Australian Freedom Rides1965

Background info…Inspired by the Freedom Riders of the American Civil rights MovementStudents from Sydney University formed the Student Action for Aboriginals groupLed by Charles Perkins

Context…At the time of the Freedom Rides:

Aboriginals were not counted in the censusAboriginals’ rights as citizens were completely ignored

Some details…Who: 30 studentsWhat: protested, picketed, facedviolenceWhen:12th Feb,1965Where:(see map )

Purpose…To draw public attention to the poor state of Aboriginal health, education and housingTo point out and help to lessen the socially discriminatory barriers which existed between Aboriginal and white residentsTo encourage and support Aboriginal people themselves to resist discrimination.

Publicity…Charles Perkins swims with Aboriginal children in Moree pool on Wednesday 17 February (The Australian, 19 February 1965, p. 4). The original caption read: 'Mr Charles Perkins, the part Aboriginal student leader, frolics with children in the swimming pool he helped desegregate'.

Publicity (continued)…MOREE, Saturday. - Mob violence exploded here today as student freedom riders were attacked by a crowd crazed with race hate. White women spat on girl students and screamed filthy words as the students tried to win Aboriginal children admission to the town baths.Several people were arrested and the town's mayor, Alderman William Lloyd, pitched into the battle, grabbing students by the scruff of their necks and hurling them out of the way.Throughout the fighting a barrage of eggs and rotten fruit rained on the students.Mr Jim Spigelman, a 19-year-old student from Maroubra, was smacked to the ground while the 500 strong crowd roared its approval.Sunday Mirror, 21 February, 1965

History Repeats…In 2005, another Freedom ride took place around New South Wales.The focus of this ride was on reconciliation.At this time, Australia’s acceptance of reconciliation would not have been as high as it would be in future years, considering the political situation at the time.