Invasion Day in Brisbane

By Angelique Gellert

BRISBANE -- More than 1000 members of the Brisbane Murri community and supporters observed Invasion Day here on January 26.

Wreaths were laid at the historical “Windmill” building, site of the last hanging of Murri warriors for so-called “crimes against the British Empire” during the invasion and colonisation of the Brisbane region.

Protesters then marched to Roma Street Forum, where they heard speakers including Sam Watson from the Australian Indigenous People's Party and the Reverend Graham Poulsen.

Other Murri speakers demanded recognition from the federal government and were critical of key figures like Wayne Goss. Sam Watson commented that “Goss' land rights legislation isn't worth the paper it was written on”.

The rally concluded with a tribute to Eddie Mabo. The march then moved on to Musgrave Park -- sacred site for the Murri Community in Brisbane -- where it grew to over 1500 and a festival was held.

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