Indigenous rights activists protest on Australia Day
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Indigenous rights activists protest on Australia Day

The Hindu  

Tens of thousands of Australians protested over the treatment of Indigenous people on Sunday as the country celebrated a national holiday marking the 1788 arrival of British colonisers. Crowds rallied in Sydney, Melbourne and other cities on Australia Day, decrying the high incarceration rates, poor health and historic persecution of the continent's first inhabitants, whose ancestry stretches back 60,000 years. But for rights activists "Invasion Day" marks a period of oppression of Indigenous peoples, including the dispossession of their lands, massacres, and the removal of children from their families. "It's about changing the date, but it's more about making people aware of our injustices that have been since and still ongoing since white man came," Miller told AFP. Division over national day In the run-up to Australia Day, vandals poured red paint over a statue in Sydney of British explorer James Cook, toppled a monument in Melbourne to a 19th century pioneer, and daubed a war memorial in the city with the words: "Land Back".

Australia British Indigenous Indigenous People Melbourne Sydney  rights  melbourne  australia  26  british  activists  protest  sydney  australians  date  day  national  indigenous

History of this topic

Invasion Day debate resurfaces
2 months ago

Invasion Day debate resurfaces

ABC  

Sabra Lane: Suspected members of a neo-Nazi group marred Australia Day protests in Adelaide. In a video on social media, the Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also defended Australia Day, saying Australians shouldn't be afraid to celebrate it. Stephanie Smail: The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the National Australia Day ceremony in Canberra and took part in citizenship presentations. As the …

Australians celebrate and protest the anniversary of British colonization
2 months ago

Australians celebrate and protest the anniversary of British colonization

Associated Press  

MELBOURNE, Australia — Australians celebrated and protested across the country on Sunday as Australia Day drew attention to political differences over Indigenous rights months out from a federal election. Acknowledging the hurt that Australia Day causes many Indigenous Australians, the most disadvantaged ethnic group that accounts for 4% of the population, many businesses refer to the ”January long weekend” rather …

Protesters gather at Invasion Day rallies across Australia
2 months ago

Protesters gather at Invasion Day rallies across Australia

ABC  

Crowds of people are gathering at Invasion Day rallies across the country, backing calls to abolish or change the date of Australia Day. "I think for a lot of people today is a day of mourning, and it's not a day of celebration, especially for First Nations people and the communities that support them," Chandler-Mather said. Mayor Daryl Sexton said …

No-nonsense Indigenous woman says what many are thinking about Australia Day: 'It's a date'
2 months, 1 week ago

No-nonsense Indigenous woman says what many are thinking about Australia Day: 'It's a date'

Daily Mail  

Do you have a story about Australia Day? Email: max.aitchison@mailonline.com A female truck driver has unleashed on critics of Australia Day, calling on her fellow Indigenous residents to 'celebrate being an Aussie' on January 26. 'Firstly, I'm a proud Australian and I celebrate Australia Day. 'I find it disrespectful from anybody, or any corporate company for that fact, who decides …

Hospitality group apologises after reportedly telling pubs not to celebrate Australia Day
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Hospitality group apologises after reportedly telling pubs not to celebrate Australia Day

ABC  

A major venue company at the centre of a stoush over Australia Day says it regrets the "concern and confusion" it has caused over comments about celebrating Australia Day. Australian Venue Company, which operates more than 200 pubs across the country, reportedly notified venue managers it would not celebrate Australia Day on January 26 because the day caused "hurt" and …

'Woke' council makes massive Australia Day decision following outcry from residents
6 months ago

'Woke' council makes massive Australia Day decision following outcry from residents

Daily Mail  

One of the largest local governments in Western Australia has reversed a decision to ditch Australia Day celebrations following an outcry from locals. The City of Rockingham Council, in Perth's southwest, had announced in May last year that all celebrations relating to Australia Day would be held on the closest Saturday to January 26. The survey found that 64 per …

Australia Day 2024: ABC reporter declares Australia 'always was and always will be Aboriginal land' during a live cross
1 year, 2 months ago

