NEWS

Original ‘Brazen Hussy’ reflects on war and feminism

Canberra resident and founding member of Australia’s women’s liberation movement, Biff Ward, 78, chats with CW journalist, Anja de Rozario, 23, about feminism, the Vietnam War, and the new generation’s continuing march for justice.

When founding member of Australia’s women’s liberation movement, Biff Ward (78), stood in front of thousands at the 2021 March4Justice, she said she never thought she’d live to see the day.

“That was true,” she smiled into her teacup, as we sat among her many bookshelves and family photos. “I really thought it would happen somewhere off in the future, long after I was dead.

“Two generations; 50 years. That’s how long change takes.”

From the original ‘Brazen Hussies,’ the group of Australian feminists who defied the status quo in the 1960s and 1970s, Biff reflected on those initial moments the patriarchy became visible to them, and seemingly no one else.

“We were seeing the world one way, then we had a meeting with other women and suddenly we were seeing it differently.

“It was enormous. And hard to convey to people who never had that experience, never seen sexism, who were just accepting the world how it was.

“It was like we entered a new world, and it was only us. So we were regarded as crazy; every time we were mentioned in the press we were just completely ridiculed.

“But nothing stopped us.”

Brazen Hussies was the name coined for the ground-breaking documentary film by Catherine Dwyer, which Biff starred in last year.

“What I love is that the name of the film has become our identifier. I used to say I was a 1970s Women’s Liberationist. Quite a mouthful and some young women had never heard of us. They thought there were suffragettes, and then them,” said Biff.

“I love that we’ve now got a name. On the day of March4Justice they announced, ‘Now we have with us a Brazen Hussy!’ and everyone screamed!”

“But they didn’t call us that at the time. No, no. They called us hairy armpit women’s libbers. They called us ugly, too ugly to rape. There was incredible put-down, all the time.

“When I look back on what I’m most proud of, it’s not as an individual. That period of feminism invented the word ‘sexism’; the word ‘sexual harassment’. It put domestic violence and rape on the map. [It said] these are urgent issues that we have to deal with,” she said.

“I think body integrity is fundamental. If you can’t feel safe in your own body, then all the other issues – childcare, equal pay – feel further away. For me, I have to be safe here. And we’re still fighting for that.”

Biff’s voice wavered, as she remembered the faces looking up at her at March4Justice.

“I get tearful when I remember how that animated everyone that day.

“All women know this. Even the Margaret Thatchers of the world who insist ‘that’s never happened to me,’ in their bones, they know it. They’ve thought ‘I mustn’t walk down that dark lane’.”

She smiled, wiped her eye. “Following the 1970s movement, a lot of women went into the bureaucracy,

Biff Ward’s latest book is The Third Chopstick, $42.95; themoshshop.com.au and biffward.com.au. Photo: Kerrie Brewer.

education, created the women’s studies courses we know today. So, by the late ‘80s, from my perspective, it had all sort of quietened down.

“There wasn’t a movement anymore, and it looked like nothing much was happening. But something was happening. I look at young women now, and they’ve really thought about these issues and have all this new language. I think that groundwork we did in the ‘70s and ‘80s has been seeding away, and now the seeds have grown into a big tree.”

Biff remains close with the founding members of the feminist group.

“Starting back in the ‘90s, some of my sisters used to say, ‘How do we pass on the baton? Young women aren’t active.’ I always thought it’s not our right to pass on the baton; it’s their life and their world.”

I asked Biff if she feels comfortable with my generation in the driver’s seat. Her answering smile was warming. “Yes! I trust young women completely. They’ll make mistakes, we all do. But the fire that was in the women last year… I know you’ll do everything as best you can.”

Following her memoir, In My Mother’s Hands, Biff’s miles marched in the Vietnam War protests led to writing her latest book, The Third Chopstick, written from the candid accounts of veterans, and her own relationship with Vietnam.

“I was an extremely passionate protester against the Vietnam War, in the five years leading up to Women’s Liberation. When the war ended in ‘75, most of the protesters moved on, and I had too, but some part stayed in me.

“I just had this pull to Vietnam, this great desire to see it, to smell it and feel it. It was an out-of-body experience, the only one I’ve ever had in my life.”

