Ahead of Australia Day celebrations, two historic statues in Melbourne were vandalized as tens of thousands across the country protested in solidarity with Aboriginal groups who argue the date represents colonization and suffering rather than unity and celebration.
A statue of John Batman, a colonist and founder of Melbourne who played a role in the killing of Indigenous people, was sawn in half. Meanwhile, a World War I monument was defaced with red paint and the words “land back,” according to police and local media reports.
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Australia Day: A Day of Mourning for Many
Australia’s national day on January 26 marks the arrival of British colonization in 1788 when Captain James Cook landed in Sydney Cove. For many Indigenous Australians, the date symbolizes the invasion of their lands and the beginning of ongoing struggles.
“Invasion Day. It’s just about the survival of our people. We’re still here. We ain’t going nowhere. You can try to assimilate all you want, but we’re still here,” said Amanda Hill, an Indigenous Australian protester.
Protests across the country brought attention to Aboriginal issues, including land rights, deaths in police custody, missing and murdered Aboriginal women, and the demand for a treaty to support Indigenous communities.
Protests and Cultural Reflection
Police estimated that 15,000 people participated in Sydney’s events, which included dawn reflection ceremonies and music performances. Among the highlights was the projection of artwork by Wiradjuri-Biripi artist James P. Simon onto the sails of the Sydney Opera House.
In Melbourne, approximately 25,000 protesters gathered in the city’s central business district. Speakers at the rallies also highlighted parallels between the experiences of Aboriginal Australians and Palestinians, with Palestinian flags visible at the protests.
Political Responses and Divisions
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s efforts to establish a constitutional voice for Aboriginal people were defeated in a 2023 referendum, a setback for Indigenous representation in Australia’s political system.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton urged Australians to celebrate their national day, posting on social media that the country must unite under one flag. Dutton has also vowed to remove Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags from government press conferences if he becomes prime minister.
Growing Calls for Change
The protests underscore the growing tension surrounding Australia Day and the nation’s historical reckoning with its treatment of Indigenous peoples. While some call for the abolition or relocation of the holiday, others emphasize unity and celebration.
For many Aboriginal Australians, the day remains a reminder of colonization’s enduring impacts—and a call for recognition, justice, and change.
Key Points: Australia Day Protests and Statue Vandalism
- Statue Vandalism in Melbourne:
- Statue of John Batman, a colonist linked to the killing of Indigenous people, was sawn in half.
- A World War I monument was defaced with red paint and the words “land back.”
- Protests Across Australia:
- Tens of thousands joined protests in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, calling for Indigenous rights and recognition.
- Protesters highlighted issues such as Aboriginal deaths in police custody, missing and murdered Aboriginal women, land rights, and the need for a treaty.
- Significance of January 26:
- For many Indigenous Australians, the date marks colonization and suffering, not celebration.
- The day is often referred to as “Invasion Day” by Aboriginal communities.
- Cultural Reflections:
- In Sydney, the sails of the Opera House featured artwork by Indigenous artist James P. Simon during a dawn reflection event.
- Political Tensions:
- Prime Minister Albanese’s attempt to establish an Aboriginal voice to parliament was defeated in a 2023 referendum.
- Opposition leader Peter Dutton emphasized celebrating under one flag and vowed to remove Aboriginal flags from government press conferences if elected.
- Parallels with Other Struggles:
- Protesters drew comparisons between the experiences of Aboriginal Australians and Palestinians, with Palestinian flags visible at rallies.
- Public Response:
- Protesters continue to call for justice, recognition, and the rethinking of Australia Day’s meaning and date.
