Torres News_Edition 27_14 April 2022

Torres News 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.

Thursday, 14 April, 2022

EDITORIAL  E: editor@torres.news

 Edition 27  $2 incl. GST

ADVERTISING  M: 0419 828 639  E: ads@torres.news

Torres Shire Mayor steps over to TSRA executive role

NEW PARTNERSHIP: New TSRA CEO, Vonda Malone (right) with TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen. Pic supplied.

Rugby league development camps a holiday hit for all Mabuiag Island happy campers Nekina Whap-Kaise, 6, Kame Bani, 5, and Mahalia Joe, 7, reckoned last week’s rugby league Junior

Development Camp was a pretty good way to spend their holidays.

A second camp was held on Yam Island over the same week. We’ve

got more pics from Mabuiag inside, and more coming from Yam for next week!

See full coverage P16 

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

Torres Shire Mayor Vonda Malone has announced she will resign her position on Council as of next Thursday to take up a new job as the Chief Executive Officer of the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Acting-Mayor Cr Gabriel Bani, who should have been made official at yesterday’s Council meeting, said he was initially shocked to hear of the Mayor’s decision.

“I’m weighing it up at the moment,” he said last Sunday.

“The official meeting is on Wednesday [yesterday], where we acknowledge the resignation of the mayor.

“Then myself as Deputy Mayor will be

in acting capacity until such time as there is a by-election.

“I have had a good talk with Vonda and we’ve been working together, so it should be a seamless transition.”

Vonda said it had been an honour and privilege to serve as Mayor for the past six years.

“As I reflect upon the good work and the milestones we have achieved, as well as the many challenges and opportunities we have faced together over the years, you will understand why I feel a sense of sadness in leaving the Torres Shire Council team at this time,” she said on Facebook.

Continued P3 

Important Message for

Torres News Advertisers

Changes to ADVERTISING DEADLINES Due to upcoming public holidays please note the following changes to deadlines for the Torres News:

Issue: Thursday 21 APRIL

(Easter public holidays 15–18 April)

Ad bookings and copy

12 NOON TODAY Thursday, 14 April

Supplied Ad material

4PM TODAY Thursday, 14 April

Classified Ad bookings, copy & material

12 NOON Tuesday, 19 April

Issue: Thursday 28 APRIL

(ANZAC Day public holiday 25 April)

Ad bookings and copy

12 NOON Friday, 22 April Supplied Ad material

4PM Friday, 22 April Classified Ad bookings, copy & material

12 NOON

Tuesday, 26 April

Issue: Thursday 5 MAY (Labour Day public holiday 2 May)

Ad bookings and copy

12 NOON Friday, 29 April Supplied Ad material

4PM Friday, 29 April Classified Ad bookings, copy & material

12 NOON Tuesday, 3 May For enquiries, bookings or information: Phone: Shaz 0419 828 639 or Email: ads@torres.news

02 NEWS

THURSDAY 14 APRIL 2022 TORRES NEWS

Black Spot Program funds to make two intersections safer on Waiben The intersections of Douglas and Hastings Streets, and Blackall and Douglas Streets, are about to be upgraded under the federal government’s 2022-23 Black Spot Program, Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch says.

The Black Spot Program funds safety measures such as traffic signals and roundabouts at locations where a number of serious crashes are known to have occurred or are at risk of occurring.

Mr Entsch said community input was critical to identifying

key black spots in the electorate.

“Road crashes place major emotional strain on all affected communities but particularly the families and friends of the victims,” Mr Entsch said.

“The intersection of Douglas and Hastings Streets will receive a $459,500 upgrade to install a roundabout, separate pedestrian and vehicular zones, resurface the road, install new kerb and channel, line marking, splitter islands, footpath connections and kerb ramps, new LED street lighting.

“The intersection of Blackall and Douglas Streets will also receive $361,000 towards similar works.

“Motorists living within and visiting Thursday Island will be pleased to know two notorious black spots will be fixed with funding from the program.

“None of these projects would be delivered without the community’s vital input and I encourage all residents and motorists in the region to nominate projects for future funding rounds.”

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the government’s investment would continue to make roads safer across the nation.

“The government is committed to reducing deaths on our roads and sparing families from the immeasurable impact these tragedies have,” Mr Joyce said.

For more information on the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, or to nominate a black spot, visit investment. infrastructure.gov.au/funding/ blackspots.

Kept same 12 ad disc. rate 19x4 colour ad $281.20inc + 15% LOAD RHP $323 [$293.77ex]/ad x3 $969inc 2nd Thursday of month.

PROOF EMAILED  _______/22 -- DEADLINE ____________/22 Christina Koullas <christina@ckpr.com.au> OR ‘Chris Foord’ <gmanager@bament.com.au> + Amy Gardner <amy@ckpr.com.au>

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 14 APRIL 2022

NEWS 03

Six-year extension to discount flight scheme

Bamaga Enterprises Ltd April Update

What’s for breakfast at Cape York Peninsula Lodge?

Following the launch of a new restaurant and bar menu, Paperbark Restaurant at Cape York Peninsula Lodge now has a full breakfast offering to boot, five days a week (this will be available seven days a week when the tourist seasons starts again in May).

Kickstart your day with a selec�on of healthy breakfast offerings such as house-made granola, eggs on sourdough or gluten free bread, thick raisin toast with coffee or tea, eggs Floren�ne or perhaps a hearty BLT burger or big breakfast.

Paperbark Restaurant’s breakfast service is available from 7am to 8.30am on weekdays.

And for dinner!

The Lodge’s à la carte dinner and bar service are also a great op�on for locals, open Monday to Friday, as well as weekends once the tourist season kicks in. Walk-ins welcome.

COVERED: Local flights under the discount flight scheme. Map supplied.

Flights will remain relatively cheap for local residents with a six-year extension of the State Government’s Local Fares Scheme – which will include one-way fares – announced last week.

Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui said she was proud to be delivering the extension of the scheme.

“The scheme provides a discount of up to $200 per flight for eligible residents in Cape York, the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Torres Strait, facilitating affordable travel for access to health, education and allied services while promoting social and recreational connections,” Ms Lui said.

“This longer term extension of the Local Fare Scheme also comes with additional benefits, including the addition of one-way discount fares, greater flexibility of travel options and better eligibility rules.

“I’ve had many people in our Far North communities, particularly in the Torres Strait asking for these changes, so I’m incredibly proud to be delivering them.

“Under the improved scheme, eligible residents will be able to make bookings for one-way fares and travel anywhere within the Local Fare Scheme region, and will continue to receive a discount on the normal published airfare of up to $200 per flight.

“And the requirement to have lived in some communities for three years before being eligible will be reduced for selected communities.

“The majority of the changes to the Local Fare Scheme, and improved benefits to communities, will be in place from 1 July 2022.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said to date more than 122,000 trips had been taken on the scheme since it was reintroduced in July 2015.

“The scheme is a commitment to remote towns in the Far North to ensure residents remain connected with regional centres, and essential services, when needed,” he said.

Guests can dine inside or enjoy the Restaurant’s fine dishes on the deck overlooking the pool and gardens.

