In February 1965, a group of students, led by Charles Perkins, organised the tour to draw attention to the state of Indigenous health, education and housing, and to try and stimulate local action. Through the efforts of the original Freedom ride, it shone a spotlight on the parlous state of Australia's race relations and now is recognised as one of Australia's most significant civil rights events.
The commemorative Freedom ride concert on the 20 March was held on the University's Front Lawns. The night saw the local community and the Freedom Riders old and new come together to enjoy a free public concert featuring Australian music legends Troy Cassar-Daley, Paul Kelly and Dan Sultan.