Torres News_Edition 23_17 March 2022

Torres News Thursday, 17 March, 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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Jawai celebrates 200 NBL games It was the Cairns Taipans’ second home Last weekend star game of the season’s basketballer Nathan Jawai celebrated Indigenous finally got to play his round against the Sydney 200th NBL game to mark Kings. his long-awaited return Hip Hop artist Mau Power (Patrick Mau) from injury.

Words & pic BY C. howes

with dancers Ty Hakalitz and J Drahm provided a powerful half time performance for the

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

5,000-strong crowd.

They joined Nate after the game with Curt Ah Wang (right).

More from Nate on Pages 8 & 16 Basketball action pics on Page 14 

02 NEWS

artist at work: Aboriginal artist and storybook illustrator Davinder Hart.

Pics supplied.

THURSDAY 17 MARCH 2022 TORRES NEWS

A free read to help hearing health The launch of a new storybook about a series of events centred around The Spirit of Sound is the result of a collaboration between Hearing Australia’s Hearing Assessment Program - Early Ears (HAPEE) and First Nations communities across Australia.

The book is free to organisations who work with children in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of regular hearing checks early in life.

Artist Davinder Hart, of the Noongar nation said he was proud to work with Hearing Australia to highlight the importance of sound.

“When we hear sound it travels through our ears into our bodies and wakes up our feelings,” he said.

“In this book you can see the spirits of sound and how it moves around like a message being sent.

“When we start to listen, we can start to learn.”

To coincide with World Hearing Day last week, The Spirit of Sound was released as an eBook on the Hearing Australia website, along with a suite of new resources and a Q&A for parents and community, with Worimi man and ear, nose and throat surgeon Professor Kelvin Kong.

Professor Kong was

joined by First Nations HAPEE spokespeople from across the country including Wiradjuri man and father Luke Carroll, Gumbaynggirr, Dhungatti, Torres Strait Islander mother Elsie Seriat, and Noongar mother and grandmother Daniella Borg.

Professor Kelvin Kong said the issue was close to his heart.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids and our mob are more likely to get affected by hearing issues and their effects,” Professor Kong said.

“The problem with that is that it means our language, our development, our speech, and our progression through life can be hampered.

“I encourage all our community to take that first step, book in and get your kids, your nieces, nephews or grandkids a hearing check so they can be ready to listen and learn.”

Resources are available for parents and educators to support hearing health through the HAPEE Ears for Early Years Program.

Visit https://www. hearing.com.au/HAPEE

for more information.

Visit www.hearing.

com.au/Hearing-loss/ HAPEE/The-Spirit-ofSound-Storybook to

access the eBook.

World Hearing Day Q&A: Top – Professor Kelvin Kong with HAPEE spokespeople Daniella Borg and Bottom – Elsie Seriat OAM and Luke Carroll.

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 17 MARCH 2022

New CEO to lead TSIRC

A former advisor in economic initiatives at federal level is the new Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

James William was officially introduced to all staff and Councillors

by Mayor Phillemon Mosby last week at a special meeting.

It was Mr William’s first day in the role.

Cr Mosby thanked staff for choosing TSIRC to be their employer of choice, for keeping the wheels of TSIRC moving and for ensuring critical services remained operational throughout the global pandemic.

He also acknowledged the special efforts of Hollie Faithfull, Ilario Sabatino, David Baldwin and Dawson Sailor who recently acted in the position of CEO. “This is a difficult but critical role in Local

TSIRC CEO: James William.

Government,” he said.

“Our Council could not function without a CEO and to those of you who have stepped up and taken up this role, I thank you for

your service.”

Before coming to TSIRC, Mr. William was working with the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) as Chief

Advisor, Major Economic Initiatives Strategy Branch.

He brought with him extensive and diverse experience as a leader.

He has held Senior Executive Officer positions in the Public Sector with specialisation in Economic Development Policy and Program Implementation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs.

He’s also a highly experienced strategy and management consultant with commercial risk advisory experience in public and privately funded projects for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

He has held roles in top global consulting firms, where he has worked with clients from various industries and sectors including government, coal seam gas, resources, tourism, health and education.

NEWS 03 ‘Significant surge’ in COVID expected with new variant New South Wales has experienced a significant surge in COVID cases, which are expected to double in the next four to six weeks, State Health Minister Brad Hazzard says.

A new, more contagious Omicron strain called BA.2 and a relaxation of restrictions has been blamed for the surge.

Last weekend New South Wales recorded 13,093 positive test results (cases) notified in a 24 hours period to Sunday afternoon.

More than 5,000 positive PCR results were returned from more than 43,000 PCR tests.

National Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly reported to the National Cabinet last week, that overall numbers continued to decline in Australia although a winter/flu season ‘spike’ was expected.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been 3,136,920 confirmed cases in Australia and, sadly, 5,549 people have died,” he said.

“Globally there have been over 452.7 million cases and, sadly, over six million deaths, with 1,949,622 new cases and 7,240 deaths reported

in the last 24 hours [to last Friday].

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

The National Cabinet has agreed to a nationally consistent approach to manage both the COVID-19 pandemic and the likely cocirculation of influenza during winter 2022, to minimise health impacts while supporting the economy.

