Om gaia dudes: The North East Forest Alliance’s old-growth forest campaign
This book chapter by Aidan Ricketts is about the key moments and positive sides of the old forest growth campaign in northern NSW in the 1990s.
Topic
History
This topic focuses on Australian social movement history. There is so much to learn from the stories of past collective action for social and ecological justice. Learning social movement history can provide insights about strategy, a vast toolbox of potential tactics, and abundant inspiration.
Resources About Australian Housing Justice and Unwaged Rights Campaigns
Resources focused on case studies and stories of how communities have organised to secure housing, financial and other support for the unwaged and those on low incomes.
Jim Munro and the Unemployed Workers Movement in the 1920s and 1930s
Jim Munro gives an account of how the Unemployed Workers Movement started and actions taken in the 1920s in Melbourne, Australia.
Squatting’s place in winning Emergency Housing, 1945-48
A talk about how the squatting of empty houses and military camps forced governments in Australia to provide emergency shelter in the 1940s.
The 1931 Perth Treasury Building Riot: Unemployed workers during the Great Depression
Unemployed workers during the Great Depression, the repression they faced, and the protests and tactics they used to fight for their rights.
Books about Women & Leadership
Five books recommended by participants and convenors of Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia. This list includes comprehensive discussions about women’s leadership, practical guides, and two memoirs from inspiring women leaders.
Films about Women and Social Justice and Change
An inspiring list of feature films and documentaries about women and social change including Women of Steel, Suffragette, Mission Blue, She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry and more.
Aboriginal Memoirs as Social Activism
Telling your own story is powerful! This article includes excerpts from papers related to Aboriginal memoir, links to four memoirs by Aboriginal Australians, and where to find more. Please note: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings […]
Tactics in a time of physical distancing: Examples from Australia’s progressive past
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic the Commons is sharing protests, campaigns and events from the past which highlight ways we can undertake action whilst maintaining safe health practices and physical distance.
People’s History of Australia Podcast
People’s History of Australia-podcast and blog looking at Australian history from the perspective of ordinary people fighting together for a better life.
The Jabiluka Blockade – 22 years on
Do you know about one of Australia’s most effective anti-nuclear blockades? The Jabiluka blockade in 1998 stopped the Ranger Uranium Mine in Australia. This article includes the campaign timeline and many further resources.
Acting Up! Podcasts on 45 Years of Friends of the Earth
A 4 part podcast series from community radion station 3CR celebrating 45 years of direct action by environmental group, Friends of the Earth FOE.
For the Win Podcast
For The Win: the people, strategy and campaigns that changed Australia forever. A podcast series from 2018 featuring interviews with Australian social change agents.
The battle for Aboriginal heritage on Perth’s foreshore 30 years on
Thirty years ago from January 2019 Noongar activists set up a protest camp at Gooninup, the site of the derelict Old Swan Brewery on Perth’s foreshore. This marked the beginning of a four-year long struggle to secure recognition of an Aboriginal sacred site.
Uncommon victories: Lessons from Warringah and Indi
In the 2019 Australian federal election, two local campaigns stood out. Two Independents, from two very different electorates, made history. We’re referring of course, to Indi in regional Victoria, and Warringah in Sydney.
Get archiving! Archivist Activist backpacks, hackathons and other ideas
A list of ideas for activists to archive their movements & moments including archivist activist backpacks, hackathons, collaborations, crowdsourcing archives.
Become the Media: IndyMedia and S11
A description of the role of alternative media in the S11 anti-globalisation protests, September 2000.
Carnival at Crown Casino S11 as Party and Protest
An exploration of the fun and pleasurable dimensions of the S11 anti-globalisation protests in Melbourne in 2000.
Globalisation unplugged: S11 World Economic Forum Protests
Listen to Globalisation Unplugged, 3CR’s coverage of massive public opposition to the World Economic Forum & globalisation in Melbourne in 2000.
“When the bombs drop, school stops” – Over 100 years of Australian school strikes and direct action
Australia has a long history of students walking out of the classroom to demand change. A timeline of Australian school strikes from the 1930s until 2019.