Russell Griffiths
Nina TAYLOR (Albert Park) (10:05): On another note – a sadder note – it is with deep sadness that I convey the recent passing of lifelong Labor stalwart Russell Griffiths. Russell was passionate about unionism, maritime pursuits, Port Melbourne and the Labor Party. He was a close friend of Perce White and was on the former Port Melbourne council with Perce from 1985 to 1991, where he served as mayor from 1990 to 91. Russell was always involved in the Port Melbourne community, loved watching the Borough at North Port Oval and maintained close connections with Bay Street locals. He was also a waterfront welcomer at Station Pier. His passion for ships led him to becoming a pioneer volunteer with the Seaworks Maritime Museum in Williamstown, and he was a long-serving member of the Victorian ship lovers association. He could recount impressive details pertaining to ships, associated dates and events. I recall visiting his home, where he invited me in to see his impressive array of maritime books. He was always friendly, loved to chat and was passionate about surmounting inequities with the justice system. He will be sorely missed by Albert Park Labor, by friends and by Port Melbourne.