Student Action for Aborigines (SAFA), 1965-66

Component identifier:

Series 5

Content Summary:

Student Action for Aborigines (SAFA) was formed at the University of Sydney in 1964, growing from a lunchtime meeting where students considered the problem of racial discrimination in the United States. Student interest in similar problems in Australia led to the formation of SAFA. Objectives of SAFA were: "to arouse public attention, especially within the University to fundamental aboriginal problems in health, education, housing etc; to break down social discriminatory barriers to the extent possible by student actions [and] to stimulate the interest of aborigines in improving their situation within society" (SAFA Constitution).

Perkins was President from 1964-65. In early 1965 Perkins led a 'freedom ride' through northern New South Wales towns including Wellington, Kempsey, Moree and Walgett, surveying Aboriginal residents and drawing attention to the segregation and living conditions of Aboriginal people.

The papers in this series include an article 'Reactions to the SAFA tour' by Jim Spigelman, Dissent (1965), articles published in The Bulletin, a typescript 'Darce Cassidy's freedom ride' (n.d.), cuttings, letters and telegrams in support of SAFA's campaign, draft report by Perkins to FCAATSI, SAFA Constitution, SAFA address list and material on other Aboriginal organisations including FCAATSI and the Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs.

Further cuttings relating to the freedom rides are held in series 20.

Immediate source of acquisition:

The papers were donated to the Library by Charles Perkins in five instalments between 1989 and 1995.

Contents

Access and use