Torres news 2014 01 13

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TORRES NEWS

News & events of the Kaurareg homeland of Kaiwalagal, the Torres Strait homeland, and Cape York homelands of the Anggamuthi, Atambaya, Wuthathi, Yadhaykenu and Gudang Peoples

13 - 19 January 2014 • Thursday Island • www.torresnews.com.au • editor@torresnews.com.au • Edition No. 1098 • $2.00 inc. GST

High tide hi-jinx

Residents of Rosehill royally enjoy the King Tides earlier this month, which were not as bad as previous years, more pictures on page 10. >>

Not all Christmas cheer: 21 D.V. cases in 2 weeks

By AARON SMITH

THE Festive Season this year in the Torres Strait did not bring good tidings for all.

Many families suffered a dramatic increase in domestic violence incidences, a number of which were classed as emergencies and which occurred all throughout the region, including the Outer Islands.

Sgt Steven Heemi, Officer-in-Charge at Thursday Island Police Station, said that there was a total of 21 domestic violence call outs between December 20 and January 6, which was a significant rise in what may usually occur over a two-week period.

“Our priority is to assure the safety of not just a victim but also the kids, who really suffer in these incidences.

“There is belief that we won’t respond

to reports on the Outer Islands, which is not true.

“We will use whatever assets are at our disposal, including aircraft and water vessels to get to a reported incident,” he said.

Sgt Heemi acknowledged that an incident on a outer island, such as Saibai, may take a couple of hours for police to arrive, but they will arrive.

Continued Page 2. >>

‘

Torres Strait cyclone ‘just a matter of time’

By AARON SMITH MONSOON season is finally starting, so also begins cyclone season for Northern Australia.

The Bureau of Meteorology reports that the monsoon trough is gradually developing to the north of Australia, so finally bringing so relief to the dry and hot conditions across the region, but no doubt it will also bring extreme weather conditions too.

Senior Forecaster Tony Wedd from the Bureau of Meteorology’s extreme weather department, said to Torres News: “It’s been a bit dry up North this year due to the slow onset of monsoon activity. but it is looking like increasing from here on in and with that comes increased risk of cyclones.”

Continued Page 2. >>

NEWS

Cyclone ‘just a matter of time’ 21 D.V. cases in two weeks << From Page 1 “I am very passionate about preventing domestic violence as, in the 21 years I have been in service both in Australia and New Zealand, I have seen what this cycle of violence does. Victims and children of victims often grow up to become perpetrators and continue the circle of violence.

“This year we will be pushing hard to prevent domestic violence, as prevention is always the best way,” he said.

Sgt Heemi is asking for people to contact police about domestic violence, not just those who suffer immediately, but also friends, family and neighbours.

“We can also help with finding safe and secure housing for victims and we urge people to contact us even if they are afraid domestic violence could happen to them but has not yet occurred.

“People can call us anonymously just to seek advice and we can refer them to independent agencies who can help.

“People need to know they are not alone and they do not have to put up with domestic violence,” Sgt Heemi said.

<< From Page 1 More than a century of weather observations show that around 11 tropical cyclones form in the Australian region during a typical wet season. Around half of these have at least some impact on coastal regions, mainly affecting Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland.

Cyclones sometimes track through more than one region; with an average of seven occurring in the west, three in the north and four in the east.

While not all of these will cross the coast, the risk of even a single cyclone or flood makes preparation vitally important.

Mr Wedd says, although the Torres Strait is not usually a cyclone prone area, they do occur in the region from time to time.

“Cyclones most commonly form a bit further south. The reason for that is that the monsoon trough doesn’t really come south at a uniform rate.

“It hangs around PNG and the equator for a while then suddenly jumps down to Northern Australia, which is partly due to the differential heating between land and water.

However cyclones are definitely possible at Torres Strait latitudes, so its just a matter of time before a significant one

affects the area,” he said.

The Bureau of Meteorology operates tropical cyclone warning centres in its Perth, Darwin and Brisbane regional forecasting centres.

Specialist forecasters like Mr Wedd work around the clock with emergency service partners to keep the community informed during tropical cyclone events.

“We often don’t get the first cyclone until January or even later, there’s been years since 2000 that we haven’t had any until late February or early March, so just because we haven’t had one yet doesn’t mean its not going to be a fairly active season. As far as

the Torres Strait goes, we often do see the first cyclone starting there or in the Gulf as the monsoon heads further south,” he said.

Mr Wedd said people need to be aware that season is starting over the next few weeks and that they should start to pay attention to the forecasts.

The Bureau of Meteorology recommends people contact their local State Emergency Service for practical information on emergency plans and kits.

The 2013-14 Tropical Cyclone Season Outlook is available on the Bureau’s website at: http:// www.bom.gov.au/climate/ ahead/tc.shtml

300 die in Cyclone Mahina in 1899 One of the worst natural disasters in the Torres Strait region occurred on March 4-5 1899, when a huge cyclone ripped through the area, causing massive damage to shipping and infrastructure as well as loss of life.

An estimated 300 people died in Cyclone Mahina.

At the time, the main pearling fleets were anchored north and south of Cape Melville, largely unaware of the disaster that was about to befall them. In the days

before sophisticated weather forecasting, there was little warning apart from a slightly rising breeze from the south east, at around 7pm on March 4.

Much of the more-severe damage was caused by an associated tidal wave or surge, which swept coastal areas. The biggest impact of this severe cyclone and tidal surge damage was caused between Cape Flattery and Port Stewart, with a large number of pearling and other vessels lost.

Aladdin at anchor around the time of this devastating event in the history of the Torres Strait region.

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13 - 19 January 2014

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NEWS

State dumps Tide Times Book

By AARON SMITH QUEENSLAND Government cutbacks now means residents of the Torres Strait and other remote areas will not be able to buy the Tide Times book printed annually by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

This a book many Islanders rely on as boating is their sole form of transportation.

A spokesperson from the department said that the book is still available for free online to be downloaded.

When asked by Torres News what happens if people do not have access to the internet, their response was: “Although Maritime Safety Queensland no longer publishes a hard copy of tide tables, printed sources of this information are available elsewhere... Many chandleries and fishing tackle shops will stock a tide guide for their local area.”

ALP candidate for Cook Billy

Gordon dismisses the government’s advice to check the tides online.

“They say to just go online and check the tides. A lot of people in the Torres Strait don’t have computers, let alone reliable internet.”

Mr Gordon is concerned at the State Government’s move to stop printing the tide times book is cost cutting gone crazy and risks public safety.

“I continue to be astounded by the level of disregard and neglect the Newman Government has for residents living outside Brisbane.

It’s like we don’t exist up here in Far North Queensland.

“The tide book is a bible for many residents of the Torres Strait Islands.

“It’s often the case that the tide book sits on the front porch or on the kitchen table and is checked very regularly.

Queensland Tide Tables contains tidal predictions for the Queensland standard ports as well

‘Study needed’ into mooted re-location of Star of the Sea ‘back into the community’ ANY proposal to re-locate the Star of the Sea Home for Aged closer to town would have to be reviewed to see if it was actually a costeffective solution, Robyn Batten (above), Executive Director of Blue Care, says.

“A business case would need to be developed to determine whether it would be cost effective to move the Star of the Sea facility.

“That would involve detailed planning and investigation, which can take many months,” she said.

Ms Batten was reply to a proposal by Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch to relocate Star of the Sea to a site in Douglas Street on the block of land owned by IBIS,

as instructions for calculating tides at many other intermediate locations.

The book has been available for purchase from a range of outlets including newsagents, tackle shops, Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centres and Maritime Safety Queensland regional offices.

However the Newman Government has stopped producing the book and is now only available online. The 2013 edition was the last one to be published in hard copy.

Torres News asked the Department of Transport and Main Roads if they thought this change in policy left residents of the Torres Strait without a vital service, their reply was: “This method is consistent with wider community reliance on online media while also allowing boat operators to print out only those pages relevant to their navigational requirements.”

“There are also a number of

Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch on his proposed site for a re-located Star of the Sea Home for the Aged in Douglas Street between the Torres News building and Pearl Island Seafoods. The land is owned by IBIS.

between the Torres News building and Pearl Island Seafood.

Ms Batten said that the first step in this lengthy process is assessing whether the alternative site is suitable, which has not yet commenced.

When asked if moving to a new facility would improve the lives of residents, she said: “Blue Care aims to provide high-quality facilities for all our residents, and we fully support a new facility for residents of Star of the Sea. “It is important to remember that the facility is just one component of ensuring the well-being of our residents; the quality of care provided in any facility is crucial to

their daily lives,” she said.

Mr Entsch has damned the current site of the Home.

“It’s like dumping them in a leper colony; out-of-sight/out-of-mind as it were.

“It could be argued the current facility could not be further away from the community; the IBIS site would return the residents back to the community.

“We talk about respecting the Elders, but they have not been respected by putting them so far away from their community to where they are now.

“We need to make them part of the community again and that can only be achieved by relocating the Home.”

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Senator Jan McLucas said scrapping the Schoolkids Bonus means the average Australian family with two kids will be $1,230 worse off every year and $15,000 worse off over the life of their child’s education.

“This is a savage cut from a government that clearly doesn’t care about cost of living pressures or our kids’ education. Tony Abbott’s priorities are all wrong,” she said.

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government this payment helps families pay for things like school uniforms, shoes, books and stationery, as well as other costs like school excursions, music lessons and sports registration fees.

The first of many cutbacks, along with the proposed GP tax, as well as the Private Health Insurance premium hike announcement made two days before Christmas, Australians should get used to this culture of cutbacks.

“The tide book isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for locals.”

The Department of Transport and Main Roads Spokesperson said: “The Australian Maritime Safety Authority also produces a tide table for the Torres Strait and Great Barrier Reef that is available in hard copy.”

Tide predictions are available at no cost online from the MSQ website www.msq.qld.gov.au/ Tides/Tide-tables.aspx.

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Parents receive last SchoolKids Bonus LAST week’s Schoolkids Bonus payment may well be the last parents receive as Tony has introduced legislation to repeal the payment.

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marine navigation products, including applications for smart phones and tablets, that provide tide information.

“The Bureau of Meteorology also provides enhanced tidal data online as well as vital current weather information, which can have a bearing on standard tidal variations,” Department spokesperson said.

Too bad if a person does not have access to the internet or a printer, or their smart phone slips out of range while reading this potentially lifesaving information.

“Premier Campbell Newman needs to remember that it’s not all about building roads, tunnels and fancy office towers in Brisbane - there are residents living in the north of the state too,” Billy Gordon said.

“This is about safety; people living in the Torres Strait rely heavily on boats to get around.

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13 - 19 January 2014 Page 3

A CHAT WITH WARREN ENTSCH THE LNP Abbott Government has been in power for four months, and the Torres News had a chat with MP Warren Entsch about the Federal Government’s position on issues relevant to the Torres Strait, such as foreign aid cuts to PNG, the future of Medicare Local, the upfront Medicare fee and the future of Legal Aid.

Government cutting $38m medical foreign aid to PNG Torres News: I understand there are concerns surrounding transparency regarding how PNG has been handling this funding since mid-2013, but isn’t this as much about a means of cost cutting as it is about transparency?

Warren Entsch: Absolutely not. Australia is ready to help with the distribution of medical supply kits throughout PNG that meet international standards from certified suppliers. However the Government’s key concern about the current contract has been its non-compliance with PNG’s own tender requirements; in particular that the supplier needed to be internationally certified.

Unfortunately what I’m hearing locally is that medical supplies and drugs are still not reaching the villages in the Western Province. This is an extremely serious matter and lives are at stake. I have received information from the head of the Mabuduan Medical District that drugs are being held up in Daru. The identified delivery contractor who is responsible for medical supplies has reportedly not been paid so is refusing to deliver any of the drugs.

Even the Governor of Oro province, Gary Juffa, told The Australian yesterday that the healthcare system in PNG needs an overhaul as “substantial funds are overpaid in suspicious circumstances to private companies to deliver drugs and equipment, and this simply was not being done”. This can’t go on - the current process clearly isn’t working and that’s why the Australian Government has halted the program until these concerns are dealt with.

Torres News: What implications will these cuts have to the Western Provence and will this pose a threat of increased incidents of TB to the treaty villages?

ambulance which cost almost half a million dollars and is not even operational at the moment - the RRRC could have implemented their entire program and achieved much more in terms of Australia’s national interests than just the delivery of drugs. It is very disappointing.

