MACFORCE Australia would like to pay respects to the past, present and emerging leaders of the land we walk. We stand in solidarity with you on this day and every other. We encourage the learnings and understanding of our country’s past and how we can make active changes to become one united nation.
January 26th for many has become a day to reflect upon the mistreatment and unjustified torture of Aboriginal people. For those affected by this oppression and marginalisation it has lasted lifetimes. January 26th is not a day of celebration; it is a day of reflection. A day to honour the rich culture and pain endured by the traditional owners of the land we walk.
To stand in solidarity with our Indigenous Brothers and Sisters, The Latch have collated a list of key events in your area so you too can show support and solidarity, reflect and honour the traditional custodians of Australia.
NSW – Sydney
Yabun Festival
Yabun Festival is Sydney’s biggest Survival Day festival. Celebrating its 20th anniversary and held at Victoria Park, Yabun festival hosts live music, speeches, and market stalls where you can support local Indigenous artists and creatives.
ACT – Canberra
Nainmurra Nguurraa
Nainmurra Nguurruu, or ‘Australia Day in the Capital,’ encourages Canberrans to come together, reflect, respect and celebrate the Australian experience in its entirety. Kicking off on January 25th, the event will see projections displayed on the National Carillion and other national monuments before a “meaningful First Nations Event” at 5:30pm. From 10:30am on the 26th, the site will host engaging displays of cultural diversity including exhibitions, craft experiences, and talks with musicians performing throughout the day. A First Nations concert will be held between 6pm and 10pm, headlined by Busby Marou. Entry is free for everyone.
Event Here
Incarceration Nation Screening – Acton
The National Film and Sound Archive will be hosting a free screening of the documentary Incarceration Nation, giving voice to victims of systemic bias and exploring the shocking legacy of systemic oppression against Indigenous people. The screening is free but bookings are required. It kicks off at 6pm at ARC Cinema.
Event Here
VIC – Mornington
Our Survival Day Festival
Promising to be a all-out showcase of Indigenous talent, Our Survival Day will start with a Welcome to Country and a smoking ceremony before a host of live acts performing hip hop, punk, poetry, and didgeridoo. It’s run by the all female Our Songlines collective and offers traditional food stalls, clothing, and a chance to reconnect with country. The event is free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who book in advance and just $38 for general admission. It’s held at The Briars in Mount Martha and will run from 12pm to 6pm.
Event Here
TAS – Online
Invasion Day Rally
This year, the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre’s Invasion Day Rally has gone digital. The event includes a Welcome to County, a one minute silence to honour Aboriginal lives lost during invasion, and a dance ceremony. Speakers include Australian of the Year, Grace Tame, Jessica Munday, Richard Condie, Jimmy Everett, and Rodney Gibbins. The event starts at 11:45 and is free to attend online.
Event Here
SA – Adelaide
Smoking Ceremony
An acknowledgement of First Nations people is being hosted by Kaurna elders at Elder Park, welcoming everyone to participate. The event features music, art, and speeches to bring in Survival Day. The event is free but bookings are essential. It starts at 8am.
Event Here
WA – Perth
Birak Concert
Celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island cultures, the annual Birak Concert boasts a stellar line up of Indigenous entertainment. This year’s line up will feature a Welcome to Country, Lilly Gogos, Flewnt, and Pipeline Band. It will be hosted by Phil Walley-Stak and is “the perfect opportunity for all Australians to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture”. The event is free and will start at the Supreme Court Gardens in Riversdale at 3pm and run until 7:30pm. Those who can’t attend in person will be able to hear it on Noongar Radio.
Event Here
Perth Invasion Day Festival
Local Indigenous leaders are hosting a protest rally through the streets of the city. It’s unconnected to the above Birak concert but will feature a walk from Forrest Chase shopping centre through to the concert, allowing anyone who wants to attend to line up their activities. Speeches will be given at the start of the rally as well as performances from local artists. The march is free to join and starts at 12pm.
Event Here
WA – Broome
Survival Day
The Gimmie Club is hosting a day of celebration of the continuing survival of Australia’s First Nations people filled with family-friendly Indigenous performances from the region’s leading established and emerging artists. Acts from around the Kimberley area include Stephen Pigram & The Big Room String Band, John Bennett, Struggling Kings, and many more. The event begins at 12pm and will run until 10pm. Tickets are $15.
Event Here
QLD – Brisbane
Brisbane Invasion Day Rally
Yuggera People are hosting the annual Invasion Day Rally through the streets of the Queensland capital from Queens Garden to Musgrave Park. There will be speeches, music, and food stalls at the finish along with sign making beforehand. The event is free and starts at Queens Garden at 8am.
Event Here
QLD – Townsville
Survival Day Festival
Hosted by the Full Throttle Theatre Company, this Survival Day event is a moment for people in Townsville to reflect, commemorate, respect and celebrate the survival of our First Nation’s people and their continued strong cultural connections. It features a dawn service, a Survival Day walk, market stalls, storytelling, and workshops. The event is free and starts at 6:30am at Strand Park.
Event Here
NT – Darwin
Reflect, Respect & Celebrate
Darwin is going all out with a full day of Indigenous events. Kicking off early, the programme runs through musical performances, arts exhibitions, storytelling, and visual projections. ARIA award winners Electric Fields and up and comers King Stingray will be performing at the convention centre. It’s set to be the biggest staged event in Darwin’s history under the banner “reflect, respect, celebrate.” The event is free and starts with a smoking ceremony at Darwin Waterfront Precinct Lagoon at 8:30am.
Event Here
ABOUT MACFORCE:
MACFORCE Australia is a recruitment company with heart, focused on changing the way people are employed in Australia, particularly across the mining, construction, and civil sector. MACFORCE supports candidates to find suitable work placements, while supporting its clients to find suitable employees.
