Redfern: Aboriginal activism in the 1970s

by Johanna Perheentupa, Gary Foley

In the 1970s the run-down inner-city suburb of Redfern was a gathering place for Aboriginal intellectuals and ambitious young radicals. Having fled poverty and segregation in rural Australia in the 1950s and 60s, they set about fulfilling their vision – a new way of living, where Aboriginal people could control their own lives – politically, economically and culturally. Aboriginal activism in the 1970s is the previously untold story of how they set about fulfilling their dreams. In a fast-paced burst of creativity and hard work, in just three years an Aboriginal health service, a housing cooperative, a legal service, a child care centre and a black theatre in Redfern were established. They had some support, and the promise of self-determination under the newly elected Whitlam's Labor government, but there was also abuse and discrimination. This is the story of how, with hard work, humour and vision, they prevailed to build organisations that have served as models for similar organisations all over Australia. 'A timely and overdue study of one of the most exciting time periods in Aboriginal political history.' — Professor John Maynard 'The 1960s gave protest a voice. By the early 70s, the Aboriginal voice had become very loud near the heart of Sydney, in Redfern. It was thrilling. I knew at the time that something important was happening, but until reading Johanna Perheentupa's Redfern, I didn't know how important.' — Bryan Brown, actor

Genres: Indigenous, History, Politics, Nonfiction

265 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2020

Reviews

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This should have been so much better.

During the 1970s the inner Sydney suburb of Redfern witnessed an exciting and dynamic period in the history of Aboriginal activism in Australia. Yet somehow Johanna Perheentupa has managed to produce a dry and dull book which captures none of the vibrancy and energy of the Redfern Indigenous community.

Although I have a strong interest in the subject, I found reading Redfern: Aboriginal Activism in the 1970s a chore. Maybe my expectations were too high. I certainly didn’t expect to be so disappointed.

Despite the marketing, legendary Aboriginal activist Gary Foley did not co-author the book. If he had, the prose would not have been so lifeless.

I really wanted to like this book. The story of the visionary activists who founded organizations like the Aboriginal Legal Service, the Aboriginal Medical Service and the Black Theatre needs to be told and it’s a shame that this book does not do a better job.

[Frank · Rating 2 out of 5]

A dull and narrow literature survey.