Mabo family collection

Series 1: Printed textile materials (1974-2019?)

Series number
1
Series title
Printed textile materials
Date
1974-2019?
Scope and content

This series contains T-shirts, polo shirts and table runners collected by the Mabo family.  

  • Many of the shirts were designed by Dr. Bonita Mabo AO and portray personal messages that support and celebrate the achievements of her husband Eddie Koiki Mabo.
  • A number of items contain prints that celebrate the historic Mabo land rights case.   
  • Many shirts contain prints that refer to Mer (Murray Island) in the Torres Strait and/or the various clans that live there.
  • A number of shirts contain prints that refer to conferences, mainly the National Native Title Conference.
  • Other shirts contain prints that refer to theatre, dance or music productions, festivals such as the Kaiwalagal Music & Arts Festival and the Mabo Day Festival, art exhibitions and the Smugglers of Light Foundation.
Author / Creator
Mabo family, collector
Description
29 T-shirts;
4 polo shirts;
2 perspiration towels
Locate
OMOSBOX Box 23473 O/S
Access restrictions
Unrestricted access.

Items in this series:

'Keep White Interests out of Black land' T-shirt (1980-1981?)

Unit ID
32825/1
Item title
'Keep White Interests out of Black land' T-shirt
Date
1980-1981?
Scope and content

The T-shirt is orange with black text on both sides.  The text on the front of the T-shirt reads 'Keep White interests out of Black Land'.  The text on the back reads 'Support Pitjantjatjara Land Rights Bill'.  

It is not known who designed this shirt.

Description
1 T-shirt
No size label, chest width 50 cm, back length 70 cm
Biographical history
The shirt was given to Eddie Koiki Mabo when he was invited to Perth to attend a festival as part of the Townsville based New Blood Dance Troupe, founded by Shane and Bronwyn Williams. At the festival he taught cultural dances to other troupes and festival attendees. Eddie Koiki Mabo wore the shirt in support of the Pitjantjatjara Land Rights Bill.

Eddie Koiki Mabo was an advocator of traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land rights. The shirt supports the South Australian Pitjantjatjara Land Rights Bill. The Pitjantjatjara people's traditional lands contain areas in South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. In early 1979 a Parliamentary Select Committee reported in favour of an Act giving the Pitjantjatjara people total rights over their traditional land in the north west of South Australia. Following this, legislation recognising the traditional rights of the Pitjantjatjara people was introduced by Don Dunstan AC QC's South Australian Labor government. The Bill was before Parliament when there was a change in government in late 1979. There were fears the Bill would be abandoned. The new Liberal government eventually re-negotiated the matter and the Bill became the Pitjantjatjara Land Rights Act 1981 on 19 March 1981. (Information taken from : Museum of Australian Democracy website, viewed 14 May 2021)

"National Aboriginal & Islander Week" T-shirt (1974)

Unit ID
32825/2
Item title
"National Aboriginal & Islander Week" T-shirt
Date
1974
Scope and content

The T-shirt is white with black text accompanied with illustrations on the front.  The text reads "National Aboriginal and Islander Week, 4-9 July, Ayr Qld".  The  illustrations are of a dari (head dress), 2 boomerangs, kadik (arm band), baur (spear), kadik and gabagaba (club).

The shirt was designed by Ada Blanco, Ayr High School, for National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Week 4-9 July.

Author / Creator
Blanco, Ada, designer
Description
1 T-shirt (cotton)
XXL, chest width 55 cm, back length 62 cm
Biographical history
The shirt was given to Eddie Koiki Mabo by Ada Blanco. Eddie Koiki Mabo travelled with his students from the Townsville Black Community School down to Ayr to perform during National Aboriginal and Islander Week, 4-9 July, Ayr, Queensland, 1974. He wore the shirt during National Aboriginal and Islander Week celebrations. Eddie Koiki Mabo and Dr. Bonita Mabo AO were co-founders of the Townsville Black Community School in 1973 as they were unhappy with the approach to Indigenous education within the Queensland state education system. Eddie Koiki Mabo became director and volunteered to work for half pay to help establish the school. Dr. Bonita Mabo AO worked as a teacher’s aide and oversaw the day-to-day operations of the school. This included providing continuity and cultural training to all children. The school endured open hostility from the Townsville community including the Queensland Education Department, the local newspaper and some local politicians at a time when it was considered unacceptable to have separate curricula and teaching policies for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The school started with 10 students and was one of the first of its kind to operate. It peaked in the late 1970s with 45 students. (Information taken from: AIATSIS website, viewed May 2021, James Cook University Australia website, viewed 14 May 2021)

The Mabo family has a South Sea Islander family connection to Ayr through Dr. Bonita Mabo AO. Dr. Bonita Mabo AO was a Malanbarra woman born in 1943 near Ingham in North Queensland. She was a descendant of Vanuatuan workers that had been brought to Queensland to work on sugar plantations. (Information taken from: ABC News website, posted 26 November 2018, viewed 17 May 2021, Australian Women's Archive Project website, viewed 17 May 2021)

"I'm proud of you ATA" polo shirt (1995)

Unit ID
32825/3
Item title
"I'm proud of you ATA" polo shirt
Date
1995
Scope and content

The polo shirt is white with black text accompanied with illustrations on the front and back.  The text on the front of the polo shirt reads "I'm proud of you ATA" and is accompanied by a portrait of Eddie Koiki Mabo.  The text on the back reads "Piadaram Clan" and is accompanied by an illustration of a fish swimming out of a circle.

This shirt was designed by Dr. Bonita Mabo AO.

Author / Creator
Mabo, Bonita, 1943?-2018, designer
Description
1 polo shirt (cotton)
7 (child size), chest width 42 cm, back length 53 cm
Biographical history
This shirt was designed by Dr. Bonita Mabo AO for all her grandchildren for the Mabo Day March in Townsville which marked the 3rd anniversary of the Mabo decision and which coincided with the year of the tombstone unveiling of Eddie Koiki Mabo, which marked the end of mourning.

The Piadaram clan is Koiki Mabo's clan on Mer (Murray Island) in the Torres Strait.

"Mabo case down in history" T-shirt (3 June 1995?)

Unit ID
32825/4
Item title
"Mabo case down in history" T-shirt
Date
3 June 1995?
Scope and content

The T-shirt is white with black text on the front and back.  The back of the T-shirt also contains an illustration.  The text on the front of the T-shirt reads "Mabo case down in history : Cook stole it, Mabo regained it! : Eddie Mabo recaptured our stolen land : Koiki fought against the Queensland Government and won! : Koiki Mabo, a famous Black Australian : Koiki au eswou kara negwum".  The text on the back reads "Historical land claim : Mabo Case 1982-1992".  The illustration contains a portrait of Eddie Koiki Mabo surrounded by a map of Mer (Murray Island) that notes the land divisions of the different tribes that populate the island.

