When: On Monday, 26 January 2026 9:00am
Where: Assemble 9:00am at Foundation Square (Sunshine Coast City Hall) Maroochydore
Wow Sunshine Coast — you really showed up!
The Invasion/Survival Day march and rally was bigger than ever. Thank you to everyone who came along, walked together and held the space with care and solidarity. Your presence truly makes a difference.
We marched alongside First Nations peoples calling for the date of January 26 to be changed. For decades, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have asked that the national day not be held on a date that marks invasion, dispossession and deep loss.
Long before this date was officially designated Australia’s national holiday in 1994, it was declared a “Day of Mourning” in 1938 by the Aborigines Progressive Association, led by William Cooper. Changing the date is a simple but meaningful step toward truth-telling, respect and an honest national story.
A powerful moment was hearing Uncle Les Malezer, Chairperson of the Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action (FAIRA), speak about how Australia continues to ignore the UN human rights agreements it has signed, including commitments to self-determination and justice for First Nations peoples. His words were a strong reminder that symbolic change must be matched by real action.
Thank you again to everyone who showed up. Each person there helped create a safe, dignified and hopeful space — and together, you showed just how much this movement is growing.
Photo Credits: Paul Zellerer and Craig Holmes Photographer
