ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The Australian Government acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

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Mer (Murray Island)

Community profile

Mer (also known as Murray Island) is the most eastern island in the Torres Strait, 800km north of Cairns. Mer, Erub and Ugar islands are known as the Murray Group of islands.

For more information, see:

Mer (also known as Murray Island) is the most eastern island in the Torres Strait, 800km north of Cairns. Mer, Erub and Ugar islands are known as the Murray Group of islands.

For more information, see:

Traditional owners

There are eight Mer (Meriam) tribes:  Komet, Zagareb, Meuram, Magaram, Geuram, Peibre, Meriam-Samsep, Piadram, and Dauer Meriam.

Languages

The people of Murray Island speak Torres Strait Creole, Meriam and English.

Population

406

90.6% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ABS 2021 Census)

Stories from Mer (Murray Island)

What is Mabo Day?

29 May 2024

Every year on 3 June we celebrate Mabo Day, which commemorates the life of Eddie Koiko Mabo and marks the anniversary of the historic 1992 Mabo decision. Eddie Mabo was a Torres Strait Islander man who challenged the...
Eddie Mabo

30th Anniversary of Mabo Day

03 June 2022

Mabo Day is a momentous day in Australia’s history. Read some of the stories we’ve published over the years about the High Court decision, those involved and what it meant for Indigenous Australians.
Group of people ranging from elderly to young children sit on the ground or seats or stand in front of a tree. On the tree is a blue, white and green flag. In the background are more trees, a car, a house and more people.

Census data helps cultural groups to keep language and culture alive

19 July 2021

The Mer Island cultural group Eip Karem Beizam is using Census data to identify a need to increase the number of those speaking Meriam Mer in the community and addressing this need through cultural programs and workshops.
Eddie Mabo

Eddie Mabo, the man behind Mabo Day

02 June 2020

On 3 June, Australians commemorate Mabo Day, marking the anniversary of the historic Mabo decision.