Tens of thousands attend 'Invasion Day' rallies across Australia

As official Australia Day ceremonies took place across the country, tens of thousands turned out for 'Invasion Day' rallies, calling for the public holiday to be abolished.

Invasion Day protesters are seen during the Australia Day celebrations in Brisbane. Source: AAP

Across Australia, tens of thousands of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people have marked January 26 by attending 'Invasion Day' events, acknowledging the history and struggles of Australia’s first people.

In Melbourne alone, estimates put the number of attendees at the march against Australia Day at more than 10,000 - while organisers estimated that there was closer to 80,000.

The Invasion Day march in Melbourne.

AAP

Tens of thousands gathered in Melbourne calling for the date of Australia Day to be changed.

AAP

 

They gathered outside the Victorian parliament house for speeches, just 500 metres from the route of the official Australia Day parade, before making their way towards Flinders Street Station.

Outrage over Indigenous deaths in custody underpinned much of the protest, with marchers holding posters with photos of victims.

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