Quiet time for reflection on Invasion Day

By WLLIAM TON and RACHAEL WARD

Australia Day commemorations began with quiet reflections at dawn as tens of thousands of protesters geared up for Invasion Day rallies while many others headed for the beach or barbecues.

The sails of Sydney’s Opera House were lit up with the artwork of Wiradjuri-Biripi artist James P. Simon in one of the many dawn reflections around Australia ahead of January 26 festivities and protests.

Mr Simon’s artwork titled River Life depicts the essential and life-giving role of waterways to Aboriginal people.

“Water provides food, medicine, tools, kinship, connection, recreation, stories, songlines and healing.

“Water is seen as a living entity with its own spirit, and it is believed that we have a responsibility to protect and care for it.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday morning attended a ceremony at Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, where he received a general salute from the Australian Federation Guard.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn was received with the Vice-Regal Salute and inspected the guard before a citizenship ceremony was held to welcome new Australians.

Mr Albanese praised Australia’s democratic values in his speech for the citizenship ceremony.

“We all belong to the same proud story,” he said.

“We are all part of a nation built by hope and hard work, aspiration and determination.”

Police vowed to be out in force at demonstrations, with the national day coinciding with the Australian Open men’s final in Melbourne.

Invasion Day events, where tens of thousands of people are expected, have kicked off in major capital cities and regional centres.

Victoria Police said they had done “extensive planning” for Australia Day community events and rallies.

“We’re well prepared for all major events and will have a highly visible presence throughout the entire CBD to ensure they can occur safely,” a spokesperson said.

NSW Police promised to use “proactive policing strategies” to ensure minimal impact on the community.

“The NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly,” the force said.

“The first priority for NSW Police is always the safety of the public.”

Pro-Palestine activists who usually rally in central Melbourne each Sunday have urged supporters to join the Invasion Day protest march, which will start at state parliament before heading to Flinders Street Station.

Organisers say January 26, the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, is not a day to celebrate.

In Sydney, protesters were gathering at Belmore Park in Haymarket while in ACT the event took place at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy.

Activists in Hobart are also marching to state parliament, while other protests and cultural events are also being held in Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Darwin.

In Melbourne, a smaller unrelated pro-Australia Day rally was planned outside Melbourne Park,  the home of the Australian Open, however, it was not expected to cross over with other rallies.

AAP