January 26 marks a day of mourning, reflection, and solidarity for many across New South Wales.
Despite Sydney hosting the majority of the state's large-scale January 26 events, activities and events held across NSW will strive to honour the survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
From rallies and dawn services to festivals and smoking ceremonies, the following events strive to commemorate the impact of colonisation and celebrate the resilience of First Nations peoples.
Dawn Reflection
When: January 26, 5:20am - 5:40am
Where: Overseas Passenger Terminal 3 Circular Quay West, The Rocks, NSW, 2000
What: A quiet time for all to recall our country's unfolding story told in many voices across countless generations.
Cost: Free
More information here.
WugulOra Morning Ceremony
When: January 26
Where: Walumil Lawns, Barangaroo, NSW, 2000
What: A celebration of the culture of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, told through dance, song and storytelling.
Cost: Free
More information here.
Yabun Festival
When: January 26, 10am – 7pm
Where: Victoria Park, Broadway NSW 2007
What: A nine-hour market and cultural festival with live music all day, performed alongside market stalls, panel discussions and community forums purposed to address Aboriginal issues.
Cost: Free
More information here.
Invasion Day 2025: Rally and March
When: January 26, 10:00am
Where: Belmore Park, Haymarket, Gadigal Land
What: Organised by the Blak Caucus with guidance from Gadigal Elders, this protest is a space for truth-telling, resistance, mourning and solidarity.
Cost: Free
More information here.
Blak Powerhouse
When: January 26, 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Where: Manning House, Manning Road, Camperdown NSW 2050, Gadigal Land
What: We Are Warriors partners with Powerhouse to take over Manning House at the University of Sydney with live music, dance, art, food, DJs and more.
Lineup includes Dan Sultan and Coodjinburra man Budjerah, joined by rappers Kobie Dee and Yung Brother, artists RIAH, Minty and Zipporah.
Cost: Free
More information here.
Murun-Dhu – I Live, I Breathe Day of Contemplation
When: January 26, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Where: CSU Riverina Playhouse, Wagga Wagga
What: go behind closed doors at the Riverina Playhouse to contemplate Australia Day with yarning, films, documentaries, and animations. Mob and allies welcome.
Movies include Ella and The Australian Dream. Animations by Bernard Higgins.
Presentation by Uncle Hewitt. TEDX talk by Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts.
Cost: Free, donations accepted.
More information here.
Narrungdera Survival Day March
When: January 26, 10:15am – 12:00pm
Where: Kurrajong Centre, East St, Narrungdera, Wiradjuri Country
What: March begins to Memorial Gardens at 10:30am.
Speeches and poetry welcome to be shared on the day.
Open to all community. Hosted by Narrungdera NAIDOC Committee.
Cost: Free
More information here.
Bermagui Survival Day
When: January 26, 11:00am
Where: Dickinson Oval, 5 Lamont St, Bermagui, Djiringanj land of the Yuin Nation
What: Event details to be confirmed
Cost: Free
More information here.
Survival Day – Griffith
When: January 26, 11:00am – 3:00am
Where: Griffith Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre, 5 Wayeela St, Griffith NSW 2680, Wiradjuri Land
What: Hosted by Griffith City Council and the Griffith Local Aboriginal Land Council, the day invites everyone in the community to come together to learn, share, and celebrate.
With free entry to the pool, attendees can enjoy a rich line-up of activities, including traditional dancing, singing, cultural stalls, and live music by talented local artists.
A free BBQ lunch will also be provided.
Cost: Free
More information here.
Survival Day – Katoomba
When: 26th January 2025, 11:00am – 3:00pm
Where: Barton Street, Katoomba North Public School, Dharug and Gundungurra Land
What: Held at Katoomba North Public School, this event features amusement rides, live music, Indigenous dance performance information and activity stalls, food trucks and a BBQ.
Cost: Free
More information here.
Sunset Cultural Ceremony, Woronora
When: January 25, 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Where: Burnum Burnum Sanctuary, Woronora, Dharawal Land
What: Listen and learn about First Nations culture and storytelling at the Sunset Cultural Ceremony.
Created as an evening of reflection and join in the yarning circles, support local First Nations stallholders and a delicious Sutherland Rotary BBQ.
The Sunset Cultural Ceremony will be presented by local Aboriginal elders at Burnum Burnum Sanctuary in acknowledgement that for First Nations Peoples, Australia Day carries different connotations.
Cost: Free
More information here.
