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1965 Freedom Rides in NSW: Impact & Insights

In 1965, inspired by the US Freedom Rides, 34 university students in Australia, led by Aboriginal activist Charles Perkins, traveled to rural NSW to investigate the treatment of Aboriginals. They aimed to expose discrimination, particularly at RSL clubs, which they accused of maintaining a color bar. The students faced hostility and were escorted out of towns like Walgett, highlighting the tensions surrounding their protest efforts.

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12 views1 page

1965 Freedom Rides in NSW: Impact & Insights

In 1965, inspired by the US Freedom Rides, 34 university students in Australia, led by Aboriginal activist Charles Perkins, traveled to rural NSW to investigate the treatment of Aboriginals. They aimed to expose discrimination, particularly at RSL clubs, which they accused of maintaining a color bar. The students faced hostility and were escorted out of towns like Walgett, highlighting the tensions surrounding their protest efforts.

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pneumono80
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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FREEDOM RIDES

1965 Freedom Rides Influence of the US Freedom Rides Source A: Sydney Morning Herald, 16 Feb., 1965
 Inspired by the US Freedom Rides, 34 university students
RSL MEN RAP THE COLOR-BAR ‘RAIDERS’
(SAFA (Student Action for Aboriginals)) travelled to major
rural towns in NSW to investigate the conditions Aboriginals
were subjected to. Sydney, today. – RSL clubs in four NSW towns are “on guard” today against a bus-
 They were led by Aboriginal civil rights activist, Charles load of Sydney University freedom riders.
Perkins.
 Bring attention to treatment of Aboriginals
The 30 students are reported to be planning to picket the RSL clubs in Moree,
 “Well the Freedom Ride is a copy of what really happened in
America, where people wanted to go out. … and expose Lismore, Taree and Kempsey. The students claim that some RSL clubs in NSW
discrimination and prejudice … And we thought, well we’ll have a color bar.
go into country towns in NSW - Perkins
The students were “escorted” out of the 2000-population town of Walgett by 10
cars and trucks after angry scenes last night.

Freedom-rider Jim Spigelman, a 21-year-old law student, told The Herald by


telephone today his group found “definite evidence” of a color bar at Walgett RSL.

When The Herald telephoned club manager Mr Hogan today, he refused to answer
directly if aboriginals were allowed in the club. […]

The acting manager of Moree Services Club, Mr Jack Hartley, told the Herald by
telephone: “They’re [the protestors] pretty tame. We’ll handle them alright. We
don’t expect any trouble, but if they start something, they’ll come off second best.
I’ve got enough good fighters to take care of things […]”

A steward from the club said: “There is no discrimination in Moree. Aboriginals


get a fair go. There’s four in our club, black as your boots, but they’re real
gentlemen. They’re ex-Diggers [soldiers].”

Factors that make Source A useful Factors that make Source A lack
for someone studying the nature of usefulness for someone studying
the Freedom Rides the nature of the Freedom Rides

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