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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Sovereignty was never ceded.

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ANTAR acknowledges the responsibility of committing to a truth-telling process that promotes an honest and respectful path forward for future generations to build upon.

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19 minutes

Survival Day Events Listing

Last edited: February 6, 2024

Here is a summary of Survival Day events happening around Australia on 26 January 2024 – a way to mark the day respectfully. Contact us to update or add an event to our listing.

NSW

Dawn Reflection 

When: 26 January 2024, 5:20-5:50 AM
Where: Sydney Opera House Circular Quay, Gadigal Land 
What: A reflective moment in honour of First Nations peoples. Sydney Opera House sails will be illuminated with First Nations artwork. Everyone is encouraged to gather on the shores around the Opera House to pause, reflect and remember as the artwork is revealed on the nation’s most iconic canvas and the Australian flag and Aboriginal flags are raised over the bridge as  symbols of unity, recognition and inclusion.
Cost: Free

WulgulOra Morning Ceremony 

When: 26 January 2024, 7:30-8:30 AM
Where: Walumil lawns at Barangaroo reserve, Gadigal Land
What: As an ancient Smoking Ceremony cleanses the way for new beginnings, the WugulOra Morning Ceremony celebrates the world’s oldest living culture through dance, music and language.The event will also be broadcast live on ABC TV and streamed on iview.
Cost: Free

Holding Space Fingal Head

When: 26 January 2024, 7:00 AM
Where: Fingal Head, Boat Harbour, Bundjalung Country NSW
What: Currie Country host this event to pay respect and hold space together. Everyone is welcome.
Cost: Free

Invasion Day Rally/Day of Mourning 2024

When: 26 January 2024, 9:30 AM
Where: Customs House 1 Bond St, Newcastle NSW 2300
What: Newcastle Invasion Day rally is on again January 26th 2024. Meet at 9.30am Customs House. Bring your Aboriginal flags, protest signs, drums and loud voices. Rally depart 10am, and march up to the AwabaMi Festival, Foreshore Park for a full day of Truth-telling, Festival with Market Stalls and Music celebrating 65,000 + years of Australia’s continual living culture. Plenty of entertainment for kids and adults.
Cost: Free

Invasion Day Rally and March

When: 26 January 2024, 10:00 AM
Where: Belmore Park, Gadigal Land
What: Meet at Belmore Park before a march around Sydney CBD, ending in Victoria Park at Yabun Festival.

Yabun Festival 

When: 26 January 2024
Where: Victoria Park, Broadway, Gadigal Land
What: Currently recruiting 2024 volunteers! Stall applications are also now open. Yabun has been celebrating the survival of Aboriginal cultures and identity on 26 January for over 20 years. A live stream will be available at yabun.org.au or you can listen on Koori Radio 93.7FM.
Cost: Free

Narrungdera Survival Day March

When: 26 January 2024, 10:00 AM
Where: East St, Narrungdera, Wiradjuri Country
What: Join the Narrungdera NAIDOC Committee on Friday 26 January 2024 to march down East Street. Meeting at 10.30am at Narrandera Ambulance Station, The Survival Day March will start at 11am from the Ambulance Station down East Street to Memorial Park. This event is open to all the Narrandera Shire Community. Join the community march to celebrate the oldest surviving Indigenous culture.
Cost: Free

Bermagui Survival Day

When: 26 January 2024, 11:00 AM
Where: Dickinson Oval, Djiringanj Land
What: Bermagui Survival Day is about coming together with the oldest surviving culture in the world to celebrate our survival with Culture Truth Telling and Music. There will be free food, entertainment, and giveaways, alongside rugby league coaching at Dickinson Oval. 2024 event includes Gahdu Dreaming Band and Mudjingaal Yangamba choir.
Cost: Free entry

