Unmasking Australia's Tumultuous 'Invasion Day': A Painful Truth Revealed

Musician Fred Leone serenades the empty streets as the sun rises on a day he refers to as a "challenging time for Indigenous Australians." With the rhythmic pulse of clap sticks, Leone captivates listeners with his renditions of traditional songs. On January 26, a day historically associated with the arrival of British settlers and the ensuing adversity endured by Indigenous communities in Australia, Leone extends an invitation to kind-hearted strangers to come together and illuminate the darkness with candles in a central Brisbane park.

"Theres nothing to be proud about in the sense of the foundations of the country," said Leone, a descendent of the Butchulla and Garrwa people.

People gather in Musgrave Park, Brisbane, to light candles at the dawn of January 26, 2023.

Hilary Whiteman/CNN

On January 26, 1788, the Union Jack was hoisted at Sydney Cove, marking the commencement of European colonization in a land that had been inhabited by the world's oldest continuous culture for over 65,000 years.

In 1938, Indigenous activists in Sydney designated January 26 as a "Day of Mourning," while the nation celebrated its triumph as a youthful, diverse multicultural nation for many years - proudly waving Australian flags, indulging in beer, and igniting barbecues - while the indigenous people of the country plummeted further into destitution, trapped in a web of discrimination.

According to historian Kate Darian-Smith of the University of Tasmania, there have been some recent significant developments indicating that change is on its way. She believes that although it has always been a day of protest, particularly throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, it now seems to be intensifying.

This year, the federal government and some major companies permitted employees to work on January 26, which was historically a revered day off. The Victorian state government decided to halt Melbourne's Australia Day parade due to two consecutive years of Covid-related cancellations. Additionally, Kmart, a typical destination for party supplies, announced that it would not stock traditional Australia Day merchandise such as clothing, plates, napkins, and other items decorated with the Australian flag. In a statement, a Kmart spokesperson expressed the company's commitment to creating an inclusive and respectful environment.

A shop assistant stocks shelves with Australia Day merchandise at a variety store in Brisbane on January 25, 2023.

Rival political factions condemned the government's choices, as disgruntled patrons vowed to boycott Kmart outlets, with one commentator accusing the company of succumbing to a "progressive agenda." Within a specific community on Facebook, a post extending wishes for a "Joyous Australia Day" sparked a contentious debate regarding whether it constituted harmless amusement or an endorsement of historical genocide.

Invasion Day rallies

Around 30 individuals gather on the moist grass around Leones candles in Musgrave Park, located in central Brisbane. The tranquility is occasionally interrupted by his melodic singing and the faint sounds of a city coming to life. Among the attendees is Christine Cooper, a 60-year-old Caucasian woman. She arrived shortly before 4 a.m. with the intention of engaging in a "more therapeutic" activity compared to the protest rallies she has been participating in for numerous years.

"I felt that there was no progress being made," she whispered in the darkness.

Cooper joins a growing group of Indigenous allies who, upon gaining a deeper understanding of the country's history through the experiences of those who endured, now regard Australia Day as Invasion Day or Survival Day.

Researchers from the University of Newcastle have recently identified over 400 frontier massacres through the examination of archive material. These massacres were defined as deliberate attacks on six or more undefended individuals in a single operation, carried out by colonialists between 1788 and 1930. It is estimated that the death toll of Indigenous people surpassed 10,000. The researchers noted that although certain frontier massacres received extensive media attention, a code of silence was often enforced within colonial communities immediately following these incidents.

The Indigenous population faced severe restrictions as their numbers declined. Efforts were later made to assimilate them by forcefully separating their children, leading to profound and lasting anguish for these fragmented families. Australian history was predominantly interpreted through a colonial perspective for a considerable duration.

"I grew up in a time when our First Nations history was not included in our education," Cooper expressed. "As a result, I believe I was deprived of vital historical information and knowledge."

Hundreds marched through the streets of Brisbane to mark Invasion Day on January 26, 2023.

Hilary Whiteman/CNN

In the early hours, Coopers' quiet words about Australia's troubled history reverberate through a microphone as speakers address a large crowd that has gathered for an Invasion Day march in the streets of Brisbane. The crowd replies in unison, "This land was, and always will be, Aboriginal land."

Similar events unfolded across the country at Invasion Day rallies, while thousands of others celebrated the day by attending parties, concerts, and various events – some incorporating Indigenous elements, and others without.

Around 812,000 individuals in Australia are identified as Indigenous, accounting for just 3.2% of the country's total population of 25 million. However, they experience disproportionately high representation in prison populations and face greater challenges in terms of education and healthcare compared to the majority of citizens.

Annually, Australia Day, also known as Invasion Day, sparks a necessary dialogue regarding the marginalized communities and how each individual can contribute towards creating a more inclusive future.

"Its discomfort may serve to redirect our attention towards our history of colonization, the essence of our society, our aspirations for the future, and, particularly on this day, our ability to empathize with and acknowledge the experiences of First Nations people," Darian-Smith explained.

In recent years, the National Australia Day Council (NADC), a government-owned non-profit organization, has endeavored to foster unity on this day through community grants. These grants, valued at up to 20,000 Australian dollars ($14,000), support Australia Day events. Additionally, an extra 10,000 Australian dollars is allocated for functions that incorporate Indigenous elements, such as cultural performances and smoking ceremonies, which involve the burning of native leaves to purify negative energy.

