Harry Cockerill

Miner, Unionist, Politician
Inducted 6th December 2006

Francis Henry “Harry” Cockerill was born in Greta in 1899, and educated at Kurri Kurri Public School. Harry spent most of his early life Greta and then Kurri Kurri.

Harry’s working life began in the coal mines at Rothbury and Richmond Main collieries, where is soon became involved in union activities. He was the Secretary at Rothbury, and was a member of the strike committee during the 1929/30 strike.  He was also present at the Rothbury Riot on 16 December 1929.

During the 1930s, he became the Organiser for the Combined Mining Union Council for Rothbury and Burragorang and a member of the Northern District Board of Management. He served as Vice President of that Board during the 1950s. In addition, Harry was a Councillor on Kearsley Shire Council from 1947 to 1950.

Harry subsequently moved to Cardiff , where he was elected Australian Labour Party President for Hunter Federal Electorate Council, and he was a member of the Central Executive from 1950 - 1952 and from 1955 – 1959. Harry was also Chairman of Cardiff Urban Area Committee. From 1959 – 1973, Harry was a member NSW Legislative Council. Following his retirement, Harry lived in Cardiff, where he passed away in 1987 aged 88.

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Plaque location

Norman Brown Memorial Park, corner Water and High Street Greta