Mabo Day films at Darling Square Library

Eddie Koiki Mabo is best known for his role in the Mabo case, a landmark legal battle that challenged the concept of terra nullius and recognized native title for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia.

Come along to a special screening of two films and to celebrate Eddie Mabo's life and legacy.

10:30am - 11am Small Island, Big Fight (2000, 24 minutes) 

A new battle is brewing on Murray Island where the historic Mabo land rights case originated. This time, the outcome could have far-reaching implications for Australia’s open waters. 

Growing numbers of large-scale commercial operators plunder the sea around the island (traditionally known as Mer) in spite of a 1975 treaty to protect the traditional way of life and livelihood of its indigenous fishing people. 

Murray Islanders now believe that gaining exclusive legal rights to the sea is integral to the survival of their culture. The Meriam people have a unique relationship to the sea. It is more than a source of food: the ocean and its creatures form the basis of their traditional spiritual beliefs, songs and dances. 

Within a year of the High Court’s Mabo decision, the Meriam people laid claim to their traditional maritime boundaries and began chasing intruders from the waters around their island. Tension between outside and local fishing interests is now at breaking point. 

 12:30pm - 1pm The Still Point: Photography of Robert McFarlan**e  (rated PG, 2017 27 minutes)**

This documentary explores the life and work of one of Australia's most respected and pioneering documentary photographers. During the formative years of the Aboriginal rights campaign, Robert McFarlane documented Aboriginal activist Charles Perkins in one of Australia’s most iconic photos. 

McFarlane’s own personal journey is chronicled as he reveals the tragic impact of losing his young son. Linking archival footage and still photographic images with interviews, the film explores McFarlane’s important contribution to photojournalism. His images provide a window into the lives of others, documented without sentiment or nostalgia, where the real is more potent and intriguing than anything fabricated. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this event and films may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

Content warning: The Still Point: Photography of Robert McFarlane is classified PG. Parental Guidance is recommended.

These films will be streamed via Kanopy. Library members can stream and view over 30,000 of the world’s best films online for free with Kanopy and Beamafilm. Choose from new releases, award-winning documentaries, independent and classics titles for both kids and adults.

Photo credit: Harbour Beizam perform at Yabun Festival. Photo by Joseph Mayers/City of Sydney

We aim to deliver inclusive and accessible events. If you have any particular access or communication needs please contact the Libraries and Learning team on 9265 9333 or library@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au