Protests and vandalism mark Australia Day

Protests erupt with vandalised statues highlighting Indigenous concerns over contentious date

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MELBOURNE:

Two historic statues in Melbourne were vandalised ahead of Australia Day celebrations on Sunday, which are expected to see tens of thousands across the country participating in protests. These demonstrations support Aboriginal people who believe the date is not a cause for celebration.

One statue, depicting colonist John Batman — a founder of Melbourne and a figure linked to violence against Indigenous people — was sawn in half. Another monument, commemorating Australian soldiers from World War One, was defaced with red paint and the phrase "land back" in the early hours of Saturday, according to local media reports.

Australia Day, observed on 26 January, is a contentious date for Indigenous Australians as it marks the landing of Captain James Cook at Sydney Cove and the beginning of British colonisation.

In Sydney, the artwork of Wiradjuri-Biripi artist James P. Simon was projected onto the Opera House sails during dawn ceremonies, part of a series of events around the country that include both protests and celebrations.

Meanwhile, shopkeepers in Melbourne’s central business district were advised to prepare for up to 30,000 people marching through the streets, according to local media.