Recalling Bowman Hall and Whitlam

MANY thanks for the opportunity to recall the 1972 evening.

I worked at Blacktown Council Library – the entry to which provided an amazing view of the Blue Mountains. Development of Westpoint ensured that that amazing view was gone, most likely, for ever.

On the particular night in 1972 I was working the evening shift and had noticed an extraordinary activity in the Council Car Park and Bowman Hall. The Library closed at 7.45pm. I decided to find out what was going on in Bowman Hall. In the grounds I saw every Labor Politician I had ever seen on TV.

I think I can safely say that I found the one remaining seat towards the back of the hall. There were many who were perched in window sills.

Almost, with one movement, the whole hall rose. Towering over attendees, in strode Gough and Margaret Whitlam – an unbelievable presence! In the next couple of hours I was introduced to politics and the Labor Party!

While I cannot recall the words spoken I can say that I had never before heard such a galvanising speech – a speech which, for me, has never been matched.

“Men and women of Australia!” I thought the roof was going to cave in!

His powerful speech gave promise of what Australians could achieve!

Gough Whitlam was a man before his time. Achieving something which had not been achieved in such a long time (Evatt in 1947 – stand corrected – and Billy Hughes during World War 1)

Preparation for what followed victory, was all important. This had not been achieved. He lead a progressive government but had not prepared the conservative Australian voters for his vision for Australia. Sadly, suffice to say, “the rest is history!”