By Zanny Begg
BRISBANE — At around midnight on August 24, residents of a house on the premises of the Resistance Centre were woken by the sound of a heavy object landing on the roof, followed by several small explosions. Rushing outside, they discovered that a storage shed and an artists' studio above it were engulfed in flames.
The fire department was called and for a while the house was in danger of catch alight. Four minutes later, the fire brigade arrived.
Resistance and Democratic Socialist Party (DSP) members and supporters, and concerned neighbours came to see if everybody was all right. More ominously, a group of skinheads stood outside making jokes about throwing popcorn on the blaze, before quickly departing.
The police arrived some time later. When they asked if Resistance had any enemies, it was explained that Resistance was the group organising the anti-racism high school walkouts across the country.
It took one hour for the fire to be brought under control. Two buildings were destroyed but the house and the Resistance Centre were saved. No-one was injured.
One of the most precious things lost was a collection of political posters dating back to the anti-Vietnam War campaign. The artists' lost years of work and hundreds of dollars in equipment. Two printing presses and all of Resistance's banners were burned.
It seems to be no accident that the fire occurred four days before the second national high school walkout against racism.
The Resistance Centre has been at the centre of many progressive campaigns in Queensland for many years. Rallies for women's liberation, workers' solidarity, environmental protection and civil liberties have been planned, organised and prepared at 29 Terrace Street, New Farm. Pride film nights, women's cultural nights and political forums are held there regularly.
Most recently, the Resistance Centre has become the hub of the anti-racism campaign. Each Saturday, high school students have been gathering to plan how to combat the rise of One Nation. On July 28, around 3000 young people rallied outside parliament house, the day the One Nation MPs took their seats.
The police are conducting an investigation in to the fire. It is vital that this investigation is serious. If the fire is found to have been started deliberately, it will define it clearly as an attempt to intimidate the anti-racism movement, Resistance and, indeed, the entire progressive movement. DSP and Resistance members are refusing to be intimidated.
Scores of people have called to offer support — Green Left Weekly subscribers and supporters, and members of other political organisations.
On Friday, September 18, a special event, "Racism: the Burning Issue", will be held to raise funds for the anti-racism campaign and the artists who lost everything in the fire. The event will include an art auction and band night. Check Meetings ... Parties ... Anything for details.
To help Resistance rebuild the damaged buildings, please send donations to the fire appeal, c/- Resistance, PO Box 1247, Fortitude Valley 4005.