Sunset Cultural Ceremony, Woronora

When: 25 January 2024, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: Burnum Burnum Sanctuary, Woronora, Dharawal Land
What: Listen and learn about First Nations culture and storytelling at our Sunset Cultural Ceremony. Come along and enjoy an evening of reflection and join in the yarning circles, support local First Nations stallholders and a delicious Sutherland Rotary BBQ. The Sunset Cultural Ceremony will be presented by local Aboriginal elders at Burnum Burnum Sanctuary in acknowledgement that for First Nations Peoples, Australia Day carries different connotations.
Cost: Free

Bundjalung Nation Survival Day

When: 26 January 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Where: Apex Park, Cavanbah (Byron Bay) Arakwal Country
What: Our day of truth telling. Learn true history of British invasion and colonisation on Bundjalung Country. Stand in solidarity. Listen to speakers. Hear music and story. Support our stalls. Be the YES. BYO picnic rug. Message Aunty Delta for more info.
Cost: Free

Blak Powerhouse

When: 26 January 2024, from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street Ultimo NSW, Gadigal Land
What: First Nations 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. Register here and stay tuned for the full lineup.

Ḻuku Ngärra: The Law of the Land Free Screening

When: 26 January 2024, 6:30 PM
Where: Byron Theatre, 69 Jonson St, Byron Bay, Bundjalung Country
What: Join us for this free event to celebrate the launch of Truth Telling Together, a national movement that seeks to inspire all Australians to educate themselves and others about First Nations Australian history, culture and law, inspired by the life work of Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra as a prolific truth seeker. Please note: the film is PG rating and not suitable for small children. General Admission, first in best seated. Strictly 10 tickets per booking.
Cost: Free

Vigil: The Future

When: 25 January 2024, 8:30 PM
Where: Barangaroo Reserve Hickson Road Barangaroo NSW, Gadigal Land
What: At Sydney Festival, this year’s Vigil is about hope, empowering young voices and giving them a platform to share their messages to the people of Australia. A large-scale installation at Barangaroo Headland will come to life with a choir of First Nations young people, as they sing of their dreams, realities and hopes for the future.
Cost: Free

VICTORIA

Day of Mourning Dawn Service 

When: 26 January 2024, 5:30 AM (mob only), 6:30 AM (all welcome)
Where: 62 Morgan Street, North Geelong
What: Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative will be hosting a dawn service to commemorate a Day of Mourning. While January 26th is a day of mourning, it is also a day to mark the survival of ongoing traditions and cultures, and the strength & resilience of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. This event will begin with a Mob Only space for reflection between 5:30am and 6:30am, with allies and all other community members invited to attend, participate and listen to speakers between 6:30am and 7:30am. Breakfast (bacon and egg rolls) and coffee/tea will be provided. No RSVP is required.
Cost: Free

Survival Day Dawn Ceremony 

When: 26 January 2024, 5:30 AM
Where: Viewpoint, Lake Wendouree, Ballarat, Wadawurrung Country
What: 100% Aboriginal run inclusive family event to promote our strength, passion, and community. An incredible line up of local artists, experiences, food and market stalls together to share in the same cause. 26th January is not the date to celebrate. It’s the date to practice culture, and learn history. For more updates, follow @oursurvivalday.
Cost: Free

Invasion Day Dawn Service

When: 26 January 2024, 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM
Where: Kings Domain Resting Place
What: Find us at Kings Domain Resting Place for this second Invasion Day Dawn Service. Kings Domain is located on Linlithgow Avenue on the hill opposite Janet Lady Clarke Rotunda in Naarm (Melbourne). Please use #WeAlwaysRemember when inviting others and posting about the event.
Cost: Free

Pilk Purriyn Truth Telling 

When: 26 January 2024, 5:30am – 7:00am
Where: Cosy Corner Beach, The Esplanade, Torquay 3228, Wadawurrung Country
What: Pilk Purriyn is a truth-telling event presented by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation in partnership with Surf Coast Shire Council. Everyone is welcome to come together for deep-listening and reflection at sunrise on 26 January 5.30am. The event begins with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony from Wadawurrung Traditional Owners. For more info or to register, click here.
Cost: Free

