Torres News_Edition 19_17 February 2022

Torres News Thursday, 17 February 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.

EDITORIAL  E: editor@torres.news

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Football the winner as Torres Strait players shine bright Footy was the winner last weekend with the Torres Strait players rising above and beyond in an unseasonably busy round of games in several states and places.

Rising young rugby league star Ezra Mam, 19, may have earned the five eighth position for the Broncos NRL opening round game, after a quality performance for Brisbane in a Queensland Cup trial match last weekend.

Full story Page 16  And we all know Jasmine Peters and Tahlulah Tillett shone for the Indigenous All Stars women’s team on Saturday night in Sydney, while David Fifita, Reuben Cotter and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow also played their part for the men’s team, each of them contributing their best in ‘trying’ (extremely wet!) circumstances!

Full story Page 14  PIC BY CHRISTINE HOWES

Proudly delivering essential services to Cape York and the Torres Strait in for 35 years!

RUNNING AWAY WITH THE PLAY: Ezra Mam playing in the Intrust Super Cup for Souths Logan Under-21s at Barlow Park, Cairns in May last year.

02 NEWS

THURSDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2022 TORRES NEWS

PBCs ‘underfunded’ – Entsch

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is given to financial members of the Torres Strait Islanders Media Association Inc. that the Annual General Meeting has been rescheduled for Thursday, 10th March 2022, at the TSIMA OFFICE (UPSTAIRS), Thursday Island. Meeting will commence at 5.30pm.

All members of the Torres Strait Islanders Media Association are invited to attend.

AGENDA (a) The receiving of the Annual Report 2020/2021 (b) The receiving of the Auditor’s report 2020/2021 (c) The appointment of Auditor (d) Appointment of Board of Directors (e) Special Resolutions For more information please contact: Diat Alferink (Operational Manager) on 4069 1524 or email address: opsmanager@tsima4mw.org.au

VISITING LOCAL MP: Warren Entsch on Saibai Island before COVID (2019). Pic supplied.

Looking to identify ways “underfunded” Prescribed Body Corporates (PBCs) can capitalise on aquaculture, tourism and fishing opportunities was the focus of a recent inquiry by the Australian Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia.

Chair Hon. Warren Entsch MP said the Committee believed it was time for PBC’s to be able to access a reliable and guaranteed level of funding to build their member’s capacity and look at these opportunities.

The Australian Parliament’s Committee tabled the report of its inquiry: The engagement of traditional owners in the economic development of northern Australia last week.

The report found that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were keen to participate in the economic development of northern Australia, both for their own communities and for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

But, Mr Entsch said, PBCs were underfunded.

“There’s no doubt,” he said.

“They’re expected to do far too much with very little resources.

“And I think we need to start to address that.

“The challenge for Traditional Owners is to leverage the rights provided by native title and land rights for the economic and social advancement of their communities.

“The bodies representing Traditional Owners have a very large burden of responsibilities and

expectations placed upon them, but government funding and capacitybuilding support for them is insufficient.

“Secure, long-term funding is essential. “[Economic] opportunities like these have the special strengths of using traditional knowledge of country.

“They also support efforts to stay connected with country and to fulfill traditional obligations of custodianship.”

He also said many of those who had fought hard for their Native Title rights were not welleducated in corporate responsibilities.

“Some of the things that they’re expected to do in relation to negotiations, et cetera, can be quite complex,” he said.

“PBC members are, in fact, company directors and they need to be given the opportunity to build their capacity so that they can make these decisions that are in the best interest of the broader Traditional Owner communities.

“We’ve put up very strong recommendations that the government step up their support in this area.

“We’re also looking at a similar thing to a futures fund where resources can be put aside there for Traditional Owners, as they’re getting their determinations, to help them build capacity to allow them to capture the opportunities that are out there within their areas.”

He said a large portion of northern Australia, including the Torres Strait, was now owned by Indigenous people.

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2022

TSRA transfers Native Title Services to GBK

GBK Chair: Ned David.

TSRA Chairperson : Napau Pedro Stephen AM

Traditional Owners and Prescribed Body Corporates (PBCs) will take control of Native Title services in the Torres Strait from 1 July 2022, when Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council (GBK) is appointed the region’s Native Title Representative Body (NTRB).

Former provider, the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) will cease its Native Title services on 30 June 2022.

Since its inception in 1994-95, TSRA has provided over $71 million for Native Title services which has resulted in 28 Native Title determinations across the Torres Strait, and the establishment of 21 Prescribed Body Corporates.

The National Indigenous Australian’s Agency (NIAA) has supported the move, while Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Honourable Ken Wyatt AM MP, said the transition of Native Title services in the Torres Strait was outstanding.

“It demonstrates the Traditional Owners of the region are exercising their right to self determination,” Minister Wyatt said.

“I acknowledge the TSRA for their efforts as the former NTRB, and applaud the leadership of GBK for taking on Native Title functions as the new representative body for the land and waters in the Torres Strait.”

GBK said they would build on and strengthen the successes of TSRA in advancing and protecting the Native Title rights and interests of all claimants, holders, and other constituents in the region.

Chairperson Ned David said the appointment was a founding goal of the organisation.

“It is credit to all of our Traditional Owners, PBC and

stakeholders that we finally achieve our key aspiration,” Mr David said.

“This is indeed an exciting time.

“On behalf of all Torres Strait Traditional Owners, I acknowledge those Elders who have championed the cause and I pay respect to those Elders who are longer with us.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of Minister Wyatt, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with key groups in the region, especially TSRA.” TSRA Chair Napau Pedro Stephen AM said the TSRA had succeeded in its role as the NTRB, having provided high quality and culturally appropriate professional services to Native Title holders and claimants.

“TSRA is proud of the outcomes produced in its NTRB capacity and acknowledges the Board and administrative staff who have endeavoured to maintain, protect and progress Native Title interests,” Mr Stephen said.

“The transition to GBK will be momentous for the region as the service becomes independent of Government.

“TSRA has long supported GBK and its aspirations for autonomy.”

He said in November 2021, TSRA transferred its PBC Support Program to GBK. “The transfer of the Native Title service will further solidify GBK as the region’s peak body for Traditional Owners,” he said.

He said the TSRA would continue to support the the Kaurareg determinations on Waiben (Thursday Island), Gealug (Friday Island), Kirriri (Hammond Island), Warral and Ului in their final stages before court.

