In the biggest protests for Invasion Day in recent times, tens of thousands of people rallied across the country on January 26 to protest ongoing institutional racism. In many cities, the call to change the date — a recognition of Australia's colonial past — attract many new protesters. Other demands included ending the paternalistic removal of Aboriginal children from their families, ending Black deaths in custody and taking steps towards a treaty.
Melbourne's protest was the biggest, with some rally-goers estimating that up to 25,000 people came out. Sydney's protest, organised by F.I.R.E. (Fighting In Resistance Equally) drew some 10,000 people including many young people. It was, unfortunately, marred by the NSW Police who trampled several people, knocking one young woman unconscious.
