These t-shirts are part of a collection of material donated to the museum by Ms Gwenda Woods.

Ms Woods was an Australian Marijuana Party candidate for the Senate elections in 1980 and a campaigner for the reform of legislation relating to marijuana. Gwenda Woods became a paraplegic in 1981 and used marijuana for medicinal purposes instead of other commonly prescribed drugs. Ms Woods was also an active member of the Australian branch of NORML (National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws). NORML was founded in 1970 and provided a voice for members of the public who opposed marijuana prohibition. Their mission was to "move public opinion sufficiently to achieve the repeal of marijuana prohibition so that the responsible use of cannabis by adults is no longer subject to penalty".

In addition to her involvement with marijuana law reform, Gwenda Woods was also an activist for rights for people with disabilities. She made numerous complaints to her local council and other businesses, bringing to their attention the lack of access to their premises for people in wheelchairs and with other access needs.

This material documents some of the social issues in Australia and an individual's involvement with them. The objects augment the Museum's collection of both health and medicine and social activism material and document the history of the Australian Marijuana Party and the National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

Information provided by Ms Gwenda Woods.

Written by Erika Dicker
Assistant Curator, 2007.

Protest t-shirts (9), cotton, designers and makers unknown, Australia, probably 1970-1990

This is a group of 9 cotton short sleeve t-shirts. Each t-shirt has a print on the front:

"Resistance and the Australian Marijuana Party" orange shirt with black print.
"Life be out of it!" white shirt with black print.
"Ramp it" yellow shirt with orange print.
Marijuana leaf, orange shirt with green print.
"Free Marijuana" white shirt with black print, orange images of marijuana leaves.
"I love marijuana" yellow shirt with black, red and green print
'NORML' white t shirt with green rectangle, yellow cross with marijuana leaves at each point.
"The Leisure Coasts NORML" orange t shirt with black print.
"Vote Brash" white t shirt with green and red print.

The designers and makers of the t-shirts are unknown.

The Australian Marijuana Party started in the 1970s when J.J. McRoach ran for parliament as candidate. He had an advertising campaign funded by a well-meaning anonymous dealer. His party came fourth in the elections.

The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) was founded in 1970, and since then, the organisation has played a central role in the cannabis decriminalisation movement. The organisation has a large grassroots network with 135 chapters and over 550 lawyers. The Australian chapter no longer exists.

Gift of Ms Gwenda Woods, 2007

2007/176/2

1970

570 mm

370 mm