Article Where to stand in solidarity with First Nations Peoples on January 26. 23 January 2024 Read time: 5 min Author Charlotte Whelan As we approach Jan 26th this year, we are again offering our team the chance to change the date and decide if they want to celebrate the Australia Day public holiday. We want to celebrate our nation and all the great things and diverse communities that make Australia what it is, but we just don’t think January 26th is the right day to do that. We stand in solidarity with the First Nations Peoples of this land, and to celebrate today is to ignore the enduring consequences of the First Fleet’s arrival in 1788. It’s a small gesture – but one that is continuing to grow in popularity with citizens and businesses nationwide. Paired with increased public awareness and pressure, we hope action like this will one day result in an official date change. Until then, we’ve rounded up some ways you can spend January 26th rallying, listening, learning, celebrating and centering the incredible music, art, food, knowledges, traditions and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Naarm/Melbourne (and surrounds) Our Survival Day Our Survival Day is brought to you by Our Songlines, a 100% Aboriginal-owned and woman-led organisation. It provides a safe and culturally empowering space for First Nations people and their allies to gather on January 26th. This event has a focus on First Nations Peoples education, cultural entertainment, food and sustainability through the theme of ‘Keep Surviving’. You will feel the connection as soon as you walk onto Bunurong land: be welcomed by the trees, the birds, the First Nations musical voices, the smell of Indigenous bush foods, friends enjoying picnics and playing games, cultural workshops, dancing, families of diverse backgrounds and many activities to participate in at your leisure. Ticketed event ranging from $0 – $35. Where: The Briars, 450 Nepean Hwy, Mount Martha VIC 3934 on Bunurong land, of the Boon Wurrung Language within the Kulin Nation, amongst Indigenous plants, trees, birds, and habitat for wildlife. Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/our-survival-day-2024 Share the Spirit Festival Share the Spirit, presented by Songlines Aboriginal Music, returns for another year as the state’s largest and longest running Indigenous festival. It’s an annual festival of First Nations music, art and culture and a free community event. This event provides a moment of togetherness as we share this time to respect the survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Where: Sidney Myer Music Bowl – Kings Domain Gardens, Linlithgow Ave, Melbourne VIC 3000 Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. More info: https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/2024/contemporary-music/share-the-spirit Survival Day Dawn Ceremony Join an inclusive family gathering that celebrates resilience, strength and community. Featuring an impressive array of local artists, interactive experiences, diverse food offerings, and market stalls united by a common purpose. Free event. Where: Viewpoint, Lake Wendouree, Ballarat Wadawurrung Country. More info: https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/city/my-community/aboriginal-ballarat/survival-day-dawn-ceremony-and-free-cultural-activities Warrane/Sydney (and surrounds) Dawn Reflection First nations and first light. Join an inclusive family gathering that celebrates resilience, strength and community. At dawn, the sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated with an artwork that represents and celebrates Aboriginal history, culture and people. Featuring an impressive array of local artists, interactive experiences, diverse food offerings, and market stalls united by a common purpose. Free event. Where: Sydney Opera House Circular Quay Gadigal Land. More info: https://www.australiaday.com.au/whats-on/dawn-reflection/ Blak Powerhouse Save the date for Blak Powerhouse, on 26 January 2024. Once again, Indigenous social enterprise We Are Warriors will take over Powerhouse Ultimo to turn a day of sorrow into one of power and positivity. Expect an evening of live music, dance performances, art, talks, workshops, markets, food and DJs. Where: Powerhouse Ultimo – 500 Harris St, Ultimo NSW 2007 Gadigal Land. More info: https://powerhouse.com.au/program/blak-powerhouse-2024 AwabaMi Festival AwabaMi Festival aims to recognise, mourn and celebrate both ancient and modern cultures and history together. The program includes a smoking ceremony, welcome to country, traditional dance, Aboriginal musicians and singers, storytelling, and knowledge sharing, Aboriginal businesses and craft and food stalls. Free public event. Where: Foreshore Park Newcastle, 200 Wharf Rd, Newcastle NSW Awabakal, Worimi and Mooloobinba lands. More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/155356790992457/ Yabun Festival Yabun Festival is an annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander survival and cultures. The event extends a warm invitation to people from all walks of life to join in this unique event, paying homage to the enduring legacy of the world’s oldest living cultures. The festival radiates the richness and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through live music, market stalls, panel discussions, children’s activities, and Traditional Dance performances. Free public event. A live stream will be available at yabun.org.au or you can listen on Koori Radio 93.7FM. Where: Victoria Park, 9 Franklyn St, Glebe NSW Gadigal Land. More info: https://www.facebook.com/YabunFestival Other states Invasion Day Rally Meanjin (Brisbane) Kicking off at 8am at Queens Gardens for sign making, the march begins at around 10am and will finish at Musgrave Park. Local businesses will also have a pop-up mini-market across the event locations. Where: Queens Garden, 144 George Street, Brisbane QLD Meanjin. Organised by: Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance – WAR and Brisbane Aboriginal-Sovereign Embassy More info: https://www.facebook.com/WARcollective Survival Day 2024 (Townsville) A time to commemorate a time to celebrate the Survival of one of the world’s oldest living culture of 65,000 years through dance poetry, storytelling and much more. Where: Strand Park, Townsville QLD Organised by: Big Eye Theatre More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2373536472831828/ Invasion Day Rally Nipaluna (Hobart) Departing 11:15am from Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre for street march. Rally 12:00 pm – at Parliament Lawns. Where: 56 Patrick St, Hobart TAS Organised by: Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre More info: https://tacinc.com.au/invasion-day-2024/ Survival Day March 2024 Tarndanyangga (Adelaide) Details for Adelaide’s 2024 Invasion Day rally haven’t been released yet, but last year it was held at 12pm at Tarndanyangga, Victoria Square. Where: Victoria Square, Adelaide SA Tarntanyangga lands. More info: TBC Invasion Day 2024 Protest (Perth) An Invasion Day rally is currently planned for Forrest Chase, on Wellington Street in Boorloo (Perth), from 12pm. Where: Wellington Street, Perth WA Boorloo lands. More info: TBC Birak Concert (Perth) Birak Concert is Western Australia’s premier celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. In addition to the jam-packed stage program, there are several fun activities to jump into including a community art canvas, market stalls with beautiful hand-crafted items and community service offerings, amusements including the 23m long Warrior Obstacle Course, scrumptious food trucks and free face painting! Free public event. Where: Supreme Court Gardens, Cnr Barrack Street and Riverside Drive, Perth Visit Perth acknowledges the Whadjuk Nyoongar people as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters where Perth city is situated today. Organised by: Aboriginal Shows and Productions More info: https://visitperth.com/events/birak-concert Online Survival Day Yarning Circle webinar Join Aunty Munya, Carla & Kate for a yarn about being an Ally to First Nations people on January 26th. Where: Online Details: 25 January 2024, 1-2pm AEDT. Cost: $59. More info: https://pages.evolves.com.au/individual-webinar Enough talking. Let’s walk the walk. Spending time and standing in solidarity at any of these events on January 26 is a good way to support change. And if you can’t attend, spread the word about these events taking place nationwide and share this article with your networks.
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