The shirt was designed by Mer (Murray Island)/Townsville man Ned Gaby.

Author / Creator
Gaby, Ned, designer
Description
2 T-shirts
Child (no size label), chest width 41 cm, back length 51 cm
Biographical history
The shirt was designed for the first Mabo Day march through Townsville on the 3 June 1995. The shirt was mass-produced and available for the general public to purchase and wear at the march.

The shirt refers to the Mabo case which recognised for the first time in Australian law “the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their lands based on their traditional connection to and occupation of their country” and “countered the claim by the British that Australia was ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no-one)”. It began on 20 May 1982 when Eddie Koiki Mabo “and fellow Mer Islanders, Reverend David Passi, Celuia Mapo Salee, Sam Passi and James Rice began their legal claim in the High Court of Australia for ownership of their lands on the island of Mer”. As Eddie Koiki Mabo was the first named plaintiff, the case became known as the ‘Mabo Case’. Eddie Koiki Mabo died on 21 January 1992 before the case was won successfully in June 1992. The following year the Federal Parliament of Australia passed the Native Title Act 1993. This created a system for “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make a native title claim over their lands”. (Information taken from: AIATSIS website, viewed 14 May 2021)

"Cultural revival is survival" T-shirt (1995?)

Unit ID
32825/5
Item title
"Cultural revival is survival" T-shirt
Date
1995?
Scope and content

The T-shirt is white with black text on the front accompanied by a portrait of Eddie Koiki Mabo wearing a traditional dhari (head dress) from Mer (Murray Island).  The text reads "Cultural revival is survival".

It is not known who designed this shirt.

Description
1 T-shirt (cotton)
S, chest width 38 cm, back length 60 cm
Biographical history
Eddie Koiki Mabo was born on the 29 June 1936 in the village of Las on Mer (Murray Island) in the Torres Strait. He was the fourth child of Robert Zesou Sambo and Poipe (Sambo) Mabo. Following the death of his mother shortly after his birth he was adopted by his Uncle Benny and Aunty Maigo Mabo in line with Islander custom. His first language was Meriam and he grew up immersed in Meriam culture and was taught from a young age the importance of respecting other people’s land. (Information taken from: AIATSIS website, viewed 14 May 2021)

"Dawareb Kebele" T-shirt (1980-1989?)

Unit ID
32825/6
Item title
"Dawareb Kebele" T-shirt
Date
1980-1989?
Scope and content

Child's blue ti-died T-shirt with black printing on the front and back.  The front of the T-shirt features a dhari (head dress).  The back of the T-shirt contains the text "Dawareb Kebele" and is accompanied by an illustration containing a mackerel totem.

It is not known who designed this shirt.

Description
1 T-shirt
Child size 12?, chest width 35 cm, back length 53 cm
Biographical history
The T-shirt has a Mabo family connection.

"Proud of you" T-shirt (1987-1993?)

Unit ID
32825/7
Item title
"Proud of you" T-shirt
Date
1987-1993?
Scope and content

The T-shirt is white with a colour photograph printed on the front.  The photograph depicts Eddie Koiki Mabo sitting cross-legged at the Pacific Festival in Anzac Park, Townsville, during the 1970s.  The creator of the photograph is unknown. 

The T-shirt was designed by Dr. Bonita Mabo AO.

Author / Creator
Mabo, Bonita, 1943?-2018, designer
Description
1 T-shirt (cotton)
XL, chest width 53 cm, back length 72 cm
Biographical history
Koiki was part of a dance group performing at the Pacific Festival in Anzac Park, Townsville.

'I'm proud of you darling" T-shirt (1995)

Unit ID
32825/8
Item title
'I'm proud of you darling" T-shirt
Date
1995
Scope and content

The T-shirt is white and is printed on both sides.  The text on the front of the T-shirt reads "I'm proud of you darling".  The text is accompanied by a print of a colour photograph containing a portrait of Eddie Koiki Mabo.  The photograph was taken by their daughter Bethel Mabo in the mid-1980s.  The back of the T-shirt contains text and an illustration.  The text reads "Historical land claim : Mabo case 1982-1992".  The illustration contains a portrait of Eddie Koiki Mabo surrounded by a map of the island Mer that notes the different tribes that populate the island.

The shirt was designed by Dr. Bonita Mabo AO (front) and Ned Gaby (back).

Author / Creator
Mabo, Bonita, 1943?-2018, designer
Gaby, Ned, designer
Description
1 T-shirt (cotton)
S, chest width 55 cm, back length 70 cm
Biographical history
The shirt was worn by Dr. Bonita Mabo AO at Eddie Koiki Mabo's reburial on Mer (Murray Island).   

The shirt refers to the Mabo case which recognised for the first time in Australian law “the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their lands based on their traditional connection to and occupation of their country” and “countered the claim by the British that Australia was ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no-one)”. It began on 20 May 1982 when Eddie Koiki Mabo “and fellow Mer Islanders, Reverend David Passi, Celuia Mapo Salee, Sam Passi and James Rice began their legal claim in the High Court of Australia for ownership of their lands on the island of Mer”. As Eddie Koiki Mabo was the first named plaintiff, the case became known as the ‘Mabo Case’. Eddie Koiki Mabo died on 21 January 1992 before the case was won successfully in June 1992. The following year the Federal Parliament of Australia passed the Native Title Act 1993. This created a system for “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make a native title claim over their lands”. (Information taken from: AIATSIS website, viewed 14 May 2021)

"Mabo case 6th Anniversary" T-shirt (1998)

Unit ID
32825/9
Item title
"Mabo case 6th Anniversary" T-shirt
Date
1998
Scope and content

The T-shirt is white and is printed on both sides.  The text on the front of the T-shirt reads "Mabo case : 3rd June '92 : 6 th anniversary 1998".  The text is accompanied by a colour photograph of Eddie Koiki Mabo dancing.  The creator of the photograph is unknown.  The text on the back of the T-shirt reads "Native title".

The T-shirt was designed by Dr. Bonita Mabo AO.

