About 100 people attended a gathering at the Plaza Latinamericana in central Sydney to farewell Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez, who died on March 5 in Caracas.
The gathering, called at short notice by members of the Latin American community in Sydney, heard several speakers hail the life and achievements of Venezuela's revolutionary leader.
Venezuelan Ambassador to Australia Nelson Davila addressed the crowd by phone from Canberra.
He said: "This is a sad moment for Venezuela and for people across the world. We have lost our key leader of the revolution, and a key leader in all of Latin America.
"Chavez promoted the idea that it is possible to transform society. He stood for the interests of the poor people against the rich.
"This is indeed a sad moment for the Latin American homeland. Presidents and leaders from all across Latin America will shortly gather in Caracas for Chavez's funeral.
"In countries all around the world there have been demonstrations of support for Chavez and Venezuela. Only the right wing are sick enough to celebrate Chavez's death.
"The revolution in Venezuela, the revolution in Latin America will continue.
"In 30 days, new elections for president will be held in Venezuela. The people will be supporting the candidate endorsed by Chavez before his death, Nicolas Maduro.
"The guiding light of Chavez will illuminate the path forward for us.
"Tonight in the Venezuelan embassy we will be holding a vigil to mark Chavez's passing. His death does not signify a defeat, rather the prospect of continuing the revolution.
"Viva Chavez! Viva the Latin American revolution!"
A declaration of support for Chavez from the Cuban government was then read out.
Other speakers noted the inspiration provided by Chavez, both within Venezuela and Latin America, and internationally. A common theme was a call to take up the fight for 21st century socialism and to step up the worldwide campaign of solidarity with Venezuela and Latin America in the face of escalating threats from the US and global imperialism.
A memorial was also held in Melbourne on March 7. People brought banners and placards, lit candles, played music and shared their reflections, experiences and thoughts. Initiated by the Socialist Alliance, representatives from unions, Australian socialist and Latin American organisations attended the gathering.
Many speakers paid tribute to Chavez and his exceptional leadership in the global struggle against imperialism and environmental destruction.
Carlos Sierra from Venezuela said his country was stricken with grief and explained how Chavez and the Bolivarian revolution had given hope to millions of compatriots, where there had been none before.
Other speakers extended their gratitude to the Venezuela people and Chavez for lighting the fire of resistance, which has given activists in Australia and across the globe strength, inspiration and the power of a good example.
Sierra said Chavez's legacy lives on in the Bolivarian revolution and its makers: the masses, the poor and marginalised, encapsulated in the slogan, "we are all Chavez and the struggle continues".
In Brisbane, members of the Latin American community, solidarity activists and members of left parties gathered for a memorial on March 8.
Eulalia Reyes-Whitney gave tribute on behalf of the Brisbane committee of the Australian Venezuela Solidarity Network, which hosted the event.
She spoke about the origins of Chavez, the unfolding revolution in Venezuela and what this has meant for the Venezuelan people. She spoke as a proud Venezuelan who said that the Bolivarian revolution had empowered the Venezuelan people, and would continue to do so.
Representatives of Australia Solidarity with Latin America, URNG (Guatemala), FMLN (El Salvador), and the Australian Cuba Friendship Society hailed Chavez not only for his contribution to the revolution ion Venezuela but for the leading role in Latin America integration, and his consistent opposition to US imperialism.
The need to step up international solidarity with Venezuela in the face of possible US intervention was made by speakers from the Communist Party of Australia, Socialist Alliance, Resistance, Revolutionary Socialist Party and Socialist Alternative.
Others at the meeting also shared the view that although Chavez’s fight for life had ended, that his struggle for the full liberation of the human race would continue.
He had now joined the ranks of the dead who never die: along with Che and Marx, the inspiration of Chavez and the example of his life will mean that he will continue to lead the struggle for socialism of the 21st century.
A condolence book was opened and will be sent to Davila as an expression of solidarity to the people of Venezuela from Brisbane.