Class divides run deep in Adelaide. Opportunities whisked up by established money, colleges & upturned noses on one side of town; poverty & long-term unemployment on the other. Growing up in Adl forces razor-sharp focus on class wherever I go. THREAD (1/6)

I learnt east-siders would never go to working/underclass west or north. We never went to their parts. Once I was invited to a Yr12 formal on eastside- the first time I& #39;d socialised with people on that side of town! (I& #39;d only ever served them at their parties as a waitress).(2/6)

I answered a call on my old Nokia brick. The college kids tried to humiliate me yelling out “povo” & laughing. I sat frocked up, eating nice food, & still tried to engage in honest conversation: letting them redeem themselves. They circled back to the povo "joke" all night. (3/6)

Young adults with the best education money could buy, couldn& #39;t meet me half way. But only shit on me. Water off a ducks& #39; back though. Plenty pride from my working class upbringing meant we pitied the sheltered & shallow. You grow up much quicker when you have to struggle. (4/6)

But transforming struggle into a better more clarified life depended on education. Getting into uni was hard enough! You& #39;re exhausted from boxing your whole life. But you go on. Tools you need to defend yourself against those who consider you in the "wrong place" are there. (5/6)

Thanks Danijel for your story about the power of university for the poor & first-in-family. For telling ppl about Adelaide & what its like on the other side of town. We urgently need a revitalised & fully funded public uni & TAFE system. END. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/09/jacqui-lambie-is-right-it-just-got-harder-for-working-class-kids-like-me-to-go-to-university">https://www.theguardian.com/commentis...