Melbourne marks Mabo Day in style

BY VELMA GARA

Mabo Day in Melbourne had it all – food, dance and community spirit to celebrate both Eddie Koiki Mabo and his wife, Bonita, and what they had achieved.

Celebrations began with a gathering hosted by Pauline Cassady.

Concert MC Lisa Maza said it was day filled with joy and gratitude.

“So happy, it was like one big family gathering,” she said.

Big Eso Restaurant, owned by Nornie Bero’s business Mabu Mabu, then had a luncheon with Ailan food on the menu – coconut curry fish, fried fish, damper, sop sop, semurr and scones.

Ms Bero said she wanted to make a contribution to the community and asked what role models they were for someone like her.

“The feedback was fantastic,” she said.

“There’s a good following and they [non-Indigenous people] enjoyed the different flavours.

“It was an opportunity to showcase our unique culture and traditions are really strong with us.”

Lastly, that evening was the Mabo Concert with performances by the Gerib Sik Dance Team from Cairns, Jaran Dancers from the Gold Coast, Luke Captain and Kee’ahn, held at The Edge in Federation Square.

Speaking at the concert, lawyer Brian Bero asked how we can progress on what Uncle Koiki and the plaintiffs had achieved.

“How do we empower our people?” he said.

“Sea claims were successful and have been determined now.

“How can we leverage these two to generate the health and wealth of our people and economy in the Torres Strait.”

Mr Bero said there was plenty of potential for islands and the mainland to put together commercial ventures such as fishing and renewable energy projects.

He also spoke of the anniversary of the Black Community School and said Uncle Koiki was very progressive back in the day, introducing culture, languages and dances into the school curriculum.