Torres News Edition_58_17 November 2022

Thursday, 17 November 2022

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

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Tagai students take Yr 12 formal to next level Tagai State College Year 12 students turned up in their finest attire and looked the part, for their formal on Thursday Island last Saturday night.

pic BY TARI SAGIGI

With the help of dozens of people out front and behind the

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LIFTOUT INFORMATION GUIDE: See Pages 8 – 17

scenes, the night was a huge success.

Pictured are: (L–R) Daniel Sabatino, Raphaela Pearson, Dorothy Sabatino, Zacariah Sabatino, Metharaima Fauid & Aaliyah Gela.

See full coverage PAGE 19 

MASIG STATEMENT INTO NEXT STAGE Torres Strait leaders have been working hard to progress the Masig Statement’s aspirations.

Story and pics Page 3 

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02 NEWS THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2022 TORRES NEWS Waiben to host Native Title celebration 18 Ishmael Rd, Earlville, Cairns Q 4870 • P  (07) 4211 2700 Email  office@gorimarbleandgranite.com.au F  (07) 4028 3420 • W  www.gorimarbleandgranite.com.au A successfully owned and operated Local Family Business.

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Ankamuthi Traditional Owner Charles Woosup (left) says he will take a special boat trip to celebrate the Native Title consent determinations for the Northern Cape and Torres Strait Sea Claims later this month.

He said he would mark the historic occasion - to be held on Thursday Island on Wednesday 30 November – by going fishing.

“I’ve got everything ready to go out there on our waters and tell them, this is ours,” he said.

Charles, who is also a Board Director at Cape York Land Council said he was excited to finally know the sea claims Native Title consent determinations would go ahead.

“Our ancestors have been hunting and gathering on these waters together for a long, long time,” he said.

“I’ve been with this sea claim from day one, since it started.”

The upcoming

determinations were the first time First Nations peoples of the Torres Strait joined with the First Nations peoples of mainland Australia to work together to seek to achieve recognition of their Native Title rights over land and sea.

The area covered by the Northern Cape and Torres Strait Sea Claims stretched from Captain Billy Landing on the east coast of Cape York, east to the Great Barrier Reef, north to the sea surrounding Warral (Hawkesbury) Island and Ului (West) Island, and west to Skardon River, just north of Mapoon.

If you are a Traditional Owner associated with the Seven Rivers Ankamuthi People and the Gudang Yadhaykenu people, and would like to know more about the upcoming determinations on Thursday Island, please contact Leah Thompson on 1800 623 548.

Horn Is fire risk

A fire on Horn Island, the cause of which was unknown at the time of printing, triggered flight cancellations and a smoke and ash hazard for residents and workers earlier this week.

Rural Fires Services have been on site to try to control the blaze, which had started on Saturday from the landfill.

Torres Shire Council told TSIMA’s Jen Enosa they were working hard at making representations to Qantas to put on extra flights to compensate for three cancelled flights on Monday.

Seven charter flights were also cancelled and smoke was reported to be an issue on neighbouring islands including TI, Hammond, Prince of Wales and Friday.

Strong winds have not helped fire fighting efforts, QFES Station officer Luke Smith said. “If you’re affected by any sort of respiratory disease, close windows and doors with your aircon on,” he said.

“If you have any concerns about fire impacting property, don’t hesitate to call Triple 0 straight away.”

Council said the situation was considered to be HIGH RISK.

Talei wins!

The 2023 Queensland Young Australian of the Year is community organiser Talei Elu. As the 2023 Queensland Young Australian of the Year Talei is now in the running as the State’s entry for the national title.

She joins multiinstrumentalist, composer, vocalist and producer, William Barton, who was named

Queensland’s Australian of the Year.

Talei said she wanted to dedicate the award first and foremost to her grandfather, Mugai Elu, and then to the young people of Seisia.

She said she particularly wanted to thank Shanella Majid and Narelle Aniba for supporting the community initiatives that have helped make Seisia great.

NEWS 03

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2022

Masig Statement progresses as leaders step up

stories and pics

BY Christine Howes An interim Torres Strait Regional Assembly will form in the next two weeks as part of making The Masig Statement – launched in August this year – a reality after high level meetings in Cairns over the past two weeks.

Three local governments, a federal statutory funding body and Traditional Owner representative organisations came together with the State Government to formalise what they hope will become a better reality for generations of Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal people to come.

