Returning home

Image- Fox news ( 2015) 

Hi all, this blogs just a swift update about where we are and what is happening. We are currently traveling home. We have just had an over night break at Newcastle and are expected to be home in around 3 hours- 4 hours.

We all are very tired and worn out, but excited to see all of our family members. The last 14 days have been eye opening. There have been plenty of tears, but many smiles. Countless memories have been made, and I can’t wait to get home and share these with every one. I really hope that we have made a change in Australia and given aboriginal people a chance in life. Racism around Australia is getting out of hand, and absolutely ridiculous. We have had a few breakthroughs and informed a lot of people about the racial outbreak. Even though we are returning home, we will never stop trying to gain equal rights to all.

Thank you to all the new friends I have made during this trip. You are all so amazing. I hope we can keep in touch.

Thanks for following on and supporting the trip

-Ann

Leaving Moree.

Image- Australia Postal History ( 2000) 

Anger is boiling within me. Disgrace, mixed with fear fills my entire body. Yesterday, what we thought was a ‘breakthrough’ has now become a breakout.  Anger is breaking out through the bus. We visited the town of Moree yesterday. In all honestly we were all very nervous, as the racial tension is said to be very high there. At first, we did not believe that we would influence anyone, but as the day progressed a violent riot spread outside the town pool, and victory was won, so we thought. We were allowed entry into the pool, the ban was lifted.

We are now on our way to our next stop, Boggabilla, and we have just received news via the newspaper that the band has been reinforced, due to the mayor and swimming pool manager’s opinion. The band was only lifted for our stay. This is an outrageous act of stupidity and injustice. We have heard word that a few Moree locals want to join us and try and lift the ban for good. Hopefully that succeeds. Local aboriginals should be allowed access into the town bath! The ban is a disgraceful act of humanity. Please people, spread the word! Help us gain human justice for all.  LIFT THE BAN.

I will keep you all updated.

- Ann

References

  Chapter 10; Freedom ride. People power, cdf (2014).

 Moree bore baths, North-East New South Wales, Artesian spa: ( 2000) http://www.auspostalhistory.com/articles/1880.php

Walgett experience.

16-02-1965

Image- Freedom ride: Aiatsis (2014)


Hi everyone. This blogs Just a little update about today. We are currently traveling to our next stop; Collarenebri. We are all a little light headed and shaken up after today’s experience. We have just visited the town of Walgett, where a racial outbreak occurred. We picketed for hours out of the front of the RSL. Out of all the places we have been so far, Walgett has by far been the most racist. All ex- Servicemen with an aboriginal decent are DENIED entry to the ‘nationhood’ and ‘Manhood’ place of peace, and remembrance; RSL. Aboriginal troops who served for OUR country, despite the racial outlook on us are denied entry into the RSL. I am flaming with disgrace and fury. On ANZAC day the men are sometimes allowed to use the facilities at the RSL, depending on the situation.  I am absolutely disgusted with this behavior.

Earlier this evening, we were just leaving Walgett, when we were physically forced off the road by a local. No one is hurt badly, we are all just shocked and shaken up, but that does absolutely not make the horrific incident okay or acceptable. We are humans too, and if this happened to one of the white locals, everyone would definitely have something to say about it. This is a disgrace towards everyone on this bus.  In saying that, there has been a positive side to this incident. News coverage and social media has been bombarded with reports about the incident. Maybe everyone will open there eyes, and see that the racial outbreak occurring about Australia is not acceptable, nor fair.

We are now moving on to the town of Collarenebri.

I will keep you all updated.

 -Anne

References

Skwirk. Charles Perkins: Freedom ride. (2015) http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-56_u-490_t-1335_c-5130/charles-perkins-freedom-rides/tas/charles-perkins-freedom-rides/australia-after-1945/an-era-of-protest

Weebly. Freedom Rides. (2011). http://perkinsforfreedom.weebly.com/freedom-rides.html

Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Islander Studies. (2014). from http://aiatsis.gov.au/collections/collections-online/digitised-collections/freedom-ride/ann-curthoys-diaries