Torres News: Now that AusAID has been abolished and absorbed by DFAT, is the government worried that coupled with this new cut, it will be perceived that we are abandoning our poorer neighbours in need?

Warren Entsch: Not at all. For a start, nothing has been cut; the program has been suspended until the concerns are rectified. At the end of the day, we have to make sure that we’re getting the most ‘bang for our buck’ out of the aid money we provide to PNG and that’s why Australia is supporting the establishment of an independent health procurement authority in PNG. I’ve also been speaking with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop, who fully appreciates the significance of the relationship between PNG and Australia. We’re in the process of organising a visit to the Western Province in the next few months so that Julie and I can see firsthand what’s happening in the region.

MEDICAL LOCAL

Warren Entsch: Given that the Western Province hasn’t been receiving anywhere near the level of medical equipment and drugs it needs for a long time, I have no doubt that the incidence of TB in the treaty villages is increasing. What we need is a new approach and that’s why for several years now I’ve been working closely with the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre (RRRC) in Cairns. They have the solutions and the local expertise to put in place a very effective, on-the-ground program training up health workers in each of the villages to distribute medication.

With the money that AusAid has spent on its TB eradication program - including the sea

Torres News: Is the government’s ‘review’ of Medicare Local just a euphemism for it being abolished or at best reduced or is there a possibility the service will be increased?

Warren Entsch: Not at all. What you need to understand is that Medicare Locals don’t see patients or process Medicare forms, they were designed to identify funding opportunities and pass those onto service providers, as well as coordinating the primary health care services that people may need.

The problem though, what appears to have happened, is that they are now competing against well-established and highly capable providers,

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Warren Entsch: I appreciate that any extra costs for health can place an additional burden on families. However it’s important to realise that additional funding may mean we can put a greater focus on education and disease prevention, meaning people might not need to go to the doctor as much in any case.

I also note that under the proposal, pensioners and concession card holders would be exempt from the fee, while families would be granted up to 12 bulk-billed visits annually. At the end of the day, the government has committed to funding in health and to making sure our health system is sustainable and accessible into the future.

Warren Entsch: No, that’s just another Labor scare campaign. During the Howard Government years we supported what was a Keating Government initiative, the Divisions of General Practice, which have now evolved into Medicare Locals. There is definitely a role for coordinating at a primary care level but there is just so much discrepancy between the roles of Medicare Locals in different parts of Australia, and that’s what this review will identify.

Torres News: If the service is axed or reduced what implications does it have for residents of Torres Strait and the NPA? Warren Entsch: It won’t be axed but the review may well recommend changing the Medicare Local model. The aim is to reduce waste and spending on administration and bureaucracy because we want to see funding being used on services that directly benefit patients, and on supporting the extremely hardworking health professionals who deliver these services.

At the moment, the problem is that Medicare Locals were thrown a whole heap of money by the previous Labor Government and told to define their own function. Some had an easy transition, others didn’t, board structures vary greatly and some have questionable governance arrangements. We need to bring them all together because patients deserve the best possible service, particularly those with chronic disease.

Torres News: The new $6 upfront Medicare fee being proposed, will residents of Torres Strait have to pay this at the medical centre and the hospital?

Warren Entsch: I understand that a Commission of Audit, set up by Prime Minister Tony

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LEGAL AID CUTS Torres News: I understand the government is still deliberating over the future of this service, but do you think the possible abolishing of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service is false economy, considering the higher incarceration rates of Indigenous Australians coupled with the high cost of keeping someone in jail?

Warren Entsch: I agree that it would be a false economy but it is important to note that funding for the provision of frontline Indigenous Legal Services will not be affected.

Given the financial mess that we have inherited from Labor, the Government is committed to making efficiencies and savings across all portfolios. We have prioritised the funding of legal financial assistance to frontline services.

This is consistent with the Government’s view that legal financial assistance should be directed to disadvantaged Australians who are most in need of legal assistance - rather than using public money on advocacy and lobbying activities.

All legal assistance services, not just Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services, will contribute towards the total level of efficiencies and savings.

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Torres News: And if so, wont this create a financial disincentive to seek medical help for a section of the community, already struggling with lower incomes and higher rates of ill health than the rest of the country?

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Torres News: Does this review include the possibility of Medicare Local being axed?

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Abbott, has received a submission recommending the co-payment system for GP visits.

However, the Commission’s work is still being compiled and will be provided to the Government in 2014. It’s not appropriate to comment on speculation about what the Commission of Audit may or may not recommend.

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especially in regional and remote health.

They are acting as middle men, competing for funding, then contracting out services, so we are actually seeing a reduction in what’s available for patients.

This is why I welcome the review. The situation is a bit like Labor’s Super Clinics which turned out to be so dreadfully ineffective and ended up competing against local GPs. This seems to be the Labor philosophy. It’s timely that it be reviewed; the money needs to go into established and ongoing services, not into funding further bureaucracy which Labor is good at.

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NEWS

Soldier Boy remembered: A Malu Sara tragedy

By AARON SMITH Photos DANICA LENKE A MEMORIAL service for Mr Ted Cyril Harry, a victim of the Malu Sara tragedy, was held on December 20 on Iama Island, where a monument was unveiled.

The monument was funded by the Department of Immigration and

coordinated by the family and MP Mr Warren Entsch, who lobbied for the monument, also secured funding for the feasting afterwards from the Department.

Ted Cyril Harry was a Movement Monitoring Officer for the Department of Immigration who worked on Iama and Badu Islands.

Previously he served in the Aus-

tralian Army from 1977 until 1981, after which he served in the Army Reserves until 1999. Consequently he was known to many as ‘Soldier Boy’.

Ted was also a dedicated Community Police Officer who served from 1994 until 2004, when he then became a Police Liaison Officer on Badu Island.

A highly motivated individual with strong spiritual convictions, Ted is dearly missed by his community and family.

“I thought it was important that the Malu Sara tragedy, and the loss of lives, should never be forgotten.

“The monument is in the Iama church yard and will forever be a reminder of Mr Harry’s achieve-

ments, as well as serving to remind people of the tragedy,” Mr Entsch said.

“I was pleased to be able to assist with the monument and attend on the day. I’m hoping we can do something similar on Badu for the victims there. I’m just waiting on the families and the community to come back to me.”

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Torres News

13 - 19 January 2014 Page 5

NEWS

Thursday Island student’s $15,000 scholarship to JCU Anthony talks at the opening of AFL Cape York House in May, 2013.

By AARON SMITH THURSDAY Islander Anthony Nicholls is kicking goals with his studies, having been awarded a $15,000 scholarship to study at JCU this year. Anthony boarded at AFL Cape York House last year during his year 12 studies at Peace Lutheran College in Cairns.

“This Scholarship means a lot to me as it will support me through school as I try to develop the career of my choice,” Anthony said to Torres News after recently returning from a five-week holiday in Malaysia with his mum, celebrating his completion of school.

Anthony is the proud recipient of the Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship (PHMSS). One of

Australia’s most outstanding Aboriginal leaders, Dr Arnold (Puggy) Hunter devoted most of his adult life to improving Aboriginal health.

He was elected the national Chairperson of NACCHO in 1991, where he played a critical role in driving the Federal Government policy on Aboriginal health issues. Known for his colourful anecdotes, his generosity and his perceptive insights into Aboriginal affairs, Puggy was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in April 2001 from James Cook University of North Queensland in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the advancement of human well being.

After his untimely death the

Anthony with his mum, Wahidah Bin Tahal, at his Year 12 Formal.

PHMSS was established to help address the under-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in health professions and assist in increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with professional health qualifications.

The scholarship provides financial assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are undertaking study or are intending to undertake undergraduate level study in the areas of: • Aboriginal health worker • Allied health (excluding pharmacy) • Dentistry/oral health • Medicine • Midwifery

• Nursing Anthony is hoping to study physiotherapy this year at JCU in Townsville and the PHMSS will provide him $15,00 a year for the duration of his course. He should know if he has been accepted in a week or so.

AFL Cape York House General Manager Richard Stewart said: “Anthony is a good kid and he had a successful year last year, not only did he get the scholarship but he was also awarded the Pierre de Coubertin award, which s named after the founder of the Olympic Games.”

Describing Anthony as a bit of trailblazer, Mr Stewart said: “Anthony studied hard last year as well as holding down a part

time job, he’s been a great role model for the younger boys. He’s played volley ball for the NPA and AFL for North Cairns, he’s a great allrounder. We are thrilled to see his world open up for him.”

Anthony said his initial goal was to build a career in sport, “... but then I began to realise the need for a lot of different health services in the Torres Strait and I plan to help contribute to that and work in the region where its needed most. However if an opportunity it sport came, who knows, but at this point I will hopefully be studying this year.”

Anthony’s advice to younger students is: “If you have a dream you are passionate about in succeeding, follow it up - go for it.”

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Page 6 Torres News

13 - 19 January 2014

From 1 January, 2015, spectrum located in the 694-820 megahertz (MHz) frequency range (the digital dividend) will be used solely to provide 4G mobile broadband services.

It will be illegal to operate wireless microphones and other audio devices in that frequency range because they may cause or receive interference to and from the mobile broadband service.

Community groups and small businesses use wireless microphones for a whole range of purposes, from school assemblies to religious services, theatre and live music performances and sporting events.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) wants to ensure that all community groups and businesses understand the change and know what they should do to prepare.

Th ACMA is strongly encouraging users to check their equipment and to start planning or the change now, so that they know that their equipment will comply with the change by January 1, 2015.

There are a range of resources are available to make it as easy as possible for people to prepare for the changes.

These resources include: • A wireless microphone hub-an online one-stop-shop for information on the changes www.acma.gov.au/Industry/wirelessmics • Fact sheets that provides for ‘plug and play’ users (such as community groups and small businesses), professional users and suppliers of wireless microphones.

• Free, monthly e-bulletin that provides updates on the ACMA’s work on helping users prepare for the changes.

People can subscribe to the e-bulletin via the wireless microphone hub.

Daido returns to Erub

NEWS

By HEATHER MURRAY LIVINGSTONE

BORN on Erub in 1933, I am the daughter of the late McIntosh and Jean Murray and I returned to the Isle of my birth December 12 to 17. Also known as Daido, I was accompanied by her third daughter Sue who, like her grandfather, is a teacher.

John Robert McIntosh Murray was teacher/ Superintendent on Erub 1927 - 1934.

They had three children, Donald born in Thursday Island in 1929, Graham 1932 and myself 1933 both delivered by their father in the Teacher’s house on Erub and are very proud to be “Erubians”.

This was my sixth trip to the Strait and the fifth on Erub.

In December 2012, Graham and I launched the book, Erub, The McIntosh Murray Years, which was compiled from our father’s personal letters, writings and over 100 photographs.

Copies were donated to all TSIRC Councillors to present to their Tagai school libraries. Copies are available at Gab Titui Cultural Centre Thursday Island. and Erub Island Art Centre.

Continued Page 9 >> ABOVE LEFT: Heather and Mr Anson.

LEFT: Heather, Dick Pilot Snr and Sue. RIGHT: Dick Pilot Jnr, Dick Pilot Snr and Heather planting a coconut tree in memory of her father.

yumi pikinini deserves success

DJARRAGUN COLLEGE ENROL NOW • PREP- YEaR 12

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Enrol Now

We offer:  Direct Instruction Programs for English and Maths Tok por Djarragun teachers at the Prapa Pathway visits:  Pathway to Workplace and/or Further Education MER - Monday 23 July • MASig - Tuesday 24 July ERub - Wednesday 25 July • PoRuMA - Thursday 26 July  Vocational Certificates Adam Piszczuk, Acting Deputy Principal - Standards, gor be there.

Contact Adam on: 0488 411 231  Club and Culture Why we love Djarragun...  Sports Academy Joshua Kyle, Year 10: “I love lots of sport. It is easy to make friends at Djarragun College and the work is not too hard for me. Because I am boarding here I do not miss out on homework and on the weekends we get taken to fun places. We go fishing, camping and into town.”

 Values Education  Pastoral Care  Cultural Dance and Music  Modern Boarding Facilities

Jayde Young, Year 9: “Djarragun College is friendly and has a good sports program. The teachers are nice and it is a good atmosphere. I am learning a lot with Direct Instruction. It is an easy way to learn. More kids should come to Djarragun. It’s fun with friendly teachers, good kids and lots of opportunity.”