Australia Day 2024: ABC reporter declares Australia 'always was and always will be Aboriginal land' during a live cross

Daily Mail  

An ABC Indigenous Affairs reporter signed off on a live cross on Australia Day by telling viewers Australia 'always was and always will be Aboriginal land'. Brennan said Australia Day was an important date for Indigenous people to 'remember our ancestors and those who fought for many decades to improve the living standards for our people'. ABC Indigenous Affairs Editor …

Australians protest British colonization on a national holiday some mark as ‘Invasion Day’
1 year, 2 months ago

Australians protest British colonization on a national holiday some mark as ‘Invasion Day’

Associated Press  

SYDNEY — Thousands of Australians protested the anniversary of British colonization of their country with large crowds Friday urging for Australia Day to be moved and for a day of mourning on the holiday some call “Invasion Day.” The holiday marks the arrival of 11 British ships carrying convicts at Port Jackson in present-day Sydney on Jan. 26, 1788. Thousands …

Australians protest British colonization on a national holiday some mark as ‘Invasion Day’
1 year, 2 months ago

Australians protest British colonization on a national holiday some mark as ‘Invasion Day’

New Indian Express  

SYDNEY: Thousands of Australians protested the anniversary of British colonization of their country with large crowds Friday urging for Australia Day to be moved and for a day of mourning on the holiday some call “Invasion Day.” The holiday marks the arrival of 11 British ships carrying convicts at Port Jackson in present-day Sydney on Jan. 26, 1788. Thousands of …

2 monuments symbolizing Australia's colonial past damaged by protesters ahead of polarizing holiday
1 year, 2 months ago

2 monuments symbolizing Australia's colonial past damaged by protesters ahead of polarizing holiday

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Two monuments symbolizing Australia's colonial …

Generational war erupts over Australia Day: Baby boomer issues scathing message to Aussies who oppose January 26 - as Gen Z woman pushes 'change the date' and cuts off her mates who voted No to the Vo
1 year, 2 months ago

Generational war erupts over Australia Day: Baby boomer issues scathing message to Aussies who oppose January 26 - as Gen Z woman pushes 'change the date' and cuts off her mates who voted No to the Vo

Daily Mail  

It's a celebration of all that is best about Australia or a day of deep national shame, depending on who you ask. Bonnie, a soon-to-be nursing student who works at Ivy nightclub in Sydney's CBD, said she would not be celebrating Australia Day and would most likely be working. YES 2254 votes NO 283 votes Now share your opinion Mr …

Australia Day focuses on Black recognition in constitution
2 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day focuses on Black recognition in constitution

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — Australians marked the 235th anniversary of British colonization Thursday with a public holiday that evokes anger at Indigenous injustice, focusing national attention on a new government push to acknowledge Australia’s first inhabitants in the constitution. There are growing public calls to change the date of Australia Day, which is known to many Indigenous people as Invasion Day …

Australia Day focuses on Black recognition in constitution
2 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day focuses on Black recognition in constitution

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. There are growing public calls to change the date …

Thousands protest ‘invasion’ on divisive Australia holiday
2 years, 2 months ago

Thousands protest ‘invasion’ on divisive Australia holiday

Al Jazeera  

Australians rally in support of Indigenous rights on the anniversary of the day the British colonial fleet sailed into Sydney. Australians rally in support of Indigenous rights on the anniversary of 'Invasion Day,' the day the British colonial fleet sailed into Sydney 👇 🔗: https://t.co/ZnD3QuHSoC pic.twitter.com/pS57f19qqx — Al Jazeera English January 26, 2023 Indigenous poet Lizzie Jarrett said Sydney was …

Thousands rally for 'Invasion Day' protests on Australia Day holiday
2 years, 2 months ago

