Breaking Out: Memories of Melbourne in the 1970's

This book celebrates Melbourne in heady times. The turbulence of 1970s Australia stretched far beyond the Whitlam era and the level of national government. Sixteen contributors remember their roles in a vibrant and creative decade in Melbourne. Anything seemed possible: alternative approaches sprang up for everything from education to radio broadcasting, theatre, legal services and suburban living. Protest Groups against government policies exploded. that had been ignored and discriminated against asserted themselves: migrants, feminists, homosexuals. One essayist notes We weren t just living in a time when history was being made - we were making history ourselves . The decade was infused with intense debate, controversy and energy, seasoned with festivity. Contributors recall a firm belief that life could change for the better , and the euphoria of marches with flags, banners, music, dancing and laughter . This book is a must read for anyone who lived through this decade anywhere in Australia. A rich resource for social history in Australia, it contains lessons for younger generations learning how to build communities to make change happen .