Human rights advocate and author Thomas Mayo will deliver the 40th Frank Archibald Memorial Lecture at the University of New England, Armidale, on Thursday, 8 October, examining what it takes to build unity and achieve change.
Titled “The Hard Work of Unity,” the lecture will consider how collective strength is built and sustained, and whether Australians are as divided as the opponents of progress would have people believe.
Mr Mayo, a Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man, came to national prominence as a co-leader of the campaign for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. He has worked with schools, community groups, businesses and governments on issues of justice, recognition and equity for First Nations people.
He has written seven books, including Voice to Parliament Handbook, named Book of the Year at the 2024 Australian Book Industry Awards, and is Assistant National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia.
The Frank Archibald Memorial Lecture was established in 1986, the first year of UNE’s Oorala Aboriginal Centre. It honours Frank Archibald, a respected Aboriginal elder from the Armidale region, and his wife Sarah, who were important members of the local Aboriginal community.
The first lecture was delivered by Aboriginal scholar and educator Eric Willmot, establishing a tradition of providing a public forum for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander speakers to discuss issues affecting their communities, particularly education. Over four decades, the lecture has featured Indigenous leaders, academics, activists, artists and politicians, including Charles Perkins, Noel Pearson, Linda Burney and Dr Stan Grant.
Oorala Aboriginal Centre director Sam Fowler said the lecture had always been a space where bold ideas met honest conversation.
“Thomas Mayo embodies exactly that spirit,” Sam Fowler said.
“His work reminds us that unity is not passive, it is built, fought for, and sustained through courage and commitment. We are honoured to welcome him to UNE for this milestone lecture.”
In “The Hard Work of Unity,” Mr Mayo will consider whether differences have always existed alongside a shared cause, and what it takes to build the imperfect but purposeful unity needed to pursue justice. The lecture will also look beyond Indigenous affairs, asking what Australians can learn about resisting division, renewing democratic purpose and working together towards a fairer future.
The lecture runs from 6pm to 7.30pm at the Oorala Aboriginal Centre, with a Zoom webinar option available. More information: une.edu.au/info-for/indigenous-matters/oorala/whats-on/frank-archibald-memorial-lecture-series.
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