Police 'happy' with Invasion Day protesters as rally concludes peacefully in Sydney, four arrested at secondary gathering
Police say they are "happy" with how Invasion Day protesters behaved on Australia Day, citing the record heat for helping to keep the situation under control.
Just five people were arrested following the conclusion to a peaceful Invasion Day protest in Sydney.
NSW Police Minister David Elliott said officers were pleased with the outcome.
Invasion Day protests in Sydney. 9News
"We were happy, when you consider in previous years we've had up to 15,000 people turn up to these rallies in Sydney alone," Mr Elliott told Today.
"The 3000 crowd dispersed into groups of 500 by negotiation with the police. In return, they didn't march, which was a great outcome. They complied with the request from police in that regard."
Thousands gathered in the Domain to listen to speeches from First Nations people, with people seated socially distanced.
Sparse crowds seen from above at the Invasion Day protests in Sydney's Domain. 9News
The weather - the hottest Australia Day in Sydney in 61 years - was of "great benefit" to police, Mr Elliot said.
"I think most people realised that protesting in the middle of the city on a day like yesterday was probably not in their best interests, certainly I had concerns about the health and welfare of the participants in the rally.
"I think the organisers realised that the crowd was not in a physical condition to march in that heat and so long as they respected social distancing and the other health orders, they were allowed to have their speeches and then go home."
Masked protesters at the Invasion Day protests. 9News
He praised NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Willing for working with the rally's organisers to ensure the situation proceeded in a COVID-Safe way, with the crowd largely complying with the rules.
The planned protest march through Sydney's CBD was cancelled after organisers and NSW Police reached an agreement over crowd control.
"We reached some agreement with protest organisers, taking into account the heat that is obvious today, the potential disruption to the city and traffic and, indeed, the safety of all persons who are wanting to express their views as part of this protest to have protest attendees break into groups engage in social distancing as best they possibly could with assistance of police," Assistant Commissioner Willing said yesterday.
He said the majority of the protesters were peaceful, however, officers were forced to arrest a small group who weren't part of the organised event.
READ MORE: Hottest Australia Day in decades
An 18-year-old Hill Top man was arrested for breaching the peace at The Domain. He was not part of the organised gathering.
NSW Police arrested four others, including a 27-year-old Islington woman and three men – a 30-year-old from South Penrith, a 28-year-old from Wollongong and a 22-year-old from Katoomba - in Hyde Park.
The arrests followed a scuffle during which a police officer was assaulted.
A speaker at the protest in Sydney. Nine
The woman and the 28-year-old man were taken to Day Street Police Station.
The man will be charged with assaulting police and failing to comply with a COVID-19 direction.
The woman will be charged with hindering police in the execution of duty and failing to comply with a COVID-19 direction.
The other two men were each issued with a $1000 fine and released.
Protesters brought signs to the demonstration. Nine
William Barton plays didgeridoo during a preview of the Australia Day festivities at the Sydney Opera House. WireImage
The Sydney Opera House sails lit up with a creation by Indigenous artist Frances Belle-Parker before dawn on Australia Day. Australia Day Council of NSW/Anna Kucera
MELBOURNE
As the Melbourne Invasion Day march started to wind down, a scuffle erupted near Flinders Street Station.
A man wearing an Australian flag as a cape was surrounded by police in chaotic scenes.
A large police presence can be seen surrounding the area at the popular intersection on Swanston Street.
A large crowd gathered at Parliament House in Melbourne for an Invasion Day rally despite the wet weather and COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings.
The protest started at 10.30am and was due to finish about 2pm.
Organisers of the march asked the crowd to socially distance, admitting COVID-safe practices are not being followed.
On the Facebook event organisers Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance said they made a COVID-safe plan and participants should follow the instructions of COVID marshals.
The majority of people appear to be wearing masks.
The Facebook event had more than 4000 people registered to attend but current public health orders ban outdoor gatherings of more than 100 unless formally registered and approved as a public event.
The march is set to go for three hours with the group and its supporters ultimately wanting Australia Day to be abolished.
"January 26 is rooted in colonial violence and genocide, and not a day to celebrate," the organisers posted on Facebook.
Hundreds of people have gathered in Melbourne to march against Australia Day. Nine
An Invasion Day dawn service at King's Domain Resting Place in Melbourne on Australia Day. Nine News
The rally comes after Lord Mayor Sally Capp attended an Invasion Day dawn service this morning.
Another march is set to take place this afternoon, The People's Australia Day Parade plan to march in support of Australia from Queen Victoria Gardens to Catani Gardens.
Police have put crowds on notice and a significant law enforcement present is expected at events across the day.
The wet weather has not deterred Melburnains from turning up for the Invasion Day rally. Nine
Earlier this morning, hundreds attended the Invasion Day dawn service at King's Domain Resting Place.
The event was backed by Melbourne City Council and saw crowds brave the early morning rain for the solemn event.
Premier Daniel Andrews has urged Victorians to avoid large gatherings to stop the spread of coronavirus and police have warned they won't tolerate any anti-social behaviour.
The official Australia Day parade through Melbourne has been cancelled for this year due to COVID-19.
BRISBANE
In Brisbane, thousands of Queenslanders have gathered in the city's CBD for an Invasion Day rally.
More than 6000 people registered their interest in attending the march, beginning from Musgrave Park in Brisbane and continuing through Queens Gardens.
An Invasion Day rally through Brisbane's CBD on Australia Day last year. Matt Dennien
About 2000 people turned up for today's march.
"Today, me, my friends and family continue the fight my ancestors started and not let it die and hopefully get the message across," one protester told 9News as to why he was marching.
The protest has been declared a COVID-safe event and organisers have asked those in attendance to bring face masks and hand sanitiser, and not to come if they have any flu symptoms.
But Queensland Police are urging people not to attend due to health risks to the greater public.
CANBERRA
In Canberra, thousands of people sat in silent protest for an Invasion Day outside Parliament House.
The crowds sat, at times with their arms raised, in solidarity for Australia's First Nations people who believe the Australia Day date needs to be changed.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
In Darwin, scores of people took to the city's streets for an Invasion Day protest.
Crowds gathered at 10am at Civic Park before marching together.
The rally travelled down Smith Street with many protesters carrying signs as they chanted "no justice, no peace".
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