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Eddie Mabo (Played by Jim Bani)

A  proud Murray Islander who has lived most of his life off the island , Eddie is the central character. Married to Bonita 'Netta' and father of their ten children, he loves his family but is regularly preoccupied with ‘black causes’: fighting for Indigenous rights, and engaging in legal battles with the government for recognition of his ownership of land on Murray. Eddie works in a number of different jobs during his life, is headmaster of a community school for Indigenous children, works hard to educate  himself and plans to one day return to his land to live.

Bonita 'Netta' Mabo (Played  by Deborah Mailma)

Eddie’s wife, Netta, stands by her husband throughout the many challenges posed by his court cases. She cares about their family above all else, although she does broadly agree with Eddie’s political agenda.  Netta is Indigenous, but not from Murray Island. She is loyal and loving  but also strong, stubborn, resourceful and practical. She plays a significant role in Eddie's journey for justice and equality for his people. Her love is what perseveres Eddie to take legal action against a power greater than him. 

Bryan Keon-Cohen (Played by Ewen Leslie)

Lawyer from Melbourne, who works on Eddie’s land-rights claim and on the High Court case.  Cohen also  plays a key role in Eddie's success, becoming one of his main allies.

Greg McIntyre (Played by Tom Budge)

Lawyer from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal  Service in Cairns initially takes on Eddie’s land-rights claim. Greg  McIntyre eventually represents Eddie separately in the final High Court challenge. He plays a key role in Eddie's success, becoming one of his main allies. 

Patrick ‘Paddy’ Killoran (Played by Rob Carlton)

A non-Indigenous bureaucrat responsible (under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Protection Act) for the welfare of Islanders in  Queensland. He frequently exerts his power by intimidating his charges.
 

Henry Reynolds (Lectures at James Cook University) (Played by Leon Ford)

Academics specialising in Aboriginal history,  Reynolds  exchanges knowledge with Eddie about  his inability to have native title initiating   his legal journey, encourage his activism and become  his friends.

Mer Island

In this case the island is personified. It is seen as a character and aid in Eddie's journey for justice.  The island is portrayed as idyll and worth fighting for. It is shown in natural beauty and alludes to its connection to a higher power - the one responsible for beauty. It is far from uncivilised, with community, rules and elected leaders.

Answer the following questions for each of the characters listed on this page:

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  1. How does Perkins choose to portray this character?

  2. How does this character change throughout the course of the film?

  3. What role does the character play in the film?

  4. What is the viewer expected to learn from this character?

  5. What are the five most important moments or turning points for this character?

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