Inspired by the 1965 Freedom Ride, the Central Coast and Sydney group followed Charles Perkins’ footsteps, 46 years later, to send a strong message to Canberra about the ongoing quest for Aboriginal rights.

For some, like co-organiser Gavin Duncan, the motives were political. For others the event was a necessary step to reconnect with their cultural heritage.

Mr Duncan stressed Charlie Perkins’ original journey set the wheels in motion for positive developments Australia-wide, but reiterated the struggle is ongoing.

“It really did change the course of history ... It led to the 1967 referendum, it led to Indigenous reform from Whitlam to Fraser to Hawke to Keating, right to Gillard.”

“It should stand alongside Anzac Day,” he said.

As one of the Aboriginal organisers of the event, Mr Duncan said he hoped in four years’ time, at the 50 year anniversary of the trip, Indigenous people will be recognised with equal rights in the constitution.

“That’s why it’s so important to do this now,” he said.

One of the accompanying students, Jeddha Bates, agreed the journey has both political and personal significance.

“I’ve never been to any of the places mentioned, it’s eye-opening,” she said.

“This is not something you can just get off the shelf and read about, it’s something everyone has to do, it’s part of our collective history.”

Miss Bates was joined by a mix of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, each of whom had a personal reason to embark on the two-week journey, she said.

The ambitious group was welcomed by local Elder ‘Uncle John’” Hill, Dubbo MP Dawn Fardell, Cr Rod Towney, Charles Sturt University (CSU) Vice-Chancellor Ian Goulter and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Ross Chambers and CSU Head of Dubbo Campus Bev Moriarty.

Mr Goulter, like the distinguished speakers, said he hoped the expedition would open up new educational opportunities in the future.

“Today is a great celebration of what has been achieved but also an invitation to do more,” he said.