Traditionally the date of some of the biggest protests of the year, this January 26 Victoria will see Invasion Day rallies, mourning ceremonies, and protests across the state.
With the historic Treaty negotiations beginning at the end of last year between the First Peoples' Assembly and the State Government, there is more expectation around calls for Treaty.
Here is a (not exhaustive) list of some of the events taking place in Victoria over the January 26 weekend.
Saturday, January 25
Dardi Munwurro – Invasion Day Eve Koori Market
When: 2:00 – 7:00 PM
Where: Aunty Alma's Gathering Place, 550 High Street, Preston
Cost:
Koori Markets featuring stalls, food, and family.
Reflection and Healing Ceremony
When: 5:00 PM
Where: East Beach, Port Fairy, Gunditjmara / Dhauwurd Wurrung Country
Cost: Free
An Indigenous reflection and healing ceremony at East Beach, allowing both Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of the community to yarn, listen and share stories about language and culture.
More info here.
Sunday, January 26
Pilk Purriyn Truth Telling – Torquay
When: 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM
Where: Cosy Corner Beach, The Esplanade, Torquay 3228, Wadawurrung Country
Cost: Free
What: Presented by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation in partnership with Surf Coast Shire Council, Pilk Purriyn is a truth-telling event where everyone is welcome to come together to engage in listening and reflection.
The event will begin with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony from Wadawurrung Traditional Owners. For more info or to register can be found here.
Ballarat Survival Day Dawn Ceremony
When: 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM
Where: View point – Lake Wendouree
Cost: Free
The sixth reflection and healing event in the City of Ballarat hosted by the KEAG Advisory Committee in partnership with the local Aboriginal community, the inclusive event welcomes all for a morning of solidarity, truth-telling and reflection, as well as healing.
Finishing at 7am, it will be followed by a yarning circle and free tea and coffee.
We-Akon Dilinja (Mourning Reflection)
When: 6:00 am
Where: Alfred Square, St Kilda (on-street parking is available nearby)
Cost: Free
The dawn ceremony in St Kilda, presented by the Boonwurrung Land and Sea Council (BLSC) and supported by Port Phillip Council and the National Australia Day Council.
The ceremony features amazing visuals and sound as the culture and history of the Traditional Owners is conveyed through readings, music and a smoking ceremony.
Naarm Invasion Day Protest
When: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Parliament House of Victoria, Spring St Melbourne, Wurundjeri, and Boon Warring Lands
Cost: Free
The annual rally meets on the steps of Parliament House to listen to speakers from across the community speak on the reasons January 26 is not a date to celebrate, in one of the longest continual protests in the world.
Share the Spirit Invasion Day festival – Keep the fire burning!
When: Gates open at 11:30am, with music from 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Treasury Gardens, 2-18 Spring Street, Naarm
Cost: Free
Straight after the Naarm rally, Treasury Gardens is hosting more than 6 hours of non-stop First Nations music. People are invited to eat amazing food, hang out as a collective, listen to brilliant music and enjoy the sun.
Celebrate Gundij
When: 11am
Where: Gunditjmara Country – Portland Foreshore, behind the skate park.
Cost: Free
The event will feature community speakers, local music, and artists, as well as food and water to be provided in a family-friendly environment.
Reignite Our Spirit Survival Day
When: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: The Briars, 450 Nepean Hwy, Mount Martha VIC 3934, Bunurong land
Cost: $35 (free for mob and kids under 14.) If you want to come but can't afford it, you can apply for a sponsored position by emailing [email protected]
The 2025 Survival Day theme is 'Reignite Our Spirit', and the event encourages people to come together and share food, listen to music and learn from knowledge holders.
Tickets here.
Be Tru to Uluru Geelong
When: 12:00 pm
Where: Market Square Mall, Geelong/Wadawurrung Country
Cost: Free
A First Nations led community group that are dedicated to continuing the journey of voice, truth and treaty on Wadawurrung Country is hosting Geelong's first rally on January 26.
A number of Elders and First Nations people will speak at the rally on the importance of the date and the event.
More information can be found online.
Mildura Survival Day
When: 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Where: Jaycee Park, Mildura
Taking place for the 5th year in a row to push for a change of the date, the march starts in Langtree Mall down to Jaycee Park to gather under the big tree. Volunteers are still being sought for the day, as well as art stalls holders, and Aboriginal entertainers.