Caroline Sebasio, Year 10: “I like the food in the cafeteria. There are good subjects, lots of sports and the gardens are nice. We have beautiful, friendly teachers.

I am doing all the hard classes and doing very well. I do Direct Instruction, drama, cooking, religious instruction and I am in the Sports Academy.”

For more information or to enrol:

Call 4043 3777 or email: admin@djarragun.qld.edu.au Torres News

13 - 19 January 2014 Page 7

What’s On

editor@torresnews.com.au

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you have an upcoming event, please let us know by email to editor@torresnews.com.au or phone the editor on 1300 867 737.

 OPINION / LETTERS TO ThE EdITOR Email: editor@torresnews.comau Fax: 1300 STRAIT (1300 787 248)

Follow-up call WHO has ever heard of a doctor from a general hospital enquiring after the health of a patient by phone four days after treatment?

I have.

Thank you, Doctor Jack.

Larry James Prince of Wales Island

Croc spotting RICK HICKS and his work colleague spotted a two-metre saltie near the Star of the Sea while working last week.

However the sunk below the water before they could take a good photo of him.

Some say he’s a resident of the area. If anyone spots him give Torres News a call and we will try to get a good picture of it.

30-year campaign to get Booby Island Lighthouse

By BRIAN RANDALL State Library of Queensland

King Tides at Torres News back door.

WEEKLY Every Thursday: TI Bowls Club Social Games from 6pm

JANUARY Sun 26. Australia Day

FEBURARY Sat 1. Land Hand Over, Badu Island.

Sat 8. Mini markets, PKA Hall, TI, 9am-noon Sat 22. Mini markets, PKA Hall, TI, 9am-noon

MARCH Fri 7 - 9. Life Giving Rally, Warraber Island.

Sat 8. Mini markets, PKA Hall, TI, 9am-noon Sat 22. Mini markets, PKA Hall, TI, 9am-noon

APRIL Sat 5. Mini markets, PKA Hall, TI, 9am-noon Sat 19. Mini markets, PKA Hall, TI, 9am-noon

MAY Sat 3. Mini markets, PKA Hall, TI, 9am-noon Sat 17. Mini markets, PKA Hall, TI, 9am-noon

CHURCH SERVICES Parish of St Bethel,131 William Cr Bamaga NPA, Sundays 10am Uniting Church, 114 Douglas St Thursday Island, Sundays 10am Independent Church Parish of the Resurrection TI, Morning Prayer Sundays 10am, Evening Service 7pm

TORRES NEWS AUSTRALIA’S TOP NEWSPAPER THURSDAY ISLAND Continuing the fine tradition of the “Torres Straits Pilot and New Guinea Gazette” Established in 1888 Published every Monday Circulation numbers: 2900 Readership average: 11,000 All material in the Torres News is copyright protected ©

Tel: 1300 TORRES (1300 867 737) Fax: 1300 STRAIT (1300 787 248)

Page 8 Torres News

THE Booby Island Light is located near the tip of Cape York, to the west of Prince of Wales Island and overlooking the Endeavour Strait.

The Light marks the western entrance to the navigation channel through the Torres Strait and has guided shipping passing through the area for more than a century.

Completed in 1890, its construction marked the end of more than 30 years of lobbying for a light as well as discussions and arguments about its design and cost.

The shipping channel had always been dangerous, but with the steady growth in shipping from around 1860, as well as the establishment of a channel west of Prince of Wales Island, the need for a Light became urgent.

As a response to this consistent lobbying and argument, the first formal recommendation for a Light in this area was made by the Queensland Government Port Master, Commander

THE Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) are warning members of the public about a scam where consumers ‘win’ a paid overseas holiday and new luggage, unaware they are being used as drug mules.

This unique investigation began late last year at Perth International Airport when two Perth residents alerted Customs officers about concerns they had with their luggage.

The couple had recently won a competition with a prize of two tickets to Canada, seven nights accommodation and new luggage.

A subsequent x-ray examination showed irregularities in the

Aaron Smith editor@torresnews.com.au AD DESIGN: Becca Cottam ads@torresnews.com.au ADVERTISING DEADLINES – Box ad bookings: NOON, WEDNESDAYS Box ad material: NOON, WEDNESDAYS Line Classifieds: 10.30am, THURSDAYS EDITORIAL DEADLINES – General copy:

by NOON TUESDAYS (pics, stories, letters, etc) Regular columns: by 5pm TUESDAYS Sports columns:

by NOON TUESDAYS

13 - 19 January 2014

Booby Island Lighthouse, circa 1918.

Shine a Light On our history

Holiday ticket scam is no winner

Contacts & Deadlines EDITOR:

George Poynter Heath in 1862.

The discussions continued back and forth for some time, however tenders were eventually called in 1889, with John and Jacob Rooney, of Mayborough, being successful.

The Rooneys had substantial experience in this category of construction, having also built Sandy Cape Light, Cape Bowling Green Light, Cowan Cowan Point Light, Cape Capricorn Light as well as Lady Elliot Island Light. Booby Island lighthouse was to cost some 6500 pounds with the Light first being exhibited on 24 June, 1890.

The Lighthouse stands at approximately 18 metres in height, of conical shape and is constructed of timber clad with corrugated iron. Its red domed roof is made of sheet copper.

The light beam is visible for around twenty nautical miles.

Booby Island was fully automated in 1992 after more than a century of manual and semi-manual operation.

This image, dating from 1918, shows the lighthouse some 28 years after it was first built.

lining of the suitcases. Further examination revealed approximately three and a half kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in each suitcase.

The AFP will allege the couple were victims of an elaborate scam and were unwitting participants in the drug importation.

Following police inquiries, a 38-year-old Canadian man was arrested at Perth Airport.

Search warrants were conducted at a hotel in Scarborough, where it will be alleged documents associated with this scam, along with electronic equipment, two suitcases (similar to the ones seized at Perth airport) and approximately $15,000 in cash were

Publisher’s Details Publishers of the Torres News

seized.

The man was charged with Import a Commercial Quantity of a Border Controlled Dug (methamphetamine) contrary.

The subsequent investigation has revealed a complex and highly-organised scam in which older Australians appear to be targeted by a bogus Canadianbased tour company identifying itself as “AUSCAN Tours”.

AFP Perth Airport Police Commander David Bachi said this investigation demonstrates that criminals will try anything to get drugs into Australia.

“The organisers of this scam went to great lengths to provide a facade of legitimacy. Thankfully

Acknowledgements

regional & remote N E W S P A P E R S

Real news for real Australia

CHAIRMAN: Mark Bousen editor@regionalandremote.com.au PUBLISHER: Corey Bousen publisher@regionalandremote.com.au EDITOR: Aaron Smith editor@torresnews.com.au ACCOUNTS: Meg Bousen accounts@torresnews.com.au

The publishers of the Torres News acknowledge the Kaurareg Nation, upon whose land the Torres News makes its home.

We pay our sincere respects to the elders and the peoples of the Torres Strait and NPA, across whose traditional lands and seas we report.

This newspaper is dedicated to recognising, preserving and promoting the traditional cultures and customs of the Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal peoples of this region.

the travelers contacted Customs and didn’t dismiss their concerns, allowing us to make the arrest,” said Commander Bachi.

“We will continue working with local and international law enforcement partners, targeting all elements of this drug syndicate.”

ACBPS Director Airport Operations Perth, Jan Hill, warned travellers about carrying luggage on behalf of someone else.

“If you’ve been asked to carry something on behalf of another person, make the right choice and alert local authorities,” Ms Hill said. “Do not allow another person to pack your bag and do not carry luggage on behalf of another person.”

Letters to the editor Letters to the Editor must be no longer than 350 words or they could be deleted or edited.

The Editor reserves the right not to print any letters which may be defamatory and provoke legal action against the newspaper. The opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of the Torres News.

Contributors must submit name and either street address or PO Box number for publication. Unsigned and anonymous letters or use of a nom de plume e.g. Concerned Citizen etc, are not acceptable. A telephone number must be provided for verification. All letters are subject to editing.

NEWS

2013 sees record high temps and sea-level rises THE year 2013 was Australia’s hottest and among the globe’s top 10 warmest years since modern records began in 1850, according to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Geneva.

Also 2013 saw global sea level reached a new record high.

WMO’s provisional annual statement on the Status of the Global Climate 2013 provides a snapshot of regional and national temperatures. It also includes details on precipitation, floods, droughts, tropical cyclones, ice cover and sea-level.

The statement was used to inform negotiators at the United Nations climate change conference in Warsaw, Poland.

Australia reported its hottest month ever observed in January.

2013, leading to the hottest summer (December-February) on record.

On January 7 a new national areaaveraged daily maximum temperature of 40.3°C was set, and Moomba in South Australia, reached 49.6°C. Warmer-than-average temperatures continued through the year and the country recorded its all-time warmest 12-month period from November, 2012-October, 2013.

January to September, 2013, was

warmer than the same period in both 2011 and 2012, when La Niña had a cooling influence.

El Niño/La Niña is a major driver of our climate and the hottest years on record, 2010 and 1998, both had El Niño events.

“Temperatures so far this year are about the same as the average during 2001-2010, which was the warmest decade on record,” said WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud.

“All of the warmest years have been since 1998 and this year once again continues the underlying, longterm trend The coldest years now are warmer than the hottest years before 1998,” he said.

“Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases reached new highs in 2012, and we expect them to reach unprecedented levels yet again in 2013.

“This means that we are committed to a warmer future,” added Mr Jarraud.

The provisional WMO statement confirms that global sea level reached a new record high. Sea level has been rising at an average rate of about 3.2mm/yr since satellite measurements began in 1993. This is close to the observed rate of about 3 mm/

yr of the most recent decade of 2001-2010 and double the observed 20th century trend of 1.6 mm/yr.

“Sea levels will continue to rise because of melting ice caps and glaciers. More than 90 per cent of the extra heat we are generating from greenhouse gas is absorbed by the oceans, which will consequently continue to warm and expand for hundreds of years,” said Mr Jarraud.

“Surface temperatures are only part of the wider picture of our changing climate. The impact on our water cycle is already becoming apparent - as manifested by droughts, floods and Image: circa.ca extreme precipitation.”

“The Philippines is Typhoon Bopha (Pablo) one year ago. reeling from the devastation wreaked Although individual tropical cyclones

by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), the cannot be directly attributed to climate most powerful tropical cyclone ever change, higher sea levels are already to hit the country and one of the most making coastal populations more intense ever recorded anywhere. It vulnerable to storm surges. We saw is still struggling to recover from this with tragic consequences in the

Daido returns to Erub

Philippines,” said Mr Jarraud.

He added that, although the relationship between climate change and the frequency of tropical cyclones is a matter of much research, it is expected that their impact will be more intense.

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DOUBLE HELIX science quiz www.csiro.au

Quiz questions

This trip “home” was to present the volleyball teams with a Perpetual Memorial Trophy to honour my parents. Team president and Coach Annie Abbe Pilot hopes volleyball will develop into an inter Eastern Island Competition.

My daughter Sue presented team members with sparkling ‘gold’ medallions and photographs of her grandparents taken when they were on Erub in 1929.

I and Sue enjoyed a wonderful feast and

celebration hosted by Elder Dick Pilot and his family and attended by Elders Pastor Moa Sailor, Sgt John Mye, Cr Jimmy Gela (who had attended the book launch last year). Mr Walter Lui spoke and made jokes about the canteen also being called “Daido”.

Sue fell in love with the children.

Pastor Kiwat delivered a very emotional and descriptive tribute to McIntosh Murray.

In his closing statement Pastor Kiwat said McIntosh Murray achieved so much in such a short life to raise the lives and conditions of our people.

After seven years without leave and suffering from exhaustion, ill health and depression, whilst at a conference in Thursday Island Baba Murray took his own life.

Although McIntosh Murray’s grave is on Thursday Island, the memories of him are very much alive on Erub today, not just in the aforementioned physical and structural things but shown in the love, loyalty, honour, generosity and respect paid to him, and now shown to me and my daughters by Erub community, 80 years after his death.

Quiz answers

<< From Page 7

1. A biennial plant typically takes about two years to complete its lifecycle. 2. Richard Feynman was a famous physicist. 3. A rattlesnake’s rattle is made from keratin, the same material that makes up hair and nails.

