breakingPerth Invasion Day rally: ‘Explosion’ fears force evacuation of Forrest PlaceJessica EvensenThe West AustralianMon, 26 January 2026 1:15PMCommentsCommentsEmail Jessica Evensen
Hundreds of demonstrators have been evacuated from Forrest Place amid concerns there could be an explosion after reports an object was thrown into a crowd of protesters.
Police are using megaphones to urge people who have gathered for an Invasion Day rally, protesting against the celebration of Australia Day on January 26, to immediately disperse.
“There is something in the crowd that poses a risk to your safety,” they said.
Police have formed a tight, straight line to push people away from the area, and are continuing to conduct a grid search of the public space. The protesters, meanwhile, have begun their planned march towards Stirling Gardens.
WA Police confirmed a threat was made and a man is now in custody after the serious scare. However, people are still being urged to stay away from the area.
Police said the person in custody is assisting with their inquiries.
Demonstrations had kicked off at midday with a traditional smoking ceremony and welcome to country, as protesters held signs reading, “always was, always will be Aboriginal land”, and “stolen land, stolen babies, stolen wages, stolen lives”.
Noongar elder Hedley Hayward said January 26 was a day of mourning to remember “the many who suffered under the heavy weight of invasion and ongoing settler colonialism.”
“This year marks 200 years since the invasion of Menang Country in the southwest of Noongar Boodjar, 200 years of strength, 200 years of survival, 200 years of truth, waiting to be honoured,” he said.
“I stand here as a Noongar elder and say this clearly: Our story did not end 200 years ago, our story is not finished today.
“All those who think they can stonewall, hide or (think) we will forget, you are on notice, we will never forget
“Not when our people are dying in custody, not when our children are being taken and locked away, not when our elders are denied support, not when our families are pushed into homelessness.”
Mr Hayward demanded an independent investigation into Aboriginal deaths in custody, and called on the government to close Casuarina Prison’s notorious Unit 18.
“We demand that every justice worker carries a real duty of care with mandated cultural awareness training,” he said.
“End the lockdowns, increase staffing, meet international prison standards — we demand housing justice, end homelessness, shelter is a human right for everyone.
“This is not about policy, this is about survival, every voice here matters, every lived experience matters, don’t let anyone tell you your voice is too small.
“When we come together, when we speak together, when we refuse to be silent together, this country has no choice but to listen.”
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails
Read more on The West Australian