The bar opens from 5pm with an appe�sing snack menu, variety of wines, as well as freshly made cocktails, while the restaurant’s dinner service opens from 6pm.

Keep your eye out for an ever-changing specials board.

Reserve a table by calling The Lodge’s friendly team on 4069 3050.

Cape York Peninsula Lodge – Corner Lui & Adidi Streets, Bamaga • Phone 4069 3050 • www.cypl.com.au

TSC to TSRA for Mayor Vonda Continued from P1 Vonda said she was proud of what they had achieved together as a Council.

“I am pleased with how well we have worked together to provide a stable and progressive local government, one we should be all be proud of,” she said.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP said he was proud to make the announcement of Vonda’s appointment.

“Vonda Malone is an exceptional Torres Strait Islander woman who is deeply committed to the

Acting-Mayor: Cr Gabriel Bani. region,” Minister Wyatt said.

“With more than 22 years of experience working at local, federal

and international levels of government, and most recently as Mayor of the Torres Shire Council, she has significant experience delivering programs to achieve better outcomes for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people.

“Ms Malone was the first female Mayor of the Torres Shire Council and will be the second consecutive woman to lead the TSRA. “She will be a great champion for local people, their aspirations and I know she will continue to deliver strong outcomes for the region and the community.”

Unique Sculptures

Canvas Paintings

Art Materials

AUTHENTIC TORRES STRAIT ART & JEWELLERY Corner of Blackall St & Victoria Parade, Thursday Island shop.gabtitui.gov.au | 07 4069 0888 | Open Monday to Friday 9am - 4:30pm Closed Good Friday (15th April) & Easter Monday (18th April) Featured works by: Amay Waaru by Alick Tipoti, Wada Frigate Bird Acrylic on Canvas by Bob K Kaigey Snr.

04 NEWS

THURSDAY 14 APRIL 2022 TORRES NEWS

Last chance for climate justice in election results Next month’s federal election, to be held on 21 May, is our last chance to push for climate justice in Zenadth Kes, Torres Strait 8 Claimant Yessie Mosby says.

In an open letter to Our Islands, Our Home, 350 Australia supporters, Yessie said politicians could not afford to ignore the voices of Torres Strait Islanders, “because our island homes are in the close, bellwether seat of Leichhardt”.

“We need urgent government action,” he said.

“The weeks leading up to the federal election are a crucial time to pressure politicians to act urgently.”

He said time was short.

ELECTION OPPORTUNITY: Yessie Mosby calling for ‘Climate action now’. Pics supplied.

“We have a short amount of time to pressure political parties to commit to climate action in the Torres Strait,” he said.

“This is our chance to push political parties to meet our five demands.”

Torres News Notice to Advertisers – Monthly invoicing The Torres News is currently updating its accounting system, hence there will be a delay in our February and March, 2022, invoices being processed.

We apologise for this inconvenience, and ask for your patience until the new system is set up.

Thank you, TORRES NEWS

The demands were: 1. Fund adaptation programs that will allow Zenadth Kes communities to adapt to climate impacts; 2. Commit to going 100 per cent

renewables in Australia in the next 10 years; 3. Support Zenadth Kes communities to build communityowned renewable energy; 4. Transition away from fossil fuels as rapidly as possible through a just transition for workers; and, 5. Push the world to increase global ambition and keep warming to less than 1.5 degrees.

“We are building a grassroots movement to stand up to the fossil fuel industry, and support a just transition from coal, oil and gas to a renewable-energy future for all,” he said.

Seawalls offer jointly-funded protection Governments from all levels must work together to reduce emissions to counteract the effects of climate change Member for Cook Cynthia Lui says.

She said the Torres Strait was more than aware of the threat of climate change to communities, lifestyle and culture.

“We are already experiencing first-hand the effects of climate change,” she said.

“During the 2018 floods, on my home island of Yam, our sea wall collapsed and the flood water was so strong it damaged homes and places of cultural significance – the reality is that climate change has a devastating effect on communities.”

She said the completion of the Boigu Island seawall would give locals better protection and a sense of security from further erosion and inundation caused by rising sea levels.

“The $15 million Boigu Island coastal inundation mitigation works included the construction of a 1022-metre-long wave return wall and the upgrade of stormwater drainage infrastructure,” she said.

She said the project formed part of a Queensland and Federal governments’ jointly funded $40 million program that would also deliver coastal inundation mitigation works on Poruma, Warraber, Iama and Masig Islands.

ADVERTISEMENT

Elida Faith and Labor will invest $40 million to improve marine infrastructure across the Torres Strait.

Only Labor will work with communities to create more jobs and economic opportunities for First Nations Australians.

Phone: 0455 775 321 Email: Elida.Faith@queenslandlabor.org

/ElidaFaithALP

Authorised by Julie-Ann Campbell, Australian Labor Party (State of Queensland), Level 1, 16 Peel Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101.

boigu’s seawall: Offering protection and security.

NEWS 05

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 14 APRIL 2022

Disaster dashboard launched

A brand new potentially life-saving disaster dashboard has been unveiled by the Torres Cape Indigenous Council Alliance (TCICA) to help keep communities informed and up-todate during and after severe weather events.

The TCICA Regional Disaster Dashboard, which was funded by the Australian and Queensland governments through the 2020-21 Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Fund (QRRRF), covers 13 local government areas (LGAs) of the Cape York, Torres Strait, and Gulf region.

TCICA Chairperson and Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Robbie Sands said the new online disaster dashboard provided a one-stopshop for real time information to support communities responding to disasters.

“The dashboard draws on several sources of information to improve whole-of-region awareness of issues such as road closures and network outages, as well as providing updates and information from local disaster management groups and bulletins during significant events,” he said.

Cr Sands said people living in the community, and visitors planning to travel throughout the region, would be able to make informed decisions during times of disaster or extreme weather events.

“I urge everyone living in the Cape York and Torres Strait region to log on and check out the website as soon as you can and you can

sign up for alerts through the dashboard as well,” he said.

“It’s such a valuable tool, so it’s worth taking the time to look through and familiarise yourself with how it works.”

You can access the TCICA Regional Disaster Dashboard at:

ABOVE – TCICA chair: Robbie Sands. Pic by Christine Howes. RIGHT – TCICA dashboard.

https://dashboard.tcica. com.au/

MEANWHILE reducing risk and minimising the impact to communities of large-scale natural disasters like floods, bushfires and cyclones across Far North Queensland was behind the Preparing Australian Communities Program, which recently announced funding for six projects.

Included in the round was Unganco Pty Ltd who were funded to develop a comprehensive assessment and management system for Cape York community infrastructure at risk of cyclones, including for the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council.

The Torres Shire Council will receive $98,500 towards Climate Adaptation and Resilience Planning in the Torres Strait.

Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the program was funding projects identified locally to improve the resilience of communities in the social, economic, natural or built environments.

“We know communities are best placed to understand their unique needs and how they can best improve their resilience and reduce their level of risk to natural disasters,” Mr Entsch said.

Are you and your mob ready to vote?

Enrol or update your details before 8pm Monday 18 April The federal election is on soon.

All Australians aged 18 and over have to vote.

