parliament a few days later: ‘I would like to acknowledge the contribution of Brian Smiddy to the community, particularly through his involvement in the labour movement, and commend his hard work, selflessness and generosity as fine examples.’ This is a sentiment with which we overwhelming concur.
Congratulations, Brother. Long may that booming voice of yours, and ability to organise everything from a fellow traveller to a train ticket, reign.
Photograph by Peter Love