A wake for the Brisbane Resistance Centre

A wake for the Brisbane Resistance Centre

By Coral Wynter

BRISBANE — On April 1, Democratic Socialist Party (DSP) and Resistance members and supporters held a wake for the Resistance Centre in Terrace Street, New Farm, in which the organisations had worked for the last 14 years. The event reminded us of the good times and our many triumphs, and we said a fond farewell to the old centre.

Bridget, who recently joined Resistance, told of how she had received a warm welcome when she arrived for her first International Women's Day brunch. The centre was not the tidiest place, but it radiated warmth, she said.

Alan reminded us of the 1990 visit by US socialist Peter Camejo, during which the centre was packed to the brim. Kerry noted that the centre was where the women's liberation movement was renewed in Brisbane, with many conferences, meetings and forums taking place there.

Coral spoke about the many Latin America solidarity functions held at the centre, as well as the numerous DSP dinners, film nights and public discussions.

Tim recalled the hundreds of phone calls received when Resistance organised high school walkouts against racism and Brisbane DSP organiser Graham Matthews spoke passionately about the struggle in Indonesia and a memorable dinner at the centre with former Indonesian political prisoner Dita Sari, during which she broke into a Bob Marley song.

The night was introduced by Jim McIlroy, who has been an icon at the centre for 13 years. We ended the event with a spirited rendition of the "Internationale". Resistance and the DSP are now accommodated at 106 Boundary Street, West End, until suitable new premises are found.

From GLW issue 401