•

If you’ve recently turned 18, you have to enrol to vote.

•

If you’ve changed your name or address since the last time you voted, you also have to update your enrolment details.

MONDAY

18 APRIL

You can do both on the internet at aec.gov.au or pick up an enrolment form at any Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) office, and return it to the AEC before 8pm, Monday, 18 April.

It’s our vote, and our future.

Important Message for Torres News Advertisers Changes to ADVERTISING DeaDlines Next week – Issue: Thursday 21 April (Easter public holidays 15–18 April)

Ad bookings and copy: 12 NOON TODAY Thursday, 14 April Supplied Ad material: 4pM TODAY Thursday, 14 April Classified Ad bookings, copy & material: 12 NOON Tuesday, 19 April • Ph: Shaz 0419 828 639 • Email: ads@torres.news

To learn more

aec.gov.au 13 23 26

Authorised by the Electoral Commissioner, 10 Mort Street, Canberra

06 NEWS

THURSDAY 14 APRIL 2022 TORRES NEWS

Time to move on Uluru Statement from the Heart

STORY AND PICS BY christine howeS Community leaders met in Cairns last weekend to progress the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

On Friday they met with a delegation of young community advocates before a bigger meeting on Saturday and an affirmation announcement from nearby Yarrabah on Sunday.

The meeting was attended by Acting Torres Shire Mayor Gabriel Bani, with apologies from CEO Dalassa Yorkston for not being able to attend.

Uluru Dialogue Co-Chair Pat Anderson AO said the meeting was a positive step for the Uluru Statement.

“We feel optimistic and re-energised as we head towards the federal election,” she said.

“We met with Alfred ‘Pop’ Neal and his family at The Knowledge Tree today and reflected on the history of the location.

“It has been 55 years since First Nations Peoples in Australia first sought to be counted.

“We agreed today, we will not stand another year with no movement or progress.

“It’s time to take the first step and start delivering on the ask in the Uluru Statement.”

The Affirmation:

FAMILY: Gabriel and Michael Bani with Anthea Stafford during a meeting break in Yarrabah.

We are united behind the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

We are committed to seeing the constitutional enshrinement of a First Nations Voice as the first step in the roadmap of the Uluru Statement.

Our First Nations youth inspired the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the campaign for structural reform.

We are inspired by our Youth gathered here who make our future bright.

In 2017, we left base camp at Uluru, and started our trek across this vast country.

We invited the

We will soon submit our proposed wording for constitutional recognition of a Voice.

The “when” is in the stars.

From all points of the southern sky we can see alignment in the 47th Parliament.

27 May next year will be the 56th anniversary of the 1967 referendum and the 6th anniversary of the Uluru Statement.

It is the coincidence between the overwhelming success of 1967 and the historic consensus of the Uluru Statement.

Who would have thought that history and

IN YARRABAH: under The Knowledge Tree on the Yarrabah foreshore was Traditional Owner Mala Neal, Uluru Dialogue Co-Chair Pat Anderson AO, Elder Alf Neal OAM (speaking), Uluru Dialogue Co-Chairs Noel Pearson and Professor Megan Davis, and Yarrabah Mayor Ross Andrews.

Australian people to walk with us in a movement for a better future.

A majority of the Australian people have accepted the invitation.

Each day, more Australians are joining.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart has touched the hearts of Australians.

It has been 15 years since Prime Minister John Howard

committed his Coalition Government to putting constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to a referendum of the Australian people.

Every prime minister since – Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison – maintained the commitment to constitutional

recognition.

The question was what, how and when – and we have been working hard on these questions for five years.

The “what” was decided at Uluru: First Nations people want constitutional recognition through a Voice to Parliament.

The “how” is near completion.

The work is done.

MAKE THE MOST OF

$59 95 Lifetime

Table Blow Mould Folding - 1.2m

SUMMER DAYS! $449

708491

$269

$299

the future would coincide and give us such a day?

There is great premonition in this.

Early 2024, Saturday, 27 January is the day after Invasion Day/ Australia Day. These are propitious dates.

The time is now right.

The stars will soon align.

The politicians were not ready for Uluru in 2017.

But now the Australian people are.

We call on all sides of politics to support our call.

History is calling.

O

N

SA

LE

FR

O

M

11

-2

4

AP

RI

$669

L

20

22

$24 95 GoldAir Pedestal Fan 40cm White Geelong Storage Cabinet Gal 777899 1.83m SC7000G 688761

$219 OzTrail Fiesta Compact Gazebo Green 2.4mt

Fridge Port

50lt Fridge/Freezer+Bonus insulated cover included 785986

Searles 5-in-1 Plant Food Fertilizer 30lt 593633

Ice Zone

Ultimate Cooler - Grey 61lt - Hot Deal!

765547

$13 95 $119

Makita Bluetooth

2x Speakers+Job Site Radio Kit 12V/18V - DLX313915021631

Buy Right Wheelbarrow 100lt Poly Tray 735319

15017298

CNR Douglas & Blackall Streets Thursday Island Phone: 07 4212 1670 tihardware@ceqld.org.au

OPEN 7 DAYS MONDAY - FRIDAY: 7.30AM TO 5PM SATURDAY: 9.00AM TO 1PM SUNDAY: CLOSED (Temporarily) On Sale 11th to 24th April 2022 (or while stocks last.)

Proudly a division of

07

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 14 APRIL 2022

$4499 Save up to 35%

Dinner Set 16-piece Assort Designs

- OFFERS AVAILABLE IN STORES 11th to 24th APRIL 2022 -

Hot Cross Buns 6pack

08 NEWS

THURSDAY 14 APRIL 2022 TORRES NEWS

Townsville ready for Mabo’s 30th anniversary

achievements marked: Mabo Monument at Central Park in Townsville.

MABO DAY IN TOWNSVILLE: Some of the audience at a previous year’s event at Central Park.

Enrol Now for 2023 and 2024

M

odern, state of the art classrooms, day schooling and boarding facilities for boys and girls. Our curriculum provides academic or vocational pathways and the best possible employment opportunities.

Your child will enjoy small class sizes, individual student attention for maximum outcomes, and sporting and cultural opportunities.

Our college is founded on the basis that no child will be denied a Catholic education based on financial hardship.

Generous fee concessions apply to holders of means-tested concession cards and those with a genuine inability to pay.

2023 and 2024 Enrolment interviews will be held in Term 2. Scholarships available. Semester 2, 2022 applications close on 15th May.

TO ENROL

Visit: www.msb.qld.edu.au/apply-online-now or phone Enrolment enquiries on (07) 4096 1586 Email: msb.enrolments@cns.catholic.edu.au For a Tour or more information – Phone (07) 4096 1444 or email msb.enrolments@cns.catholic.edu.au

www.msb.qld.edu.au MountStBernardHerberton

story and pics

BY ALF WILSON This year’s 30th anniversary of the Mabo decision looks set to be celebrated over four days in Townsville, from 1 – 5 June.

ABIS Community Co-Operative Society Ltd, on behalf of the local Torres Strait Islander & Aboriginal Community Elders of Townsville (TSIACET), said they were seeking support for the big event.

