"Controversy and Unity: Australia's Evolving National Day"

Thousands of Australians gathered at rallies against Australia Day, a holiday marking the arrival of British colonists in 1788, which has become increasingly contentious due to its association with colonization and dispossession of Indigenous peoples. Indigenous people refer to it as Invasion Day or Survival Day, and protests have led to the toppling and defacing of colonial statues. While polls show a majority of Australians want to keep the holiday, there is growing debate over changing the date to a more inclusive one, and addressing Indigenous rights and recognition.