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EDWARD GOUGH WHITLAM
A tribute by Algernon
This week’s list is a tribute to the great man. Some are song inspired by him others in relation to things he ended or set. Feel free to add any other clips you might know of along the same theme.
It’s Time
Power and the Passion – Midnight Oil
From little thing Big things grow –Paul Kelly
Gough – The Whitlams
The Adventures of Edward Gough Whitlam – Smacka Fitzgibbon
You just like cos I’m good in Bed – Skyhooks
Smiley – Ronnie Burns
I was only 19 – Redgum
The Dismissal –with Norman Gunston
Whitlam Dismissal
Leggo’s Advertisement – Gough Whitlam
Senate valedictories for Gough On now.
I’m gobsmacked at the number of reforms Gough initiated that I’ve forgotten.
Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.
Banned sports touring to and from South Africa under apartheid.
Extended sewerage to outer suburbs. Incredible that in the 1970s, urban Australians still lived in unsewered suburbs. Working class people’s suburbs. That’s what 23 years of continuous conservative government tolerated.
Set Commonwealth powers of intervention in the environment – that ultimately stopped Bjelke Petersen from drilling for oil on the Great Barrier Reef. Later on, Hawke used those powers to save the Franklin River.
He started the Australian Heritage Commission.
Commissioned the Australian National Gallery – as well as purchasing Blue Poles.
He was the Australian Ambassador to UNESCO after his retirement.
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Finally had a good cry – played It’s Time. It just all welled up.
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I almost did on Tuesday myself as did a few where I was working, same with Mrs A.
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I’m assuming they will televise the memorial service. Should be a ripper.
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I’d like to hope so.
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They did Packer’s and he isn’t worth Gough little toe nail.
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I work within walking distance but I’m doing a training course that day at 10:30 for a couple of hours.
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Just lovely. Smacka’s song still has it. His wife Maggie lives not far from here at Corowa and was an activist 20 years ago when we fought off a toxic incinerator. Daughters’ first demo with their own placards.
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He apparently wrote the the title song for “The Adventures of Barry Mackenzie” so I’ve learnt.
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I know he sang it at least.
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A magnificent archive!
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Why thank you Lisa. I enjoyed putting this one together.
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Pretty sure I know why they called him “Smacka” Fitzgibbon. As always, many thanks. Algy. See you at the funeral.
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Interesting handle isn’t it. Apparently started a Jazz restaurant in Melbourne in the 60’s and aas a Jazz muso, who played the ukelale and banjo. Yep I’ll see you there.
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I didn’t know that Gough knew Shane Warne, I mean that is Warne in the picture before all the plastic surgery isn’t it?
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A very young one Hung, complete with manboobs
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I thought so. Anyway watching the game on GEM NSW v QLD then to bed after another arduous shift. Will listen tomorrow.
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got up with two balls to spare I see.Not as good for Australia though.
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Hey Hung; Can you let me know when it is all happening again. I don’t want to miss out! 😉
Algy; Power and the Passion is still timeless music.
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Back on board Gez
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