While Australians were celebrating the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the British, Aboriginal people from all over the country gathered in Sydney's Redfern to protest against the unjust mistreatment of their people.

The march proceeded through the streets of Sydney to mourn the injustice of the past. Described by many as the biggest march ever of Aboriginal people, it took place on the country where it all first began over 200 years before hand. The Aboriginal flag flew high as more then 25,000 black and white Australians marched through the streets of Sydney. Organisers were amazed at the size of the crowd as support came from such diverse sources as the Palestine Liberation Organisation and Italian migrant worker's families. At Yoorong (Mrs. Macquarie's Chair) on Sydney Harbour, where a "tent embassy" was erected by Aboriginal people, protesters chanted obscenities as a re-enactment of the 'First Fleet' passed by.

Other events included a reenactment of the arrival of Captain Arthur Phillip in which he was repelled by the Indigenous people of this country, with the rowboat they were in overturned and thrown into the sea. The peaceful march, from Redfern to the Sydney CBD was highly emotional for those people, black and white, who took part.