Author / Creator
Mabo, Bonita, 1943?-2018, designer
Description
1 T-shirt (cotton)
L, chest width 52 cm, back length 70 cm
Biographical history
The shirt refers to the Mabo case which recognised for the first time in Australian law “the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their lands based on their traditional connection to and occupation of their country” and “countered the claim by the British that Australia was ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no-one)”. It began on 20 May 1982 when Eddie Koiki Mabo “and fellow Mer Islanders, Reverend David Passi, Celuia Mapo Salee, Sam Passi and James Rice began their legal claim in the High Court of Australia for ownership of their lands on the island of Mer”. As Eddie Koiki Mabo was the first named plaintiff, the case became known as the ‘Mabo Case’. Eddie Koiki Mabo died on 21 January 1992 before the case was won successfully in June 1992. The following year the Federal Parliament of Australia passed the Native Title Act 1993. This created a system for “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make a native title claim over their lands”. (Information taken from: AIATSIS website, viewed 14 May 2021)

"Proud of you darling" T-shirt (2002)

Unit ID
32825/10
Item title
"Proud of you darling" T-shirt
Date
2002
Scope and content

The T-shirt is white and printed on both sides.

The text on the front of the T-shirt contains text and a colour print. The text reads "Proud of you darling" and is accompanied with a print of a colour photograph of Eddie Koiki Mabo dancing.  The photograph was taken by a family member in the 1970s when Eddie Koiki Mabo was part of a Townsville Torres Strait Islander dance group.

The back of the T-shirt contains text and a black and white illustration. The text reads "Historical land claim : Mabo Day 2002 : 10th Anniversary".  The illustration contains a dhari (head dress) and a traditional drum, one end of the drum morphs into a shark's head and mouth.

The T-shirt was designed by Dr. Bonita Mabo AO.

Author / Creator
Mabo, Bonita, 1943?-2018, designer
Description
1 T-shirt (cotton)
L, chest width 51 cm, back length 70 cm
Biographical history
Dr. Bonita Mabo AO designed the shirt to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Mabo case in 2002.

The shirt refers to the Mabo case which recognised for the first time in Australian law “the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their lands based on their traditional connection to and occupation of their country” and “countered the claim by the British that Australia was ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no-one)”. It began on 20 May 1982 when Eddie Koiki Mabo “and fellow Mer Islanders, Reverend David Passi, Celuia Mapo Salee, Sam Passi and James Rice began their legal claim in the High Court of Australia for ownership of their lands on the island of Mer”. As Eddie Koiki Mabo was the first named plaintiff, the case became known as the ‘Mabo Case’. Eddie Koiki Mabo died on 21 January 1992 before the case was won successfully in June 1992. The following year the Federal Parliament of Australia passed the Native Title Act 1993. This created a system for “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make a native title claim over their lands”. (Information taken from: AIATSIS website, viewed 14 May 2021)

"Proud of you darling" T-shirt (2002)

Unit ID
32825/11
Item title
"Proud of you darling" T-shirt
Date
2002
Scope and content

The T-shirt is white, V-necked and printed on both sides. 

The text on the front of the T-shirt reads "Proud of you darling".  It is accompanied by a print of a colour photograph featuring a portrait of Eddie Koiki Mabo.  The photograph may have been taken at daughter Maria's (Jesse's) debutante ball in Mackay during the 1980s.  

The back of the T-shirt contains text and a black and white illustration. The text reads "Historical land claim : Mabo Day 2002 : 10th Anniversary".  The illustration contains a dhari (head dress) and a traditional drum, one end of the drum morphs into a shark's head and mouth.

The T-shirt was designed by Dr. Bonita Mabo AO.

Author / Creator
Mabo, Bonita, 1943?-2018, designer
Description
1 T-shirt (cotton)
L, chest width 55 cm, back length 70 cm
Biographical history
Dr. Bonita Mabo AO wore the shirt on the 10th anniversary of the Mabo case in 2002 and again for the 25th Anniversary in 2017.

The shirt refers to the Mabo case which recognised for the first time in Australian law “the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their lands based on their traditional connection to and occupation of their country” and “countered the claim by the British that Australia was ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no-one)”. It began on 20 May 1982 when Eddie Koiki Mabo “and fellow Mer Islanders, Reverend David Passi, Celuia Mapo Salee, Sam Passi and James Rice began their legal claim in the High Court of Australia for ownership of their lands on the island of Mer”. As Eddie Koiki Mabo was the first named plaintiff, the case became known as the ‘Mabo Case’. Eddie Koiki Mabo died on 21 January 1992 before the case was won successfully in June 1992. The following year the Federal Parliament of Australia passed the Native Title Act 1993. This created a system for “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make a native title claim over their lands”. (Information taken from: AIATSIS website, viewed 14 May 2021)

"We are proud of you Dad" T-shirt (2002)

Unit ID
32825/12
Item title
"We are proud of you Dad" T-shirt
Date
2002
Scope and content

The T-shirt is a men's T-shirt that is white with a front pocket and is printed on both sides. 

The text on the front of the T-shirt reads "We are proud of you Dad".  It is accompanied by a print of a colour photograph featuring a portrait of Eddie Koiki Mabo.  The photograph may have been taken at daughter Maria's (Jesse's) debutante ball in Mackay during the 1980s. 

The back of the T-shirt contains text and a black and white illustration. The text reads "Historical land claim : Mabo Day 2002 : 10th Anniversary".  The illustration contains a dhari (head dress) and a traditional drum, one end of the drum morphs into a shark's head and mouth.

The T-shirt was designed by Dr. Bonita Mabo AO.

Author / Creator
Mabo, Bonita, 1943?-2018, designer
Description
1 T-shirt (cotton)
3XL, chest width 66 cm, back length 71 cm
Biographical history
The shirt was created for the men of the family to wear in Townsville and Melbourne for the 10th Anniversary of the Mabo case. The men's shirts featured a pocket while the women's shirts had no pocket.

The shirt refers to the Mabo case which recognised for the first time in Australian law “the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their lands based on their traditional connection to and occupation of their country” and “countered the claim by the British that Australia was ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no-one)”. It began on 20 May 1982 when Eddie Koiki Mabo “and fellow Mer Islanders, Reverend David Passi, Celuia Mapo Salee, Sam Passi and James Rice began their legal claim in the High Court of Australia for ownership of their lands on the island of Mer”. As Eddie Koiki Mabo was the first named plaintiff, the case became known as the ‘Mabo Case’. Eddie Koiki Mabo died on 21 January 1992 before the case was won successfully in June 1992. The following year the Federal Parliament of Australia passed the Native Title Act 1993. This created a system for “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make a native title claim over their lands”. (Information taken from: AIATSIS website, viewed 14 May 2021)

"We are proud of you Dad" T-shirt (2002)

Unit ID
32825/13
Item title
"We are proud of you Dad" T-shirt
Date
2002
Scope and content

The T-shirt is a women's T-shirt that is white and is printed on both sides. 

