Socialists organise in Lismore
By Nick Fredman
LISMORE — With the launching of a Resistance club at the Lismore campus of Southern Cross University, organised socialist activity is happening in northern NSW for the first time in many years.
Fifteen people have joined the club so far, and organising meetings and a socialist discussion group have begun. Club members plans to get involved in campaigns for women's rights, the environment, and free and accessible education, both on campus and in the broader community.
Possibilities for a campaign with the local Aboriginal community for better services and housing have been discussed, and the club will also raise the issue of political prisoners in Indonesia with a showing of the new documentary "There is only one word ... Resist!".
The reputation of Resistance members as effective campaigners has been recognised by other campus activists, and Resistance member Kathy O'Driscoll has been appointed convenor of the Education Action Collective by the Students Representative Union. A half-day student strike and picket, followed by a general student meeting, will be held on campus on March 26 as part of the National Union of Students' national day of action.
Green Left Weekly, now sold regularly by Resistance and other activists in Lismore and surrounding towns, has been well received and Democratic Socialist Party members in the area are considering establishing a branch. Check pages 29-31 for details of events or telephone (066) 21 5236.