TRIBUTE TO TREVOR DAVIES
Ms CARMEL TEBBUTT (Marrickville) [6.29 p.m.]: Today I make a
private member’s statement about the sad passing of a valued member of
my community, Trevor Davies. Trevor was a man who lived for those around
him, as a passionate advocate for his local community in the
Redfern-Waterloo area and a long-time secretary of the Darlington Branch
of the Labor Party, as a founder and news editor of the South Sydney Herald,
and as an active and generous elder of his church, the South Sydney
Uniting Church. Trevor was a friend to many, a true inner-city
character, and those who knew him admired his commitment to social
justice and his integrity in remaining true to his ideals and values.
Trevor passed away following a heart attack on Tuesday 14 June 2011 at
the age of 55.
Trevor is a great example of how individuals can make a difference in
the lives of those around them. Trevor was a community activist who
genuinely put into practice his belief in the importance of compassion
and justice for all people in our society. For example, when concerns
were raised locally regarding policies and plans for the
Redfern-Waterloo area, Trevor made sure the community had a voice. He
was one of the founding members of the REDWatch community group, which
monitors plans for the local area, makes recommendations and advocates
for outcomes that benefit the community. The group remains a strong,
progressive presence reviewing projects taking place in
Redfern-Waterloo, and its ongoing efforts are a testament to people like
Trevor, who care for their community and take action to pursue outcomes
that aim to benefit the community as a whole. Trevor’s commitment to
local debate and engagement was also demonstrated through his very
successful Politics in the Pub, which ran for many years. I can remember
debating Peter Debnam many years ago at one of Trevor’s Politics in the
Pub debates. Trevor was always committed to putting both sides of an
argument and he had some very interesting speakers.
Trevor could only be described as a passionate man; he did everything
with gusto and good intentions. He fought for what he believed in and
was involved in many campaigns and protests over the years, whether it
was to save housing in The Block at Redfern or to fight against
homophobia, racism and poverty more broadly. He was devoted to these
causes in the same way that he was devoted to the independence of the
media, his politics and his church. Trevor was a strong advocate for
greater internal democracy within the Australian Labor Party. Trevor did
perhaps some of his best work in his support for and work with the
local Aboriginal community in Redfern and Waterloo. He was a strong
supporter of the Pemulwuy Project of the Aboriginal Housing Company and
it was through Trevor that I first became aware of the fantastic work of
The Settlement in Darlington, which provides support for children and
young people in the Darlington area.
I will always remember Trevor for his endless energy for campaigning,
his quick-talking presence for which political opponents were no match,
and as someone who proudly wore his politics pinned to his sleeve.
Whenever I met him in the electorate in Darlington I could be certain to
find him engaged with people on the street, at a cafe, or at a street
stall, always talking, always opinionated, and always looking to the
next project or the next article he would write. Trevor’s network of
contacts and his knowledge about what was happening were legendary.
Trevor’s monthly column “Have You Heard: The Fast News”, always had its
focus on issues facing his community and there was often a bit of local
or political history thrown in. In his last column he wrote of the
battles in local Labor branches in years gone by to save the
Erskineville housing estate.
Trevor did not write the stories or get involved with these movements
just to have an argument. He did it because he believed that local
people with local knowledge have a lot to offer, and that people in
positions where decisions are made should always be prepared to listen
and respond to what people have to say. The people of Darlington and
Redfern will notice the huge gap that has been left by Trevor’s passing.
I hope that his memory will inspire people to get actively involved in
their local community and to stand up for the things they believe in. I
am very fortunate to represent an electorate with a proud tradition of
activism and of communities coming together to fight for their beliefs. I
hope to see that continue in Trevor’s memory, and I am sure it will.
Trevor has been described as irreplaceable, a local legend, a grassroots
activist, a forthright publisher, an unfailing friend of Labor, a man
of strong faith and a caring friend. I remember him as an unswerving
supporter and a passionate advocate for the Darlington community in my
electorate. I feel privileged to have known Trevor. Our many discussions
and debates on issues both local and broad were stimulating and thought
provoking. While we did not always agree, Trevor always made me think
carefully about my position on issues, see things from another
perspective and often revisit my approach. I pass on my sincere
condolences and sympathy to all those who are mourning his loss. The
communities I represent and indeed New South Wales have been very
fortunate to have benefited from the passion, dedication and hard work
of Trevor Davies. He will be missed by many.
Source: NSW Legislative Assembly Hansard – www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/hansart.nsf/V3Key/LA20110621038