The text on the front of the T-shirt is black and reads "We are proud of you Dad".  It is accompanied by a print of a colour photograph featuring a portrait of Eddie Koiki Mabo.  The photograph may have been taken at daughter Maria's (Jesse's) debutante ball in Mackay during the 1980s. 

The back of the T-shirt contains text and a black and white illustration. The text reads "Historical land claim : Mabo Day 2002 : 10th Anniversary".  The illustration contains a dhari (head dress) and a traditional drum, one end of the drum morphs into a shark's head and mouth.

The T-shirt was designed by Dr. Bonita Mabo AO.

Author / Creator
Mabo, Bonita, 1943?-2018, designer
Description
1 T-shirt
XXL, chest width 60 cm, back length 62 cm
Biographical history
The shirt was created for the women of the family to wear in Townsville and Melbourne for the 10th Anniversary of the Mabo case. The men's shirts featured a pocket while the women's shirts had no pocket.

The shirt refers to the Mabo case which recognised for the first time in Australian law “the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their lands based on their traditional connection to and occupation of their country” and “countered the claim by the British that Australia was ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no-one)”. It began on 20 May 1982 when Eddie Koiki Mabo “and fellow Mer Islanders, Reverend David Passi, Celuia Mapo Salee, Sam Passi and James Rice began their legal claim in the High Court of Australia for ownership of their lands on the island of Mer”. As Eddie Koiki Mabo was the first named plaintiff, the case became known as the ‘Mabo Case’. Eddie Koiki Mabo died on 21 January 1992 before the case was won successfully on June 1992. The following year the Federal Parliament of Australia passed the Native Title Act 1993. This created a system for “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make a native title claim over their lands”. (Information taken from: AIATSIS website, viewed 14 May 2021)

"Historical land claim" T-shirt (2002)

Unit ID
32825/14
Item title
"Historical land claim" T-shirt
Date
2002
Scope and content

The T-shirt is orange and is printed in black on the front and back. 

The front of the T-shirt contains text and a black and white illustration. The text reads "3rd June 2002 10th anniversary : 1992-2002 : Mabo Day : historical land claim".  The illustration contains a dhari (head dress) and a traditional drum, one end of the drum morphs into a shark's head and mouth.

The text on the back reads "Historical land claim".

The T-shirt was designed by Dr. Bonita Mabo AO.

Author / Creator
Mabo, Bonita, 1943?-2018, designer
Description
1 T-shirt
S, chest width 52 cm, back length 63 cm
Biographical history
The T-shirt was created for the general public to mark the 10th Anniversary of the Mabo case. White shirts were made for family and coloured shirts were created for the broader community.

The shirt refers to the Mabo case which recognised for the first time in Australian law “the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their lands based on their traditional connection to and occupation of their country” and “countered the claim by the British that Australia was ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no-one)”. It began on 20 May 1982 when Eddie Koiki Mabo “and fellow Mer Islanders, Reverend David Passi, Celuia Mapo Salee, Sam Passi and James Rice began their legal claim in the High Court of Australia for ownership of their lands on the island of Mer”. As Eddie Koiki Mabo was the first named plaintiff, the case became known as the ‘Mabo Case’. Eddie Koiki Mabo died on 21 January 1992 before the case was won successfully in June 1992. The following year the Federal Parliament of Australia passed the Native Title Act 1993. This created a system for “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make a native title claim over their lands”. (Information taken from: AIATSIS website, viewed 14 May 2021)

"Zagareb Tribe" polo shirt (2002)

Unit ID
32825/15
Item title
"Zagareb Tribe" polo shirt
Date
2002
Scope and content

The polo shirt is light blue and printed on both sides.  The front of the polo shirt is printed in black and contains black text and a portrait.  The text reads "Decade celebrations of Mabo case : June 3 1992-2002".  The portrait is of Eddie Koiki Mabo.  The back of the polo shirt is printed in colour and contains black text and a colour illustration of a flag.  The text reads "Zagareb Tribe", one of the clan groups of Mer (Murray Island). The flag design features the Torres Strait pigeon sitting on a warup (island drum).

It is not known who designed this shirt.

 

Description
1 polo shirt (poly cotton)
L, chest width 55 cm, back length 69 cm
Biographical history
The shirt refers to the Mabo case which recognised for the first time in Australian law “the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their lands based on their traditional connection to and occupation of their country” and “countered the claim by the British that Australia was ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no-one)”. It began on 20 May 1982 when Eddie Koiki Mabo “and fellow Mer Islanders, Reverend David Passi, Celuia Mapo Salee, Sam Passi and James Rice began their legal claim in the High Court of Australia for ownership of their lands on the island of Mer”. As Eddie Koiki Mabo was the first named plaintiff, the case became known as the ‘Mabo Case’. Eddie Koiki Mabo died on 21 January 1992 before the case was won successfully in June 1992. The following year the Federal Parliament of Australia passed the Native Title Act 1993. This created a system for “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make a native title claim over their lands”. (Information taken from: AIATSIS website, viewed 14 May 2021)

"Mer Community Tour" polo shirt (August 2015)

Unit ID
32825/16
Item title
"Mer Community Tour" polo shirt
Date
August 2015
Scope and content

A coloured polo shirt featuring printed colour and black and white photographs of Eddie Koiki Mabo, a printed newspaper clipping and pigeon, shark and octopus motifs that represent the eight clans of the island.  The image of Koiki Mabo on the back on the shirt, bottom right, is from a family photograph.  The origin of the other photographs is unknown.  Only 3-4 shirts were printed.

The polo shirt was designed by Gail Mabo.

Author / Creator
Mabo, Gail, designer
Description
1 polo shirt (polyester)
XL, chest width 62 cm, back length 77 cm
Biographical history
The polo shirt was worn by Gail Mabo when she escorted Prime Minister Tony Abbott AC around Mer (Murray Island) as part of his community tour of the island in 2015. Only three shirts were printed. The PM visited Eddie Koiki Mabo's grave, and Gail introduced him to some of Koiki's cousins. (Information taken from: The Sydney Morning Herald, 24 August, 2015)

"Piadrum Clan" polo shirt (2017)

Unit ID
32825/17
Item title
"Piadrum Clan" polo shirt
Date
2017
Scope and content

A red polo shirt with printing on both sides.

