On Australia day, thousands participated in “Invasion Day” rallies, supporting the Indigenous community. Many Indigenous people want to change or eliminate celebrations on this day.

Australia Day marks the establishment of New South Wales as a penal colony by Britain. The “First Fleet” arrived in Sydney, bringing colonists and convicts. While some celebrate with barbecues and beach trips, and immigrants often receive citizenship, many Indigenous Australians (3.8% of the population) reject the day, seeing it as the beginning of injustices from European colonization.

In Sydney, protesters, waving Indigenous flags, gathered for an “Invasion Day” rally and marched through the city streets. Aboriginal elder Adrian Burragubba emphasized that Australia Day means nothing to them, highlighting it as a day of Aboriginal sovereignty.

Local protester James Cummings expressed that celebrating a national day on this date is not appropriate. He suggested finding a more suitable day for the nation’s celebration. Similar rallies occurred in other state capitals, including Melbourne, Brisbane, and Hobart.

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