For more information contact the Native Title Program at the TSRA on 4069 0700.

NEWS 03

COVID text scam ‘looks legit’ Local MP Warren Entsch said he was disturbed to be told of a text message scam enticing people to give up their personal details for a supposed COVID-19 relief fund.

Mr Entsch said the text, sent to him by an Erub Island resident, “looked legit”.

“What worries me is that people are going to look at this and then hook into some scam somewhere,” he said.

“I’ve put it on my Facebook page, to just warn them against hitting the link because you don’t know what’s going to happen with this.

“The reality is, and this is why it’s critical nobody clicks onto the link, if it’s a government website it will have .gov.au attached to it.”

He said the scammers were quite sophisticated in what they were doing.

“When you look at it in the first instance, it really looks quite legit,” he said.

“It’s always good to be cautious, if anyone wants to contact my office and send us a copy of what they get, we can always check the authenticity of it.

“We’re happy to do that, we’ve done it many times in the past.”

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04 NEWS

Treaty suspension stays in place Last week Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced Australian borders would re-open to double vaccinated visa holders as of this coming Monday.

However the Australian Border Force (ABF) has confirmed the current suspension of the Torres Strait Treaty would remain in place.

“Due to the continued threat of COVID-19 to communities within the Torres Strait Protected Zone, and the existing border arrangements put in place by the Australian and PNG Government, cross-border travel for traditional purposes under the Treaty remains

suspended,” an ABF spokesperson told the Torres News.

Since March 2020 the ABF, along with the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT), Australian Defence Force, Australian Federal Police, Department of Agriculture, Water & the Environment and the Queensland Police Service, has operated with an enhanced presence in the Torres Strait to protect communities from the spread of COVID-19.

This important activity has occurred in close collaboration with partners in Papua New Guinea.

“The Australian Government

is engaged in discussions with key stakeholders, including the Queensland Government, Papua New Guinea Government and Torres Strait regional leaders, regarding the future management of traditional visits under the Torres Strait Treaty,” the spokesperson said. “Stakeholders are in agreement that a resumption of cross-border travel under the Treaty should only take place once it can be managed safely.”

To date there have been no known cases of cross-border transmission.

More on COVID P8 & P9 

Communities lead the way to homes, land allotments and jobs in housing funds boost The Torres Strait Island and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Councils are two of 17 Aboriginal & Torres Strait councils set to benefit from a funding investment of $105 million into housing.

The funds from the Australian Government’s Forward Remote Capital Program were on top of $40 million the Queensland Government allocated to an interim remote housing program in 2018.

They will be managed by the Queensland Government with councils receiving funds according to project delivery stages across several financial years.

Minister for Communities & Housing Leeanne Enoch said homes, land allotments and jobs would be the outcomes, based on decision-making led by the councils themselves.

LEADING THE WAY: Social housing homes in the Torres Strait. Pic supplied.

“Prioritising community-led decision making for housing investment is central to the Queensland Government’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Action Plan 2019-2023, which is part of our commitment under the 10-year Queensland Housing Strategy 2017-2027,” she said.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Housing Queensland CEO Neil Willmett said Councils

THURSDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2022 TORRES NEWS

continued to play an important role in the provision of housing leadership in their communities.

“They work at the grassroots level and understand their communities and the local housing needs better than many others,” he said.

“The Queensland Government and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander councils should be congratulated on their

vision, leadership and commitment to work together as partners to improve Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander housing in Queensland.”

Cook MP Cynthia Lui said the Queensland Government had entered into genuine partnerships with local communities, based on collaborative decision making.

“This means the way the money is spent in each community can provide what is most suitable for that community, whether it is extensions to current houses, new lots or building new houses,” she said.

For more information on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan go to https://www.hpw.qld. gov.au/__data/assets/ pdf_file/0012/5214/ atsihousingactionplan. pdf

LEFT: Royal Australian Navy sailor Seaman Denison Nathaniel plays the Torres Strait Islander warup drum during the new Australian national anthem recording at Alan Eaton Studios in St Kilda, Melbourne, Victoria.

RIGHT: Royal Australian Navy sailor Leading Seaman Henry Burns playing the Torres Strait Islander wooden pate (slit drum) during the new Australian national anthem recording.

Pics courtesy ADF, Photographer POIS Nina Fogliani.

National anthem recording sounds Torres Strait drums

BY ALF WILSON Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander musicians from across the Australian Defence Force have recorded a new instrumental version of the Australian national anthem.

Air Force Band executive officer, Flight Lieutenant Aaron Michael said the goal was to create a synergy between instruments.

“It was exciting to work in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians from all services to create a true Australian sound,” Flight Lieutenant Michael said.

The idea for the new arrangement came from the Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet and was recorded by the Air Force Band in December last year.

Leading Seaman Henry Burns, a descendant of Saibai Island’s Ayte Koedal clan, played the conch shell and wooden pate drum for the recording.

“To represent both my Torres

Strait heritage and Navy culture is a privilege,” he said.

“I’m proud to be able to show we are taking a step forward as a nation and bringing our cultures together for a better Australia.”

Navy sailor Seaman Denison Nathaniel played the warup drum during the recording at Alan Eaton Studios in St Kilda Melbourne.

Army soldier Private Kirra Grimes, from the Western Australia Bunuba and Naaguja Yamatji people, said she was proud of the final recording.

“To immerse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander instruments with the Air Force Band and their music – we created a beautiful piece of music that truly represents Australia.”

At the beginning of 2021, the words of the Australian national anthem were changed from “for we are young and free” to “for we are one and free”.

The Royal Australian Navy Band made the first official recording of Advance Australia Fair featuring the updated words in January 2021.

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TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2022

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06 NEWS

THURSDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2022 TORRES NEWS

Applications open for work skills training project opportunities Applications are now open for the next round of the Palaszczuk Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work.

Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said more than 76 per cent of participants to date had gone on to find jobs or pursue further education and training.

“This is a program that has, without question, changed thousands of lives,” Minister Farmer said. “ And this year, we want it to change even more.”

“Eligible, community-based, not-for-profit and training organisations can now submit applications for projects that meet the specific needs of the unemployed and underemployed in their communities.”

She said the next funding round covered seven programs to help disadvantaged Queenslanders get back on their feet and into jobs.

The Minister said her department will be running online information sessions with the Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS).

Program guidelines for 2022–23 are online now along with FAQs, an application guide and factsheets to help eligible organisations develop strong project applications before applications close on Thursday 31 March 2022.

