Australia Day Protests Disrupt Traffic as Nation Welcomes 20,000 New Citizens
Australia Day celebrations and protests have kicked off, starting with a beautiful dawn reflection that illuminated the Sydney Harbour bridge with Indigenous artwork.
The festivities began with flag-raising ceremonies and citizenship ceremonies, where approximately 20,600 individuals from 150 countries are becoming Australian citizens.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was honored with a general salute from the Australian Federation Guard during a Sunday morning ceremony at Lake Burley Griffith in Canberra.
“Today, in our big cities and country towns, at beaches and backyard barbecues, and in over 280 ceremonies like this one, we celebrate everything that brings Australia together and everything that sets our nation apart from the world,” he said.
Governor-General Sam Mostryn, the second woman to hold this position, received the Vice-Regal salute and inspected the guard.
Across Australia, free concerts are taking place, including the Australia Day Live concert at Sydney Harbour with the iconic Sydney Opera House in the background.
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At dawn, the Sydney Opera House showcased the artwork of Wiradjuri-Biripi artist James P. Simon, titled River Life, emphasizing the significance of waterways as providers of life.
Simon expressed, “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.”
Invasion Day Protests
Tens of thousands of protesters gathered at “Invasion Day” events in various cities across Australia, including capital cities and regional centers.
For many in the community, January 26 symbolizes the start of attempts to erase Indigenous people, cultures, and languages from existence.
Demonstrators take part in the annual “Invasion Day” protest march through the streets of Melbourne on Australia Day on Jan. 26, 2025.
PAUL CROCK/AFP via Getty Images
The protest in Melbourne started at the state parliament and proceeded to Flinders Street Station, causing traffic disruptions in the city center.
A pro-Australia Day rally was also scheduled near Melbourne Park, the site of the Australian Open Tennis Tournament, with efforts made to prevent clashes between different groups.
Authorities in various cities, including NSW, are prepared for protests and celebrations, ensuring public safety is a top priority.
In Adelaide, the day began with a ceremony called “Mourning in the Morning” at Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama to honor Indigenous communities.
As the day unfolds, authorities are reminding Australians to stay safe, especially given the extreme heatwaves affecting several regions, alongside the usual road safety precautions.
