The Mabo Centre is a First Nations-led partnership between the National Native Title Council and the University of Melbourne, focused on advancing First Nations leadership and improving economic outcomes for communities through land and sea rights. 

The Australian economy is transitioning to a cleaner future and pursuing a critical minerals economy. These projects, infrastructure and development is, and will be, happening on native title and other Traditionally Owned lands. More than ever before, Traditional Owner engagement, agreements and investment needs to be part of Australia’s just transition.

The Mabo Centre supports Traditional Owners in this transition and First Nations youth to become community leaders and drive economic change in their communities.

The Centre works to foster leadership, knowledge sharing and First Nations expertise, bringing communities and leaders together to learn from each other in a connected network.

We also know that there are many systems barriers that First Nations leaders face in navigating native title for economic development, and the Centre aims to establish best practise research and build an evidence base for national and international knowledge of how best to support principles of self-determination to drive economic development opportunities through land and sea rights. 

Dr Eddie Koiki Mabo’s legacy is one of empowerment, justice, and the fight for Traditional Owners’ rights. His impact on Australian law and society has inspired generations of First Nations leaders.

The Centre’s name, generously gifted with permission from the Mabo family, honors Dr. Mabo’s role as a champion of land and sea rights and Native Title.

The Mabo Centre also acknowledges the Meriam People behind the landmark Mabo case—Reverend David Passi, Sam Passi, James Rice, and Celuia Mapo Sale.

The Mabo Centre

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