Book launch: Always Was, Always Will Be by Thomas Mayo

Join author Thomas Mayo and a panel of special guests as they discuss Mayo's latest book, Always Was, Always Will Be, and explore how we can renew the momentum of reconciliation in Australia.

Entry is free to this event but bookings are essential.

The event will be available to view live online via the Library's Facebook and YouTube pages. You do not need to book a ticket to watch the event online.

Following the discussion in the Theatre, Thomas Mayo will be available for book signings in the Foyer.

About Always Was, Always Will Be

In Always Was, Always Will Be, bestselling author Thomas Mayo investigates ‘what's next?’ for reconciliation and justice in Australia after the failed October 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum. Since the referendum, supporters and volunteers have been asking for guidance as to how to continue to support Indigenous recognition. Mayo, a leader of the Yes 23 campaign and co-author of the bestselling The Voice to Parliament Handbook, has penned a new book to answer that question.

 

Always Was, Always Will Be is essential reading for those people who want to keep the positive momentum going and the number of allies growing. It’s for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who are ready to do everything they can to close the gap.

 

On writing the book Mayo said: ‘The book starts with the ingredients for hope, it will cover the lessons from the past, and ultimately, Always Was, Always Will Be is about the future we want to see – one where there is justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.’   

 

For the thousands of people who have been feeling sad, empty and powerless since last October, Always Was, Always Will Be aims to be a positive rallying cry. This book will map the path toward next steps on how to create a fairer Australia.

About Thomas Mayo

Thomas Mayo is a Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man. He is the National Indigenous Officer of the Maritime Union of Australia. Thomas is a signatory of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and has been a leading advocate since its inception in May 2017. He is the Chairperson of the Northern Territory Indigenous Labor Network, advises the Diversity Council of Australia and the From the Heart campaign, and is an executive member of the Northern Territory Trades and Labour Council.  

Thomas has articles and essays published in The Guardian, Griffith Review and Sydney Morning Herald. He is also the author of Finding the Heart of The Nation, Dear Son, Finding The Heart, Freedom Day, and The Voice to Parliament Handbook with Kerry O’Brien. The Voice to Parliament Handbook won the 2024 ABIA award for Book of the Year, Social Impact Book of the Year and General Non-Fiction Book of the Year.