ATHAN McCaw did not let life drift by. He seized opportunities and fought against injustice.
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Mr McCaw was Ballarat Trades Hall president, elected during winter this year, and was the industrial organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union Federation University Australia branch.
He volunteered at the SoupBus, was a Freemason, led Ballarat’s Save TAFE campaign, was active in the Rockabilly and motorcycle scenes and overall was a loving father to his two children.
He died in a motorcycle crash near Camperdown early Sunday morning, aged 36.
Ballarat Trades Hall secretary Brett Edgington worked with Mr McCaw and was a good friend.
“He got his start in life from TAFE as he studied building and construction,” Mr Edgington said.
“He led significant action against the changes from our region through Save TAFE, as he believed others should have the same opportunities he did. Injustice was something he couldn’t tolerate.”
Mr Edgington said Mr McCaw spent his life looking out for others.
“One of the great things about Athan was that he was never quick to judge,” he said.
“He had friends who were academics, who were unionists, who were into Rockabilly and into motorcycles.”
NTEU Ballarat branch president Philippa Wells said it would be hard to find someone to fill Mr McCaw’s shoes.
“It’s a shock. We were working together just more than 24 hours before the accident,” she said.
SoupBus founder Craig Schepis said Mr McCaw had helped at the SoupBus for years.
“He’ll leave a huge hole. He has an exceptional acceptance of others,” Mr Schepis said. “Like others at the SoupBus, he loved giving to others and helping those in need.”
NTEU state secretary Colin Long said Mr McCaw was incredibly accessible and popular with local members.
“He was different for us. He was so down to earth, rough and ready, he wore his heart on his sleeve and was genuinely concerned for all our members and workers everywhere,” he said.
nicole.cairns@fairfaxmedia.com.au