Born in 1971?

Ron Williams

This is a series of books about life in Australia – one for each year from 1939. They describe happenings that affected people, real people. The whole series, to coin a modern phrase, is designed to push your buttons, to make you remember and wonder at things forgotten. The books might just let nostalgia see the light of day, so that oldies and youngies will talk about the past and re-discover a heritage otherwise forgotten. Hopefully, they will spark discussions between generations, and foster the asking and answering of questions that should not remain unanswered.

In 1971, compulsory seat belts kept drivers in their place. Billy McMahon took over as PM, when Gorton voted against himself. Gough Whitlam, Opposition Leader, ventured to visit the Red baddies in China. Neville Bonner was the first Aboriginal in Parliament. Red unionist Jack Mundey conserved heritage buildings. Oz troops left Vietnam in time for late-night shopping in NSW and Victoria; they stopped at the first McDonalds in NSWs Yagoona on the way home. One-day cricket cam to Oz.