Willum Warrain ‘Change the Date’

When: 26 January 2024, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Where: Willum Warrain, 10c Pound Road Hastings, Bunurong / Boon Wurrung Country
What: Join us at Willum Warrain for a ‘Change the Date’ gathering. January 26th is not a day of celebration for our mob on the Mornington Peninsula.  Come along for a smoking ceremony and yarning circle followed by morning tea. For all our mob and non-Indigenous supporters.
Cost: Free

Invasion Day Protest

When: 26 January 2024, 10:00 AM
Where: Parliament House of Victoria, Spring St Melbourne, Wurundjeri and Boon Warring Lands
What: The 26th January, Australia Day is not a day to celebrate. It is an annual reminder of invasion, occupation, genocide and the ongoing impacts of colonisation that continues to destroy our lives, our lands and our waters. As the oldest living culture in the world, it is our right and our responsibility as First Nations people to protect our country, culture and our people. That is why we meet this day with protest and mourning, as one of the longest standing protests in the world.

City of Stonnington Healing Ceremony

When: 26 January 2024, 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Oval near Malvern Library, 1253 High Street Malvern, Kulin Nation
What: The City of Stonnington hosts a Healing Ceremony in partnership with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people. The ceremony allows the community to learn what the day means to Traditional Custodians and supports Council’s reconciliation journey.
Cost: Free

Survival Day Celebrations

When: 26 January 2024, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: BBQ Area Botanical Gardens, French St Hamilton, Gunditjmara, Tjapwurong and Bunganditj Country
What: There will be a bbq for the community to enjoy! It is a day of celebration of a culture, despite genocide and stolen children, that thrives to make a better future for their children! Please be respectful.
Cost: Free

Our Survival Day 

When: 26 January 2024, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: The Briars, 450 Nepean Hwy, Mount Martha VIC 3934, Australia
What: Our Survival Day is brought to you by Our Songlines, a 100% Aboriginal-owned and woman-led organisation that is passionate about making Indigenous culture accessible to First Nations and allies, in a supportive, safe environment. With a focus on Indigenous education, cultural entertainment, food and sustainability through the theme of ‘Keep Surviving’, our Survival Day will have something for everyone.
Cost: $35, or free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Survival Day 2024

When: 26 January 2024
Where: Victory Park, Castlemaine
What: In 2018, under the leadership of Dja Dja Wurrung Elders, Council decided to formally dual name events held on 26 January as Australia Day – Survival Day, to recognise how celebrations on this day impact the First Nations community. Mount Alexander Shire Council is inviting the community to come together for a free, family-friendly event, including a Survival Day concert programmed and hosted by Dja Dja Wurrung Elder, Uncle Rick Nelson.

Share the Spirit Invasion Day festival

When: 26 January 2024, gates open 11:30 AM, music from 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Sidney Myer Music Bowl
What: Share the Spirit, presented by Songlines Aboriginal Music, returns for another year as the state’s largest and longest running First Nations festival. This event provides a moment of togetherness as we share this time to respect the survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Legendary acts performing include Coloured Stone, No Fixed Address & Blackfire with performances from contemporary artists, David Arden, Kutcha Edwards, Deniece Hudson, Stray Blacks, Robbie Bundle, Yambra, Richard Frankland, Brian Morley, Yung Warriors and Deans of Soul.
Cost: Free

Mildura Survival Day

When: 26 January 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Jaycee Park, Mildura
What: Come and join us for the 5th year to show respect and March for a change to the date of Australia Day, a day or mourning and sorrow for Aboriginal people across Australia. The March to start at the stage in Langtree Mall down to Jaycee Park to gather under the big tree. Seeking volunteers for the day and art stalls holders, Aboriginal entertainers, and people willing to join with us in unity. This event will work in partnership with Mildura Council and local Aboriginal orgs.
Cost: Free

