Author(s): Arthur Gietzelt; Adam Gietzelt (Editor); Bob Hawke (Foreword by)

Biographies / Memoirs

The Sutherland Shire is blessed with amenities that are second to none, including icons like Elouera Beach, 'Shark Park', Westfield 'Miranda Fair', 'Tradies', Camellia Gardens, Royal National Park and Towra Point Nature Reserve. Sticks and Stones is Arthur Gietzelt's inspiring account of the efforts and sometimes turbulent battles involving his local government team in shaping these and many other Shire landmarks. During his time as Councillor (1956-1971) and nine terms as Shire President, Arthur led the transformation of the Shire from largely bushland to an emerging modern day metropolis. At the same time, Arthur was a left-wing stalwart and strategist within the Australian Labor Party, and he fought for wider causes such as the anti-apartheid and peace movements, social justice and the public good. Arthur's fighting qualities nearly cost him his life, when his family home was bombed in 1971. The assassination attempt was not long after he led the Council ban of a racially-selected South African surf lifesaving team from competing on Cronulla beaches. It was the first time an Australian government authority imposed sporting sanctions against South Africa for their apartheid policy. This copious slice of local government history is compelling reading for anyone wishing to muster people power in support of a local cause, and is an essential resource for any institution teaching the political or social sciences.