3 June 2026
The Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT) in partnership with the City of Melbourne and supported by Fed Square is delighted to present a free Mabo Day Celebration Concert on 3 June 2026 from 6pm at The Edge, Fed Square.
Join us for an evening that honours culture, community, and the extraordinary legacy of Eddie Koiki Mabo – a man whose courage and determination reshaped the history of this country. The program will feature live music, authentic Islander food, spoken word, video, and a joyful ukulele sing-along, all creating a heartfelt and vibrant tribute.
The evening brings together Torres Strait Islander performers based in Narrm, including MC Leon Filewood, singer Kee’ahn, musician Jessie Lloyd and DJ randals dad. Pls see images here,
‘Eddie Mabo’s legacy continues to inspire First Peoples across the country. As a proud Torres Strait Islander man, I deeply honour his courage, determination and unwavering commitment to justice. His fight for land rights changed the course of Australian history, and it is a privilege to celebrate his legacy and the enduring strength of our people,’ says Tom Mosby, CEO, Koorie Heritage Trust.
The KHT is proud to have a personal connection to the MABO decision through the work of one of its founders, the late Ron Castan AM QC. Ron was the lead counsel for the plaintiffs, serving as senior counsel from the case’s initiation in 1982 until the High Court’s historic judgment in 1992, dedicating over a decade to the legal battle, often on a pro-bono basis.
Mabo Day is marked annually on 3 June. It commemorates Mer Island man Eddie Koiki Mabo and his successful efforts to overturn the colonial fiction of terra nullius, or ‘land belonging to no-one’.
The Mabo decision was a watershed moment in Australian history. In addition to overturning a long-held colonial myth, it paved the way for subsequent native title claims. The Australian Parliament passed the Native Title Act 1993, which provided a framework for First Peoples to claim native title to their traditional lands.
Sadly, Eddie Mabo died several months before the decision was handed down, though his legacy lives on.
Tom Mosby, CEO, KHT and all the performers are available for interview.
The Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT) in partnership with the City of Melbourne, and generously supported by Fed Square, present a Mabo Day Celebration Concert on 3 June 2026, 6pm – 8.30pm, The Edge, Fed Square. Free, registration required. www.kht.org.au/maboday
