Eddie Quong

Eddie Quong (1925–2006) was born in Pine Creek in the Northern Territory, one of thirteen children in a family with deep roots in the Territory’s Chinese community. Shortly after his birth the family moved to Darwin, where they worked a market garden in Parap, before relocating to Queensland in 1932 during difficult economic years, always intending to return. In November 1945, the Quongs were among the first civilians back in Darwin after the war and established Quong’s Bakery beneath the family home in Smith Street West, becoming a well-known business and late-night meeting place for locals. After his father’s death in 1946, Eddie took over the bakery and ran it for decades until it was later destroyed in Cyclone Tracy, after which he moved into insurance. In 1954 he married Greta Yow, and together they raised four children—Terry, Marie-Louise, Rodney and Donna—and later welcomed eight grandchildren. From the 1950s onward he served on a wide range of community and hospital boards, worked extensively with charities, and was a prominent representative of Darwin’s Chinese community, including as a trustee of community institutions. His public service was recognised with the Order of Australia Medal in 1980 and further honours in later life. He remained active into old age, but his health declined after a serious car accident in 2005, and he died on 24 August 2006 in Darwin.

Source: CONDOLENCE MOTION - Mr Eddie Quong OAM