For more information call 1300 369 935 or see www.qld.gov.au/skillingqueenslanders

CIAF returns to new Cairns venue Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) will be back this year with a vibrant program of exhibitions and events from Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 July later this year.

Encompassing visual and performing arts, CIAF’s 13th annual season welcomes the return of visitors and collectors to Cairns, and the newly refurbished and impressive surroundings of the award-winning, Cairns Convention Centre.

The new venue will expand the number and scale of works on show to visitors within a safe and climate-controlled environment.

The 2022 theme will be: Masters of Country: an artistic celebration of Queensland First Peoples’ knowledge and resourcefulness of Indigenous plants and trees.

CIAF’s Artistic Director Janina Harding said Masters of Country would provoke a rich and expansive response from the state’s emerging and

About CIAF CIAF was established by the Queensland Government in 2009 as a strategic initiative of Backing Indigenous Arts, which aims to build stronger, more sustainable, and ethical Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts industry in the State. CIAF Ltd, formed in 2014 is a notfor-profit company limited by guarantee and governed by a Board of Directors.

The Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Tourism and Events Queensland is proud to support CIAF. In 2020 and 2021, CIAF delivered a new and interactive, digital festival platform to the world through a series of live stream presentations, performances, webinars, cultural talks, community spotlights, virtual gallery exhibitions to achieve significant outcomes. In 2020 CIAF’s Facebook posts and livestreams reached 2,646, 397 people in 80 countries, while the program website was visited approximately 13,000 times across 85 countries.

From the outset CIAF has attracted significant attention from both international and national institutional and private collectors, curators, media, and the general public.

In just 12 years, over 320,000 people have visited the event and more than $8 million has been generated in art sales which has been returned to the artistic community and is being used to further develop their art practice. www.ciaf.com.au

CIAF Artistic Director: Janina Harding established artists.

“Queensland has the most diverse Indigenous species of any state or territory, with 14,000 species known species,” Ms Harding said.

“It is not a coincidence that Queensland’s First Peoples have an innate connection with Indigenous plants and trees.”

Across the five days the event will feature the work of approximately 300 visual artists and 150 performers across the multidimensional program of mostly free, family friendly events that foster an inclusive and ethical marketplace for aspiring and established art collectors, curators, and the public.

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08 NEWS

THURSDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2022 TORRES NEWS

Now it might be a wise time NOT to panic buy I’m pretty sure by now you are sick of hearing about the COVID-19 outbreak, and what it’s been doing to our country and our people in it, our resident COVID columnist Ellen Mosby writes ...

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Here we are living in the land of plenty, Australia the land down under, but we live up top in the Torres Strait.

Today it’s scary how people are behaving.

This virus is still a live threat, and a number of regions and economies are in lockdown, while others emerge into a very different world.

The pandemic has disrupted the supply chains.

It’s severe.

As the economies restart, our supply chain will be critical to supplying goods and services quickly, safely and securely.

We still have lots of risks and challenges with this COVID crisis.

Our behaviours will change and there may be an imbalance in our supermarkets.

But let’s start with a word …hmmmmmm? …MODERATION… I could go down the path of urging you not to panic buy.

I certainly don’t want to make things worse, not for you or anyone else.

If you live in an area

take only what you need: Ellen herself shopping from rapidly emptying shelves at See Hops. that relies on food and other supplies arriving on the barge or trucks, then I am afraid that maybe for the next six months, you may have to have fall back on basics.

None of us has any idea how long this crisis will last, or what it will look like in the coming weeks and months.

So start thinking now of how you might hunker down on your supplies.

It might be a good idea to think ahead about how we are going to navigate our cooking and eating situation in this awful, frightening times.

Final note: DON’T HOARD! Food has a shelf life and – do you have space in your pantry?

Buy what you need to be ready for a possible two-weeks quarantine, plus a bit extra just in case.

Remember: everyone else needs to do the same.

Halve your portions, choose simpler options, freeze left over food.

Hey, what’s wrong with ‘Black & Gold’ products?

Look around you, what are your local

fruits and vegies?

Choose from bananas, cassava, coconuts, mangoes, wongai, sorbie and wild berries.

Look into our own bush tucker and start growing in your own back yard.

We are surrounded by the ocean, aren’t we lucky!

We have seafood right in front of us, but remember to only hunt what you need for you and your family, DON’T GO OVERBOARD! This is not a competition.

Above all, think of

ways you can reduce, cut back or eliminate your consumables.

This could be good for your wellbeing and can slow aging and protect against other diseases we suffer from, especially chronic illness which are high in our communities.

Maybe we’ll all have to go and live in the hills or live off the land in grass huts and in grass skirts.

Wouldn’t that be an eye opener for many?

Remember to be kind always!

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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

This week’s pic comes from Mariana Babia and shows us a very high tides at Saibai.

“The murky waters changes its salty water shades to a lighter shade of blue,” she said.

“I’m sitting here at the waterfront capturing the moments, as more storm clouds form over the western province skies.”

Send us your favourite pic soon!

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2022

NEWS 09 Torres News

COVID’s national picture National Cabinet met last week to discuss Australia’s response to COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly provided an update on the spread of the Omicron variant.

Overall case numbers continue to decline in Australia and the Omicron case variant continues to be the predominant variant in Australia and globally.

Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been 2,462,729 confirmed cases in Australia and, sadly, 4431 people have died.

Globally there have been over 402.6 million cases and, sadly, over 5.7 million deaths.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge in many countries around the world.

National COVID Vaccine Taskforce (Operation COVID Shield) Coordinator General Lieutenant General John Frewen, DSC, AM, provided a detailed briefing on Australia’s vaccination rollout.

Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues to expand.

To date 51.8 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Australia, including 215,521 doses in the previous 24 hours.

More than 95.8 per cent of the Australian population aged 16 years and over have now had a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including over 99 per cent of over 50 year olds.

More than 93.9 per cent of Australians aged 16 years and over are now fully vaccinated, including more than 98.4 per cent of over 50 year olds and more than 99 per cent of Australians over 70 years of age.

Over 9.5 million booster doses have been administered to 46.3 per cent of Australians.

More than 46.4 per cent of 5-11 year olds have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in the first month of their vaccination program.

Double vax reaches 80 per cent Nearly 200 cases are active and to Monday this week, accounting for those who have been discharged from quarantine, the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Services (TCHHS) has recorded 2321 cases of COVID-19 Chief Executive Beverley Hammerton says.

