A belief in the power of art to communicate, challenge and create change is central to the purpose of the foundation, which receives no public funding and is entirely supported by its members, fundraising efforts and hard-working group of volunteers.

Speak Up, Reach Out: A life to reckon with
by Graham F. Smith

The Peace Foundation is excited to announce the launch of Graham F. Smith’s memoir by Professor Barbara Pocock and Associate Professor Craig Campbell on Thursday 26 November at the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery, UniSA City West Campus from 6.00pm.

A lifelong activist and educator, Graham’s memoir is a microcosm of Australian politics and society at a particularly volatile time, seen through the eyes of a storyteller who was both compassionate and analytical.

The Second World War, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the political, economic and social upheavals of postwar Australia, and Sir Robert Menzies’ (failed) attempt to outlaw the Communist Party of Australia – Graham lived through these events and made influential contributions to them all. He was involved in and committed to the struggles of the marginalised and impoverished – as a communist in mid-twentieth century Australia, he became one of the marginalised.

‘Graham was never a hater. Always a builder, and much more likely to meet division with humour than criticism,’ Professor Barbara Pocock said in her contribution to the book.

The celebration will take place on Thursday 26 November and begin at 6pm. Books will be on sale and all author proceeds will go to the Graham F. Smith Peace Foundation – ‘Working for Peace Through the Arts.’

All are welcome. This is a FREE event and is supported by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre.

About Graham F. Smith (1924-1989)

The Peace Foundations namesake, Graham F. Smith was a lifelong activist and educator, Graham’s passionate commitment to peace and freedom took him around the world and into the classroom. “The inspiration of my life, my dreams, has always been made up of peace, socialism, of solidarity, of liberation, of loving and caring.”

From his Australian Army experiences in the closing period of the Second World War, where he aided the struggle of the Indonesian people against Dutch colonialism, to his involvement in Cuba, Nicaragua, the Philippines and Vietnam, he always supported the struggle for independence and freedom.

Graham believed that people who are taught to think and to challenge and who are encouraged to expand their imagination can create a better world. Such was his belief in the power of education.

His dedication to the egalitarian principles of socialism, democracy, peace, international understanding and the dignity of labour was the inspiration for the Peace Foundation that bears his name. The Peace Foundation is a fitting legacy to a life well lived.

FREE Registration: Book launch: Speak Up, Reach Out – A life to reckon with by Graham F. Smith
Thursday 26 November 2015, 6.00pm
Kerry Packer Civic Gallery, University of South Australia, City West campus