index | visionary & reformer | inspiring teacher | labour historian & political biographer | reformist politician

Denis Murphy graduated from Nudgee College in 1954 as Dux. Studying at night, he completed a Diploma of Physical Education and a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Queensland.

In 1966 he was appointed as a tutor in the Department of History commencing his distinguished academic and teaching career. He completed both honours and a doctorate and became a lecturer in 1971.

Murphy taught subjects in Australian history including 'Problems in Australian History', 'Labour Relations in Australia' and 'Australia 1914 to the Present'. He supervised the theses of many postgraduate students.

He held the position of President of the Academic Staff Association in 1982 and 1983 and served on the Senate and the Academic Board.

The respect that Murphy earned from his colleagues and former students was demonstrated in the outpouring of support for a scholarship created in his memory.



Correspondence in the Denis Murphy Collection reveals his dedication as a teacher responding in detail to requests for help not only from his university students but also from school students across the state.





Thank-you letter from St Thomas More College for speaking to their Grade Ten students on 'The Trade Union Movement and the Rights of Workers in the Workforce'.

[Click on this and subsequent images for higher resolution]



Letter from Miami State Hign School student requesting help with an assignment.







Response from Murphy to the student request.

Denis Murphy speakingDenis Murphy portrait
Denis Murphy speakingDenis Murphy portrait
Denis Murphy portrait
index | visionary & reformer | inspiring teacher | labour historian & political biographer | reformist politician