Book launch

Poems for peace, justice and women's rights

Justina William's book of poems, My Country, the World was acclaimed 
by the 50 people who attended its launch in Perth recently.

The book was launched by Carmen Lawrence, Labor MHR who was introduced 
by Sheila Suttner. Carmen Lawrence had played a massive role in the 
maritime struggle against non-union labour said Sheila, who recalled her 
courageous protest against US warships in Fremantle and her consistent 
support for women's rights.

Carmen Lawrence welcomed Joan as an indefatigable campaigner for peace and 
justice and for women's rights. Joan opposed fascism, fought the attack on 
civil liberties by the Menzies Government and her poems defended the 
vulnerable. They have been read at rallies and used in the choruses of 
marches. Joan was committed as a writer and a long standing supporter of 
Australian literature said Carmen Lawrence.

The unique feature of the event was the intimate relationship of her poems 
to those present. Many had been active in the campaigns that were 
highlighted in in them — the protests against the Vietnam war, against the 
presence of US warships and the US base at Exmouth.

Others had marched as in the poems, Women Carrying Banners and Women 
Marching. Women Marching recalls the courage of Cheryl 
Davenport, Labor MLC in initiating and carrying through the Act that 
furthered the right of choice for women. Cheryl could not attend the launch 
but sent a letter of apology and appreciation, as did other activists and 
writers.

Friends and a member of the family read poems to show the wide range of the 
themes and their international approach.

Glen Phillips, Patron of the Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers' Centre, 
and himself a leading WA poet, welcomed Joan's poetry as accessible to a 
wide range of readers.

The warm and intimate support of her family was reflected in poems about 
her widespread family.

The political, social and personal themes of Joan's poems were interwoven 
with those present to make it a cultural, social and political event that 
led Jo Valentine, the first Greens Senator and outstanding Australian peace 
campaigner to say, "That was the best party I have been to".

Don Wignall, son of a Communist family, led the singing of the 
International in a magnificent voice.

My Country, the World 
is available from SPA Books 65 Campbell Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010. 
Price $10 (p&p $1.50)