KEMIRA: Diary of a Strike (1984) Screening and conversation with Dir. Tom Zubrycki

Join us for a free screening of KEMIRA: Diary of a Strike (1984) followed by a conversation with Dir. Tom Zubrycki.

In September 1982, at the height of an economic recession, BHP announced its intention to close down several of its coal mines near Wollongong south of Sydney. The worst affected was Kemira colliery where 300 workers were to lose their jobs. 20 days before the closure of the mine a group of 31 miners occupied the pit and established themselves 5 kilometres underground. The strike captured the imagination of the city.

The Womens Auxiliary organised a kitchen, while fellow miners set up an embassy at the pit-top and kept vigil. A general local strike culminated in a train journey to Canberra. On arrival, several thousand miners and steelworkers stormed Parliament House bringing the issue to the attention of the whole nation.

The film captures these dramatic events and then proceeds to follow the fortunes of some of the strikers and their families. The film also reveals the wider historical, economic and political context.

Free, all welcome. Registration appreciated via Eventbrite.