Location: Tyson Street shops. 30 – 56 Tyson Street, Fawkner. 

Description: Melbourne 1990s saw a neo-Nazi infestation in the inner north, with an increase in racism and homophobic violence. The left retaliated promptly across the inner north with counter actions including rallies and protests.

In 1994 when fascists rallied against immigration at Brunswick Town Hall, the left responded with a counter demonstration of over 1000 people, including local residents & BAN (Brunswick Against Nazis) councillors & lesbian action groups, driving them out of Brunswick.

In 1997 the Campaign Against the Nazis (CAN)—a grassroots coalition of left groups and local community members—organised a series of protests outside a Nazi “bookstore”/recruitment  centre attempting to gain a foothold on Tyson Street, in the heart of multicultural Fawkner. There were monthly rallies throughout 1997, and different groups took charge of different rallies, with the final and most successful rally organized by a coalition of queer anti-fascist groups including the Jewish Lesbian Group of Victoria,  Gays and Lesbians Against Racism and Queer Action, alongside local community members.

In April 1998, this staunch grassroots coalition of anti-fascists celebrated the closure of the Nazi bookstore on Tyson Street thanks to their tenacious efforts. Good night white pride!

Speakers:
Hinde Ena Burstin
Angela Bailey
Richard Watts
 

Content warning: this episode mentions or discusses fascism, racism, ableism, antisemitism and the Holocaust, queerphobia, violence, and police brutality.

Theme music: All Rise by Denim Waves.