Thousands rally for 'Invasion Day' protests on Australia Day holiday

NPR  

Thousands rally for 'Invasion Day' protests on Australia Day holiday Enlarge this image toggle caption Rick Rycroft/AP Rick Rycroft/AP CANBERRA, Australia — Australians marked the 235th anniversary of British colonization Thursday with a public holiday that evokes anger at Indigenous injustice, focusing national attention on a new government push to acknowledge Australia's first inhabitants in the constitution. Sponsor Message The …

What you should NEVER do on Australia Day
2 years, 2 months ago

What you should NEVER do on Australia Day

Daily Mail  

Social media influencers are using their platforms to share tips on how young people can show their opposition to the celebration of Australia Day - and the activities revellers should avoid. Wiradjuri, Gomeroi and Awabakal user Meissa Mason has suggested people working on 'Invasion Day', who wish to support Indigenous people, donate their bonus public holiday rates Wiradjuri, Gomeroi and …

The Australian Open will do nothing to celebrate Australia Day
2 years, 2 months ago

The Australian Open will do nothing to celebrate Australia Day

Daily Mail  

Australian Open organisers have chosen not to stage any events marking Australia Day as they seek to avoid conflict over the under-fire national holiday. Patriotic Aussie fans won't be able to attend any Australia Day events at Melbourne Park on January 26 Tennis Australia is refusing to mark the national holiday because it's become too divisive 'We acknowledge the historical …

Ashleigh Gardner slams scheduling of Australia game on 26 January, CA responds
2 years, 2 months ago

Ashleigh Gardner slams scheduling of Australia game on 26 January, CA responds

Firstpost  

Cricket Australia spoke in support of Ashleigh Gardner after the cricketer slammed the decision to schedule a game on 26 January. Ashleigh Gardner, an indigenous Australian member of the Australian national women’s cricket team has condemned a decision to play a T20I against Pakistan on Australia’s national day. “For those who don’t have a good understanding of what that day …

Melbourne councillors vote to review January 26 celebrations ahead of Australia Day 2023
2 years, 7 months ago

Melbourne councillors vote to review January 26 celebrations ahead of Australia Day 2023

ABC  

Melbourne City Council could dump Australia Day celebrations as part of its journey to reconciliation. Key points: Melbourne City Council is launching a review into Australia Day celebrations All but two councillors voted in favour of the motion The review is to be tabled and debated on September 6 Councillors on Monday night voted in favour of a motion put …

Melbourne City Council could scrap Australia Day celebrations
2 years, 7 months ago

Melbourne City Council could scrap Australia Day celebrations

Daily Mail  

Australia Day celebrations could be scrapped in Melbourne as the city's mayor works to create 'unity, rather than division' around the national holiday. Melbourne City Council Lord Mayor Sally Capp held a meeting on Tuesday night where the majority of the city's councillors voted in favour of a review into how January 26 would be marked in the future. Australia …

Four Australians share why they don't celebrate Australia Day
3 years, 2 months ago

Four Australians share why they don't celebrate Australia Day

ABC  

As an Aboriginal person, I know I have roughly two weeks into the new year before I have to start preparing myself mentally for January 26. "I have no connection to that date, and it wasn't until I finished high school and started working that people made it a 'thing' to celebrate January 26," the marketing manager says. "Long before …

Australia divided on January 26th with packed beaches packed and Invasion Day protests
4 years, 2 months ago

Australia divided on January 26th with packed beaches packed and Invasion Day protests

Daily Mail  

Australian hasn't been as divided on our national day holiday as we were on January 26, 2021. Two women celebrate the national holiday on the back of a boat as temperatures soar on the Gold Coast Protesters in Melbourne raise their fists in the air as they call for an end to black death in custody A glamorous blonde woman …

January 26 is a reminder that Australia still hasn't reckoned with its original sin
4 years, 2 months ago

January 26 is a reminder that Australia still hasn't reckoned with its original sin

ABC  

This is who I am. Australia is better because a new generation of First Nations people are raising their voices: smart, angry, insistent and irrepressible. Australia is better for our contributions It is better because of so many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have believed in this country even when it did not believe in them. Australia is …

