A group of men occupying land traditionally owned by the Meanjin people have utilised today’s January 26th public holiday to construct a raft and float down the Maiwah – renamed the Brisbane River by colonialists – while flying the flag of British settlers.
Footage shows the six young men, who constructed the raft out of floating barrels and wood, slowly paddling their way along the mighty Maiwah as a police boat monitored their progress close behind.
The raft was sparsely fitted out, carrying only an esky and a flag pole flying the Australian federated flag of British imperialist rule.
Some Aussie larrikins have been spotted floating on a makeshift raft down the Brisbane River. Report on 7 News at 6pm. https://t.co/7vxKgLlMoF #7News pic.twitter.com/LPIat8LC3d
— 7NEWS Central Queensland (@7NewsCQ) January 26, 2018
The raft followed the tide, floating down the river through the heart of Jagera / Turrbal land, before safely making landfall around 90 minutes after setting out.
The six young men were confronted by an awaiting media unit upon setting foot back on dry land.
“If you put your mind to anything, you can do it.” Australia Day larrikins make a raft and float down the Brisbane River. Report on 7 News at 6pm. #7News pic.twitter.com/DOhb3co3Ij
— 7NEWS Brisbane (@7NewsBrisbane) January 26, 2018
Elsewhere in what’s now known as Brisbane, thousands of people turned out for Invasion Day rallies, with crowd estimates putting attendance numbers at levels that far exceed last year’s events.
Massive crowd at Brisbane Invasion Day rally. Feels even bigger than last year’s huge turnout. #AlwaysWillBe pic.twitter.com/SVthWsvsKQ
— Ella Archibald-Binge (@EllaMareeAB) January 26, 2018
At least 3000 in the crowd in #Brisbane on Jagera/ Turrbal land for #SurvivalDay march & rally. pic.twitter.com/tE9AH12Nip
— Michelle Ransom-Hughes (@ransomhughes) January 26, 2018
The record crowd marched through the central business district, bringing traffic and public transport to a standstill as Indigenous community leaders embraced the show of public support in the struggle for Aboriginal and Indigenous rights.
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
An estimated crowd of 5000 turned out for Brisbane’s Invasion Day rally. Record crowd. #AlwaysWillBe pic.twitter.com/9bH1COt3Xg
— Ella Archibald-Binge (@EllaMareeAB) January 26, 2018
My view right now. @abcbrisbane #AustraliaDay pic.twitter.com/UUaQlKpae4
— Meghna Bali मेघना बाली (@meghnabali) January 26, 2018
It’s a mighty fine raft. Hope you enjoyed the day off work, fellas.
