Harry Chan

Hen Fook (Harry) Chan (14 June 1918 – 5 August 1969) was a Chinese-Australian businessman, politician and mayor of Darwin, Australia.

Serving from 1966 to his death in 1969, he was the first ethnic Chinese mayor of Darwin.

Chan was born in Darwin 14 June 1918, son of Chan Fong Yuen, a migrant from the Chinese province of Kwangtung and mother, Wong Quee. Chan married Lilyan Yuen, 18 January 1941. They had three sons and a daughter, the eldest and Lilyan were evacuated on the SS Zealandia in late 1941.

Chan and his wife opened a store in a Sydney Williams hut in Smith Street, later leasing the land to Woolworths which was built on the corner of Smith and Knuckey Street.

1959, a Darwin City Council by-election for the Fannie Bay Ward gave Chan his first chance at politics, he won by a large margin. After working hard for the ward, the ward system was abolished in 1962. He decided to run for the Fannie Bay Electorate in 1962 for the 8th Legislative Council defeating four other candidates in an electorate of few Chinese voters thus establishing a great advertisement for the racial tolerance that was a feature of Darwin in those days. Chan was first elected President of the 9th Northern Territory Legislative Council in 1965 which he held until his death. During his time as President he also held the role of Mayor of Darwin from 1966-1969.

Harry Chan. Territory Stories, Northern Territory Library.