Australia Day celebrated across country as speakers urge reflection, unity
4 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day celebrated across country as speakers urge reflection, unity

ABC  

Australia Day has been commemorated and celebrated around the country, with more than 12,000 new citizens welcomed. New Australians ACT - 20 NSW - 2,884 NT - 186 QLD - 3,906 SA - 1,122 TAS - 316 VIC - 1,706 WA - 2,488 Nationally - 12,628 Source: Dept of Home Affairs At the national flag-raising and citizenship ceremony in Canberra, …

Thousands march in Australia for Indigenous recognition
4 years, 2 months ago

Thousands march in Australia for Indigenous recognition

Al Jazeera  

Demonstrators in major cities demand the national day be changed in honour of the country’s Indigenous people. Thousands of people in Australia defied public health concerns and protested against the mistreatment of Indigenous people on ‘Australia Day’, the national holiday marking the 1788 arrival of the British First Fleet that is known as ‘Invasion Day’ by Aboriginal people. “Until they …

Explainer: What is Australia Day, why protests, Cricket Australia's stance, Margaret Court controversy
4 years, 2 months ago

Explainer: What is Australia Day, why protests, Cricket Australia's stance, Margaret Court controversy

The Hindu  

India will mark its 72nd Republic Day this year on January 26. Cricket Australia has decided to drop the term ‘Australia Day’ in promotions for Big Bash League games scheduled on the public holiday. This move drew criticism from Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison who asked Cricket Australia to ‘focus on the cricket.’ "I think a bit more focus on …

How to talk about not celebrating Australia Day
4 years, 2 months ago

How to talk about not celebrating Australia Day

ABC  

For a lot of young Aussies, January 26 is about going to the beach, having a barbeque with mates and indulging in a few bevvies. “Rather than me preaching it, or, you know, just talking at her, she then started asking me questions.” Ms Thunig explained that January 26 only became the Australia Day public holiday in 1994 and before …

Australia Day is a contentious day for many. Here are the events being held on January 26
4 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day is a contentious day for many. Here are the events being held on January 26

ABC  

Australia Day, one of the most polarising dates on the Australian calendar, is back, though this year the coronavirus pandemic could mean fewer crowds at events around the country. Perth Perth would usually play host to the nation's largest Australia Day fireworks display, but local coronavirus restrictions mean this year's Skyworks won't go ahead. The ABC brings you stories of …

Australia Day debate is exhausting and data tells us it could last another generation
4 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day debate is exhausting and data tells us it could last another generation

ABC  

"Sometimes it's just about surviving Survival Day," said a friend who is feeling exhausted three weeks into January. Every year, January 26 rolls around, and each time the same debate about our national day floods the country's consciousness — and for some of us it can feel tiringly predictable. A similar poll from the ANU's Social Research Centre in 2019 …

‘Invasion Day’ seeks to reclaim what Aboriginal Australians lost
5 years, 1 month ago

‘Invasion Day’ seeks to reclaim what Aboriginal Australians lost

Al Jazeera  

For Australia’s indigenous people, Australia Day represents colonisation and dispossession of their land since 1788. There’s no element of that Aboriginal people can relate to.” As an alternate name to Australia Day, the protest organisers now refer to the event as “Invasion Day”. Onus said, “Calling it Invasion Day is the most frank and honest way you could really describe …

Mallacoota fireys deeply honoured to lead parade as Australia Day celebrated nationwide
5 years, 2 months ago

Mallacoota fireys deeply honoured to lead parade as Australia Day celebrated nationwide

ABC  

Leading Melbourne's Australia Day parade was a "very emotional, huge honour" for members of the Mallacoota fire brigade who travelled from the fire-devastated far east of the state for the event. Key points: Scott Morrison said persistence, passion, respect and struggle were part of Australia's story Tens of thousands of people cheered volunteer firefighters in Melbourne Thousands more attended citizenship …

Activists gather at dawn to hold Invasion Day rallies in protest
5 years, 2 months ago

