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November 1960, 1,100 wharfies, tally clerks, seamen and their families cramed into the Waterside Workers Hall. Paul Robeson an African American singer, actor, and political activist entered to a standing ovation.  It was the first time he had been able to visit Australia after the United States government confiscated his passport in 1950. A staunch supporter of Unionism and Indigenous rights, Robeson was given ‘an authentic woomera throwing stick’ as a gift after his performance.

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By Adam Paterson, South Australian Maritime Museum

Cite this

Adam Paterson, South Australian Maritime Museum, ‘Waterside Workers Hall’, SA History Hub, History Trust of South Australia, https://sahistoryhub.history.sa.gov.au/places/waterside-workers-hall/


Comments

2 responses to “Waterside Workers Hall”

  1. Barbara Anne Martin

    Hello I am looking for any information about the history of shipwrights/carpenters from 1836 – 1874 in regards to an early pioneer/colonist George Mildred who came to SA in the Rapid with Colonel Light. George Mildreds son James Henry Albert Mildred was a member of the Waterside Workers Union and Port Adelaide Seamens Union. Many thanks, Barbara Martin

    1. Catherine Manning

      Hi Barbara,
      I’ve passed on your question to Adam Paterson, Curator at the South Australian Maritime Museum, and he will be in touch with more.