Thousands of people gathered in Sydney to protest against the public holiday on Tuesday.

The date is a sensitive 1 January 26 is the anniversary of the arrival off the British first Fleet to Australia in 17 88 and for many indigenous Australians it marks the start of mistreatment off indigenous people in Australia.

The people, the elder Auntie Shirley.

It brings a sense of grief.

This country is Waas and always will be aboriginal land white Australia is Waas and always will be a penal colony.

Every year, protests have grown, calling for the date to be changed.

On Tuesday, some held signs saying Walking on stolen land, Enchanted always has always will be aboriginal land.

Others took a knee for protesters like Tara Dried Um The day was about showing solidarity to indigenous Australians.

January 26 is rooted in Australian history.

It's a staying on Australian history on, but it's time we make a movement for it.

It's not the day to celebrate.

Authorities warned protesters that they risked arrest if they defied State Cove in 19 health orders to limit gatherings to 500 people.

But in a last minute compromise with police, thousands were allowed to gather in socially distant groups in the Sydney Park as their annual march was called off.

Ah handful of protesters were arrested, but the protest was largely peaceful.

Organizer Gwenda Stanley was proud to see the overwhelming turnout on, but to see them out of turn out the other day was absolutely amazing and wonderful to see.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia Day represents how far the country has come since the first fleet arrived and told a ceremony that quote for better and worse.

It was the moment where the journey to our modern nation began.