Campaigning in the kitchen: how Australian women dished up democracy

Forty years ago, the record ‘yes’ vote in the 1967 referendum, which removed from Australia’s constitution provisions discriminating against Aboriginal people, was a step forward for all Australians.

To trace the story of the referendum and its part in the history of the national capital, the National Foundation for Australian Women’s History Forum will present Campaigning in the Kitchen from 12-2 pm at Manning Clark House, 11 Tasmania Circle, Forrest on Friday 9 November for the 2007 Celebrate Heritage Festival.

This imaginary conversation was devised to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum. Talking around the kitchen table are six women, Bessie Rischbieth, Ada Bromham, Pearl Gibbs, Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker), Jessie Street, and Shirley Andrews who were all active in the campaign.

‘The 1967 referendum resulted in the first constitutional change called for by the people, not by government,’ said Dr Coltheart of the Australian Women’s History Forum. ‘It is an example of grass roots action over 10 years and remains an extraordinarily inspiring story. It made Australians see how to shape our own democracy.’

‘The movement grew from people getting together in kitchens, in community halls and around camp fires, talking about how things could be changed.’

‘Tracing how the 10 year campaign for the referendum happened, means going back further and looking at the period between the wars. In effect Australian women opened this door through the international organisations they belonged to. In the 1920s and 1930s the League of Nations was the only official forum open to campaigns for human rights.’

‘So many sites in Canberra hold the stories that reveal glimpses of this history. This event will prompt more memories of the people and places belonging to the heritage of our national capital.’

For bookings, contact 0412 844 598 (cost is $15; light lunch included).

Further comment from Lenore Coltheart: phone 0413 300 874