“With widespread transmission of COVID–19 evident throughout our region, vaccination remains our best protection against the virus,” she said.

Torres Shire Council congratulated the region for reaching 80 per cent double vaccination rates across the NPA and Torres Strait region last week.

“Our vaccination teams and all health staff continue to work hard in everyone of our communities to keep residents safe,” they said on their Facebook page.

“We thank them for reaching this milestone, but most importantly we thank you for doing your bit to protect yourself, your family and your community.

“Keep rolling up your sleeves and if it’s been three months since your second jab, you are now eligible for your booster.

“Great work Torres, Cape and NPA!” Ms Hammerton said they had already delivered more than 5,700 booster vaccinations, representing nearly 63 per cent of those aged 16 years and over who are eligible.

“We are also delivering vaccinations for children aged 5-11 years and, to date, have delivered 1421 vaccinations to this age group,” she said.

“Currently 80 per cent of the eligible population aged 12 years

If you are using a Rapid Antigen Test at home and test positive, please contact the health service public health team on 0438 755 738 to register the result and for advice. Please leave a message if unanswered.

Or you can email: TCHHS-COVID19PublicHealth@health.qld.gov.au To get the phone number of your nearest health facility, visit: https://www.health.qld.gov. au/services/torres-cape National Coronavirus Hotline: 1800 020 080.

Local information about COVID and what to do: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/torres-cape/ html/covid-19-information-for-locals

TORRES STRAIT ISLANDERS MEDIA ASSOCIATION INC. Diat Alferink – Publisher 69 Douglas Street, Thursday Is. Q 4875 P 07 4069 1524 M 0497 618 738 E editor@torres.news

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Protect yourself, your family family and you you CONGRATULATIONS Torres, Capeyour and NPA Protect yourself, family andresidents your community

we have now reached 80% double vaccinations!

Walk-ins are welcome at all Torres Strait, Cape York, and Northern Peninsula Area vaccination clinics. But you can also book in if you wish by phoning: (07) 3497 3442 from 8.30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

For more information about the Torres and Cape HHS vaccination program: https://www. health.qld.gov.au/torres-cape/html/covid-19vaccine-rollout https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/ health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/ current-status/public-health-directions/ mandatory-masks

seven of your isolation, you will need to remain in isolation until those symptoms have gone away.

You do not need another COVID-19 test to end your isolation period.

Some people still have a mild dry cough, mild fatigue or loss of taste of smell after being sick with COVID-19 – you do not need to stay in isolation if you still have these symptoms.

If you are being treated by a Queensland Hospital and Health Service, you will be able to end your isolation when a nurse or a medical practitioner from the service tells you to.

People can return to daily activities, if they have completed the required isolation period and

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.

and over in the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service region is now fully vaccinated with two doses of vaccine.”

She said “common sense hygiene” should continue to be in play.

“Please wear masks as directed, practice social distancing – at least three big steps – and good hygiene, including frequent washing of hands with sanitiser and get tested if you have Talk symptoms, no matter how mild,” Talk to to our our staff staff at at your your local local clinic clinic about about the the vaccine vaccine she said. involved.

The vaccines will be free and voluntary. involved. vaccines will beand free and “If you are sick with Talkmild to our staff at your localThe clinic about the vaccine how you voluntary. can be symptoms and cannot access involved. The vaccines will be free and voluntary. either PCR or RAT testing, please stay at home.

Pfizer vaccinations and boosters are “If you do experience symptoms such as breathlessness, available at your local Primary Health chest pain or severe lightCare Centre, Hospital and Community headedness, seek medical attention.”

I say ‘iso’, you say ‘when and how so?’

How long do I need to isolate after testing positive to COVID-19?

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you must stay at home or in your accommodation.

This is usually at least seven days from the day you had your COVID-19 test.

Ending isolation If you have COVID-19, most people can end isolation seven full days after taking the test that gave you the positive COVID-19 result.

You must not have a fever, sore throat, runny nose, or a cough that is bad or getting worse, on day seven of your isolation.

If you do have a fever, sore throat, runny nose, or a cough that is bad or getting worse, on day

PUBLISHERS

they have not shown any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 during this time.

Can a person transmit COVID-19 to others before symptoms appear?

Infected people can transmit the virus if they have symptoms or not. It appears transmission can take place one to three days before any symptoms appear.

Using a precautionary approach, people are currently considered infectious from 48 hours before symptoms develop until they meet criteria for release from isolation.

For more information see https://www.health.qld.gov.au/ torres-cape/html/covid-19information-for-locals

Pharmacy. Talk to the team at any of these locations to book your next dose.

Bookings can be made for children aged 5 – 11 at your local Primary Health Care Centre or Hospital.

Vaccination teams will also continue to visit the outer islands in the Torres Strait regularly.

Pfizer booster vaccinations have now been approved for children aged 16 and 17, and are available at all health facilities.

Anyone 16 and over can receive their booster 3 months from their second dose.

Full schedule at health.qld.gov.au/torres-cape Walk in, or call 3497 3442 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

Find out more

and and

10 NEWS TN0127

THURSDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2022 TORRES NEWS

Childhood strategy looks to long term Ads FOLDER  excel doc  dummy  TSRA - Fortnightly 17/2/22 to 23/6/22 28x2 ad @ $5 rate = $280incl [$254.55ex] x10 issues $2800incl. total.

TSRA transfers Native Title services to GBK

From 1 July 2022, Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council (GBK) will deliver Native Title services in the Torres Strait region.

The TSRA will cease its Native Title services on 30 June 2022.

The TSRA, GBK, and National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) are working closely together to ensure a smooth transition.

For more information, please contact the Torres Strait Regional Authority on 07 4069 0700 or email info@tsra.gov.au

A long-term framework for government and non-government organisations to strengthen their collaboration and improve early childhood outcomes was released by the Federal Government, in partnership with SNAICC – the National Voice for our Children, late last year.

Launched at the 9th SNAICC National Conference, chair Adjunct Professor Muriel Bamblett AO said the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Childhood Strategy focussed on strengthening families and recognised the impact of intergenerational trauma.

“This Strategy stands as a blueprint for the work that we, as Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities, families, parents and carers have done each and every day for our children for a millennia,” Adjunct Professor Bamblett said.

“We are all focussed on making sure children feel safe, loved, cared for, strong in their identity and proud of their culture, so they can walk their own path in life.

