BY MICHELE JONES
SYDNEY — The Democratic Socialist Party and Resistance started the year off in a big way with a well-attended opening of the eastern suburbs Resistance Centre on February 3. Around 50 members, supporters and political activists from the area crammed into the Bondi Junction office, enjoying the complimentary bubbly on offer.
Marina Carman, Sydney East DSP branch secretary, described the political activity that the branch has been involved in. The establishment of an office in the eastern suburbs of Sydney was a tremendous step forward for the left.
"Since we launched our new branch in June, we've joined new people to the DSP, increased our distribution of Green Left Weekly, and made contact with many activists who are interested in our organisation and socialist politics.
"People have begun to drop into and phone the office. We are hoping to establish a bookshop here soon. Most importantly, we want to establish the office as a campaign centre. On February 17, we are hosting the launch of an eastern Sydney organising group for the M1 [May 1] blockade of the Sydney stock exchange."
Daniel Ooi, organiser of the Sydney East Resistance branch, which was formally established the day after the office opening, said that having the socialist youth organisation in the area would increase the popularity of the anti-corporate campaign and of socialist politics. The Resistance branch is planning to increase its work in high schools in the area and at the University of NSW.