Three Doomed Communes: A Roma Romance?

Abstract

In the 1890s, 13 socialist communes were established in Queensland, all with some government support. One lasted 16 years; the others only about two years. Some succeeded in various ways, but this paper looks at the most dismal failures, the three communes established near Roma: 'Excel Pioneer', 'Nil Desperandum' and 'Obertown Model'. In doing so, it expands the study of nineteenth century Queensland communes and explores a largely overlooked period of Roma's development.