“By embedding connection to culture, Country and language throughout the Strategy, and identifying opportunities for positive influence – together, we can make a difference and truly close the gap in outcomes for our children.

“Indigenous-led solutions will ensure Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander children

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We are all focussed on making sure children feel safe, loved, cared for, strong in their identity and proud of their culture, so they can walk their own path in life.

ADJUNCT Professor Muriel Bamblett AO Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) Chair

COVER PIC: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Childhood Strategy, now available online.

and young people have every opportunity to live happy and healthy lives, strong in their culture and identity.”

The new Strategy placed children at the centre of policy design and built on commitments made under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, including a $123 million Early Childhood Package announced in August, 2021.

The Government also invested $9.1 million to support SNAICC’s Intermediary Services Support Pilot.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said the Strategy responded to calls for a more joined up approach between jurisdictions and service providers.

“The new way of working under Closing the Gap offers a framework to have a whole-of-government and whole-of-

community approach to a child’s development,” Minister Wyatt said.

“The first five years of a child’s life are critical for long-term health and wellbeing.

“This Strategy sets the vision that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are born healthy and remain strong, are nurtured by strong families, and thrive in their early years.

“For the first time, agreed priorities, future opportunities and significant activities underway have been captured in a single strategy - so that everyone who contributes to the early childhood care and development system are aligned and progressing in the same direction.

“The national consultation process behind the Strategy heard directly from families and advocates about what they need to

lay the foundations for long-term health, getting children ready for school and developing identity and understanding of culture.

“There is a strong focus on early learning, health, housing, safety, disability, the sector workforce and cultural connections to guide future changes and help parties align their policies and actions with what we’re hearing from children and their families.”

Acting Minister for Education and Youth, the Hon Stuart Robert MP, said a pilot would help early childhood providers to improve quality under the National Quality Framework.

Minister Robert said it would also increase access to training and professional development for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander educators.

“The Morrison Government is pleased to support the establishment of SNAICC’s Intermediary Support Services Pilot, which will increase the capacity of the community-controlled sector to deliver high quality and culturallysafe early learning,” Minister Robert said.

“Co-investment is being sought from state and territory governments to support the Pilot, to further strengthen community organisations and provide greater access to quality early childhood education so children are schoolready.”

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the strategy was a critical tool to help meet the Government’s targets under the Closing the Gap Agreement.

Specifically, to reduce the rate of over-representation of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care.

“Parents and kin are our first teachers and primary carers and this Strategy would ensure they are supported to raise strong and resilient, safe and healthy children,” Minister Ruston said.

“The strategy will also work alongside the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021-2031 which is a 10 year whole-of-nation framework launching today that will drive change through collective effort across all areas that support children, young people and families in need.

“Together, in genuine partnership with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities, we can develop community-led solutions to on-theground challenges.”

A copy of the Strategy is available on the NIAA website at https://www.niaa.gov. au/resource-centre/ indigenous-affairs/ national-aboriginaland-torres-straitislander-earlychildhood-strategy

NEWS 11

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2022

Future ‘much brighter’ for Stolen Generations

LEFT: These days Ella Woibo says she sees “a much brighter future” and spends much of her time surrounded by some of her 94 great grandchildren.

They include Hazel Port, 6, one of Hope Vale’s famous barefoot ballerinas, pictured here with Frank and Ella Woibo behind her. Pic by Peter Michael.

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“That’s why we are listening to calls from generations of Aboriginal people & Torres Strait Islander people to progress a Path to Treaty, because we know that the greatest outcomes are achieved by working together,” he said.

“By working in partnership, we can ensure all First Nations children, families and communities can thrive – with opportunities to connect with family, language, country, and culture.

“It’s about creating a more inclusive state going forward, with opportunities for everyone.”

Guugu Yimithirr

elder Ella Woibo was aged just six when she became part of the stolen generation.

“It was a sad time, I cried my heart out,” the 88 year old, of the former Aboriginal mission of Hope Vale, north of Cooktown, said.

She was placed in a girls dormitory, and shipped south during World War II to be used as slave labour at Woorabinda for seven years.

She was 17-years-old before she was allowed to return home.

Mrs Woibo with husband Frank, 93, said she welcomed the 2008 national apology.

“We accept it and we

Morrison recalls Apology The anniversary of then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s formal apology for the Stolen Generations will always be a day of poignant reflection, Prime Minister Scott Morrison told Parliament on Monday.

“We are on a journey to make peace with our past,” he said. “And it’s a difficult journey and it is an important one, to draw together the past, the present, and future, so we can truly be one and free. We belong to a story – from time immemorial, a continent that contends with us all, and the work of building a strong, sovereign and vibrant democracy that gives us all a voice. But we don’t seek to sugar coat this story. We don’t turn aside from the injustices, contentions and abrasions.”

He said 14 years had passed since the Apology.

“So on this day, and every year since, we are right to remind ourselves of times past - not to re-ignite the coals of pain, or to bring division where there are the beginnings of healing, but to be mindful of the lessons learned. To turn again from the great Australian silence, and towards each other and to again say: we are sorry.”

Controversially, Mr Morrison repeated a statement he made when he spoke in support of the original motion: “Sorry is not the hardest word to say, the hardest is I forgive you”.

“But I do know that such a path of forgiveness does lead to healing,” he said. “It does open up a new opportunity. It does offer up release from the bondage of pain and suffering that no simple apology on its own can achieve. And nor do I believe that such forgiveness is a corporate matter. It can only begin with the individual. And forgiveness does not mean forgetting.

“Nor does it mean that there are not consequences for actions, and the need for redress and restitution.”

He said the journey continued.

“This anniversary will always be a day of poignant reflection – a poignant reflection that can give birth to hope as well,” he said. “Hope for a reconciled nation – its people at one with their past and with each other – and open to shaping their future together.

“That is what we continue to work for, and that is what we pledge ourselves to do so once again.”

all must get on with our lives,’’ she said.

For more about the Path to Treaty see www.

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Applications for the Training Rural Australians in Leadership (TRAIL) Program are now open The TSRA is sponsoring three positions on the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation’s TRAIL Program. TRAIL is an intensive seven day residential program in Canberra. You will develop a strong Due to the impacts of COVID-19, the 2022 range of skills, attributes and knowledge to TRAIL program will be delivered over three engage your organisations, communities and sessions: industry in proactive solutions to long-term issues.

