Minister for Indigenous Affairs Nigel Scullion, Greg McIntyre SC Legal Counsel of the Mabo Case, TSIRC Councillor Bob Kaigey (Mer Division), Mer Elder Alo Tapim, TSRA Board Member (Iama) Getano Lui Jnr and TSRA Chairperson Pedro Stephen at the restored grave site for Mr Mabo on Mer Island in the Torres Strait.

Last year marked the 25th anniversary of the landmark Mabo High Court decision that overturned the doctrine of terra nullius.

The High Court decision recognised that a group of Meriam people of the Mer Island Group in the Torres Strait, led by the late Eddie Mabo, held ownership of the island of Mer and surrounding island groups. 

The historic court decision and the 50th anniversary of the successful 1967 referendum were celebrated through the launch of a commemorative coin and stamp to acknowledge the efforts of the referendum campaigners and the plaintiffs in the Mabo case. 

The local Community Development Programme provider, My Pathway, worked with Gail Mabo, the daughter of the late Mr Mabo, his widow, Bonita Mabo AO, the Meriam people and the Traditional Owners of the land on the restoration of the site of Mr Mabo’s grave.

The project involved a huge local effort from the volunteers from the Meriam community. Hundreds of people travelled to Mer Island to pay their respects.

The restoration was unveiled during week-long celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the decision. 

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