Biff has been to Vietnam 15 times to date and calls it her second home.

“The war lives on there in ways that it doesn’t for us. Not even for the veterans. It lives on in terms of their family histories and the people who died. With three million dead, everyone has lost someone.”

When asked what the one message she hopes readers will take away from the book, Biff’s answer was clearcut. “War is f*cked. I hope that the whole book shows how utterly needless it was.

“And I hope it shows that we’re all connected. When we were young, it felt like the protesters and soldiers were in two different camps, and now that we’ve gotten older and more sensible, it’s very clear to me we were all connected.”

The many reasons for downsizing

Making the decision to downsize isn’t easy and there’s a lot to consider when you do. Often, people put off making the big call – until they find somewhere they can actually see themselves living.

Marigal Gardens Community Manager, Colin says Marigal Gardens dispels a lot of myths about what an over 55s community is like – and can make a tough decision much easier. “Sometimes one partner is a bit reluctant initially, but when they see what we have to offer, by the end they’re the ones who are really quite excited!” Marigal Gardens residents Peter and Sandra agree. “We had been talking about downsizing for a while but had not really been serious about it until we visited Marigal Gardens,” Sandra said. There are a lot of reasons why residents find Marigal Gardens appealing – here are just a few of them.

Location, location!

There’s no doubt a prime spot is high on everyone’s list of priorities. Marigal Gardens ticks all the boxes – serenely beautiful, nestled in the suburbs and yet wonderfully convenient too. Waking up to breathtaking mountain views provides quiet joy, every day. And with the local shopping village just 500m down the road, life’s more practical needs are easy to take care of. Tuggeranong Southpoint is only five minutes’ drive away for more substantial shopping.

Room to move

Nobody wants to downsize to something poky or impractical. Marigal Gardens offers generous and practical floorplans that are designed for relaxed and comfortable living. And as a resident’s needs change, their home can change too. No matter what the budget, or lifestyle, there are plenty of options to suit.

Ditching the mower

Residents love the fact that moving to Marigal Gardens frees them from the chore of maintaining a home. Our team takes care of all those little jobs around the house, so residents have more time to do the things they really love to do. We’ll even change the lightbulbs.

Making the most of every day, your way

Marigal Gardens is a thriving community with wonderful facilities and a lifeaffirming vibe that residents love. There are organised activities for all tastes should you choose to pursue a long-held passion or try something new. For more unstructured pleasures, catch up for a coffee, indulge in a gym workout, take a swim or enjoy a relaxing sundowner at the bar. For the young at heart there is Kambah Adventure Playground right next door.

Feeling safe and secure

Safety and security are frequently top priorities for buyers when it comes to choosing their new home. With staff onsite 24/7, help or assistance is never far away. And should travel beckon, our team and neighbours make sure a home is well looked after, so residents can take off with confidence. While buyers focus on lots of different reasons when making their decision, most come to a similar conclusion when they have finally settled in. Gay, one of our residents sums it up neatly: “I wish I’d made the move sooner.” If you’re thinking of downsizing and joining our wonderful community, the final stage of Marigal Gardens brand new apartments are now on sale.

For more information on the village or homes for sale, please call 1300 884 784 or visit www.marigalgardens.com.au

fit the bill Green Labor ACT government still throwing elderly tenants out of their homes

I was dismayed to find the local Green/Labor government is still proceeding with its heartless and unnecessary plan to forcibly remove longstanding, and in most cases elderly, public housing tenants from their homes of 30 to 40 years, in many instances without even listening to their concerns and wishes.

I also find it concerning that the local Green federal candidates have been silent on this issue. I doubt if that would be the case if there was a Liberal local government in office.

Recently, I caught up with an old Narrabundah school friend who lives next door to an elderly housing tenant in Griffith who is being moved against her wishes. My friend’s son has helped the old lady get in contact with a local law firm now representing about eight housing tenants in a class action. I understand that a community law centre is also starting a class action. My understanding is that once someone is involved in an action before the courts/ACAT, it effectively puts any action on the government’s part on hold until the legal action has been concluded. So, it would be sensible for all tenants who don’t want to move to contact ACTCOSS, whom I’m sure can help direct them in the right legal direction.

