Freedom Ride Facts
Began in Feb 1965. Over 2000km travelled and visited: Walgett,
Gulargambone, Kempsey, Bowraville and Moree.
Led by Charles Perkins and Jim Spiegelman and included Darce Cassidy – an
arts student who was also a part time ABC reporter.
Protests were staged and the Walgett RSL, Moree baths, Kempsey baths and
Bowraville picture theatre.
Media coverage increased throughout the Freedom Ride and succeeded in
convincing the majority of Australians that racism was a problem in Australia.
The Media coverage led to pressure on governments for reform and indirectly
led to the 1967 referendum on Aboriginal Citizenship.
Source: Melbourne Herald, 20 February
1965
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