List of Survival Day events 26 january 2024
26 January 1788 was the day that British forces landed in Sydney Cove and began an invasion of the Australian continent. It resulted in the devastation of the oldest living cultures on earth.
For that reason, many First Nations peoples object to 26 January being our designated national celebration day.
Some prefer to recast it as Survival Day: a day to celebrate the survival of our Indigenous peoples and cultures. Others prefer the term Invasion Day.
Here at Climate 200, we give our staff the option of working 26 January and taking another day off in lieu.
For those who chose to take the day off, we encourage them to attend one of the many events put on by Indigenous communities taking place across the country. I’ll be attending the march and rally in Nipaluna (Hobart) with my family and friends.
If there’s one thing we learned from 2023, it’s that we still have a long way to go with reconciliation in this country.
We must keep working on it by continuing to learn from, and engage with, our First Nations peoples, and their history and culture.
If you’re looking for something to do that will leave you feeling fulfilled and engaged with our rich Indigenous history and cultures, then head along to one of your local Survival Day events.
NSW
When: 26 January 2024, 5:20-5:50 AM
Where: Sydney Opera House Circular Quay, Gadigal Land
What: A reflective moment in honour of First Nations peoples. Sydney Opera House sails will be illuminated with First Nations artwork. Everyone is encouraged to gather on the shores around the Opera House to pause, reflect and remember as the artwork is revealed on the nation’s most iconic canvas and the Australian flag and Aboriginal flags are raised over the bridge as symbols of unity, recognition and inclusion.
Cost: Free
When: 26 January 2024, 7:30-8:30 AM
Where: Walumil lawns at Barangaroo reserve, Gadigal Land
What: 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.
Cost: Free
When: 26 January 2024, 7:00 AM
Where: Fingal Head, Boat Harbour, Bundjalung Country NSW
What: Currie Country host this event to pay respect and hold space together. Everyone is welcome.
Cost: Free
Invasion Day Rally/Day of Mourning 2024
When: 26 January 2024, 9:30 AM
Where: Customs House 1 Bond St, Newcastle NSW 2300
What: Newcastle Invasion Day rally is on again January 26th 2024. Meet at 9.30am Customs House. Bring your Aboriginal flags, protest signs, drums and loud voices. Rally depart 10am, and march up to the AwabaMi Festival, Foreshore Park for a full day of Truth-telling, Festival with Market Stalls and Music celebrating 65,000 + years of Australia’s continual living culture. Plenty of entertainment for kids and adults.
Cost: Free
When: 26 January 2024, 10:00 AM
Where: Belmore Park, Gadigal Land
What: Meet at Belmore Park before a march around Sydney CBD, ending in Victoria Park at Yabun Festival.
When: 26 January 2024
Where: Victoria Park, Broadway, Gadigal Land
What: Currently recruiting 2024 volunteers! Stall applications are also now open. 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.
Cost: Free
Narrungdera Survival Day March
When: 26 January 2024, 10:00 AM
Where: East St, Narrungdera, Wiradjuri Country
What: Join the Narrungdera NAIDOC Committee on Friday 26 January 2024 to march down East Street. Meeting at 10.30am at Narrandera Ambulance Station, The Survival Day March will start at 11am from the Ambulance Station down East Street to Memorial Park. This event is open to all the Narrandera Shire Community. Join the community march to celebrate the oldest surviving Indigenous culture.
Cost: Free
When: 26 January 2024, 11:00 AM
Where: Dickinson Oval, Djiringanj Land
What: Bermagui Survival Day is about coming together with the oldest surviving culture in the world to celebrate our survival with Culture Truth Telling and Music. There will be free food, entertainment, and giveaways, alongside rugby league coaching at Dickinson Oval. 2024 event includes Gahdu Dreaming Band and Mudjingaal Yangamba choir.
Cost: Free entry
Sunset Cultural Ceremony, Woronora
When: 25 January 2024, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: Burnum Burnum Sanctuary, Woronora, Dharawal Land
What: Listen and learn about First Nations culture and storytelling at our Sunset Cultural Ceremony. Come along and enjoy an evening of reflection and join in the yarning circles, support local First Nations stallholders and a delicious Sutherland Rotary BBQ. The Sunset Cultural Ceremony will be presented by local Aboriginal elders at Burnum Burnum Sanctuary in acknowledgement that for First Nations Peoples, Australia Day carries different connotations.
Cost: Free
Bundjalung Nation Survival Day
When: 26 January 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Where: Apex Park, Cavanbah (Byron Bay) Arakwal Country
What: Our day of truth telling. Learn true history of British invasion and colonisation on Bundjalung Country. Stand in solidarity. Listen to speakers. Hear music and story. Support our stalls. Be the YES. BYO picnic rug. Message Aunty Delta for more info.
Cost: Free
When: 26 January 2024, from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street Ultimo NSW, Gadigal Land
What: First Nations social enterprise We Are Warriors will take over Powerhouse Ultimo to turn a day of sorrow into one of power and positivity. Expect an evening of live music, dance performances, art, talks, workshops, markets, food and DJs. Register here and stay tuned for the full lineup.
Ḻuku Ngärra: The Law of the Land Free Screening
When: 26 January 2024, 6:30 PM
Where: Byron Theatre, 69 Jonson St, Byron Bay, Bundjalung Country
What: Join us for this free event to celebrate the launch of Truth Telling Together, a national movement that seeks to inspire all Australians to educate themselves and others about First Nations Australian history, culture and law, inspired by the life work of Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra as a prolific truth seeker. Please note: the film is PG rating and not suitable for small children. General Admission, first in best seated. Strictly 10 tickets per booking.
Cost: Free
When: 25 January 2024, 8:30 PM
Where: Barangaroo Reserve Hickson Road Barangaroo NSW, Gadigal Land
What: At Sydney Festival, this year’s Vigil is about hope, empowering young voices and giving them a platform to share their messages to the people of Australia. A large-scale installation at Barangaroo Headland will come to life with a choir of First Nations young people, as they sing of their dreams, realities and hopes for the future.
Cost: Free