4. In nutrition, HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein.

5. Calcium ions are used as signals to make muscles contract.

Standing: Pastor Kiwat, with Heath, Wasie Tardent and Mrs Kiwat.

1. How long does a biennial plant typically take to complete its lifecycle?

2. Was Richard Feynman a famous geologist, biologist or physicist?

3. What is a rattlesnake’s rattle made from?

4. In nutrition, what does HDL stand for?

5. Ions of which element are used as signals to make muscles contract?

To subscribe to Double Helix go to www.csiro.au/helix-subscribe or call 02 6276 6643

Torres News

13 - 19 January 2014 Page 9

KING TIDE COOL OFF!

Residents of Thursday Island cool off in the King Tides earlier this month.

Photos AARON SMITH

ABOVE LEFT and ABOVE RIGHT: Rosina Sailor, Dzik Sailor and T-Shaq Daniels-Misi.

BELOW: Tayshaw Pedro, Kayla Pedro, Rachelle Pedro, Tremaine Mareko and Pyutara Mosby.

Leo Akee Jnr, Tyrell-Quenten Ketchell, Masepah Ketchell, Enriquez Ketchell, Susamie Ketchell.

Deb Belyea, Mel Nash and Steve Hill at Bayo Beach.

ABOVE: Joyra, John, Francis, Patrick and Ky. LEFT: Breanna Seden, Brody Seden, Cayliss Seden, Charmain Lewis, Ashwyn Seden and Leticha Hoban.

Page 10 Torres News

13 - 19 January 2014

MER ISLANDER FAMILY RE UNION

By ALF WILSON

ABOVE: Father Elemo Tapim, left, with Neil Tabo.

BELOW LEFT: From left: Alo Tapim (Mer), Goby Tapim (Mackay), Father Elemo Tapim (Townsville) and Beimop Tapim (Newcastle NSW) and Francis Tapim at the gathering.

BELOW RIGHT: Family members snap photos of the four brothers.

FOUR brothers from Mer (Murray Island) who now live in different areas met during a Christmas Day gathering and reunion of the Tapim family in Townsville on Christmas Day. Father Elemo Tapim (Townsville), Alo Tapim (Mer), Goby Tapim (Mackay) and Beimop Tapim (Newcastle NSW) were amongst scores of people at the emotional and happy gathering.

It was held at the home of Father Elemo on Townsville’s Ross River Road and men, women and children came from as far away as the Torres Strait.

Torres News was invited along to snap some photos.

“There are grandchildren and many children here,” Father Elemo said.

Goby is the eldest at age 82, followed by Father Elemo (71), Alo (68) and Beimop (66).

Another brother, Terry Tapim, from Mer, could not make it.

After the four brothers walked into the back yard numerous family members snapped their

picture on mobile phone cameras or Ipad.

Father Elemo said at one stage many years ago there was enough family members for two entire football teams.

One former champion footballer there was Francis Tapim who was one of the best Australian Rules footballers ever to play the code in Townsville.

Francis was a star for the Garbutt Magpies Club which included a majority of Indigenous players of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal descent.

“This has been a wonderful family get together on Christmas Day,” he said.

Some of the family elders sat at a table under the house whilst others enjoyed the shade under trees in the back yard at the house which is beside one of Townsville’s busiest streets.

There was many golden memories shared about Murray Island and life in general.

Many of the out of town family members stayed in Townsville for more than a week and also enjoyed a New Year’s Day gathering and a church service.

BACKGROUND: Mer Island, photo courtesy of TSRA.

The very best of all Christmas presents

Alexander Napau Malu Stephen born at Cairns Base Hospital at 9.13am on December 22, weighing 9 lb 2 oz.

Proud parents are Heidi Eastcott and Joshua Stephen, and the first grandchild for Pedro and Meiko Stephen.

Jimi Bani talks about his career and traditional responsibilities

TORRES Strait In this week’s epiIslander and acting sode of Living Black star Jimi Bani always Jimi talks about his thought he would childhood growing carve a career on the up as the son of a basketball courts, but tribal chief of the ended up as an actor.

Wadagadum people His acting credin the Torres Strait. its include: Mabo He tells Karla of his (2012), The Straits feeling of responsi(2012) and Redfern bility to returning to Now. his people to take his This week Jimi place as tribal chief. talks to Karla Grant “Most of the role on Living Black of now at this point in his desire to use his time is setting back acting craft to be a those cultural laws, spokesman for his it’s about identity, people. it’s about everyone A graduate of the in this country knowWestern Australing where they come ian Academy of from and where they Performing Arts Jimi belong.” has also performed Now celebrating in several theatrical its eleventh year of plays including the broadcasting, the Jimi Bani play Ediie Mabo, in the movie Mabo. lead role in Jan2011 Deadly awardplay The Sapphires, for both the damarra for Black winning and 2012 Swan Theatre Company in WA, Black Swan Theatre Company and 2013 Deadly nominee Living Romeo and Juliet for the Sydney and Company B, touring to both Black is Australia’s leading InTheatre Company, Yibiyung for London and Korea. digenous news and current affairs “I thought the role I want to play program.

Company B Belvoir in association with Malthouse Theatre is Othello, Shakespeare’s Othello Jimi’s episode will appear on in Melbourne, and Krakouer! for … I didn’t even realise playing NITV Tuesday, January 14, at Deckchair Theatre in Perth. He has Eddie Koike Mabo smashes every 8pm and on SBS ONE on Sunday, also performed in the theatrical other role,” Jimi Bani said.

January 19, at 5pm.

Torres News 13 - 19 January 2014 Page 11

NEWS

Thursday Island’s culinary treasures

 Costumes  Themed Parties  All Occasions  Party Decorations  Dress-up accessories

Phone: (07) 4051 0486 Fax: (07) 4051 0381 Shop 20A, Showgrounds Shopping Centre, Cairns.

Website: www.cairnspartysupplies.com.au Email: info@cairnspartysupplies.com.au

TORRES NEWS

LEFT: Wongai flower.

RIGHT: Nona flower.

BELOW LEFT: Wongai fruit.

BELOW RIGHT: Nona fruit.

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Page 12 Torres News

13 - 19 January 2014

By PENNY SMITH WHILE it may not have featured in the likes of Gourmet Traveller magazine, to a ‘fly-in’ foodie, Thursday Island can boast a rich menu of top-notch tucker.

But the biggest surprise was one of its medicinal plants.

Torres Strait islanders being more than capable fisher folk, and with the surrounding waters so bountiful, for us from the cooler climes, the rich harvest of crayfish, prawns, snapper, mullet and mud crab is an enviable haul.

Whether it be served up as a traditional Kup Murrie or as one of the local bakery’s

seafood pies, ‘Ailan tucker’ is something to be admired.

Where mango trees line the roads, coconut trees on the beach drop fruit on the sand and with the mysterious Wongai Plum, Thursday Island is certainly a foodie’s paradise.

Also thanks to the efforts of George Ernst, Torres Shire Council and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), residents also enjoy a series of Community Gardens dotted around the Island, where lemongrass, limes and chillies, bananas, paw-paws, lemons, pineapples, aubergines and watermelon are all available.

The most intriguing find for me however, was the fruit of the Noni tree (Morinda citrifolia) next to the sports complex.

Its small waxy looking flowers create an unusual looking fruit that is succulent and flavoursome despite its pungent spell.

The juice of the Noni is packed with vitamin C, and is regarded as having a range of other medicinal properties that could combat high blood pressure, menstrual pains, heart disease, gastric ulcers and diabetes.

This last attribute seems particularly appropriate for communities that suffer high rates of diabetes.

Brought about by changes in diet from their traditional food-ways, indigenous populations are suffering from the diseases of urbanisation and the dominance of the supermarket.

The recent acquisition of a number of

nurse-assisted dialysis machines that forms part of the recently completed $39 million Community Wellness Centre at Thursday Island Hospital, may well be great news for sufferers in one respect, it’s good to know a natural remedy to community wellness is nearby, growing for free on a tree.

Hopefully there is more investing in the education of healthy eating patterns through continuing to grow this ‘real’ food - those traditional islander foods - such as the community garden project provides. Not only do the gardens provide free fresh food, it encourages a respect for the environment and a sense of community through nurturing and sharing.

JCU scholarships for Torres Strait Islanders now open JCU, through their Tertiary Access Course (TAC), are offering four NPA and Torres Strait residents $1000 scholarships for study in 2014.

Nominations for these scholarships are now open and close on Sunday, February 9.

TAC is a pathway course for mature-age students or school leavers who do not have an OP score or recognised experience.

TAC is free and can be completed in six months (full time) or 1 year (part time).

The TAC course was initially developed to enable more Torres Strait Islanders to become teachers by providing assistance with entry into the Bachelor of Education degree.

TAC now provides students with: • Formal prerequisites to gain entry into many undergraduate courses • Academic skills to enter and succeed in undergraduate studies

• Experience in a variety of university subjects • Computer and information technology experience Although primarily designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, TAC is also open to non-indigenous students.

Applications to TAC are made directly to JCU for study in February or June.

Sallyella Sloss (right), JCU School of Education Campus Coordinator, encourages people interested in the TAC program to contact JCU as soon as possible.

“This course has helped hundreds of people gain entry to degree studies at JCU and eventually achieve their dream careers.

If you are considering going to University, TAC is a great way to gain the skills to be able to successfully complete your desired degree” said Sally.

JCU is currently offering free workshops in computer skills, literacy and numeracy to prepare

students to qualify for the TAC program.

The TAC qualification test will be held in February, 2014, at the Thursday Island JCU campus.

Visit www.jcu.edu.au and click on the TAC box at the bottom of the page for more information or contact JCU Thursday Island campus on 40692670 for an application form.

NEWS

A shark in the stars: Astronomy and culture in the Torres Strait

By DUANE HAMACHER Lecturer in Indigenous Astronomy University of New South Wales TECHNOLOGY has, without doubt, expanded our understanding of space.

The Voyager 1 space probe is on the brink of leaving our solar system.

Massive telescopes have discovered blasts of fast radio bursts from 10 billion light years away. And after a decade on Mars, a Rover recently found evidence for an early ocean on the Red Planet.

But with every new advance, it’s also important to remember the science of astronomy has existed for thousands of years and forms a vital part of Indigenous Australian culture, even today.

As an example, let’s explore the astronomy of the Torres Strait Islanders, an Indigenous Australian people living between the tip of Cape York and Papua New Guinea.

Torres Strait Islanders are a Melanesian sea-faring people whose traditional country comprises 48,000 square kilometres of shallow waters and more than 250 islands of differing geological formation, of which 14 are inhabited.

Tagai’s story

Ta g a i was a great fisherman.

One day he and his crew of 12 were fishing from their outrigger canoe. They were unable to catch any fish, so Tagai left the canoe and went onto the nearby reef to look for fish there.

As the day grew hotter and hotter, the waiting crew of Zugubals (beings who took on human form when they visited Earth) grew impatient and frustrated.

Their thirst grew, but the only drinking water in the canoe belonged to Tagai. Their patience ran out and they drank Tagai’s water.

When Tagai returned, he was furious that the Zugubals had consumed all of his water for the voyage. In his rage he killed all 12 of his crew. He returned them to the sky and placed them in two groups: six men in Usal (the Pleiades star cluster) and the other six Utimal (Orion). He told his crew to stay in the northern sky and to keep away from him.

Tagai can be seen in the southern skies, standing in a canoe in the Milky Way. His left hand is the Southern Cross holding a spear. His right hand is a group of stars in the constellation Corvus holding a fruit called Eugina. He is standing on his canoe, formed by the stars of Scorpius.

Tagai, today Islanders today still consider Tagai and astronomy to be an important aspect of daily

Image: Tagai, by Glen Mackie

life.

Tagai is important for navigation, as the Southern Cross (his left hand) points in the direction of south.

The stars tell Islanders when to plant their gardens, when to hunt turtle and dugong, when the monsoon season arrives, when the winds change, and many other important aspects of daily life.

For example, when Tagai’s left hand (the Southern Cross) dips into the sea, Islanders know the wet season (Kuki) is about to begin.

The rising of Usal and Utimal (Pleiades and Orion) in mid-November tells Islanders that turtle and dugong are mating and that it’s time to plant their gardens in anticipation of the coming Kuki season.

