Torres News_Edition 16_27 January 2022

Torres News Thursday, 27 January 2022

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

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Petrol prices jumps to $3 a litre

COVID prompts calls to delay cultural business BY christine howeS

Fuel prices in the outer islands have jumped to $3 a litre in the wake of a resolution passed by Torres Strait Island Regional Council last month.

The council resolved to maintain the current fuel subsidy but said the price increase – in place since Monday this week – was unavoidable.

“TSIRC staff are members of your community and we ask you assist them via your understanding that they are not responsible for the price increase,” they said in a community notice.

“This price increase is due to the increasing price of fuel across Australia and council’s associated operating costs.

“Without the council subsidy the price would be much higher.

“Council cannot increase the current subsidy and maintain the low fuel prices.”

They said they would review their sale prices regularly and in response to operation and wholesale costs.

PRICE JUMP: Shizuko Nona at the Badu Express Bowzer. Pic by Jillian Bowie.

Continued P2 

Torres Shire Mayor Vonda Malone has appealed to families to reconsider timing around cultural obligations while the Torres Strait region continues to experience high numbers of COVID infections.

“We’re not encouraging any gatherings at this time,” she said.

“We know families have schedules that they may have made prior to the Omicrom variant, now in our community – it may be a time for them to reconsider and to have that family discussion amongst themselves.

“Ultimately, it’s their decision to do that, but just to consider what would be a more appropriate time to hold their event, not to take away from that importance of it, but just a practically safe approach to it so that doesn’t impact families that are coming together to share and to celebrate with them.”

She said she made the appeal with respect.

Torres shire council: Mayor Vonda Malone at a TCICA Health Forum in April 2021.

“We all respect and uphold our cultural activities that we have, our practices, but this is the time to really reconsider, knowing that it’s unsafe,” she said.

“It’s unsafe for us to engage and do the normal things that we do in upholding our cultural obligations.

“So I just want our families to be mindful of that and to have the discussion, knowing you would need to look at the numbers, you need to manage the flow of people, and with larger gatherings, it is very hard for that to be managed adequately.

“The virus moves with people, so if you don’t need to go island hopping or travelling, just reconsider your movements at this time.”

For more on COVID-19 see Pages 3, 4 & 5 

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02 NEWS

THURSDAY 27 JANUARY 2022 TORRES NEWS

Free use of Aboriginal flag secured for all Australians

“I hope that this arrangement provides comfort to all Aboriginal people and Australians to use the flag, unaltered, proudly and without restriction,” designer Harold Thomas said.

“The Aboriginal flag design is my dreaming, intertwined with my wife’s family and mine, our ancestral belonging.

“The land, and the landscape, is indelible in my make-up; it courses through my consciousness and subconsciousness.

“The Flag represents the timeless history of our land and our people’s time on it.

“It is an introspection and appreciation of who we are. It draws from the history of our ancestors, our land, and our identity and will honour these well into the future.”

HAROLD THOMAS

FLAG ISSUES RESOLVED: Flag designer Harold Thomas.

The Aboriginal flag is now freely available for public use after the Morrison Government completed negotiations with Harold Thomas.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Aboriginal Flag copyright has been transferred to the Commonwealth.

“We’ve freed the Aboriginal flag for Australians,” the Prime Minister said.

“Throughout the negotiations, we have sought to protect the integrity of the Aboriginal flag, in line with Harold Thomas’ wishes.

“I thank everyone involved for reaching this outcome, putting the flag in public hands.

“The Aboriginal flag will now be managed in a similar manner to the Australian National flag, where its use is free, but must be presented

in a respectful and dignified way.

“All Australians can now put the Aboriginal flag on apparel such as sports jerseys and shirts, it can be painted on sports grounds, included on websites, in paintings and other artworks, used digitally and in any other medium without having to ask for permission or pay a fee.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt said securing the free use of the Aboriginal flag was profoundly important for all Australians.

“In reaching this agreement to resolve the copyright issues, all Australians can freely display and use the flag to celebrate Indigenous culture,” Minister Wyatt said. “Now that the Commonwealth holds the copyright, it belongs to everyone, and no one can take it away.”

Council subsidy saves bigger hike Continued from P1 Torres Strait Island Regional Council Mayor Phillemon Mosby said without the Council subsidy the price of petrol would be $6 per litre.

“Every year we allocate $500,000 from council’s own generating funds to make sure that we continue with the fuel subsidy,” he said in a video message on Facebook earlier this week.

“Without the council subsidy the price will be much higher, (it) would not be $3 per litre, it would be $6 per litre.

“Council cannot increase the current subsidy (to) maintain a low price but we are

working collectively and collaboratively with our partners to lobby with both state and Commonwealth to either increase investment into the infrastructure or deliver this service in a much cheaper and smarter way.”

He said it was a hard decision to have to make.

“I just want to encourage families to bear with us as we work through this together,” he said.

“A proper hard decision that council have to make at times, but we are elected to represent you, your voice, and to make those hard and challenging decisions.”

NEWS 03

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 27 JANUARY 2022

Outages bad for business

CHRISTMAS VISIT: June and Janine on Waiben.

BY JILLIAN BOWIE & christine howeS The impact of increasing COVID cases and ongoing Telstra network outages has not been a great start for small businesses across our region in this new year.

Badu Island’s J&J Supermarket and the Badu Art Centre said they had been particularly affected.

With positive COVID case numbers rising into more than 20, many Badu Island employees and their families have been forced into isolation to help protect the rest of the community.

J&J Supermarket owner Jermaine Reuben said they were dealing with it as best they could.

He recently completed his own week of isolation.

“Working remotely from home during that week, managing and supervising staff, and guessing shelf orders is not as effective as when you are present in the store,” he said.

“Staff going into isolation for testing positive affects the business and with the added problems of phone and internet lines going down for a week, sales are down more than 50 per cent.

“No phone and no internet means no cash because the ATM is down, and no payment by card.”

Jermaine said he disputed that Telstra – Australia’s largest telecommunication company covering 99.4 per cent of the population – was unable to identify where the problem was during last week’s outage sooner than they did.

