An Historic Day

Dear Colleagues,

Yesterday was one for the history books. Hundreds of people attended a very special event on campus at Townsville – really three very special events.

We were delighted that the Hon Jenny Macklin, Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs officiated. We were also very pleased to have the Hon Lindy Nelson Carr, Queensland Minister for Communities, Disability Services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth play an official role on behalf of the Queensland Government. The extended family of Eddie Koiki Mabo, particularly Mrs Bonita Mabo, were our very special guests.

Let me tell you about the three events.

First, the University's Reconciliation Statement was launched. The Statement was adopted by JCU's Council in late 2007. It was prepared after extensive consultation within our community, lead by Professor Yvonne Cadet James and my Indigenous Advisory Group. The Statement can be found at http://www.jcu.edu.au/office/vc/ . The statement commits the University to recognise the past and look to the future. While the University has over many years had programs in place to provide access and support, as well as extensive engagement in research for and with indigenous people, the Statement challenges us in a fresh way as a University community. The University’s future actions and achievements will be judged against the commitments made, and rightly so.

Second, the University Library at the heart of the Townsville campus was named in honour of Eddie Koiki Mabo. Eddie Koiki Mabo was a gardener at JCU and, as a result of a conversation on campus with two eminent historians, Professors Henry Reynolds and Noel Loos, he found out that Murray (Mer) Island where he was born did not belong to his people, but to the Crown. Eddie Koiki Mabo then proceeded on a journey of discovery for himself, using the resources of the Library, sitting in on lectures and presenting at a Land Rights Conference on campus in order to understand, to challenge and ultimately to change the law. The case went to the High Court and, ultimately, the Mabo decision recognised traditional ownership in law. Sadly, Eddie Koiki Mabo died before the High Court had made its historic determination. Australian history was changed in the way it was because someone we'd now know as a traditional owner had a conversation on a regional campus with two academics. Members of the Mabo family were in attendance on the day and participated in the ceremony, particularly Mrs Bonita Mabo and Gail Mabo. And the dancers who performed part of a production titled "Koiki", choreographed by Gail Mabo, added to the occasion. James Birrell, the award-winning architect who designed the Library in the 1960s, was also in attendance and was delighted about the Library’s new name.

Third, the Hon Jenny Macklin delivered the annual Mabo Lecture: "Laying New Foundations: the way forward in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy". This was an excellent address and signalled the development of a new approach to determining and managing land claims under native title legislation. This has been picked up in the media and no doubt will generate a great deal of debate about the way forward. Minister Macklin was building on the momentous events of earlier this year, the 'Sorry' Day, as well as our own momentous event in the formal recognition of Eddie Koiki Mabo and his relationship with the University, to chart a new course through policy and action on native title. The Minister's speeches are located at http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf . I imagine yesterday's address will be loaded soon.

It was terrific to have so many community members in attendance, including local traditional owners, other dignitaries, as well as a large number of staff and students. One for the books.

As well as thanking all those who officiated and were witnesses to the event, I would like to particularly acknowledge the hard work of Stephanie Hunter in my office who was responsible for putting the whole day together. Of course, Stephanie was supported by many others across the University, including Kiara, Karen and Vanessa in my office, but overall the weight of responsibility rested on her shoulders. She did an outstanding job and deserves to be publicly acknowledged. Many, many thanks Stephanie.

Thanks are also due to:
Peter Hill and our colleagues in Facilities Management who did a fantastic job of rejuvenating the entry area to the Library in time for the big event and making sure that everything looked wonderful and the facilities worked on the day. Many thanks to you all.

Heather Gordon, Helen Hooper, Jennifer Frost and other colleagues in the Library for their cooperation and assistance and the wonderful display upstairs. Library staff in particular can take pride in the role they and their forebears played during Eddie Koiki Mabo's time - and in the outcomes of that work today.

Melinda Barron, President of the JCU Students Association, supported by her colleagues and Kiel Shuttleworth, immediate past President and current JCU Council member, did a terrific job organising and managing the hand print activity. To explain, all those present who wished to participate (and hundreds did) could place their hand print on a canvas as recognition of the commitment made through the Reconciliation Statement and as a memento of the day. The finished canvas will be displayed on campus.

Professor Yvonne Cadet James who was involved in advising on the event and was very accomplished in the role of MC on the day.

Associate Professor Gracelyn Smallwood, who welcomed everyone to the event on behalf of the traditional owners and who provided advice and assistance in the lead up to the day.

Jim O'Brien and and Jo Meehan who organised and managed the media for the event. The coverage has been excellent.

Staff in the Faculties of Arts, Education and Social Science (FAESS) and Law, Business and Creative Arts (LBCA) for their organisation of the Mabo Lecture. And to Professor Janet Greeley, Pro Vice-Chancellor (FAESS) for MC'ing the Lecture and Ms Heron Loban who gave a wonderful vote of thanks to Minister Macklin on behalf of us all.

Amidst all this, I presented the Ministers with the first two copies of our new research publication "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research@JCU - Making a Difference". It provides insights in the many issues members of our community are working on with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

After such an uplifting day, when many new University stories came to light, it will be interesting to see what today holds.

Cheers,
Sandra