A Journey of Allyship
Last month, Stand Up undertook something remarkable. Our Freedom Rides program brought together Jewish and First Nations young adults to walk in the footsteps of the 1965 Freedom Ride- reflecting on their own role in social justice and allyship, 60 years on.
Travelling by minibus from Boggabilla to Moree, Walgett, Dubbo and Sydney, the group visited key sites of protest and heard first-hand accounts from people who had witnessed the original Ride. Among them was The Honourable James Spigelman AC KC, former Chief Justice of New South Wales, who helped organise the 1965 Ride alongside his close friend Charlie Perkins—one of the first Aboriginal men to study at an Australian university.
From Gomeroi to Gadigal Country, our 60th Anniversary Freedom Ride was more than a program. It was two communities strengthening each other. What began as a journey to retrace history became something far deeper. The Jewish and Gomeroi mobs, shy at first, grew in connection until by the end, they truly felt like family.
For some First Nations participants, it was the first time hearing directly from original Freedom Riders—a call to action that inspired them to think about their own roles as leaders in their communities.
Jewish participant Tara reflected: “This trip was far more than I could have ever imagined. The balance between the seriousness of the Freedom Rides, the ongoing impacts of racism, and the joy of culture, community and being young made for an incredibly special week.
“It made me realise that a lot of our cultures and communities are very similar, which helps us connect so well with each other.”
The 2025 Freedom Rides remind us that the struggle for justice is ongoing, and that real impact comes from listening, learning, and walking together.
