Archive · 26 Jan 2026
Australia Day marked by rallies, protests
Australia Day is a national holiday that celebrates the arrival of British settlers.
However, for many Indigenous Australians, it's known as 'Invasion Day' because it marks the start of the destruction of their cultures.
On this day, thousands of people attend rallies to support Indigenous Australians and call for unity among immigrants.
At the same time, anti-immigration protests also take place.
The Prime Minister has called for unity and not division.
Surveys show that many Australians want to keep the holiday on the same date, but there are ongoing discussions about its significance and the treatment of Indigenous people.
Thousands attended 'Invasion Day' rallies in support of Indigenous Australians and unity among immigrants.
Anti-immigration protests, organized by March for Australia, also drew crowds across the country.
Indigenous speakers discussed land repatriation, deaths in police custody, and the need to unite against rising nationalism.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for unity in a speech during an Australia Day citizenship ceremony.
A survey showed a record number of Australians want to maintain the holiday on January 26.
- Who
- Indigenous Australians, immigrants, anti-immigration protesters, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
- What
- Rallies and protests marking Australia Day
- When
- January 26
- Where
- Sydney, Australia, and across the country
- Why
- To support Indigenous Australians, protest immigration, and discuss the significance of Australia Day
Pro-Indigenous and pro-immigration
Anti-immigration
Purpose of rallies
Pro-Indigenous and pro-immigration
Support for Indigenous Australians and unity among immigrants
Anti-immigration
Opposition to immigration and its perceived impacts
Views on Australia Day
Pro-Indigenous and pro-immigration
Criticism of the date as 'Invasion Day' and calls for change
Anti-immigration
Support for maintaining the current date and traditions
- Date
- January 26
- Indigenous population
- 4% of Australia's 27 million people
- Immigration rate
- One in two people is either born overseas or has a parent born overseas
- Protest organizers
- Invasion Day rally, March for Australia
- Prime Minister's stance
- Called for unity, not division