Record numbers flock to Brisbane CBD for Invasion Day rally
Record numbers turned out in Brisbane today for an Invasion Day rally.
About 10,000 people gathered at Queens Gardens after a flag raising ceremony at Musgrave Park, sending an aboriginal war cry echoing through the heart of the CBD.
"Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land," the protesters chanted.
"What do we want? Justice. When do we want it? Now."
Record numbers turned out in Brisbane today for an Invasion Day rally. 9News
READ MORE: Five arrested after Invasion Day rally concludes peacefully
The protest continued onto George Street, winding through the city and over the Victoria Bridge.
Children, parents, elders, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people all marching as one with a sea of banners, home made signs and a giant Aboriginal flag.
"Year on year, the cries for change grow louder," one protester told 9News.
"Marches like this one here in Brisbane are replicated around the nation and an ever-increasing number of people, both black and white are demanding action."
"Today, me, my friends and family continue the fight my ancestors started and not let it die and hopefully get the message across," another protester said.
Queenslanders gather for the Invasion Day rally in the Brisbane CBD. 9News
About 10,000 people gathered at Queens Gardens, Brisbane. 9News
Organisers of the event, Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance, said today's rally was a day of action, peace, progress and inclusion.
"From an organisers perspective, we have had so many new faces join a team that haven't even attend an invasion day march before."
The rally acknowledged the survival of aboriginal culture in many forms, from music and dance, to powerful speeches by elders.
Aboriginal protester seen singing traditional songs to the crowd at Queens Gardens. SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett
"We belong to our country right, it's a our blood given birth, our spiritual right," a local Aboriginal said during his speech.
"Explain to me the fact that there is today 198 massacre sites in Queensland, 198 massacre sites," an elder said to crowds at Queens Gardens.
READ MORE: 'You have a national day that not everyone in the nation can celebrate'
The rally was mostly peaceful, except for one man protesting against the invasion day proceedings, draped in an Australian Flag.
The rally was mostly peaceful, except for one man protesting against the invasion day proceedings, draped in an Australian Flag. 9News
He was later arrested by Queensland Police.
The protest was declared a COVID-safe event, with organisers asking those in attendance to bring face masks and hand sanitiser, and not to come if they have any flu symptoms.
But Queensland Police still urged people not to attend due to health risks to the greater public.
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