ABC News has also reported health authorities have warned Australia was likely to see an increase in flu cases this winter and have encouraged people to get the flu injection when it becomes available.

The National Cabinet also supported the development of a Joint National Japanese Encephalitis Virus Response Plan.

Funding for initiatives under the Plan would be aimed at protecting people and animals most at risk during the current outbreak by preventing exposure to the disease through vaccination and mosquito management systems, and targeted communication for at-risk areas.

More COVID news see P6 

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TSIRC EXECUTIVE TEAM: L-R Corporate Services Executive Director (ED) Megan Barrett; Engineering Services ED David Baldwin, CEO James William, Building & Community Services Acting ED Dawson Sailor & Financial Services Executive Director Hollie Faithfull. Pics supplied.

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04 NEWS

THURSDAY 17 MARCH 2022 TORRES NEWS

Group to provide advice on Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa A formally established advisory group will work to provide advice and guidance to the Queensland Government on the implementation of the Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa (Torres Strait Islander Traditional Child Rearing Practice) Act 2020.

Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa Commissioner C’Zarke Maza said the Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (DSDSATSIP – formerly DATSIP) will work in partnership with the advisory group.

“The Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa Advisory Group has been formally established and consists of members of the Kupai Omasker Working Party,” Commissioner Maza said.

“The group will play an important role, working to provide advice and guidance on the implementation of the Act. “Their role is to also ensure DSDSATSIP maintains the cultural

CIRCA 1990-1991: Ivy Trevallion at the 1990-91 Naitonal Torres Strait Islander Conference in Brisbane in the formative stages of the Kupai Omasker Working Party, who advocated for legal recognition of Torres Strait traditional child rearing practices. Pic supplied by Paul Ban. integrity of the application process for legal recognition, while ensuring the application and related processes are confidential, affordable, and accessible to Torres Strait Islander families and communities.”

Co-chair Ivy Trevallion said they met with DSDSATSIP for their first meeting in early March at the Pulman Hotel in Cairns.

“The meeting was a success,” she said.

“It was also a wonderful opportunity for the members to meet the team from the Office of the Commissioner and the Meriba Omasker Kaziw

ADVISORY GROUP MEMBERS: L-R: Belza Lowah, Paul Ban, Francis Tapim & Alastair Nicholson.

Kazipa Program Support Office.”

She said members of the new group included the Honourable Alastair Nicholson, McRose Elu, Belza Lowah, Dana Ober, Francis Tapim, Paul Ban and Rolf Nilsson.

Commissioner Maza said the Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa Program Support Offices were now fully staffed in Cairns and Waiben.

“The Program Support Office can also provide information and culturally appropriate support to applicants about the application process,” he said.

LEADING THE WAY: Co-chair Ivy Trevallion & Commissioner C’Zarke Maza. Pics by Aaron Smith.

“All regional DSDSATSIP offices across Queensland can also assist with information.”

All enquiries about the application process are welcome and can be made in person, or by email: office@ocmokk.qld.gov.au

or by calling 1800 571 102 (free call) between 9am-4pm Monday to Friday.

More information and relevant forms can also be found at www.ocmokk.qld. gov.au

The Office of the Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa was officially opened 7 September 2021 and Commissioner C’Zarke Maza has since been accepting applications for Cultural Recognition Orders. These applications are independently considered and decided by Commissioner Maza.

The Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa (Torres Strait Islander Traditional Child Rearing Practice) Act 2020 (the Act) was the first of its kind. The Act recognised Torres Strait Islander lore in Western Law and established a process for the legal recognition of Torres Strait Islander traditional child rearing practice.

This ground-breaking Act legally recognised the Ailan Kastom child rearing practice where a child’s birth and cultural parents agree, in accordance with Ailan Kastom, that the parental rights and responsibilities for the child are permanently transferred from the child’s birth parents to the child’s cultural parents.

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LABOR CANDIDATE: Elida Faith.

shadow MINISTER: Catherine King.

Labor Candidate for Leichhardt Elida Faith and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport & Regional Development Catherine King will visit the Torres Strait this week to announce a promise of $40 million committed to identifying and starting marine works across the region.

In a joint statement released on Monday, they said marine infrastructure such as jetties, wharfs and barges underpinned life in the Torres Strait.

“It is the only way that many communities can access essential supplies like food and water and critical services like medical care and education,” they said.

“Wharfs in some communities have become unusable, while the communities of Mabuiag and Mer have no jetties at all.

“This is having a detrimental impact on the health of communities across the region.

“In determining works, we will collaborate closely with the Torres

Strait Island Regional Council to ensure that our investments deliver the greatest benefits to communities across the region.

“Labor’s investment will mean that Torres Strait Island communities can better access essential services, including health and education, as well as to better connect with one another.”

Ms Faith said she was excited.

“The Torres Strait is such a special part of Australia and it’s why I’m proud to have secured this significant injection of funds for the region,” she said.

“I’m excited about what an Albanese Labor Government can do for the Torres Strait, including the outer islands, which are home to some of our most remote constituents.”

“This announcement is all about improving the lives of locals – it will mean better access to food and medical supplies, staying connected with family and friends across the region and even the simple things like making.”

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 17 MARCH 2022

05

06 NEWS

THURSDAY 17 MARCH 2022 TORRES NEWS

Kristie steps up for community

Touch the sound of silence I was thinking of my next story and running on empty, our resident COVID columnist Ellen Mosby writes ...

