Celebrating the Freedom Ride at Walgett

Elders and community shared dance performances to mark the 60th anniversary of the Freedom Rides at the Walgett Memorial Park (Image Inside State Government). Photo contributed

It’s been 60 years since the Freedom Ride came to Walgett and the importance of celebrating the historic event was evident in Walgett this week.

In 1965, a group of students from the University of Sydney drew national and international attention to the appalling living conditions of Aboriginal people and racism in New South Wales country towns.

Known as the Freedom Ride, this 15-day bus journey through regional New South Wales, including stops in Moree and Walgett, would become a memorable moment in Australian activism.

Amy Townsend from Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service said plans to commemorate the event had been well supported this week.

“We started off with a Walk of Respect to the Freedom Ride Memorial Park in honour and respect of the students back in 1965 and for those community members that were involved in the 1965 Freedom Ride,” she said.

“After that we held an opening ceremony in the Freedom Ride Memorial Park to commemorate the 60 years. From there, we moved to the Walgett RSL Hall, listened to speeches, and held discussions around the 1965 Freedom Ride.”

The full day of activities also involved performances by local schools and a community concert in the evening. […]

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