The Mystery of Juanita Nielson

Juanita Nielsen

Juanita Nielsen was a passionate activist and journalist from Victoria St, Kings Cross in the 70s. She lived in a terrace house in Victoria Street, Kings Cross, and her father bought her a local newspaper, Now, which she published from her home during this period.

Juanita conducted a vigorous editorial campaign in support of the ‘green ban’ movement against the redevelopment of Victoria Street by F. W. Theeman’s real-estate company, Victoria Point Pty Ltd. With her neighbour and trade-union activist Jack (‘Mick’) Fowler, she played a prominent role in mobilizing local residents against the demolition of Victoria Street’s historic terraces and the eviction of their tenant around the time of her disappearance.

It is said that she visited Carousel Club for a business appointment one morning and was never seen again. Her body was never found and no one was charged with her murder 44 years later.

In July 1983 the Sydney City Council opened a recreation centre in the Juanita Nielsen Building, near her former residence at Woolloomooloo.