Thomas Mayo – Dear Son

Dear Son 2nd Edition shares heartfelt letters written by First Nations men about life, masculinity, love, culture and racism. Along with his own vivid and poignant prose and poetry, author and editor Thomas Mayo invites nearly twenty contributors to write a letter to their son or father, bringing together a range of perspectives that offers the greatest celebration of First Nations manhood.

This beautifully designed anthology comes at a time when First Nations peoples are starting to break free of derogatory stereotypes and find solace in their communities and cultures. Yet, each contributor also has one thing in common: they all have a relative who has been terribly wronged—enslaved, raped and dispossessed—because of their Aboriginality.

Featuring previously published letters from Stan Grant, Troy Cassar-Daley, John Liddle, Charlie King, Joe Williams, Yessie Mosby, Joel Bayliss, Daniel James, Jack Latimore, Daniel Morrison, Tim Sculthorpe, Blak Douglas; and new letters from Dane Simpson, Kobie Dee, Kaleb Mabo, Jimmi Bani and Paul Callaghan.

This is a gentle and loving book for families from anywhere in the world.

Thomas Mayo is a leading voice in human rights advocacy and an award-winning author. A Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander, he came to public prominence when he co-led the high-profile campaign for Australia’s Voice referendum, speaking with thousands of Australians about the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Thomas has written seven books including the Voice to Parliament Handbook, which was voted the 2024 Book of the Year at the Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIAs), as well as Social Impact Book of the Year and Non-Fiction Book of the Year. His book Dear Son: Letters and reflections from First Nations fathers and sons has been adapted into a critically acclaimed play.

Siobhan Marin is a journalist, presenter and documentary maker at the ABC. She has reported extensively on culture, identity and social issues across TV, radio and online. Her 2025 Compass documentary Hijacking Adolescence investigated the rise of teen misogyny in Australia and explored what masculinity looks like in the age of the manosphere.