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.
Quotes attributable to Sam Kidman, Executive Director Heritage NSW:
'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.'
Quotes attributable to Jon Owen, Pastor and CEO of Wayside Chapel:
'We are truly honoured to receive the NSW Heritage Blue Plaque to recognise Wayside Chapel Kings Cross as the central coordination site for the 1965 Freedom Ride.
'This was a seminal moment in our country's history of protest and activism against racial injustice and discrimination of our Indigenous people, and we are so proud of the legacy left by our Founder, Ted Noffs, as a longstanding ally of Aboriginal rights and the work of Charles Perkins.'