“They should be able to detect the faulty tower immediately and rectify the problem,” he said.

“It should not take one week.

“It’s unacceptable and causes a strain on my business, which has received less than a quarter of the compensation we asked for.”

He suggested offering cheaper subscriptions was an avenue the telecommunications giant could consider to support remote businesses.

J&J Supermarket has offered families going into isolation support via phone orders and non-contact deliveries in an effort to maintain their sales.

Until recently Badu Art Centre benefited throughout the COVID pandemic because of their increased online sales.

Manager Laurie Nona said artists working from home had not slowed down its operations until Telstra outages affected their capacity to offer an efficient service.

“It’s a big problem when the lines go down,” Laurie said.

“No connectivity means no sales, no access to online orders, emails and phone.

“Late responses to clients make us look bad.”

Small business owner, Kantesha Takai said she was also frustrated about her inability to service clients due to poor internet connectivity.

“My WiFi download speed was 0.2mbps and upload speed was showing N/A,” Kantesha said.

A memorable visit ABOVE: SALES ARE DOWN: J&J Supermarket owner Jermaine Reuben, Badu Island.

BELOW: OFFLINE: Inside the Badu Arts Centre manager Laurie Nona, Badu Island. Pics Jillian Bowie.

June Prescott and her daughter Janine Anketell visited Waiben in December last year.

June’s mother was Ida Phyllis Smart (nee Hodel), born on Waiben in 1905.

Ida’s parents were Frederick Charks (FC) Hodel and Henrietta Hodel (nee Seyforth).

FC was born in 1861 in Saint Helier, New Jersey.

He owned a business with a shop on Victoria Parade.

He had a weekly newspaper and a number of boats for pearl shelling.

One of the boats was confiscated during WWII. After the war it was adapted for island use.

It was called The Penguin and is now in the Queensland Maritime Museum in Brisbane.

Ida was the youngest of five children: Percy, Sydney, Nancy, Vivian, and then Ida. Ida used to reminisce about life on ‘TI’ remembering life on Badu Island, a visit from the London Missionary Society, that ‘socials’ were always big occasions, and travelling all the way to Sydney on a steamer for holidays every second year.

June was very excited to be here and enjoyed connecting to the Old TI Facebook group.

Exciting announcement!

Fee Reduction

2022 onwards For all existing and intending families

$400 (fees & levies) + $100 (textbooks & stationery) Per year, per student Those experiencing financial hardship may receive a further fee reduction.

“I couldn’t search on Google or open my emails.

“My iPhone forced an update that couldn’t be completed because of the lack of WiFi, so I lost my phone for four days as well.

“I contacted Telstra and after confirming they couldn’t do anything about the infrastructure in our region, they offered another add on to my contract.

“They sent me a mobile WiFi device with 400gb for an extra $100 a month.

“Now I pay close to $500 per month for my Telstra services.”

Telstra Regional General Manager Rachel Cliffe said they were aware of the outages.

“We know this would have been a frustrating week for these communities and we thank everyone for their patience,” she said. “Compensation is considered on a case by case basis.”

She also said there were technicians on Waiben working to fix the problem.

“We have two mobile base stations on Thursday Island, each with multiple antennas,” she said.

“An issue with a couple of antennas on one of them is causing disruption to 4G services in parts of the island’s west.

“3G services are not affected.

“Our technicians are on the island working to everything back online.”

She said this week another issue had come up Badu Island.

“A hardware issue that was disrupting mobile services on Badu Island was fixed on the weekend,” she said.

“Unfortunately, we are now also aware of another issue that began today (Monday), which is this time disrupting some landline phone services on the island.

“We are investigating this new issue and working to get phones back up and running.”

Jermaine and Laurie agreed: it was time these issues were resolved.

T

his announcement by Cairns Catholic Education acknowledges the economic impacts of COVID-19 and the high cost of living and financial pressures of living in this beautiful, remote location.

A free school bus service for our Prep to Year 6 students is provided every morning and afternoon around Thursday Island, with a home pick-up service provided on Hammond Island for our Prep-Year 2 campus.

Now every family can access a quality, Catholic education for their children.

Contact Principal, Majella Lynch-Harlow on 4213 0050 to arrange your tour of the school, or apply online at www.olsh.qld.edu.au/apply-online

We are the heart school!

Phone: 07 4213 0050 www.olsh.qld.edu.au E: secretary.ti@cns.catholic.edu.au 7 Normanby Street, Waibeni (THURSDAY ISLAND)

04 NEWS

THURSDAY 27 JANUARY 2022 TORRES NEWS

Don’t panic – and don’t be selfish! More industries added to STORY & PICS By Ellen Mosby

SHEETS TO SPARE: Ellen Mosby taking her share from fully stocked shelves at the Waiben Ibis

SHOP ONLINE FOR VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS

Jewellery by James Ahmat

Jewellery by Frances Visini

Due to recent COVID-19 risks, the Gab Titui Cultural Centre will be closed until further notice.

shop.gabtitui.gov.au Corner of Blackall St & Victoria Parade Thursday Island QLD 4875

Panic breeds panic in a world with coronavirus, Ellen Mosby writes ...

I watched the news, the supermarkets down south looked like a war zone.

Shelves in the supermarkets and shops are inexplicably empty.

Everyone seems to think it’s a zombie apocalypse or something.

Even the sale of Corona beer has sky rocketed and the only thing linking the virus to the beer is the six letters of the name.

So yes, I think everyone everywhere has lost it.

You mobs down south, how’s your local supply chain coping with the high demand for ‘everyday essentials’?

In our case up north, not too bad yet.

Yet further down south people are still panic buying things.

There’s no baked beans, dried milk or hand sanitisers, and please don’t tell me people are going to fight over toilet paper again in the aisles of supermarkets.

Most of which either look like a ghost town or a war zone.

Anyway, I couldn’t figure any of this out.

I bet none of these people are sick and they’re all healthy enough to survive.

So what’s with the panic buying?

I sat and thought about it and realised they were panicking about other people panicking and that has set a vicious circle.

