Australia Day is often referred to as Invasion Day and marks the anniversary of the British colonization of Australia which took place on January 26th, 1788.

In some parts of the nation, the day is seen as a celebration of Australia‘s national identity, however, for many Indigenous Australians, it is a day of mourning that symbolizes the start of a long history of dispossession, oppression, and racism.

The 26th of January is a public holiday and has been celebrated for over two centuries as a national holiday in Australia. However, many Indigenous Australians view the day as a reminder of the ongoing trauma, displacement, and discrimination that their ancestors have endured over the past 200 years.

In recent years, Invasion Day has become a focal point of debate and protest in Australia. There have been growing calls to change the date and to recognize the suffering of Indigenous Australians.

Instead of celebrating, many people now choose to commemorate the day as a Day of Mourning by participating in marches and protests, as well as events that celebrate Indigenous culture.

If you’re looking to support the Indigenous community on Invasion day, you can check out our guide to events that are happening around Australia tomorrow.

Western Australia

  • Invasion Day march at Forrest Chase in Perth beginning at 3 pm. More information.
  • Briak Concert to celebrated Western Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in the Supreme Court Gardens in Perth at 3pm. More information.
  • Rubibi Survival Day event in Broome at the Gimme Gimme Club from 5.30pm. More information.

South Australia

  • Survival Day march at Victoria Square in Adelaide beginning at 12:30pm. More information. 
  • Mourning in the Morning, which is a smoking ceremony to mark Invasion Day, will be held at Elder Park in Adelaide at 7 am. More information.

Victoria

  • Invasion day protest at Victorian Parliament House beginning at 11am. More information.
  • Dawn service at Kings Domain Resting Place, at 5am. More information.
  • Our Survival Day  at The Briars, Mount Martha, from noon. More information.
  • Share the Spirit, which is a community-based festival will be held at Sidney Myer Music Bowl from 11am showcasing First Nations music, art, craft and culture. More information.
  • Survival Day Dawn Ceremony at Viewpoint, Lake Wendouree in Ballarat beginning at 5.30am. More information.
  • Pilk Purriyn Truth-telling event at Cosy Corner beach Torquay, with a smoking ceremony, music, deep-listening and reflection starting at 5.30am. More information.

ACT

Queensland

  • Brisbane’s annual Invasion Day Rally will be held at Queens Gardens, and begins at 11am. More information.
  • Survival Day ceremony at the waters of the Benarrawa (Oxley Creek) beginning at 7.15am for a 7.30am start. More information.
  • A dawn service followed by a Survival Day Walk at the Strand from 6:30am. More information.

Northern Territory

Tasmania

  • The Invasion Day street march will be held on Parliament Lawns at midday. More information.
  • Street March in Devonport at Tulaminakali Health Service at 11.30am and a rally is organised at Market Square at midday. More information.

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