Book Launch: Queensland's Temperance Story - A Faithful Struggle

Join us for the launch of Pat Comben's new book on the temperance movement in Queensland!
About this Event

Join us for the talk of Pat Comben's new book on the Queensland temperance movement, held at the Commissariat Store.

Book Abstract:

"First you take a drink, then the drink takes another drink, then the drink takes you." - F. Scott Fitzgerald

The complex story of the Queensland Temperance Movement began in the mid-nineteenth century, when social reformers first drew attention to the damaging effects of alcohol on people's health, character and family life. Often dismissed as self-righteous, patronising 'wowsers', advocates of temperance nevertheless challenged powerful liquor-industry interests and vote-seeking politicians in their determined campaign to curb the consumptino of alcohol and other drugs.

In this engaging and meticulusly reached account, author Pat Comben weaves together the stories of the many people who shaped the movement, from church leaders and social reformers to politicians and suffragists. Tracing the development of successive temperance organisations - their changing names, key figures, achievements and set-backs - Pat follows the movement's evolution over more than a century, culminatng in its modern-day expression: Drug ARM.

This is a significant yet little-told chapter of Queensland's history. Without the passion and persistence of those early crusaders for temperance, would Drug ARM - now a vital organisation providing compassionate programs and education to support people affected by substance abuse - even exist?