It is with great pride and pleasure that we host one of the most respected Indigenous voices of the country, Thomas Mayo, for the South Australian launch of  his new book. Thomas will be presenting the positive rallying cry that is Always Was, Always Will Be: The Campaign for Justice and Recognition Continues at 7pm on Tuesday September 3rd at the Burnside Ballroom, 401 Greenhill Road, Tusmore. 

Thomas will be joined by individuals who were involved in the referendum campaign, to explore how we can renew the momentum of reconciliation in Australia, and as a way of addressing, 'what next'.

A must-read from one of the most respected Indigenous voices in the country, Always Was, Always Will Be is a book for those people who want to keep the positive momentum going and the number of Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies growing. 

Although the majority of the country chose to vote ‘No’ in the October 2023 referendum, nearly 6 million people voted ‘Yes’, and more than 70,000 volunteers around the country actively campaigned for the Yes 23 campaign.For the thousands of people who have been feeling sad, empty and powerless since 14 October 2023, Always Was, Always Will Be is a positive rallying cry.

Thomas writes about his own experiences during the campaign, offering a call to action and suggestions that will build on the work done by the volunteers during the Yes 23 campaign. He looks at ways to foster resilience, build movements, develop campaign tactics and strategies with and without financial backers. Thomas is an inspiring thinker, and we hope you can join us in hearing him offer practical and thoughtful ideas about what we can all do now.

Thomas Mayo is a Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man. He is the National Indigenous Officer 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. Thomas has previously written five books, and has articles and essays published in The Guardian, Griffith Review and Sydney Morning Herald. Thomas is the author of Finding the Heart of The Nation, Dear Son, Finding The Heart, Freedom Day and The Voice to Parliament Handbook with Kerry O’Brien. The Voice to Parliament Handbook won the 2024 ABIA award for Book of the Year, Social Impact Book of the Year and General Non-Fiction Book of the Year.

Tickets are $12 or you can purchase Ticket + Book for $20 (Always Was, Always Will Be is $20 just on its own) with the book to be collected at the event. Always Was, Always Will be will be on sale for the night for $20. 

If you are unable to attend the event on the night, but would love a copy of the signed book delivered or posted to your South Australian address (free postage) after the event, please select Book Only ($20).

Location

Burnside Ballroom
401 Greenhill Road, Tusmore South Australia 5065

Contact Details

08 8339 3931 or books@matildabookshop.com.au