Empowering First Nations Leadership on Country
The Mabo Centre is a transformational joint initiative of the National Native Title Council and the University of Melbourne.
The Mabo Centre will support Traditional Owners and First Nations youth to become community leaders and drive economic change in their communities.
Dr Eddie Koiki Mabo’s legacy
The Mabo legacy is one of empowerment, land and sea justice, and the ongoing fight for Indigenous rights and recognition in Australia.
His contributions have had an enduring influence on the landscape of Australian law and society and inspired generations of Indigenous activists and leaders in their fight for recognition and rights to country.
Read more about the legacy of Dr Mabo.
Our Key Areas of Focus
The Mabo Centre is governed by a Board of First Nations leaders and economic experts. It is championed by Co-Chairs Jamie Lowe (Chief Executive Officer of the National Native Title Council), Professor Marcia Langton (Associate Provost, University of Melbourne) and Professor Paul Kofman (Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Melbourne). The Mabo Centre will work to support Traditional Owners achieve successful Native Title outcomes for their communities through four focus areas -
Research
Informing national policy development that will support Traditional Owners to achieve the best possible outcomes from the resources they control and influence
Training
Working with Traditional Owners and their leadership to strengthen their capacities in crucial policy areas and skills
Exchange
Sharing knowledge through networked learning to support stronger Traditional Owner connections and effective agreement making
Acceleration
Driving entrepreneurship and leadership for Traditional Owner developed economies
Latest News
December 8, 2025 /
Submission to the Attorney General’s Department’s evaluation of the 2021 amendments to the Native Title Act 1993
This submission provides a detailed evaluation of the 2021 amendments to the Native Title Act 1993, assessing how each schedule…
August 5, 2025 /
Advocating for a Fairer Future Acts Regime – Together
We’re proud to share a joint submission from the Mabo Centre and the National Native Title Council (NNTC) in response…
May 15, 2025 /
Resourcing the energy transition for equity and justice
Principles to guide critical energy transition minerals towards equity and justice UN Secretary-General’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals The…
May 15, 2025 /
Traditional Owner clean energy agreement-making
Understanding emerging models of financial benefit-sharing and co-ownership Dr Kathryn Thorburn and Dr Lily O’Neill, University of Melbourne April 2025…