So the irrational buying patterns are just plain old panic!

It’s also overwhelmingly selfish.

It’s causing very real problems for the vulnerable people who need help at this time – not extra problems caused by selfish people.

If you feel you must ‘stock up’, please do it with moderation.

Now I want to make it very clear that I don’t take any of this lightly, and some of what I just wrote could be considered flippant at best.

Okay sorry, MY BAD. But really, unless you have an under laying health condition linked to your

respiratory system, or an impaired immune system, you will probably experience nothing much more that a mild fever and a dry cough with a temperature.

That’s going to be it.

So, what’s all the fuss then, with isolation?

Well, let me tell you, the virus kills, mostly for the reasons set out above.

Thank about it – our health care system is not set up or designed to cope with the amount of people we have up here in the north and or NPA – we’re not like a major hospital.

The number of people who might need hospital treatment could reasonably be 50 per cent of this region.

Do you think our local hospital can deal with and effectively treat all our people at once?

I’m betting no, otherwise I would like to see it to believe it.

Of course they’re not going to be able to cope.

Therefore, when we are asked to self-isolate and wash our hands more frequently, what we’re really doing is trying to slow down the spread of the virus so that the healthcare system can effectively deal with, and save more people.

Spread out the numbers of patient over a longer period of time, instead of having them all fall sick at once.

I think the best advice I’ve seen anywhere is ‘consider yourself infected and behave as if the last thing you want is to spread the virus’.

If we can stop the spread we have hope the virus will run out of people to make sick and that will be the end of it.

And maybe, just maybe, people won’t be dying in the corridors, or doctors won’t have to make a choice between which of three or four or five people get the oxygen they need to live.

COVID -19 IS NOT A GAME! Be compassionate, be safe and help others to act honourably and right.

This seems to me to be the right thing to do.

critically essential work list

Queensland’s arrangements for critically essential workers have been expanded, with disability care, aged care and telecommunications now declared critical industries.

Workers performing critically essential roles may continue to work if they are a close contact.

Additional testing requirements have also been added, to ensure close contacts who are working are regularly monitored for COVID-19.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said Queensland was the first jurisdiction in the country to establish critically essential worker provisions, to help keep Queensland running.

“These changes mean more clarity for employees and employers on what a critically essential worker is, and what they are able to do,” Minister D’Ath said.

“A critically essential worker is only able to attend the workplace as a close contact to perform a critically essential role, when both employer and employee agree.

ESSENTIAL RETAIL: Critical workers include those in food supply chains and supermarkets.

Pic Ellen Mosby.

“The critically essential worker must have no symptoms of COVID-19, be fully vaccinated and provide a negative Rapid Antigen Test on their first day of work, prior to commencing work, and every second day thereafter while working, including the usual Day 6 test for close contacts.”

She said all categories of critically essential workers had been carefully considered and were vital to keeping Queensland running.

Employers must provide the rapid antigen test to the employee.

The definition of critically essential workers has been expanded to: • include the beverage manufacturing industry • include telecommunication and broadcasting services • clarify that paid workers in disability care and aged care are critically essential.

Critical industries are also: • Health • Emergency services, including police, the Queensland State Emergency Service, maritime rescue, the Coast Guard and the Rural Fire Service • Power and utilities • Stores in remote locations or communities • Essential retail (including supermarkets) • Freight and Logistics, including freight transported by air, rail, road or sea • Public Transport • Education – secondary, primary and kindergarten school teachers • Agriculture and fisheries production • Resources • Major manufacturing, distribution and critical supply chains (food, pharmaceuticals and petrol) • Telecommunications, data, broadcasting and media.

Find out more: https://www.qld. gov.au/health/conditions/healthalerts/coronavirus-covid-19

“These measures keep Queenslanders safe, while also ensuring we can continue to keep our supermarkets stocked, power connected to our homes, and our hospitals available to provide free emergency health care to those that need it,” Minister D’Ath said.

“We have worked with stakeholders, including unions, to find the right balance of keeping Queensland running and keeping Queenslanders safe.”

What Employers Need To Do There are three steps for employers to complete when they need to ask a worker to leave quarantine to attend critically essential work.

An employer in a critical industry who requires a close contact to attend the workplace to carry out a critically essential role must create a Critical Worker List and have it available if required by an emergency officer.

Close Contact Definition You are considered a close contact if: • Someone in your household has COVID-19; OR • If you have been with someone who has COVID-19 for over 4 hours in their home, accommodation or care facility.

Close contacts must get tested and quarantine for seven days.

Close contacts can end their quarantine if seven days have passed and they: • do not have COVID-19 symptoms – and receive a negative result from a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) taken on Day 6 of quarantine • do have COVID-19 symptoms – and receive a negative result from a PCR test taken on Day 6 of quarantine.

Find out more: https://www.qld. gov.au/health/conditions/healthalerts/coronavirus-covid-19

NEWS 05

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 27 JANUARY 2022

Have a plan, stay safe and reach out BY christine howeS At the time of printing, and accounting for those who have been discharged from quarantine, the Torres & Cape Hospital and Health Services (TCHHS) has recorded 920 cases of COVID-19.

Of those more than 260 were current across the Torres Strait and NPA region.

Those with 10 or more cases include Thursday, Horn, Badu, Masig and Dauan Islands, and Seisia, Bamaga and Injinoo.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Beverley Hamerton said vaccination was the best way to protect families and communities from the infection.

“Unvaccinated people are 24 times more likely to be admitted to a Queensland Intensive Care Unit than people who have had their booster shot,” she said.

“If you are unvaccinated, you are nine times more likely to end up in hospital than if you were vaccinated and had received your booster shot.

“Also wear masks as directed, practice social distancing and good hygiene, including frequent washing of hands with sanitiser and get tested if you have symptoms.”

Ms Hammerton said 78 per cent of the eligible population aged 12 years and over in the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service region was fully vaccinated with two doses of vaccine and 93 per cent have had at least one dose.

