It
is with sadness that we learn of the
passing of Doug Irwin last Saturday,
following a long battle with illness.
Doug was aged 59.
Doug was a full time officer of the CEPU
NSW Postal and Telecommunications Branch
until his early retirement in July 1999.
Doug’s primary employment with Australia
Post was at a Postal Clerk level that
ultimately led to a career in
representing the interests of Australia
Post retail members, firstly with the
Union of Postal Clerks and Telegraphists
and then subsequently with the CEPU
following one of many historic
amalgamations of postal Unions occurring
in the 1990s.
Doug will be remembered for passionately
representing
postal
workers at all levels throughout
New South Wales and the ACT in
particular, when pursuing matters
affecting retail members.
Every Australia Post retail member
working today currently enjoys workplace
conditions gained by the CEPU in direct
association with
Doug Irwin.
Doug was a long standing member of the
Australian Labor Party and also served
as Secretary of the Doonside Branch of
the ALP.
Branch Secretary Jim Metcher said, “it
was a pleasure and experience working
along side Doug as a Union officer and
friend, where he was held in high regard
throughout both the Union membership and
Australia Post management past and
present.
“Furthermore, Doug was certainly a
unique and colourful character, being
well known for his many acronyms and at
times one needed access to a translator
to just unscramble his messages.
“Everyone warmly remembers Doug’s sharp
wit – and his talent for creating
nicknames. You knew you made it to
Doug’s Xmas list once he created a
nickname for you” said Jim.
Our condolences are with the Irwin
family and their friends during this
difficult time of grievance for a man
who demonstrated courage in more ways
than one that touched the working lives
of thousands of Australia Post workers
throughout NSW and the ACT.
The following represents the information
for the farewell service for Doug;
When: 11am Friday 14
May
Where: Beresfield
Crematorium
Anderson
Drive
BERESFIELD
Yours
faithfully,
JIM METCHER
BRANCH SECRETARY
