July 2, 2019 - Tully office named for Frank McFadden after 58 years on job

A call by former co-workers of a long-time Tully identity has seen the Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s Tully Depot Foreman’s Office being officially named the ‘Frank McFadden Building’.

Council agreed to the call after David Goodman, Director of Infrastructure Services, presented a letter of support signed by 100 staff.

Frank McFadden retired from Council in April after 58 years’ service to local government and the community – 47 years with the former Cardwell Shire Council and 11 with Cassowary Coast Regional Council.

Close friends, family, Councillors and some staff attended a ceremony in Tully last week at which he was presented with numerous gifts and a certificate of long service. Mayor John Kremastos also presented a plaque honouring Frank’s long service.

Frank arrived in Tully by train from Cairns as a 17-year-old in 1961 to take up a position as a cadet draftsman with Cardwell Shire Council. In the latter part of his career he worked out of the Tully Depot Foreman’s Office, which now bears the plaque naming it the ‘Frank McFadden Building’.

Mr Goodman said Frank was held in high regard by his co-workers and that he had been in Tully so long he’d become part of the fabric of the local community.

“We are delighted to acknowledge Frank and his career in this way,” Mr Goodman said.

“Frank has a real community spirit. His association with Tully Rugby League, of which he is a life member, spans 50 years or more. He has been secretary, timekeeper, ground announcer, gatekeeper and champion ticket seller over the years.

“He is also life member of the Labor Party, the longest serving member of Tully Lions Club and Council’s social club, a congregation member and long-time volunteer of the Catholic Church and a major contributor to all things community in Tully.

“You could find Frank at the Mt Tyson Hotel (the bottom pub to the locals) selling raffle tickets for the Lions Club and the Tully Tigers Rugby League Club. He was always the first person to put his hand in his pocket for a good cause and, in fact, has a reputation around town of always having a fiver in his pocket for that very reason.”

Frank’s brother Bill and wife Billie travelled from Cairns for the presentation and his sister Noela flew in from Brisbane. Siblings Mick, Peter and Margaret sent their apologies.

ENDS