The Times Australia
Thursday, March 6, 2025 5:40:23 PM
The Times Australia

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Unveiling of Blue Plaque commemorates the 1965 Freedom Ride during NAIDOC Week



In celebration of NAIDOC Week, a blue plaque has been unveiled at the Wayside Chapel in Kings Cross, commemorating the pivotal 1965 Freedom Ride.

This influential campaign highlighted the racial discrimination faced by Aboriginal people in regional New South Wales and significantly contributed to social and legislative changes, including the historic 1967 Referendum.
 
Organised by University of Sydney students and led by Charles Perkins, the Freedom Ride embarked on a 15-day bus journey on 12 February 1965, travelling through towns such as Walgett, Kempsey, and Moree.

The group demonstrated in these towns to draw attention to the discriminatory treatment of Aboriginal people. The Wayside Chapel played a crucial role in coordinating media coverage, even reaching international audiences with a story in The New York Times.

The widely publicised Ride was instrumental in changing Australians' attitudes towards Aboriginal rights. Its impact was felt two years later when more than 90% of Australians voted 'Yes' in the landmark 1967 Referendum, which granted Indigenous Australians full rights as citizens.




The unveiling of this blue plaque during NAIDOC Week serves as a fitting tribute to the enduring legacy of the 1965 Freedom Ride.

By commemorating the significant contributions of the campaign and the group that organised it, the plaque stands as a reminder of the progress made and the ongoing journey towards equality and reconciliation.

The Blue Plaques NSW program celebrates the stories of extraordinary people and events that have shaped our state. To learn more, visit the Blue Plaques NSW website.

Sam Kidman, Executive Director Heritage NSW: said,

"The Freedom Ride of 1965 is an integral part of the heritage of New South Wales.

This Blue Plaque serves as a testament to the enduring significance of the journey undertaken by Charles Perkins and the University of Sydney students, whose efforts catalysed meaningful progress in our state's journey towards equality and reconciliation."




Background

As the civil rights movement ignited in the United States in the early 1960s, many in Australia were compelled to stand up against racial discrimination closer to home. This included a group of students from the University of Sydney who formed the Student Action for Aborigines (SAFA) group. Arrente man Charles Perkins – one of only 2 Indigenous students at the university – was elected as the group’s leader. Taking inspiration from the US Civil Rights Freedom Rides in 1961, SAFA organised its own protest bus trip to the state’s north, determined to draw attention to the inequities and mistreatment of Indigenous people in country towns.

In February 1965, a group of 30 students left Sydney in a hired bus. For 2 weeks, the students rode the bus through regional NSW, starting in Wellington, Gulargambone and Walgett, and then moving through Moree, Boggabilla, Tenterfield, Lismore, Grafton, Bowraville and Kempsey. In Walgett, they protested a ban on Indigenous ex-servicemen entering the Returned Services League (RSL) Club.

In Moree and Kempsey, they called out local laws barring Indigenous children from swimming pools. In Bowraville, they attempted to ‘gatecrash’ the cinema to protest the inequity in ticketing for Indigenous people.

Their efforts were not well-received by locals, who pelted the group with fruit and stones, and at one stage chased the bus in a convoy of cars. In one town, the police had to escort the students to safety.

While SAFA as an organisation existed for only a short time, the Ride itself had a lasting impact. Publicity for the Ride was wide and far reaching, including in overseas newspapers, putting a spotlight on the extent Australia’s racial discrimination. This strengthened later campaigns to achieve greater equality and recognition for Indigenous peoples. Charles Perkins was catapulted on to the national stage as a spokesman for Aboriginal rights and was later awarded an Order of Australia medal for services to Aboriginal welfare.

Businesses that use digital tools without a strategic plan will struggle in a tough economy

Small businesses across Australia and New Zealand are facing one of their toughest periods in decades. A fl...

The Times Features

What’s the difference between wholemeal and wholegrain bread? Not a whole lot

If you head to the shops to buy bread, you’ll face a variety of different options. But it can be hard to work out the difference between all the types on sale. For instance...

Expert Tips for Planning Home Electrical Upgrades in Australia

Home electrical systems in Australia are quite intricate and require careful handling. Safety and efficiency determine the functionality of these systems, and it's critical to ...

Floor Tiling: Choosing the Right Tiles for Every Room

Choosing floor tiles is more than just grabbing the first design that catches your eye at the showroom. You need to think about how the floor tiling option will fit into your spa...

Exploring Family Caravans: Your Ultimate Guide to Mobile Living and Travel

Australia is the land of vast horizons, spectacular coastlines, and a never-ending adventure. As landscapes and adventures vary across the country, Voyager will route you, carava...

Energy-Efficient Homes in Geelong: How a Local Electrician Can Help You Save Money

Rising energy bills don’t have to be the new normal. With Victoria’s energy prices up 25% last year, Geelong homeowners are fighting back and winning, by partnering with licenced...

Eating disorders don’t just affect teen girls. The risk may go up around pregnancy and menopause too

Eating disorders impact more than 1.1 million people in Australia[1], representing 4.5% of the population. These disorders include binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and...

Times Magazine

Why Cloud Computing Is the Future of IT Infrastructure for Enterprises

Globally, cloud computing is changing the way business organizations manage their IT infrastructure. It offers cheap, flexible and scalable solutions. Cloud technologies are applied in organizations to facilitate procedures and optimize operation...

First Nations Writers Festival

The First Nations Writers Festival (FNWF) is back for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, continuing its mission to celebrate the voices, cultures and traditions of First Nations communities through literature, art and storytelling. Set to take ...

Improving Website Performance with a Cloud VPS

Websites represent the new mantra of success. One slow website may make escape for visitors along with income too. Therefore it's an extra offer to businesses seeking better performance with more scalability and, thus represents an added attracti...

Why You Should Choose Digital Printing for Your Next Project

In the rapidly evolving world of print media, digital printing has emerged as a cornerstone technology that revolutionises how businesses and creative professionals produce printed materials. Offering unparalleled flexibility, speed, and quality, d...

What to Look for When Booking an Event Space in Melbourne

Define your event needs early to streamline venue selection and ensure a good fit. Choose a well-located, accessible venue with good transport links and parking. Check for key amenities such as catering, AV equipment, and flexible seating. Pla...

How BIM Software is Transforming Architecture and Engineering

Building Information Modeling (BIM) software has become a cornerstone of modern architecture and engineering practices, revolutionizing how professionals design, collaborate, and execute projects. By enabling more efficient workflows and fostering ...

LayBy Shopping