from Bill Thompson

Alf Clint was known to my father for years, both having lived and worked in the Balmain, Glebe and Leichhardt suburbs of Sydney. Alf would stop by from time to time when in Sydney and have a meal with the family. He provided me with a reference when I applied to join the Australian Army.

Photo: Brisbane Courier-Mail, 3 Nov. 1954

The Rev. William Alfred Clint was a great union and ALP supporter who took a special interest in indigenous welfare. He retained union and ALP membership all his adult life. His achievements included getting up the nose of the Bjelke-Peterson Government and establishing Tranby College in Glebe in Sydney to foster learning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

Alf championed business co-operatives as an appropriate model for indigenous enterprises. Amongst the older indigenous people Alf was revered, but sadly would be known by few today, though he has an entry in the Australian Dictionary of Biography.

Bill was appointed by the Municipal Officers Association (now Australian Services Union) as an organiser for Nth Queensland in 1985; with responsibilities in local government, city, shire & Aboriginal & Islander Community councils & the port authorities; in an area from a line above inland Birdsville & Bowen on the coast, north to the Torres Strait.