Ten years ago today, thousands of beachgoers paddled off Bondi Beach on blow-up thongs with huge Australian flags printed on them.
A quick browse through the pictorial archives shows the beach that day in 2013 laden with bikinis, boardies, sunnies and inflatable hands and kangaroos with Australian flag and “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, oi, oi, oi” prints.
Nowadays, the end of January has become a significant point of contention regarding whether the date of Australia Day should be changed, with the debate becoming more intense as each year passes.
Some see January 26 as a day for celebration, but for Indigenous Australians, it’s Invasion Day, and it is a day of mourning.
On this day in 1788, the First Fleet sailed into Sydney Cove, which for many First Nations people meant the beginning of widespread massacres, land theft, stolen children and oppression.
Today, beachgoers still flocked to the iconic beach.
However, the vibe is a far cry from that of 2013. Australian flags, temporary tattoos and beach towels were few and far between. Sunrise saw a dawn reflection and smoking ceremony with First Nations Elder Dean Kelly and Yuin Gurandgi dancers.
As crowds gathered on Gadigal land at Belmore Park in Sydney’s CBD in protest of Australia Day celebrations, Gomeroi woman and indigenous activist Gwenda Stanley declared: “Australia Day is dead and done. Get over it.”
Some expressed their reluctance or even refusal to celebrate the day – while others were dead set on making a day of the annual occasion they cherish.