Session 1: 10-11 March (virtual delivery) Session 2: 11 April (virtual delivery) Session 3: 14-18 May (face to face delivery) Who can apply?

Emerging Torres Strait Islander or Aboriginal leaders living in the Torres Strait Region What does TRAIL offer?

A challenging four-day outdoor leadership experience, along with numerous workshops, panel sessions and seminars aimed at building and developing leadership skills.

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Last weekend was the 14th Anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations.

Queensland Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Craig Crawford said the day paid respects to First Nations people who were forcibly removed as children from their family, culture, language, and community.

“The National Apology to the Stolen Generations in 2008 was a turning point in Australia’s postcolonial history,” Mr Crawford said.

“It acknowledged some ugly truths, but gives a chance to right the wrongs, heal the past, and build hope for the future.

“It created an opportunity that allows all Queenslanders, Indigenous and nonIndigenous, to move forward together as we take significant steps this year on our Path to Treaty, truth-telling and reconciliation.

“We have to recognise the traumatic impacts of forced separation of Aboriginal children and Torres Strait Islander children from their families and culture to embrace a more just future for all Queenslanders.”

He said at the heart of the treaty-making process in Queensland there existed a strong desire for truth-telling and honesty about our shared history.

Applications close 5pm on 28 February 2022. For an application form please visit the TSRA website www.tsra.gov.au/opportunities/leadership-capacity-building-opportunities or call the Torres Strait Regional Authority on (07) 4069 0700 or email info@tsra.gov.au

12 NEWS

THURSDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2022 TORRES NEWS

Alya’s living it up in London, UK – Ailan style

By Jillian Bowie Living it up in London since July 2016 is Alya Gordon, a lawyer who works as the manager of a financial consultancy.

Alya is a Kulkagal woman of the Central Islands of Zenadth Kes. She is a direct descendant of Maino Kebisu, the last Mamoose of Iama (Yam Island), son of the warrior Kebisu of Tudu Island.

Alya also has ancestral links to Ugar, Ireland, England, and Scotland.

She is the daughter of Getano Bann and Australian-born Maggie Shambrook.

“I moved to London because Australia is so far away from everything,” she said.

“I wanted to travel and build my career.

“I didn’t plan to stay this long, but here I am five and a half years later

JUST A WHILE AWAY from her london home: Alya Gordon with her dad Getano Bann in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris on Father’s Day in 2018. about to apply for my British Passport.”

Alya’s Dad Getano is part Scottish, permitting Alya to obtain an Ancestry Visa, which allows her to stay in the UK for five years.

It is a pathway

to citizenship, if she chooses to stay longer, and this year she is eligible to apply for her British Passport.

Alya said she loves being in London and is making the most of living her dream life.

COVID-19 threw a spanner in the works which affected all the things she loves to do in London, such as going to concerts, theatres, art galleries and traveling across most of western Europe.

She said she has travelled to about 30 countries since leaving Australia.

“London is where all the flights leave from– and you can get really cheap flights in a way you could never do in Australia,” she said.

“You can get a flight to Germany for the weekend for only $20.

“Everything is so close here.

“It is like a dream come true because I find myself walking to work through the city, admiring old, historic buildings.

“I just want to pinch myself sometimes, I can’t believe I am actually living and working in London, and it feels really special that I am able to do this.”

Alya was born in Mackay before moving to Brisbane with her family when she was seven-years-old.

She grew up in Brisbane with five other siblings and has fond memories of her dad coming to the schools to talk about the Torres Strait, teaching the students the Taba Naba dance and taking the family to Torres Strait events and gatherings.

“Even though I can’t sing all the songs and don’t know all the dances and stories, I know in my soul what it is and how important it is,” she said.

She was 11-years-old when she first visited Torres Strait, one of three trips she ever made to the islands, and wishes there could have been a lot more.

“I think it is very important to have travelled to the islands and make that

READY FOR WORK: Alya Gordon in front of one of many historic buildings in her area: the Old Marylebone Town Hall, Westminster Council House. connection when we are young,” she said.

“These are the little markers that ground you in your identity.”

Alya wanted to be a lawyer from a very early age.

“I always knew I wanted to do law all through high school, so I applied and got in,” she said.

She got an internship with a law firm in Brisbane while she was studying for her under-graduate degree in Law and International Relations.

After graduation she practised as a litigation lawyer – a young 22 year old – but said she felt she wasn’t making the kind of money she would like.

Knowing she wanted to travel and experience new things, she moved to Sydney and worked for the Australian Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC) in a team called the Indigenous Outreach Program.

While she was there, Alya completed her Masters in Commercial Law, also teaching at the University of NSW. “I got to meet so many incredible academics and quite a few lawyers who advanced their career in London,” she said.

“So I moved to London in July, 2016, which was right after the Brexit decision.

“It was a nightmare.

“There were hardly any jobs, and the economy was shrinking.

“I was lucky enough to get a job with the Financial Services Regulator here in London and worked

there for five years.

“I just moved into this new job in consulting four months ago.”

Alya said she gets her ambitious streak from her parents, both of whom were committed to education, and saw it as a path to a better life.

“Dad and everyone else saw in me a very tenacious child,” she said.

“I was told as a child I was very good with words, good at arguing the point and always questioning things.

“Someone once said that I would make a good lawyer.

“I have wonderful parents who always encouraged and fostered these traits in me.

“They always put up these safety rail guards around me but at the same time gave me space to figure things out for myself.

“They always provided that space of safety and reassurance that if I fall, they will always be there.

“It all comes back to knowing who we are, and we draw strength from that because that blood is strong, and that’s what pushes us forward.

“We don’t need other people to tell us what we can or cannot do.

“We need to trust ourselves more, know our worth and what we can do.

“I think it’s important that we all help each other to see that there are ways that we can all be brave together moving forward, being brave in whatever way we want to be in this world.”