The text on the front of the polo shirt reads "Piadrum Clan" and is accompanied by colour and black and white illustrations of a pigeon, hammerhead shark and a leaf.  The leaf is also printed twice on the collar. The leaf is a traditional symbol, and the pigeon and hammerhead shark figures represent clans on the island.  Black warrior masks (malo) also feature across one half of the front.  The front also features a print of a photograph containing a portrait of Eddie Koiki Mabo surrounded by the text "25th anniversary : the historical High Court decision Mabo Case : 1992-2017".

The back of the polo shirt contains a larger print of the same photograph of Koiki Mabo featured on the front surrounded by the same writing.  The back also features black warrior masks (malo) across one half.

The polo shirt was designed by Lucy Wilau. 

 

 

 

Author / Creator
Wilau, Lucy, designer
Description
1 polo shirt (polyester)
3XL, chest width 64 cm, back length 82 cm
Biographical history
The shirt was designed by Lucy Wilau, Gail Mabo's cousin, for the 25th Anniversary event on Mer (Murray Island). Gail Mabo provided the funding and Tropic City Shirts in Cairns printed the shirt.  
The Piadarum Clan is Koiki Mabo's clan.

"Mabo Day Festival" T-shirt (3 June 2017?)

Unit ID
32825/18
Item title
"Mabo Day Festival" T-shirt
Date
3 June 2017?
Scope and content

The T-shirt is white with a Mabo Day Festival poster printed in colour on the front side.

The T-shirt was designed by Christian Gordon.

 

Author / Creator
Gordon, Christian, designer
Description
1 T-shirt (cotton)
2XL, chest width 58 cm, back length 72 cm
Biographical history
The T-shirt was designed by Christian Gordon from 360 Cre8ive Enterprises. This shirt is one of a limited edition of 30 shirts created for Mabo Day Festival 2017 crew and volunteers.

The year 2017 was the 25th anniversary of the Mabo decision.

"Road to recovery", Torres Strait Islanders National Conference T-shirt (22-25 July 1991?)

Unit ID
32825/19
Item title
"Road to recovery", Torres Strait Islanders National Conference T-shirt
Date
22-25 July 1991?
Scope and content

A white T-shirt with blue and yellow printing on the front.  The text on the front of the T-shirt is blue and reads "Torres Strait Islanders National Conference : Road to Recovery : culture, heritage".  The text is accompanied by a yellow and blue illustration of a Torres Strait Islander with a spear and small dhari (head dress), standing above a drum.  The letters "IINA" are written on the drum.

Description
1 T-shirt (cotton)
XXL, chest width 55 cm, back length 62 cm
Biographical history
The "Road to recovery", Torres Strait Islanders National Conference was held in Brisbane, 22-25 July, 1991.  The conference was organised by the IINA Torres Strait Islanders Corporation.  The T-shirt was often worn by Eddie Koiki Mabo.

"Leadership, legacy and opportunity", National Native Title Conference T-shirt (16-18 June 2015?)

Unit ID
32825/20
Item title
"Leadership, legacy and opportunity", National Native Title Conference T-shirt
Date
16-18 June 2015?
Scope and content

The T-shirt is blue with printing on both sides.  The text on the front is white and reads "Leadership, legacy and opportunity : National Native Title Conference 2015" and is accompanied by a white illustration.  The text on the back is white and reads "National Native Conference 2015 : Port Douglas, Qld : 16 - 18 June".  The text is accompanied by a colour illustration and the names and logos for AIATSIS and the Cape York Land Council.

 

Description
1 T-shirt (cotton)
L, chest width 51 cm, back length 72 cm
Biographical history
The shirt was given to Gail Mabo when she attended the "Leadership, legacy and opportunity" National Native Title Conference to open the Mabo lecture in Port Douglas from 16-18 June, 2015. The National Native Title Conference is an annual conference.

"Strong culture, strong country, strong future", National Native Title Conference T-shirt (1-3 June 2016?)

Unit ID
32825/21
Item title
"Strong culture, strong country, strong future", National Native Title Conference T-shirt
Date
1-3 June 2016?
Scope and content

A red T-shirt with white printing on both sides.  The text on the front of the T-shirt reads "Strong culture, strong country, strong future".  The text on the back of the T-shirt reads "National Native Title Conference 2016...strong culture, strong country, strong future".  It is accompanied by an illustration and the name and logo of AIATSIS and the Northern Land Council.

Description
1 T-shirt (cotton)
L, chest width 51 cm, back length 73 cm
Biographical history
The shirt was given to Gail Mabo was attended the "Strong culture, strong Country Strong Future" National Native Title Conference, held in Darwin, 1-3 June 2016, to open the Mabo lecture. The National Native Title Conference is an annual conference.

"Our land is our birth right", National Native Title Conference T-shirt (5-7 June 2017?)

Unit ID
32825/22
Item title
"Our land is our birth right", National Native Title Conference T-shirt
Date
5-7 June 2017?
Scope and content

The T-shirt is blue with white print on both sides.  The text on the front reads "Our land is our birth right : Mabo25 & beyond : National Native Title Conference, 5-7 June 2017, Townsville, Qld".  The back of the T-shirt contains a large picture of a bird and the name and logo of AIATSIS and the North Queensland Land Council.

 

Description
1 T-shirt (cotton)
L, chest width 58 cm, back length 78 cm
Biographical history
Gail Mabo was given the T-shirt when she attended the annual "Our land is our birth right: MABO25 & Beyond" National Native Title Conference held on the 5-7 June 2017 in Townsville to open the Mabo lecture. The National Native Title Conference is an annual conference.

"Our land is our birth right", National Native Title Conference T-shirt (5-7 June 2017?)

Unit ID
32825/23
Item title
"Our land is our birth right", National Native Title Conference T-shirt
Date
5-7 June 2017?
Scope and content

The T-shirt is grey with white print on both sides.  The text on the front reads "Our land is our birth right : Mabo25 & beyond : National Native Title Conference, 5-7 June 2017, Townsville, Qld."  The back of the T-shirt contains a large picture of a bird and the name and logo of AIATSIS and the North Queensland Land Council.

 

Description
1 T-shirt (cotton)
L, chest width 54 cm, back length 74 cm
Biographical history
Gail Mabo was given the T-shirt when she attended the annual "Our land is our birth right: MABO25 & beyond" National Native Title Conference held on the 5-7 June 2017 in Townsville to open the Mabo lecture. The National Native Title Conference is an annual conference.

"Many laws, one land", National Native Title Conference T-shirt (5-7 June 2018?)

