January 26 is not a day for celebration. For First Nations people, it is a reminder of the violent invasion of their lands and the ongoing impact of colonisation. It is a day that marks loss, survival, and resistance.

Every year, people gather across the country for Invasion Day rallies. These events are a way to honour First Nations communities, call for truth and justice, and demand real change. In a year where conversations about treaty, deaths in custody, and Indigenous rights continue to be unresolved, the rallies remain a clear and public reminder that the work is not finished.

On January 26, 2026, communities will once again come together in cities and towns across Australia. Below is a guide to the Invasion Day rallies expected to take place. If you cannot attend, there are also organisations listed that you can support instead.

Gadigal / Sydney

• A Dawn Reflection will be held on January 26 at 5:30am, at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in The Rocks, Gadigal land
• Following the Dawn Reflection, a WugulOra ceremony will take place from 7:30am, also at the Overseas Passenger Terminal
• At 10m, the Invasion Day rally takes place in Hyde Park. This year's rally will zero in on black deaths in custody, and is organised by the Blak Caucus.
• The annual Yabun festival will return once again to Victoria Park, Camperdown. This will take place from 10am to 7pm on January 26, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through music, dance, and market stalls.
• On Saturday 24 January, you can attend the Sunset Cultural Ceremony will be held at Burnum Burnum sanctuary, Woronora, from 4pm to 7pm.

Meanjin / Brisbane

• From 10am on January 26, an Invasion Day rally will take place at Queens Gardens in the CBD. Then, at 12pm, the march will begin, ending at Musgrave Park.
• A free gathering will be held at Sunshine Coast City Hall from 10am to 1pm, commemorating 88 years since the first Day of Mourning.

Naarm / Melbourne

• A Day of Mourning Invasion Day dawn service will take place from 5am to 7am, at Camp Sovereignty.
• A Melbourne Invasion Day rally will kick off at 11am at state parliament, continuing through the Melbourne CBD.
• Following the rally, Share the Spirit festival takes place at Treasury Gardens from 12pm to 6.30pm, hosted by Songlines Aboriginal Music Corporation.

Boorloo / Perth

• The day begins with a Reflect Respect Celebrate Australia Day smoking ceremony and breakfast. It takes place from 8am until 10am, at Victoria Gardens.
• The Perth Invasion Day protest begins at 12pm at Forrest Place in the Perth CBD, continuing through towards Stirling Gardens.

Nipaluna / Hobart

• The Invasion Day march takes place from 11am, beginning at the Tasmania Aboriginal Corporation, and walking towards Parliament House lawns. Once here, a rally will take place from 12pm.

Ngambri / Canberra

• A Sovereignty Day event will take place at 9:30am at Garema, as organised by the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. After that, a march and rally will take place on the Old Parliament House lawns.

How to support if you can't attend a rally

If you cannot attend a rally in person, donating to First Nations-led organisations is a meaningful way to show your support. Below are a few groups doing important work across Australia.

First Nations Foundation

First Nations Foundation provides financial education and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Their programs focus on building financial independence and long-term wellbeing.

Indigenous Literacy Foundation

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation helps put books into the hands of children in remote communities. They also work with communities to create and publish stories, often in First Nations languages.

Black Rainbow

Black Rainbow supports LGBTQIA+ First Nations people across Australia. Their work focuses on health, wellbeing, community connection, and cultural safety.

Pay the Rent

Pay the Rent is a grassroots organisation that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by redistributing funds to community groups. Donations help cover essentials like housing, healthcare, education and legal support.

Blaq Aboriginal Corporation

This is a peak body for Aboriginal LGBTQIA+ people and communities in NSW. Donations support programs that strengthen community connection, wellbeing, and safety.

The Koorie Heritage Trust

The Koorie Heritage Trust supports the preservation and sharing of Victorian Aboriginal culture. Donations help fund cultural programs, exhibitions, and community projects.

Seed Foundation

Seed provides education, mentoring, and career support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from rural and remote communities. Donations help improve outcomes in health, education, and employment.

Feature image by Johan Mouchet via Unsplash.