Emil (1919-2008) and Hannah Witton (1919-1993) were born in Berlin, Germany and came to Australia in 1939 to escape Nazi persecution. This experience turned Emil into a strong advocate for social justice and, in particular, Aboriginal rights and reconciliation. Emil and Hannah campaigned alongside their friend, Faith Bandler, at the 1967 referendum. After retiring from his Sydney printing business, Emil worked for Amnesty International for 20 years until his death in 2008. Dymphna Cusack was a teacher, author, social activist and cultural commentator during her stays in Europe from the 1940s to the 1970s. Cusack was awarded the Order of Australia for her contribution to Australian literature just prior to her death in 1981. Her most famous novel was Come in spinner published in 1951. Cusack was a long-term family friend of the Wittons.
From the description of Papers of Emil and Hannah Witton, 1969-1979 [manuscript]. [1969-1979] (Libraries Australia). WorldCat record id: 441659365
