Keynote Speaker: Mr Thomas Mayo | AUTHOR

Thomas Mayo is a Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man. He is a union official with the MUA and is an advocate in the campaign for a constitutionally enshrined Voice – the key proposal in the Uluru Statement. He is the Chairperson of the Northern Territory Indigenous Labor Network, advises the Diversity Council of Australia and the From the Heart campaign, and is an executive member of the Northern Territory Trades and Labour Council. Thomas is the author of four books, and has articles and essays published in The Guardian, Griffith Review and Sydney Morning Herald.

Thomas has published books that cover both historical and contemporary First Nations struggles including his extensive work campaigning for the Uluru Statement from the Heart, biographical narratives, fatherhood, masculinity, love and race. He has published essays and articles in the Griffith Review, the Sydney Morning Herald and The Guardian.

Thomas was inspired to write his first book: Finding the Heart of the Nation – the Journey of the Uluru Statement towards Voice, Treaty and Truth, after being entrusted to carry the sacred Uluru Statement from the Heart canvas to Australians from all walks of life, soon after its creation in the heart of the country in 2017. This best-selling book is now in a paperback second-edition.

Thomas traveled throughout the nation for eighteen months with the Uluru Statement, taking it to the smallest of communities to large city gatherings, playing a key role in building the peoples movement for a constitutionally enshrined First Nations Voice to what it is today. His first childrens book: Finding Our Heart, is a childrens book about the Uluru Statement. It has enjoyed success because of its contemporary art and powerful truth telling with a uniquely clear call to action.

Thomas continues to passionately advocate for workers rights and for a constitutionally enshrined Voice. His writing journey continues also, with several books in development.