Frank Baker, a man deeply loved and respected by many, passed away recently, leaving behind a remarkable legacy, particularly in the Queensland mining community.

Born on 9 January 1958 in Newcastle, Frank was a die-hard Queenslander at heart, though few knew of his roots in Blues Country. His early years were spent in Brisbane after the family moved to Moorooka, where life was filled with the kind of fun and shenanigans that come with a large family.

Frank’s work ethic was evident from a young age, a trait that carried him through his life in mining and beyond. His early foray into the workforce included time at Yeronga TAFE, where he was known more for crafting poetry in the back row than for academic pursuits. But it was in the world of rugby league and mining that Frank truly made his mark.

Frank’s rugby league career began at a young age, playing under-8s at St Brendan’s. His passion for the sport grew, leading him to the Brothers at Corbett Park as an 18-year-old, and later to a player-coach role with the Mitchell Magpies. Those who knew him remember the sight of Frank walking to work with boiled eggs in his jacket, to keep his hands warm on chilly mornings and later eaten as a snack for lunch!

In 1982, Frank moved north to Mackay, joining the Wests Tigers and quickly earning the nickname “Take it up Baker” for his fearless playing style. That year, the Tigers won the Grand Final, cementing Frank’s reputation as a formidable player. His connection with Collinsville began in 1983 when he took on the role of player-coach, leading the team to three Grand Finals and representing Whitsunday and the North Queensland Marlins.

Collinsville was where Frank’s union roots truly took hold. He became the first rank-and-file political official in the area, a position that allowed him to advocate for workers’ rights with the same passion he brought to the rugby field.

Anne Baker, Frank’s wife and former Isaac Mayor, as well as the current Labor candidate for Burdekin, recalls his unwavering principles and pride in his work: “He was so proud and principled. I know he will be by my side on my election journey. I just know it.”

Frank’s commitment to the community was evident in his involvement with local sports, particularly rugby league.

In Collinsville, he not only played and coached but also helped nurture the next generation of players, always emphasising the importance of pride, showing up, and building character through sport. His legacy in Collinsville is still felt today, with many recalling the infamous Baker pizza nights and spontaneous parties that epitomised his generous and authentic spirit.

In 1996, Frank and his family moved to Emerald, where he continued to forge lifelong friendships and make his mark in the mining industry. His time at Gordonstone was marked by the challenges of the Gordonstone dispute, a major life lesson for Frank and his family. But as always, Frank approached these challenges with the same determination that had defined his life.

Moranbah became the Bakers’ home next, where Frank continued to leave his mark. With the support of Jeff Nixon, Frank secured a position at Moranbah North, eventually becoming the union president. His transition from underground mining to open cut at Peak Downs was significant, but Frank settled in with the same resilience he had shown throughout his life.

Frank was known for his famous chip cooking at the canteen and for coaching the local primary school team to victory in the Foundation Cup at Lang Park. He loved those boys, always reminding them that “you are all champions,” and emphasising the importance of pride and showing up. Frank’s belief in building character through sport was a guiding principle in his coaching, and many young athletes benefited from his wisdom and encouragement.

Even in retirement, Frank’s passion for life didn’t wane. He travelled to Cuba, met three-time Olympic medallist Félix Savón, and even sparked the birth of “Revolutionary Red”. But in recent years, Frank faced the challenges of dementia. Despite the difficulties, he remained surrounded by the love and care of his family and friends.

“As a family, we have been grieving for some time with Frank, the slow goodbye, they say,” Anne reflects. “I have to believe Frank is now at peace, free like an eagle flying high, playing football, shadow boxing, reciting poetry, and shaping the Heaven Union Lodge.”

Frank Baker was more than just a man, he was a legend in every sense of the word. His life was filled with love, laughter, and an unyielding spirit. He was a mentor, a friend, and a pillar of the community. As we say goodbye to Frankie Boy, we remember the indelible mark he left on all of us. Long live the legend.

A LEGEND OF THE MINERS’ UNION

Frank Baker was a life member of the Mining and Energy Union in Queensland. Frank received this honour in 2016 after proudly serving the union as a rank-and-file member at the union’s highest levels in Australia. He was a member of the MEU and its preceding unions through amalgamations for 30 years, an amazing achievement. 