“We have also delivered about 4210 booster vaccinations across the region and 724 children aged 5-11 have received their first dose of vaccine,” she said.

MEANWHILE Torres Shire Mayor Vonda Malone said they were doing their best to respond to the community’s needs while COVID continued to spread.

“We have to continue to respond adequately to community’s needs,” she said.

“It’s part and parcel of particularly myself as chair of the Torres Strait Local Disaster Management Group, which is not only for

Proportion of COVID cases with a severe outcome by ages and vaccination status in NSW Showing deaths and ICU admissions as a percentage of COVID cases, split by vaccination state and age.

Data covers June 2021 to 1 January 2022.

0 50 100 150 AGE 0-59

(ALMOST) ALL DONE: Injinoo resident Eileen Pablo came into the vaccination clinic at the primary healthcare centre in the community this week to have her booster COVID–19 vaccination, while children Senmillia, 9, and Agnes, 7, both had their first dose of the two-dose, 5-11 years child vaccination. Baby sister Shirley also came along to provide support. Pic supplied.

Torres Shire, but for the whole region.

“So working in partnership with the co-chair Mayor Mosby, it is our role to be able to respond and work amicably with agencies, problem solve as we go along and be able to look at alternative means to provide that support where it’s needed - we’ve been doing that from the onset of the virus.”

She said families should consider a COVID-safe Plan.

“You can minimise the risk to one family

member when they’re doing the normal engagement out in the community,” she said.

“So through the COVID safe plan you have someone assigned to do the shopping, particularly for vulnerable patients.”

She said there were also support packages available from non-government organisations, and Community Enterprise Queensland was assisting with putting together food packages for contact-free delivery.

“There are support services out there if you are struggling, and obviously in a position where you’ve been quarantined due to COVID,” she said.

“Please reach out to your local councils, they can best help facilitate the safest way to get what you need.

“There are vulnerable patients out there, it’s important and for us to provide that support as an onset, so they don’t feel that they’re going to be hard done by or isolated.”

UNVACCINATED (12.88) FULLY VACCINATED (1.41)

AGE 60-90+

UNVACCINATED (105.96) FULLY VACCINATED (16.11)

The report defines an unvaccinated person who has not had a single dose of a COVID vaccine and so includes those who were inelligible. Due to the spectacular rise in cases and issues with test access since December, case numbers are likely an undercount. New South Wales health department surveillance reports.

VACCINES COUNT: numbers in New South Wales clearly indicate less severe COVID outcomes for the vaccinated compared to the unvaccinated.

Source: The Guardian Australia © State of New South Wales NSW Ministry of Health. For current information go to www.health.nsw.gov.au.

Find out more

COVID-19 Vaccination clinic COVID-19 clinic coming to Vaccination your community.

COVID-19 clinic Get theVaccination COVID-19 vaccine coming to your community. coming to your community.

Protect yourself, your family and your community COVID-19 is in the Torres Strait. Vaccination is our best defence.

This week’s clinics: 27 – 28 Jan

Next week’s clinics: 31 Jan – 4 Feb Adult and Child vaccine – Thursday Island Tamwoy Hall (Adult: 31 Jan, 2 Feb, 3 Feb, 4 Feb. Child: 1 Feb) Adult vaccine – Thursday Island Green Horizon Building (31 Jan – 4 Feb) Child vaccine – Bamaga Primary Health Care Centre (31 Jan – 4 Feb) Adult and Child vaccine – St Pauls Primary Health Care Centre (Adult: 31 Jan, 2 Feb. Child: 1 Feb) Adult and Child vaccine – Kubin Primary Health Care Centre (Adult: 4 Feb. Child: 3 Feb) Adult and Child vaccine – Darnley Primary Health Care Centre (Adult: 31 Jan, 2 Feb. Child: 1 Feb) Adult and Child vaccine – Murray Primary Health Care Centre (Adult: 2 Feb, 4 Feb. Child: 3 Feb)

Protect yourself, your family and your community Protect yourself, your and your community Talk to our staff at your local clinic family about the vaccine and how you can be Adult vaccine – Thursday Island Tamwoy Hall

Adult vaccine – Thursday Island Green Horizon Building

Child vaccine – Hammond Island Community Hall (27 Jan only)

involved. will be free and voluntary.

(Adult: 27 Jan,The Child:vaccines 28 Jan) Adult vaccine – Badu Primary Health Care about Centre Talk to our staff at your local clinic the about vaccine and how you beyou can be Talk to our staff at your local clinic the vaccine andcan how Adult vaccine – Horn Island Primary Health Care Centre involved.involved.

The vaccines be free and (28 Jan only) The will vaccines will bevoluntary. free and voluntary.

Adult and Child vaccine – Yam Primary Health Care Centre

Adult vaccine – Bamaga Primary Health Care Centre

Please note: times for Tue. to Thu. clinics are fixed, times for Mon. and Fri. clinics may be adjusted to suit local circumstances so please call the local health facility to check times for Mon. and Fri.

Full schedule at health.qld.gov.au/torres-cape. Walk in, or call 3497 3442.

06 NEWS All in a ‘Day’ for busy Komet family group story and pics

BY ALF WILSON

Heather’s life of care

BY VELMA GARA

KOMET Torres Strait Islander Art and Cultural Group has had a busy start to the year participating in a Cultural Connections Holiday Program and in pre-filming a spot for this year’s Survival Day. The group consists of Aicey and O’Tare Day, son Ali and daughters Aigarus, Emily and Addie-Mae. They performed twice during the Townsville Museum for Tropical Queensland’s Cultural Connections Holiday Program run in conjunction with Townsville’s Big Eye Theatre company and the museum.

The event included creative First Nations workshops where families were invited to participate in traditional dance and artistic workshops.

Aicey told the Torres News the group did two different sessions on two different days.

“On the first day we did a dance workshop for prep and Year 1 students and they enjoyed it,” he said.

“Our message was cultural connection.”

The second session was another dance demonstration where Aicey said they explained the use of instruments such as the warup, lumut and gor.

