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.