Moree Plains Shire Council has partnered with Moree Local Aboriginal Lands Council and community representatives to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the 1965 Freedom Rides today, Wednesday 19 February.
Gathering from 9:30am at Moree Memorial Hall, the entire community is invited to march through Moree CBD to the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC).
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 Rides. 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 our 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 Mayor Susannah Pearse.
Led by Charles Perkins, the Freedom Riders’ actions in Moree led the then Moree Municipal Council to repeal the by-laws that prohibited 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 Rides annually.
“In speaking to members of our community who were involved in the 1965 Freedom Rides, it is clear that our council by-laws had a huge impact on the community. 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to the challenges and segregation experienced by our local Aboriginal people, ultimately resulting in the by-laws being rescinded.”
“Beyond the local impact of the Freedom Ride, the 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. 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 today.
“This is an opportunity to heal past wounds, celebrate our achievements and look forward to improving our future.”
As part of the commemoration, Council is offering free entry and water slide at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC) on Thursday, 20 February.
Schedule of commemorative events
Wednesday 19 February 2025
9:30am- Assemble at the Moree Memorial Hall
10am – 10:30am- March to Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC)
10:45am – Commemoration at MAAC
12 – 3pm – Lunch and entertainment at Jellicoe Park
Thursday 20 February 2025
All Day – Free entry to MAAC
3 – 6pm – Free Slide at MAAC
Please note that 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.
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