Residents and visitors were treated to a free concert by Troy Cassar-Daley and Paul Kelly which saw the original Freedom Riders take to the stage and join the crowd as they danced and sang along.

Moree Elder Zona Moore, who was involved in the events of 1965, said it had been an emotional week.

“It was a great week, very full on,” she said. “It was great to see everyone get involved and it was amazing to see everyone come together. The mayor did a fabulous job. She was outstanding.

“The reenactment was quite emotional for us originals. As the two buses came around the corner we got quite emotional. It was a true reflection of what happened 50 years ago,” she said.

“And it all ended with a good night.”

Moree Plains Shire Mayor, Katrina Humphries, said she was happy with how the commemorations went, and without a hitch.

“It was very respectful and possibly the start of a healing time for many,” councillor Humphries said.

“We had some lovely events and the Freedom Riders were just delightful,” she said.

“A lot of people put a huge amount of man hours into making the event happen, for which I am thankful, and I am very proud of our community.

“It was an event well done and one I think was appreciated by all walks of life.”

More from the week's events here: http://bit.ly/1vtfj79