January 26 marks a day of mourning, reflection, and solidarity for many across Queensland, with Invasion Day events honouring the survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
This year, communities across the state will host rallies, ceremonies, and gatherings to commemorate the impact of colonisation and celebrate the resilience of First Nations peoples.
Below is a list of key events set to be helf across Queensland.
Invasion Day 2025 - We Have Survived! Meanjin
When: Sunday, 26 January 2025, 10:00 AM
Where: Queens Gardens, Brisbane
What: A gathering in solidarity with First Nations peoples to mark Invasion Day as a day of mourning and survival.
Cost: Free
Last Sunset: Activist Workshop & Community Dinner
When: Saturday, 25 January 2025, 3:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: West End Croquet Club, 91 Cordelia Street, South Brisbane
What: Reflecting on the last day of freedom before colonisation, this event includes workshops and a community dinner.
Cost: Free (registration required).
'Kunbul', Survival Day, Townsville
When: Sunday, 26 January 2025, from 5:30 AM
Where: Townsville, North Queensland
What: Includes a dawn ceremony, a solidarity walk, and a festival celebrating survival and recognising the impact of colonisation.
Cost: Free
Benarrawa Survival Day
When: Sunday, 26 January 2025, 7:15 AM for a 7:30 AM start
Where: Bronze Canoe, near Simpson's Playground, Graceville
What: A local acknowledgment of Survival Day hosted by the Benarrawa Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Solidarity Group.
Cost: Free
Balaangala Community Group - Survival Day
When: Sunday, 26 January 2025, 7:00 AM
Where: Balaangala Community Garden
What: Acknowledgement of Survival Day with an invitation for all Australians to attend.
Cost: Free
Survival Day Walk on Yuwi Country
When: Sunday, 26 January 2025, 8:30 AM
Where: Mackay (location TBC)
What: Includes dance, speakers, music, and food while honouring ancestors and reflecting on survival.
Cost: Free
We Have Survived! Sunshine Coast
When: Sunday, 26 January 2025, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: Sunshine Coast City Hall, Maroochydore
What: Gathering at Foundation Square for a community event.
Cost: Free
Maleny Remembrance Ceremony
When: Sunday, 26 January 2025, 9:30 AM
Where: Maleny Neighbourhood Centre, Jinibara/Kabi Kabi Country
What: Acknowledges the dispossession of Australia's First Nations people beginning in 1788.
Cost: Free
Invasion Day Rally: Our Truth Matters
When: Sunday, 26 January 2025, 10:00 AM
Where: Fogarty Park, Gimuy (Cairns)
What: A peaceful protest and truth-telling event with food and stalls.
Cost: Free
Survival Day 2025, Townsville
When: Sunday, 26 January 2025
Where: Strand Park, Townsville
What: Celebrates the survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through dance, poetry, and storytelling.
Cost: Free
Survival Day Knockouts Reconciliation Rugby League Carnival
When: Friday, 26 January – Sunday, 28 January 2025
Where: Jones Park, Cairns
What: Rugby league carnival featuring U18s, women's, and men's teams.
Cost: Free
Planned events provide opportunities for all Queenslanders to reflect on the true history of Australia and support the ongoing resilience of its Indigenous peoples.