Sitting on the couch listening to music, tapping the couch and floundering at the end of an otherwise productive day, trying to find another way to say… nothing, as it turns out.

A song started playing and I started singing to it.

It wasn’t anything special, but I liked it because it’s a song I know.

It’s called When You Say Nothing at All, recorded and released in August, 1988, by the Irish singer Ronan Keating, who enjoyed massive success with it all over Europe and, let’s not forget, at Australia’s top pub, The Torres Hotel.

Gee, I miss Karaoke nights at the Torres – yet another casualty of COVID, I hope they start them up again soon.

Anyway, the words to the song include references to a smile, a touch, and saying it’s all best when nothing is said.

That was the moment I knew what to write about: the power of SILENCE. Nearly everyone has a phone gizmo these days, which people

The Torres & Cape Hospital and Health Service’s First Nations COVID–19 Team held a child vaccination clinic at the Tagai Primary School on Thursday Island last week. In the picture is Kristie Cook, flanked by Indigenous Health Worker Florianna Bero and Registered Nurse Maddie Hunter, who was among the children vaccinated. Pic supplied.

take with them everywhere.

Everywhere.

Somehow, every time, there’s that one person in the bus or supermarket or yes, even the toilet (toilet!), with the overbearing voice booming out at a hundred decibels louder than necessary.

Our masks have confused the issue – we think we are softer, so we become louder.

But my point is, by having our phone with us all the time we have also somehow made ourselves available all the time.

But does that mean we have to be on it the whole time?

Surely there is a time and a place for everything.

Please have the humility to realise that other people might not appreciate your behaviour – step into other people shoes, see things from their point of view and moderate what you do.

Ultimately we all want respect and dignity – is loudly sharing your business in public the way to achieve that?

You know, you could call the person back later, or just send a text message instead, which won’t affect anyone else but you.

Silence on the bus, supermarket or toilet, gosh, who would’ve thought of it?

Just sit back and enjoy whatever ride you are on – in silence.

These days people can hear without listening, so we should we all talk then, without speaking?

Ssssssssshhhhhhhhhh, the sound of silence is good for you.

So, how are you doing in the times of this pandemic?

Sung any good songs out loud lately?!

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TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 17 MARCH 2022

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08 NEWS

THURSDAY 17 MARCH 2022 TORRES NEWS

Art market applications

Applications are now open for the 13th Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) 2022 Art Market.

If you’re a Queensland First Nations artist/craftsperson, and are interested in the opportunity to be featured in this year’s Art Market, we want to hear from you!

CIAF Art Market will run daily from Thursday, 7 July – Sunday, 10 July, 2022, at CIAF’s new home, the Cairns Convention Centre.

Spaces are limited, so be sure to submit your completed application form by close of business on Friday 22 April 2022.

The head to toe art of celebrating the NBL’s Indigenous round STORY AND PICS christine howeS

Pic above from the CIAF 2010 Program: Enthusiastic crowds spent more than $5OO,OOO on artwork at the first Cairns Indigenous Art Fair in 2OO9. Photo: David Campbell Photography.

YOUR LOCAL DEALERS FOR

The National Basketball League has done an outstanding job with their Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), implementing all the designs on the balls and the jerseys, and making the Indigenous round an annual thing, star Taipans player Nathan Jawai says.

Cairns-based artist Nicole Chatfield (Yirrganydji) helped the Taipans celebrate this year’s round by providing beautifully painted shoes for several members of the team, including Nathan and Aboriginal teammate Keanu Pinder, from Derby in north

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SPORTING NICOLE’S SHOES: L–R: Scott Machado; Jordon Ngatai; Nathan Jawai; Nicole Chatfield; Jarrod Kenny; Keanu Pinder & Kouat Noi.

artist Henry Fourmile.

“I like the design by Uncle Henry,” he said.

“It’s a good story about him walking

through this land and his people before us, and us being a part of that with the people coming to support us, travelling north, east,

south and west.

“It’s a fantastic design, I love it.”

More basketball in our sports pages 15-16 

Taipans take Bamaga: short film online BY christine howeS

Our Services

Western Australia.

“I did Nathan Jawai’s and Jarrod Kenny’s shoes a couple of years ago so the opportunity came up again when I was asked

by Nathan to paint his and a few others shoes again,” Nicole said.

“Primarily the shoes were about the sharing of culture and finding the interconnections we share universally.

“Making those connections with others we are then able to express or share our story, our history and experiences with others as First Nation people in Australia.”

Nathan said he also enjoyed the jerseys this year, designed by local

A fifteen minute video of the Cairns Taipans visit to Nathan Jawai’s hometown of Bamaga has been viewed by more than 10,000 people since it’s release on social media last week.

Described as “a dream come true” for Nate, the film was about the time he finally got to take his team home.

The special pre-season trip served as an emotional and educational experience for the playing group, as they prepared for the upcoming 2021-22 NBL season under new head coach Adam Forde.

Before the launch Nathan said he was excited to see the footage.

“It was definitely something special,” he said.

“The experience, taking the guys up there and showing them where I’m

from, it’s something that I wasn’t able to do before, and to be able to do that now, it’s something, definitely, that I’m proud of.”

