It is with great sadness that we report the death of Kate McLear, proud unionist and feminist, on Wednesday 21 September 2022. After bravely beating breast cancer twice, Kate finally passed away only weeks after secondary tumours were discovered in her liver.

With the dedicated support of her close friends, family and a close friend who is a palliative care nurse, Kate got her wish to die at home, with her beloved little black cat Minnie by her side.

A proud working class girl, born in Blackpool, northern England, Kate came to Sydney in 1980 and never went back. Despite this, Kate retained very close ties with her family back home, sharing all their worries and triumphs.

Kate was a member of SEARCH and a lifelong campaigner for workers’ rights through her work as a trade union educator, initially with the Administrative and Clerical Officers’ Association (ACOA). She went on to lead ground-breaking delegate education with the Textile Clothing and Footwear unions during the pivotal years of union amalgamation and industry and award restructuring. This work was followed by many years educating TAFE NSW students about industrial relations and sound human resource practices.

Kate was committed to the work of APHEDA, participated in its campaigns and even when sick, always attended the annual APHEDA dinner. 

Kate’s funeral service will be held at 2pm on Friday 30 September 2022 at Northern Suburbs Crematorium Sydney.

In lieu of flowers Kate requested that donations go to APHEDA. https://www.apheda.org.au/

After Kate’s service, union members attending will ensure that the Reception area echoes with the sounds of Kate’s favourite union songs.

Our sincere condolences go to Kate’s heartbroken family and close friends.
 
- Fran Hayes, Robin Booth and Jane Durie