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Period: to
Eddie Mabo
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Eddie Mabo born
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Learning curve
Mabo was employed as a gardener with James Cook University in Townsville where he joined in university life and would often sit in on seminars or go to the library and read. He was particularly interested in the history, and anthropologists' views, of his people. Mabo was also regularly invited to lecture students studying "Race and Culture" at the university. -
DENIED
Mabo and his family travelled to Thursday Island en route to Mer to visit his dying father but they were denied entry to Murray island by the Meriam Island Council. Mabo was by this time considered an agitator by the authorities. He was devastated by the decision. -
the family trip
Mabo hired a boat and went to Murray island with his family. He was appalled by the idea that his land could be considered Crown land and saw the fight to win the right to his land as the most important cause of his life. -
challenge for land
A Land Rights Conference was held at James Cook University. Mabo made a speech about land ownership and inheritance on Murray island. -
Mabo gets his way
5 months after the death of Eddie Mabo, the Australian High Court announced its decision regarding the case of Aboriginal land ownership. The overturning of the legal doctrine of terra nullius. Mabo vs Queensland was at an end with a victory to the Eddie Mabo