The Taipans said they wanted to offer a warm thank you to: Elders from Injinoo, the Jawai Family (Wesley, Duron, Jaleel, Ayesha, Reggae), the Injinoo Dance Team, the Guba Marrkai Dance Team, Uncle Mickey Solomon, Nicky Tomo, Uncle Mika Tamwoy, Hassim Adidi, Patrick Bryden, McFarlan Ibuai, Clifford Wasiu, Seisia Holiday Park, NPARC and last but not least – Aaron Tamwoy.

They also said the video would not have been possible without the support of Maxwell Media and the NBL. See the Taipans Facebook page for more.

CAUGHT ON FILM: The Taipans take Bamaga movie is now online.

CONGRATULATIONS Torres, Cape and NPA residents we have now reached 80% double vaccinations!

Pfizer vaccinations and boosters are available at your local Primary Health Care Centre, Hospital and Community 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.

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

COVID-19 vaccine

OVID-19 Vaccination clinic Protect yourself, your oming to your community.

Protect yourself, your family family and and your your community community

Walk in, or call 3497 3442.

Full schedule at health.qld. gov.au/torres-cape

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

Find out more

NEWS 09

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 17 MARCH 2022

A taste of wood carving on offer Wood carver Kel Williams is one of a trio of artists who will share their rich cultural traditions and expertise in a series of free weekend workshops in Cairns until the end of June this year.

The workshop series, entitled Taste of Culture is presented by UMI Arts in conjunction with Cairns Regional Council within its stunning Court House art and culture hub in Abbott Street, Cairns.

The series of free and interactive, fortnightly workshops were launched with a wood carving display and presentation by Kel Williams last weekend.

They will run every second Saturday from 10am to 11.30am alternating between Kel, Paul Bong and Natasha Davui.

Emerging artists, or anyone interested in observing and learning more about Indigenous culture and contemporary art practice from three of the region’s most versatile and leading artists, are welcome to attend the interactive and engaging demonstrations, talks and insights.

MEANWHILE last weekend UMI Arts also kicked off its 2022 season with the official opening of its first member exhibition, You & Me, that will run until 30 April.

Featuring a stunning and exciting array of 27 works in various styles and mediums, UMI Arts’ Exhibitions Manager Robyne Pacey said You & Me reflects the distinct and diverse arts and culture of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“Showcasing works by 14 emerging and established artists, including several wellknown names, every piece, be it an acrylic on canvas, lino print, ceramic, artefact, or mixed media, has been

CAIRNS WORKSHOPS: Wood carver Kel Williams. Pics by Colyn Huber, Lovegreen Photography.

selected for its provenance and collectible quality,” she said.

“At UMI Arts we take great pride in our artists and encourage them to attend as many exhibitions and events as possible so that they can meet and talk with people about their work.”

UMI Arts Executive Officer Peter Lenoy said UMI Arts was very much focussed on providing pathways to Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander people who wanted a career in the creative arts.

“We love nothing more than seeing our support come full circle,” he said.

“In this exhibition we are featuring lino prints created

by Cecilia Slade and Tahnee Creek, who were both taught block carving and printing

by Kel Williams and Darren Jones at our visual arts workshops.”

You & Me 2022 exhibiting artists are: Edna Ambrym, Wayne Connolly, Michelle Yeatman and Philomena Yeatman from Yarrabah Art Centre, Michael Boiyool Anning, Paulene McIntyre Burns, Donna Busch, Tahnee Creek, Natasha Davui, Dorothy Edwards, Rhys Miles, Kassandra Savage, Cecilia Slade and Jack Wilkie-Jans.

Ngurra architectural design comp opens An architectural design competition for Ngurra, which is soon to be the national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural precinct on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, was launched last week.

Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt said the opening of the design competition began the process of realising a long-held vision for a national institution to recognise and honour one of the world’s longest living cultures.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories belong at the heart of our nation,” Minister Wyatt said.

“This new $316.5 million Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural precinct will take pride of place on the land of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people, on the primary axis in the Parliamentary Triangle.

“It will lie between Old Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial – filling a gap in our capital and shaping a more complete sense of national identity.

“This competition will ensure Ngurra has an iconic design fitting for the location while encompassing the importance of the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to this nation.

“The precinct will incorporate a National Resting Place to care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestral remains and a new home for the Australian

Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), expanding their capacity to share knowledge and learning.

“The National Resting Place within the precinct will answer a longstanding call for a facility that provides respectful care for Ancestors that are in transit to their home Country.

“I look forward to seeing the proposals on how that may be realised, as well as ideas on providing access, education and engagement of our shared history.

“We also will be looking for the best design to complement existing national institutions in the Parliamentary Triangle.

“Consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will take place as the design of the precinct progresses to ensure it is fit for purpose and a welcome addition to our national landscape.”

The first stage of the design competition, which involves an assessment of expressions of interest and shortlisting of architectural firms to proceed to the second-stage competitive design process, has been endorsed by the Australian Institute of Architects.

More information about the competition, including eligibility, selection criteria and a timeline, is available on the AIATSIS website,

https://aiatsis.gov.au/ ngurra

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10 NEWS

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.

