Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1985 (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
1 notebook ; 36 cm
Context area
Name of creator
Administrative history
On 3 March 1968 the FOCO Club opened on the third floor of the Trades Hall building. Foco Club came about in March 1968 when the "Society for Democratic Action (initially the Students for Democratic Action) founded FOCO at Trades Hall as an independent, radical cultural centre. It involved music, poetry, film, theatre, a bookshop and a newsletter. FOCO was closed by the Trades and Labor Council in May 1969" -- excerpted from Guyatt, Joy and George, Greg. Publications of political organizations in Queensland p 266.
FOCO was once described as Australia's most evil nightspot.
The Trades and Labour Council building was located on Turbot Street looking down Edward Street, adjacent to Jacob's Ladder. In 1984 the property was sold. With the decision to demolish the Trades Hall, a group of people from Brisbane organised "The last Foco" or "Foco lives" event to be held on Saturday 16 February 1985.
FOCO, a Spanish word meaning focus or centre, connected to Che Guevara's Foco theory of revolutionary warfare. After being asked to leave the Trades Hall venue, and unable to find a suitable replacement, the decision to close FOCO was made in September 1969.
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Content and structure area
Scope and content
One Ancol essay book with planning and organisation notes for 1985 Foco event compiled by Helen Carberry. Includes: contacts, layout for the event, list of Foco newsletters, music to be played on the night, films; with additional notes, possibly by Alan Anderson, about themes of the Foco meetings. Inserted into the back of the workbook is: a copy of a Foco Club membership card with a letter from Denis Urry dated 10 Feb 1985; and five leaves of notes relating to the event.
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Unrestricted access.
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Copyright applies.
Language of material
- English
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Status
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Minimal
Dates of creation revision deletion
Created, Linda Justo, 5-Jun-2023.