Thomas Mayo
2024
Always Was,
Always Will Be
Publisher: Hardie Grant
Cover design by Larrakia woman Jenna Lee
Book Review: Independent Australia
'Always Was, Always Will Be' was written as a reflection on the Voice referendum, Australia’s history of rejection of Indigenous rights, and as a message of hope.
Published in September 2024, leading up to the first anniversary of the failed Voice referendum ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’ is essential reading for those who want to keep the positive momentum going and the number of allies growing.
Our Flag, Our Story
Publisher: Magabala Books
co-authored with Bernard Namok Jr.
illustrations by award-winning artist Tori-Jay Mordey
Watch the story about the flag on YouTube
'Our Flag. Our Story' is narrated by Bernard Namok Jr, whose father, the late Bernard Namok, designed the flag.
Thomas Mayo co-authored this picture book aimed at young readers aged 5 to 12, which was published in May 2024.
The book tells the tale of the Torres Strait Islander Flag — symbol of unity, shared identity and pride for all Torres Strait Islander people.
2023
The
Voice to Parliament
Handbook
Publisher: Hardie Grant
Co-authored with the award-winning journalist and author Kerry O’Brien
Illustrations by cartoonist Cathy Wilcox
Since it was published in the lead-up to the 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum, this book made a significant impact during the campaign, selling more than 100,000 units in the first half year, topping the charts for 2023 across many bookstores and online booksellers.
In recognition of this, the handbook was voted 2024 Book of the Year at the Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIAs).
The ‘Voice to Parliament Handbook’ also took out the General Non-Fiction Book of the Year and Social Impact Book of the Year.
2021
Dear Son–
Letters and reflections from First Nations fathers and sons
Publisher: Hardie Grant
Collected Stories
This collection of stories is a celebration of First Nations men and an attempt to call out stereotypes.
Twelve other First Nations men joined Thomas in writing about life, love, masculinity and racism.
Freedom Day
Publisher: Bright Light
Illustrations by Samantha Campbell
Co-authored with Vincent Lingiari’s granddaughter, Rosie Smiler
This storybook is about Vincent Lingiari and the Story of the Wave Hill Walk-Off.
In 1966, more than 200 courageous Aboriginal people walked off the Wave Hill Cattle Station in the Northern Territory. Led by Vincent Lingiari, these stockmen and their families were walking together to fight for equal pay and land rights.
Finding Our Heart
Publisher: Hardie Grant
Illustrations by Blak Douglas
The storybook ‘Finding Our Heart’ is the children's version of Thomas' first book. The illustrated book was shortlisted for the 2021 ABIA ‘Book of the Year for Young Children’ award.
2020
2019
Finding the
Heart of the Nation
Publisher: Hardie Grant
Thomas' first book, ‘Finding the Heart of the Nation – the Journey of the Uluru Statement towards Voice, Treaty and Truth’, was a bestseller and is currently in its second edition.