Karlie Brand, the CEO of NADC, stated that the additional funding is intended to ensure that the voices of Aboriginal people are heard at a grassroots level. She emphasized that their perspective on Australia Day does not necessarily have to be focused solely on positivity, but rather can acknowledge the challenges and sensitivity associated with it, which resonates with many individuals.

The Australia Day Live 2023 concert at Sydney Opera House on January 26, 2023.

Don Arnold/WireImage/Getty Images

Bringing people together

Tracey Hanshaw, from the Indigenous rights group Justice Aunties, initiated the annual "Day of Mourning" in Newcastle, New South Wales, four years ago. This event provides a secure space for the community to gather on January 26th. According to Hanshaw, many Indigenous individuals choose to stay indoors on this day due to feelings of insecurity within the community. She stated that January 26th is when they are most vulnerable to victimization. From its humble beginnings with a few hundred attendees, the event has now grown to attract thousands of people. Hanshaw, an esteemed Awabakal Gaewegal elder, expressed her delight in this year's turnout, with approximately 4,000 individuals present. She also mentioned that all stall holders and artists have already committed to participating in the event next year.

Beck Britton in the town of Boulia, located in far western Queensland, was concerned about the potential failure of her Australia Day party. The town has a population of 450 residents, with approximately 30% being Indigenous. She observed that Australia Day often becomes an exclusive and divided day, lacking unity beyond the free council breakfast. Additionally, she noted that certain long-term residents in the town are strongly opposed to any form of change.

Britton followed her partner, who is a professional kangaroo-shooter, to the town 15 years ago. Recently, she spent five years living on the outskirts of the town. "In the past five years, I have witnessed generational trauma that has been truly enlightening," she shared. "There is always an underlying conflict, especially during the Christmas season when people have limited activities besides drinking."

On January 26, she aimed to teach her five sons, aged 8 to 16, the importance of community spirit. They organized an old-fashioned game of cricket in the main street, using bins as wickets. They encouraged participants to wear vibrant clothing and tutus. Over 150 locals, regardless of age or background, including both Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members, enthusiastically joined in.

"Some may dismiss it as a frivolous and lighthearted occasion, but there is always a deeper meaning behind it," she stated. "Occasionally, individuals utilize significant moments as a platform to bring attention to broader concerns. However, there are also instances where we simply yearn to detach ourselves from those matters and relish in one another's presence because, ultimately, what we all desire is human connection."

Locals at Boulia's 2023 Australia Day event were encouraged to wear tutus for a game of cricket in the main street.

Courtesy Jan Norton

Defining referendum

Although the exact wording is still being determined, the draft poses a straightforward question: "Do you agree with amending the Constitution to establish a Voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities?"

A positive response would enable the formation of an Indigenous entity tasked with providing guidance to the Federal Parliament on matters concerning Indigenous individuals, their policies, and initiatives.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is urging the nation to embrace the affirmative response despite opposition claims that there is sufficient information available for voters to make an educated decision. "If not now, then when will this transformation take place? And if not the citizens of Australia this year, then who will bring about this change?" Albanese questioned reporters on Thursday. "This is a chance for Australia—an opportunity that I earnestly hope Australia does not overlook. It is a noble and benevolent proposal to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as our original inhabitants."

Greens senator Lidia Thorpe addresses the crowd at the Treaty Before Voice Invasion Day Protest on January 26, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia.

However, numerous Indigenous groups argue that this move falls short of their expectations. They are adamant that Australia must prioritize the termination of its distinction as the sole Commonwealth nation that has not entered into a treaty with its Indigenous populace.

Greens senator Lidia Thorpe, an Indigenous woman of the DjabWurrung, Gunnai, and Gunditjmara heritage, emphasized the urgency of putting an end to the conflict waged against our community more than two centuries ago. Addressing journalists on Thursday, she stated that a treaty would be the ultimate solution to achieve true unity among all citizens of this nation. By establishing a treaty, we will have a significant milestone to commemorate and rejoice.

However, currently, the sole proposal under consideration is the inclusion of the Voice to Parliament. This proposal was developed after extensive consultations with numerous Indigenous groups, representing a diverse range of perspectives, who expressed their desires in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

According to historian Darian-Smith, this referendum represents a pivotal moment in shaping the future of Australia. It provides Australians with a unique chance to voice their aspirations for the nation and will have a significant impact on how Australia perceives its national day.

To secure passage, the referendum must secure a majority of votes across the nation and also win the majority of votes in most states. Out of the 44 referendums held in Australia, only eight have been successfully approved in the past. Additionally, a recent opinion poll indicates a decline in support for this particular referendum.

A volunteer holds the Australian and Aboriginal flags at a concert on January 26, 2023, at Sydney Opera House.

Don Arnold/WireImage/Getty Images

Hanshaw, a member of Justice Aunties, expressed her intention to vote in favor of the referendum but doubts its success. She believes that there are too many racists and First Nations people who lack trust in the government.

During the vigil, Cooper quietly reveals her support for voting yes in the referendum and expresses her hope that other allies will do the same.

"Weve waited a hell of a long time already. So I think its time. Australias mature enough to step up," she said. "People are ready for change."