Activists gather at dawn to hold Invasion Day rallies in protest

Daily Mail  

Before the sun even rose in Victoria on Australia Day, mixed emotions about the national holiday were on full display in Melbourne. Hundreds of people attended a dawn service marking what they say is Invasion Day - which aims to counter celebration of the January 26 anniversary of the First Fleet's arrival in 1788. Spectators attend a vigil on the …

Australia Day protests: Tens of thousands march against 'celebration of colonisation and genocide'
6 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day protests: Tens of thousands march against 'celebration of colonisation and genocide'

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Tens of thousands of people …

Australia Day: Why it’s so controversial
6 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day: Why it’s so controversial

CNN  

CNN — “This used to be the greatest country on Earth, but we’ve lost the plot.” It might just be a commercial – Australian Lamb’s annual As Australians deal with a record-breaking heatwave, environmental devastation and a sixth prime minister in just over a decade, the annual fierce debate over the country’s national day might be the thing that pushes …

The culture war taking place in your own backyard: Local councils and the politics of Australia Day
6 years, 2 months ago

The culture war taking place in your own backyard: Local councils and the politics of Australia Day

ABC  

Australia Day divides us like no other public holiday on our national calendar. In a manner reminiscent of the earlier "black armband/white blindfold" history wars, the 26 January Australia Day holiday now represents one of our nation's longest running points of cultural contention. More recently, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has echoed his predecessor's view, tweeting in response to Byron Council's …

Australia Day date change urged by young girl in heartfelt letter written in texta
6 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day date change urged by young girl in heartfelt letter written in texta

ABC  

A young girl has pleaded with the nation's leaders to move Australia Day because "it's a day for the Aboriginal people to feel sad and I don't think that's right". Key points: The ABC obtained nearly 20 letters, written between 2014 and January 2018 Most of the correspondence supported moving the day The Coalition has recently strengthened its support for …

Australia Day: Nearly 80 per cent of voters want national day to STAY on January 26
6 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day: Nearly 80 per cent of voters want national day to STAY on January 26

Daily Mail  

An overwhelming majority of Australians continue to reject calls for the country's national day to be moved from January 26, according to new polls. An overwhelming majority of Australians reject calls for the country's national day to be moved from January 26, according to new polls Polling commissioned by right-wing think tank the Institute of Public Affairs showed just 10 …

Anti-Australia Day activist wants date to be changed
7 years, 2 months ago

Anti-Australia Day activist wants date to be changed

Daily Mail  

High-profile Aboriginal model and Invasion Day activist Aretha Brown, 17, says Australia Day is the only time of the year that anyone 'gives a sh**' about indigenous affairs. Amid an increasingly divisive debate over the date of Australia's national day, Ms Brown said January 26 would be better served as a national day of mourning. Scroll down for video Indigenous …

My grandfather protested against Australia Day in 1938. We'll never have a reason to rejoice on that day
7 years, 2 months ago

My grandfather protested against Australia Day in 1938. We'll never have a reason to rejoice on that day

ABC  

Eighty years ago on Friday, my grandfather donned a black suit as a sign of mourning and in the hot summer heat, marched in silence through the streets of Sydney. One of the first civil rights protests by Indigenous people against their callous and discriminatory treatment in Australia, the gathering was not allowed to enter via the front door when …

Australia Day: Most Australians don't mind what date it's held, according to new poll
7 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day: Most Australians don't mind what date it's held, according to new poll

ABC  

Do we need to change the date of Australia Day? Key points: Less than half of respondents identified the First Fleet as the reason why January 26 is the current date Greens leader Richard Di Natale says the results demonstrate "a great opportunity to move the nation forward" Nearly half — 49 per cent — of those surveyed believe Australia …

Australia Day dividing Australians and excluding Indigenous people, says Professor Chris Sarra
7 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day dividing Australians and excluding Indigenous people, says Professor Chris Sarra

ABC  

The date of Australia Day is dividing Australians and excluding Indigenous people, according to one of Australia's most influential Aboriginal voices. Key points: Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull disappointed by calls to change Australia Day date Professor Chris Sarra says the date excludes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people The government believes changing the date is a denial of history "Regrettably …