PICS SUPPLIED BY HEATHER LEE & CHELSEY HEANEY

KOMET MEMBERS: (L–R) Aigarus, Emily, Addie-Mae, Ali, O’Tare and Aicey Day. “We also showed how we use props for dancing such as bows and arrows,” he said.

He said Komet then did two sessions as part of what was to be a live streaming event, also organised by Big Eye, for yesterday’s Survival Day in Townsville.

Townsville’s usually wellattended event was changed due to COVID. “We did a weaving

demonstration which involved myself, Emily, Ali and Addie-Mae at Anzac Park, followed by a dance at Queen’s Gardens both to be live streamed as part of it,” he said.

Aicey said Komet was formed as a group in 1994 and has since performed at events such as NAIDOC, Mabo Day, Coming of the Light, Survival Day, Cultural Fest and at several major celebrations on Palm Island.

CALLS FOR TREATY: Yarrabah dancers and Elders on the Cairns Esplanade last week. Pic Kenny Bedford.

Calls to support Treaty process This week marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Tent Embassy in Canberra.

In Cairns several local leaders and dancers met on the Esplanade to call on governments to support a Treaty process in the lead up to the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.

Former-member of the Queensland Treaty Working Group Kenny Bedford, who came across the group by chance and was asked to speak, said there was still a lot of unfinished business to be addressed.

“There have been many gains made, including the Mabo

THURSDAY 27 JANUARY 2022 TORRES NEWS

decision, debates about Constitutional recognition, the Apology and the current Voice, Treaty, Truth co-design work,” he said.

“We need to protect our voice in the Constitution, that will require a referendum, but we already know most Australians support us.”

He said he also knew Torres Strait Islanders supported the idea of a treaty with tangible benefits to all First Nations People.

“No targeted fight for better outcomes for our People should compromise any other group seeking the same,” he said. “We must all work together

on these issues.”

Former Yarrabah Mayor Mala Neal called on all levels of government, and First Nations People themselves, to commit to developing a Treaty before the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.

“It’s a good time frame, there is ample time,” he said.

“We think the real message here is we need a bipartisan approach to keep moving forward.

“They’re talking, talking, talking, we need action.

“And that includes our People, we need to unite and come together on this.

“Even though we

are dealing with the pandemic, we need to keep this issue alive, we need to put the government on notice.”

Mr Neal and the dancers travelled to Canberra last Friday to be at the Tent Embassy for their commemorations.

A supporting statement from former member of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, Dr Kerry Blackman, said the Tent Embassy’s anniversary was the perfect moment to say it was time for a Treaty.

“Justice must be served regardless of if it was one year ago or 250 years ago,” he said.

“We are waiting.”

Registered midwife Heather Lee was awarded for a lifetime of achievement at a recent awards night for the Townsville Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Health Services (TAIHS) staff.

Heather started her career as a bookkeeper at the Gordon Street medical centre in 1995 and four years later secured a health worker position in Maternal and Child Health Project, better known as ‘Mums and Bubs’.

“I gained a passion to care for women and their children,” she said.

“I loved the experience and learnt a lot from some great doctors.

“Being able to support the women during their pregnancies and be the support person when they went into labour gave me the willingness to further myself in this field of health.”

In 2011, she was offered a place in the first Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander group to do the three-year course of Bachelor of Midwifery at Griffith University.

She said her own experience gave her the incentive to complete the degree and be there for other women.

“When I went through my pregnancies I never had the opportunity to be with an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander midwife,” she said.

“I needed that cultural support and have someone explain things to me without the jargon and the medical terminology that is used, it was a very scary time in my life.

“Being able to understand the women and support during the birth journey was very empowering for me to be with them at the most vulnerable time in their life, bringing new life into this world.”

The mother of four was surprised when her name was announced as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award.

“I was excited and shocked to hear my name being announced and found myself totally speechless at the time when ask to say something,” she said.

“I truly was lost for words and felt very blessed.

“I’m very honoured to have received this award and thank my family for all the support they’ve

deserved: Heather Lee with her Lifetime Achievement award. given me throughout the years.”

Heather’s mother, Shirley Johnson was a proud Wuthathi women who was born on Thursday Island and lived with her parents Emma and Henry Joseph, who are both deceased.

When Shirley and late husband Keith Johnson moved to Townsville, Heather was only a baby, and later three brothers and two sisters were added to the Johnson family.

Heather has four children of her own – two daughters and two sons – and 20 grandchildren.

Several babies are named after her, an indication that not only is her work cherished by expecting mums, but also of how important it is to have an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander midwife on hand.

“Four baby girls are named after me, there were a lot of jealous midwifes at the time, who have been around for a long time and never had the pleasure of having a baby named after them,” she said.

“The very first birth I got to do was as a student [was] this beautiful Torres Strait Islander woman who I looked after as a health worker in ‘Mums and Bubs’ was giving birth to her seventh child.

“She was so proud of me for being a midwife and supporting her through the birth, the next day when I return to work there was a note saying that she had named her baby daughter after me.”

Heather has been a long serving staff member at TAIHS for more than 25 years; she currently is the Practice Manager at Maternal and Child Health but still believes you’re never too old to learn.

“Life sometimes has other journeys for us to take but if you have a passion and it’s something that you aspire to be, follow your dreams.”

one of four: Heather Paiwan with her namesake Heather Lee.

NEWS 07

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 27 JANUARY 2022

Plastic not so fantastic for Seisia PICS BY TALEI ELU A campaign to help keep Seisia beach clean has been well-supported by community members for the past two years, to the point where organiser Talei Elu, has secured funds to purchase more gloves, rubbish pick up sticks, rakes and biodegradable bags to help.

Talei started the campaign in March 2020 when she saw washed up plastic on the beach after the wet season.

She said every year, from December to March, Seisia beach was littered with rubbish.

“It is unfortunate that most of the plastic we see washed up during the wet season is from south East Asian countries,” she said.

“However, some rubbish has been left over alcohol cans, glass bottles and containers from parties where those who partied have not returned to clean up their mess.

“There have been constant efforts from the community to keep the beach and community spaces clean.”

