In 1952, Dr Francesco Castellano re-founded the Brisbane branch of the Dante Alighieri Society, which had suspended its activities in 1939. The Society honours his memory each year by inviting a special guest speaker to present the Castellano Memorial Lecture, which is faithfully supported by his wife, Maria Castellano, and her family.
This year’s lecture will be presented by historian Catherine Dewhirst, on a topic from her recent research:
‘Vote taken in paddock’:
The Danesi brothers, anti-fascism and rights of Italian migrants in Queensland, 1920s-1940s
Dr Catherine Dewhirst, University of Southern Queensland
Saturday 28 September, 2.30pm
St Anne’s Hall, 127 Nelson St, Kalinga
Entry is free, all welcome!
To assist us in catering for refreshments after the lecture, please book by email info@dante-alighieri.com.au or by phone 0401 927967.
Abstract: On 4 August 1935 over 2000 sugar-industry workers from various North Queensland districts held a mass protest in Innisfail. Their cause was against the Industrial Court’s decision not to burn the cane before cutting, which would have prevented further horrific deaths from Weil’s disease.
Among the protesters a significant number of Italian and other migrant workers refused the Court’s proposed secret ballot and consensus was given to hold a head count in a local paddock. From hearsay, it was here that Costante Danesi (1884-1969) gave an inspiring address to the thousands gathered. This protest marked a watershed moment of unity against anti-Italian discrimination and exemplified one of many battles Danesi, his brother Luigi Danesi (1886-1969) and other Italian-community leaders fought in order to defend the rights of migrant workers in Queensland.
Drawing from archival and newspaper sources, this lecture focuses on the Danesi brothers’ lives and activities during the interwar decades and seeks to contribute to understanding of the struggles against racism and fascism in Australia’s history.
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Dr Catherine Dewhirst is Senior Lecturer in History and member of the Centre for Heritage and Culture, Institute for Resilient Regions, at the University of Southern Queensland. Her research specialises in Italian migrant family and community histories, the migrant press, minority community activism, and women’s life-histories, focusing on the experiences and ‘voices’ of those who have been silenced.
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‘Cane cutters relax on a verandah in Innisfail, 1927’
Photograph courtesy of the State Library of Queensland.
Hope to see you there!
Claire
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Dr Claire Kennedy
Adjunct Senior Lecturer | School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science
Griffith University | Nathan | QLD 4111
c.kennedy@griffith.edu.au
I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which I live and work. I pay respect to Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all other First Nations people.