Kasa Yarn
The local residents, and visitors to the Northern Peninsula Area, celebrated this region’s biannual cultural festival, with performers and traditional dance troupes from around Cape York - and the Torres Strait Islands - showcasing our rich regional cultures NPA also welcomed major cultural artists Mitch Tambo and Band, indigenous comedian Sean Choolburra, and Pacific Nights Our Red Dust Rodeo and Show recently also kicked up a wild storm of thrills and talent at this popular show held at Yusuia Ginau Oval, in Bamaga
We thank all our sponsors, government partners, attendees, performers, organisers, volunteers - and our friends in the media - who supported these 2024 major events to be a great success
Messagefrom theMayor
“
Building Community Trust”
2024 has welcomed our current electees to lead the five unique communities of this Local Government Area - the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council.
As the new NPARC Mayor, I am proudly working together with Councillor David Byrne (Div 1), Deputy Mayor/ Councillor Mary Yoelu (Div 2), Councillor Kitty Gebadi (Div 3), Councillor Marlene Bond (Div 4), and Councillor Bradford Elu (Div 5), to deliver a stronger and more sustainable future for NPARC’s stakeholders.
Our new NPA leadership team welcomed their elected term with hectic schedules, including local, regional and public sector meetings such as the 2024 National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) – incorporating the Regional Cooperation and Development Forum, in this nation’s capital, with more than 1200 local government leaders from across Australia
The theme of the 2024 National General Assembly - “Building Community Trust” stressed the critical importance of trust in our different levels of government, its institutions, and amongst its citizens Our NPARC leaders also presented their Deputations outlining our regional needs, to the decision makers in Canberra
Keeping Communities Safe
Under NPARC’s new leadership team, Council representatives of the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) worked with Queensland Police Service Emergency Management Coordinators to visit community and undertake further training towards strengthened guidance in disaster preparedness Regional Mayors also have met with the Torres Strait Regional Authority for a Regional Governance Meeting to discuss history and past actions and key actions moving forward
In August 2024, together with local and state agency representatives, NPARC joined other regional leaders on northernmost Saibai Island for the opening of the Far North’s new Community Safety and Security Facility Aiming to protect Australia’s international border between Torres Strait and Papua New Guinea, regional leaders have since met with TSRA, government agencies, and defence and border experts to further discuss Blue Security measures in the region.
I was honoured to attend the Queensland Police Service Mayoral Summit with mayors from other discrete communities. We discussed matters including Police Liaison Officers, Community Interagency Groups, Protective Service Officers and the Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry The inaugural rounds of Protective Service Officers have now been sworn in
It is pleasing to report that NPARC is working with members towards finalising the development of a 15-point plan of the Torres Straits & NPA Regional Organisations of Councils (TS&NPA ROC) that includes priorities of each council and how to advocate from a regional perspective. The plan will be available to community when complete
Stronger Together
NPARC also is benefitting from the appointment of advisory consultants b Department of Local Government for a perio (6) months Council has faced sig challenges, over the last ten to fifteen year including resource allocation, loss o determination, loss of community gove structures, financial deficits, and high staff tu This opportunity of additional resources e NPARC gains the information and knowledg strong council moving forward
As an organisation, NPARC leaders an across all departments worked diligently thro 2024 increasing capacity and services via up and advanced training and compliance me from traffic safety crews to the Jardine upgrade and operational courses.
National opportunities arrived for indi entrepreneurship through the NPA Art Cen local artists and designers showcasing their on the catwalks of the Darwin Aboriginal Art example, while other local arists exhibited ar far and wide
Lastly, of significance, NPARC leadership recently joined 77 other state councils at the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Annual Conference. We also attended the Indigenous Leader’s Forum, as part of the conference, to discu k i f N th Peninsula Area, inc increased: housing, other long-term im regional Councils and
As one of the mo Queensland’s 17 Fir contribute to the cu fabric of our sta indigenous communi Under our new leader to empowered comm future
Mayor Robert Poi Poi Northern Peninsula A
Indigenousknowledgeteams godigital
The 2024 Indigenous Knowledge Centre (IKC) Workshop was an inspiring gathering for IKC Coordinators from across Queensland, focused on digital inclusion, community engagement, and cultural preservation.
