The arrival of the First Fleet in Australia on January 26, 1788, was a day that triggered over two centuries of genocidal policy and action, immeasurable violence and systemic oppression against Australia’s Indigenous population, leaving a painful legacy that continues today.
The decision by our government and conservative groups to maintain a loud celebration of ‘Australia Day’ on this date—out of all the dates available in the year—is one that feels deeply unnecessary. Celebrating our national identity on a day that represents such intense suffering for the Australians who have lived and cared for this land for 65,000 years is highly insensitive and deeply offensive.
This is a day of national reckoning, and a vital moment for non-Indigenous Aussies to acknowledge the incredible acts of Indigenous activism, resilience and survival that have persisted in the face of ongoing colonial oppression.
Thankfully, there’s a growing cultural understanding of the insensitivities surrounding the date, making space for more thoughtful discussion and providing a chance to listen and learn on January 26. But with the date remaining, it’s clear we still have a long way to go.
Today, nearly one-third of Australia’s incarcerated population is Indigenous, despite First Nations individuals making up only 3.8% of the population. According to the Australian Human Rights Commission, 40% of Indigenous Australians live without two or more essentials for a decent standard of living, which includes clean water, housing and food. The median weekly income of First Nations people comes in at a wild 28% less than that of non-Indigenous Australians across the country, with this rising to 50% less for Indigenous individuals who live in remote areas.
Clearly, there’s a problem here, and as a nation, it’s our collective responsibility not to turn away. Whether it’s self-educating, donating, or, when January 26th comes around, attending a rally in your city, there are so many things you as an individual can do that contribute to meaningful change and show your support for Indigenous Australians.
On that, we’ve rounded up all the Invasion/Survival Day rallies happening around the country in 2026.
Turn up, show up, and remember—we’re always stronger together.
NSW
Invasion Day March, Gadigal (Sydney)
Where: Hyde Park, Sydney, Gadigal Land
When: Monday 26 January 2026, 10:00 AM
Where: Apex Park, Cavanbah (Byron Bay) Arakwal Country
When: 26 January 2025, 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Victoria
Melbourne Invasion Day Protest, Naarm (Melbourne)
Where: Parliament House of Victoria, Spring St Melbourne, Wurundjeri and Boon Warring Lands
When: Monday, 26 January 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Event Info: here
Queensland
Invasion Day 2026: We Have Survived! Sunshine Coast
Where: Sunshine Coast City Hall, corner of First Ave and South Sea Islander Way, Maroochydore
When: Monday, 26 January 2026, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Survival Day Walk 2026, Yuwi Country (Mackay)
Where: River Wharves, 6 River St, Yuwi (Mackay), QLD
When: Monday, 26 January 2026, 8:00AM – 1:00PM
Western Australia
Invasion Day Protest, Borloo (Perth)
Where: Forrest Chase, on Wellington Street in Boorloo (Perth), Whadjuk Noongar Country
When: Monday, 26 January 2026, 12pm
South Australia
Survival Day March, Tarndanyangga (Adelaide)
Where: Victoria Square, Tarntanyangga (Adelaide)
When: Sunday 26 January, 12:00 – 5:00PM
Tasmania
Invasion Day Rally, Nipaluna (Hobart)
Where: Depart TAC 198 Elizabeth Street, Nipaluna (Hobart)
When: Monday 26 January, 11:00am
Where: 106 Best St, Limilinaturi (Devonport)
When: Monday, 26 January 2026, 11:30am
Image credit: Urban List
