Tens of thousands lined the streets of Naarm on Sunday in protest, in continuation of the fight for First Peoples rights, and in solidarity on January 26.
Flowing outward from the steps of Victorian Parliament, the crowd heard pleas to carry on resistance and stand against ongoing impacts of colonisation on an anniversary recognised as Survival Day and Invasion Day.
Close to 40,000 people attended the rally, spilling into the CBD streets with a march down Bourke Street towards Flinders Street.
A number of speakers clarified the proceedings had not shifted from previous years, despite claims this week of further disruptions, including to the Australian Open, being planned.
"Always was, always will be Aboriginal land" was a constant cry those there.
"We are here, unite as one. Stand beside us not behind us. Let our Blak voices lead…take the baton and come with us," Andrew Murray Clark said, speaking on the steps.
Veteran Aboriginal Land Rights activist Gary Foley asked those present to education themselves on the Aboriginal resistance and their place "in the ongoing struggle" since British arrival.
He also urged attendees to educate those "who are not here today about the true nature of Australia's history, and why it is every year we gather here on this occasion".
Similarly to 2024, considerable comparison was drawn between the oppression and displacement endured by First Nations Australians and Palestinians.
Ongoing efforts towards Treaty in the state was also discussed.
"As we know there will be many challenges ahead of us. But being here today with you and all the mob standing here reminds us what we can achieve together," First Peoples Assembly Metro representative Indi Clarke said.
"Just know with action and every step that we move forward, we're celebrating the legacies of our old people and continuing the fight for justice."
The Naarm rally coincided with similar gathering across the state and country, in major cities and regions.
Elsewhere in Victoria, Mourning ceremonies began the day.
On Wadawurrung Country at Cosy Corner, Torquay, around 2,500 people gathered at sunrise on Warri Dja (Sea Country) for the third annual Pilk Purriyn event.
"Pilk Purriyn is important because gathering together to reflect as the sun rises honours our Ancestors and the full history of Wadawurrung People and Country," Wadawurring Traditional Owner Greg Robinson said.
The event acknowledges, harm, loss and sadness since colonisation the public holiday acts as a reminder of.
"We say nyatne (thank you) to all who joined us this morning, for sitting and deeply listening to what we have to say, hearing our truth and for 'koling wada ngal' (walking together with us) into a reconciled future where there is a unification of our histories and our people and Culture are celebrated," Mr Robinson said.
