Launched today in Boorloo (Perth) Western Australia, the Mabo Centre is a newly formed First Nations-led partnership between the National Native Title Council and The University of Melbourne.
The Mabo Centre will support Traditional Owner groups and First Nations organisations to enable better economic outcomes through leveraging land and sea rights. It aims to maximise the economic, social, and cultural benefits of these rights by building leadership skills and knowledge for successful agreement-making. The Mabo Centre will support First Nations youth to become community leaders and drive economic change in their communities.
As Co-Chair of the Mabo Centre and Chief Executive Officer of the National Native Title Council, Jamie Lowe reiterated the critical point Australia is at in recognition of rights affording new opportunities for Traditional Owners.
“The Mabo decision was handed down 33 years ago, starting the recognition of native title in
law. However as Traditional Owners, we have known for over 65,000 years that we have rights to
Country. It’s time that native title met the needs of Traditional Owners and can continue to do so
for generations.”
“The Traditional Owner sector is rich with experience, knowledge and leadership but, as
we know, those skills need to be supported so that they can create real economic value in
communities. The Mabo Centre provides a pathway for considering those opportunities.”
Professor Marcia Langton, Co-Chair of the Mabo Centre and Associate Provost of the University of Melbourne, states that the Mabo Centre will be governed under a collaborative partnership model, bringing together the sector and academia to translate native title rights into economic prosperity.
“The Mabo Centre was conceived after a long period of consultation through the National Native
Title Council and its members, to understand the challenges and barriers to self-determination
and economic prosperity through land and sea rights.”
“A collaboration between partners underscores a shared commitment to enhancing First
Nations-led economic development opportunities, an essential precursor in achieving broader
social equity goals.”