The shark constellation, Baidam, is made up of the stars in the Big Dipper, part of the constellation Ursa Major (the “Big Bear”).

When these stars appear in the north over New Guinea, Islanders know the mating season of the shark is starting and that they should plant banana, sugar cane, and sweet potato. Lunar phases inform the Islanders of the best times to fish.

Islander astronomical knowledge is deep, and we are currently trying to better understand it for the benefit of future Islander generations.

Torres Strait Islanders use constellations, such as the shark ‘Baidam’ pictured here, for practical purposes. By Brian Robinson Culturally, the islands are divided into five groups, represented by the five-pointed star on the Torres Strait flag: Top Western Islands Western Islands Lower Western Islands Central Islands Eastern Islands There are two distinct language groups: Meriam Mir, part of the Papuan language family, is spoken in the eastern islands Kala Lagaw Ya, part of the Australian language family, is spoken in the western, central, and northern islands.

Islander culture stretches back nearly 8,000 years, when rising sea levels flooded the land bridge between Australia and Papua New Guinea at the end of the last Ice Age. Islanders in the northern and eastern island groups are primarily farmers.

Those in the western groups rely heavily on hunting and fishing, and those in the central group rely mostly on trade with the other island groups.

This shows us that while Islanders share a common way of life, they are a diverse people spread out over a diverse geographic region with very long ancestral links to their country.

Torres Strait Islander culture is closely linked to the stars. They inform Islander laws, customs and practices that are recorded and handed down in the form of story, song, dance, ceremony and artefacts.

Islander astronomy also contains practical information about the natural world, which is essential for survival and cultural continuity. Islander culture is linked to Tagai - the creation deity that is represented by a constellation of stars that spans across the southern sky.

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13 - 19 January 2014 Page 13

THURSDAY 16

6:00 ABC News Breakfast 10:00 Children’s Programs 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 Last Of The Summer Wine 1:00 Dragon’s Den 2:00 Annie Leibovitz In Conversation With Virginia Trioli 2:35 The Wonder Years 3:00 Children’s Programs 5:00 Eggheads 5:30 ABC News: Early Edition 6:00 Grand Designs 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 QI 8:30 Michael Palin’s Brazil: Road To Rio 9:30 The Moaning Of Life 10:15 ABC News: Late Edition 10:25 The Trip: Holbeck Ghyll 10:55 Genius: Vanessa Feltz And Richard Herring 11:30 Life: Birds 12:20 The Killing Of Angel Street 1:55 The Moaning Of Life 2:45 Movie: “Elephant Boy” (PG) 4:05 Movie: “Captain Kidd” (PG) 5:30 Eggheads

6:00 Today 9:00 Danoz Direct 9:30 Brand Developers 11:00 National Morning News 12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 Movie: “Madison” (G) 3:00 National News Now 4:15 National Afternoon News 5:30 Hot Seat 6:00 National News 6:30 A Current Affair 7:00 The Big Bang Theory: The Vegas Renormalization 7:30 Getaway 8:30 Person Of Interest: End Game 9:30 CSI: NY: Unspoken 10:30 CSI: NY: It Happened To Me 11:30 Partners: Temporary Insanity 12:00 Extra 12:30 The Baron 1:30 Skippy - The Bush Kangaroo 2:00 Brand Developers 3:30 Good Morning America 5:00 National Early Morning News / 5:30 Today

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 2014 Australian Open 6:00 Seven News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 2014 Australian Open 11:30 That ‘70s Show: Fez Gets The Girl - Eric is named ‘Employee of the Month’ at Pricemart, but he can’t understand why Red isn’t happier about it. When Donna wins Led Zeppelin tickets and Eric has to work the night of the concert, the gang fights over who will get the second ticket. Fez sees the most beautiful girl in the world but is afraid to talk to her.

12:00 Harry’s Practice 1:00 Home Shopping 4:00 NBC Today - International news and weather including interviews with newsmakers in the world of politics, business, media, entertainment and sport.

5:00 Sunrise Extra 5:30 Seven Early News

5:00 World News 1:00 Toughest Place To Be A... Midwife 2:00 One Born Every Minute USA 2:50 Destination Flavour 3:00 France 24 International News 3:30 Al Jazeera News 4:00 The Journal 4:30 PBS Newshour 5:30 Dakar Rally Daily Highlights 6:00 Grand Tours Of The Scottish Islands 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Italian Food Safari 8:00 Gourmet Farmer 8:30 Can Eating Insects Save The World?

9:30 Falcon: Javier Falcón continues his investigation into a series of murders that seem to be linked by secrets in the past. A second victim has been found surrounded by imitations of the famous Falcón nudes, paintings that made Falcón’s father, Francisco, one of Spain’s most loved and revered artists.

10:25 World News Australia 11:00 Thursday FC 12:00 FIFA Ballon D’Or 1:30 Anthony Bourdian: No Reservations 3:15 Weatherwatch Overnight

FRIDAY 17

6:00 ABC News Breakfast 10:00 Children’s Programs 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 One Plus One 1:00 Land Girls 3:00 Children’s Programs 5:00 Eggheads 5:30 ABC News: Early Edition 6:00 Grand Designs 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Gardening Australia 8:30 Death In Paradise - With Richard (Ben Miller) struck down by a tropical disease and Camille (Sara Martins) in Paris, it’s up to Dwayne and Fidel to solve the apparently impossible murder of a local diver.

9:30 The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency: The detective agency is hit by a string of break-ins and someone from Precious’s past threatens to jeopardise her future plans.

10:25 ABC News: Late Edition 10:35 Hustle 11:35 Rage 1:30 Hockey: Men’s World League: Semi Final 3:30 Rage

6:00 Today 9:00 Danoz Direct 10:00 Brand Developers 11:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 12:00 Extra 12:30 One Day Series - Australia Vs England 5:00 National News 5:30 One Day Series - Australia Vs England 9:00 House Husbands - Still reeling from her parent’s separation, Gemma rekindles her friendship with a childhood sweetheart. Kane and Tom’s relationship faces its biggest challenge yet when Stella’s father returns. And Lewis struggles with Lucy’s decision to move out with Tilda’s teacher, Mr Tuck.

10:00 TBA 12:30 Movie: “Cannonball Run 2” (PG) - The sequel to the all-star hit the Cannonball Run. Once again a bunch of crazies, in a disparate collection of cars, are engaged in racing across the country to collect a cash prize.

2:30 The Avengers: A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Station 3:30 Extra 4:00 Brand Developers / 4:30 Good Morning America

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 2014 Australian Open 6:00 Seven News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 2014 Australian Open 11:30 That ‘70s Show: Radio Daze - Donna gets a job at a radio station and Eric is afraid she’s ready to dump him so she can spend all her time hanging out with rock stars. Guest starring Alice Cooper.

12:00 Harry’s Practice 12:30 Special: Sea Snakes Or Marion Reef - Ben Cropp leads an expedition to meet and study sea snakes learning about their unique daily movements and behaviour.

1:30 Auction Squad 2:30 Room For Improvement - Red-bricks and shag-pile get the boot as a nightmare ‘70s house becomes a showpiece for modern living.

3:00 Home Shopping 4:00 NBC Today - International news and weather including interviews with newsmakers in the world of politics, business, media, entertainment and sport.

5:00 World News 1:00 Behind The Front Door 1:30 Inspector Rex 2:30 NITV News Week In Review 3:00 France 24 International News 3:30 Al Jazeera News 4:00 The Journal 4:30 PBS Newshour 5:30 Dakar Rally Daily Highlights 6:00 Grand Tours Of The Scottish Islands 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Town With Nicolas Crane 8:35 David Starkey’s Music And Monarchy: Revolutions 9:40 As It Happened: My Enemy, My Friend 10:35 World News Australia Late 11:05 Movie: “Bruna: Surfer Girl” (MA d,a,l,s) - In Portuguese.

Raquel is adopted by a middle class family in São Paulo, but runs away at the age of 17 to become a call girl.

Her clients thinks she looks like a beautiful surfer, and she soon starts a blog about her experiences under her nickname Surfistinha (Little Surfer Girl).

1:00 Inspector Montalbano: Track Of Sand 2:50 Weatherwatch Overnight

SATURDAY 18

6:00 Rage 10:30 Rage Goes Retro - Preview 11:30 My Family: An Embarrassment Of Susans 12:00 Agatha Christie’s Poirot: The Mysterious Affair At Styles 1:45 Movie: “Dangerous Mission” (PG) 3:00 Basketball: WNBL: Round 15 - Bendigo Vs Townsville 5:05 Nature’s Miracle Babies: Ele’s Cats (Amur, Gorilla, Eles) 6:00 TBA 7:00 ABC News 7:30 The Paradise 8:30 Midsomer Murders: Schooled In Murder - Debbie Moffet is crushed to death by a giant round of cheese just hours after an argument at a Parents’ Council meeting at Midsomer Pastures Prep School, Barnaby and Jones investigate.

10:00 Silent Witness: Lost (Part 1) - Leo finds himself haunted by past memories when he returns to Sheffield after an ancient body is unearthed on Bleaklow Moor.

11:00 Rage 1:30 Hockey: Men’s World League: Final 3:30 rage Goes Retro 5:00 rage

6:00 Children’s Programs 7:00 Weekend Today - Saturday 10:00 Danoz Direct 11:00 Antiques Roadshow 11:30 Alive And Cooking 12:00 Discover Downunder Summer Series 12:30 The Middle 1:00 Movie: “The Colour Purple” (PG a,l) 4:00 Explore Canada 5:00 4WD TV 5:30 Customs 6:00 National News Saturday 7:00 Australia’s Funniest Home Videos 7:30 Movie: “The Spy Next Door” (PG v) - A colleague who has been irritating you must be dealt with as sensitively as possible. Try to find out the reason for this person’s hostile attitude. Romance. Spend time remembering the little things you fell in love with. Small reminders around the house will help you.

9:30 Movie: “Mr. Nice Guy” (M v) 11:30 Movie: “Wag The Dog” (M l,s) 1:20 Movie: “The Devil’s Advocate” (MA l,s,v,a) 3:50 Nine Presents 4:05 Brand Developers 5:00 Skippy - The Bush Kangaroo 5:30 Wesley Impact

6:00 Saturday Disney 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 2014 Australian Open 6:00 Seven News 6:30 2014 Australian Open 11:30 World’s Wildest Police Videos: Female protestors steal the spotlight with a topless demonstration, a gangland murder trial turns to chaos when the victim’s friends attack the accused in court, and a Motor City car chase ends in a ball of fire!

12:30 Movie: “We Own The Night” (AV v,d,l) - A nightclub manager has only one night to save his cop father and brother who are next on the hit list.

3:00 Harry’s Practice - Join Dr Harry Cooper and Dr Katrina Warren for everything you need to know about animals.

3:30 It’s Written Oceania 4:00 Home Shopping 5:00 Dr Oz: Quick Fixes To Prevent The Diseases You Fear Most Dr. Oz reveals his quick fixes for the diseases you fear most: diabetes, cancer, heart attack and stroke.

5:00 World News 1:00 Lang Lang: The Art Of Being Virtuoso 2:20 Daphnis And Chloe 2:55 James Rhodes: Piano Man 3:30 Microtopia 4:30 PBS Newshour 5:30 Dakar Rally Daily Highlights 6:00 Grand Tours Of Scotland 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Wild Amazon 8:30 Meet The Amish 9:30 Movie: “Legend Of The First: The Return Of Chen Zhen” (MAV v) - In Cantonese and Japanese. Set in 1920s Shanghai, ex-soldier Chen Zhen is posing as a rich playboy to infiltrate the local mafia, who have formed an alliance with the invading Japanese. By night, Zhen masquerades as a caped crusader, determined to reclaim the city, one fly kick at a time.

11:25 Movie: “District B13: Ultimatium” (M v,l) - In French.

1:15 Movie: “The Singer” (PG) - In French. Gérard Depardieu stars as Alain, an aging dance hall singer infatuated with Marion, a guarded and wary beauty half his age.

