My name is Bridget and I am apart of the 1965 Freedom ride.
13th February 1965
We have just left the town of Dubbo as part of our 14 day 3200 kilometre freedom ride (Anderson,
Et, Al, 2008) . We are now heading towards Gulargambone. I hate the road everyone is so quiet, I think it is because we are
in pure shock of what is happening. Before I joined I thought this cause was a
waste on time, but now I believe in it completely I know it is going to make a
difference. After we finish our route of all the towns I can only imagine the
impact our cause has created.
For every
rotten piece of food thrown at us there were dozens of people happy about what
we are doing for equality. Every abusive comment that was said there were
people saying don’t worry about them, you are doing what is right. I honestly
thought we wouldn’t achieve anything that we would be branded into society as
stupid lunatics and many more of our rights would be taken away from us.
We would be worse off than what we are now. I
am honestly so thankful for all the support that the town of Dubbo gave
us.
I still remember the day that
Charles Perkins came to me saying to join the ride.
He promised it would be life changing,
although I didn’t take his word for it.
I was still up for the challenge. Whilst he was trying to get me to join
the freedom ride, he brought over a 13 year old girl, that a white carer was
suppose to be caring for. Her name was Elizabeth her hair looked like it had
not been brushed for about a month and she was very hungry. I am beginning to realise now that our society is treating aboriginals quite harshly, they don't get the same education, health services and housing opportunities particularly in the New south Wales.
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| This is an image of the track they drove to reach Gulargambone. |