Reflection and Healing Ceremony

When: Thursday 25 January 2024, 5:30 PM
Where: Pea Soup Beach, 8 Ocean Dr, Port Fairy, Gunditjmara / Dhauwurd Wurrung Country
What: Organised by the Moyne Shire Council and will be run by local mob and members of the Eastern Maar Corporation. Free nibbles and ice cream by Worn Gundidj, smoking ceremony and welcome, reflection and vision from local community members.
Cost: Free

QUEENSLAND

Survival Day

When: 26 January 2024
Where: Townsville, North Queensland
What: 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. Mala Jina Waran (Men dancing using hand & feet) will be performing at Survival Day 2024 showcasing their dances of the Yalanji Nation on Gurumbilbara country, lands of the Wulgurukaba people.
Cost: Free

Invasion Day Rally: We Have Survived!

When: 26 January 2024, 9:00 AM
Where: Queens Gardens Meanjin (Brisbane), 144 William St, Yuggera/Jagera and Turrbal Country
What: Kicking off at 8am at Queens Gardens for sign making, the march will begin at around 10am and finish at Musgrave Park. Stand in solidarity & goodwill with First Nations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) people on this day to mark Invasion Day, a Day of Mourning and Survival Day. Only months after 6.2+ million people voted Yes at the recent referendum, community hold this space for First Nations people and their allies to walk together – regardless of their political perspectives.
Cost: Free

We Have Survived! Sunshine Coast

When: 26 January 2024, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: Sunshine Coast City Hall, corner of First Ave and South Sea Islander Way, Maroochydore
What: Assemble 9.00am at Foundation Square. Bring your family, bring your friends and bring your neighbours to commemorate and celebrate the true history of this country. At 10.00am community will lead a 1.5km procession to Cotton Tree Park where we will gather. There will be an open mic and time for community to network. If you or your organisation is interested in supporting this event please email admin@sibw.com.au
Cost: Free

Survival Day Rally Gimuy (Cairns)

When: 26 January 2024, 8:00 AM
Where: Fogarty Park, Gimuy (Cairns)
What: Stay tuned for more details.
Cost: Free

Maleny Remembrance Ceremony

When: 26 January 2024, 10:00 AM
Where: Maleny Neighbourhood Centre, 17 Bicentennial Lane, Maleny, Jinibara/Kabi Kabi Country
What: This is the 8th year of this solemn ceremony, designed for non-Indigenous people to express their regret and sorrow at the history of our invasion of this land, and the dispossession and systematic murder of First Nations people. The ceremony is held in the backyard of the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre.
Cost: Free

Benarrawa Survival Day 

When: 26 January 2024, 7:15 AM for a 7:30 AM start
Where: Gather at the bronze canoe, near Simpson’s playground, end of Graceville Ave, Graceville
What: All Australians are invited to come along to the Benarrawa Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Solidarity Group’s local acknowledgement of Survival Day. On this day we honour the survival of First Nations peoples. What to bring: clapsticks, a hat, water, a rug to sit on or folding chairs, native flowers to be cast into the river as part of the ceremony, a small plate of food that’s easily shareable, a reusable mug. Everyone welcome.
Cost: Free

SA

Mourning in the Morning / Smoking Ceremony

When: 26 January 2024, 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Where: Elder Park / Tarntanya Wama
What: Join revered Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna cultural leader Uncle Moogy Sumner in a cleansing Smoking Ceremony early on 26 January, marking the day 235 years ago when the First Fleet arrived in Sydney Cove – and the lives of the continent’s First Nations peoples changed forever.
Cost: Free

Survival Day March

When: 26 January 2024, 12:00 PM
Where: Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, Tandanya (Adelaide)
What: Come & Stand in Solidarity with us on the 26th of January ! Listen to Our First Nations People’s battle for Justice & Rights – Cultural Rights & Lands Rights Historical Rights & Our Future in Our Country through Our Speakers & Performers. ALLIES WELCOME! Always Was Always Will Be Aboriginal Lands! More info on Facebook event page.
Cost: Free

