Australia Day remains one of the most divisive dates on the calendar.
Each year protests are held across the country and this year will be no different, despite coronavirus restrictions.
The largest of these marches is planned for Sydney tomorrow with the Invasion Day rally expected to draw hundreds of people to the city.
READ MORE: Australia Day in Sydney: What can you do?
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Despite warnings from police and threats of fines, the organisers of the Invasion Day rally say it will still go ahead.
One of these organisers, Elizabeth Jarrett, told 9News it is "essential, imperative" the march goes ahead.
"This actual date represents the day of mourning for us, the first day of our demise as a people, as a land, as a culture," she said.
"It's so important that this day is reflected for the first nation people. And for the white and wider Australians to understand, okay this didn't happen in my time but I'm going to make sure I respect the land I am upon."
She said organisers have repeatedly tried to reach out to the police but they "won't come to the table" and the Health Minister could grant an exemption for the march "like he does for the cricket".
"The threat of fines and imprisonment is an everyday occurrence for a sovereign in this country… so what's one day going to change for us?" Ms Jarrett said.
The organisers have a COVIDSafe plan in place, have asked people to wear masks and social distance.
The current limit on outdoor events is 500 people, but gatherings this large need a permit.
"Rain hail shine or fire, fines or prison, we will be there tomorrow," Ms Jarrett said.
This afternoon the exemption application for the rally, due to start at 9am at the Domain, was declined.
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