Daily news digest January 22
Major Indigenous news in Australia for January 22, is dominated by preparations for January 26 (Invasion Day/Survival Day) and calls for a more inclusive national narrative.
National Day of Mourning Controversy
Today, January 22, 2026, has been designated by the Federal government as a National Day of Mourning specifically to honour the 15 victims of the recent Bondi terror attack.
Response from Leaders:
Indigenous leaders, including Senator Lidia Thorpe, have noted the speed of this declaration while highlighting that First Nations people have petitioned for January 26 to be recognised as a national Day of Mourning for 88 years without similar action.
March Restrictions:
There are ongoing tensions as police decide whether to allow Invasion Day rallies to proceed under new restrictive laws rushed through parliament following the Bondi attack.
Commemorations & Activism
Tasmanian Freedom Fighter:
A ceremony was held at Robbins Passage to honour colonial-era ‘resistance fighters’ Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner. This year’s event saw record attendance.
Vandalism of Colonial Statues:
Multiple colonial-era monuments in Melbourne’s Flagstaff Gardens have been defaced. The Lord Mayor has condemned the acts, which occurred despite increased security ahead of January 26.
Media Initiatives:
The ABC is launching a new 30-minute special, Always Was Tonight, hosted by Tony Armstrong. The program aims to provide a “fearless First Nations lens” on the national conversation surrounding January 26.
Scientific & Cultural Developments
Rock Art Discovery:
New research published in Nature identifies rock art in Sulawesi as the world’s oldest, providing evidence that the artists were likely ancestors of Indigenous Australians who later migrated across the sea.
Western Australian Tourism:
Reports indicate that Aboriginal cultural experiences have driven international visitor numbers in Western Australia to record heights.
Social Justice & Health
Housing Crisis:
A report has highlighted the struggle of Aboriginal mothers seeking safe housing to escape domestic violence.
Prison Standards:
The WA Inspector of Custodial Services has slammed the “degraded” conditions at Broome Regional Prison, calling them “unacceptable”.
Mental Health Support:
The Indigenous mental health sector, led by Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia, is providing specific resources to support “mob” during the potentially distressing Australia Day period.
