Mick Dimos
Ms HALFPENNY (Thomastown) (09:59): On 27 July I, along with the Minister for Energy, Minister for Environment and Climate Action and Minister for Solar Homes, attended the funeral of Labor stalwart Mick Dimos. Mick was one of the great true believers of the Australian Labor Party. He had strong values and was always ready to fight for justice, equality and workers’ rights. Mick passed away on 19 July 2022. Mick was a life member of the Labor Party as well as a long-time member of the Australian Workers Union and a vocal member of the Macedonian community. His kitchen walls were adorned with all the Labor leaders he had met and helped—Bob Hawke, Steve Bracks, the Premier—as well as local members, both present and former. Mick faced a number of tragedies in his life, losing his wife Stella in 1972 and his beloved son Andy in a work incident in 1997 at the age of 36, leaving him to raise his remaining son, Steve, who he was very, very proud of.
In spite of these tragedies, Mick had room in his heart to fight for a better world for others. Mick always welcomed new ALP members and was generous in sharing his time and knowledge as well as many, many thousands of hours of volunteer work. When I was first elected to Parliament Mick was a great support and friend to me. He was kind and generous in sharing his wisdom and volunteering and supporting me. In later years it was difficult for him to get around, but he was still seen at Epping Plaza with his mates, arguing with them about politics and the great views and virtues of the Labor Party. He will be missed of course by all of us, and I give my condolences to his family.