As I said in an earlier article, surely now is the time for the ACT Government to stop harassing these tenants, move those who wish to move, and leave the rest to live out their days in peace. It’s not like the value of the properties is going to go down over the next five to 10 years.

On another note, I went to meet the federal candidates for Canberra, Bean, and the Senate at the Southern Cross Club Woden last Wednesday. Whilst somewhat underwhelming, I was impressed with the sincerity of them all. A few performed very well.

The candidate for the UAP Sean Conway made a lot of sense in relation to paying back the debt, and Liberal candidate for Bean Jane Hiatt also spoke well. Labor’s David Smith and Liberal Slade Minson put in solid performances. It was good to see most of the minor candidates come along and have their say, as well as the main contenders for the Senate minus our two sitting senators. Out of the three main contenders for the second Senate spot, I thought David Pocock made the most sense. Kim Rubenstein was learned, and I don’t think Greens Senate candidate Tjanara Goreng Goreng would win too many supporters (especially amongst her own party) when she opined that all Australians should be paid the same wage. Still, I admired her zeal.

In many respects, there was not a whole lot of difference between the candidates on many issues. There were about 100 people in the audience, which was not bad for a cold, rainy night in Canberra. Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Canberra Weekly.

WITH BILL STEFANIAK AM RFD FORMER ACT OPPOSITION LEADER

news Grant helps Women’s Adventure ACT boost ‘hike-ablity’

A ‘Hike-able’ project that helps senior and differently abled women get outdoors and active has seen Women’s Adventure ACT awarded the Mable Community Grant of over $19,000.

The volunteer community group runs at least one organised hike every weekend, open for Canberran women to join.

Among them, Taryn Dickens, a vision-impaired athlete, who recently won gold in Australian Masters Track Cycling, “found her people” in Women’s Adventure ACT.

Turning 40 next month, Taryn has only known about her impaired vision for four years. “For a little while, I felt like my world was ending. I had no idea what I was going to do. I’m a fitter and turner by trade, always worked a lot with my hands.”

Taryn moved to Canberra in a shift towards office work, and to escape the overwhelming Sydney traffic. Diagnosed with cone dystrophy, she’s been able to adapt to her complete loss of colour vision, with the help of her guide dog Gigi.

“I’m lucky in a sense that I didn’t know anyone in Canberra when I moved here, I got to restart my story. No one knew me before I started losing my vision.”

She first encountered Women’s Adventure ACT on Facebook. “On my first night, I wasn’t sure if I should tell people straight away about my disability or try to keep it quiet.

“I’ve never met any blind people, no one in my family’s got a disability. I didn’t know how to approach anything… but the girls were just fantastic, and God, have I gone on some adventures since then.”

Taryn’s repertoire of adventures with Women’s Adventure ACT includes a seven-day kayaking expedition in Hinchinbrook, the Simpson Desert Ultra which she’ll take her second run at in June, canyoning, and camping trips.

Plans for the Mabel Grant include new equipment, leadership training, and safety gear that will help the group further support all ages and abilities.

Gigi comes on every trip, helping Taryn on bush walks, and with mental health. “She sticks right by me. If I have a night terror when we’re camping, I have a touch light and she’ll turn that on.”

The two share a double swag out in the bush since it’s become “a little too cosy” in the single.

“I feel a lot safer in the outdoors with her.”

Taryn and Gigi found their tribe in Women’s Adventure ACT, and eagerly await the newcomers they hope Hike-able will attract. - Anja de Rozario

Taryn Dickens and guide dog Gigi found their tribe in Women’s Adventure ACT. Photo Kerrie Brewer

news Leave STEM research to men? This Canberra woman doesn’t think so

“I believe Dr Cathy Foley, Australia’s Chief Scientist, said it best in her National Press Club address last year: ‘Simply put, diversity of ideas and experience equals better results’,” says Claire Harris, a Canberra woman in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), and founder of Innovate Communicate.

After studying a Bachelor of Environmental Science and then Postgraduate Diploma in Science Communication, she decided to take the leap of faith to build her own business and foster an understanding between the STEM and non-STEM worlds.

Recently, Ms Harris was surprised but pleased to learn she was the recipient of a grant from YWCA Canberra, designed to boost small businesses owned by women and non-binary people in the ACT.