Aus Lights on the River 

When: 26 January 2024, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Where: Elder Park / Tarntanya Wama
What: The 2024 Aus Lights on the River Program will be inspired by creative visions of Belonging to Country and Connecting to Nature.
Cost: Free

Respecting Country Parade

When: 26 January 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Across the Riverbank Precinct Bridge down to Elder Park / Tarntanya Wama
What: Starting at 7 pm, the Parade will begin at Adelaide Oval on War Memorial Drive before travelling over the Torrens River Footbridge into Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama. You can view the parade in designated areas or from Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama.
Cost: Free

Twilight Reflections, First Nations Ceremony

When: 25 January 2024, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Elder Park / Tarntanya Wama
What: On the eve of the anniversary of colonisation, gather in solidarity with First Nations people as they reflect upon 65,000+ years of continuing connection to this land and assert through story and song, ‘we are still here’.
Cost: Free

Survival Day Laratinga Wetlands

When: 26 January 2024, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: Laratinga Wetlands, Laratinga Pavilion, Springs Rd Mt Barker
What: Please join Peramangk People for our first ever Survival Day event on Peramangk Watta. Family Friendly event. This is an open invitation, ALL are welcome to attend. Peramangk will be showcasing: Elders Living Library, Song, Dance, Arts, Film, Spoken word, Hip Hop, story telling, weaving, Yidaki, Arts making workshops and Cultural Immersion experience, stalls from First Nations artists. Sensory corner available. Sausage sizzle and salads, coffee, tea and water provided. Very limited transport will be available for First Nations People. Please contact Facebook page for information if you’re in need. Elders, women, children and people with disabilities will be given priority.
Cost: Free

North Haven Survival Day

When: 26 January 2024, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: 44 Australia Two Ave North Haven
What: Kura Yerlo, North Haven Surf Club along with Watto Purrunna Aboriginal Health Care Service invites you to join us for free breakfast of bacon and egg rolls/sandwiches with special performances by Katie Aspell and Yidaki player Michael Connelly. Welcome to Country by Patiola Wilson.
Cost: Free

ACT

Sovereignty Day Rally

When: 26 January 2024, 9:30 AM
Where: Garema Place, Canberra, Ngunnawal Country
What: 236 years of unfinished business, land rights, restitution, justice, liberation. Join us at the rallying point in Garema Place, before a Sovereignty Day protest march hosted by the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. Any volunteers keen to support organising the day’s events please use Facebook event link.
Cost: Free

WA

Day of Mourning Ceremony

When: 26 January 2024, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Where: Victoria Gardens Foreshore, 10 Royal Street Perth, Whadjuk Noongar Boodja
What: This Day of Mourning, let’s transform our grief into hope for the future grounded in Truth and Justice.
Please join Senator Dorinda Cox from the Greens and respected community members for a ceremony to acknowledge the past and move toward a better future. We must build a shared vision and future for this nation based on truth-telling, listening and respecting our interconnected histories.
Cost: Free

Invasion Day Protest 

When: 26 January 2024, 12:00 PM
Where: Forrest Chase, on Wellington Street in Boorloo (Perth), Whadjuk Noongar Country
What: 12.30pm Rally – Forrest Place Booraloo, Perth City; 1.30pm March – Forrest Place to Stirling gardens; 2pm Yarning Circle with grassroots Elders – Stirling Gardens. Shaded seating and refreshments for Elders at the rally.
Cost: Free

Birak Concert 

When: 26 January 2024, 3:30 – 7:30 PM
Where: Supreme Court Gardens, 2 Barrack Street
What: The City of Perth is holding its annual Birak Concert. The Supreme Court Gardens will play host to an Elders Marquee, local and interstate performers, community stalls, workshops and a live radio broadcast. There will also be activities for children including face painting, colouring and crafting.
Cost: Free

Rubibi Survival Day

When: 26 January 2024, 4:00 pm – 11:45 PM AWST
Where: Goolarri Amphitheatre, 3 Blackman Street Broome, Yawuru Country
What: This January 26th, Goolarri Media is opening the doors to the refreshingly airconditioned Gimme Club in a day of celebration of the continued survival of Australia’s First Nations Peoples. Food vans will be on location throughout the day and Baamba’s Bar will be open. Note: This is a licensed event and people under the age of 18 will only be admitted if accompanied by an adult.
Cost:  Online Tickets $25 with under 10 year olds free.

