Australia: Protests and celebrations to take place nationwide for Australia Day Jan. 26

People across Australia will commemorate Australia Day Jan. 26. Official celebrations typically occur in the morning; however, local governments and various civic groups will hold Australia Day events throughout the day. Planned commemorative events include picnics, parades, and fireworks displays. The largest events are likely in major cities such as Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. Increased security measures, crowd control barriers, and localized road closures are likely near official events and other traditional celebrations.

Indigenous groups and their supporters plan to hold "Invasion Day" rallies in cities and towns nationwide. The largest demonstrations at likely to occur at the following locations and times:

• Adelaide: Victoria Square 11:00

• Brisbane: Participants will gather at Queens Gardens 09:00 before marching to Musgrave Park.

• Canberra: Garema Place 09:30

• Darwin: Civic Park 08:30

• Hobart: Activists will gather at Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre 11:15 before marching to Parliament Lawns 12:00.

• Melbourne: Supporters will gather at Victoria Parliament House 10:00 before marching to Flinders Street Station.

• Perth: Forrest Place 12:30

• Sydney: Activists will meet at Belmore Park 10:00 and march in the city.

Participation in the demonstrations will likely vary by location, ranging from several hundred to several thousand people. Increased police deployments and localized traffic disruptions are likely near rally sites. Indigenous groups and activists could attempt protests to disrupt mainstream Australia Day commemorations in some areas. Most events will remain largely peaceful; however, confrontations between rival protest groups remain possible.