History and meaning behind the different names for January 26

Australia’s national day has its roots in the country’s colonial past. It marks the day when the First Fleet of 11 British ships sailed into Port Jackson with Governor Arthur Phillip raising the British flag in Sydney Cove on 26 January, 1788. Many Indigenous Australians regard it as ‘Invasion’ or ‘Survival’ Day. How has the meaning of Australia Day changed over time?

A large crowd of protesters take over the intersection in front of Flinders St Station for an Invasion Day rally in 2018.(AAP Image/David Crosling) Source: AAP