Introduction
History not only provides inspiration and lessons from the past but also helps us to place today’s campaigns and forms of activism within a living tradition of social change.
These videos focus on “movement moments”, big and small, events during which Australian activists pushed forward issues and campaigns, challenged the status quo, and created the conditions for social change. They are part of an ongoing series and will be regularly updated over time.
Watch Videos
Women for Survival: Pine Gap Protest 1983
During November 1983, 800 women rallied against global violence outside the US run military base at Pine Gap, which is on Arrernte country in the Northern Territory. The base, which plays a key role in warfighting for the US and its allies, has been subject to regular protests in the decades since, most recently for its part in the bombing of Gaza.
The Prahran Free Speech Fight 1906
This video tells the story of a major free speech fight which took place in Melbourne during 1906. While Prahran council happily provided street speaking permits to religious groups and patent medicine sellers they refused issue them to the Victorian Socialist Party. In response a campaign was launched, drawing huge crowds and resulting in 20 members being fined or imprisoned.