The referendum result was devastating for many of us, especially First Nations communities and campaigners. It's up to all of us now to stand firm and double down on our commitments to First Nations justice, Treaty and truth-telling.
Events, marches and rallies to join and stand in solidarity this January 26
Each year, First Nations across Australia take to the streets to recognise the resilience of their communities and demand justice – and ask allies to stand in solidarity.
On this day, like every day, we have a responsibility to show up, listen, learn and support these voices. Here’s a list of events in Victoria that you can join on January 26:
WHEN: 5:00 – 7:00 AM
WHERE: Kings Domain Resting Place, Linlithgow Avenue
Naarm/Melbourne, Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Country.
HOSTED BY: Victorian NAIDOC, in solidarity with the Invasion Day Rally and Pay the Rent
WHEN: 10 AM
WHERE: Starting at Parliament House and finishing at Flinders St Station.
Naarm/Melbourne, Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Country
HOSTED BY: Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WAR)
WHEN: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM
WHERE: Malvern Cricket Ground, 1253 High St
Malvern, Wurundjeri Country
HOSTED BY: City of Stonnington
WHEN: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
WHERE: Collingwood Town Hall
Abbotsford, Wurundjeri Country.
HOSTED BY: Yarra City Council
WHEN: 4:00 – 5:30 PM
WHERE: Djerring Flemington Hub, 25 Mt Alexander Road
Flemington, Wurundjeri Country
HOSTED BY: City of Moonee Valley
WHEN: Gates open 11:30 AM, music from 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
WHERE: Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Naarm/Melbourne, Wurundjeri Country.
HOSTED BY: Songlines
WHEN: 5:30 – 6:40 AM
WHERE: Viewpoint, Lake Wendouree.
Ballarat, Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Country
HOSTED BY: Ballarat Koorie Engagement Action Group (KEAG) and City of Ballarat
WHEN: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
WHERE: Viewpoint, Lake Wendouree.
Ballarat, Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Country
HOSTED BY: Ballarat Koorie Engagement Action Group (KEAG) and City of Ballarat
WHEN: 5:30 – 7:00 AM
WHERE: Cosy Corner Beach, The Esplanade.
Torquay, Wadawurrung Country
HOSTED BY: Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation in partnership with Surf Coast Shire Council.
WHEN: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
WHERE: 26 Exford Rd, Melton South
Melton, Wadawurrung Country.
HOSTED BY: Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation
WHEN: 9:30 – 11:00 AM
WHERE: Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association, 10 Pound Rd
Hastings, Bunurong Country.
HOSTED BY: Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association
WHEN: 11 AM – 5 PM
WHERE: The Briars, 450 Nepean Hwy.
Mount Martha, Bunurong Country.
HOSTED BY: Our Songlines
WHEN: 5:30 – 6:30 AM mob-only space for reflection
6:30 – 7:30 AM allies and community members invited to join
WHERE: 62 Morgan St, North Geelong.
Geelong, Wathaurong Country
HOSTED BY: Wathaurong Aboriginal Co Op
WHEN: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
WHERE: 4 Miller St, Caracaramigen House
Colac, Gulidjan and Gadubanud Country
HOSTED BY: Caracaramigen – The Colac Aboriginal Gathering Place
WHEN: 6 AM
WHERE: Kaieltheban Park, off Archer St
Mooroopna, Yorta Yorta Country
HOSTED BY: Wulumbarra & Still Here, with support from Greater Shepparton City Council and the Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group.
WHEN: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
WHERE: Sand circle (fire pit near Flag Poles) 39 Archer Street
Mooroopna, Yorta Yorta Country
HOSTED BY: Rumbalara Aboriginal Corporation
WHEN: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
WHERE: March starts in Langtree Mall and finished in Jaycee Park
Mildura, Latji Latji and Ngintait Country
HOSTED BY: Mildura City Council and local Aboriginal organisations
WHEN: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
WHERE: BBQ Area Botanical Gardens, French St.
Hamilton, Gunditjmara, Tjapwurong and Bunganditj Country
HOSTED BY: Staycee Charles and Kyle Ellis
WHEN: 3 March (more info to come soon)
WHERE: Corner of Benson Street and Blair Road
Belgrave, Wurundjeri Country
HOSTED BY: Belgrave Survival Day