26 January is recognised across the continent as ‘Australia Day’. There are increasing calls to change the date to recognise the trauma that this date holds for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities.
Australia Day wasn’t always held on 26 January. The first Australia Day events were held on 30 July in 1915, before moving to 28 July in 1916. It was only 32 years ago that ‘Australia Day’ was made a public holiday for all states and territories.
‘Australia Day’ commemorates the raising of the British flag at Sydney Cove in 1788. It signifies the beginning of the invasion of this continent and the dispossession and attempted genocide that followed. Why on earth would we want to celebrate genocide?
Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have reclaimed and repositioned 26 January as ‘Invasion Day’ or ’Survival Day’. Invasion Day offers an opportunity for all Australians to mourn and reflect on the violence that this day represents. Survival Day is a celebration of the survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and cultures, a day to recognise the oldest surviving cultures in the world.
However you choose to spend 26 January, we encourage you to take part in community-led events and to listen and learn from First Peoples, not just on this day, but every day.
Sydney events
- Dawn Reflection: at dawn, the Opera House sails will be lit up with a spectacular Aboriginal artwork.
- Sydney Invasion Day rally: organised by The Blak Caucus, the rally will march for sovereignty and against the ongoing systemic violence against Aboriginal peoples.
- Yabun: the largest community-led celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in Australia.
- Blak Powerhouse: We Are Warriors and Powerhouse transform Manning House to Blak Powerhouse, flipping the script and turning this day into a day of Blak power, pride and positivity.
- Find other events near you.
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