She said kids from Seisia and the rest of the NPA had played a big part in keeping the beach plastic and litter free.

“Sometimes kids will

be playing on the beach and will see us picking up rubbish and they immediately want to join in,” she said.

“I use that time to teach them why plastic and rubbish is bad if it gets back into the ocean, how it can harm sea creatures, and how it can harm the environment.

“It is my hope that they take those lessons and start putting rubbish in the bin and recycle when they can.”

Bamaga residents Aunty Elma Yoelu and Odessa Williams planned to join Talei and other volunteers on this week’s public holiday to help clean the entire length of the beach.

Odessa shared why she has gotten involved in the clean-up efforts.

“My kids always like to go to the beach, but right now it’s so dirty, I just want them to enjoy playing on the beach without hurting themselves on old aluminium cans, glass or squid lures that you find on the beach these days,” she said.

Talei said it was not unusual to find lures and other harmful objects on the beach.

“Squid lures are a common find,” she said.

“Some of the scarier things we’ve picked up have been sharp glass, knife blades and even syringes.”

“I am honoured and grateful to have been awarded a TSRA ATES Scholarship to assist with the completion of my business degree at James Cook University in Cairns. The Scholarship covered some of the costs associated with moving to Cairns to continue my degree and helped me make a smooth transition into full-time study.”

– Carrita Assan (Current student, Bachelor of Business).

ARE YOU STUDYING YOUR FIRST UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE? The TSRA is offering one-year Scholarships valued up to $6,000* WHAT’S ON OFFER The TSRA is offering Assistance with Tertiary Education Scheme (ATES) Scholarships to support Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people (of any age) to undertake study for their first undergraduate qualification at a tertiary institution, by providing financial assistance towards living and study-related expenses.

The value of each scholarship is up to $6,000* per calendar year for full-time students. *Based on recipient’s enrolment type and ongoing eligibility.

DON’T T! MISS OU ns o ti Applica e s lo c 31 JANUARY 2 202

Applications close on 31 January 2022.

Visit tsra.gov.au to check your eligibility or to apply.

FOR MORE INFO (07) 4069 0700

VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.tsra.gov.au

TN0002 28x2 • 02-12-21 Torres News news and events of the Kaurareg homeland of Kaiwalagal, the torres strait homeland and Cape York homelands of the anggamuthi, atambaya, Wuthathi, Yadhaykenu and gudang Peoples.

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THURSDAY 27 JANUARY 2022 TORRES NEWS

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CirCULatiOn COVERAGE AREA – Covering news and events of the Torres Strait and the Northern Peninsula Area including: Badu, Bamaga, Boigu, Dauan, Erub, Horn Island (Ngurupai), Iama, Injinoo, Kerriri, Mabuyag, Masig, Mer, Moa - Kubin (Arkai) and St Pauls (Wug), Muralag, New Mapoon, Poruma, Saibai, Seisia, Thursday Island (Waiben) - TRAWQ and Port Kennedy, Ugar, Umagico, Warraber and everywhere in between.

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We pay our sincere respects to the Elders and the Peoples of the Torres Strait and the Northern Peninsula Area, across whose traditional lands and seas we report.

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DOING WHAT HE LOVED: Gordon working on Horn Island. Pic by Liberty Seekee.

INSET: AS A SOLDIER: Gordon in uniform in 1942.

Robert Gordon Cameron, known as Gordon, has passed away at age 99-years.

Last week’s Torres News published an article about the new signs installed at King Point, with Gordon’s photo.

It went to print just hours before we heard the news of his passing.

Gordon was born 12 July, 1922, in Melbourne to Alexander

Vale: Robert Gordon Cameron OAM,

WW2 Veteran Horn Island 1942-1944.

BY VANESSA SEEKEE and Minnie Cameron.

He finished school at grade 10 and worked in an accountants office before joining a then newly-formed Army Cadet unit, the 4th Anti-Aircraft Battery, in 1939.

The 34th Australian

Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery (34th Aust.

Hvy AA Bty) departed Melbourne on 26 September, 1942, onboard the Ormiston, which was a ship also used to evacuated the civilians from Thursday, Horn and Hammond

Due to Renovations TSRA will be moving from Torres Haus, 46 Victoria Parade from 8 October 2021 – 1 February 2022 For Enquiries please contact (07) 4069 0700 or reception@tsra.gov.au

islands in early 1942.

After serving two years on Horn Island, Gordon went on to serve in New Guinea with the Pacific Island Regiment before being demobilised in May, 1946.

While on Horn Island, Dawn, a girl who lived across the road from him in Melbourne, started to write to Gordon.

When he returned on leave in 1944, Dawn was in the Australian Army Women’s Service and things blossomed, so in the February, 1948, they were married.

Members of the 34th Aust Hvy AA Bty and their descendants established the Horn Island War Memorial Preservation Society (HIWMPS) to raise funds to see the conservation of WW2 sites on Horn Island.

Gordon made his first visit back to Horn Island in 1996, when the Torres Strait Heritage Museum was opened, and made many visits back to the island during reunions and military events.

He took over the role of editor of the Horn Island Echo, a publication written each year by members of the 34th Aust Hvy AA Bty, and organised yearly reunions of the battery, supporting his mates and families over the years.

He was President of the HIWMPS, advocated for conservation works on WW2 sites in the area, raised funds, and worked for more

recognition for Torres Strait veterans, which in part saw the 1939/45 Star Medal awarded to Torres Strait veterans.

He helped to create the War Memorial at the Horn Island airport, donated the flag poles, and most recently assisted with the installation of the signs at King Point, both at the beach and on the Battery’s site.

On 4 May, 2001, Gordon was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his work with WW2 veterans and for his lifetime of work in wildlife conservation, specifically with birdlife and his work with the Victorian Ornithological Research Group.

Gordon was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, veteran, and a mate.

The Motto of the Royal Australian Artillery is “Ubique”, which means wherever there is a battle, the gunners will be there.

