Survival Day

On January 26th approximately 1000 people gathered in Borthwick Park in Belgrave to share and learn about indigenous culture, reflect on the experience and consequences of colonization for Aboriginal people since 1776 and to celebrate the Survival of indigenous culture.

Australia Day on January 26th marks the day Europeans began their occupation of Aboriginal land. The process of occupation and colonisation has been a devastating one for the indigenous occupants of Australia. Mainstream Australia celebrated the day by proudly waving the flag on their cars, clothing or even draping themselves in the "Cronulla cape". Others were “relaxed and comfortable” as John Howard urged us years ago and attended bbq's or the beach. However many Australians attended events that called for justice for Indigenous Australia and to reject the idea that January 26th is a day that all Australians should “celebrate”. In Tasmania 400 people marched to demand a change to our national day. In Belgrave in Melbourne others attended a Survival Day concert. In Sydney hundreds marched in Redfern against the Intervention before attending the 2011 Yabun Festival. Hundreds also marched Brisbane at an invasion day rally.