At Happy, we would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Land, the People from the Eora, Warrang, Wiradjuri, and Durrug Nations on whose land we live, work, and profit. We’d like to pay homage to all First Nation Elders, past, present, and upcoming. We thank First Nations Peoples across the country and we honour their history.
January 26th is a day of mourning, not a day of celebration. Here’s how you can show your support to First Nations communities and help move us towards a better Australia.
In Australia, January 26 is a day of tension. While Indigenous peoples tirelessly fight for their truth, their stories are too often ignored by those who refuse to remove themselves from the ideology of a ‘great’ and ‘fair’ Australia. This ignorance is pervasive.
This year, however, the Black Lives Matter movement has educated society on the lingering racial injustice that still exists, with more Australian businesses and institutions than ever dropping their ‘Australia Day’ celebrations in support.
On January 26, 1788, Captain Phillip arrived on ‘Australian’ shores with the First Fleet, marking the beginning of forced colonisation on Indigenous land. For the next 200 years, Indigenous peoples were massacred, dispossessed, and stripped of their culture. To this day, First Nations peoples still face marginalisation and injustice.
Although non-Indigenous Australia cannot begin to comprehend the trauma and suffering that we have subjected First Nations peoples to, what we can do is look to the present and future, working together in the fight for justice.
Each year, protests, demonstrations, and rallies are held around the country to raise awareness of the issues facing Indigenous communities, including Blak deaths in custody, changing the date, raising the age of criminal responsibility, and dismantling institutionalised racism.
At Happy, we’ve compiled a list of live-streams, events, and rallies you can support this Invasion day and ultimately move towards a better Australia for all.
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Eora Nation / Warrang / Sydney
Invasion Day Rally 2021
The rally will begin at 9 am at Djarrbarrgalli (The Domain). From there, you will walk the length of the city to arrive at Victoria Park.
If you are thinking of attending, make sure you register through the event’s COVID-safe form and bring along a mask and hand sanitiser. Marshals at the rally will have these resources available, as well as a QR code to check-in.
Current NSW COVID restrictions state that outdoor gatherings must not exceed 500 people, so make sure you stick to small groups and, again, social distance.
Yabun
Usually, Yabun is held at the end of the march in Victoria Park for everyone to see. This year, it will be held as a closed event but will stream online for mass viewing. If you’d like to watch the annual event, you can either watch online at the Yabun Festival website or tune into Koori Radio 93.7FM from 11 am.
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Kulin Nation / Naarm / Melbourne
Invasion Day Dawn Service
The service will begin with a smoking ceremony at 4:30 at Kings Domain Resting Place near Linlithgow Avenue (opposite the Janet Lady Clarke Rotunda). The official service will begin at 5 am.
You will also have to register online through their website and bring registration confirmation on the day. Attendees will have to check in both at the Dawn Service and at the following breakfast and reflection events.
You can find out more here.
Invasion Day Rally
The rally will begin at 10:30 am at Parliament House on Spring Street. Again, face masks must be worn and hand sanitiser to be used frequently while adhering to social distancing.
The current Victorian rules state that no more than 100 people can gather outside and must maintain 10m social distance. Marshalls will be there to maintain these rules at the event.
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Balit Nurran/ Share The Spirit Festival
Share The Spirit Festival is also a limited event this year, with tickets at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl now sold out. This event will also be live-streamed on their website as well as projected in Federation Square. The event runs from 12 pm on the 26th, with stellar performances from our favourites Archie Roach, Alice Skye, and more.
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Kaurna Country / Tandanya / Adelaide
Survival Day Concert 2021
Survival Day 2021 will run from 1- 7 pm at the Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute. This will be a limited indoor event to comply with South Australia’s Covid restrictions, and tickets are now sold out.
A few tickets will be sold at the door, make sure to get in early. Find out more here.
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Whadjuk Noongar Country / Boorloo / Perth
Invasion Day Rally
The rally will commence at 1 pm at Forest Place, Wellington Street in Boorloo (Perth). Protestors must wear masks, bring the sanny, and social distance.
Find out more on the Facebook event here.
Yuggera Land / Meanjin / Brisbane
Invasion Day rally
At 8 am a flag-raising event will be held in Musgrave Park, or simply meet at 10 am at the Queen’s Garden. The march will begin at 11 am and will run all the way back to Musgrave Park. A small market will be held with Blak business, also adhering to COVID regulations. Bring a mask and hand sanitiser.
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Ngunnawal Country / Canberra
Survival Day March
Meet at 10 am in Garema Place in Civic. There aren’t many details as of yet, but the Facebook event will let you know.
Larrakia Country / Darwin
January 26: Survival Day
This survival day event begins at 10 am in Civic Park, Darwin City. Attendees are asked to wear masks, practice covid hygiene and stay in groups with social distancing.
Mparntwe / Alice Springs
Change The Date Rally
At 10 am meet the Court Lawns for the Abolish the Date ceremony.
Muwinina Country / Hobart
CHANGE THE DATE RALLY
To aid with Covid safety, this year’s Change The Date rally will be held two locations;
- Parliament house lawns in South-east Nipaluna (Hobart), at 11.45 am
- Surf life-saving club in Limilinaturi (Devonport Bluff), at 11.45am.
Both these gatherings are COVID-safe but ensure you still adhere to Covid regulations.
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