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Dear Son: An Intimate Conversation — A Rare Afternoon of Truth-Telling on First Nations Fatherhood
What does it truly mean to guide, love, and pass down strength to the next generation?
That's the question at the heart of Dear Son: An Intimate Conversation, a special one-off event coming to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre on Friday, 30 October 2026, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, celebrating the second edition of the acclaimed book Dear Son.
An Afternoon Unlike Any Other
Hosted by celebrated Kaurareg and Kalkalgal, Erubamle author Thomas Mayo, this exclusive panel brings together three of the voices behind Dear Son — Lauren Appo, Kaleb Mabo, and Isaac Drandic — for an unscripted and deeply moving conversation on First Nations fatherhood, family, identity, and legacy.
Dear Son has already sparked heart-opening dialogues right across Australia. This event brings those stories off the page and into the room — raw, honest, and shared face-to-face with community.
About The Author
Thomas Mayo is a leading voice in human rights advocacy and an award-winning author.
A Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander, he came to public prominence when he co-led the high-profile campaign for Australia’s Voice referendum, speaking with thousands of Australians about the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Thomas is recognised as one of Australia’s leaders in Indigenous rights and works with schools, community groups, corporates and government to achieve justice, recognition and equity for First Nations peoples. He is on several boards including the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
An accomplished orator and storyteller, Thomas has written seven books including the ‘Voice to Parliament Handbook’ which was voted the 2024 Book of the Year at the Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIAs) as well as Social Impact Book of the Year and Non-Fiction Book of the Year. His latest book “Always Was, Always Will Be” is a practical guide of hope and inspiration after the referendum. Thomas regularly writes for publications including The Monthly, The Guardian and Koori Mail.
A proud father of five children, Thomas’ book “Dear Son: letters and reflections from First Nations fathers and sons” has been adapted into a critically acclaimed play which has shown in Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide.
Starting his career as a wharfie, Thomas has held several leadership positions at the Maritime Union of Australia and is currently Assistant National Secretary.
Learn more about Thomas Mayo at: https://www.thomasmayo.com.au/
Meet Our Guest Speakers
Kaleb Mabo
Kaleb is a community-focused professional whose work is grounded in culture, education and a deep commitment to ensuring community voices, knowledge and experiences shape the futures that belong to them. With a background spanning community development, cultural engagement, education and project delivery, Kaleb is passionate about connecting people, knowledge and opportunity — making sure cultural perspectives are embedded meaningfully, not just acknowledged.
He is the founder of Baizam le-Mabo Legacy, a purpose-led initiative honouring the enduring legacy of his grandfather, Eddie Koiki Mabo, bringing together storytelling, education and innovation to share Koiki's story with future generations. Kaleb has also worked as a cultural consultant across Australia, contributed to the second edition of Dear Son, delivered guest lectures on the Torres Strait experience, and portrayed Koiki Mabo in ABC's Judgement: Cases That Changed Australia (2026).
He is currently a Project Specialist – Fee for Service with the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute (AIGI), supporting work that strengthens capability, governance and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Lauren Appo
A proud Mamu woman from Far North Queensland, Lauren Appo brings deep cultural roots to everything she does — from her voice, to her advocacy, to her love of Blak storytelling.
Lauren is the creator of Books and Yarns, a book club celebrating Blak excellence in literature, and a regular contributor to ABC Radio's Lunchtime Chat, Stage, Screen and Page, and The Good Word Panel — sharing reviews and reflections that centre First Nations knowledge and lived experience.
She also delivers story-time sessions across Brisbane schools, libraries and early learning centres, and hosts in-conversation author events at Avid Reader Bookshop. Through it all, Lauren is committed to one thing: making sure First Nations stories are heard, valued and celebrated.
Isaac Drandic
Isaac Drandic is a Noongar man from the southwest of Western Australia and one of the country's most sought-after dramaturgs, playwrights, and directors. He has directed for some of Australia's leading theatre companies, including Queensland Theatre, Belvoir Street, Melbourne Theatre Company, La Boite, and ILBIJERRI.
His work has earned him numerous Green Room Awards, including for Blood on the Dance Floor (Most Outstanding Independent Theatre Production) and The Season (Best New Writing and Best Direction), along with the award for Best Production in the Theatre Companies category. His acclaimed production City of Gold went on to win multiple Sydney Theatre Awards, including a nomination for Best New Australian Work.
Isaac has held roles including Associate Director of ILBIJERRI, Resident Artist at Playwriting Australia, and Resident Dramaturg at Queensland Theatre — bringing a storyteller's eye for craft and truth to this conversation on fatherhood and legacy.
What to Expect
Set in an intimate 150-guest setting at QPAC's Cultural Precinct, the event gives attendees a genuinely up-close experience of the panel — including the chance to take part in an audience Q&A with Thomas Mayo and contributors Isaac, Kaleb, Lauren and Jimi.
Event details:
When: Friday, 30 October 2026, 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Where: Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Cultural Precinct, Cnr Grey & Melbourne St, South Brisbane QLD
Tickets: General Admission $15.00 (+ small service fee)
Bonus: RQI Financial Members can attend for free — membership details here
Why It Matters
Conversations about fatherhood, identity, and legacy within First Nations communities are too often missing from the mainstream narrative. Dear Son — and this live event — offers something different: a space for genuine, unscripted storytelling led by the men and women who lived it.
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