“The innovation grant from YWCA’s Great Ydeas Small Grants program, supported by the Canberra Innovation Network, is going to help me to build the Impact program for Women in STEM,” she said, explaining her project encompasses women, girls, and non-binary people.

While she may remember her own experience in STEM fondly, Ms Harris has become a confidante for her colleagues across the industry who have felt undervalued.

“I talk to women all the time who say they feel invisible, that their expertise is being ignored. I started to see more of this happening as I got older, and I heard from my friends and people I’d never met before in STEM who have had that experience,” she said.

Ms Harris applauds the pockets of industry that have been doing “fantastic work” to diversity their STEM workplaces, but says there is still “significant opportunity” in Canberra for collaboration.

“There are lots of passionate, smart, and super keen kids and teens out there who can bring all their talent to solve these big problems, and it comes down to the fact they just don’t have the opportunity,” she said.

Her bottom line? The more diverse STEM workplaces are, the more successful they’ll be.

“The main overarching comment I want to make is that STEM is just like all other fields. It’s better if it represents our community in gender, identity, sexuality, age, cultural backgrounds,” Ms Harris said. - Abbey Halter

Canberra mother, wife, and founder of Innovate Communicate, Claire Harris is passionate about improving intersectional gender equality in STEM workplaces. Photo: Lydia Teychenné

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A warm and welcoming atmosphere, free car parking and disabled car parking.

Maggie Beer, celebrity Australian cook, the world-renowned DJ, Runaround Sue, spinning the discs, live music and dance performances, rock n roll dance performances.

To get you through the day there will be toasties, winter soups, savoury dishes, snacks and cakes, great co ee, tea, handmade gourmet ice cream, local hand-made chocolates, Nutrition Australia cooking demos, honey and black garlic from Braidwood, and Heaps Normal non-alcoholic beer.

There will be displays on bonsai, lots of local crafts, mobility aids and scooters, an ‘N’ gauge model railway exhibit, an ACTEW AGL electric vehicle and EV charger, woodworking, vintage sports cars, hand-made soap products, and free art classes.

Find out about seniors fi tness and health

So what will you fi nd at the Silver is Budawang and Coorong Pavilions, Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) 10am – 4pm The Silver is Gold Seniors Expo will feature over 200 stalls showcasing services, products and lifestyle activities Gold Seniors Expo?for senior Canberrans. There will be a wonderful program of live entertainment throughout the day. Entry to the Seniors Expo is by gold coin donation. There is ample free car parking for Expo patrons at EPIC. care services, conservation and land care initiatives, advice on retirement living and aged care services, legal services for seniors, Transport Canberra will provide free bus and light rail services to enable seniors to attend the Seniors Expo at advice on fi nancial planning, wealth creation and estate planning, community services, , please phone COTA ACT on 6282 3777 or email events@cotaact.org.au family history services, art supplies, graphic art/framing services, seniors photography classes, travel advice on European river cruises, pets and positive ageing, Doctor Who’s roving Daleks and his ‘Who mobile’, Robotics for Seniors and very friendly robots, advice on Men’s Sheds, home energy and sustainable household advice, disability services for seniors, advice on gardening, home care packages and services, fi nancial services and advice, seniors insurance services, packaged meals for seniors, Bungy Jumping demonstrations, Nordic Walking, volunteering options, ACT Police advice for seniors and so much more!

Sponsored By

All of this for just a gold coin donation entry!

When: Thursday, 26 May 2022 Where: Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) Mitchell What time: Doors open at 10am and close at 4pm Parking: Ample free car parking and disabled car parking can be easily found at EPIC

Transport Canberra is providing complimentary travel on bus and light rail for all seniors card holders attending the Silver is Gold Expo at EPIC. Simply present your seniors card to the bus driver or CMET Customer Service O cer, if requested.

Alternatively, free shuttle services will be available at Tuggeranong, Woden and Belconnen. Further details about Transport Canberra complimentary travel or information about the Seniors Expo, can be obtained by calling COTA ACT on 6282 3777, 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.

A reminder, eligible senior and concession holders who travel using MyWay are encouraged to take advantage of free o -peak travel between 9am and 4.30pm.