Freedom Rides – the protest that changed Australia
Former student and Wiradjuri woman, Jasmine Lattouf from the Class of 2024, played a key role in Sydney University’s recent video celebrating the 60th anniversary of the “Freedom Rides”. Jasmine is currently studying Construction Project Management (Civil Engineering) at Sydney University and we were delighted that she could share her experience with us.
What are you studying and how have you adapted to university life?
Currently I am studying a Bachelor of Project Management at the University of Sydney, majoring in construction, and I’m really enjoying it. The core management subjects line up really well with my strengths and personality, which has made the transition into university life much smoother. I’ve found that enjoying what you study makes adapting so much easier. On top of that, I’ve made some really great friends within my cohort, thanks to the cohort that is relatively small, and that sense of connection has helped me feel a little more settled and supported.
During your time at St Ursula’s, you were always taking a lead role and encouraging others to be involved in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs at the College. How are you continuing your work to be an advocate for Indigenous Australians while studying at university?
Because I was so involved in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs at school, it felt natural that I’d continue that work at university. A lot of my involvement now is through the Gadigal Centre, where I had the opportunity to take part in the Freedom Rides video. Additionally as an Engineering Aid alumni, I’ve been chosen to be a Houseparent for the upcoming IAES program at UNSW (previously at USYD). It’s a really proud moment for me, and I’m genuinely excited to be involved. The program is centred around introducing engineering subjects to current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students, which makes it especially meaningful. It was through this program that I first discovered my degree in Project Management and quickly realised how well it connected with my interests in leadership, organisation, and problem-solving. As well as my enjoyment of mathematics (Thanks to Mrs Booth). Now I get to be on the other side, supporting new students and hopefully introducing them to the same opportunities I was lucky enough to have.
Can you explain a bit about your involvement in the Freedom Rides video?
The Freedom Rides hold a really important place at the University of Sydney, as they commemorate the 1965 protests against racial discrimination and segregation faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Advocacy has always been something I care deeply about, so when the chance came up to take part in the video, I was eager to be involved. For me, it was more than just appearing in a project, it was a way of honouring that history and contributing to keeping the story alive. I only hope my involvement did justice to the importance of what the Freedom Rides represent.
