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FOR THE GERMAN LANGUAGE VERSION PRESS
HERE
The Mission began seventeen years ago prior to the formation of the 'Prosti-
tutes' Action Group' ( November 1978 ), almost a decade before the 'Australian
Prostitutes' Collective' (1984); and the 'Neave Report' ( December 1985 ).
No specialized agency was
available to serve the needs of the women or a
serious body of books treating the subject of prostitution. Feminists of the day
did not appear to have prostitution on their agenda. Subsequently the Mission
evolved, tentatively, absent of any knowledge, expertise or skills. For prag-
matic purposes, it was established where it was accessible, in the hub of the
"industry"; rather than a conservatively detached location.
Geoffrey Francis Lamb [ anonymity will not apply, in this pamphlet, to persons
who were named in media reports ] ( v. ), who was described by the media as
"brothel king" (vi. ), signed an agreement with the writer ( February 1977 ) for a
Mission to be established.
Activities of the Mission were to include: counselling members of his staff,
idelicet, women working as prostitutes, particularly those who were addicted
to either 'prescribed' or 'illicit' drugs; and 'to assist former employees to estab-
lish themselves into conventional employment,' and the Mission was to have
'total autonomy'. The agreement was accepted in principle by the majority of
both workers and brothel owners throughout the "industry".
Brothels in Melbourne metropolitan area,
from Frankston to Brunswick and Clayton to
Footscray were visited frequently by the
writer. These represented approximately
200 brothels and 50 home services. This is
an estimated total of 2,000 women - the
highest figures in ratio to population in the
world ( vii. ). The writer extended pastoral
activities to interstate brothels in Sydney
and Adelaide.
Copyright © 1977 'Parlour Weekly'
PROSTITUTES' OWN PUBLICATION
AND HEALTH PROJECT.
A publication entitled: 'Parlour Weekly' was started on 10 June 1977. It circu-
lated for the women in the "industry", firstly in Melbourne and eventually
Sydney and Adelaide. It comprised of advice columns, letters and ar-
ticles from the women, editorials, advertising
space for owners and operators agreeing not to
advertise in newspapers for workers, information
and health promoting supplements ( exempli gratia , 'Drugs and the Law' and 'Breast examin-
ation'.) supplied by 'Police Life', 'National Drug
Information Service, Health Education Centre,
Anti-cancer Council of Victoria, and the National Standing Committee on Drug Dependence.
Occasionally, the media quoted from articles in
the 'Parlour Weekly' ( viii ). Articles were also
quoted in sociological studies at Melbourne University.
Facsimile of single surviving page of the
'Parlour Weekly'. See 'Appendix' below.
In May 1978, with the generous co-operation of Margaret Dee, Secretary of The
Prostitution Law Repeal Association N.S.W; the 'Parlour Weekly incorporated
'Quills & Quims'.
The 'Parlour Weekly' is believed to be the first publication of its kind; it
reached a circulation of 300. Due to insufficient resources the 'Parlour Weekly' ceased publication on 16 June 1978.
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