Unit ID
32825/24
Item title
"Many laws, one land", National Native Title Conference T-shirt
Date
5-7 June 2018?
Scope and content

A yellow T-shirt is printed in black on both sides.  The text on the front of the T-shirt reads "Many laws, one land : legal and political co-existence : National Native Title Conference 2018".  The text is accompanied by an illustration containing a bird.  The back of the T-shirt contains the name and logo of AIATSIS, the Kimberley Land Council, Yawuru and Nyamba Buru Yawuru.

Description
1 T-shirt (cotton)
2XL, chest width 60 cm, back length 81 cm
Biographical history
Gail Mabo attended the "Many laws, one land: legal and political co-existence" National Native Title Conference, held in Broome, 5-7 June 2018 as a representative of the Mabo Family to open the Mabo lecture, meet and greet Elders and perform various public relations activities. The National Native Title Conference is an annual conference.

"Youth Forum #NTC18" T-shirt (2018?)

Unit ID
32825/25
Item title
"Youth Forum #NTC18" T-shirt
Date
2018?
Scope and content

The orange T-shirt has white printing on both sides.  The text on the front reads "Youth Forum #NTC18".  The text on the back contains the name and logos of AIATSIS, the Kimberley Land Council, Yawuru and Nyamba Buru Yawuru.

 

Description
1 T-shirt (cotton)
L, chest width 54 cm, back length 70 cm
Biographical history
Gail Mabo attended the "Many laws, one land : Legal and political co-existence" National Native Title Conference, Broome, 5-7 June 2018 as a representative of the Mabo Family to open the Mabo lecture, meet and greet Elders and perform various public relations activities. The National Native Title Conference is an annual conference.

"Land rights and recognition!" Native Title Conference T-shirt (3-4 June 2019?)

Unit ID
32825/26
Item title
"Land rights and recognition!" Native Title Conference T-shirt
Date
3-4 June 2019?
Scope and content

A white T-shirt with coloured printing on the front containing text and an illustration.  The text reads ""Land rights and recognition! : Native Title Conference : 3-4 June 2019".

 

Description
1 T-shirt (cotton)
3XL, chest width 62 cm, back length 77 cm
Biographical history
Gail Mabo attended the "Land, Rights and Recognition!" Native Title Conference held on the 3-4 June 2019 in Melbourne to open the Mabo lecture.

"Luuli" T-shirt (1998-2000?)

Unit ID
32825/27
Item title
"Luuli" T-shirt
Date
1998-2000?
Scope and content

A black T-shirt with colour printing on both sides.  The text on the front of the T-shirt reads "Luuli" and is accompanied by an illustration of two people dancing.  The text on the back is red and reads "Luuli :  we play and dance together : Dance North : Mornington Island Dancers.

The names/logos of a number of other companies/organisations are also on the back: Australia Council for the Arts; playing Australia, a Commonwealth touring program; A Sea Change, an official event in A Sea Change, a nationwide celebration in the lead up to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games; Townsville City; Arts Queensland; Mornington Shire; Festival of Darwin; Pasninco Century Project; Channel 10; Townsville Bulletin; 4KIG; Big Eye Productions; and Canon.

Description
1 T-shirt
26, chest width 65 cm, back length 76 cm
Biographical history
This shirt was given to Gail Mabo. The T-shirt was produced for the Dance North 1998-2000 production Luuli, a work which united two culturally diverse groups - the contemporary dancers of Townsville-based Dance North and the traditional songmen and dancers of the Mornington Island Dancers.

"Show us ya Tiddas!" T-shirt (1999)

Unit ID
32825/28
Item title
"Show us ya Tiddas!" T-shirt
Date
1999
Scope and content

A black T-shirt with white printing on the front and blue printing on the back.  The text on the front of the T-shirt reads "Show us ya Tiddas!".  The logo and web address of the Melbourne Workers Theatre is printed on the back.

Description
1 T-shirt (cotton)
L, chest width 58 cm, back length 64 cm
Biographical history
The T-shirt was given to Gail Mabo.

"Show us ya Tiddas!" was an autobiographical cabaret show from Yorta Yorta woman Lou Bennett, the co-founder of the internationally successful folk group Tiddas. The show was produced in 2007 by the Melbourne Workers' Theatre as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations.

"Kaiwalagal Music & Arts Festival" T-shirt (2005)

Unit ID
32825/29
Item title
"Kaiwalagal Music & Arts Festival" T-shirt
Date
2005
Scope and content

A yellow T-shirt with printing on both sides.  The front of the T-shirt is printed in colour and contains text and an illustration.  The text reads "Torres Shire Council presents Kaiwalagal Music & Arts Festival : Thursday Island : 2005".  The illustration features a printed image of the Mill Sisters and Seaman Dan.  The back of the T-shirt contains black text which reads "It's never too late to do your best".

Description
1 T-shirt (cotton)
L, chest width 55 cm, back length 76 cm
Biographical history
The shirt was gifted to Gail Mabo by an ex-dance colleague.

"The tjukurpe will not be colonised" T-shirt (2018)

Unit ID
32825/30
Item title
"The tjukurpe will not be colonised" T-shirt
Date
2018
Scope and content

A white T-shirt with black text on the front.  The text reads "The tjukurpe will not be colonised".

 

 

Description
1 T-shirt
S, chest width 60 cm, back length 66 cm
Biographical history
Kunmanara (Mumu Mike) Williams was a Sydney based Anangu artist and leader who was instrumental in the APY Land Rights movement, which led to the signing of the Pitjantjatjara Land Rights Act (1981). Tjukurpa is a Central Desert word for 'dreaming'. The shirt was created as part of his exhibition Kamantaku Tjukurpa wiya (The Government doesn’t have Tjukurpa) held at the Museum of Contemporary Art in 2018. The shirt was given to Gail Mabo by the artist. (Information taken from: Museum of Contemporary Art website, viewed 21 May 2021).

"Desert Pea Media" T-shirt (2014)

Unit ID
32825/31
Item title
"Desert Pea Media" T-shirt
Date
2014
Scope and content

A black T-shirt with colour printing on the front and back.  The front of the T-shirt contains the name and logo of the company Desert Pea Media.  The back of the T-shirt contains the text "Crew".
 

Description
1 T-shirt (cotton)
2XL, chest width 60 cm, back length 77 cm
Biographical history
This shirt was given to Gail Mabo for her role as a cultural consultant for the album "Song Nation Volume 1". 

