“They lie, the men who tell us, for reasons of their own,
That want is here a stranger, and that misery’s unknown;
For where the nearest suburb and the city proper meet
My windowsill is level with the faces in the street”
— ‘Faces In The Street’ by Henry Lawson
- Before freeways, old comrades celebrate public transport! Photo: Garner, Grahame. ‘Images documenting radical protest and street marches in Brisbane , 1960-1980.’ F3400. Fryer Library, University of Queensland.
In 1969, Labor Mayor of Brisbane, Clem Jones, declared that the Brisbane City Council (BCC) was going to shut down the trams.
In the early 1970s under the ‘Wilbur Smith Plan’ the BCC replaced trams with freeways.
Does this sound like Campbell Newman digging tunnels?
A one time press photographer, Graham Garner, thought what can I do?
During the last days of the trams, Graham went out to every tram terminus and each tram line and took photos.

Photo: Garner, Grahame. 'Images documenting radical protest and street marches in Brisbane , 1960-1980.' F3400. Fryer Library, University of Queensland
What foresight! Thanks Graham.
When politicians destroy or sell public assets perhaps union members might use their special skill in the way Graham used his skill with a camera.

Tram at South Brisbane Station Photo: Garner, Grahame. 'Images documenting radical protest and street marches in Brisbane , 1960-1980.' F3400. Fryer Library, University of Queensland
Visit Graham’s photo collection of Radical Protest and Street Marches in Brisbane, 1960-1980

Trams in depot opposite PA Hospital Photo: Garner, Grahame. 'Images documenting radical protest and street marches in Brisbane , 1960-1980.' F3400. Fryer Library, University of Queensland

Tram leaving South Brisbane Station. The banner on the front of the tram reads "Women's International League for Peace & Freedom" Photo: Garner, Grahame. 'Images documenting radical protest and street marches in Brisbane , 1960-1980.' F3400. Fryer Library, University of Queensland.

Onlookers on buildings during the Youth Campaign against Conscription, Brisbane, Australia in 1965. Paddy wagons, police and a tram can be seen on the corner of Queen and Albert Streets Brisbane. Facade of T & G corner with Spiers Chemists, Mimi building and NM centre can be seen in the background. Photo: Garner, Grahame. 'Images documenting radical protest and street marches in Brisbane , 1960-1980.' F3400. Fryer Library, University of Queensland.

1971 May Day march - Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley Photo: Garner, Grahame. 'Images documenting radical protest and street marches in Brisbane , 1960-1980.' F3400. Fryer Library, University of Queensland.
Ian Curr
Nov 2010
19.691146
-79.878683
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