Anti-protest restrictions have been narrowed in Sydney to allow a planned Invasion Day protest to go ahead on Monday. It is one of dozens of events being held around the country on 26 January by First Nations communities, families and allies to commemorate the day, also known by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Survival Day or the Day of Mourning.
In Sydney, the Invasion Day rally and march will kick off in Hyde Park from 10am, organised by the Blak Caucus with guidance by Gadigal elders. The rally is expected to focus on black deaths in custody, record rates of First Nations children in out-of-home care, and expressing solidarity and protest against 'multiple genocides overseas'. Other events include the Dawn Reflection at the Overseas Passenger Terminal from 5.20am, the WugulOra ceremony from 7.30am, and the annual Yabun festival at Victoria Park from 10am to 7pm.
In Canberra, the Aboriginal Tent Embassy has organised a Sovereignty Day event, gathering at Garema Place at 9.30am ahead of a march then rally at the Old Parliament House lawns. In Melbourne, the Day of Mourning Invasion Day dawn service will be held at Camp Sovereignty from 5am to 7am, followed by the Invasion Day rally from 11am meeting at state parliament. The Share the Spirit festival will be held at Treasury Gardens from noon to 6.30pm.
Other events include a Survival Day community event in Katoomba from 11am to 4pm, a Bundjalung nation event in Byron Bay from 10am to 2pm, and an Invasion Day event in Newcastle starting at 9am. In Ballarat, a Survival Day Dawn Ceremony will be held at Lake Wendouree from 5.30am to 7am, followed by a Sand Circle Yarning Space until 9am. In Torquay, the Pilk Purriyn truth-telling event runs from 5.30am to 7am at Cosy Corner beach. Invasion Day rallies are also planned in Geelong from 11am, Mildura from 11am to 4pm, and Hamilton from 6pm to 8pm.
