Charles Perkins, SAFA and the 1965 Freedom Ride
In 1965, a group of university students led by Charles Perkins set out on a journey that would challenge racism in rural Australia. Inspired by the US Civil Rights Movement, the Student Action for Aborigines (SAFA) aimed to expose the discrimination faced by Aboriginal people in towns across New South Wales. This lesson, Charles Perkins, SAFA and the 1965 Freedom Ride, guides students through the motivations, key events, and lasting legacy of this historic protest.
Through clear explanations and engaging visual material, this PowerPoint resource provides a structured overview of the Freedom Ride. It covers the Ride’s connection to Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy of non-violence, the protests in towns like Walgett and Moree, media reactions, and the event’s influence on the 1967 Referendum. The slides include well-placed activities and questions designed to spark meaningful discussion and encourage thoughtful reflection.
Benefits for Teachers and Students
- Saves Planning Time: All slides are fully written and classroom-ready with activities embedded throughout.
- Builds Historical Thinking: Activities like source analysis and timeline creation develop inquiry and interpretation skills.
- Supports Student Understanding: Short, focused paragraphs make complex events more accessible.
- Connects Past to Present: Students explore how the Freedom Ride influenced real legal and social change in Australia.
Student Learning Benefits
- Learn the role of Charles Perkins and SAFA in Australia’s civil rights movement.
- Analyse historical sources, including quotes and media reactions.
- Create visual timelines using Canva or paper to strengthen chronological understanding.
- Engage in class discussions that develop empathy, perspective, and critical thinking.
This Charles Perkins, SAFA and the 1965 Freedom Ride PowerPoint is ideal for Year 9/10 students studying human rights and freedoms. It equips them with the tools to explore one of Australia’s most significant civil rights actions while giving you, the teacher, a resource that’s ready to go straight into the classroom.
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Resource Information
| Description: | Student activities include watching two short videos, creating a visual timeline of the Freedom Ride, analysing quotes and media responses, and discussing its impact. |
| Estimated lessons: | 2-3. |
| Ages | 14 years+. |
| Format | PowerPoint. |
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