How to show up and stay safe.
Tomorrow, there are two events happening in Melbourne to protest the celebration of January 26. If you’re wondering how to show your support while staying safe and responsible this Invasion Day, you’re not alone.
What you need to know
- There are two Invasion Day protests happening in Melbourne’s CBD tomorrow
- Both events have COVID-safe plans in place which will be enforced on the day
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At 5am, a Day of Mourning Dawn Service will be held at the Kings Domain Resting Place, hosted by the Victorian NAIDOC committee and Pay the Rent Grassroots Collective, supported by City of Melbourne to ensure COVID-safe protocols are in place.
Gates will open at 4:30am, with a smoking on arrival before the Dawn Service commences. After the ceremony, attendees will be invited to reflect together over breakfast which will feature a special performance by Kutcha Edwards and Daniel J Marquez.
Attendance for the Dawn Service is free, though those planning to attend must pre-register to ensure capacity limits are met and contact tracing is available. The event will be live streamed for those who do not feel comfortable attending in person or are unable to do so.
Later in the morning, an Invasion Day march will make its way through the CBD, gathering at Parliament House steps in Spring Street at 10:30am. Hosted by Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WAR), the march will be directed by marshals to ensure COVID-safe instructions are followed.
Attendees will be required to wear a mask at all times, sanitise their hands regularly and maintain social distancing.
Victoria’s current restrictions do not allow for public outdoor gatherings of over 100 people, so marchers will be split into groups of 100 with each group separated by 10 metres as enforced by marshals.
Most importantly, if you do not feel well or are experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, please stay at home.
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For more information, visit the Facebook event pages for the Dawn Service and Invasion Day march.
