Growing up in one of Melbourne’s roughest and poorest suburbs, Mick Doleman was always a survivor. The oldest brother of five children, it was at home where the values of solidarity, equality, determination, loyalty and hard work was instilled in him.

The Blythe Star ordeal had a life changing impact on Mick, and ultimately us, his children. Had he not survived, we wouldn’t be here and neither would our children.

The death of crew members Ken Jones, John Eagles and John Sloan had a profound and lasting impact on our father. Until recently, he never spoke about the Blythe Star, he was adamant that he would not glorify an absolute tragedy.

We asked him to honour the lives of those lost and tell the story for their families and ours; we didn’t want such an important part of maritime history to be lost.

We believe that in sharing the burden he has found some closure and peace. We hope that the families of those lost feel the same.

The consequences of the tragedy drove the direction of his lifelong career as an advocate for seafarers and waterfront workers as an official of the Maritime Union of Australia.

He devoted his life to fighting for social justice, workplace safety and workers rights, not only in Australia but around the world.

We are so very proud of our father; the role he took on during the Blythe Star ordeal, the man he later became and the many great things he has achieved to date.

What an inspiration for us, our children and theirs to come.

Stacey and Michael Doleman