Strength Without Force: Thomas Mayo

Archibald Prize entry 2026

120cm x 120cm Oil on linen

When I met Thomas Mayo, I was immediately struck with his gentle aura. I felt it was unique.

Knowing his general story, paired with the rawness from the recent result of the Referendum, I was surprised how he can carry such gentleness.

As we talk, I notice his eyes..they carry deep emotion and give feeling to the stories he tells.

Thomas Mayo grew up in Darwin on Larrakia Country. He is Kaurareg – an Aboriginal nation of the Torres Strait Islands, and Kalkalgal and Erubamle from the central and north-eastern island groups.

He started his career as a ‘wharfie’ at 17 years of age. He told me that his job was both high-risk because of the nature of working on ships with heavy cargoes, cranes and forklifts, and political because of how strong his union was, not just for his own pay, but for broader social justice. During the turmoil of the 1998 Patricks dispute, his flame for advocacy was ignited.

This passion for justice fuelled his decision to join the Maritime Union of Australia. Fast-forward about 30 years and Thomas is now the Assistant National Secretary of the Union, continuing to fight for the justice and rights of workers in this industry.

Thomas did a national service, doing significant work to share The Uluru Statement from the Heart through to the ‘The Voice’ referendum. This statement is designed to finally and fully pave the path to justice and recognition of First Nations people. In the final year of the campaign he did 326 in-person and 51 online speeches, town-halls and presentations for the Yes campaign.

Another significant string to his bow, is that Thomas is a highly esteemed author who has written seven best-selling books about First Nations history and justice.

Thomas is inspiration. He is hope. He is a leader. He is a role model for younger men. He is a voice in defiance of those that seek to silence him and his people. He is strength without force. 🫶🏾