Organised and delivered by the State Library of Queensland, the 2024 Indigenous Knowledge Centre Workshop held in Cairns from 11-14 November launched the Growing IKCs initiative and the Digital and You campaign - to highlight the potential of technology to strengthen community connections and preserve local heritage.
Hands-on sessions formed the core of this year’s workshop, allowing participants to explore digital storytelling, live-streaming, and creative digital design The sessions equipped staff with skills to engage their communities in new, innovative ways, including designing digital art for t-shirts, creating eBooks, and producing podcasts.
The session Promoting Your IKC: Success Stories featured Annie Young, Umagico IKC Administrator for Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council, and Sandra Baira, Badu IKC Coordinator for Torres Strait Island Regional Council.
Annie shared creative outreach initiatives that have successfully grown participation in programs like First 5 Forever, while Sandra highlighted how PowerPoint can be a dynamic alternative to traditional reporting
The workshop concluded with a showcase of digital projects created by participants during the week, emphasizing the creativity and potential of IKCs to drive digital inclusion in their communities
With fresh ideas and practical skills, IKC staff left the workshop energized to lead new programs and support their communities through digital empowerment.
NPARC staff at 2024 IKC Workshop included: Pauline Lifu - New Mapoon IKC, Edith GowaSeisia IKC, Annie Young – Umagico IKC, Alice Solomon – Bamaga IKC, and Lorraine Young –IKC Supervisor
‘Promoting Your IKC: Success Stories’ - the workshop session featured Annie Young, Umagico IKC (left)
Indigenousmedics inspiredbyCountry
A first for Northern Peninsula Area – twenty indigenous medical professionals visiting our regional communities was an eye opener to cultural, health and social conditions in remote Cape York.
Welcomed to Country by Traditional Owner Bernard Charlie of Ipima Ikaya Aboriginal Corporation, and NPARC Mayor Robert PoiPoi and Councillors, the 2 May visit was coordinated by Councillor for Bamaga, Kitty Gebadi and the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association (AIDA).
The medical practitioners and students, all of Torres Strait Islander heritage, travelled to the region hoping to reignite “connections with family, island culture and ancestry - and to learn more about NPA cultures, social conditions, health and regional needs” during the full-day visit to the Northern Peninsula Area.
AIDA aims to attract more indigenous health professionals to the Cape and Torres Strait Islands, with one practitioner currently based in the Northern Territory already inspired to bring her kids “back home to live and work”
Part of a 5-day program back on Country, the group from all over Australia also participated in NPA College Careers Expo 2024 to encourage local youth to work in health The medics visited Bamaga Hospital and Primary Health Centres, with tours of the five NPA communities - before departing to Thursday Island
AIDA is the peak body supporting Indigenous doctors and medical students, working towards improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the promotion of culturally safe care: language,
NPAartiststakingCountry tocatwalks
Fashion artists from the tip of Cape York saw their unique designs strut the catwalks of Country to Couture shows in Darwin for the first time – at the annual showcase of First Nations textiles and fashion design
The national ‘Country to Couture’ event held on 6 August 2024 alongside the annual Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair is “where First Nations textiles, fashion and art collide in a colourful showcase of creativity from across Australia”
This year, three Cape York artists from Northern Peninsula Area Art Centre designed a Countryinspired tropical collection from silks, linen, and cotton wearable art garments and accessories to strut Darwin’s sold-out catwalk shows – on their road to building a sustainable enterprise model
Now in its ninth year, fashion designs selected for Country to Couture must display a strong collection of stories with cultural integrity of fabric innovation, sustainability and ethics, and cultural authenticity
Artist Renae Nona joined Joy Tapua and Leighann Ober to showcase their designs on the runways. A Torres Strait Islander, Renae is inspired by the sea, ailan (island life-style) and nature’s treasures
