The Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action (FAIRA) was formed in Queensland in 1977 after Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community delegates from across Queensland, including from rural towns and isolated reserve communities, decided to establish a functional organisation to change legislation referred to as the 'Black Acts'. In 1981 FAIRA was involved in an extended tent embassy in the King George Square and in 1982 played a major role in organising protests around the Brisbane Commonwealth Games. After the Black Acts were terminated in 1984, FAIRA continued to campaign for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at the local, national and international levels. FAIRA was founded and continues to be operated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is funded independently, and its purpose is to fight racism, have the rights of Indigenous Peoples recognised and respected in Australian law and secure Land Rights. FAIRA utilises research-based actions to address exploitation and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Publicists - Paul Braddy, Don Davidson, Shane Hoffman, Morgan B. Howe, Liz Johnson, P Jones, Les Malezer, Steve Mam, Noel Preston, John Warby.

Ross Watson was born in 1944. He went to school in Theodore and from 14 years of age he went to the Christian Brothers College in Yeppoon. He was an Aboriginal Australian activist, coordinator of the Black Protest Committee and founder and editor of Black Nation, a newspaper that ran from 1982 to 1985. Ross, with his newspaper, played a major role in organising rallies, protests and demonstrations, particularly around the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games. He was also a founder of the Murri School and Murri radio station 98.9 FM. His family include: Lilla Watson (sister), Charlie Watson (brother), Teila (daughter), Kaava (son), Tiga Bayles (cousin). Ross died in 2013.