THURSDAY 17 MARCH 2022 TORRES NEWS

Vax team celebrates IWD in time The Torres & Cape Hospital and Health Service’s First Nations COVID-19 Vaccination Team took time to celebrate International Women’s Day on Thursday Island last week.

At a special lunch, team member and Indigenous health workers Florianna Bero and Georgina Bob shared their stories of life and growing up in the Torres Strait, how their work life had changed for them over the years and what they had achieved within their communities.

In the picture are members of the First Nations COVID-19 Vaccination Team – from left – Thomas Loban, Annie Warria, Sian Stephen, Maria Mau, Jenny McKay, Richard Mola and Georgina Tabua, with Georgina Bob seated in front.

Big day for Hammond Island IWD

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

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.

PUBLISHERS TORRES STRAIT ISLANDERS MEDIA ASSOCIATION INC. Diat Alferink – Publisher 69 Douglas Street, Thursday Is. Q 4875 E editor@torres.news

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Pics COURTESY OF Maylein Pearson & Tomasina Ahwang A big breakfast sponsored by Mura Kosker Sorority kicked off Hammond Island’s International Women’s Day activities last Saturday.

MKS President Regina Turner was their keynote speaker at the event, which was preceded by a community march.

Later that day an afternoon of bingo sponsored by CEQ Ibis, a bit of pampering – manicures and pedicures – thanks to TI Pharmacy, and some refreshments, kindly

provided by Meriba Ged Ngalpun Mab, was enjoyed by many before a big night out.

It was the PurpleMask-a-Rade featuring dancing, karaoke and grazing boards, provided by the Torres Strait Island Regional Council.

Lily Solomon and Fiona Emeny won best dressed – a tough decision, by all accounts.

It was a success, organiser Tomasina Mam said, with a good turnout of women coming together from early in the morning and well into the night.

NEWS 11

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 17 MARCH 2022

Badhu Island women make noise and break bias for a week of IWD events story & PICS BY JILLIAN BOWIE

Keep Making Noise! and Break the Bias! were the two themes behind last week’s Queensland Women’s Week, kicked off on Badhu by an International Women’s Day March, where the messages were loud and clear.

The women of Badhu Island packaged together an amazing week of activities, sharing cultural knowledge, and powerful yarns with inspiring guest speakers concerning the mental, physical, cultural, and spiritual health and wellbeing of our women and our community.

The week ended with an Appreciation Awards Night on Friday to recognise the women in the community who were always contributing and supporting at events and gatherings.

Acknowledgement of our kunakan ipikazil, strong women, Aka’s, Ama’s, and young women emerging well into these roles was well deserved.

A children’s art competition also took place with the Prep students at Badhulgaw Ngurpay Lag – Tagai College, who acknowledged the roles of their Aka’s, Ama’s, Aunties, and what it meant to them.

Koeyma eso to all our in-kind sponsors and community members who made the week a huge success.

Please help our mainland sister paper, the Koori Mail and it’s owners, the Bundjalung Aboriginal community organisations.

The Lismore flood has devasted the offices of the Koori Mail, and severely impacted their local communities. They need our help, donations and support.

Your donations will be used for: Temporary accommodation, medical supplies, baby supplies, food vouchers, access to clean drinking water, clothing and dry linen, sanitary items, camping gear (eg. gas stove cookers, tents, sleeping bags, tarps, batteries).

Flood Relief for Bundjalung Rural & Isolated Communities: https://gofund.me/7b4a5593 or BSB 082707 Account 983761600

#BreakTheBias!: Women and children gather at Ugarie Hall Badhu Island in support of International Women’s Day, Tuesday 8 March.

LEFT: Senior TSIMA broadcaster Sylvia Tabua getting some tips on crocheting from Ama Linda Ishmail.

BELOW: Community Elder Ama Anna Garama (left) teaching Regina Turner, President of Mura Kosker Sorority, how to weave ailan mat.

First Prize: Children’s Art Competition Winner Zedanni Newie with Badhulgaw Ngurpay Lag – Tagai College Head of Campus Paula Tweedie.

For updates please check: Website: koorimail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/koorimail Instagram: www.instagram.com/ koorimailnewspaper/ Twitter: twitter.com/koorimailnews

TORRES STRAIT REGIONAL AUTHORITY

REQUEST FOR TENDER Physical Security Services The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) invites tenders/quotations from suitably qualified and experienced Security Contractors to undertake the following works:

Internal/External Physical Security Services: Torres Haus – 46 Victoria Parade, Thursday Island – Level 1 Powuppoon Haus – 56 Douglas Street, Thursday Island Pearls Building – 38 Victoria Parade, Thursday Island – Level 1 Ranger Shed – 71 Waiben Esplanade, Thursday Island Green Hill Fort – Thursday Island Gab Titui Cultural Centre – Cnr Blackall Street and Victoria Parade, Thursday Island Tender documentation can be obtained by sending an email to tender@tsra.gov.au with ‘TENDER REQUEST – PHYSICAL SECURITY SERVICES’ in the subject line or on www.tsra.gov.au – under tenders.

Tenders are to be clearly marked as “RFT – CA-2022-00029” by email to tender@tsra.gov.au Alternatively tenders may be posted to “RFT – CA-2022-00029”, PO Box 261, Thursday Island Qld 4875.

