Here’s a summary of Survival Day events happening around Australia on 26 January 2023 – a way to mark the day respectfully. Contact us to update or add an event to our listing.
NSW
January 26 2023, 5:20-5:50 AM, Sydney Opera House Circular Quay. A reflective moment in honour of First Nations peoples. There will be a First Nations artwork projected onto the Sydney opera house, and everyone is welcome to pause, reflect and remember.
(Free) – Walumil lawns at Barangaroo reserve 7:30-8:30 AM. 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.
(Free) – Belmore Park, 9:30am. Hosted this year by Fighting in Solidarity Towards Treaties and Justice for David Dungay Jr. Speeches will be followed by a march around the CBD before heading to Victoria Park to join the Yabun Festival.
(Free/Live streamed) – Victoria Park, Broadway: 12-10 PM. 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.
Day of Mourning March Mulubinba
Customs House Newcastle, 10 AM – This rally and march will focus on bringing awareness on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. It is a celebration of culture which also includes live music, dancing and Indigenous rugby games.
(Free) – Griffith Local Aboriginal Land Council will be hosting Survival Day 11 AM – 5 PM with a BBQ, an Elders tent, an awards ceremony, cultural performances, and market stalls. There is also a shuttle bus.
(Free) – Dickinson Oval: 11 AM to 3 PM. A day for the local community to come together and celebrate the survival and culture of First Nations people. There will be free food, entertainment, and giveaways, alongside rugby league coaching at Dickinson Oval.
Sunset Cultural Ceremony, Woronora
(Free) – Barnum Barnum Sanctuary 5 PM – 8 PM. Local Elder Dean Kelly is hosting a sunset Indigenous cultural ceremony to cap off the day’s events in the Sutherland Shire. Elders will be sharing stories alongside traditional dances, music, workshops, art stalls, and other cultural displays.
(Free) 5:30AM Wadawurrung Country. Viewpoint, Lake Wendouree, Ballarat. The Koorie Engagement Action Group (KEAG) invites you to come together and stand in solidarity to peacefully reflect on those who have gone before us.
Cosy Corner Beach, 5:30-7 AM – A truth-telling event presented by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation. Everyone is welcome to attend the event for a reflective sunrise moment.
Melbourne Invasion Day Protest
Victorian Parliament House 11 AM. Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance are hosting this year’s annual Invasion Day protest in Melbourne.
(Ticketed $30) – The Briars in Mount Martha, 12-7 PM. Brought to you by Our Songlines With a focus on Indigenous education, cultural entertainment, food and sustainability through the theme of ‘Deep Listening’.
Balit Nurran – Share The Spirit Festival
Sidney Myer Music Bowl: 11 AM – 7 PM. Presented by Songlines Aboriginal Music Organisation in partnership with Arts Centre Melbourne. It celebrates the survival of Australia’s First Nations people with live music and art from the Aboriginal arts community.
UPDATED INFORMATION: From the organiser’s of Belgrave Survival Day. Read more on their Facebook Page.
Event moved to SUNDAY March 12, 2023.
“After much reflection, consultation and conversation the BSD Committee and our partners, Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place and Burrinja Cultural Centre we have made the decision to change our event”
Queens Garden, 10 AM. Hosted by the Brisbane Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy and the Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance.
Invasion Day – We Have Survived!
(Free) Foundation Square, Corner of South Sea IsIander Way & Lightning Way, Maroochydore – 10 AM – 2 PM
(Free/ Ticketed) – Simpsons Playground 7:30 – 10 AM. The Benarrawa Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Solidarity Group will be kicking off their annual Survival Day ceremony at 7:15am and invites all Australians to come and acknowledge the significance of the date.
(Free) – Townsville: Strand Park 6 AM. A dawn service in celebration and commemoration of First Nations peoples way of life, telling the stories of survival and building strength through dance, art, music and workshops to continue 40,000 plus years of culture.
Survival Day Rally
Garema Place, 9:30 AM
Sovereignty Day-Isabell Coe Memorial Lecture
The annual lecture held in honour of the memory of dedicated Wiradjuri activist Isabel Coe will be held at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy outside Old Parliament House.
Afro Aboriginal Cultural Showcase
Albert Hall, 12 PM – A celebration of “togetherness” through a full day of entertainment including live music and performances from Indigenous artists and speakers.
Smoking Ceremony (Mourning in the Morning 2023)
(Free entry. Bookings essential) – Elder Park: 7-8 AM. The ceremony will feature a speech by Kaurna Elder Rosemary Kudnarto Wanganeen, a performance by renowned singer and musician Nancy Bates and the unveiling of a stunning Sand Painting created by First Nations artist Derik Lynch in collaboration with Kaurna elder Frank Wanganeen.
Survival Day March
(Free) – Tarndanyangga, Victoria Square: 12 PM. A great lineup of powerful speakers and beautiful performers, as well as a rally to voice support for Indigenous justice.
Aus Lights on the River
(Free) – Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama: event will be held on the 25th and 26th of Jan 2023, 5:30-11:00 PM. Immersion of sound, light and vision to explore connection to nature and belonging to Country. Story telling, dancing, projections of artworks, detailed depictions of animals and reflections of Country being shared both orally and visually.
Birak Concert
(Free) – Supreme Court Gardens, Riversdale: 3-7:30 PM. Arts, markets, craft, food stalls and performances that will celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island cultures.
Invasion Day Protest
Forrest Chase shopping Centre, 12 PM – A rally through the city in support of First Nations peoples. Will also include speeches and performances from Indigenous artists.
Gimme Club Broome, 2 PM
Invasion Day 2023 (Nipaluna – Hobart)
The march begins at 10:45am at 198 Elizabeth Street while the rally begins at 11:45am at Parliament Lawns.
Invasion Day 2023 (Limilinaturi – Devonport)
The march begins at 11:30am at Tulaminakali Health Service and the rally begins at 11:50am in Market Square.
(Free) Darwin Waterfront 26th January 2023 7:50 AM. Australia Day in the Northern Territory will begin with a smoke ceremony conducted by the Larrakia people in acknowledgement of First Nations peoples. The Larrakia people will also be performing dances and story telling.
Close Don Dale Invasion Day Rally
Wongabilla Street, Berrimah NT – 10 AM. Invasion Day rally to demand the immediate closure of Don Dale Detention Centre.
*Something we’ve missed? Contact us to update or add an event to our listing.
