Voice campaigner reveals what’s next in Byron Bay

INDIGENOUS human rights activist Thomas Mayo is returning to Byron Bay this month to talk about his latest book.

The Darwin-based author, who was a signatory to the Uluru Statement from the Heart and a key campaigner for the Yes23 campaign to constitutionally enshrine a voice to parliament in Australia, will discuss Always Was, Always Will Be with his old friend, former 7.30 host Kerry O’Brien, at The Book Room on 11 September.

“Byron Bay was one of the first places I took the Uluru statement canvass to after it was written in 2017 because someone there reached out,” he said.

“There was a great movement of supporters in the region.

“I have done a number of events there over the years for my other books and I have a great relationship with Traditional Owners there, like Delta Kay.

“Kerry is a great friend. I think I met him that first time I went there, and we have done quite a few events together through the referendum campaign.

“We co-wrote the Voice to Parliament Handbook and we were basically joined at the hip when we travelled around helping people understand it.”

While he was devastated with the referendum result, Mr Mayo decided to focus on what comes next.

“The book doesn’t dwell on the past,” he said.

“It takes lessons from the last year and our long history of struggle and looks to the future.

“It’s a guide for Australians to understand the present situation and help them take action, because I believe that many Australians who voted no do want progress for indigenous Australians.

“I think it’s inevitable that we will see eventual success because younger Australians, who are getting a different education, voted yes.”

Tickets cost $10.

To register, visit thebookroomatbyron.com/pages/3224-Events