Newcastle residents observed Invasion Day with solemn gatherings on January 26, even after a planned rally was cancelled. The day marks the anniversary of the British flag being raised at Sydney Cove in 1788, a date many Indigenous communities refer to as Invasion Day or Survival Day.
Local Indigenous leaders and supporters held small ceremonies to remember the past and honour survival. Attendee Zaida said turnout at protests in the region has grown over the years, reflecting a wider call to change the date of Australia Day.
In nearby Brisbane, about 5,000 people marched from Queens Park to Musgrave Park, where speakers shared stories of resilience. Lateisha, a rally attendee, said the day brings up deep emotion: 'You tried to kill us off but we're still here, so we've survived.'
Organisers across the country highlighted issues such as black deaths in custody and the over-representation of Aboriginal children in foster care. The Greens' Max Chandler-Mather described January 26 as 'very painful' for First Nations people, calling it a day of mourning rather than celebration.
