Thousands of people have gathered around Australia‘s capital cities to mark what has come to be known as Invasion Day or Survival Day, as pressure grows to change the date of the national holiday Australia Day from January 26 to one that is more inclusive of indigenous Australians.
An estimated 10-15,000 people gathered in Melbourne and made their way to Parliament House, some wearing shirts emblazoned with the indigenous flag and others bearing the slogan “Not Happy Jan 26.”
Greens leader Richard di Natale spoke to supporters before the rallies commenced the city, asking Australians to get behind changing the date. He said:
“It’s a day I want to celebrate because I am proud of this country but I will never be able to celebrate Australia Day in January 26 when it brings so much hurt and suffering to Aboriginal people.”
Thousands more gathered in Sydney, in a march that was joined by Swans stars Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin. Protesters chanted “too many coppers, not enough justice” as large numbers of police escorted the rally through streets that had been closed off for the day.
Ken Canning of Fighting In Resistance Equally said he hoped that the day’s rallies might bring public attention to indigenous deaths in custody, telling the crowd:
“The idea here is to engage the general public because our political spectrum around the country, except for maybe the Greens party … they ignore the calls of Aboriginal people. It’s also important to raise the issues that are still ongoing in Aboriginal communities. We have the highest deaths in custody rates in the world per head of population, the highest imprisonment rates.”
Osher Gunsberg marched with residents of Mount Druitt, and said in a subsequent Instagram post:
“The way we celebrate Australia Day doesn’t work for every Australian, and for some in our community it is a harsh reminder of 230 years of systemic policy designed to discriminate against them. I love Australia, and would love for all of us to be able to experience life here equally. Wouldn’t it be brilliant if we could find a way to celebrate this incredible country together?”
Footage from Brisbane shows large crowds gathering in the inner city, an at one point, buses were were reportedly at a stand-still thanks to the sheer number of people on the Victoria Bridge.
Buses at a standstill as Brisbane’s Invasion Day march takes over the CBD. #AlwaysWillBe pic.twitter.com/AgjUfPaECM
— Ella Archibald-Binge (@EllaMareeAB) January 26, 2018
Brisbane March✊🏾#ChangeTheDate #brisbane #SurvivalDay pic.twitter.com/Do0fMRnkwa
— Nathan Appo (@Elusive_Sausage) January 26, 2018
Hobart reportedly had its largest turnout yet, with crowds gathering outside the steps of state parliament.
Biggest turnout yet for Hobart #InvasionDay rally. Aboriginal land. Always has been, always will be. pic.twitter.com/iJN1BIefbn
— Nick McKim (@NickMcKim) January 26, 2018
Great turnout for #changethedate hobart pic.twitter.com/wBfCvkwm3F
— Dr M (@helenmerrick) January 26, 2018
Triple J, who formerly broadcast their Hottest 100 on Australia Day, will instead be running their annual countdown tomorrow, January 27.
