Celebrating Eddie Mabo and NRW 2026

Mabo Day, 3 June, honours the life and legacy of proud Meriam man Eddie Koiki Mabo, the landmark 1992 High Court decision and marks the end of National Reconciliation Week.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that the following content contains images or names of people who have passed away.

Mabo Day honours the life and legacy of proud Meriam man Eddie Koiki Mabo and celebrates the 1992 High Court decision that officially recognised First Peoples occupied the lands and waterways of what is now considered Australia before colonisation — and therefore had Native Title rights. 

This historic decision rejected the concept of terra nullius, which the Crown used to claim Australia was a land belonging to no-one prior to British occupation. The ruling, in favour of Mabo and other claimants, recognised that their people had occupied the island of Mer in the Torres Strait before colonisation.

Today also marks the end of National Reconciliation Week — but as 2026’s ‘All in’ theme reminds us: reconciliation is a daily commitment, and Mabo’s 10-year legal fight should continue to inspire our advocacy and work for a fairer, more just society.

Every employee and volunteer at BSL is invited to join us on this essential journey.  

The Brotherhood of St. Laurence reaffirms its ongoing commitment to reconciliation, truth-telling and self-determination. We are proud to stand in solidarity with First Nations people and to support Australia’s first Treaty process in Victoria.