3:15 Weatherwatch Overnight

SUNDAY 19

SBS

6:00 Rage 6:30 Children’s Programs 9:00 Weekend Breakfast 11:30 Songs Of Praise 12:00 Best Of Landline 1:00 The Paradise 2:00 A Letter To Elia 3:00 Football: W-League: Round 9 - Sydney FC Vs Brisbane Roar 5:00 Midsomer Murders: Beyond The Grave 6:30 Boomtown 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Australian Story: Anna Meares: Know Thy Enemy 8:30 Foyle’s War: Sunflower - Foyle is drawn into the bizarre murder of an ex Nazi defector. Meanwhile Sam’s husband Adam is so pre-occupied with his new job, she worries whether she’ll be able to share some big news with him.

11:35 Lilian’s Story 1:05 Emerald City 2:40 Movie: “Met By Moonlight” (G) - World War II action drama about a daring plan for a handful of men to kidnap a German general on Crete.

4:30 The New Inventors 5:00 Catalyst 5:30 Collectors

6:00 Children’s Programs 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Cybershack 10:30 Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman Series 12:30 One Day Series Australia Vs England 5:00 National News Sunday 5:30 One Day Series - Australia Vs England 9:00 2014 Santos Tour Down Under - Highlights: The People’s Choice Classic is a closed circuit road race, held as a preview to the 2014 Santos Tour Down Under. Get up close and personal with some of the world’s best riders in Australia’s premier international cycling race, staged in and around Adelaide, South Australia.

10:30 CSI: Miami: Match Made In Hell - A millionaire is murdered and the investigation leads to an elite dating service.

11:30 Weeds: Threshold 12:00 Survivors 1:00 Spyforce 2:00 Skippy - The Bush Kangaroo 2:30 Brand Developers 4:00 Good Morning America - Sunday 5:00 National Early Morning News / 5:30 Today

6:00 Children’s Programs 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 2014 Australian Open 6:00 Seven News 6:30 2014 Australian Open 11:30 That ‘70s Show: Romantic Weekend - Trouble starts when Red and Kitty sneak off for a romantic weekend to the same hotel where Donna and Eric are staying. Meanwhile, Kelso is plagued with impotence.

12:00 Harry’s Practice 1:00 Auction Squad - A faded Federation sleeping beauty gets a one-day wake-up, as Jason’s brick-laying dad comes to his son’s rescue.

2:00 Home Shopping 3:00 NBC Today 4:00 NBC Meet The Press 5:00 Sunrise Extra 5:30 Seven Early News - Natalie Barr and Mark Beretta present the latest news, sport and weather from around Australia and overseas.

5:00 World News 1:00 Road National Championships Highlights 2:00 Speedweek 4:00 Football Asia 4:30 FIFA Futbol Mundial 5:00 Living Black Conversations 5:30 Dakar Rally Daily Highlights 6:00 Grand Tours Of Scotland 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Lost Worlds: Myth Hunters 8:30 Generation War 10:10 America In Primetime 11:15 Movie: “A Brand New Life” (PG) - In Korean. Inspired by her childhood, French-Korean filmmaker Ounie Lecomte recounts the emotional journey of a little girl abandoned by her father in an orphanage. Young Jinhee is taken by her father to an orphanage near Seoul. He leaves her there never to return, and she struggles to come to grips with her fate. Jinhee desperately believes her father will come back for her and take her on a trip.

1:00 Movie: “Paprika” (M a) 2:40 Weatherwatch Overnight

MONDAY 20

7 CENTRAL

6:00 ABC News Breakfast 10:00 Children’s Programs 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 As Time Goes By 1:00 Going Postal 2:35 The Wonder Years 3:00 Children’s Programs 5:00 Eggheads 5:30 ABC News: Early Edition 6:00 Grand Designs 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 QI 8:30 Stephen Fry 9:30 Rake 10:30 ABC News: Late Edition 10:40 Dalziel And Pascoe: Soft Touch 12:10 Shame 1:45 Movie: “Blue Collar” (M n,v) - When three Detroit autoworkers band together against their employer’s corrupt union, the results are stirring and outrageous.

3:35 Movie: “Witness For The Prosecution” (G) - An exceptional courtroom drama about a young man on trial for a wealthy widow’s murder after he suspiciously profits from her will.

5:30 Eggheads

6:00 Today 9:00 Danoz Direct 9:30 Brand Developers 11:00 National Morning News 12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 Movie: “A Little Princess” (G) 3:00 National News Now 4:15 National Afternoon News 5:30 Hot Seat 6:00 National News 6:30 A Current Affair 7:00 The Big Bang Theory: The Hot Troll Deviation 7:30 World’s Scariest Animal Attacks 2 8:30 The Big Bang Theory: The Cruciferous Vegetable Amplification 9:00 2 Broke Girls: And The Soft Opening 9:30 TBA 10:30 TBA 11:30 Partners: My Best Friend’s Wedding Ring - Joe is torn as to where he and Ali should socialize when he realizes that he doesn’t fit in with her friends and she doesn’t fit in with Louis’s.

12:00 Oh Sit! 1:00 Extra 1:30 Skippy - The Bush Kangaroo 2:00 Brand Developers 3:30 Good Morning America 5:00 National Early Morning News / 5:30 Today

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 2014 Australian Open 6:00 Seven News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 2014 Australian Open 11:30 That ‘70s Show: Roller Disco - Kelso is jealous when Jackie picks Fez be her partner in a roller-disco competition, and Red gets sued by a former employee for wrongful termination.

12:00 Harry’s Practice 1:00 Home Shopping 3:30 Sons And Daughters - Mitch erupts when Andy comes to Woombai and tries to make Amanda see reason. Liz returns to the Hamilton’s.... causing a rift to develop between Gordon and Barbara.

4:00 NBC Today 5:00 Sunrise Extra 5:30 Seven Early News - Natalie Barr and Mark Beretta present the latest news, sport and weather from around Australia and overseas.

5:00 World News 1:00 Maritime Mysteries: Martyred Ships 2:00 Paris: The Luminous Years 3:00 France 24 International News 3:30 Al Jazeera News 4:00 The Journal 4:30 FIFA Futbol Mundial 5:00 One Man And His Campervan 5:30 Dakar Rally Daily Highlights 6:00 Grand Tours Of The Scottish Islands 6:30 World News Australia 7:35 Monster Moves 8:30 How Small Is The Universe?

9:30 Small Time Gangster 10:00 Swift And Shift Couriers 10:30 World News Australia Late 11:00 The World Game 11:30 Clown: The Butler - In Danish. Michael Glick becomes a father and celebrates with a stag night. Frank hires a stripper and gets nicknamed Pat-man. Frank is upset that Mia never buys enough bacon when she goes shopping so in response, she makes him do the shopping.

12:05 Shorts On Screen 12:40 Monster Bug Wars 2:30 Weatherwatch Overnight

TUESDAY 21

IMPARJA

6:00 ABC News Breakfast 10:00 Children’s Programs 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 Compass 1:00 Love, Lust & Lies 2:35 The Wonder Years 3:00 Children’s Programs 5:00 Eggheads 5:30 ABC News: Early Edition 6:00 Grand Designs 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 QI 8:30 New Tricks: Left Behind 9:30 By Any Means 10:30 ABC News: Late Edition 10:40 Our Queen 11:40 Life: Insects 12:25 The Mango Tree 1:55 Ochre And Ink 2:30 By Any Means 3:30 Basketball: WNBL: Round 15: Bendigo Vs Townsville 5:30 Eggheads

6:00 Today 9:00 Danoz Direct 9:30 Brand Developers 11:00 National Morning News 12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 Movie: “Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day” (PG v,s) 3:00 National News Now 4:15 National Afternoon News 5:30 Hot Seat 6:00 National News 6:30 A Current Affair 7:00 The Big Bang Theory: The Irish Pub Formulation 7:30 The Big Bang Theory: The Zazzy Substitution 8:00 The Big Bang Theory: The Hot Troll Deviation 8:30 Movie: “Valentines Day” (M s) - An ensemble romantic comedy following a group of different couples as they find and lose love in all its many forms over the course of the title holiday.

11:00 2014 Santos Tour Down Under - Highlights 12:00 20/20 1:00 Extra 1:30 Brand Developers 3:30 Good Morning America 5:00 National Early Morning News / 5:30 Today

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 2014 Australian Open 6:00 Seven News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 2014 Australian Open 11:30 Border Security: International - An inebriated snowboarder causes trouble at the airport. Two mail centre packages add up to one deadly surprise. An American woman has a one-way ticket to meet her online boyfriend. The Inland Enforcement Team hunts for a wanted sex-offender on the streets of Vancouver. And Shell casings and an orphan licence plate cause trouble for two Australian lads in an empty U-Haul.

12:00 Harry’s Practice - Join Dr Harry Cooper and Dr Katrina Warren for everything you need to know about animals.

1:00 Home Shopping 4:00 NBC Today 5:00 Sunrise Extra 5:30 Seven Early News

5:00 World News 1:00 Movie: The Marriage Certificate 2:55 The People Who Never Stop 3:00 France 24 International News 3:30 Al Jazeera News 4:00 The Journal 4:30 PBS Newshour 5:30 Global Village 6:00 Grand Tours Of The Scottish Islands 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Who Do You Think You Are? 8:30 Person Of Interest 9:30 Extreme ER 10:30 World News Australia Late 11:00 The Bridge: In Danish and Swedish. In Copenhagen, several homeless people have been poisoned to death. The killer wants to draw attention to the problem of the increased number of people falling through the cracks of society. A homeless man is kidnapped and the only thing that can prevent his murder is a large sum of money from four landlords. So what is the price of a human being after all? Stars Kim Bodnia and Sofia Helin.

12:10 Prisoners Of War 1:20 Wikirebels 2:25 Weatherwatch Overnight

WEDNESDAY 22

ABC

6:00 ABC News Breakfast 10:00 Children’s Programs 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 The Dolphins Of Shark Bay 1:30 The Jonathan Ross Show 2:35 The Wonder Years 3:00 Children’s Programs 5:00 Eggheads 5:30 ABC: Early Edition 6:00 Grand Designs 6:50 The Checkout: Snack Size 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 QI 8:30 Kevin McCloud’s Beach Hut: Tower Planning 9:20 Beeny’s Restoration Nightmare 10:10 ABC News: Late Edition 10:20 The Straits: Yawor My Lovely - A hired killer has Harry Montebello in his sights, while Sissi’s revelations about Paddy’s embezzlement of the family business force a deadly confrontation. Meanwhile, Gary’s confession spells trouble for Lola.

11:15 Life: Hunters And Hunted 12:10 Celia 1:40 Kevin McCloud’s Beach Hut: Tower Planning 2:35 Surviving Extremes 3:30 Football: W-League: Round 9 - Sydney FC Vs Brisbane Roar 5:30 Eggheads

6:00 Today 9:00 Danoz Direct 9:30 Brand Developers 11:00 National Morning News 12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 Movie: “Centre Stage: Turn It Up” (PG s,l) 3:00 National News Now 4:15 National Afternoon News 5:30 Hot Seat 6:00 National News 6:30 A Current Affair 7:00 The Big Bang Theory: The Boyfriend Complexity 7:30 RBT 8:30 TBA 9:30 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Last Woman Standing 10:30 TBA 11:30 2014 Santos Tour Down Under - Highlights 12:00 Dallas 1:00 Extra 1:30 Brand Developers 3:30 Good Morning America 5:00 National Early Morning News 5:30 Today

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 2014 Australian Open 6:00 Seven News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 2014 Australian Open 11:30 Travel Unravelled: Storm Warning - The weather forecast calls for high winds, hail storms and hilarious mishaps. A cliff-diving frat boy nearly loses his life - and definitely loses his shorts. And a man is kicked in the head by a horse.

12:00 Harry’s Practice 1:00 Home Shopping 3:30 Sons And Daughters - Patricia uses the fact that Jim is staying with Beryl to further her own ends. Barbara’s jealous reaction strengthens Liz’s resolve to take Gordon from her.

4:00 NBC Today - International news and weather including interviews with newsmakers in the world of politics, business, media, entertainment and sport.

5:00 Sunrise Extra 5:30 Seven Early News

5:00 World News 1:00 How To Build - A Super Jumbo Wing 2:00 Oz And Hugh Raise The Bar 3:00 France 24 International News 3:30 Al Jazeera News 4:00 The Journal 4:30 PBS Newshour 5:30 Global Village 6:00 Grand Tours Of Scotland 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 The Burrowers 8:35 One Born Every Minute 9:30 Borgen 10:30 World News Australia Late 11:10 Movie: “We Have A Pope” (M l) - In Italian. The newly elected Pope suffers a panic attack just as he is about to appear on St Peter’s balcony to greet the faithful who have gathered to see him. His advisors, unable to convince him he is the right man for the job, call on a renowned therapist who also happens to be an atheist. But his fear of the newfound responsibility suddenly thrust upon him is one he must face alone.

