The NSW Government have announced Australia's first Blue Plaque trail, recognising the 1965 Freedom Rides, which were led by Dr Charles Perkins AO and other University of Sydney students.
The announcement, which was also attended by the NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, members of the Perkins family, and original Freedom Riders, was made by Minister Penny Sharpe at the University’s Charles Perkins Centre, a multidisciplinary health research centre named for the Arrente and Kalkadoon man. The Centre also bears a Blue Plaque honouring Dr Perkins’ contributions to Australian society, including his civil rights activism.
The Freedom Ride was a pivotal moment in Australia’s history, challenging discrimination against Aboriginal people. In February 1965, Dr Perkins and other University of Sydney students travelled regional NSW by bus to draw attention to the segregation of the communities they visited.
The group, known as Student Action for Aborigines, challenged exclusion from public facilities, documented inequalities, and brought national and international attention to racial injustice in Australia.
The new trail will recognise key locations connected to the Freedom Ride, with six commemorative plaques to be installed across NSW joining two existing plaques at the Wayside Chapel in Kings Cross, and the Freedom Ride Memorial Park in Walgett.
Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe, with Dr Charles Perkins’ granddaughter and members of the Freedom Ride. Photo credit: University of Sydney / Maja Baska.
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LinkVice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott said the announcement was especially significant at a university with deep connections to the Freedom Ride and to Dr Perkins’ legacy.
“The Freedom Ride began with students who believed they had a responsibility to challenge injustice,” said Professor Scott.
“It is fitting that this announcement is being made at the Charles Perkins Centre, named for one of our most distinguished alumni and a national leader whose courage helped change Australia. This trail will ensure future generations understand the people, actions and values that helped shape the Australia we know.”
In her announcement, Minister Sharpe recognised the 1965 Freedom Rides as one of the most significant civil rights events in NSW’s history.
“NSW was profoundly changed because Aboriginal people and their allies spoke up against discrimination, and the Freedom Ride helped bring those injustices into the open.
“It’s never been more important to recognise the shoulders we stand on and the people who fought for change.”
The Freedom Riders did not act in isolation. They stood alongside Aboriginal communities who had long been fighting for dignity, fairness and recognition.
Professor Reuben Bolt
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services)
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services), Professor Reuben Bolt said that the announcement recognises the enduring strength and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“The Freedom Riders did not act in isolation. They stood alongside Aboriginal communities who had long been fighting for dignity, fairness and recognition.
“This trail acknowledges both the courage of those students and the strength of the communities that welcomed them, supported them and shared their experiences.”
In February 2025 while commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Freedom Rides, the University announced a scholarship honouring the legacy of those courageous students and allies. The Freedom Ride 60th Anniversary Scholarship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students provides financial support to two students from New South Wales experiencing financial hardship, for the duration of their degree.
Julia McInerney, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science/Laws student and recipient of the Freedom Ride 60th Anniversary Scholarship, said she was grateful to see the government formally recognise the courage and determination of those who fought for equality through the 1965 Freedom Ride.
"Their actions helped create opportunities for future generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including students like me. Receiving this scholarship is a reminder of that legacy and inspires me to continue pursuing my education while contributing to a more just and equitable future.”
The announcement was also attended by members of Dr Charles Perkins’ family, including his wife Eileen, and daughter, acclaimed filmmaker and former University of Sydney Senate Fellow, Rachel Perkins.
Dr Charles’ Perkins grandchildren Madeleine Madden, Tyson Perkins, and Charles Perkins, original Freedom Ride members Warwick Richards, Brian Aarons, Colin Bradford and Patricia Healy (seated), Eileen Perkins and Minister Penny Sharpe (centre). Photo credit: University of Sydney / Maja Baska.
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