Mabo Day films at Darling Square Library
Saturday 7 June from 11am to 12pm Saturday 7 June from 1:30pm to 3pm
Eddie Koiki Mabo is best known for his role in the Mabo case, a landmark legal battle that challenged the concept of terra nullius and recognized native title for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia.
Come along to a special screening of two films and to celebrate Eddie Mabo's life and legacy.
11am - 12pm Land Bilong Islanders (rated G, 1989 53 minutes)
The story of what has become known as the 'Mabo Case'. It contains rare interviews with the late Eddie Mabo, James Rice, Father Dave Passi and others involved in this historic legal drama. Together they challenged the idea that prior to European settlement, Australia was a land belonging to no-one, a 'terra nullius'.
1:30-3:00pm Mabo - Life of an Island Man (rated G, 1997 1 hour 27 minutes)
The story of a small island and an extraordinary man. Eddie Koiki Mabo was born on Murray Island in the Torres Strait, but lived most of his life in exile. Only after his death did the island wholeheartedly welcome him home. By then the island and Eddie, between them, had changed the legal and political landscape of Australia. On June 3rd 1992, six months after Eddie Mabo's tragic death, the High Court of Australia upheld his claim that Murray Islanders held "native title" to three islands on the eastern fringe of the Torres Strait.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this event and films may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.
These films will be streamed via Kanopy. Library members can stream and view over 30,000 of the world’s best films online for free with Kanopy and Beamafilm. Choose from new releases, award-winning documentaries, independent and classics titles for both kids and adults.
Photo credit: Harbour Beizam perform at Yabun Festival. Photo by Joseph Mayers/City of Sydney
We aim to deliver inclusive and accessible events. If you have any particular access or communication needs please contact the Libraries and Learning team on 9265 9333 or library@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au