At least I have a booming voice

July 1, 2025

I agree wholeheartedly with Trish Bolton. In my mid-70s now, with a walking stick and a booming voice, I earn my right to an Age Pension and am proud of my creative, activist life.

As an active union member throughout my (paid) working life, I helped fight for better working conditions and equal opportunities for women here and around the world. As a peace activist, I’ve marched with hundreds of thousands of people fighting against wars and discrimination against so-called minority peoples in a US-led rules-biased global hegemony.

Police violence was the norm in the 1960s and we fought against this as well. What I really enjoyed being part of in my younger days was that we built on a culture of “fair-go” that tried to set an example for future generations. We fought hard to avoid personal and wider victimisation based on gender, race/culture and age as well as on class values.

We believed in unity, not in blaming survivors of patriarchal violence. We made mistakes and we learned from them. Blame us for million-dollar mortgages and over-stretched credit cards if it makes you happy. I still believe, however, in unity and strength.