By Michael Schafe
WOLLONGONG — Students from Illawarra high schools walked out of class on October 25 to protest the government's cuts to education funding, Austudy, Abstudy and the dole.
As students rallied in the Wollongong mall amphitheatre, members of High School Students Against the Cuts, and Resistance, spoke about the cuts and their effects, other planned activities and protests, and how to get involved. After the speeches, an effigy of John Howard was thrown into the 150-strong crowd and came out in a far worse state than he went in. Students had planned to burn the effigy but were threatened with arrest by police, who had a heavy presence at the rally.
The students then marched to the CES, only to find the doors locked and guarded by police. More students spoke on an open microphone outside before marching around the Wollongong city centre.
The rally received a lot of attention in the local media — not all of it positive. The night before, Prime TV ran a story warning students of the trouble they might face if they attended a rally condemned by the education department. Print media coverage was sensationalised, focusing on whether or not the effigy would be burned.
However, the vibrant rally sent a clear message that Illawarra students reject the budget cuts. Watch out for future actions advertised in 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ Weekly, or phone High School Students Against the Cuts or Resistance on (042) 262 010.