TASMANIA

Putiya Kanaplila Invasion Day Rally 

When: 26 January 2024, from 11:15 AM
Where: Depart TAC 198 Elizabeth Street, Nipaluna (Hobart)
What: Join us for our Invasion Day marches and rallies across Lutruwita in 2024 and support the campaign to Change the Date! Rally at 12:00 noon at Parliament Lawns.
Cost: Free

Limilinaturi March and Rally

When: 26 January 2024, 11:30 AM
Where: Tulaminikali Health Service (106 Best Street), Limilinaturi (Devonport)
What: March and rally in Market Square at 12:00 noon, behind Paranaple Centre.
Cost: Free

NT

Smoking Ceremony

When: 26 January 2024, 7:45 AM
Where: Darwin Waterfront lagoon, Larrakia Country
What: The Larrakia People will hold a Smoking Ceremony at Darwin Waterfront lagoon, with storytelling and performances by local First Nations performers.
Cost: Free

Invasion Day Protest

When: 26 January 2024, 10:00 AM
Where: Civic Park (Civic Square), Darwin City, Gulumoerrgin (Larrakia) Country
What: Our theme is Land Back. Land back means listen to TOs to protect country. Land back means ceasefire. Land back means people people power will lead to end of colonisation and occupation. Message on Instagram for more information.

First Nations Community Gathering (Mob only)

When: 26 January 2024
Where: Gulumerridjin Larrakia Country, 12 Smith Street Darwin City
What: A safe space for mob to just be. Come together as a community and recharge. Spaces include air con, fans, seating and tables, projector and microphones, tea and coffee, water and soft drinks. Blackfullas residing on Gulumerridjin-Larrakia Country are invited to use the spaces at Brown’s Mart to do whatever they feel they need this January 26. For more info or to organise anything further, please contact Tahlia Biggs.
Cost: Free

Arrernte Nation Survival Day 

When: 26 January 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Alice Springs Telegraph Station, Arrernte Country
What: Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony, tea damper and BBQ, kids corner, Arrernte Boxing Academy, live music/open mic and bush medicines.
Cost: Free

Online

Children’s Ground Invasion Day Online discussion

When: 25 January 2024 12:00 PM AEDT
Where: Online
What: Join Children’s Ground on 25 January for a significant online event to unpack this date and discuss self-determination, agency and the importance of First Nations designed and led solutions. Register here.
Cost: Free

Survival Day Yarning Circle webinar 

When: 25 January 2024, 1-2pm AEDT
Where: Online
What: Join Aunty Munya, Carla & Kate for a yarn about being an Ally to First Nations people on January 26th.
Cost: $59

VALS’ Invasion Day Webinar 

When: 26 January 2024, 4 PM
Where: Online
What: Join VALS for an insightful discussion about Treaty and First Nations Justice in the lead-up to Invasion Day. This year’s webinar will bring together an all First Nations panel of Treaty experts from widespread nations including Aotearoa (New Zealand), Canada, and across Australia. Register here.

*Something we’ve missed? Contact us to update or add an event to our listing.

Resources
Factsheet
The Redfern Speech: 30 Years On Read
Factsheet
Self-Determination Read
Factsheet
Sovereignty Read
Factsheet
What is Treaty? Read
More
Survival Day
Survival Day History of the Date Read More
Survival Day Not a date to celebrate Read More
Survival Day Rethinking 26 January Read More