Frank’s history in the miners’ union started back in Collinsville in 1983 when he came to the mining town as the rugby league coach. Back in those days the coach got a job in the mine, and they were the only outsiders to do so. He came into a workplace which was fully unionised and a community whose history was all about having a go.

Well, turns out Frank was quite at home. As the local coach he got to learn and share experiences about the strength in unions, hearing from the likes of Sugar Brunker, Errol Coffey and others who worked at the mine and were heavily involved in the football scene.

There is no doubt that Frank’s influence was not just on the football field. The whole community of Collinsville loved their football and loved their coach even more.

A fitter and turner by trade, Frank worked in the main workshop at Collinsville coal mine when he first started. He was one of the first to join the UMWA at the time from the AMWU in around 1985 and was one of the first to come across as tradesmen. At the time there was some friction around, but this never fazed Frank as he did always what he thought was right and what he believed would make a difference for the collective strength. 

There is no doubt that his experiences in Collinsville working in a union mine helped guide him in the union and being a union coal miner.

As there was change occurring at the Collinsville mine, he took the opportunity to leave like a number of others. He left to work at Gordonstone mine and as we know ARCO sacked the workforce and brought in scabs. Frank alongside many other families at the time saw this as an injustice. He stood his ground.

While he spent a lot of his time on the picket line at Gordonstone, he also travelled and provided his voice to other ongoing picket lines and disputes right across Queensland and Australia, spreading the message on the injustices which had been thrust upon them.

These included the Curragh picket line and the Hunter Valley dispute and wherever else there was a fight occurring. He would always make sure he spoke to the members and would present a poem he had written about what was occurring. I know that the members at those locations were always better for both meeting and listening to Frank.

He later got a job at Moranbah North mine, which was opened on AWA’s. With Frank’s focus and work ethic he and another former footballer Jeff Nixon set up the first lodge and won the first enterprise agreement and union agreement.

After working at MNC he moved across to Peak Downs open cut. He again undertook roles as shift delegate while working at the wash plant. It was in his time at Peak Downs he was first elected to the position of Central Councillor for Queensland, a result of a vote by all the rank-and-file members in the state.

First elected in 2004, Frank held the role until his retirement in 2015 and was known for his thoughtful contributions and his willingness to represent the views of members. You could count on Frank to give the unvarnished opinion from the coalface – even if it wasn’t what leaders wanted to hear.

Frank held many positions within the union structures from shift delegate to lodge president and then the role of Central Councillor – the highest level a rank-and-file member can achieve in the miners’ union. Through it all Frank’s passion and commitment for the union and its members never once left him. He attended union meetings, picket lines, community events – wherever his union needed him to help.

Frank was committed to his comrades at the mine site, but he was also committed to the international struggle for workers’ rights. Frank attended forums and events on behalf of the miners’ union across the globe including in the USA, South Africa, Brazil and elsewhere.

For a lot of us here today his poems and the way he delivered them was something else.

They were always written from the heart and with passion, and in the moment for the event he was at. His words were carefully chosen and delivered a punch to all those who were present. His message was one of wanting to lift the spirits of those present and there was no more special place to Frank than being on the front line at a picket when those on strike needed support.

Frank was also very heavily involved in politics, helping those who had his trust and that he believed would make a difference. In my involvement with Frank, he could be the voice of reason – or when he raised his voice to oppose or suggest a different path – the person everyone needed to stop and listen to.

He was the most humble, compassionate and toughest man I have ever met. He was a mentor and a leader of the highest order. He was a true working-class hero who always led from the front, never taking a backwards step and always being the first to offer his support.

To me, as a kid growing up in Collinsville, he was my hero. Being able to work with him in later life made me understand what a true inspiration he was to us all. I will be ever indebted to Frank for his support and the loyalty he showed me – he always had my back.

The unions have lost a true legend of the movement, but I know his spirt and memories will live on in us all.

Frank may have hung up his lamp for its final time, but the light he generated still shines brightly for us in our hearts.

Frank will be missed across the whole MEU, and on behalf of the national union I extend our deepest condolences to Anne, Lou-Lou, Mick and the broader Baker family.

RIP Comrade Frank

Stephen Smyth – MEU General Vice President