Invasion Day rallies in Australia attended by thousands in support of indigenous community

Thousands of Australians organised rallies to protest against the national holiday in support of the indigenous community who have expressed discontent with the national day celebrations. Many have started describing Australia Day as Invasion Day.

235 years ago on January 26, the first British fleet sailed into Sydney Harbour which started the British colonisation of the country. But, indigenous people have occupied the island for around 65,000 years. Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese refuted suggestions to change the date of the national holiday but noted that it was a “difficult day” for the indigenous people.



But the government along with several other large firms allowed its staff the choice to take the holiday off or work on Thursday, January 26 as the country has increasingly grown uncomfortable with the day. Tens of thousands of people marked the day by attending protest rallies across the country as questions clouded the nation’s colonial history.

The rallies on Thursday were organised to mark ‘Invasion Day’, ‘Survival Day’ and ‘Sovereignty Day’ moving away from the traditional Australia Day activities such as fireworks, festivals and flag-waving of the past.

FAQs:

1. What is Australia Day?
   Australia Day is a national holiday in the country and is observed every year to mark the landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788.
2. When is Australia Day?
   January 26