APPRECIATION AWARD: Chairperson of Mura Badulgal Corporation George Morseu (left) and Councillor Laurie Nona (right) presenting Ama Lily Ahmat with her Appreciation Award at the Awards Night.

Tenders must be received by 5.00pm AEST 11th April 2022

12

WE’RE OPEN

THURSDAY 17 MARCH 2022 TORRES NEWS Image left: William Namok Carved Dugong WN4

Maiem. Sew Ngapa.

welcome back!

WE’RE OPEN

The Gab Titui Cultural Centre is excited to welcome visitors BACK to our galleries and shop.

Opening hours from 14 March 2022 Monday to Friday 10:00am - 3:00pm *No Saturday trading until further notice*

Image left: Gab Titui Gallery Shop (Internal)

WE’RE OPEN

Image below: Joey Laifoo Workshop

YOUR FAVOURITE PUBLIC PROGRAMMES RETURNING SOON!

NEW PRODUCTS IN STORE NOW!

RESTOCK OF OUR POPULAR PRODUCTS

WE’RE OPEN

WE’RE OPEN

Image below: Barry Maitie Canvas Bidhai (Squid) Painting

Image above: Nancy Kiwat Ghost Net Round Earring

Image right: Kapua Gutchen SnrGorr Painted

SCAN & SHOP NOW 07 4069 0888

Corner Blackall St & Victoria Pde Thursday Island

SPORT 13

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 17 MARCH 2022

Cowboys lose to off-side ruling

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BY ALF WILSON EXCITEMENT reigned supreme two minutes from fulltime in the North Queensland Cowboys round one NRL match against the Sydney Bulldogs in Townsville last Sunday.

Star fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow crossed under the post to score what appeared to be a fair try which would have given the Cowboys a 10-6 victory after an easy conversion.

Most of the 12,460 strong crowd at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium cheered loudly in hot and rainy conditions.

Tens of thousands of men, women and children watched the

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Cowboys v bulldogs: In hot, wet conditions the Cowboys succumbed in a low scoring game. climax to the game on television.

But soon after that excitement turned to heartbreak when the bunker reviewed the try and ruled that TabuaiFidow was offside.

Tabuai-Fidow was deemed to be just in front of Cowboys halfback Chad Townsend who kicked the bomb ball.

So the try was disallowed and the

Bulldogs won 6-4.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten praised TabuaiFidow for his efforts at fullback.

“He organised the line really well and was really unlucky with that

last one,” Payten said.

The Cowboys have enjoyed a six day turnaround before their round two match against the Canberra Raiders in Townsville on Saturday night.

Deddeyal Gammaz one of the best ever

Late of Muralag Beach, Prince of Wales Island, passed away peacefully in Cairns on Tuesday 1st March 2022.

Aged 68 years.

Dearly loved Father to Matthew & Peggy All Larry’s Family and Friends are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral Service which will be held at Cairns Funeral Directors Chapel, 36 Pease Street Manunda, QLD on Friday 25th March 2022, commencing at 10am.

Following the Service the cortege will proceed to his final resting place at Cairns Martyn Street Cemetery.

Local Family Funeral Home Janette & David 36 Pease Street, Manoora (07) 4053 7499

TRADES & SERVICES TOMBSTONES

in cairns: Melissa & Elizabeth Hosea after an Under-19 Northern Pride game against the Townsville Blackhawks at Barlow Park.

BY ALF WILSON WITH seven Zenadth Kes rugby league grand final carnivals and two Island of Origin ladies division victories to their credit since 2010, Deddeyal Gammaz is one of the most successful Torres Strait sporting teams ever.

Deddeyal Gammaz was formed by Ella-Faye Hosea, Orepa Mene, Christal Ware, Yoshira Newie, Donita Uiduldam and Moira Hosea 12 years ago.

The first club meeting was held on Ella-Faye’s Moa island verandah.

The side lost each of their matches at the 2010 Island of Origin Silver Jubilee Series on Badu.

However Deddeyal

Gammaz has since dominated the carnivals it has competed in and won a seventh Zenadth Kes final on Waiben in October last year.

Deddeyal Gammaz won Zenadth Kes carnivals in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2021, whilst Origin triumphs were in 2013 and 2015.

Now married, Mrs Ella-Faye Hosea-Peters said most of the formation girls were Mabuyag and had lived at St Paul’s Village on Moa. “Most of us were young mothers and couldn’t get babysitters so our children watched from the sideline as we trained,” Ella-Faye said.

The 34 year old said the team enjoyed a

WINNERS: Team photo of Deddeyal Gammaz in 2010, “when we first participated in the Torres Cup and won”. Back: L–R Lily Shibishaki (Coach), Nancy Sagigi, Luella Barlow, Gloria Stephen, Ellis Kris, Tiaella Nona, Rebecca Solomon, Kelly Ambrym, Yoshira Newie, Ella-Faye Hosea-Peters, Fisi Ahwang, Matilda Hosea. Middle: L–R Crystal Ware, Trudy Ronsen, Neisha Smith, Mona Fauid, Orepa Mene, Rellis Uiduldam, Angela Peters.

Front: L–R Ruby Loveleete, Dilly Gaidan, Pearl Kris, Stashing Ahwang, Patimah Pearson, Lily Solomon, Suzie Wigness, Kimile Mene, Donita Uiduldam, Moira Hosea. Pics supplied and used with permission. strong sister bond and was community-minded.

