10 December, 2015

Freedom Ride takes out major event award

This year’s re-enactment of the Freedom Ride has taken out the NSW Best Community Event at the Australian Event Awards.

The re-enactement, a project between the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC), the University of Sydney and the Charlie Perkins Trust, saw original Freedom Riders and students visit local communities in Dubbo, Walgett, Moree, Bowraville and Kempsey in February.

The event commemorated the 1965 Freedom Ride, which highlighted the segregation, discrimination and poor living conditions faced by Aboriginal people in New South Wales.

NSWALC Chair Roy Ah-See said the award belonged to community members in Dubbo, Walgett, Moree, Bowraville and Kempsey who made the re-enactment events a success.

He said the Land Rights network was indebted to the actions of the Freedom Riders.

“There is little doubt that the hard-fought gains brought about by the Freedom Ride laid the foundation for Land Rights in New South Wales.”

“That’s why the NSW Aboriginal Land Council was proud to support this event. To see the re-enactment take out a prestigious award is a credit to the local community members who attended community forums, concerts and other events.”