In 1965, Charlie Perkins led a group of 30 University of Sydney students in a bus through rural towns to protest against Aboriginal exclusion from venues like swimming pools and cinemas.

Now, as part of the 60th anniversary, the NSW Government are calling for local community members to get involved in a planned Blue Plaque Trail to commemorate the historic ride.

Charlie Perkins was one of only two indigenous students enrolled in the University at the time.

The route ran from Sydney through western towns including Gulargambone and Collarenebri and Dubbo, as well as Lismore, Taree and Newcastle closer to the coast.

In Walgett the group held signs outside the local RSL club in protest against a ban on indigenous servicemen.

 ''The timing was right for this but many others would do it in a different way,’’ Mr Perkins said later.

Patrick Bourke, a local amateur historian, says Heritage NSW want communities along the Western Plains to engage with the new Freedom Ride Trail.

He says the Blue Plaque trail would include plaques similar to the one placed at Walgett's Memorial Freedom Ride Park in February this year.

It is one of just two blue plaques already unveiled.

Crowds honoured the Freedom Ride in Walgett in February 2025. [IMAGE: Heritage NSW]

The Freedom Ride bus made various stops during its two-week journey. Significant things happened at many of these stops, from protests and public meetings to information gathering and awareness raising.

‘’They are asking us to help identify which stops along the route could be commemorated with a blue plaque," Mr Bourke said.

"Heritage NSW want to know where important interactions with local communities happened. What was their lasting impact.’’

"This online survey will run concurrently with our community outreach on this important project," a spokesperson said.

As a student Ann Curthoys was one of the original 'freedom riders' in 1965.

She has since published a book, based on her diary of the time, and is now a respected Professor.

Prof. Curthoys attended the anniversary with fellow riders Chris Page, Aidan Foy, Beth Hansen and Alec Mills.

At the time of the Walgett plaque unveiling she says it was clear the community had rich memories.

‘’It makes you feel very pleased that you're involved in something that was so important to some people, and that helped change some of their lives," said Prof. Curthoys.

"I think people who know their history can have a strong sense of identity and community."

Ann Curthoys was one of the students on the 1965 Freedom Ride. [IMAGE: Wikipedia]

"I'm a historian, so I always think remembering the past is important, mainly to know where you came from," she said.

"It can be a kind of a spur to action, the fact that there's a tradition to be carried on.

"There's an inheritance."

 Nominations for the Blue Plaques are open until 30 November 2025.

“NSW has profoundly changed as a result of Charles Perkins and the students who drew attention to racial injustice in our state," said Penny Sharpe, Minister for Heritage.

“By listening to Aboriginal voices, supporting Aboriginal-led initiatives, and committing to real action, we can follow in the footsteps of the Freedom Riders to build a more just and equal Australia,” said David Harris, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.

You can read the stories behind the plaques at the Wayside Chapel in Sydney’s Potts Point and the Walgett Freedom Ride Memorial Park here.