Renae’s favourite design influence is the red wongai fruit Enjoyed by her family for generations as fruit bread with coconut milk, Renae says it is one of her most cherished family pastimes and reminds her of a happy childhood at the beach
“One of my favourite things to do is to collect wongai with Dad,” she says fondly remembering their wanders along island shorelines
Originally from Thursday Island – Dad is Badu Islander and Mum is from Mer Island – Renae started her career as a graphic artist at the Torres News A calling to join the public service, Renae served as a police officer in Brisbane and Cairns before joining Queensland Health in administration
Art was always her passion, and as a designer Renae features other influences from nature in her designs, such as trochus shells – which her grandad had collected for years to supply a button trade of the past
Using natural fabric dyes – with shades of tarragon, plum, waratah, opal, beetroot and citrus, the intensity of colour depends on type of fabrics used
Renae’s collection includes a cotton design that showcases her days crayfish diving with her father in the Torres Strait – a striking tricolour shift dress inspired by marine seas and coral reefs. Another design features linen pants boiled with mangrove roots from the shores of Prince of Wales Island
Now based in the Northern Peninsula Area of Cape York, Renae works out of the NPA Art Centre with the other artists showing their fashions on the catwalks of Darwin. The event builds on the growing textile design movement in remote Indigenous communities that aims to build sustainable economic opportunities
NPA Art Centre Manager Dev Lengjel, with generous sponsorship by Rio Tinto, successfully secured the opportunity for the artists to develop the NPA Design collection for this famed fashion event held on Larrakia Country
“The artists are thrilled to be included in the Country to Couture shows to showcase the colourful heritage of the NPA.”
A range off local designs and artworks are available for sale at the NPA Art Centre, in New Mapoon, Cape York Operated by the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council, this remote art centre - located 1000km north of Cairns, is exploring new economic pathways including online sales
For more information, see: https://www nparc qld gov au/art-centre-1
About Country to Couture: https://www ifp org au/events/country-to-couture/
NPAculture festivalunites
Every second year, Northern Cape York is aflame with colour, culture, song and dance when the region’s cultural festival torch is lit, signifying peace and unity.
Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council proudly hosted the 2024 NPA Cultural Festival ––a free event for local families and tourists, 11-13 July. The festival celebrated the five unique communities of Northern Peninsula Area –Seisia, New Mapoon, Bamaga, Umagico and Injinoo - with dance and music performed at Yusia Ginau Memorial Oval in Bamaga
Traditional dance troupes from Torres Strait Islands and Cape York, including Coen, Mer Island, Thursday Island and Northern Peninsula Area joined this year’s festival – with a theme of United Cultures = Strong Future: “Let’s Dance”
Together with cultural food, craft markets and more – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers, musicians and performers shook the stage sharing their stories of united cultures –including local bands Blaik Koral and Pacific Nights
Festival performers included Mitch Tambo Band, a proud Gamilaraay man of northern NSW. Celebrated as one of Australia’s most unique and dynamic First Nations entertainers, he has earned recognition as “the new voice of our generation” with powerful renditions of iconic songs
Also headlining, Sean Choolburra is a charismatic comedian - one of Australia’s most popular indigenous entertainers on stage and television Weaving a unique blend of pop culture, dance, didgeridoo, comedy and hip hop, Sean captivated audiences of all ages Sean’s ancestors are Gu-Gu-Yalanji of the Far North, Kalkadoon in western Queensland, Kandju of Cape York and Bwgcolman from Townsville and Palm Island
The festival was coordinated with Northern Peninsula Area community organisations and volunteers by the NPA Art Centre - and NPARC events and communication teams Big esso to all valued sponsors, including Veolia and the Australian Government.
More information, see: nparc qld gov au/cultural-festival
Mitch Tambo & Band - headline act at 2024 NPA Cultural Festival
NPATourismbooklet promotesregion
Growing interest by domestic and global visitors has seen increased growth of tourists to Northern Peninsula Area – an exciting mix of new tourism businesses, and the launch of 2024 NPA Tourism booklet promoting Pajinka and beyond.
