Large crowd expected for second Sunshine Coast Invasion Day march
A large crowd of First Nations people and supporters will be in full force for an Invasion Day march on Friday on the Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Coast
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After the majority of Australians voted no in the Voice referendum, a large crowd of First Nations people and supporters is expected to march on the Sunshine Coast on January 26.
A group will form the region’s second Invasion Day rally on Friday, weather pending.
The crowd will acknowledge what has become a day of mourning and a story of survival for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Torres Strait Islander Stephen Mam, who has organised the march, said several hundred people are expected to “walk in solidarity” with First Nations people.
“We’re expecting 500 to 1000 people this year, which is an increase from last year,” Mr Mam said.
“The march is an opportunity for Australians from all walks of life to come together and walk in solidarity with First Nations people.
“It’s also a chance for Australians to come together to nurture relationships and to embrace its rich history and culture.”
The second Invasion Day procession on the Sunshine Coast will be taking place several months after Australians voted against establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.
Following the result of the referendum, Mr Mam said the march will provide an opportunity for healing, while discussing a way forward.
“It is important that those that felt they were divided during the campaign are given an opportunity to come together,” he said.
“There are still a number of issues impacting First Nations people that need to be addressed like racism, colonisation, and we need to look at ways that we can learn from and share with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been here for over 65,000 years and we’re still here.”
Sunshine Coast Reconciliation Group chair Fiona McGill expects the march to be a peaceful demonstration of how First Nations people are feeling post-referendum.
“Obviously a lot of people are feeling very disappointed, but there’s not going to be an uprising or a ruckus, they’re very calm and peaceful people,” Ms McGill said.
“At the time of the referendum, a lot of First Nations people felt frightened and cowered because of the nasty racist rhetoric that was happening.
“Since then they have basically just got on with the work that they’re doing to support their community.”
The march will assemble at Foundation Square, in front of the Sunshine Coast City Hall at Maroochydore, at 9am, before the 1.5km journey to Cotton Tree Park commences at 10am.
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