Australia Day 2024: They're young, they're angry and they're not going anywhere: Protesters explain why January 26 is nothing to celebrate – and the only thing they want patriotic Australians to understand as they call for the holiday to be scrapped

Thousands of protesters armed with Aboriginal flags and 'Black Rights Matter' signs swarmed the streets of cities across the country on Friday to call for changes to Australia Day.

For many Indigenous Australians, the holiday's celebration on January 26 – the date Britain's First Fleet arrived at Sydney Cove in 1788 – is a painful reminder of the devastating impact of colonization on their people and culture.

While supporters of the “Invasion Day” movement are divided over whether the date should simply be changed or whether the holiday should be abolished, protesters are united in their message to those who continue to celebrate the day.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, protesters attending the Sydney rally said those commemorating the holiday were disrespectful to Indigenous Australians and needed to 'wake up'.

“We must recognize the impact that colonialism has on indigenous people,” said Marco Mannering.

“Wake up and ask questions.

'Australia Day is a day for reflection on the genocide against indigenous people.'

Ruby Bagnell, whose family are from the Wiradjuri people of central NSW, said many people did not seem to understand the atrocities Aboriginal people have faced since colonization.

“People need to educate themselves about the significance of Australia Day for Indigenous people,” she said.

In recent years, Izzy Pisanos has celebrated the holiday by attending protests.

She said she believes there are still many social issues that need to be addressed before the country is ready to celebrate a day that should symbolize national unity.

“We have a lot of problems in Australia and I don't think we should celebrate this day,” she said.

“All my friends are indigenous. I just wanted to show my support [by attending the protest].'

Tanaka Nhongo was born in Zimbabwe and grew up in South Africa before later moving to Australia.

He experienced oppression during Apartheid and came to the protest to show his support for First Nations people as they continue to fight racial inequality in their homeland.

“I have been detained several times… I know what oppression looks like,” he said.

“The physical presence here (at this protest) is important to me.”

He said he did not believe people would be deterred from supporting Invasion Day, despite the country voting overwhelmingly 'No' to the Voice referendum.

Mr Nhongo said it was surprising that so many Australians still seemed unaware of the mistreatment of Aboriginal people.

He hopes that by standing up for what he believes in and for the rights of others, he will inspire his children.

“You don't have to be someone who comes from an oppressed society to tell people about the injustices of indigenous people,” he said.

'I want my son to know that we as an oppressed people can only be strong and that we don't need others to stand up for us.

'There is always room for compassion and recognition of the mistakes committed in the past.'

While Invasion Day proponents are all united in their call for change to Australia Day, there is still debate within the campaign over whether a different date should be chosen to celebrate the diversity of modern Australia.

Ms Bagnell and Mr Mannering would like to see Australia Day scrapped entirely.

“I don't think we should celebrate Australia Day,” Ms Bagnell said.

“I prefer to call it Invasion Day.”

The 'Invasion Day' movement has escalated in recent years as more and more protesters take to the streets of capital cities during the holiday to show their support for Indigenous Australians.

For First Nations people, colonization has left an indelible mark on their history – including the state-sanctioned mass killings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and the forced removal of children from their parents between the mid-1800s and the 1970s.

The lingering impacts continue to affect Indigenous Australians, who suffer from inequalities such as poverty, poor health/nutrition, housing, low education levels, high unemployment and lower life expectancy compared to the rest of the community.

Major companies have also begun to rethink their branding strategies as the Invasion Day movement continues to gain momentum.

Earlier this month, Woolworths sparked controversy after announcing it would no longer sell Australia Day merchandise.

The company cited a “gradual decline in demand” and “broader discussions around January 26 and what this means for different parts of the community” as reasoning.

Aldi followed suit, revealing days later that it would also not have Australian-themed merchandise in its dedicated buying section this year.

Mr Manning, Ms Pisanos and Ms Bagnell welcomed the decision.

“F*** yes,” said Ms. Pisanos.

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