Since the Mabo decision, which altered the foundation of land law in Australia, more than 50 Native Title decisions have been determined within the

North Queensland Land Council footprint – the highest number of Native Title determinations nationally by any Land Council.

TSIACET agreed local celebrations should include youth, as a way of encouraging them to take on the challenges of unfinished business around reconciliation.

Elders said they wanted them to have a voice as the future custodians of their traditional country, and to maintain their heritage, story lines, rights and practices.

Keynote speaker Dr Bryan Keon-Cohen AM QC, who was on the plaintiff’s legal team, and

others will be guests at an official dinner during the celebrations.

On Friday, 3 June, there will be an official Mabo Day March to the Eddie Mabo Monument on the banks of Ross Creek in Central park, followed by traditional dancing and stalls at Central Park.

A Community Day will be held on Saturday, 4 June, at AMR Hall in Aitkenvale followed by a final day of Community Fellowship, also at AMR Hall.

Celebrations will coincide with National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June).

Strengthening Indigenous languages in Australian classrooms Local Indigenous languages will be brought into the classroom, with the federal Government funding the development of up to 60 dual language books over three years Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP says.

Community organisations will partner with schools and Indigenous communities to develop and print books in English and their local language.

Minister Wyatt said the initiative directly contributed to Target 16 of

Closing the Gap which stipulated Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander cultures and languages should be strong, supported and flourishing.

“This project takes languages out of dictionaries and word lists and puts them into more common use, supporting the uptake of Indigenous languages by young people,” he said.

“Dual language books will help all Australian children learn about the world’s oldest living culture and will contribute to our nation’s journey towards reconciliation.”

Pfizer vaccinations and boosters are available at your local Primary Health Care Centre, Hospital and Community Pharmacy for both adults and children aged 5 and above. Talk to the team at any of these locations to book your next dose.

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

There is also a fourth dose (second booster) now available for persons over 50 who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or for persons over 65 who are non indigenous as well as residents of aged care or disability care facilities, and those who are severely immunocompromised (fifth dose).

This dose can be administered from four months after the third dose (or fourth dose for immunocompromised people), or four months after recovery from a COVID-19 infection.

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

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

COVID-19 vaccine

Full vax schedule at health.

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

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

 qld.gov.au/torres-cape

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service @torresandcapehhs

Find out more

NEWS 09

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 14 APRIL 2022

New local NDIS workers No sign of COVID slowing down keen to connect

NDIS TEAM: L to R: Lora Stokes, Maryann Luff, David See Kee and Gavin Greenoff.

David See Kee and Maryann Luff are our two new National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Remote Community Connectors for Waiben and the NPA. David will work from the Port Kennedy Association, close to where he was born and bred.

Fellow Remote Community Connector, Maryann, will be based at the Northern Peninsula Area’s Women’s Shelter (NPAWS) with the Family Community Services Corporation in Bamaga, close to where she has lived all her life in Umagico.

For the past 12 months David has been a support worker with the NDIS, before taking on his new role as Remote Community Connector.

“One of my roles is to support people applying for the NDIS,” David said.

“It’s important people know this service is for people with permanent disabilities, kids under seven with delayed development (such as talking), and people diagnosed with permanent mental illnesses.

“I do this by helping them to understand how they can benefit by being in the NDIS system.

“My aim is to ensure participants receive as much support as possible and they feel they are receiving the support that will help them improve their capabilities and life quality.

“I am here to help them navigate their way through the NDIS, and if they have any have questions they can contact me at the PKA or ask someone to give me their name and contacts.”

He said he was also keen to assist other organisations such as ITEC, MyPathway, Xtremecare, Emily’s Hope, I’ara and Arc, who may also deliver NDIS Services.

Maryann was educated in, and passionate about business and primary health, and said she was excited to be working in the field.

“This is the part I love the most,” she said.

“Helping people navigate their way through the NDIS, and if they have any questions they can call me or ask someone to give me their name and contact details, and I will do my best to make it easier.”

She says her aim was to ensure participants received as much support as possible to help them improve their capabilities and life quality.

David and Maryann translate NDIS material into Creole to help prospective and current participants to better understand the benefits of being in the NDIS system.

They said they believed the NDIS was underutilised across the region and that there may still be under-65-yearolds missing opportunities for a better life.

If you think you might qualify for NDIS assistance, go to the NDIS website www.ndis.gov.au or pop into the Commonwealth building on the Corner of Hastings St and Victoria Parade on Waiben.

You can also call David on 0498 123 484 or Maryann on 0436 404 893.

ADVERTISE HERE Get your Business Noticed For more information Call 0419 828 639 • Email ads@torres.news

Active COVID-19 case numbers continue to fluctuate in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area, particularly after a several social gatherings in the outer islands over the past few weeks.

Torres & Cape Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Beverley Hammerton said all active cases in the region were being managed at home or in other accommodation.

She said the only Torres & Cape community yet to see community transmission was Ugar Island.

COVID-19 restrictions eased from 1am this morning (Thursday 14 April), with the vaccine requirement removed from venues including: pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants; and galleries, libraries, museums and stadiums.

“The vaccine requirement will still apply to vulnerable settings including: hospitals (for visitors, staff, contractors, and volunteers); aged and disability care; and prisons; schools and early childhood centres,” she said.

“Please note that anyone who requires health care can attend a hospital or health centre,

regardless of their vaccination status.

“Remember, while masks are no longer mandatory indoors, they remain mandatory in highrisk and vulnerable settings.

“These include hospitals, primary health centres, vaccination clinics and all other healthcare settings such as GPs, pharmacies, residential aged care, disability accommodation, public transport, airports and on planes.

“We encourage Torres & Cape residents to wear a mask in non-mandatory settings if they cannot socially distance.”

She said additional protection was now available to some people.

“Given the continuing case numbers across the nation, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has recommended a fourth dose of COVID–19 vaccine – either Pfizer or Moderna – to increase protection for the winter for four at-risk groups,” she said.

They were: • Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and older • Adults aged 65 years and older

• Residents of aged care or disability care facilities • People aged 16 years and older who are severely immunocompromised.

She said the current pandemic showed no signs of abating.

“We continue to urge people to be vaccinated and fully complete their course of two doses of vaccine plus a booster if they haven’t already done so,” she said.

“As well as vaccination, it is important we also continue practising measures such as physical distancing, wearing a mask when unable to distance, handwashing, and staying home if unwell.

“These measures, combined with remaining up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination and your flu vaccination, can minimise the spread of these viruses and reduce the risk of serious illness.

“As with COVID, the best protection against influenza is the influenza vaccination, recommended for all people aged six months or older and can be administered at the same time as the COVID–19 vaccine if you are aged five years or older.”

APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES! 2022 MRAEL is offering you the chance of a great future and rewarding career in an exciting apprenticeship opportunity to be hosted at Rio Tinto Weipa Operations.

We are seeking candidates interested in completing the following apprenticeships commencing in June 2022:

Electrical

Fitter & Turner

Boilermaker

If you embrace change, safety, strong leadership and sustainable performance and want to do things that matter, Rio Tinto is the place to be. Take control of your life, shape your future, starting today!

