Survival Day Rally kicks off at Apex Park in Byron Bay on Australia Day to barrack for change of date

A crowd has rallied to mark “Survival Day” at Byron on Australia Day, calling for a change of date. One Indigenous woman says she feels for elders who “still carry a lot of pain”.

A crowd donning wide-brim hats, thongs and T-shirts with slogans like “always was, always will be” have flocked to a Survival Day Rally protesting Australia Day at Byron Bay.

The event at Apex Park was organised by the Arakwal Bundjalung, the Sisters of Reconciliation and the Cavanbah (Byron Bay) Reconciliation Group.

Kicking off at 11am, the event has featured stalls selling wooden boomerangs and other items, Indigenous music and speakers, while Aboriginal flags have been wrapped around trees.

Survival Day event at Apex Park, Byron Bay. Picture: Savannah Pocock

The rally was held at the same time as similar “Invasion Day” action across the country.

The debate rages on as some Aussies push hard for a change of date, while others are happy to keep January 26 as the public holiday.

The breeze from Main Beach was a welcome reprieve on a hot morning on the North Coast.

Patrick Jones, 14, from Byron Bay referred to Australia Day as “Invasion Day”.

The teen said he strongly believed the date should be changed – and offered up an idea.

Patrick Jones, 14, wants to see Australia become a republic, and to see the date of Australia Day changed.

“Hopefully, when Australia becomes a republic, I think that day should become Australia Day,” he said.

“I might be getting ahead of myself.”

Indigenous stall holder Erica Eurell, 60, said she also believed the date should be changed.

Erica Eurell at the event. Picture: Savannah Pocock

“I’m here because I’m Indigenous,” she said.

“I’m from the Gold Coast region and Yugambeh region, so we’re here just to showcase some beautiful art from some of our emerging artists, and to be together.

“We’re all very lucky to live in this country and Australia should be celebrated for (everyone including) the elders, who still carry a lot of pain.

“I think we need to change it.”

Bruce Allsoee, 68, from Lismore said he likes the idea of changing the date to May 8 (mate), as has been suggested by some previously.

Bruce Allsoee, 68, at the Survival Day event.

“We have trouble saying we’re sorry and listening to someone else’s point of view and being part of the solution,” he said.

“The Aboriginal people have said they have a problem with (this) one day.”