1971 10 Watkins Street, North Fitzroy, demolition site with sculpture.

ID: 20658
Photographer: Scambler, Elinor
Copyright: library owns image (image on public access)
Org ID: FL1441

Description: Image held by Fitzroy Library. Looking South. 10 Watkins Street was bought by Housing Commission on 30 June 1970 and demolished on 30 September 1970. The purchase price was $11,750. This property was not under a demoltion or repair order. The Fitzroy Residents' Association cleared all rubbish from the site, planted trees (dsepite Housing Commission opposition) and stated their intention to constuct a playground on the site. On Sunday 15 August 1971, the Fitzroy Residents' Association held a combined rally addressed by Mr David Bronstein (MLA Brunswick East). Three hundred people marched down Nicholson Street to 10 Watkins Street, where Worker Student Alliance members burnt an effigy of the Housing Commission. The sculpture, symbolising the crucifixion of the residents by the Housing Commission, was erected. A petition calling for a Royal Commission into the activites of the Housing Commission was signed. [Sources: Melbourne Times 18 August 1971 & interviews]. Also visible: To the South, behind the sculpture, is the Ivan Porter Shoe Company, 2 Boston Place. The company, and its accountant, Mr. Norman Yarr, supported the residents including taking court action against the Housing Commission's activites. As of 2009, the factory no longer survives.
Subject: building demolition

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