Apprentices are required to be currently living in Weipa, or have access to full time accommodation. Accommodation is not provided.

What we are looking for: Motivated candidates with a drive to grow and a willingness to learn A commitment to values of Safety, Teamwork, Respect, Integrity and Excellence Enthusiastic self-starters with a strong teamwork and safety focus Previous work experience in preferred trade will be highly regarded We strive for a diverse workplace and encourage females and people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent to apply. MRAEL is an equal opportunity employer.

TO APPLY, visit our website at

mrael.com.au

Applications close Friday 22 April 2022. APPLY TODAY!

Proudly part of IntoWork Australia

10 NEWS

THURSDAY 14 APRIL 2022 TORRES NEWS

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 the home of our Torres News Editor, and Torres Strait Island Media Association (TSIMA) CEO, Diat Alferink. Diat and her family enjoy living in Torres Haus on the Waiben foreshore, and this gorgeous pic was taken from there earlier this month on a bright and beautiful morning!

Ailan View

Send us your favourite pic soon!

YOUR LOCAL DEALERS FOR

Our Services

Outboard Servicing (All Makes) Outboard Sales Outboard Repairs and Rebuilds Trailer Repairs Marine, Diving and Fishing Tackle Sales

Call 0488

031 080

SHOP: 69 Waiben Esplanade Thursday Island, QLD

EMAIL: service@jrmarine.com.au

New CIAF marketplace offers more time and space for artworks Cairns Indigenous Art Fair is on the hunt for Indigenous cultural artisans and craftspeople to market their wares at this year’s event.

The new Convention Centre venue opens the arena to an additional 10 market stall holders, up to 55 in all, but spaces are still limited and will be in demand.

Expressions of interest are open until Friday, 22 April, 2022.

CIAF’s Exhibition Manager India Collins said the market was traditionally one of the most popular and most visited attractions of

When sori time come, wherever you are Waibeni Indigenous Funeral Services Are here for you 24/7

Every yawor blo ume em difrnt For help with funeral arrangements for your loved one, contact your local funeral company on Thursday Island.

Phone: Barry - 0499 320 990 www.wifs.com.au

www.wifs.com.au Phone: Barry - 0499 320 990

the annual event.

Spanning five days between Wednesday 6 and Sunday 10 July, 2022, CIAF 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.

Interested market stall holders are invited to complete an expression of interest online, visit the website at www.ciaf.

com.au

CAIRNS: Gab Titui stall at a CIAF market. Pic supplied.

Corporates called on to engage in better consumer practices The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs has published an interim report for its inquiry into better engagement by the corporate sector with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers.

The interim report highlights core issues that are intended to serve as a useful starting point.

These include: • The future of the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program and how it could be strengthened; • The impact of ongoing poor behaviour in the telecommunications sector with significant debts accumulated by many in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities due to unscrupulous practices; • The unfair advantage taken of the poor financial literacy of some Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander consumers across a number of sectors; and, • The predatory practices of certain payday-style lenders, car finance operations, and funeral

insurance businesses that operate outside the reach of regulators.

Committee Chair Julian Leeser said bad corporate behaviour continued.

“The Committee was disappointed to hear during the inquiry that despite some recent high profile cases, such as the $50 million fine imposed on Telstra for unconscionable conduct, bad corporate behaviour towards Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander consumers continues to exist in certain market sectors such as financial services and telecommunications,” he said.

“The Committee would like to see this inquiry re-referred at the beginning of the next Parliament.

“The newly formed committee will then have time to explore the core issues in this interim report in greater depth and make appropriate recommendations.”

The report can be accessed and downloaded from the Committee’s website at https://www.aph.gov. au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/ Indigenous_Affairs/Betterengagement

NEWS 11

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 14 APRIL 2022

Gateway to Cape York open now

TN0127 Ads FOLDER  excel doc  dummy  TSRA - Fortnightly 17/2/22 to 23/6/22 REPRESENTS: Pajinka_Waru-Katuber (Turtle28x2 ad @ $5 rate = $280incl [$254.55ex] x10 Frog) by Michale Solomon. issues $2800incl. total.

TSRA transfers Native Title services to GBK ABOVE – CELEBRATIONS: Traditional Owners, artists, friends and guests celebrate the opening of the Gateway to Cape York in Lakeland. Pics supplied.

LEFT – GATEWAY ART: NPA Adhai (land beneath the ice about to appear) by Tommy Savage and daughters; Catherine and Jacinta.

Lakeland’s Gateway to Cape York and sculpture park was officially opened last week by Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott.

Featuring an iconic “gateway”, a purpose-built traveller information centre, a rest stop area and an interactive sculpture park that showcases communities from Cape York, including the NPA. “Lakeland marks the beginning of many Cape York

adventures and is a significant tourist junction for the tourism drive market and 4WD adventurers,” Cr Scott said.

“The Gateway to Cape York gives vital tourism infrastructure to Lakeland that has been designed to be iconic, interactive, artistic, educational and inspirational.”

The information centre showcases the history and unique ecology of Cape York,

while addressing environmental challenges including littering, fire, invasive plants and animals and the importance of respecting land owner’s rights.

It featured 16 artworks designed and developed by communities across the Cape.

For more information on the Gateway to Cape York visit www.cooktownandcapeyork. com

Youpla nor fright por come kai kai story and pics

BY ALF WILSON Connoisseurs of Torres Strait Islander food are making a new Townsville business named Bina’s Kitchen very popular with its bevy of delicious dishes.

Bina’s Kitchen, at Garbutt Central Shopping Centre, was officially opened last Wednesday and has already drawn crowds of interest.

Owned by chef Evelyn Billy (nee Tamwoy) and husband Gibson Billy, the majority of the food on offer was Torres Strait in origin.

“There is something for everybody,” Evelyn said.

“I believe this is the first of its type in Townsville.”

Some of the most popular food since opening day has been coconut curry fish, sweet and sour pork, curry pork and vegetables, and sop sop.

When the Torres News visited last Friday, Evelyn, her staff and some family volunteers were working hard to prepare for customers.

Even before opening time they said several people came in and

ordered food from the bain-marie.

Evelyn said she had a good teacher and her delights were now tantalsing the taste buds of customers.

“I learnt to cook from my late mother Emma Tamwoy who had been a cook at Bamaga Hospital and at James Cook University here,” she said.

“This business is in memory of her.”

Whilst the menu has several Torres Strait dishes on offer, including entrees and desserts, the business also has food such as fish and chips.

“I have eight workers and this is a place where people can come and enjoy a meal and have a yarn,” she said.

Evelyn said she was keen to attract visitors from the Torres Strait, NPA and Cape York who came to the north Queensland capital for a variety of reasons.

“They can catch up with friends here,” she said.

Evelyn also has a food van which employs two people and said she wanted to encourage others: if they have a dream, she said, “put your mind to it, work hard and it will happen.”

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

TOWNSVILLE KAI KAI: William Tamwoy, 8, holds one of the dishes.

