Freedom Rides to Walgett Timeline
(1939 - Present)
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Bill Ferguson and Jack Kinchela of the Aborigines Progressive Association (APA) visit Walgett and Walgett APA is set up.
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Aboriginal-Australian Fellowship (AAF) delegation visits Walgett.
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The AAF representatives visit Walgett and witness segregation in the Oasis Motel- Hotel, the RSL and the Luxury Theatre. The AAF lobbies against segregation in Walgett.
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Arrest of two 9-year-old Aboriginal boys is followed by a delegation of members of the AAF and/or the Builders Labourers Federation and Waterside Workers Federation. The Walgett APA re-established.
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Student Action for Aborigines’ Freedom Ride (SAFA) bus arrives in Walgett and the students organise their first demonstration in front of the Walgett RSL.
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Group of six SAFA students visit Walgett. The APA is active in Walgett.
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Harry Hall and Ted Fields successfully organise a protest to end segregation at the Luxury Theatre together with a group of SAFA students and supporters from the APA, Sydney. Harry Hall and Ted Fields also organise a campaign to end segregation in Oasis and Imperial Hotel.
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The Referendum to give the Commonwealth ower to make laws with respect to First Nations People and include them in the census.
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The Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs is established in Walgett with Harry Hall as a manager.
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The RSL in Walgett admits Tom Lake as a member.
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Aboriginal Legal Service regional office set up.
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Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Limited established.
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The 30th Anniversary of the Freedom Ride and a reunion of the SAFA students in Sydney.
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Dharriwaa Elders Group (DEG) is established.
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The 40th Anniversary of the Freedom Rides.
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The 50th Anniversary of the Freedom Rides. Original Freedom Riders retraced their historic journey through Dubbo, Walgett, Moree and Kempsey.
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The Freedom Ride Park is established in Walgett, NSW with an artwork to commemorate the Freedom Rides to Walgett.