Due to COVID 19,  two Torres Strait annual celebrations are online this year. Mabo Day 2020 Celebrations 28th Anniversary.

Eddie Mabo, a Torres Strait Islander, was the lead plaintiff in the case which challenged the notion of terra nullis in the High Court. The Mabo case ran for 10 years, eventually leading to the recognition and protection of native title across Australia through the introduction of the Native Title Act.

 

Coming of the Light Celebrations 150 Year Celebrations 2021. Torres Strait Islanders living on the islands or on the mainland come together to honour, this anniversary every year. Islanders of all faiths celebrate the Coming of the Light in a festival like no other in Australia.

Activities include church services and a re-enactment of the landing at Kemus on Erub. Hymn singing, feasting and Ailan dans strengthen community and family ties