1:00 Movie: “After The Wedding” (M a,n,s) - In Danish, Swedish and English.

2:10 Weatherwatch Overnight

Page 14 Torres News

13 - 19 January 2014

CROSSWORD No. 181

SUDOKU No. 181

Your  Lucky 









Stars  









CAPRICORN (December 22nd - January 20th) Someone whom you admire may be much keener on you than you realise.

Apply yourself to your work as much as they do and soon you’ll be admired.

Romance. A person that you see every day at work may be more interested in you than you realise. Go for it!

AQUARIUS (January 21st - February 19th) The marriage of a close friend will give you food for thought. This person’s experiences have been very different from you own, but they may have taught you an important lesson. Romance. This promises to be an exciting week. Someone new will cross your path – be enthusiastic!

FOR KIDS

PISCES (February 20th - March 20th) Your relationship with a friend from work will gradually become less formal. This is fine, but they may begin to divulge personal information you don’t want to hear. Romance. A dream about an exotic trip which you once made with your partner will cheer you up.

ARIES (March 21st - April 20th)

You may need to be a little firmer with someone close to you. Their severe bossiness is not what you need this week.

Romance. A romantic connection with a person from overseas is on the cards. Be careful not to overstep any cultural norms. They may not appreciate that!

TAURUS (April 21st - May 21st) Time spent by yourself might help you to sort things out in your mind. A recent meeting will have given you food for thought. Romance. A relationship issue which you have been putting off for too long will have to be tackled. Things could become irreversible if you don’t act now.

GEMINI (May 22nd - June 21st)

FINDWORD No. 181

A small boost to your career will come just at the right time. You have been working well recently, but may have felt that your extra effort was not being appreciated.

Romance. Your partner will be bragging about you to all of their friends this week. Enjoy the praise!

A LAUGH WITH LOTSA

CANCER (June 22nd - July 23rd) Don’t let some minor practical concerns get in the way of your family life. Things will work themselves out in time.

Romance. You may need to push ahead by yourself. Your partner doesn’t have as much energy as you and could be holding you back. Stop waiting for them!

LEO (July 24th - August 23rd)

For all your printing needs – www.lotsa.com.au

MUDDY RIVER

A close friend may be dating someone you don’t approve of. Try to talk sense into them. After that, it is up to them to make the next move. Romance. You will have a better opinion of your partner after you hear more about their childhood and meet their family members.

VIRGO (August 24th - September 23rd)

A difficult problem will be much easier to solve with the help of other people.

However, someone needs to take responsibility for the decisions. Romance.

You may be looking in the wrong places if you want to meet a potential mate. Try something opposite of you’re now doing.

LIBRA (September 24th - October 23rd) A person who has little idea what to do himself may try to give you advice. Ignore it completely. You’re better off going with your instinct. Romance. Make sure that you consider all the possible angles before you act.

This is not the time to rush in without looking.

SCORPIO (October 24th - November 22nd)

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“

“

Either you run the day, or the day runs you.

–Jim Rohn

SOLUTIONS No. 181

You will be getting all of the praise for a joint project at work. Be sure to acknowledge those who contributed.

Provide correction where needed!

Romance. Your opinions may differ severely, but your mate still wants to hear what you think. You may have a convincing argument!

SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd - December 21st) A colleague who has been irritating you must be dealt with as sensitively as possible. Try to find out the reason for this person’s hostile attitude. Romance.

Spend time remembering the little things you fell in love with. Small reminders around the house will help you.



Torres News

13 - 19 January 2014 Page 15

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13 - 19 January 2014

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ROTARYCLUB CLUBMEETINGS MEETINGS TI TI ROTARY Thursday Island Thursday Island Rotary Rotary ClubClub Meets at 7am Meets at 7.00am Friday Morning Breakfast Friday Morning Breakfast Meeting Meeting at the Grand Hotel at Federal Hotel.

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The Coordinator will be highly organised and an excellent communicator, with a broad range of skills to coordinate the on-ground of works of WCTTAA Ranger Groups turtle threat abatement programs and implement a Ghostnets Australia contract. Applied knowledge in NRM and turtle conservation will be highly regarded. Remote travel is required.

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NEWS

Army has the Cape covered with 51FNQR Story and photo by CORPORAL NICK WISEMAN IT IS the middle of the night when a boat appears from the darkness almost beaching itself on the sands of a small island off the coast of Cape York.

Just as fast, six figures jump clear with weapons ready and disappear into the shadows.

Morning comes, the boat is long gone, there is no trace of human life and those six figures are no-where to be seen. They are, however, watching and waiting. These are the soldiers of the Regional Force Surveillance Unit, 51 Far North Queensland Regiment (51FNQR).

Born and raised in far north Queensland, they are experts in living off the land and are instantly able to tell if something is amiss. Add to that their highly-developed Army skills, and the soldiers of 51FNQR are a formidable force.

OC B Coy Major Steven La Rose commanded the patrol and said the mission was to screen the area and identify illegal activities.

“We’re looking for things like foreign fishing vessels that may be working in our waters,” he said.

“Also any smuggling or transfer of contraband and illegal maritime arrivals transiting through the area.”

In his first year in command, Major

La Rose said he relied heavily on his soldiers’ local knowledge.

“It’s been a very steep learning curve,” he said.

“We have soldiers who have traversed the Cape in tinnies as a civilian activity and are able to provide firsthand knowledge in areas we operate in.

“I’m only here for two years as OC while these guys have lived here their whole lives so you need to absorb everything they tell you and use that to come up with a plan that is going to work given the assets we have.”

This particular patrol included not only soldiers from 51FNQR, but also from other units including 1 Commando Regiment, 20 Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment, 1 Royal Australian Regiment, 2 Royal Australian Regiment, 2/17 Royal New South Wales Regiment and 8 Combat Services Support Battalion.

With a command post at Captain Billy’s Landing, patrols deployed from there to nearby islands.

These patrols deployed ground surveillance radars, image capture and transfer technology and static observation posts.

Major La Rose said there were many challenges in an area that big, that remote and specifically because it was far-north Queensland.

“Crocodiles can pose a problem,” he said. “We had reports of two patrols

Lance Corporal Julohn Wigness keeps an eye on one of the approaches to the patrols observation post. that had crocodiles in their laying up positions with one even sunbaking between two of the boats.

“Weather conditions also pose a challenge with soldiers from other units not always acclimatised to this part of Australia.”

Differing from most Army exercises and operational deployments, much of the Operation Resolute patrol was maritime based, with all patrols except one inserted by, or operating directly

on, the ocean.

With a constant flow of bulk carriers, fishing vessels and yachts, the patrols were kept busy reporting back to the command post, which then consolidated the sightings and passing the information to their battalion headquarters and then on to Border Protection Command and other government agencies.

Being a domestic operation, soldiers were tasked only to conduct surveil-

lance and report what they found.

“We don’t actually get involved with anything going on but gather information to send back to Border Protection Command,” Major La Rose said.

“They then have Customs and police they can activate. We’re essentially a sensor for Border Protection Command.”

Corporal Nick Wiseman is a reporter with Army News.

ANZAC grant funding open TO commemorate 100 years of ANZAC Day next year both the Federal and State governments are offering community grants. Torres Strait RSL president Leo Akee said they were preparing a grant application to remember the region’s service men and women.

The federal government’s Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program (ACLGP) has already received Round One applications, submitted to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).

Applications for round two funding are now open until April 30, 2014.

Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said: “This is such an important event, everyone in our region must be given the opportunity not only to commemorate the Centenary, but also the chance to understand where we fought, why we fought, and, most importantly, the reasons and values we fought for.”

The Federal Government has also increased the amount of funding available to each electorate, from $100,000 to $125,000.

David Kempton, Member for Coo,k has

also encouraged the local community to apply for the second funding round from the state government.

Individual project funding of up to $80,000 are available for local projects to commemorate the centenary of the First World War between 2014-18.

“This is one of the most significant anniversaries of modern times, and we want to give every community the opportunity to commemorate it in a way that’s most meaningful to them,” Mr Kempton said.

“The Queensland Government is seeking proposals from community groups who want to get involved in commemorative projects and activities to honour the Anzac spirit in their local community.”

More information and application details for the grants can be obtained through Mr Kempton’s office or by visiting the Anzac Centenary website at: www.qld.gov.au/ anzac100<http://www. qld.gov.au/anzac100>.

Any organisation interested in applying for funding in Round 2 from the Federal Government can request an application pack from Mr

Entsch’s office (07 4051 2220) or email warren. entsch.mp@aph.gov.au.

The application form and guidelines can also be downloaded from the website, www.warrenentsch.com.au PHOTO: Leo Akee and David Kempton.

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING SATURdAy, FEbRUARy 15, 2014 at 3pm 390 McLeod Street, Cairns North, QLd 4870 The election of office bearers and presentation of 2013 audit will take place. Afternoon tea will be provided.

Proxy forms are available by phoning Mary Ware (0427 076 124) or Lyn Sutton (0413 699 285).

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To apply or for more information please email nicole.assan@pcyc.org.au APPLICATIONS CLOSE: JANUARY 24, 2014 Police-Citizen Youth Clubs Enhancing Queensland Communities Through Youth Development

Torres News

13 - 19 January 2014 Page 17

NEWS THE Australian saltwater crocodile’s feisty reputation has been reaffirmed in a study of juvenile crocodiles that compared the aggression levels of seven species from around the world.

In an academic paper released on December 11, the “Saltie” (Crocodylus porosus) was rated ahead of species from Papua New Guinea, South America and South-East Asia.

The Australian freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni) was ranked fifth ahead of the American alligator and the Indian gharial.

Charles Darwin University wildlife biologist Matthew Brien and co-author of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Agonistic Behaviour in Juvenile Crocodilians said the rankings were based on the observations of hatchling and juvenile crocodiles in captive conditions.

“While all species exhibited aggressive behaviour, there is significant variety in the nature and extent of the behaviour and some behaviour is unique to some species,” Mr Brien said. “The Saltie is the only species that combines the actions of tail wagging and head striking.

“In certain situations they are inclined to smash each other in the head, an action that was rare in other species.

“Among the hatchlings, they were the only species to exhibit rapid flight, inflate their posture and raise their heads and tails.”

Mr Brien said most of the aggressive behaviour exhibited by adults to determine access to resources such as food, shelter and mates, was also

‘Sa

ltie

’ to

exhibited by baby crocs.

“Aggressive behaviour is often present shortly after hatching, which supports the view that they may be hard wired from birth.”

Mr Brien said the shape of a crocodile’s head seemed also to be relevant, with the two most aggressive species featuring broad snouts.

“We found that the broad-snouted

ps

list

for

cro

ABOVE: CDU wildlife biologist Matther Brien inspects American alligator hatchlings. Photo: CDU.

cod

species often made contact with the head whereas the species with longer more fragile snouts often raised their heads to avoid contact involving the head.”

Mr Brien said three species made vocal sounds of sufficient intensity to generate ripples in the water, although only Papua New Guinea’s Crocodylus novaeguineae (second

Crocodile photo: Tourism NT.

ile

agg

most aggressive) seemed to do so as an aggressive behaviour.

He said the study, which involved the use of infrared CCTV cameras at research facilities in India and Australia, had shed light into the cryptic and secretive nature of species almost impossible to observe in the wild.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg.

res

sio

n

Further research should look beyond the visual and into the role of vocalisations and chemical cues,” he said.

The seven species in order of high to low aggression: Crocodylus porosus, Crocodylus novaeguineae, Cuviers Dwarf Caiman, Crocodylus siamensis, Crocodylus johnstoni, Alligator mississippiensis, Gavialis gangeticus.

‘A degree’ of croc culling favoured Photos by SHANE SEYMOUR A SURVEY in Western Cape York has found “a degree” of culling of crocodiles should be undertaken.

The Great Weipa Crocodile Survey found that, while a large majority of respondents, said they respected

ABOVE: Dr Hamish Campbell struggling tagging an estuarine crocodile caught in the Wenlock River.

Page 18 Torres News

13 - 19 January 2014

crocodiles and considered them important for the environment, most considered there were too many and a degree of culling should be undertaken.