TN0030

TORRES NEWS 20x1 (10/2/22)

THURSDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2022

Torres News PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY Available at various outlets in the Torres Strait & NPA and also at these stores and newsagencies

CAIRNS • Bayview Gardens Newsagency – Southside Shopping Village, Woree • Earlville Newsagency – Stockland Cairns Shopping Centre, Earlville • Bamaga Dreamtime Store – Stockland Cairns Shopping Centre, Earlville • Enmore News – 5 Reservoir Rd, Manoora • Marketplace Newsagency – 2/96 McLaughlan Rd, Bentley Park • NewsXpressCairns Central – Cairns Central Shopping Centre, 126 McLeod St • Railway Newsagency – 48 McLeod St, Cairns • Raintrees Newsagency – Raintrees Shopping Centre, Alfred St, Manunda MOSSMAN • News Extra Mossman – 35 Front St MAREEBA • Nextra Mareeba News – 125 Byrnes St, Mareeba INNISFAIL • Larsens News – 60 Rankin St INGHAM • Ingham Newsagency – 42 Lannercost St PALM ISLAND • ABIS Palm Is. – Bwgcolman Supermarket, 67 Beach Rd TOWNSVILLE • Mooney Street News – 72-86 Mooney St, Gulliver • NewsXpress Garbutt Central – 1/221 Ingham Rd, Garbutt • NewsXpress Sun City – 307 Flinders Mall MACKAY • Moores Newspower – 332 Shakespeare St

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Our client client isis looking looking for for an an experienced experienced Our administration officer officer to to work work in in aabusy busy office office administration onThursday ThursdayIsland.

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Applications Applicationsclose close11March March2022 2022

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Late of Condon. Passed away peacefully at Townsville University Hospital surrounded by her Loving Family.

Beloved Wife of Peter. Much Loved Mother and Motherin-law of Nancy and Amanaki, Dubi, Manar, Ra�ler and Breanna. Cherished Aka Bear of 11 Grandchildren, 1 Great Grandchild and their Extended Families.

ANNIE will be sadly missed by her Siblings and her Extended Families.

Aged 62 Years “In God’s Care” “Forever in Our Hearts” Family, Extended Families and Friends are respec�ully invited to a�end A CELEBRATION OF ANNIE’S LIFE which will commence at 10:00 a.m. FRIDAY 4th MARCH, 2022 at the Ryan Community Centre, Morindo Drive Kirwan. The Funeral Cortege will then proceed to Belgian Gardens Cemetery for Commi�al and Interment.

Family, Extended Families and Friends of ANNIE are respec�ully invited to a�end her VIEWING which will be held at our White Dove Chapel, 7 Yeatman Street, Hyde Park, WEDNESDAY 2nd MARCH, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. un�l 4:00 p.m.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY COORDINATOR - FULL TIME Port Kennedy Association is looking for an experienced and exceptional Coordinator on a full time basis to join our team at Thursday Island, reporting to the Management Committee.

The Port Kennedy Association (PKA) is a non-profit community organization that was incorporated in 1987 by local Thursday Island residents as an advocacy to governments on issues that affect our area and lifestyle. The Port Kennedy services extend through areas of Thursday Island, Horn Island and Prince of Wales Island. The programs are funded by various grants including the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and Department of Health and Family Services. The Port Kennedy Association encourages input from local peoples into the decision making within the Port Kennedy area. The Association is constantly involved in community projects that are of benefit to the needs of the community.

Role and Responsibility:

• Management of the administrative functions of the Association • Ensure all employee and sub-contractor records are maintained accurately and in a timely manner • Complete jobs-management and invoicing requirements • Conduct work reviews and audits for quality improvement purposes • Follow up on incomplete or problematic jobs to ensure completion and customer satisfaction • Ensure maximum office discretion and confidentiality at all times

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience in a similar role • Blue Card, Police Clearance, Yellow (Disabilities Service Card) or ability to obtain one • A can-do attitude and ability to display clear communication to internal and external stakeholders

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If you have the above skills and are looking for an exciting and rewarding career, please send your cover letter and resume to Pauline.Ahwang@pka.org.au For further information about this position or the Company, please contact Pauline Ahwang, President on 0438 810 309. We look forward to hearing from you.

Applications Close: Please note 22nd that only applicants 2022. short listed will be contacted.

Tuesday, February

Please note that only applicants short listed will be contacted.

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THURSDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2022 TORRES NEWS

Locals star in All Stars blockbuster

BY ALF WILSON

Torres Strait Islanders Jasmine Peters and Tahlulah Tillett shone for the Indigenous Allstars women’s team which defeated the Maori Ferns 18-8 at CommBank Stadium on Saturday night.

More than 20,000 spectators were at the Hervey Norman Allstars games, which were held in Sydney for the first time.

Many more saw the first top class rugby league for 2022 on free-to-air or cable television including from the Torres Strait, NPA and Cape York.

Tillet controlled ball flow from halfback and kicked in general play with great precision whilst Peters, who lined up in the centres, was solid in attack and defence.

David Fifita, Reuben Cotter and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow were part of the men’s Indigenous Allstars, which lost

16-10 to the Maori team.

Second rower Fifita showed why he is the hardest player in the NRL to tackle, with the ‘play of the night’ when he set up his side’s only try, which propelled Indigenous to a 6-nil lead.

The match was played over four 20-minute quarters.

Fifita was at his damaging best in the opening term, leaving Patrick Herbert, Dylan Walker and Chanel HarrisTavita in his wake as he raced 45 metres up field and sent a perfectly timed pass inside for centre Jesse Ramien to open the scoring.

Cotter was clever at hooker and looked certain to level the scores at 10-10 on the 50-minute mark, but lost the ball as he stretched out to plant it down.

Tabuai-Fidow lined up on a wing and had few opportunities to showcase his wonderful talents in the match, which was

LEADING THE WAY: Tommaya Kelly-Sines and Tahlulah Tillet coming onto the field in Sydney. Pic supplied. only marred by rain.

The Indigenous women lost 24-0 to the Maori Ferns last year in Townsville and Saturday night’s victory squared the

ledger at 2-2 across the four years of the contest.

Next year’s matches are tipped to be played across the ditch in New Zealand.

Darts memorial comp aiming for April

BY ALF WILSON Around 20 darts team are expected to contest the inaugural Noel ‘Buai’ Ross Memorial Darts Shield tournament in Townsville from 1 to 3 April.

Noel was a bus driver on Horn Island a few years before his death in 2011, and was one of the best-known sportsmen in North Queensland.

He was a champion Australian Rules football player for Townsville’s Garbutt Magpies Club, a skilful rugby league footballer, a quality cricketer, who was a fast

bowler, a renowned darts and pool player, and a handy golfer.

One of his sons, Justin Ross, said he had always wanted to organise a darts tournament in honour of his late father, fondly remembered by many.

“The dates of the tournament coincide with what would have been his 67th birthday,” he told the Torres News.

