The 50th anniversary of the 1965 Freedom Rides was celebrated in Dubbo yesterday, with a re-enactment of the historical civil rights event.

Before the re-enactment took place more than 100 people met in Macquarie Street to honour the Freedom Rides, these included local schools, community members and those within the Aboriginal community.

Freedom Ride, committee member, Craig Biles, said the Freedom Rides were an important truth in history.

"It's one thing to tell a story, but it's another thing to acknowledge it," he said.

"The original riders had the courage to challenge racism, distorted beliefs and that took a tremendous amount of courage."

Mr Biles said the 1965 Freedom Ride allowed for social discussions between the community.

"We want both communities to be integrated and cohesive," he said.

The Freedom Rides in 1965 saw 29 University of Sydney students visit towns in regional NSW in an attempt to bring to the nations attention discrimination against Aboriginal people, to shine a light on poor Aboriginal health, housing and education and to stimulate local action.

The 2015 Freedom Ride is to pay respect to the bravery and compassion of the students who took part in the original ride.

Dubbo mayor, Mathew Dickerson, said the 1965 Freedom Rides were an important historical event.

"We're celebrating a significant part in our history," he said.

Participants in the original Freedom Ride, family members of original Freedom riders, as well as students and staff from the University of Sydney made their way to Dubbo to extend awareness to a new generation of students and Australians.

The two buses arrived in Dubbo around lunchtime, where they joined with the local community at Victoria Park.

Rachael Perkins, whose father, Charles Perkins was an integral figure in the 1965 movement and an original Freedom Rider said it was humbling being on the bus.

"I can't fill my father's shoes," she said.

"But it is so special to be here."

Last night a free local community concert was held at the Dubbo Showground, where special guests Troy Cassar-Daley and Paul Kelly performed.