Sydney's Australia Day celebrations should be moved, says independent MP Alex Greenwich
7 years, 2 months ago

Sydney's Australia Day celebrations should be moved, says independent MP Alex Greenwich

ABC  

The harbour city's Australia Day celebrations should be moved from January 26, according to independent MP for Sydney Alex Greenwich, who says he felt uncomfortable on the date last year. "It was the day that brutal colonisation started and it was horrific for Australia's first people," he said. Boycotting Australia Day 'un-Australian' The issue of changing the date continues to …

Australia Day: Five years ago, Flinders Island community quietly axed celebrations
7 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day: Five years ago, Flinders Island community quietly axed celebrations

ABC  

Remember when Fremantle council in Western Australia axed its Australia Day festivities last year and sparked a nation-wide debate? "For me personally, I had always had an issue with the Australia Day celebration being on what many in the community refer to as Invasion Day," he said. FIAAI CEO Maxine Roughley said the Flinders Island Aboriginal community viewed Australia Day …

Aboriginal elder slams Melbourne councils re Australia Day
7 years, 7 months ago

Aboriginal elder slams Melbourne councils re Australia Day

Daily Mail  

An Aboriginal elder has hit out at Melbourne councils for scrapping their Australia Day celebrations on January 26 and says the move will 'pull everyone apart again'. Aboriginal elder Gordon Workman has slammed the decision to scrap Australia Day Mr Workman, a leader in Blacktown in Sydney's west, said the decision would 'create a divide' City of Yarra mayor Amanda …

Australia Day: Locals cheer despite PM's warning over Yarra ending references to national holiday
7 years, 7 months ago

Australia Day: Locals cheer despite PM's warning over Yarra ending references to national holiday

ABC  

In the cafes of Brunswick Street — "hipster central" in Melbourne's inner north — local residents were largely in favour of the controversial move by the City of Yarra to stop referring to January 26 as Australia Day. "I agree, like it's Invasion Day we should change the date really it should represent something that should include all Australians," Maddie …

Australia Day protesters clash with police in Sydney
8 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day protesters clash with police in Sydney

Daily Mail  

A fight has erupted between police and thousands protesting 'Invasion Day' after a man allegedly tried to set fire to a flag. Shocking footage shows an officer grabbing a protester around the waist and pushing him the ground as another leaps at his face As the man was pushed to the ground, other protesters seemed to become angry and tried …

January 26: What would it take to change the date of Australia Day?
8 years, 2 months ago

January 26: What would it take to change the date of Australia Day?

ABC  

In 1996 and 1997, the National Australia Day Council toured the land consulting the people about "key issues around national identity". Here's the 1996 report: We should use the opportunity of Australia Day, where almost 6 million people attend activities and events, to invite Australians to reflect upon issues pertaining to national identity and national values. For 2017, Fremantle Council …

Australia Day: NSW Minister for Multiculturalism says January 26 'not controversial' for Indigenous people
8 years, 2 months ago

Australia Day: NSW Minister for Multiculturalism says January 26 'not controversial' for Indigenous people

ABC  

The New South Wales Minister for Multiculturalism says he does not think the date of Australia Day is controversial in Indigenous communities. "I don't see it being a controversial day, I speak to many Indigenous Australians and many of the leaders and I see them first hand with us celebrating this wonderful day," he said. Journalist Peter Greste, who is …

Fremantle axes Australia Day celebrations for 'culturally-inclusive alternative'
8 years, 4 months ago

Fremantle axes Australia Day celebrations for 'culturally-inclusive alternative'

ABC  

The City of Fremantle has axed its Australia Day festivities in favour of a "culturally-inclusive alternative" celebration two days later. "Australia Day will still exist and people can still come down and there will still be things to do in Fremantle on Australia Day," he said. "There is no doubt that Aboriginal people in the Fremantle area overwhelmingly have supported …

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