‘This is massive’: hope and anger as thousands gather at Invasion Day events across Australia

Protesters brave heatwave conditions as rally speakers condemn incarceration rates and express solidarity with Palestine

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Melanie Watkins wasn’t going to let a 37C day stop her from bringing her children to Belmore Park on Friday morning for Sydney’s Invasion Day rally.

The two boys, aged 10 and six, stood to the side of the demonstration listening quietly to the speeches, their wide-brimmed hats keeping sunburn at bay.

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