The 1967 referendum and the 1992 Mabo decision were significant events in the ongoing struggle to achieve equal rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This exhibition was inspired by the 1964 civil rights song ‘A change is gonna come’.
A Change is Gonna Come was on display at the National Museum of Australia from 24 May 2017 to 28 January 2018.
Exhibition highlights

Anthony Martin Fernando’s notebook, 1929–30

Australian Aborigines League banner made by Bill Onus, late 1940s or early 1950s

Passport issued by the Aboriginal Provisional Government, 1990

Land rights banner used by members of the Communist Party of Australia in Sydney, about 1982

Joe McGinness’s wharfie’s hook, 1950s, and tuckerbox, in use 1960s–70s

Faith Bandler’s gloves, about 1960s

Vote YES’ badge, 1967

'YES’ for Aborigines pamphlet, 1967

Nulla (club) belonging to Jimmy Clements, about 1912

Stan Davey’s tape recorder and reels, about 1970s

Barrie Pittock’s headband, 1970

Wave Hill spur


Frank Hardy’s pipe, after 1960s

Ballot box, 1960s

Land rights sign from the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra, about 1972
Banner photo: Alick Jackomos