Eddie Mabo was born Edward Koiki Sambo on 29 June 1936[1] in the village of Las located on the island of Mer in the Torres Strait.

That, along with his confident use of language, self-assured public speaking and understanding of mainland politics, culminated in the landmark case Mabo v Queensland in 1992.

[15] Mabo worked on pearling boats, as a cane cutter, and as a railway fettler (worker), becoming a gardener at James Cook University in Townsville, Queensland at age 31.

[16] Speaking to the State Library of Queensland for their podcast series about the Mabo decision, Eddie's daughter Gail Mabo recalled that her father particularly objected to Torres Strait Islander children being taught a version of history that did not include any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander voices or perspectives.

She also said that Eddie Mabo believed that knowledge of their culture would give Torres Strait children growing up on the mainland a solid foundation and a sense of pride.

Some students, including Noel Zaro, took field trips to other schools for traditional dance demonstrations, often transported by parents or family members.

'[18][19] Later, when Mabo was a research assistant on an oral history project in the Torres Strait, Reynolds records: He got as far as Thursday Island and no further.

The significance of this in terms of Australian common law doctrine was noted by one of the attendees, a lawyer, who suggested there should be a test case to claim land rights through the court system.

Perth-based solicitor Greg McIntyre was at the conference and agreed to take the case; he then recruited barristers Ron Castan and Bryan Keon-Cohen.

[25] Three years after Mabo died, that being the traditional mourning period for the people of Murray Island, a memorial service was held.

The next day, Mabo's gravesite was attacked by vandals who spray-painted swastikas and racial slurs on his tombstone as well as removing a bronze bas-relief portrait of him.

[30] Mabo Day is an official holiday in the Torres Shire, celebrated on 3 June,[31] and occurs during National Reconciliation Week in Australia.

[38] On 24 August 2015, Tony Abbott became the first Prime Minister of Australia to visit Mabo's grave on Murray Island, where he paid tribute to his legacy.

Hosted by Rhianna Patrick, the podcast discusses the Mabo's life, the High Court case, and the enduring legacy of both.