The album was recorded in partnership with charitable organisations Desert Pea Media, The Smugglers of Light Foundation and UNLtd.  "Desert Pea Media artists worked with 10 regional and remote communities around Australia, using music and film to create conversation and dialogue around local social and cultural issues. The core artists were Toby Finlayson (Director/ Co-writer/ Producer/ DOP/ Editor) Joel Westlake (Music Producer/ Co-Writer/ Camera Assistant) and Gail Mabo (Cultural Consultant)". (Information taken from: Indigenous Story website, viewed 21 May 2021)

"Smugglers of light" T-shirt (2014)

Unit ID
32825/32
Item title
"Smugglers of light" T-shirt
Date
2014
Scope and content

A black T-shirt with colour printing on the front containing text and an illustration. The text is white and reads "Smugglers of light".  The illustration is in colour.

Description
1 T-shirt (cotton)
20 (ladies), chest width 56 cm, back length 64 cm
Biographical history
This shirt was given to Gail Mabo, who is the patron and ambassador of the foundation "Smugglers of light". The foundation was founded by family of the Australian composer Nigel Westlake in honour of their late son and brother Eli Westlake. It was created to provide assistance to young indigenous musicians and youth at risk through programs of taking film-makers and musicians to their communities.

"Totally local" T-shirt (2019)

Unit ID
32825/33
Item title
"Totally local" T-shirt
Date
2019
Scope and content

A black T-shirt with white print on the front.  The print contains an artwork by Tommy Pau with the text "totally local".  It also contains the name and logo of Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts on the right sleeve.  The shirt was printed in Townsville by TAG in Aitkenvale.

 

Author / Creator
Pau, Tommy, artist
Description
1 T-shirt (cotton)
M, chest width 54 cm, back length 66 cm
Biographical history
In 2019 the Umbrella Studio gallery in Townsville presented the "Legacy: Reflections on Mabo" exhibition, co-curated by Gail Mabo, Dr Jonathan McBurnie and Kellie Williams.

"25th anniversary Mabo Day" perspiration towel (3 June 2017?)

Unit ID
32825/34
Item title
"25th anniversary Mabo Day" perspiration towel
Date
3 June 2017?
Scope and content

A red, white and blue perspiration towel containing text and an illustration.   The text reads "25th anniversary Mabo Day : June 3 2017 : Mer Island - Australia : 'Home of Native Title'."

 

 

Description
1 perspiration towel
32 x 76 cm
Biographical history
The table runner was created to mark the 25th Anniversary Mabo Day, June 3rd 2017, Mer (Murray Island).

The text on the perspiration towel refers to the Mabo case which recognised for the first time in Australian law “the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their lands based on their traditional connection to and occupation of their country” and “countered the claim by the British that Australia was ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no-one)”. It began on 20 May 1982 when Eddie Koiki Mabo “and fellow Mer Islanders, Reverend David Passi, Celuia Mapo Salee, Sam Passi and James Rice began their legal claim in the High Court of Australia for ownership of their lands on the island of Mer”. As Eddie Koiki Mabo was the first named plaintiff, the case became known as the ‘Mabo Case’. Eddie Koiki Mabo died on 21 January 1992 before the case was won successfully in June 1992. The following year the Federal Parliament of Australia passed the Native Title Act 1993. This created a system for “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make a native title claim over their lands”. (Information taken from: AIATSIS website, viewed 14 May 2021)

"Empowering our people" perspiration towel (2008-2019?)

Unit ID
32825/35
Item title
"Empowering our people" perspiration towel
Date
2008-2019?
Scope and content

A green, white and blue perspiration towel. The text 'Empowering our people in our decision in our culture for our future', the logo of the Torres Strait Island Regional Council (repeated twice) and a map of the Torres Strait is set below and on top of a green and white design.

Author / Creator
Torres Strait Island Regional Council
Description
1 perspiration towel
31 x 99 cm
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Series 2: Screen printing equipment (1987-2002?)

Series number
2
Series title
Screen printing equipment
Date
1987-2002?
Scope and content

Silk screens containing designs by Dr. Bonita Mabo AO.

Author / Creator
Mabo, Bonita, 1943?-2018, designer
Description
3 screens
Locate
OMOSBOX Box 23245 O/S
Access restrictions
Unrestricted access.
Conditions of use
You are free to use for personal research and study. For other uses see https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/understanding-copyright.
Biographical history
The silk screens were used to screen print Dr. Bonita Mabo AO's designs onto shirts.

Items in this series:

"Australia South Sea Islanders" screen (1987-2002?)

Unit ID
32825/36
Item title
"Australia South Sea Islanders" screen
Date
1987-2002?
Scope and content

Silk screen belonging to Dr. Bonita Mabo AO for screen printing shirts.  The silk screen contains the text "Australian South Sea Islanders."

Description
1 screen
Biographical history
Bonita was an Australian South Sea Islander of Ni-Vanuatu descent whose ancestors were "blackbirded" to work in the sugar cane industry in Queensland. She was an ambassador for the Port Jackson South Seas Islander Association.

"Mabo Day 10th anniversary" screen (2002?)

Unit ID
32825/37
Item title
"Mabo Day 10th anniversary" screen
Date
2002?
Scope and content

Silk screen belonging to Dr. Bonita Mabo AO for screen printing shirts.  The silk screen contains the text "Mabo Day : 3rd June 2002 : 10th Anniversary" accompanied by an illustration that includes a dhari (head dress).

Description
1 screen

"Historical land claim 10th anniversary" screen (2002?)

Unit ID
32825/38
Item title
"Historical land claim 10th anniversary" screen
Date
2002?
Scope and content

Silk screen belonging to Dr. Bonita Mabo AO for screen printing shirts.  The silk screen contains the text "Historical land claim : 1992 - 2002 : Mabo Case : 10th anniversary" accompanied by an illustration of Eddie Koiki Mabo.

Description
1 screen
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Series 3: Publications (1970-2017)

Series number
3
Series title
Publications
Date
1970-2017
Scope and content

This series contains various publications collected by the Mabo family:

  • a launch booklet for the "Mabo" feature film
  • invitation, ticket and information pack given to Dr. Bonita Mabo AO for the Inaugural Eddie Mabo Memorial Lecture and Dinner, Melbourne, 3 June 2002
  • ATSIC information Kit on Native Title
  • First Day Cover celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum which acknowledged Indigenous Australians in the national census and the 25th Anniversary of the Mabo High Court decision on Native Title.  The First Day Cover is accompanied by a commemorative 50c coin issued by the Royal Australian Mint.
  • exhibition catalogue for "Legacy: Reflections on Mabo"
  • annotated Mabo Family copy of "Myths and legends of Torres Strait" (collected and translated by Margaret Lawrie).
Author / Creator
Mabo family, collector
Description
1 folder of publications;
1 monograph
Locate
OMBOX Box 23122;
OMRR Box 23123
Access restrictions
Unrestricted access.
Conditions of use
You are free to use for personal research and study. For other uses see https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/understanding-copyright.

