This year marks a significant milestone in Australia’s history. 60 years since the Freedom Ride, a moment that reshaped the country’s civil rights landscape. In 1965, Charles Perkins and a group of University of Sydney students embarked on a bus journey through rural New South Wales to expose the systemic racism and dire living conditions faced by Aboriginal people. Their brave efforts ignited national and international attention, pushing for social change and equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Charles Perkins’ leadership didn’t stop at the Freedom Ride. In 1984, he made history as the first Aboriginal person to lead an Australian Government department, becoming the Secretary of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs. His journey and legacy have left a mark on the path toward reconciliation.
To commemorate the 60th anniversary, our CEO, Chris Hall, attended the Freedom Ride Ball hosted by the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC) in collaboration with Uncle Phillip Hall. The event brought together community leaders, elders, and advocates to honour the Freedom Ride’s legacy and continue the conversation around reconciliation in Australia. It was a powerful gathering that allowed for reflection on how far we’ve come, and how much further we must go.
The stories shared during the event were truly inspirational, reminding everyone of the courage it took to stand up against injustice. The evening also served as a significant reminder of the Freedom Ride’s crucial role in shaping the 1967 referendum, which led to important constitutional changes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
We would like to thank MLALC for hosting such a meaningful event and for providing the opportunity to catch up with key figures like Uncle Michael West. It was incredibly moving to hear from participants of the Freedom Ride, including Jim Spiegelman, recognised and celebrated during the night. Their voices and experiences remain an essential part of Australia’s ongoing journey toward equality and reconciliation.
The impact of the Freedom Ride continues to resonate. Here’s to honouring its legacy and forging a path forward together.