12 NEWS

THURSDAY 14 APRIL 2022 TORRES NEWS

Tombstone Unveiling Torres Strait Regional Authority – 2022 Common Funding Round The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) is calling for applications from Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal organisations or individuals who are permanently based within the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area communities of Bamaga and Seisia for grant funding for activities taking place between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023. Funding is available under the following Programmes: Culture Art and Heritage Programme - grants of $5,000 up to $25,000 Eligible projects under this programme include: • Locally managed projects that benefit the whole community such as festivals and events, language projects, recording local stories and songs.

• Production costs to develop traditional and contemporary art forms • Local artists travelling to workshops or key cultural and arts events, such as dance festivals, or arts skills development in any art form or cultural learning.

• Costs of hosting a visiting artist to build local skills • Production costs for projects and events such as lighting, sound, rental of equipment, hire of venues, costuming, design fees, and promotional brochures.

• Training for artists and project managers, such as in marketing or management skills.

• The conservation of restoration of artefacts, photographs, written histories of significance, display of historical material, archiving of heritage materials, family histories or similar.

Healthy Communities Programme – grants of $5,000 or more Eligible projects under this programme include: • Initiatives that provide direct support for Health Promotion and Prevention Awareness projects/activities • Activities that support community members that are not already active • Projects that focus on promoting/educating community around preventative health, like health education, improved promotion/communication throughout the region, in culturally appropriate ways • Projects that can be delivered or supported by Healthy Lifestyle Officers.

Safe Communities Programme – grants of $5,000 or more Eligible projects under this programme include: • Education and support around managing financial difficulties resulting from COVID • Community education and support for COVID-safe activities in communities • Training funding support to improve capacity for community members to become social service providers • Support for events/projects that assist in transitioning communities to COVID safe activities.

TSRA has funded grant writers to assist applicants with their Common Funding Round grant applications. To access a grant writer contact: -

Healthy and Safe Communities Programme – Kerry Dixon on (07) 4069 0714 or by email at Kerry.Dixon@tsra.gov.au Culture Arts and Heritage Programme – Anna Drummond on (07) 4069 0748 or by email at Anna.DRUMMOND@tsra.gov.au Grant Opportunity Guidelines are available at www.tsra.gov.au/opportunities/grant-funding

Applications Close at 5pm on 21 April 2022

Common Funding Round applications can be made online through the TSRA website at www.tsra.gov.au/opportunities/grant-funding If you would like more information about the Common Funding Round please contact the TSRA by phone (07) 4069 0700 or email Grant.APPLICATIONS@tsra.gov.au. Applications received after 5pm on 21 April 2022 will not be considered unless prior approval for a late submission (maximum 24 hours) has been obtained in writing from the TSRA.

The Tombstone Unveiling of Joseph Warren Pilot (Joephy) was held at St Paul’s on Moa Island last weekend. In the pictures are Peter, Anne, Agnes, Ousia (son) & Gesa Pilot (above right), and Pilot Family Members from the Saisarem Clan (left).

Additional support for Indigenous boarding students An estimated 2,300 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander boarding students from remote communities will benefit from additional support services to succeed in their education next year.

The Government will provide $17.3 million to extend the 2021-22 Indigenous Boarding Providers Grants Program for up to 50 boarding providers, with a high proportion of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students in 2023.

Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education Senator Bridget McKenzie said the funding would assist boarding providers to offer tailored services to support their students’ wellbeing while they are away from their families and communities.

“It will also empower our Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander boarding students to achieve their educational goals and lay the groundwork for success beyond school,” Minister McKenzie said.

Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt said extending the grants program allowed boarding providers to better support the needs of boarding students and keep them engaged in school.

“Importantly, it will also help Indigenous students to continue to access a high-quality, culturally-appropriate boarding education while maintaining close connections with their families and community,” Minister Wyatt said.

The Department of Education, Skills & Employment and the National Indigenous Australians Agency will work with boarding providers to extend this support into the 2023 school year.

CLASSIFIEDS 13

Need papers TRADES & SERVICES for mulching ADVERTISING your garden ADVERTISE or packing?

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 14 APRIL 2022

The Torres News has old papers you can pick up for free!

Drop into the TSIMA office @ 69 Douglas Street, Thursday Island.

Torres News

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

 Business Manager  Senior Producer –

Programs

 Senior Producer –

Remote Indigenous Broadcasting Service  Broadcaster -

Technical Support The above positions are part of our ongoing re-structure and are designed to attract the best possible candidates for these exciting new roles.

Written Applications must be received before Friday, 22 April 2022 to: opsmanager@ tsima4mw.org.au For further information or queries please contact the above email.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 24 Hour Service for DV CONNECT Ph: 1800 811 811 Lena Passi Women's Shelter ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ NPA WOMENS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELP 24 hr Crisis Shelter Ph: 4212 2200

CAIRNS • Bayview Gardens Newsagency – Southside Shopping Village, Woree • Earlville Newsagency – Stockland Cairns Shopping Centre, Earlville • Enmore News – 5 Reservoir Rd, Manoora • Marketplace Newsagency – 2/96 McLaughlan Rd, Bentley Park • NewsXpress Cairns Central –Cairns Central Shopping Centre, 126 McLeod Street • Railway Newsagency – 48 McLeod St, Cairns • Raintrees Newsagency – Raintrees Shopping Centre Alfred St, Manunda MOSSMAN • News Extra Mossman – 35 Front Street

YOUR BUSINESS

HERE

For more information: Call 0419 828 639 or Email ads@torres.news

TOMBSTONES

MAREEBA • Nextra Mareeba News – 125 Byrnes Street INNISFAIL • Larsens News – 60 Rankin Street 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

Date claimer ads

TOMBSTONE UNVEILINGS The Torres News can publish your Tombstone Unveiling ads in our Classifieds section on Thursdays.

Trinity Monuments - Trades and Services section: weekly 10x2 ad, @ $61.60 gst inclusive per ad, category: Tombstones. Starting 3/9/20 - 24/6/20.

Anna@Trinity <anna@trinitymonuments.com.au>

We offer 4 standard sized ads at the following special rates: Ad 1: 5cm deep x 2 columns (7.2cm) wide $25 per ad Ad 2: 7cm deep x 3 columns (11cm) wide $50 per ad Ad 3: 10cm deep x 3 columns (11cm) wide $75 per ad Ad 4: 10cm deep x 4 columns (14.8cm) wide $100 per ad

Booking and copy deadline: 12 noon on Tuesdays.

Just email through your wording and any images to be included and your ad size preference, and we can do the rest. * Other ad sizes and costings upon request.

Call 0419 828 639 TN0150 12x3 VERSION. Email ads@torres.news

KOORI MAIL

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

YOUR AD HERE

Get your Business Noticed

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

ADVERTISE HERE

in the Torres News TRADES & SERVICES DIRECTORY Standard 5x2 Ad only $36 per week* *50MM DEEP X 72MM WIDE – MINIMUM 6 WEEK BOOKING

Call 0419 828 639 Email ads@torres.news

14 SPORT

THURSDAY 14 APRIL 2022 TORRES NEWS

Our NRLW stars hope for State of Origin pick TN0002 28x2 • 07-04-22

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.

