Thomas Mayo Thomas Mayo i(15899885 works by)
Gender: Male
Heritage: Kaurareg ; Torres Strait Islander Erubam Le ; Torres Strait Islander
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BiographyHistory

Thomas Mayo is a Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander and Kaurareg Aboriginal man. Mayo has worked in the maritime industry since the 1990s, and in 2024 is the Assistant National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia. He is a community leader and a signatory of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Mayo has written various works of non-fiction, including The Voice to Parliament Handbook: All the Details You Need and Finding the Heart of the Nation : The Journey of the Uluru Statement towards Voice, Treaty and Truth. A short autobiographical story by Mayo is published in Growing Up Torres Strait Islander in Australia in 2024. 

Most Referenced Works

Personal Awards

2019 shortlisted The Horne Prize for A Dream That Cannot Be Denied

Awards for Works

y separately published work icon Our Flag, Our Story : The Torres Strait Islander Flag Broome : Magabala Books , 2024 27651322 2024 single work picture book children's

'‘We are many different people in Australia, and we all live in one big country. What may seem like a simple flag to some people, has given all Torres Strait Islanders an identity and a sense of pride...’

'Bernard Namok Jnr was just a little boy when his dad designed the Torres Strait Islander Flag, a symbol of unity, shared identity and pride for all Torres Strait Islanders. This is the story of a flag and what it represents.

'Alongside Mordey’s stunning digital illustrations reflecting the vibrant colours of the Torres Strait, Namok Jnr and Mayo present an engaging, personal story that invites young readers to learn about the Torres Strait Islander peoples, place and culture. Our Flag, Our Story shares an essential piece of Australian and Torres Strait Islander history, accessible for all ages.' (Publication summary)

2024 winner Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards Indigenous Children
y separately published work icon Dear Son : Letters and Reflections from First Nations Fathers and Sons Richmond : Hardie Grant Books , 2021 21852992 2021 anthology correspondence

'Dear Son shares heartfelt letters written by First Nations men about life, masculinity, love, culture and racism. Along with his own vivid and poignant prose and poetry, author and editor Thomas Mayor invites 12 contributors to write a letter to their son, father or nephew, bringing together a range of perspectives that offers the greatest celebration of First Nations manhood.

'This beautifully designed anthology comes at a time when First Nations peoples are starting to break free of derogatory stereotypes and find solace in their communities and cultures. Yet, each contributor also has one thing in common: they all have a relative who has been terribly wronged – enslaved, raped and dispossessed – because of their Aboriginality. 

'Featuring letters from Stan Grant, Troy Cassar-Daley, John Liddle, Charlie King, Joe Williams, Yessie Mosby, Joel Bayliss, Daniel James, Jack Latimore, Daniel Morrison, Tim Sculthorpe and Blak Douglas.

'A gentle and loving book for families from anywhere in the world. Artwork by proud Kaurna/Ngarrindjeri/Narrunga/Italian Australian artist Tony Wilson, with illustrations and design by Gamilaraay designer Tristan Schultz of Relative Creative.' (Publication summary)
 

2022 highly commended New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards Indigenous Writer's Prize
y separately published work icon Finding Our Heart : A Story about the Uluru Statement for Young Australians Melbourne : Hardie Grant Travel , 2020 20868400 2020 single work picture book children's

'’When we all came together at Uluru, we invited all Australian people to accept our voice and culture as a gift.’

'Can you help us find the heart of the nation?

'A book about understanding Australia’s past, so we can have a shared future.'

Source: Publisher's blurb. 

2021 shortlisted Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) Australian Book of the Year for Younger Children
2021 longlisted Indie Awards Children's
Last amended 8 Oct 2024 09:58:38
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