First published in 2022 – the revised 2nd edition of the tourism booklet, Northern Peninsula Area: Jardine River and Beyond was updated and refreshed with new sections added – ready for the 2024 tourism season
Not just for tourists, the booklet is packed with interesting and useful information on our amazing region north of the Jardine River - including Thursday Island – perfect for all visitors: family, friends, business colleagues, new staff and contractors working in the NPA
NPA Tourism - Learn about the amazing landscapes and wildlife of Pajinka & Northern Peninsula Area
Learn about the unique history and cultures of our Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities, the amazing landscapes and wildlife of Pajinka & Northern Peninsula Areawhat's happening, where to go, and more
The stunning full-colour, landscape images are all shared from locals too – including our friends at People for Wildlife, Albany Island, and talented photographers from staff and community
Pick up a copy at NPARC Offices, IKCs, Bamaga Airport, and businesses across NPA – including the Jardine River Ferry Office You can also read it online or download a pdf copy from the NPARC website.
Visit www nparc qld gov au/tourism
Trainingforsaferfutures
Marine Emergency Training
Onboard the Jardine River Ferry, or any other marine vessels, an emergency or survival situation may happen very suddenly. Correct preparation and training is vital.
NPARC’s ferry crews recently completed extensive training to the high standard required by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, including instructor lectures, water rescue and emergency first aid, and onboard vessel operations in emergency mode
The training prepares crew to carry out emergency actions on board a vessel and maximise chances of survival in the event of abandonment
Ferry crews now have the skills and knowledge to use and care for the lifesaving gear and other safety equipment found on local vessels.
Essential equipment operations include:
Personal Floatation Devices (or life jackets)
Life buoys
Carly Float
Distress equipment, such as flares and radios.
An Emergency Procedures Manual for the Jardine River Ferry has been developed to serve as a vital resource for the crew, outlining the procedures and protocols to be followed in the event of emergencies that may arise during the operation of the vessel
The manual will be used for regular training and drills – as well as an onboarding resource for new ferry crew recruits
As safety protocols and regulations evolve, this Emergency Procedures Manual will be updated accordingly. Crew members are responsible for keeping manuals up to date with the latest revisions and communicating any questions or suggestions for improvement
Trafficcontrol&management
Traffic control and management implementation training on Northern Peninsula Area roads has increased public and staff safety with crews completing mandatory courses across Council’s Roads, Parks and Gardens, Water, and Jardine Ferry rosters.
All NPARC staff completing the recent training are now qualified in Traffic Control and Traffic Management Implementation
The courses facilitated by Accreditation and Training Services (AATS) during 2023-2024 aim to ensure NPARC meets and maintains a high level of public and staff safety.
Course trainers delivered two days of classroom learnings and two weeks of field training
Each NPARC crew trainee completed 20hrs of assessments. Senior assessors reviewed all 13 staff trainees for final traffic management certifications
NPARC thanks the public for ongoing patience and cooperation to improve road safety in the Northern Peninsula Area
NewteaminPropertyand FacilitiesManagement
Meet Property and Facilities Manager Wendy Phineasa, Support Officers Marilyn Mooka and Julie-Anne Sheldon, and Local Housing Plan Project Officer and Amy Yates
The Property and Facilities Management team are actively working on the NPA Local Housing Plan, in partnership with the Queensland Government, to improve housing outcomes for the community
Tasked with maintaining council buildings, staff housing, community hall hires, room bookings, and managing Umagico Contractor’s Accommodation, this busy team also administers tenancy and property management of the NPARC social housing stock
“We have fantastic community facilities here in the Northern Peninsula Area, such as the community halls used for sports and Indigenous Knowledge Centres (IKCs) used for knowledge and connection, and we want to make sure we do everything we can to look after these resources,” says Manager Wendy Phineasa
“Our property and facilities team has been newly reformed over the last six months, and we are motivated to provide the best service for our communities and customers”
As part of this team development, Wendy Phineasa and Amy Yates recently attended governance training to learn and improve systems in place working towards best client outcomes The training was delivered by the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Association, the peak advocacy body for housing rights and the needs of ATSI people
Through this workshop and networking opportunity, the team learned about the importance of executive responsibility, transparency, conflicts of interest, dispute resolution, delegations, and financial viability.
