Communist Party of Australia- South Coast District collection guide

CreatorCommunist Party of Australia. South Coast District CommitteeDate1950-1990DescriptionThe South Coast District Committee (SCDC) of the Communist Party of Australia was formed sometime prior to WWII. Its function was to co-ordinate activities of Communist Party Branches and members within the South Coast region. The District Committee represented the second tier of the Communist Party structure with State and National Committees representing the highest level of Party organisation. The SCDC comprised the Branches of the Illawarra area, including industry-based branches from the Port Kembla steelworks and waterfront; coal mines, and the public service sector. The SCDC also maintained strong links with the South Coast Labour Council, with Merv Nixon - secretary of the Labour Council form 1969 to 1987 - also an active member of the district committee during this time. While the District Committee was active within Illawarra's large industrial community, influencing union politics and employee rights, it also contested local elections on a number of occasions. Throughout the 1970's, especially, Communists in the Illawarra were well organised and placed in the public affairs of the community. The SCDC's membership base, however, drew upon a largely male workforce. While a number of women were active in the District Committee, their representation on the whole was disadvantaged by the region's heavy industry workforce providing the bulk of the membership and activity. The SCDC had mixed relations with the region's other left-wing parties. By the mid-1980's the District Committee was involved in local discussions on socialist unity. Initiatives such as the Broad Left and cross-factional support for local political campaigns occurred, however the various parties maintained their independence. Meetings of the District Committee were held at least monthly and a District Conference was convened annually. The District Committee ceased operations in 1991 following the dissolution of the Communist Party, committing itself to supporting the New Left Party. Collection NameCommunist Party of Australia- South Coast DistrictUOW Archival Collection Inventories

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