EDITORIAL EDITOR – DIAT ALFERINK E editor@torres.news SUB-EDITOR – CHRISTINE HOWES M 0419 656 277 E christine@torres.news

EDITORIAL DEADLINES General copy (pics, stories, letters), Regular columns and Sports editorial NOON MONDAYS

ADVERTISING BOOKINGS & DESIGN – SHARON GALLERY M 0419 828 639 E ads@torres.news

12 NOON TUESDAYS 12 NOON TUESDAYS 2PM TUESDAYS 3PM TUESDAYS

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

ACCOUNTS TSIMA – DAISY ANIBA P 07 4069 1524 E accounts@tsima4mw.org.au PO Box 385, Thursday Island Q 4875 ABN 77 827 170 783

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

PUBLISHED – every Thursday.

CIRCULATION NUMBERS – 1100.

READERSHIP AV. – Print readership 4400 + 7956 followers on our @TSIMAtorresnews facebook page.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We ackowledge the Traditional Owners of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula regions.

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

This newspaper is dedicated to recognising, preserving and promoting the traditional cultures and customs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of these regions.

Our offices are sometimes unattended.

Please call and leave a message or email editorial, advertising or accounts.

We want YOUR news!

NRLW stars Jasmine Peters, Hagiga Mosby and Tallisha Harden have been named in the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons 32-strong women’s squad, from which a side will be picked to meet NSW in the Ampol State of Origin match.

The much anticipated clash will be held on 24 June at Canberra’s GIO Stadium.

This squad will be trimmed to 19 players who will take part in the final camp leading into the Origin match.

All the players will be compensated throughout each training phase for time they may need to take off work to train, travel and recover.

The selected players will undergo medical reviews with Maroons team staff over the next two weeks, before they start to filter back into the QRL’s BMD

Premiership after the Easter break.

Engineering design, construction and land development company, BMD assumed the naming rights of the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) statewide women’s competition for a three-year term earlier this month.

The St George Dragons defeated the Sydney Roosters in last weekend’s pre-season grand final.

maroon possible: Tallisha Harden.

Pic courtesy QRL.

Statewide comp wins/losses Cowboy Cotter solid

BY ALF WILSON

ADVERTISING DEADLINES Ad bookings Ad copy (ad to be set) Supplied Ad material Classifieds

BY ALF WILSON

THE North Queensland Toyota Goldstars defeated Brisbane side Wynnum Manly 22-18 at Barlow Park in Cairns on Saturday in round three of the Queensland Rugby League’s BMD Women’s Premiership competition.

Our Torres Strait players shone.

The Goldstars were happy to welcome back Indigenous All Stars and Newcastle Knights NRLW halfback Tahlulah Tillett, who joined Torres Strait teammates Sareka Mooka, Theo Mosby-Nona, Samara Luta, Babetha Neliman and Stephanie Mooka.

Jasmine Peters was rested after being selected in the squad for the Queensland women’s State of Origin team.

Stephanie Mooka told the Torres News it was an exciting win over Wynnum Manly.

“We won right on full-time,” Stephanie said.

Wynnum spokesman Tom Cosgrove said the Seagulls quickly established a 12-nil lead inside 16 minutes with tries to Rease Casey, Essay Banu and Tawana Togo, before the Goldstars scored twice before half

time to go into the break at 12-12.

“We scored early in the second half through Togo’s second, only for the Goldstars to hit back, with the score at 18-16 to the Seagulls with four minutes left,” he said.

“The Goldstars kicked a penalty to level the score at 18-18. With the last play of the game, the Seagulls were diving for the try line, when the ball suddenly popped up to opposition winger Lauren Moss, who ran 100m to score the winner for the Goldstars.

“Heartbreaking loss for the Seagulls.”

Meanwhile the Sydney Roosters defeated hot favourites the St George Dragons 16-4 in the grand final of Sunday’s NRL Women’s competition at Redcliffe.

It was the Roosters first NRLW premiership.

MEN’S STATEWIDE COMP The Townsville Blackhawks beat Cairns based Northern Pride 22-12 in last weekend’s round four matches of the men’s Statewide Hostplus Cup in front of a big crowd at Barlow Park in Cairns.

In other round four games: The Capras d Mackay Cutters 26-18 and the Falcons d PNG Hunters 22-8.

BY ALF WILSON A solid performance by Reuben Cotter was a highlight for the North Queensland Cowboys in their narrow 25-24 loss to the New Zealand Warriors in NRL round five last Friday night.

The game was held at Redcliffe’s Moreton Daily Stadium and went into extra time when scores were deadlocked 24-all after 80 minutes.

In the third minute of golden point extra time, Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson landed a field goal to give his side victory.

The win was the Warriors’ third in succession after back to back defeats of Wests Tigers and the Broncos, while Johnson’s 15th career field goal secured his 100th NRL victory.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten had made a late change for the

game promoting the versatile Cotter to prop in the starting side with Jamayne Taunoa-Brown dropping back to the bench.

And Cotter didn’t let Payten and the tens of thousands of Cowboys supporters, who watched the game either at the ground or on television, down.

Cotter was strong in attack and defended well and issued a case to be included in the Cowboys run on side again in coming matches.

The Cowboys missed the injured fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow who injured his knee last week in the loss to the Sydney Roosters.

He was expected to miss several more games.

The Cowboys will leave Queensland for the first time this season when they make the trip to Canberra to face the Raiders tonight.

Gold Coast excitement for kid basketball champs Patty Mills and Indigenous Basketball Australia (IBA) are excited to confirm the National Indigenous Basketball Tournament (NIBT) will go ahead on the Gold Coast this weekend.

The highly anticipated, four-day event will bring with it

a unique combination of on and off-court skills development for top young athletes from all over the country.

“The IBA, and what it stands for, runs far deeper than just a basketball competition,” IBA General Manager Sally Phillips said.

“It’s a demonstration

of commitment, to not only motivate and inspire the next generation of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stars, but to enable them to put themselves on the map.

“We’re determined to be the gamechangers and together we’ve got what it takes to create

this experience for our young athletes that will have an effect on them far beyond the basketball court.”

Tickets to all NIBT games will be free and fans are encouraged to visit the IBA Facebook and Instagram pages for details.

With anticipated

growth year on year, the IBA is set to extend and expand its basketball program beyond the initial eight-region scope and under-14 age range with 2023 plans already well underway.

To learn more about IBA, please visit the official website:

indigenousbasket ballaustralia.com

Have you got news? If you have an event or news you’d like to share... make sure you share!

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

Please contribute your words and fully captioned pics in clearly identified folders via Dropbox or WeTransfer (www.

WeTransfer.com). One folder per story and pics, or item.

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 14 APRIL 2022

Taipans down for 700

Important Message for Torres News Advertisers Changes to ADVERTISING DeaDlines Next week – Issue: Thursday 21 April (Easter public holidays 15–18 April)

Ad bookings and copy: 12 NOON TODAY Thursday, 14 April Supplied Ad material: 4pM TODAY Thursday, 14 April Classified Ad bookings, copy & material: 12 NOON Tuesday, 19 April • Ph: Shaz 0419 828 639 • Email: ads@torres.news

THURSDAY ISLAND / SEISIA

FERRY SCHEDULE EASTER ScHEDULE

THURSDAY 14 APRIL Afternoon Services Only DEPART THURSDAY IS: 2.30PM DEPART SEISIA: 4PM NO FERRY SERVICES operating: GOOD FRIDAY 15 APRIL OR EASTER MONDAY 18 APRIL TUESDAY 19 APRIL Morning Services Only DEPART THURSDAY IS: 6.30AM DEPART SEISIA: 8AM

PICS BY christine howeS Celebrations for the Taipans 700th NBL game were somewhat dampened by their inability to maintain pace against the leagueleading Melbourne United last Sunday afternoon.