“Governance is all about ensuring we deliver housing services fairly and building trust with employees and our customers,” said Amy Yates
The team continues working on tenancy agreements, maintenance and security tasks, and updating tenancy information such as a new Tenant Information Kit - designed as a practical, easy-to-read guide covering maintenance, cleaning, and moving in and out
Based in the NPARC Injinoo office, the team is available to discuss NPARC’s property and facility matters, tenancy & property management, housing applications, and maintenance issues
NPARC’s new Property and Facilities Management team
Paidtemporaryjobsat thefederalelection
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has up to 100,000 paid temporary jobs available at the next federal election.
More than 9 in 10 previous temporary staff say they’d recommend the work to others – and that they’d do it again Why not join them?
There is a range of different roles from entry-level to senior positions in metro, regional and remote areas It doesn’t matter if you haven’t worked at an election before You’ll get paid to train and onthe-job support
Most jobs are on voting day, but some roles are for several weeks before or after, making it a great opportunity to earn extra money You’ll also be contributing to your community and working as part of a team
Many of the people who worked on the last major event, the referendum, enjoyed the experience:
‘It was an AMAZING team environment where I worked and a great vibe.’
‘An opportunity to connect with people in my community, some of whom I hadn't seen in decades.’
‘I was thrilled with my staff. Most had never worked in an election before however they were keen and happy to do any task asked of them.’
As the AEC’s role is to deliver the election with the highest levels of integrity and impartiality, you must be and be seen to be, politically neutral
The AEC strives to have a workforce that reflects and supports the diverse community we serve We encourage people from all backgrounds and locations to join our team, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Tell your friends and family about this work opportunity too
To register and find out more, visit aec gov au/electionjobs
NPARC Offices
Bamaga: 4090 4119
Umagico: 4048 6900
Injinoo: 4048 6802
New Mapoon: 4048 6600
Open:
Monday - Thursday: 8am – 5pm
Friday: 8am – 12:15pm
LFS - Local Fare Scheme
Applications:-
Contact - Customer Service Office: T: 0497 648 850
Art Centre: 4048 5608
Tuesday – Thursday 10am - 12pm, 2pm - 4pm
Friday: 9am - 1pm
Waste Transfer Station
Monday – Friday: 8 30am - 4:45pm
Saturday: 8 30am - 2:45pm
Sunday + Public holidays: 2pm - 5pm
Umagico Supermarket: 4048 6920
Monday & Tuesday: 7.30am - 7pm
Wednesday – Friday: 7:30am - 8pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9am - 3pm
Service Station Injinoo: 4048 6819
Monday – Friday: 8am - 5pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8am - 2pm
Centrelink and Postal Services
Umagico & Seisia
Monday – Friday: 8:30am - 10:30am
Agent: Injinoo (NPARC office)
Monday – Friday: 10am – 12pm
Seisia IKC: 4069 3690
Monday – Thursday: 8am - 5pm
Closed for lunch 12pm - 1pm
Friday: 8am - 12:15pm
New Mapoon IKC: 4048 6619
Monday – Thursday: 8am - 5pm
Closed for lunch 12pm - 1pm Friday: 8am - 12:15pm
Bamaga IKC: 4090 4138
Monday – Thursday: 9am - 2pm
Friday: 8am - 12:15pm
Umagico IKC: 4048 6914
Monday – Thursday: 8am - 5pm
Closed for lunch: 12pm - 1pm Friday: 8am - 12:15pm
Injinoo IKC: 4048 6810
Monday – Thursday: 12pm - 5pm Friday: 8am - 12:15pm
Pool: 4069 3659
Monday – Thursday: 6am - 7am & 9am - 5pm
Closed for lunch 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Friday: 6am - 7am & 9am - 3pm
Saturday: 2pm - 5pm
Sunday: Closed/ School Holidays 2pm - 5pm
WEBSITE
https://www nparc qld gov au/
@npa regional council
@Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council NPARC
