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Autumn 2006

8-hour day concert a success

The Whitlams Play Latrobe

Organisers have hailed the Family Day Concert at Bells Parade, Latrobe as a great success. Close to 5,000 people attended the concert held to celebrate Eight Hour Day.

The main act, Aussie band The Whitlams, were very popular with the crowd and singer Tim Freedman wished those attending all the best in the fight against the new workplace relations laws.

The family day also featured children's entertainment, provided by HACSU member Brett Gregory, a jumping castle and a ball pit.

Many families and young people attended the day. HACSU organiser Mark Fagan said, "It was great to see a lot of the young people up the front clapping and cheering when [ACTU President] Sharan Burrow spoke."

"The atmosphere was really bright and it seemed that everyone was genuinely having fun and a good time." Mark believes that "it was also a really good way to get our message out there to people who may not realise what kind of impact these new laws will have on them and their families."

Mark says that the "Organising Committee could not be any happier as the event exceeded expectations, and there is genuine enthusiasm to hold the event again next year."

Hobart Event

Eight Hour Day was also celebrated in Hobart with a Family Day on the Regatta Ground.

ACTU President Sharan Burrow spoke to workers and their families, reminding us that "Eight Hour Day is a time to remember the struggles that we've had to get where we are today."

"We won't let John Howard destroy the decency of Australia," she said, and concluded "in 18 months we'll tear up these laws."

Tasmanian Premier Paul Lennon and several workers from various sectors also addressed the crowd.

The day included a barbecue, the traditional tug-of-war, local bands Kings of Mars and Strange Brew, jumping castles and a children's drawing competition.