Mabo – Making History virtual exhibition

Eddie Koiki Mabo on Mer
Courtesy of Trevor Graham and Yarra Bank Films

Visitors to the Bebegu Yumba campus (Douglas, Townsville) will be able to see a unique virtual exhibition in both the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library and Central Plaza.

The Mabo - Making History virtual exhibition is a collection of photographs showing a captivating insight into the Mabo decision.

This virtual exhibition will be displayed as the digital component of the Mabo Interpretive Wall at the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library between 15 August and 21 October, 2022.

JCU Library offers their sincere thanks to Trevor Graham and Yarra Bank Films for partnering with us on this unique virtual exhibition. Being able to share these photos with all visitors to our Library is an honour and a privilege.

The Mabo Case overturned the concept of Terra nullius - the idea that, since the Australian Aboriginal Peoples did not have cities and other marks of "civilisation" as recognised by Europeans, the lands now called Australia were "empty" and could be claimed by "The Crown" (the British Government).

The cases brought forward by Eddie Koiki Mabo and his fellow plaintiffs successfully challenged this concept, and resulted in the Native Title Act declaring that the lands and waterways of Australia did have traditional owners whose rights and interests need to be respected and taken into account.

Trevor Graham and Yarra Bank Films documented the Mabo Case proceedings for Mabo: Life of and Island Man, and the images in this exhibition include many behind the scenes moments from the making of that documentary.

This is indeed a unique exhibition, and provides an insight into the Mabo Case that is unparalleled.