Vale Life Member Clive Jentz
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 127 No 8, 2 November 2022, page no. 4
For more recent members of the QTU, Clive Jentz may be synonymous with Brisbane Labour Day activities – he attended every year. He would often be the first there and the last to leave. When he could no longer march the distance, he would meet us at the QTU tent. For those of us with a history in the Sunshine Coast, Clive Jentz was Mr Pine Rivers.
Clive became an active member of the QTU in 1960, and wholeheartedly took on the role of Union Representative and branch official at every opportunity. He was a regular at branch meetings and was the voice of reason in many debates. Clive had a calm and precise manner that made many members feel that their views were heard.
Clive began his teaching career in the South Burnett and was a primary teacher until he was “drafted” into secondary teaching when he requested a transfer closer to home (Bald Hills). He was appointed to the new Strathpine State High School from the beginning of 1964.
Clive attended his first branch meeting at Kingaroy State School in 1960. When he moved home to Bald Hills, he was a regular attender of the Caboolture - Pine Rivers Branch until the two branches separated into Caboolture and Pine Rivers. He held the position of Council Rep from the Pine Rivers Branch’s inception and took on the role of President. Once again, the branch grew and divided into Pine Rivers North and Pine Rivers South. Clive then held the position of Pine Rivers North Branch State Council Representative until he retired in 1993. Clive was the QTU Representative at Pine Rivers SHS for 10 years until 1979 and became the QTU Representative for Dakabin State High School in 1980, a position he maintained until he retired in 1993.
Clive was actively involved in all campaigns from 1964, including the “Eight Week Wonders” dispute, the 1970s salary disputes, the preparation and correction disputes, and the class size campaigns, to name a few.
In the speech awarding Clive QTU Life Membership, it was stated that anyone who listened to a Council report given by Clive would understand the enthusiasm and commitment he had for the QTU and the respect he had for his fellow members.
Clive passed away suddenly on 19 September 2022. He is remembered fondly by those who had the privilege of working and campaigning with him.