The Koorie Heritage Trust Mabo Day Celebration Concert will transform Fed Square this June with a vibrant lineup celebrating a landmark moment in Australian history.
The free event, presented in partnership with the City of Melbourne, honours Eddie Koiki Mabo’s extraordinary legacy and his successful challenge to the colonial concept of terra nullius.
The celebration brings together Torres Strait Islander performers and speakers based in Narrm for an evening filled with music, spoken word, short films and a community ukulele sing-along.
Mabo Day Celebration Concert
- When: Tuesday, 3 June 2025, 5.30pm-8.30pm
- Where: The Edge, Fed Square, Narrm (Melbourne)
- Admission: Free
The lineup
- Candice Lorrae
- Cerulean
- Kiwat Kennell
- Randals Dad
- Torres Green
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The legacy of Eddie Koiki Mabo
The Mer Island man’s legal victory, though he sadly didn’t live to see it, paved the way for the Native Title Act 1993 and established a framework for First Peoples to claim native title to their traditional lands.
Mabo Day, commemorated annually on 3 June, marks the date in 1992 when the High Court of Australia delivered its historic ruling. The decision recognised that Eddie Mabo and the Meriam people of the Torres Strait had owned their land prior to annexation by Queensland, effectively overturning the doctrine of terra nullius that had underpinned British colonisation.
The celebration promises a diverse program featuring prominent Torres Strait Islander artists. Candice Lorrae, known for her soulful vocals and powerful stage presence, joins the lineup alongside the ethereal sounds of Cerulean. Kiwat Kennell brings traditional storytelling elements to the evening, while Randals Dad and Torres Green round out a showcase of contemporary Torres Strait Islander talent.
Caleb Thiaday will host the evening as MC, guiding attendees through performances that honour both traditional culture and contemporary expressions of Torres Strait Islander identity.
“I’m a proud Torres Strait Islander man, and Eddie Mabo has been an inspiration to me and my community. He was a man of strength and unwavering resolve, who fought tirelessly for this victory of First Peoples’ rights. It is an honour to celebrate his legacy and share in his spirit,” says Tom Mosby, CEO, KHT.
Island food, films and a ukulele sing-along
The event extends beyond performances to create a multisensory cultural experience. Market stalls will offer authentic island food, with vendors providing traditional dishes that showcase the rich culinary heritage of the Torres Strait. Attendees can participate in interactive elements including giveaways and the communal ukulele sing-along that promises to be a highlight of the evening.
Family-friendly activities ensure the celebration is accessible to all ages, with kids’ activities designed to engage younger participants in learning about the significance of Mabo Day. The integration of short films throughout the program will provide historical context and deeper understanding of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s journey and its continuing impact on First Nations rights in Australia.
The Koorie Heritage Trust continues its commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through events like this. The organisation provides a platform for First Nations voices and creates opportunities for wider community engagement with indigenous history and contemporary culture.
For more information, head here.
This article was made in partnership with Koorie Heritage Trust.
