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For six years Thomas Mayo was entrusted with carrying the Uluru statement from the Heart across Australia and today he speaks from the heart about his personal journey to become a leading YES campaigner as we approach the 2023 referendum date. From a little boy hesitant to speak up, to a union leader on the wharfs Thomas tells us how he found his life’s purpose, who helped him realise his worth and uncovers the moments that have shaped a man at the helm of momentous historical progress towards reconciliation with a voice for Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Resources:
Uluru Statement from the Heart
Vote YES23
The Voice Handbook
About Thomas Mayo
Thomas Mayo is a Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man. He is the Assistant National Secretary of the MUA. Thomas is a signatory of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and has been a leading advocate since its inception in May 2017. He is the Chairperson of the Northern Territory Indigenous Labor Network and a director on the Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition board. Thomas is the author of six books published by Hardie Grant and has many articles and essays published across the major media providers. His latest book is co-authored with well-respected journalist, Kerry O’Brien: The Voice to Parliament Handbook – All the details you need; published 17 May 2023.
Find the moment you're seeking
2:36 Carrying history across the country: travelling with Uluru Statement From the Heart canvas.
10:48 Combating fear and doubt with love and trust: The Voice to Parliament Handbook.
11:48 Unpacking the heart of Thomas’ drive to create a better world for all.
16:19 From a young quiet boy to a young man advocating against injustice on the wharfs.
20:07 Finding his voice through writing and the English teacher who believed in him.
25:16 Thomas’ relationship with his father and his role as a father to his own children.
30:22 Walking taller through connection to ancestry.
31:59 The significance of a name change: from Mayor to Mayo.
32:54 Thomas’ advice to his younger self and to his guidance for his children today.
35:05 Jo shares the origin story of a popular saying: “red herring”.
38:06 The simple truth behind the Voice to Parliament: Recognition with a voice.
Meet Jo
Jo Stanley is Founder and CEO at Broad Radio – radio for women, by women. Comedian, author, MC, speaker. Co-host of The House of Wellness TV and Radio. Hope messenger. Equality warrior. Mother, wife, awesome friend.
Broad Radio Insta • Broad Generation Insta • Broad Radio Web
Say hi to Mimi
Mimi is the Author of House of Kwa, Journalist, MC, Facilitator, Keynote, Mum of four, studying to become a mindfulness mediation teacher, also did architecture at university and didn’t become an architect. Quite a good friend.
BUY House of Kwa • Mimi Kwa Web