The CQUniversity Cairns Taipans had also looked every bit on target for a fourth consecutive NBL victory in Hobart on Friday night but also lost to the Tasmania JackJumpers.

That was despite Nate Jawai (right) playing a lead role to produce a season high of 17 points on 5/6 shooting, with 7/7 from the foul line.

On Sunday the Taipans were able to stick with the league-leading United for most of the first half.

The defending champions feasted on the lowly Taipans, however, with a 28-10 third quarter blowing the game open.

Keanu Pinder (far right) continued his strong form, notching up a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Nate scored six points and five rebounds.

The Taipans are on the road in Round 20 to play the Perth Wildcats on Saturday and then Melbourne United again in Melbourne on Monday before finishing with two home games to the Sydney Kings and Brisbane Bullets.

ANZAc DAY

WEDNESDAY 20 & FRIDAY 22 APRIL DEPART THURSDAY IS: 6.30AM & 2.30PM DEPART SEISIA: 8AM & 4PM NO FERRY SERVICES operating: ANZAC DAY MONDAY 25 APRIL Boarding strictly 15 mins prior to departure

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

THURSDAY ISLAND / HORN ISLAND

TN0015 • 10/3/22 Monday Depart T.I.

Depart H.I.

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

new size 10x7 & new �metable email: info@tiferry.com.au Fax: (07) 4090 3628

JETTY, THURSDAY ISLAND

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

Depart H.I.

Wed Depart T.I.

Depart H.I.

Thurs Depart T.I.

Depart H.I.

Fri Depart T.I.

Depart H.I.

Sat Depart T.I.

Depart H.I.

Sun Depart T.I.

Depart H.I.

6.10 am # 6.30 am # 6.10 am # 6.30 am # 6.10 am # 6.30 am # 6.10 am # 6.30 am # 6.10 am # 6.30 am # 6.10 am # 6.30 am # 7.00 am

7.30 am

7.00 am

7.30 am

7.00 am

7.30 am

7.00 am

7.30 am

7.00 am

7.30 am 7.00 am # 7.30 am #

8.00 am

8.30 am

8.00 am

8.30 am

8.00 am

8.30 am

8.00 am

8.30 am

8.00 am

8.30 am

8.00 am

8.30 am 8.00 am # 8.30 am #

9.50 am

9.15 am QF2489

9.50 am

9.15 am QF2489

9.50 am

9.15 am QF2489

9.50 am

9.15 am QF2489

9.50 am

9.15 am QF2489

10.25 am

THURSDAY IS. – HORN IS.

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

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

9.50 am

9.15 am

9.15 am #

10.50 am 10.50 am 10.50 am 10.50 am 10.50 am 10.50 am 10.25 am # 10.25 am 10.25 am 10.25 am 10.25 am 10.50 am 10.25 am QF2488 QF2488 QF2488 QF2488 QF2488 QF2488

1.45 pm 1.45 pm 1.45 pm 1.45 pm 1.45 pm 2.10 pm 1.45 pm # 1.55 pm # 2.10 pm 2.10 pm 2.10 pm 2.10 pm # QF2497 QF2497 QF2497 QF2497 QF2497 3.10 pm 3.40 pm 3.40 pm 3.40 pm 3.10 pm 3.40 pm 3.40 pm 2.45 pm # 2.55 pm # 3.10 pm 3.10 pm 3.10 pm # QF2491 QF2496 QF2496 QF2496 QF2491 QF2496 QF2496 4.15 pm

9.15 am QF2489

4.40 pm

4.15 pm

4.40 pm

4.15 pm

4.40 pm

4.15 pm

4.40 pm

4.15 pm

4.40 pm

1.45 pm 2.10 pm QF2497 3.10 pm 3.40 pm QF2491 QF2496 5.40 pm 5.15 pm QF2490

5.40 pm 5.40 pm All QF Connections departing from Horn Island 5.15 pm 5.40 pm 5.15 pm 5.40 pm 5.15 pm 5.40 pm 5.15 pm QF2490 QF2490 may be delayed up to 20 minutes pending actual Qantaslink aircraft arrival time.

6.00 pm # 6.20 pm # 6.00 pm # 6.20 pm # 6.00 pm # 6.20 pm # 6.00 pm # 6.20 pm # 6.00 pm # 6.20 pm # 5.15 pm

FAST , SAFE & FRIENDLY SERVICE.

TIMETABLE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE.

# These departures will only operate for passengers pre-booked by 4pm the day prior.

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL !

Effective 7th March 2022

Sport Torres News

16

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

EDITORIAL  E: editor@torres.news

THURSDAY 14 APRIL 2022

Rugby league camps a big holiday hit

Pics from Mabuiag Island supplied by Saintie Joe. STORY BY ALF WILSON Continued from P1 A Junior Development Rugby League Camp was held on Mabuiag island last week with youngsters from top and western islands Boigu, Saibai, Dauan, Badu and the host island.

A similar camp was held on Yam Island.

Mabuaig organiser Saintie Joe said around 60 kids participated in the West and Top West Junior camp.

“The camp hosted by Mabuiag Community was a success,” she said.

“The love for all our children was shown through the tremendous effort and dedication from all who volunteered their time. The development camp is to

introduce Rugby League to kids and also create a pathway for the kids that have already been exposed to the sport and are looking to excel in Rugby League.

“Feedback was all positive from the kids. Hopefully the next one will be bigger and better.”

She said the camp wouldn’t have been possible without the financial support from TSIRC, CEQ, Blue Water Consultancy, Queensland Health, Sea Swift and Aunty Norma Whap.

“A big thank you to all the volunteers, caterers, supervisors, Goemu Bau Raiders Team, Bau Au Stingers Team, stakeholders and community of Mabuiag for your tremendous support in making this camp a successful one,” Saintie said.

The camps are designed to either introduce the game

of rugby league or develop the skill set in a camp environment.

Kids were introduced to the NRL Mascot moves, safe landing, safe tackling techniques, tackle ready and more, with all drills delivered in a fun and engaging way.

Organisers put a lot of hard work in to the camps.

YAM CAMP Rising young rugby league star Dantorah Lui was a special guest at the 7 – 9 April Yam camp, which will be covered in more detail next week.

The camp attracted more than 100 juniors aged five to 12 from Yam, Darnley, Coconut, Yorke and Warraber Islands.

Do you have a business idea?

"I'm excited to help people in the Torres Strait to start, stay and thrive in their business. I'm ready when you are."

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

Many Rivers is supported by Australian Government Torres Strait Regional Authority ABN: 58 128 486 788

Rita Gutchen