MABO DAY 19
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2023
Mabo Oration finds Voice STORY & PICS VELMA GARA The Mabo Oration was delivered to a sell-out crowd by co-author of the Uluru Statement Professor Megan Davis in Townsville last week. Professor Davis acknowledged the late Eddie Koiki Mabo’s High Court victory as she explained the differences the Voice would bring to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s lives. She said if Australians voted for the Voice – constitutionally enshrined recognition – it would give advice on laws and policies that affected Indigenous people.
The Mabo Oration was about celebrating and paying tribute to Eddie Koiki Mabo and the landmark High Court decision which legally recognised Indigenous people had a special relationship to the land that existed prior to colonisation. Prof Davis then joined a discussion panel with Professor Henry Reynolds, Gail Mabo and Jeff McMullen (Master of Ceremonies) after the speech. Prof Reynolds said he thought the referendum would get through, but with a small majority, and said he was concerned political parties would use it to achieve political victory.
Prof Megan Davis & Prof Martin Nakata.
Francis Tapim & Les Malezer.
He also said the Mabo decision had raised Australia’s standing internationally because other countries watched how Australia dealt with Indigenous people. The decision to move the Mabo Oration to a regional venue paid off, with 430 people attending the sold out event, many of them from other regions. The event, hosted by the Queensland Human Rights Commission (QHRC) in partnership with Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), was held in Brisbane since 2005. The most recent Mabo Oration was held in 2019.
Panel Discussion – Jeff McMullen (MC), Prof Henry Reynolds, Gail Mabo & Prof Megan Davis.
Bryan Keon-Cohen AM QC, June KeonCohen & Dr Peter Malouf.
William Mabo (Dancer/Didgeridoo Player) conducting the Smoking Ceremony.
Stephen Mam (Yes 23 Qld Campaign Coordinator) & Patrick Neliman.
Jeff McMullen & Gail Mabo.
Warraber school celebrates Mabo Day with food, dance and culture Warraber Ngurpay Lag celebrated Mabo Day on Monday this week. Head of Campus Natalie Van Zyl said students were engaged in cooking, dance, story time, flag-making, face painting, coconut husking, and weaving. “The day honoured Eddie Mabo’s legacy, fostering cultural pride, unity, and respect for Torres Strait Islander traditions. “It was a vibrant and educational celebration with many community members in attendance.” Words & pics with thanks to Harry, Florence & Trudy Lui.