“The team has been built on island lifestyle and has included some Torres Strait girls from Cairns and Townsville,” she said.

They included champion Latoya Billy and the late Rebecca Bowie.

“Rebecca played in the Cairns ladies comp for Edmonton Storm and passed away in a game there – we miss her,” she said.

Another was former Townsville-based

forward Lyrech Baira, who moved to Brisbane to join Wynnum Club.

Two young Deddeyal Gammaz players, Elizabeth Hosea, 17, and her cousin Melissa Hosea, 16, have temporarily moved to Cairns to compete in the Harvey Normans Uunder 19s for Northern Pride.

Elizabeth is EllaFaye’s daughter and Melissa’s mum is Moira Hosea.

Ella-Faye has lived on Waiben since 2017 and coaches Tagai Secondary Open girls team.

She still trains to play.

She said many young Torres Strait girls wanted to play for Deddeyal Gammaz.

With the North Queensland Cowboys expected to enter a team in the 2023 NRL Women’s Comp, you can bet your bottom dollar that some of the young Deddeyal Gammaz players will be checked out by talent scouts.

Another thing almost certain thing – like time and tide – is that Deddeyal Gammaz will have many more wins in the future.

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TO TH

14 SPORT

THURSDAY 17 MARCH 2022 TORRES NEWS

Jawai’s return marks 200th game STORY AND PICS BY christine howeS

Local Taipans star Nathan Jawai scored two points, a rebound and an assist on his return to the court for his 200th NBL game last Sunday in Cairns.

In the week leading up to the round, Nathan said he wasn’t sure if he would be ready to play in time – but he really wanted to.

“It’s Indigenous Round, it’s been going on for a while now, and it’s something that I’m really proud of,” he said.

“Especially to be televised on this stage, to represent my culture and the heritage where I’m from.

“I really do want to play, I want to represent where I’m from.”

Taipans forward Bul Kuol said it was cool to have Nate back.

“It’s his 200th game, and he’s a huge part of Cairns’ family and a part of this team,” he said.

“So it’s nice he came back a week

early, and that shows how much he cares about coming back.

“And he wanted to represent this Indigenous Round, so we wanted to get a win for him too.

“It was good to have him back, he brings a whole presence with him so we appreciate it and we’ll just try to have him all the way.”

The game was all Sydney, but in the second home game of this year’s Indigenous round, coach Adam Forde said the team put in a “spirited effort”.

“While it was still a loss to the Sydney Kings, it provides something to build upon,” he said.

The Sydney Kings recorded their seventh win in a row, defeating the Cairns Taipans 86-77.

Last Friday night the team lost by another narrow margin to Tasmania JackJumpers.

They will play in Adelaide tomorrow night and in Brisbane on Sunday before their next home game on Friday 25 March (v Melbourne Phoenix).

200

GAMES

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You can email our editorial team via Diat or Christine with your words and pics – and tell us what’s new in your world!

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You must include: your full name and contact details (not necessarily to publish, but to verify), a word or text document explaining who, what, when and where your story or event occurred, and a list of captions for any photographs you include. If you’d like more information about how to get your story on board, matha ring come!  Diat: editor@torres.news  Christine: christine@torres.news

SPORT 15

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 17 MARCH 2022

Cairns Dolphins score with new young recruits STORY AND PICS christine howeS

Cairns Basketball Operations Manager Michael Scott said they were particularly excited to announce signing young Torres Strait Islander women Leichan “LJ” Williams and Teyahna Bond to the Dolphins in the lead up to the NBL’s Indigenous round last weekend.

“Our Indigenous history is something we’re very proud of,” he said.

“It is exciting because it’ll give them the opportunity to be around international professional players, and

see how they work to get their basketball to the level they have.”

He and Taipans assistant coach Kerry Williams both acknowledged the path set for the two by Naomi Moke (nee Pedro) and others.

Mr Williams said he had been fortunate to have coached both of the new players.

“LJ has been part of the Dolphin program for a while now,” he said.

“She’s been very dominant, as she’s gone, she’s gotten better.

“She’s been training really hard but ‘T’ is the one I’ve been watching.

“She works really

hard - super talented.”

LJ only started playing basketball in 2016 as a 15-year-old and played for the Dolphins in 2017 and 2018 before going to junior college in the United States.

She attended the Salt Lake Community College Bruins for two years and returned to the Dolphins for a third season.

In 2021, she averaged 12 points per game.

She said it was an honour for her to return to the team.

“I didn’t know if I would have my spot back,” she said.

“But being able to

represent my family, my community all up along the coast of Queensland, I think it’s just an honour.

“Having the support of my family in the crowd, I always hear them yelling out for me, and I am one of 18 grandchildren [to Sarah Cook], and there’s only five of us that are of the teenage age.

“So just having them in the crowd and getting them out to see that their big sister doing something that not any of our family has done before, it just makes me really proud to see that.”

Teyahna was recently selected for the 2022 Queensland North U18

Girls State team, after representing them at both U16 and U18 National Championships.

She has represented Cairns at State Champions every year throughout juniors (U12, U14, U16, U18) and is currently a member of Basketball Australia’s National Performance Program.

