
More than 300 people surprised unionist and community legend Fred Moore on September 1, throwing him a huge 90th birthday party.
Moore said it was the biggest surprise of his life when he walked into his local community centre hall in Dapto to find hundreds of people cheering his name. It took him several minutes to reach the front of the hall as he hugged nearly everyone on the way.
Richard 鈥淢ackie鈥 Davis gave a very moving and emotional welcome to country as he thanked Moore for his dedication to the struggle for Aboriginal rights. He explained Moore鈥檚 role in the formation of the Aboriginal Advancement League and other important campaigns.
Moore鈥檚 daughter Sue Moore spoke of his extraordinary contributions, which has resulted in his life membership to 15 different organisations.
Moore was the first life member of the Miners鈥 Federation (now the CFMEU Mining Division) and the miners鈥 union offices in the Illawarra are named after him. His life memberships even include the Miners鈥 Womens鈥 Auxiliary and the Dapto Budgerigar Club.
鈥淒ad loves people鈥, said Sue. 鈥淎nd the tougher people have it, the harder Dad will fight for them.鈥 She spoke of his love for his family and the community.
Other speakers included Jo Kowalcyk, South Coast Labour Council President; Graham White, CFMEU Mining division District Secretary; Narelle Clay, Australian Services Union President; Col Markham, former MP for Wollongong; and Tony Adcock from the Maritime Union veterans.
All spoke of the inspiration and education Fred has provided to many struggles over decades including the rights of workers, women, Aboriginal communities, young people and many more. Moore鈥檚 granddaughter and grandson also spoke.
His granddaughter said: 鈥淚f I've ever got an idea that鈥檚 out of this world, grandpop is the first person I go to.鈥
Moore thanked everyone for not only attending the party, but for their love and respect. To conclude his impromptu speech, Fred said with a wry smile: 鈥淎nd as old as I'm getting, there are more fights to be had, and I'm always looking to get into another one.鈥