It's more important now more than ever, to do what we can on January 26th. It's a day that has caused insurmountable harm and hurt throughout the years. By this point, there are many resources on the best way to show your support at this time of the year, and we have rounded up all the invasion day rallies and resources for you to attend and donate to.
For many First Nations folk, this day is something one has to steel themselves against. It is a day of mourning. A day that marks invasion and a reminder of survival. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples do not have the privilege of opting out of this reality, unlike white Australia who only began to observe the 26th of January as a national holiday in 1994. Until we fully acknowledge this history, we cannot say that we have had true reconciliation. We must continue to strive for justice.
Whether you're planning on spending the day celebrating culture at the Yabun Festival, attending one of the many invasion day rallies or donating to organisations like the rent, find all the details and organisations to support below.
Protests and Events
Jagera & Turbal Land/Brisbane
- March at Queens Gardens on George Street at 10:00 am.
Gadigal Land/Sydney
- Starting off the day is the Dawn Reflection. From 5:20am onwards, First Nations artwork will be projected onto the sails of the Sydney Opera House.
- There's also the WugulOra (One Mob) Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo Reserve which begins at 7:30 am. It features special performances and addresses, and a smoking ceremony.
- Then, at Belmore Park in the CBD, an Invasion Day rally will begin at 9:30 am.
- The city's annual Yabun festival is also on at Victoria Park, Broadway. Further out west, the Griffith Local Aboriginal Land Council has organised a free Survival Day event at the Griffith Regional Aquatic & Leisure at 11:00 am.
- Down the south coast, Bermagui Survival Day is taking place at Dickinson Oval, from 11:00 am
Whadjuk Noongar Country/Perth
- A rally at Forrest Chase from 12:00 pm.
Palawa Land/Hobart
- A rally at 198 Elizabeth Street at 10:45 am.
Naarm/Melbourne
- A rally at Victorian Parliament House, at 11:00 am.
- At the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, First Nations artists will be performing at Share the Spirit. Gates open at 11:00 am and the lineup includes; multi ARIA Award-winner Dan Sultan, Bumpy, the Djirri Djirri Dancer and many more.
- From 12:00 pm onwards, Our Survival Day is taking place at The Briars, Mt Martha.
- In Ballarat, a Survival Day Dawn Ceremony will commence at 5.30 am at Viewpoint, Lake Wendouree.
- Wadawurrung Traditional Owners are presenting the Pilk Purriyn event at Cosy Corner Beach, Torquay at 5:30 am.
Kaurna Country/Adelaide
- March at Tarndanyangga/Victoria Square at 12:00 pm.
Ngunnawal/Canberra
- March at Garema Place at 9:30
- The Aboriginal Tent Embassy has organised the Sovereignty Day-Isabell Coe Memorial Lecture, which begins at 9:30 am.
- Since 2012, the event has been held annually at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, on the lawns of Old Parliament House.
Larrakia Country/Darwin
- March at Don Dale, Wongabilla St at 10:00 am
Donate
Pay The Rent: Pay The Rent Australia is an NGO based in Melbourne aiming to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples gain access to essential funds to Pay The Rent.
Aboriginal Legal Service: First opening its doors in 1970, the ALS is a free community legal service that provides support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples navigating the legal system.
Sisters Inside: Established in 1992, Sisters Inside is an organisation advocating for the human rights of women and girls in prison.
Black Rainbow: An organisation in place to provide intersectional support to queer and LGBTIQA+ First Nations individuals and communities.
Learn
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation: The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service is a primary health care service initiated and operated by the local Aboriginal community to deliver holistic, comprehensive, and culturally appropriate health care to the community which controls it. You can find your local community-controlled health organisation at the designated link to find where best to donate.
If you would like to show your support beyond January 26th, why not discover First Nations Businesses or read a conversation with artists Daniel Boyd and Tony Albert on Indigenous art?
