Vale Chicka Dixon - wharfie

Date: 22 March 2010

Waterside worker and long time Aboriginal activist Charles "Chicka" Dixon has died in Sydney aged 81 - struck down by asbestos he contracted working on the wharves.

MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin paid tribute to Chicka Dixon's as political and labour warrior.

"The MUA adds their sympathies and condolences to the many voices in our national and the international labour movement on Chicka's passing," he said.

"A man of character, substance and unwavering courage he reflected the finer traits Australians aspire to and seek after for a society that is decent inclusive and fair to all.

"Chicka was a worker, leader and activist who was determined to turn around racism and elitism and gain proper recognition for the extraordinary culture and character of his people and the great injustice done to them.

"His asbestosis related death brings into even clearer focus this great injustice to working men and women in this country and the long campaign led by the MUA in many ways to find remedy and restitution.

"Our membership officials and staff in particular farewell one of our own. Vale comrade."

Chicka Dixon rose to political prominence as a member of the Waterside Workers Federation.

He worked on the Sydney wharves before being employed alongside Charles Perkins in the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, established by the Whitlam Government in 1973.

Chicka Dixon was one of the main campaigners in the 1967 referendum, an active participant of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in the 1970s and a founder of the Aboriginal Legal Service, the Federal Council for the Advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders(FCAATSI).

He died on Saturday surrounded by his family at a nursing home in Sydney's east.

He is survived by his two daughters, Rhonda and Christine, and a large extended family.

ABC reports a state funeral is expected to be held next week.

Hear his story on ABC radio VERBATIM.

In the first of two programs, Chika Dixon recalls the 1950s and 60s, and the struggles he and other Aboriginals underwent to highlight the many areas of disadvantage for Aboriginal Australians, including the campaign for a referendum on citizenship.

For further information

Contact:	Paddy Crumlin
Union:	MUA
WWW:	http://www.mua.org.au/

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