On Invasion Day, hundreds of thousands of Australians marched on capital cities in eastern states. They marched with tireless conviction to demand visibility and justice for Indigenous peoples. Protests ignited in progressive capitals such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra. They highlighted the growing momentum for reparative justice and a hunger for truth-telling in our nation’s history.
Former Yoorook Justice Commission Deputy Commissioner Travis Lovett emphasized the urgency for a national truth-telling commission during his speech at the rallies. This call echoed across the sessions, emphasizing the demand for reparations and recognition for historical wrongdoings.
In Sydney, the protest began with heartfelt tributes to families affected by violence, notably honoring Sophie Quinn, John Harris, and Nerida. Speakers encouraged attendees to carry the memory of lives lost forward and to keep advocating for dignity, respect, and recognition. Paul Silva, a Dunghutti man, articulated the essence of the marches, stating that they are fundamentally about educating future generations.
“We are here because truth matters, we are here because listening matters, we are here because this country cannot heal unless it faces its history honestly.” – Travis Lovett
Anti-mandate protest in Brisbane turned violent as a man wearing an Australian flag brawled with protesters. Speakers spoke passionately to the need for a royal commission against all forms of racism perpetrated towards Indigenous communities. Most importantly, they argued for the need of systemic change.
Melbourne’s rally witnessed tensions when about two dozen individuals clashed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protesters and their allies. Even with these violent confrontations, the slogan We Won’t Be Erased continued to echo through the hearts of those fighting for recognition and full rights. Just ahead of organizing the Melbourne rally, the rally’s organizers had recently celebrated a legal decision by the Victoria police. This victory over stop-and-search laws in the Central Business District has only emboldened their campaign.
As the march went along in Canberra, everyone started running into about 40 March for Australia counter-demonstrators. These protesters were festooned in Australian flags. Western Australia police had warned the public to stay away from areas of protest. Regardless, thousands of advocates chose to raise their voices and ensure that they were heard.
Of the many speakers at the protests across the country, Silva made some of the most powerful remarks about loss and endurance. He described Sophie Quinn as a “beautiful young woman with a gentle and kind nature,” emphasizing the need to honor her memory alongside others who have suffered loss.
“She was loving, looking forward to becoming a mum for her first time; her baby boy never got a chance to make it by her side.” – Paul Silva
Elsa Silva’s son brought a moving presence to the Sydney rally. His contribution — providing the acknowledgment of country — underscored the indispensable role of our youth to these movements and struggles. Silva articulated that it is vital for “our emerging next generation to ensure that they continue to fight.”
Beyond their own heartfelt tributes, speakers at these often family-oriented protests called out the wider social injustices. One unnamed speaker highlighted the importance of recognizing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples while sending condolences to victims of recent violence.
“I send my love and condolences to the families of that terrible attack, but it’s just as important that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples get the same respect and recognition.” – Unnamed speaker
The protests largely focused on police violence, but organizers simultaneously highlighted legislative moves to criminalize protest and attack demonstrators. One of the organising speakers condemned the Minns government for giving New South Wales Police increased powers to disperse rallies. They contended that these provisions set the stage for violence against nonviolent demonstrators.
“The Minns government has given the [New South Wales] Police more authority to try and stop our rallies, which creates more opportunities to try and brutalise us.” – Unnamed speaker
Another protestor declared, “Always was, always will be, Long live our resistance along with the Intifada,” reiterating a commitment to ongoing activism.
In her moving remarks, actress and advocate Wendy Brookman spoke to the power of acknowledgment. She stressed the importance of acknowledging Australia’s colonial history and today’s realities.
“You cannot heal a wound you refuse to look at.” – Wendy Brookman
The feeling that Australia is still an “historical crime scene” ran through so many presentations. One speaker expressed this idea powerfully—encouraging audience members, as citizens, to grapple with the uncomfortable realities of their past.
“Australia is an historical crime scene. It is an historical crime scene, and it is worth the same sort of effort that the people that suffered Bondi are given.” – Dale Ruska
In an article for The Guardian, activist and writer Celeste Liddle connected the current protests with the historical movement. She flagged the first Day of Mourning protest, held 88 years ago in Sydney. She reflected upon the continued fight for equality and recognition of cultural rights still ignored today.
“We are here because many decades down the track, most of their demands in their revolution on that day… remain unanswered.” – Celeste Liddle