She will make her official debut with the Dolphins this season after training with the team for two years.

“I’m really excited because I’ve been training for a while now and then I finally get to play, especially with experienced players,” she said.

“I’m keen for the whole experience and looking forward to playing.

“I like playing with the older girls because they’re able to guide me, and I’ve been able to learn a lot, especially because I was still young and I feel like I’m still learning.”

She said she was particularly looking forward to playing with Cayla George.

“I’m looking forward to playing alongside her, especially because she’s an Olympian and played for Australia, which is something I would like to do one day,” she said.

THURSDAY ISLAND / SEISIA

FERRY SCHEDULE

FEBRUARY & MARCH 2022 Monday / Wednesday & Friday DEPART THURSDAY ISLAND: THURSDAY ISLAND/SEISIA 6.30AM & 2.30PM DEPART SEISA: 8AM & 4PM & FRIDAY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY *DEPART RESERVATIONS THURSDAY ISLAND: ESSENTIAL 6:30AM & 2:30PM

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Boarding 15mins prior to15 departure ESSENTIAL Boarding strictly minsRESERVATIONS prior to departure *

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PHONE 07 4069 1551

PHONE 07 4069 1551 RESERVATIONS ESSENTIAL – TICKET ONLINE ONLINE BOOKINGS www.peddellsferry.com.au www.peddellsferry.com.au THE JETTY SHOP ENGINEERS JETTY, THURSDAY ISLAND • Passengers please pre-ticket – online, agents, or by phone Concession fares available, conditions apply

*CONCESSION FARES AVAILABLE. CONDITIONS APPLY

THURSDAY ISLAND / HORN ISLAND

TN0015 • 10/3/22

OFFICE HOURS • Monday to Friday 9.30am – 12 noon and 12.30 – 2.30pm FREIGHT • Accepted only between FERRY TIMETABLE 1.45pm and 2pm on the day of transport LUGGAGE • Accepted only for 2.30pm TI-Seisia departure between 1 – 2pm.

McDONALD CHARTER BOATS

Phone: 1300 664 875THE JETTY SHOP & OFFICE, ENGINEERS

in the cairns snake pit: Taipans assistant coach Kerry Williams; player Leichan “LJ” Williams, Dolphins coachFax: Myra (07) 4090 3628 email: info@tiferry.com.au Donkin, player Teyahna Bond and Taipans star Nathan Jawai.

Monday Depart T.I.

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WEBSITE: www.tiferry.com.au Tuesday Depart T.I.

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Sport Torres News

16

THURSDAY 17 MARCH 2022

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

EDITORIAL  E: editor@torres.news

Dolphins score with new recruits STORY AND PICS christine howeS Two young women, who Nathan Jawai says “grew up to be Dolphins”, have been signed up to Cairns Basketball for the forthcoming 2022 NBL1 season.

He said both of them – Leichan ‘LJ’ Williams and his niece Teyahna Bond – showed natural talent and a love for the game.

“They are signing up for a tough Dolphins squad and I hope they show other young

Indigenous athletes where hard work can take them,” he said.

“It’s exciting because two of them grew up to be Dolphins, and it was my journey, I started here, and it took me a long way.”

He said he was excited for his niece ‘T’.

“We’re all proud of her, and she knows that,” he said.

“I think it’s a big step for her to go from juniors to the Dolphins and hopefully she can go further from there to something bigger.”

Continued P15 

ICBL plays out first round on Waiben

By Sylvia Tabua & christine howeS

BORN TO BE DOLPHINS: Leichan ‘LJ’ Williams (left) and Nathan Jawai’s niece Teyahna Bond.

It was an exciting time for students playing in their first games in this year’s Indigenous Community Basketball League (ICBL) competition, after a launch at Tagai Secondary College last Thursday.

The competition launch was attended by special guests including dual Olympian and ICBL Ambassador Danny Morseu, Phillip and Sammy Mills, Cr Thomas Loban and Traditional Owner Elsie Seriat along with Head Of Campus Suberia Bowie and College Staff Matilda Loban, Deb Lui and Nathan Seden.

Indigenous Basketball Australia (IBA) chair Benny Mills (Patty’s dad) said they were all very excited.

“The players were very

excited to start playing again and showed a lot of passion, determination and spark,” he said.

“They are keen to get selected in the two teams – under 14 boys and girls – to compete at IBA’s National Indigenous Basketball Tournament (NIBT).

“Teams from seven other IBA Regions across Australia [will play] in April at the

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Gold Coast and may also get selected to attend the junior NBA Camp at the Gold Coast prior to the NIBT. “These events hosted by IBA provides an amazing and very unique opportunity for young kids to experience basketball and further develop important lifestyle skills at the community, national and international levels.”

He said there had

been some exciting new developments, thanks to his son Patty’s connections and determination to open up opportunities for young players.

“The third element of our program is we are able to select kids to go into the junior National Basketball Association [which is the professional basketball league in North America program],” he said.

He said the would represent the Asia Pacific region.

“They’ve got eight regions right across the world, and we’re in the Asia Pacific region,” he said.

“So if our kids get selected they go to that region, and if they’re fortunate, they get selected in the teams from that region to go to the global championship in America.”

Rita Gutchen