The Koorie Heritage Trust and Federation Square, Melbourne, commemorated the Landmark High Court of Australia's Mabo Decision with a Community Picnic and Celebration on 3 June 2017.
Eddie ‘Koiki’ Mabo was a Torres Strait Islander who fought to change Australian laws on land ownership. The decision made 25 years ago on 3 June 1992 recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have rights as the traditional owners of their land.
I spent a beautiful winter's afternoon at Birrarung, River Terrace listening to great music performances by the Maza Sisters (Lisa and Rachael Maza), The Jess's (Jessie Lloyd and Jessica Hitchcock), Zenedth Kes Les (John Wayne Parsons, Luke Captain & Fred Gesha) and the Liz Cavanagh Ensemble.
Rachael Maza.
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© Barbara Oehring 2017 |
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© Barbara Oehring 2017 |
Lisa Maza.
Lisa also acted as the MC.
Handing out information on Mabo Day by Torres Strait Islander Elder Ellen Jose.
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© Barbara Oehring 2017 |
John Wayne Parsons with Jessica Hitchcock and Jessie Lloyd before their gigs.
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© Barbara Oehring 2017 |
Artist Clinton Nain led children's activities.
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© Barbara Oehring 2017 |
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© Barbara Oehring 2017 |
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© Barbara Oehring 2017 |
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© Barbara Oehring 2017
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Local Meriam chef Nornie Bero gave a cooking demonstration making traditional Torres Strait Islander sweets.
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© Barbara Oehring 2017
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The Jess's.
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© Barbara Oehring 2017 |
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© Barbara Oehring 2017
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© Barbara Oehring 2017 |
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© Barbara Oehring 2017 |
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© Barbara Oehring 2017
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Zenedth Kes Les: Fred Gesha, Luke Captain and John Wayne Parsons.
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© Barbara Oehring 2017
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© Barbara Oehring 2017 |
Mabo Day painting - a collaborative effort by the children.
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© Barbara Oehring 2017 |
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© Barbara Oehring 2017
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© Barbara Oehring 2017
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© Barbara Oehring 2017 |
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© Barbara Oehring 2017 |
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© Barbara Oehring 2017
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