January 26: A Day of Reflection and Commemoration
January 26 is a significant date in Australia, but it is not a day of celebration for everyone. It marks a devastating loss of peoples, culture, and Country for many Indigenous Australians.
However, there are various ways to commemorate this day and show support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Whether you choose to join a march, attend a ceremony, or engage with First Nations festivals, there are opportunities to learn, reflect, and stand in solidarity.
Invasion Day Marches, Rallies, and Events Across Australia
Events in Major Cities
Gadigal/Sydney
Dawn Reflection
In Gadigal, start the day with the Dawn Reflection event at the Sydney Opera House. First Nations artwork will be projected onto the sails of the iconic building.
Time: 05:20 AM – 05:50 AM
Location: Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay.
Morning Ceremony
Attend the WugulOra (One Mob) Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo Reserve. The event includes a smoking ceremony, special performances, and addresses.
Time: 07:30 AM – 08:30 AM
Location: Walumil Lawns Barangaroo Reserve, Barangaroo.
Invasion Day March
Join the annual Invasion Day rally at Belmore Park in the CBD.
Time: 9.30 AM onwards
Location: Belmore Park, Gadigal CBD.
Yabun Festival
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Yabun festival, the largest one-day gathering and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in Australia. If you can’t attend in person, you can listen in via Koori Radio 93.7FM in Greater Sydney.
Time: 10.00 AM – 6.50 PM
Location: Victoria Park, Broadway.
Ngunnawal/Canberra
Sovereignty Day Rally
The Aboriginal Tent Embassy will lead a protest march from Garema Place.
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: Garema Place.
Naarm/Melbourne
Invasion Day Rally
Join a dawn service at 5.00am followed by the annual Invasion Day rally. Protesters will march from Victorian Parliament House to Flinders St Station.
Time: Dawn Service—5.00am, March—10.00 AM
Location: Dawn Service—Kings Domain Resting Place, Linlithgow Avenue, March—Victorian Parliament House
Share The Spirit
Experience First Nations music, art, craft, and culture at the Share the Spirit celebration.
Time: 11.00 AM
Location: Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Kings Domain Gardens.
Pilk Purriyn Truth Telling
The Surf Coast Shire Council is hosting a truth-telling and smoking ceremony.
Time: From 5:30am to 7am
Location: Cosy Corner Beach
Boorloo/Perth
Invasion Day Rally
Attend Boorloo’s annual Invasion Day rally at Forest Chase in the CBD. The march will feature speakers and entertainment.
Time: 12.00 PM – 2.00 PM
Location: Forest Chase, Boorloo CBD.
Birak Concert
Experience First Nations music, art, and culture at the Birak Concert. The event includes a traditional Welcome to Country and performances by Kingbrown Bartlett, Miss Genius, Billy Narrier and the Band, and Aliwah Dancers.
Time: 3.00 PM – 7.30 PM
Location: Supreme Court Gardens, Boorloo.
Meanjin/Brisbane
Invasion Day March
Join the Invasion Day march in Meanjin at Queens Gardens on George Street.
Time: 8.00 AM
Location: Queens Gardens, Meanjin.
Garramilla/Darwin
Smoking Ceremony
Witness a traditional smoking ceremony at Darwin Waterfront, accompanied by local Indigenous performers and storytelling.
Time: 7.45 AM
Location: Darwin Waterfront, Garramilla.
Tarndanya/Adelaide
Survival Day March
Join Tarndanya’s Survival Day march in Victoria Square, where there will also be speakers and live performers.
Time: 12.00 PM – 4.30 PM
Location: Victoria Square, Tarndanya.
Nipaluna/Hobart
Invasion Day March and Rally
Participate in Nipaluna’s Invasion Day march, starting from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre.
Time: 10.45 AM
Location: Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre.
About the Author
Teneal Zuvela – Digital Writer
Teneal Zuvela is a digital writer at marie claire Australia. When she’s not writing about the latest lifestyle, fashion, and beauty trends, she can be found lounging on the beach with a good book.
Conclusion
January 26 is a day of reflection and commemoration for many Australians. It is essential to acknowledge the devastating impact this date has had on Indigenous peoples, culture, and Country. By participating in marches, rallies, and events, we can show our support and stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Let us come together to learn, reflect, and work towards reconciliation.
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