Items in this series:

"Mabo" booklet (2012)

Unit ID
32825/39
Item title
"Mabo" booklet
Date
2012
Scope and content

A Mabo feature film launch booklet enclosed in a folder.

Author / Creator
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Description
1 booklet (32 pages) : (colour)
26 cm
Locate
OMBOX Box 23122
Biographical history
The "Mabo" feature film was released in 2012. The film refers to the Mabo case which recognised for the first time in Australian law “the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their lands based on their traditional connection to and occupation of their country” and “countered the claim by the British that Australia was ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no-one)”. The case began on 20 May 1982 when Eddie Koiki Mabo “and fellow Mer Islanders, Reverend David Passi, Celuia Mapo Salee, Sam Passi and James Rice began their legal claim in the High Court of Australia for ownership of their lands on the island of Mer”. As Eddie Koiki Mabo was the first named plaintiff, the case became known as the ‘Mabo Case’. Eddie Koiki Mabo died on 21 January 1992 before the case was won successfully in June 1992. The following year the Federal Parliament of Australia passed the Native Title Act 1993. This created a system for “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make a native title claim over their lands”. (Information taken from: AIATSIS website, viewed 14 May 2021)

The booklet was given to those who attended the launch as part of the Sydney Film Festival. Gail Mabo was a cultural consultant for the film. Both Gail and Dr. Bonita Mabo AO attended the 55th Annual TV Week Logie Awards on Sunday 7 April 2013 at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne to see Deborah Mailman, who played Dr. Bonita Mabo AO, win the Logie for Most Outstanding Actress.

Invitation, ticket and National Native Title Tribunal information pack (June 2002?)

Unit ID
32825/40
Item title
Invitation, ticket and National Native Title Tribunal information pack
Date
June 2002?
Scope and content

This item contains a green folder containing:

  • an invitation and ticket for the "Inaugural Eddie Mabo Memorial Lecture and Dinner", 3 June 2002, Carlton Crest Hotel, Melbourne, creator unknown.
  • a National Native Title Tribunal information pack containing 
    • "10 years of Native Title information kit", 25 pages.
    • issue 3, June 2002, of "Talking Native Title", a quarterly serial produced by the National Native Title Tribunal.
Description
1 ticket;
7 x 15 cm;
1 invitation;
21 x 15 cm;
1 kit
31 cm
Locate
OMBOX Box 23122

"Information kit on Native Title" (1990-1994?)

Unit ID
32825/41
Item title
"Information kit on Native Title"
Date
1990-1994?
Scope and content

The information kit contains information brochures and an appendix about understanding the Native Title Act and navigating the National Native Title Tribunal and Federal Court systems. 

The kit was put together by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC).  The individual brochures were produced from a variety of sources.  Some of the material is undated.

Author / Creator
Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission
Description
1 kit
31 cm
Locate
OMBOX Box 23122
Biographical history
The ATSIC Information Kit on Native Title was given to the Mabo family.

First day cover (2017)

Unit ID
32825/42
Item title
First day cover
Date
2017
Scope and content

First Day Cover issued by Australia Post on 24 May 2017 featuring a commemorative 50c coin issued by the Royal Australian Mint. The $1 stamp and cover was designed by Gilimbaa/Rachael Sarra, an Aboriginal artist from Goreng Goreng, in consultation with Bonita-Marie (Netta-Ree) Mabo, and was gifted to the Mabo family by the Royal Australian Mint.

The cover celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the 1967 referendum which acknowledged Indigenous Australians in the national census, and the 25th Anniversary of the Mabo High Court decision on Native Title.

Description
1 first day cover
11 x 19 cm.
Locate
OMBOX Box 23122

"Legacy : reflections on Mabo" exhibition catalogue (2019)

Unit ID
32825/43
Item title
"Legacy : reflections on Mabo" exhibition catalogue
Date
2019
Scope and content

An exhibition catalogue for the exhibition "Legacy: Reflections on Mabo" which celebrated the life of Eddie Koiki Mabo.

 

 

 

Author / Creator
Umbrello Studio (Qld.)
Description
1 exhibition catalog (92 pages) : (colour)
30 cm
Locate
OMBOX Box 23122
Biographical history
The exhibition was curated by Gail Mabo, Dr. Jonathan McBurnie and Kellie Williams. The exhibition was held at Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts, Townsville in 2019, then toured across Australia.

"Myths and legends of the Torres Strait" monograph (1970)

Unit ID
32825/44
Item title
"Myths and legends of the Torres Strait" monograph
Date
1970
Scope and content

The book contains a collection of songs from the Torres Strait collected and translated by Margaret Lawrie. This is the Mabo family copy, annotated by Koiki Mabo and signed by the Mabo children.

 

Author / Creator
Lawrie, Margaret Elizabeth, 1917-2003
Description
1 monograph (372 pages : illustrations (partly colour), maps)
27 cm
Locate
OMRR Box 23123
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Series 4: Posters (3 June 2017?)

Series number
4
Series title
Posters
Date
3 June 2017?
Scope and content

Two posters for Mabo Day celebrations, 3 June 2017, collected by the Mabo family.

Author / Creator
Mabo family, collector
Description
2 posters (colour)
84 x 60 cm each
Locate
OMOSBOX Box 23142 O/S
Access restrictions
Unrestricted access.
Conditions of use
You are free to use for personal research and study. For other uses see https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/understanding-copyright.

Items in this series:

"Mabo Day Festival" poster

Unit ID
32825/45
Item title
"Mabo Day Festival" poster
Scope and content

Corflute poster for the Mabo Day Festival 2017 held on 3 June 2017.

The poster was designed by Christian Gordon from 360 Cre8ive Enterprises.

Author / Creator
Gordon, Christian, designer
Description
1 poster (colour)
84 x 60 cm

"Mabo Day Festival program" poster

Unit ID
32825/46
Item title
"Mabo Day Festival program" poster
Scope and content

Corflute poster of the Mabo Day Festival 2017 program for the Mabo Day Festival held on 3 June 2017.

The poster was designed by Christian Gordon from 360 Cre8ive Enterprises.

Author / Creator
Gordon, Christian, designer
Description
1 poster (colour)
84 x 60 cm
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