Wednesday, 1 May 2024

Ian Wenham

Jordan CRUGNALE (Bass) (10:25): Ian George Wenham, born 1936 and passed 2023, was a proud life member of the ALP, a former state secretary of the Printing and Kindred Industries Union Victorian branch, an activist, a leader, a skilled negotiator and a fierce advocate for workers rights, with a passion for justice coursing continuously through his glorious veins. Ian’s work life began at the Melbourne Herald and Weekly Times. An apprenticeship undertaken, he became active in the union, moving quickly from chapel official to union organiser to branch secretary. He transformed the landscape. His way with words and actions led to groundbreaking initiatives, including the nine-day fortnight and better work conditions.

He was active at elections, chipping in at every turn and never shy of having a pointed yet respectful conversation on the golf course with Liberal-leaning mates, dot pointing an elongated list of local Labor-funded achievements, programs and builds. His beaming delight at winning the Julia Gillard signed corflute at the Bass 2022 campaign launch, which carried through to retaining the seat against all odds, is in the memorable, beautiful mix of tales recounted around our Wonthaggi Bass branch table. He leaves a legacy of positive change in our movement, an appreciation for a quality drop of whisky, a salutation of those he cherished as ‘sweetie’ and so much more. My heartfelt condolences to daughters Liz and Melissa and family and all who knew and loved Ian. Vale, comrade.