WELCOME
to the personal Web page of

Brian Pola

I am an Australian writer, academic and radical community activist. I live in Ballarat, Victoria.

I was born in Melbourne in 1949. Raised as Catholic, I spent boyhood years in the Wimmera township of Nhill. I was educated at Nhill High School and Saint Patrick’s College, Ballarat. After a year training for the priesthood I was offered a place at university and enrolled in history and sociology at LaTrobe University in 1969. I became radicalised like many other students in the 1960s. I joined the Communist Party of Australia and was very involved in the Australian Union of Students, the campaign to Save the Franklin and battles to save the environment. As a result of anti-Vietnam War activities and being a conscientious objector I was imprisoned in 1972. I came out as a homosexual in 1970 and involved myself in anti-discrimination battles.

Leaving University, I taught in Victorian secondary schools and Universities. I am committed to the resolution of many significant issues facing us today. I have a deep green philosophy regarding planet Earth. Earth is our home in the cosmos. In my career as a teacher I have tried to support students in their struggle to become themselves, to be truly free, enlightened and independent thinkers. In 1988 I completed a Doctorate on the Australian Radical Student Movement. I have a special interest in the struggle of the Palestinians for a homeland; an independent West Papua and restorative justice for the aboriginal people of Australia.

In 2009 I returned to LaTrobe University to study English Literature. In 2010 I am delighted to be delving into the poetry of John Keats. I maintain a watching brief on local, State and international politics and am involved in green and heritage issues in Ballarat.

Yarrowee: A Radical Life In 2007 I published ‘Yarrowee: A Radical Life’. It is an autographical novel set in present day Ballarat. ‘Yarrowee’ is a no-holds-barred attack on the powers-that-be. It is a story of political intrigue. It is also the story of my homosexual life. ‘Yarrowee’ invites you, the reader into a rarefied, free-wheeling world where my friends Luke, James and Xavier plunge into radical politics, the sex clubs of nearby Melbourne and the realisation of their own lives as young men. In the background is the frightening reality of being monitored by those who oppose us in the battle for the hearts and minds of Australia. ‘Yarrowee’ is a moving and confronting story of how an innocent country youth gets caught up in one of the most exciting times in Australian history. The conclusion presents a brighter future for young Australians if they choose to grab hold of it. It is a story of inspiration and hope for Australians.

Yarrowee: A Radical Life - Read an excerpt from the book - Click here

‘Yarrowee: A Radical Life’ is available to buy at:

Collins Booksellers. 80 Bridge Mall, Ballarat.(tel. 5331 6552)
Book City, 222 Sturt Street, Ballarat. (tel. 5331 7411)
Readings Books 309 Lygon Street Carlton (tel.9347 6633)
Hares and Hyenas, 63 Johnston St Fitzroy (tel.9495 6589)
LaTrobe University Bookshop (tel. 9479 1234)

Would you like to chat or contact me? Great! Email me and I’ll get back to you!
Email: info@brianpola.com