MOREE Plains Shire Council has partnered with Moree Local Aboriginal Lands Council and community representatives to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the 1965 Freedom Ride.

Gathering from 9:30am on Wednesday, February 19 at Moree War Memorial Hall, the entire community is invited to march through the CBD to Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.

Once there, Elders who were present at the baths with Charles Perkins in 1965 will speak about their experiences and reflect on the changes brought about by the Freedom Ride.

The event will then move to Jellicoe Park for an afternoon of entertainment with local performers and a free lunch.

“The 1965 Freedom Ride had a profound impact on the lives of Aboriginal people in ours shire and I invite the whole community to attend this day of commemoration, as we recognise the errors of the past and walk together for a brighter future,” said Moree Plains mayor Susannah Pearse.

Led by Charles Perkins, the Freedom Riders’ actions in Moree led the then-Moree Municipal Council to repeal the by-laws prohibiting Aboriginal people from entering the Moree Bore Baths and Moree War Memorial Hall.

In July 2024, Moree Plains Shire Council resolved that Council “acknowledges the creation, enforcement and impact of the 1955 by-laws in reinforcing racial segregation” and committed to commemorating the Freedom Ride annually.

“In speaking to members of our community who were involved in the 1965 Freedom Ride, it is clear that our council by-laws had a huge impact on the community,” Cr Pearse said.

“As Elders have said, the Council by-laws set the local standard, enabling other restrictions and broader racism.

“In 1965, the 15-day bus ride of students from the University of Sydney drew national and international attention to the challenges and segregation experienced by our local Aboriginal people, ultimately resulting in the by-laws being rescinded.”

Student Action for Aborigines, led by Charles Perkins (Image credit National Film and Sound Archive of Australia).

Beyond the local impact of the Freedom Ride, media coverage around the famous bus journey is credited as contributing to the success of Australia’s 1967 Referendum.

“Today, I am proud that for one, our Council looks incredibly different to the Council that put those by-laws in place,” Cr Pearse said.

“We now have our first Aboriginal deputy mayor in councillor Wayne Tighe, and it’s the first time we have had two Aboriginal councillors, with Cr Fred McGrady also joining the council table in 2024.

“Representation matters, and with diversity in the highest decision-making level of our organisation, we can aim for strategies and policies that better serve our whole community.”

Mayor Pearse encourages as many community members are possible to attend the events on Wednesday.

“This is an opportunity to heal past wounds, celebrate our achievements and look forward to improving our future,” she said.

As part of the commemoration, Council is offering free entry and water slide at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre on Thursday, February 20.

Schedule of commemorative events Wednesday, February 19

9.30am: Assemble at the Moree War Memorial Hall

10am-10.30am: March to Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

10.45am: Commemoration at MAAC

12pm-3pm: Lunch and entertainment at Jellicoe Park

Thursday, February 20

All Day: Free entry to MAAC

3pm-6pm: Free Slide at MAAC

Please note patron capacity limits at the MAAC may lead to time limits and variable waiting periods. The MAAC adheres to the Royal Lifesaving Keep Watch Policy.

Children will not be admitted without adequate supervision by a responsible adult.

For more information, please contact the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (02) 6752 2272.