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face; May the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Ubique Gordon…

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 27 JANUARY 2022

NEWS & CLASSIFIEDS 09 TRADES & SERVICES Every week we hope to present a page of life in the Torres Straits and NPA, showcasing local photographers from across our region. Send your ‘Ailan View’ of life in the far far north with your name and a 25-word description to ads@torres.news

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Under the mekai (sea almond) on front beach on Waiben, this spectacular sunrise was taken in November by Sam Devine.

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In Loving Memory of

Brendan Thomas Foster

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DATE CLAIMER

Saturday 25 June 2022 for the

Unveiling of a Tombstone of our

Late Mr William Miller (Daddy Boy) Cook

29th June 1984 – 31st January 2011

“Only the Holy Spirit gives eternal life” (John 6:63)

You gave no one a last farewell, nor ever said good-bye.

You were gone before we knew it, and only God knows why.

Forever we will miss you, forever we will cry.

If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died.

In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still.

In our hearts you hold a place, no one else can fill.

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone, for part of us went with you, the day God took you home.

Lovingly remembered by: Mum, Charles, Kevin, Lucinda, Vivien (Sisi), La-Tesha, Christopher, Jalynn, Aliyah, Brendan (jnr), Karlee & Isayah

@ TI Cemetery

Invitation will follow soon after.

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10 SPORT

THURSDAY 27 JANUARY 2022 TORRES NEWS

Supporters keen at Goldfields comp story and pics BY ALF WILSON

friendly games: Garbutt Magpies ladies team captain Nicole Ross, right, with a day one opponent from the Mount Isa team FBI.

MORE than 200 teams contested the Goldfield Ashes cricket carnival in Charters Towers last weekend, with the Garbutt Magpies men and ladies teams enjoying the biggest number of supporters by far.

Games started last Friday and finished on Sunday at Australia and the southern hemisphere’s largest cricket competition.

Charters Towers Cricket Association spokeswoman Kerri Forno said 201 teams competed in A, B-1, B-2 and social grades in the men’s divisions, and there was also a women’s division.

“About 14 teams had to withdrew as they couldn’t get enough players due to some having COVID or being close contacts,” she said.

The Torres News was there and visited many of the 60 fields ‘in play’ to catch up with teams and players.

Garbutt Magpies B-2 men looked set to forfeit on day one when the side they had drawn to play at the aerodrome reserve field number 41 forfeited.

“I phoned Kerri and she quickly arranged for us to play another team which had a forfeit and we won by two runs,” captain Jermaine Ross said.

The team lost their last two matches but in game three inspirational skipper Jermaine retired after reaching 50 runs.

He slammed 31 of those runs off six balls which included five Tom Mixes (sixes) and a single.

Irwin Ambrym, Rex Ross and Jermaine Ross jnr each claimed

multiple wickets when bowling.

Lady Magpies lost on day one to Mount Isa side, FBI, who were the reigning women’s champions.

They also fell short on day two but then had a win on Sunday, making it a great finale to their Ashes campaign.

Skipper Nicole Ross said everybody was enthusiastic and enjoyed the cricket.

“Last year’s carnival was cancelled due to Covid and everybody was glad to be back at the Ashes,” she said.

In game one Talisa Ross, a fourth generation great grand daughter of Anastasia Ross, top scored with 41.

Other sides with a majority of Indigenous players included Black Bream, West Indigies (both men and women), Brothers, Weekend Wariyas from Hughenden, Normanton and Erkel’s XI. “We won our three games and it was a great weekend,” West Indigies captain Glenn Butler told me.

Whilst the heat has been severe in recent weeks, it was a comfortable 32 degrees on day one.

As a bonus rain, which fell in days before the first ball was bowled, freshened up most grounds and some even had green grass growing.

Garbutt Magpies will field ladies and reserve grade men’s sides in the 2022 Townsville Australian Football League comp.

They have players who are descendants of late Anastasia Maria Ross (nee Kanak) and her husband Manny Ross of Aboriginal Juro and Kunjuun heritage.

garbutt magpies ladies TEAM: On field and ready to play at the Charters Towers aerodrome reserve.

batting on: A Black Bream batter attempts an aggressive stroke on day one.

WEST INDIGIES TEAM: Finding some shade at the Goldfield Ashes.

garbutt magpies: Players Taneeka Feltes, left, and Mariah Ross leave the field on day one.

SPORT 11

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 27 JANUARY 2022

Staying positive matters: Tari

THURSDAY ISLAND / SEISIA

FERRY SCHEDULE January 28 & 31, 2022

Morning & Afternoon Services: FRIDAY 28 & MONDAY 31 January DEPART THURSDAY ISLAND: 6.30AM & 2.30PM DEPART SEISA: 8AM & 4PM

FEBRUARY & MARCH 2022 MONDAY / WEDNESDAY / FRIDAY DEPART THURSDAY ISLAND: 6.30AM & 2.30PM DEPART SEISA: 8AM & 4PM

it’s all good: Tari Sagigi is slowly working her way back to fitness after catching COVID-19.

What a start to the year!

Who thought we’d ever make it to 2022?

Strait Fitness has definitely hit the ground running!

Ideas are circling, there are many goals to achieve, many opportunities to grasp with both hands to make 2022 an epic year.

The start of 2022 has been a bit scary for the Zenadth Kes. Our amazing health staff had us preparing for this outbreak for two years, so it was nothing we weren’t ready for, but as with anything

‘unusual’, and any sickness, there was panic in the air and it was scary.

My son and I were one of the unfortunate people to catch COVID. Whilst my son had no symptoms what-so-ever, I on the other hand had every symptom.

Each new day I had a new symptom, which kept me in bed and had me too weak to even walk to the bathroom!

As I write this, I’m on day eight and still weak.

I’ve been able to stay up out of bed for maximum of two hours

– it has been the longest you build up your week of my life thus far. immune system.

If there is anything this 4. Drink plenty of Boarding strictly 15 mins prior to departure has taught me it is to listen water. to your body.

