The vandalism unfolded in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. Australia Day is a divisive holiday that critics see as a symbol of racism and oppression.

Two historic statues were damaged in Melbourne ahead of Australia Day celebrations on Sunday, with tens of thousands of people across the country joining protests in support of Aboriginal groups who say the date is not one to cheer.

Thousands soaked in the sand, sunshine and waves as Sydney turned on a glorious summer day with temperatures in the high 20s.Visiting from Czechia, Marie Chybova and Milos Chyba, with son Martin Chyba and his partner Aneta Rohlikova draped themselves in Australia attire and waved the Australia,

Australia Day is being celebrated all over the country this Sunday. In Sydney, traditional ceremonies took place at dawn in various locations including Bondi beach and Barangaroo. The Sydney Opera House was also lit up with traditional paintings.

For years, the question of whether to move Australia Day to a less contentious date has loomed over the festivities. Thousands of Australians now join annual protests against what they call “Invasion Day”.

Australia Day commemorations have kicked off with quiet reflections around the nation as Australians gear up for celebrations and protests.

Earlier reports suggested that more than 30,000 anti-Australia Day and pro-Palestine protesters could take to the streets in Melbourne’s CBD. Protests are set to begin from 9am in Brisbane’s Queen’s Garden,