Bill Whiley, long-time union activist and environmentalist, died on Thursday, 5 August 2004 at the age of 76, as a result of the onset of asbestos-related mesothelioma. Bill was an inspiration—an outstanding trade unionist and community activist. In recent years many people in the northern suburbs of the Illawarra came to know Bill as a result of his involvement with the Sandon Point community picket, set up in March 2001. Bill was an active supporter of the picket, and it remains in place due in large part to his efforts.