This is an NFSA Digital Learning resource. See all Digital Learning websites.
Benny & Maiga's Son
More Information

On the second of January 1992, Eddie was flown to the Royal Brisbane Hospital for radium treatment. Later that day, from his hospital bed, he wrote what appears to be his last will and testament. Whilst in Brisbane, Koiki also wrote a history of his land at Las. He once again reaffirmed his status as Benny and Maiga Mabo's son.

However, Mabo's health worsened, and by January the fifteenth he was confined to bed, too weak to stand, and was almost inaudible when he spoke. His wife Bonita, his son Eddie Jnr, and his brother Nicey Sambo, were constantly with him in his final hours.

On the twenty first of January, at eleven am, he made his final diary entry; it simply read, "24hrs RH".
Benny
Image
 
Mabo, Benny, Mabo family, Mabo, Maiga, Mer
E.K. Mabo to Defence Department
Image
May, 22, 1986
army, Department of Defence, letters, Mabo, Benny, Mabo, Edward Koiki, Sambo, Robert, Townsville, World War 2
...dearest daughter in law...
Text
1960-1994
letters, Mabo, Bonita, Mabo Case, Mabo, Maiga
...it's not etiquette...
Text
1992
cancer, death, Eddie Mabo's Death, 21/01/1992
...take good care of your Mum...
Text
1992
cancer, death, diaries, Eddie Mabo's Death, 21/01/1992, Townsville
...Koiki's history of Las...
Text
1992
ancestors, death, diaries, inheritance, Las
...he really did die in my arms...
Video
1992
cancer, death, Eddie Mabo's Death, 21/01/1992, love letters, Mabo, Bonita, marriage
Adoption
Topic
Jun, 29, 1936
adoption, gardening, inheritance, Las, Mabo, Benny, Mabo, Edward Koiki, Mabo, Maiga, Mer, Mer, Meriam Mer, Murray Island, Sambo, Poipe, Sambo, Robert
Justice Moynihan's Decision
Topic
1990
Moynihan, Justice Martin, Moynihan's findings
Eddie Mabo - Linchpin
Topic
1986-89
Mabo Case, Mabo, Edward Koiki, Mabo family
Justice Moynihan's Findings
Topic
Nov, 16, 1990
Mabo, Edward Koiki, Moynihan, Justice Martin, Moynihan's findings, Supreme Court of Queensland
Tragedy & Victory
Topic
1992
Eddie Mabo's Death, 21/01/1992, High Court victory, Mabo judgement
X-Rays
Topic
1991
cancer, Eddie Mabo's Death, 21/01/1992