“I am very keen to get teams from the Torres Strait, as dad played darts up there when he drove a bus on Horn Island around 2007.

“He represented Townsville Zone at representative darts

events many times and travelled to TI, and west to Cloncurry and Mount Isa.” Noel was affectionately known by his nickname of ‘Buai’.

Justin said he had a great love of many sports, as well as being a keen fisherman.

He played AFL for Garbutt Magpies in Townsville from a young junior at age 10 through to the seniors.

This writer fondly remembers way back in 1966 travelling with Noel to Cairns by train with a Townsville under-12 representative team.

Noel was the captain, and also had been a member, of the Garbutt Magpies teams who won under-13 and -14 Townsville AFL junior premierships in 1967 and 1968.

For many years Noel Ross worked as a truck driver for the Townsville City Council and enjoyed meeting family and friends at the West End Hotel, where he often played darts and pool.

I still hear former players talk about Noel’s long kicks from fullback at Centenary Oval, where local AFL matches were played back then.

“His NRL club was the St George Dragons and he also played rugby league with Townsville WEA’s, Souths Bulls and Palm Island Barracudas,” Justin said.

“Throughout his life outside of football his greatest passion was darts.”

Justin said the tournament’s day one – the 1st of April – would be a ‘meet and greet’, during which visiting players and supporters would catch up with locals.

Competition will be held over the next two days with a presentation of trophies at the end.

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CHAMPION DAD: Son Justin Ross and daughter Cassandra hold a pic of their late father Noel Ross who has a memorial darts tournament named after him.

on target: Winning team of the Townsville 2003 premiership comp which included Noel Ross. Pics submitted.

SPORT 15

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2022

Indigenous community basketball is back!

BY VELMA GARA This year’s Indigenous Community Basketball League (ICBL) will be a condensed six weeks competition in response to COVID-19.

Aspiring young basketball players will be taking to the courts this weekend as final team selection sessions are held this coming Sunday from 2pm-5pm at the Torres Shire Sports Complex.

All registered players must attend this session to be placed in their ICBL teams.

Last year in its inaugural season, the ICBL attracted nearly a thousand hoopsters.

It’s a free program and to participate, girls and boys must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and be 12 to 14 years old prior to August 31, 2022.

ICBL aims to develop fundamental basketball knowledge, skills and

competition, which leads to an opportunity for selection to a national tournament and beyond.

The National Indigenous Basketball Tournament (NIBT) has been earmarked to be held on the Gold Coast in April.

Indigenous Program Manager – North Queensland, Joel Khalu, said IBA were in the midst of a recruitment drive throughout NQ regions, including Townsville, with the aim of increasing registered player numbers.

Torres Strait Regional Coordinator, Mick Loban,

said he was happy to hear from anyone interested in the competition.

Other regional coordinators for this state are Kaylyn Zaro – Qld North and Michael Cedar – Qld South.

ICBL said they were also on the lookout for volunteers to be involved as Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Team Managers, Referees, Score Table Officials or general volunteers.

For more information email IBA at operations@

indigenousbasketballaustralia. com

Strait Talking with Tari from Strait Fitness Wow what a start to the school year!

We’ve certainly hit the ground running with the new year – new goals get set and away we go.

Strait Fitness crew are out there smashing goals and I’m absolutely loving all the other people out moving their bodies. It’s deadly to see!

With COVID around we’ve had to be careful with what we do these days.

In saying that – it’s nothing we weren’t prepared for.

Everything was out of our control but one thing we do have control over is our bodies.

How we move our bodies. How we love and nourish our bodies. How we speak to ourselves. How we embrace life.

Let me ask you – when was the last time you sat and reflected on how deadly you are?

How beautiful and kind you are? How loving you are? How you’re worthy of happiness? And how you deserve all that you work for?

I want to tell you: you are amazing and worthy of happiness!

How blessed are we to have the bodies we have?

To have another opportunity to wake up and live another day?

To have the jobs we have, the food we have, the opportunities we have!

In this pandemic – I challenge you to be kind.

Always remember you could be

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THURSDAY ISLAND / SEISIA

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Monday - Friday

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• ICBL FINAL TEAM SELECTION SESSION – Sunday, 20 February – All registered players MUST attend this session to be placed in their 2022 teams.

• OPENING CEREMONY & ROUND 1 – Sunday, 27 February • ROUND 2 - Sunday, 6 March • ROUND 3 - Sunday, 13 March • SEMI FINALS – Sunday, 20 March • GRAND FINAL - Sunday, 27 March

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16

THURSDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2022

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Flagging a win

Mam looks likely for Broncos pick story ALF WILSON RISING young rugby league star Ezra Mam, 19, may have earned the five eighth position for the Broncos NRL opening round game after a quality performance for Brisbane in their 52-4 win over Queensland Cup side Wynnum in a trial match played last Saturday.

Teenager Mam dazzled the 5000 strong crowd as the Broncos thumped Wynnum at Brisbane’s Kougari Oval.

Mam scored a try and had a hand in three others to underline why he is one of the NRL’s hottest young playmaking prospects.

He said he felt comfortable on the field.

“It was good to get up today and get to run with the boys,” he said.

“It was our first game of the year, so we were a bit rusty.

“If I can get my legs working for a full game, that would be good.

“I’m happy to do whatever coach Kevin Walters says, team first.

Standing out in a crowd: Tahlulah Tillet watches on in a rare quiet moment at Saturday night’s All Stars game in Sydney.

Pics supplied.

Full story PAGE 14 

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“If he picks me, then he picks me, I’ve just got to put my best foot forward.”

Other players hoping Broncos coach Kevin Walters might select them at five eighth for the season opener were Tyson Gamble, Albert Kelly, former NQ Cowboy Te Maire Martin and Billy Walters.

Mam will have a chance to impress coach Walters and Broncos selectors over several more trials in the coming weeks.

Mam joined the Broncos this year after a strong debut year for affiliate club Souths Logan Magpies, where he scored 13 tries, eight try assists and seven goals in just 11 games.

He won the 2021 Queensland Cup Rookie of the Year Award, and the Souths Logan Magpies Pat Phelan Memorial Club Player of the Year.

Mam has been in the Broncos’ pathways program since he was 13, and has earned his spot in the Broncos 30-man squad.

Whilst the North Queensland Cowboys have the biggest following of NRL clubs in the Torres Strait, the Broncos also have many fans.

Rita Gutchen