5. Be around supportive “Linking the Cape with the Torres Strait” Take things slowly people – people who and do not rush back to bring the best out of the normal. you – the ones you know are always in Here are some tips to your corner! get back into the swing of things once you have the When I fully recover I PHONE 07 4069 1551 all clear. know I’ll be taking things RESERVATIONS ESSENTIAL – TICKET ONLINE 1. Take things slowly – slow and steady. www.peddellsferry.com.au start with stretching In this crazy world, OFFICE HOURS • Monday to Friday 9.30am – 12 noon and 12.30 – 2.30pm then a walk. make sure to look after FREIGHT • Accepted only between 2. Keep your mask near one another.

1.45pm and 2pm on the day of transport THURSDAYYou ISLAND HORN ISLAND FERRY TIMETABLE and wear it when could/be standing LUGGAGE • Accepted only for 2.30pm TI-Seisia departure between 1 – 2pm. people are around. McDONALD next to someoneCHARTER having BOATS 1300life!

664 875THE JETTY SHOP & OFFICE, ENGINEERS the worstPhone: day of their 3. Get good nutrients JETTY, THURSDAY ISLAND Fax: (07) 4090 3628 new timetable into you – it issize vital10x7 & newemail: Be kind!

– Tari. info@tiferry.com.au

TN0015 13/01/22

WEBSITE: www.tiferry.com.au Monday - Friday Depart H.I.

Depart T.I.

6.10 am #

6.30 am

6.10 am #

7.00 am

7.30 am

8.00 am

8.30 am

8.00 am

9.50 am

9.15 am QF2489 10.15 am

10.55 am QF2488

9.15 am QF2489

10.50 am QF2488

10.15 am 11.15 am

THURSDAY IS. – HORN IS.

FERRY TIMETABLE TELEPHONE: 1300 664 875 Mobile: 0428 180 361 Email: info@tiferry.com.au

www.tiferry.com.au Office Hours: 8.30am-4.30pm Monday to Friday (Closed Public Holidays)

Saturday

Depart T.I.

11.40 am

Depart H.I.

8.30 am

8.00 am

8.30 am

9.50 am

9.15 am QF2489

9.50 am

10.15 am

10.55 am QF2488

Fuel / Bunkering

11.30 am

Lunch

12.50 pm

1.15 pm

12.50 pm

1.45 pm QF 2497

2.10 pm

1.45 pm QF2497

3.10 pm QF 2491

3.45 pm QF2496

4.15 pm

4.40 pm

5.15 pm

5.40 pm QF 2490

FAST, SAFE & TIMETABLE FRIENDLY SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY DOOR TO TIME WITHOUT DOOR NOTICE. SERVICE.

Sunday Depart T.I.

7.30 am #

LUNCH

6.00 pm #

Depart H.I.

LUNCH

1.15 pm 2.10 pm # 3.45 pm QF2496

1.15 pm 1.45 pm QF2497 3.10 pm QF 2491 4.00 pm

2.10pm 3.45 pm QF2496 5.30 pm QF 2490

6.20 pm # # Monday to Friday: 6.10am & 6.20pm # Saturday: 6.10am, 2.10pm These departures will only operate for passengers pre-booked by 4pm the day prior.

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL !

ALL QF Connections departing from Horn Island and the departures from Thursday Island after them may be delayed up to 20 minutes pending actual Qantaslink aircraft arrival time.

Effective 03rd January 2022

Sport Torres News

12

THURSDAY 27 JANUARY 2022

SPORTS CONTRIBUTIONS Please email your stories and photos to our Editor before noon on Mondays.

EDITORIAL  E: editor@torres.news

All Stars still on for early next month THOUSANDS of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal men, women and children will be glued to their televisions to watch the 2022 NRL Harvey Norman All Stars rugby league extravaganza next month.

The much anticipated match, set to be played at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium on Saturday 12 February, is bound to include Torres Strait Islanders on the field.

The Harvey Norman All Stars will feature the women’s and men’s Indigenous and Maori teams, along with the Indigenous and Maori touch football teams.

The 2021 Allstars was held in Townsville at the new Queensland Country Bank Stadium in February, and despite rain during the day more than 20,000 men, women and children were there.

Gold Coast Titans and former Brisbane Broncos star forward David Fifita ran the most metres for the Indigenous Allstars men’s side. Fifita played for 62 minutes during the men’s 10-all draw in the blockbuster held over four 20 minute quarters.

The rampaging forward had a magnificent second half and ran for a game high total of 141m and barring injury should line up again.

Indigenous Allstars women’s captain Tallisha Harden ran a game high of 121m and had 14 hit ups in their 24-nil loss to the Maori team.

It will be the first time Sydney has hosted the match and it will be just the second time the All Stars fixture has been held in NSW, the first being the 2017 match in Newcastle.

Australian Rugby League Commission Chair Peter V’landys AM said the Harvey Norman All Stars was an important event for the year.

BY ALF WILSON

“It’s no coincidence that our season kicks off with the Harvey Norman All Stars,” he said.

“You can’t imagine our game without the influence of Indigenous and Maori cultures and the leadership role our players have in the community.

“We’re delighted that Sydney will have the opportunity to host these games for the first time.

“The All Stars features some of the most exciting men and women in the NRL and NRLW competitions and I know the event is one of the highlights of their season.”

National Rugby League Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the event would benefit communities.

“All Stars week brings communities and cultures together and helps celebrate First Nations people as well as rugby league’s authentic and powerful diversity,” he said.

Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council Chair Katrina Fanning said: “All 10 All Stars contests have educated, improved awareness and overall built bridges between communities.

“It has had an incredibly important impact in regional communities but it has also shown its power in our cities including Brisbane and Melbourne. Now Sydney has the chance to experience the life-changing abilities of the All Stars concept.”

Tickets for NRL Harvey Norman All Stars commenced delivery on Monday, 24 January.

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Call 0408 782 768 or visit manyrivers.org.au to find out if Many Rivers is right for you.

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MAIN PIC – STAR FORWARD: David Fifita runs out for the Indigenous Allstars at the 2021 game in Townsville.

INSET – ALL FOR ONE: The Indigenous and Maori Allstars players after the 2021 game in Townsville.

Rita Gutchen