The survey, undertaken by the University of Queensland in collaboration with Australia Zoo, was carried out to understanding how resi-

dents feel about living alongside the world’s largest reptile, “This is an interesting opinion,” said Dr Hamish Campbell from the University of Queensland and author of the survey.

“It is the modification of human behaviour and not crocodile culls that will solve the issue of crocodile attacks.

“For example, if the crocodile population around Weipa was reduced by one half, who would suggest it safe to swim across the Mission River?”

The survey demonstrated that a vast majority of residents understood the dangers of swimming or wading in waterways around Weipa.

However, some would swim in local waterways depending upon location, and some had even swum in areas where there was a recent crocodile sighting.

Residents also understood that camping near water

and leaving food scraps around the camp attracted crocodiles.

Despite being ‘crocodile aware’ about one third of all those who participated in the survey had experienced some sort of close encounter with a crocodile.

Primarily, their close encounter was a direct result of not undertaking crocodile-safe behaviour around waterways.

“This showed that, although most residents understand the risk posed by crocodiles and generally modify their behaviour around waterways, sometimes they forgot or thought that it was okay to bend the rules just this once,” Dr Campbell said.

“Of course, most of the time it may be okay, but it only has to happen that once to ruin your day.”

Dr Campbell pointed out that a large majority of crocodile attacks in Australia have been upon locals who were presumably well aware of the dangers posed by crocodiles.

Also 30 per cent of

crocodile attack victims had consumed alcohol prior to swimming in areas where crocodiles were present.

“Alcohol changes behaviour and makes people less aware of potential hazards,” Dr Campbell stated.

In the survey, a number of residents said they had been harassed by crocodiles at Pennefather Beach and Rocky Point boat ramp.

“So be vigilant at these areas and don’t leave fish frames or other food lying around,” Dr Campbell said.

About 14 per cent of the adult Weipa population (309 residents) completed the survey and the survey was completed by an equal number of males and females from all age groups over 18 years of age.

The University of Queensland and Australia Zoo thanked residents for taking part in the survey, the results of which will go towards assessing crocodile/human conflict around the local area.

SPORT

Sport TORRES NEWS

Big team of Torres Strait Islanders to play at the Goldfield Ashes

Sports results are published in the Torres News at NO CHARGE to your club!

We love sport and want to provide your club or association with the best coverage possible!

Email your sports news, results and photos to: editor@torres news.com.au

DEaDlinE is 12noon, TUEsDaYs

THURSDAY THURSDAY ISLAND ISLAND // SEISIA SEISIA FERRY THURSDAYSCHEDULE ISLAND / SEISIA FERRY SCHEDULE

MON/WED/FRI MON/WED/FRI FERRY SCHEDULE THURSDAY ISLAND / SEISIA MON/WED/FRI FERRY SCHEDULE

Depart Thursday Island: 6:30am and 2:30pm Depart Thursday Island: 6:30am and 2:30pm Depart Seisia: 8am and 4pm Depart Seisia: essential.

8am and 4pm Bookings Depart Thursday Island: 6:30am and 2:30pm Bookings essential.

Boarding 15mins prior to departure N FERRY Depart Seisia: 8am and 4pm Boarding priorfor tochanges departure *Please contact us15mins or check online to the ferry OFF essential. schedule around holidays asfor variations occur. *Please uspublic or check online changesmay to the ferry December 1contact to Bookings 23: Monday, Wednesday, Friday PEonly. schedule around publicFerry holidays as to variations may A Boarding 15mins prior Monday 7thDepart Oct Public Holiday.

Peddells Service willdeparture operate anoccur. afternoon service Thursday Island: 6:30am and 2:30pm SEASO K N Depart Thursday IslandHoliday.

2:30pm and Seisia 4pm.

One way travel only available on this FE date.

R Monday 7th December Oct *Please Public Peddells Ferry Service will operate an afternoon service only.

RY contact us or check online for changes to the ferry 24 to 31: Monday 30 – Only Depart Seisia: 8am and 4pm Depart Thursday schedule Island 2:30pm and Seisiaholidays 4pm. One travelmay onlyoccur. available on this date. around public as way variations essential.

“Linking the Cape toprior theFriday Torres Strait” January 1Bookings to 3, Ferry 2014: 3 an– afternoon Only service only.

Monday 7th Oct Public Holiday.

Peddells Service will operate Boarding 15mins departure Depart Thursday Island 2:30pm Seisia 4pm. way travel only available on this date.

“Linking theand Cape to One theto Torres Strait”

MON/WED/FRI

West Indigies XI at the last Ashes.

By ALF WILSON SEVERAL hundred players of Torres Strait Islander descent will compete at the world’s biggest cricket carnival - the Goldfield Ashes in Charters Towers from January 25 to 27.

The 66th Ashes looks set to have a record number of teams with more than 230 already nominated in six grades.

Amongst them will be an estimated 500 of Torres Strait Islander or Aboriginal cricketers who will converge on Charters Towers from many places around north Queensland, including Cairns and Townsville.

Several Bamaga-based cricketers are also expected to travel there.

While cricket is not a sport played widely played in the Torres Strait or NPA many locals have been introduced to the game while at boarding schools.

Many other living in Townsville and Cairns which have large Torres Strait Islander populations play cricket.

The carnival started in 1948 with just six teams and has expanded since and in 2007 was recognised

by Queensland Events as a regional icon event worthy of funding.

Sides will battle out on more than 60 fields around Charters Towers in A1, A2, B1, B2 and social men’s grades as well as a women’s division.

A massive 224 teams contested the 65th Ashes in

OFF PO EA FFK N PSEFEEARSO A RY K SEASO ORRFYNF FE PEAK SEASO

five grades: A, B1, B2, Social and Ladies.

More than 70 fields were used around Charters Towers at schools, parks, the Gun Club, Golf Club, and on private properties.

One team with a big number of Torres Strait Islander players is West Indigies which will gain line up in the B-2 grade.

These include Jermaine Ross snr, Jermaine Ross jnr and Noel Ross, of Darnley descent.

“We will be there again and have a lot of players of Torres Strait descent. There will be all the Butler boys and Gordon Santo,” West Indigies captain Glenn Butler told the Torres News.

Some famous cricketers have competed at the Ashes including former Australian Test and one-day all-rounder Andrew Symonds who usually plays in the B-2 division for Hidden Talent XI. The Torres News will be there to check out any cricketers of Torres Strait Islander descent.

contact us or check online for changes to the ferry January 4*Please to 24, 2014: Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule around public holidays as variations may occur.

“Linking the Cape to the Torres Strait” January 25Public to 31, 2014: Tuesday & Friday 31service – Only Monday 7th Oct Holiday.

Peddells Ferry Service will28 operate an afternoon only.

Depart Thursday Island 2:30pm and Seisia 4pm. One way travel only available on this date.

“Linking the Cape to the Torres Strait” RESERVATIONS ESSENTIAL

RESERVATIONS ESSENTIAL PHONE: 07 4069 1551 Book online www.peddellsferry,com.au PHONE: 07 4069 1551

THE JETTYBook SHOPonline ENGINEERS JETTY, THURSDAY ISLAND www.peddellsferry,com.au RESERVATIONS ESSENTIAL

PHONE: 07 4069 1551

THE JETTY SHOP ENGINEERS JETTY, THURSDAY ISLAND

Book online www.peddellsferry,com.au

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PHONE: 07 4069 1551

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THE JETTY SHOP ENGINEERS JETTY, THURSDAY ISLAND

HORN ISLAND FERRY TIMETABLE

McDONALD CHARTER BOATS Phone: 1300 664 875 Fax: (07) 4090 3628 Email: info@tiferry.com.au

WEbsitE: www.tiferry.com.au

West Indigies batting against GT Radial XI at the 2013 Ashes.

TIDE TIMES – TI Harbour

TIDE SPEED – Hammond Rock

                                  

MONDAY, JANUARY 13 – SUNDAY, JANUARY 19

MONDAY, JANUARY 13 – SUNDAY, JANUARY 19

Mon 13 Tue 14

Wed 15 Thur 16 Fri 17

Sat 18

Sun 19

Mon 13

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Time Ht      

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Torres News

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13 - 19 January 2014 Page 19

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Didymus Blanket: A year in review

By WESLEY HULL IT has been about a year since I wrote an article about the journey of four young indigenous footballers from Cairns and Torres Strait and their respective pathways to Australian Rules football.

Since that time, one with a name that already stands out, and may soon have a playing resume to match is Didymus Blanket.

At a recent combine screening day at St Andrew’s College in Cairns I was able to arrange for an interview with Didymus as he sets his compass towards the

possibility of selection at the AFL National Draft in 2015.

Didymus is a humble young man, but he certainly has a drive and direction that could be the prototype for other Torres Strait islander kids, and other indigenous players from Cairns to Cape York, to follow.

The region is attracting more and more attention from AFL recruiters after the success of Cairns players like Jarrod Harbrow and Charlie Dixon (Gold Coast Suns), Peter Yagmoor (Collingwood), Sam Michael (Brisbane) and Courtney Dempsey (Essendon).

There are also Townsville products Josh Hall (Gold Coast Suns) and Jake Spencer (Melbourne) as well as Mackay junior David Armitage (St Kilda.) There have also been a host of others come and go in recent years.

Young and gifted players in the North Queensland region are watching to see if they, too, can reach the big time. Didymus, and another super northern talent, Isaac Rokeby, are the ones most kids are watching.

If these two make it, others will grow extra legs and follow in their footsteps.

I asked Didymus a series of questions which give an insight into his background, his present and his future.

Q: What were your earliest memories of childhood back home?

DB: My earliest childhood memories are ones that I will cherish for lifetime. [They include] as a little tacker running around crazy on the islands with cousins doing all sorts of stuff. [We also enjoyed] going out hunting on the sea and on land with my dad and my uncles. [We also loved to] kick back with the cousins, have a good laugh and play some footy. I always had a footy whether it was a rugby ball or AFL. I always had to carry a footy around wherever I went.

Q: When did you first get introduced to AFL? DB: I first got introduced to AFL Auskick when I was around 9-10 years old. Since then footy has been a big part of my life so far.

[Ed: Didymus was also one of the kids who fell under the tutelage of legendary junior coach and teacher Dave Maddock-Jones. Dave has introduced the game to many young indigenous kids across Torres Strait and Cape York, opening up pathways and opportunities. It was Dave who instigated moves to offer Didymus the scholarship that sees him currently attending Scotch College in Melbourne to fulfil his academic and sporting dreams.]

Q: How difficult has it been to change your life path?

DB: It has been very, very challenging, even mentally and physically as well. But then again also, I’ve always had the desire of becoming a professional athlete and would do anything to make my dreams come true. Whether it’s eating less turtle and dugong, I’ll do the little things right to give myself the full ability to perform very well and to [give wholly] what’s required to become a professional athlete.

Q: What are your goals from here outside of footy?

DB: I haven’t really thought about it at this stage.

Q: How far do you want to go in AFL? DB: [I want to go as far and] as high as possible, where my talent, work rate and desire can take me to.

Q: Do you have heroes or role models?

DB: Not really. I mean I just had the passion Page 20 Torres News

13 - 19 January 2014

to become a pro athlete. Back when I was a little kid running around [I was] fascinated by most thing. I always saw the off field side of a pro athlete with the fancy houses and awesome cars.

It was something I aspired to as well. But I didn’t really have anyone I looked up to.

Someone who I generally look up to is Sonny Bill Williams (Rugby League and Union player).

He is an amazing athlete but not only that he is an outstanding person of field with how he treats and handles himself and others. He is also a big family person. I am also someone who is very big on the family side of things and it being my number one priority.

Q: Do you have a message for other kids thinking of following a similar pathway?

DB: Just to back yourself, do what whatever it takes make your dreams come to reality. Hard work comes with big rewards and is something I really ponder myself. Also you can’t change anything just back yourself, and natural talent will look after itself. Everyone has talent, but talent will only take you so far then the rest is all hard work. With that in mind, use your strengths to the best of your ability and I can assure great things will happen.

With such a great role model to follow, it will not surprise to see an increase in Torres Strait Islander players in coming years. Didymus is a fine young man who is blazing the trail for others to follow.

Watch out for him in the 2015 AFL National Draft. I certainly expect to see his name there somewhere.