BY TONY ILTIS

TRARALGON — The depth of opposition to Prime Minister John Howard’s rush towards war was again demonstrated on March 14 when more than 2000 people rallied and marched in the La Trobe Valley town of Traralgon in the Gippsland region of Victoria.

The La Trobe Valley is a coal-mining and electricity generating area, and there was a large trade union presence at the rally, particularly from Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union members but also from the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union.

The rally, organised by the La Trobe Valley Peace Group, heard from a dozen speakers, all locals except for Pamela Curr from the Greens. The local mayor, Tony Hanning, initiated proceedings at the gathering point in the Kay Street Gardens. Protesters went on a spirited march through the town, returning to the gardens to hear more speakers and entertainment.

Luke van der Meulen, leader of the mining and energy division of the CFMEU, passionately denounced the war. Secondary student Priscilla Haley referred to the role played by youth in the movement that ended the Vietnam War, explaining that a local Students Against War group has been set up.

One of the most powerful speeches came from local Vietnam war veteran Phillip Fennessy. To get involved with the La Trobe Valley Peace Group phone Peter on 0409 689 043.

From Green Left Weekly, March 19, 2003.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

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