Torres Shire Council, Torres Strait Island Regional Council, Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council, Gur A Baradharaw Kod Sea and Land Council Torres Strait Islander Corporation (GBK) and the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) met with State Government Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Partnerships DirectorGeneral Dr Chris Sarra (pictured middle top)on Friday last week in Cairns.

TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM said the meeting connected local, state and federal representatives.

“Regional governance is a long-standing aspiration of Torres Strait Islanders requiring support and commitment to work towards a unified vision for our region ,” Mr Stephen said.

“TSRA continues to advocate for local

aspirations including regional governance at a national level.”

Mayor Phillemon Mosby said meetings were ongoing this week with several other Ministers, including the Torres Strait Ministerial Champion Attorney General Shannon Fentiman.

“I think there’s appetite and there’s real enthusiasm and commitment from the elected leadership,” he said. “We all agreed that we’re over politically represented and over politically governed.

“There are bureaucratic processes that consume the level of investment into the region.

“So there’s a real appetite and enthusiasm to get on with the business: let’s stop talking about it.

“Let’s work together, number one.

“Secondly, get government to work with us to make these reforms so that there is more money coming into the region on the ground.”

He said the first step was to ensure the three local Councils covering the region were officially as one, under the formal umbrella of a Regional Organisation of Councils (ROC – see box right).

He said the next step was the formation of a Regional Assembly which would account for all levels of government and governance, from the TSRA (Federal) to RNTBs (Regional Native Title Bodies).

“We need both governments to commit to working with the head representative from each of these bodies here,” he said. “They will form

an interim body to set up the secretariat or the body that will drive the Regional Assembly agenda.

“So we’ve agreed, and there was the mayors and deputy mayor from each of the three local governments, the TRSA chair and his deputy and the GBK chair and deputy, we wanted it to have a compliment of both State and Commonwealth ministers at the table, with them to form this task force.

“Our first meeting is coming up in the next two weeks, and that’s to draft the terms of reference of the interim body.

“And they’ve all agreed to secure their funding from the state through the Local Thriving Community process.

“It looks like all of us will be committing the allocated funds to this interim body that will work on moving this

agenda forward.

“There’s a lot of law reforms that will need to happen in order for this to take place, and we know that we can’t get everything in the next 12 months, but we can get ourselves to a position where we are being more strategic.”

Dr Sarra said he thought it was a very powerful meeting.

“Clearly the Torres Strait Islander leadership is starting to step up,” he said. “The Masig Statement is about a voice from the deep, and when it comes from the deep, it cannot be ignored, and so my role in government is to find the best way to serve as a public servant.

“One of the ways that I can do that is through the Local Thriving Communities agenda, which has been endorsed

by Cabinet, and it’s a journey that excites me tremendously.

“Significantly, the

range of Torres Strait Islander leadership is forming together, we’ve got to be mindful of not contributing to governance arrangements that clog the Torres Strait up even more than what it’s clogged up at the moment.

“So if we can use the Local Thriving Communities agenda to help Torres Strait Islander leadership to step towards their aspirations as articulated in The Masig Statement, then I think we should do that.”

He said it was very exciting.

“It’s one of those things that in your own mind, if you go forward 25 or 30 years, it’s something that you’ll look back on and be humbled and proud to know that you’ve played some part in helping Torres Strait Islander leadership achieve such important aspirations,” he said.

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Councils to form ROC for advocacy The Torres Shire, Torres Strait Island Regional Council and the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council have agreed to form a Regional Organisation of Councils (ROC) to formalise their advocacy for the region as part of their commitment to The Masig Statement.

TSIRC Mayor Phillemon Mosby said it was about not competing with each other on regional issues.

“The aim for the Masig Statement is about how we want to create partnership with regional stakeholders, the Queensland government and the Australian government, so we are working together for a relevant organisation to better equip us to achieve those regional goals and aspirations.”

He said the ROC would primarily be an advocacy body.

“It’s an advocacy regional vehicle

to drive three local governments, being in the same legal framework to identify regional priorities in terms of how do we improve service delivery and our local government responsibilities,” he said.

“We are inadequately resourced and funded to carry on our responsibilities, so rather than different people talking about the same issue in the local government space, we have a collective, collaborative, cohesive approach.”

He said there would always be certain issues specific to individual councils.

“They will be left for individual councils to take up,” he said.

“But where the area is, there are common issues and challenges, such as the high cost of living, securing accessible, affordable, safe transportation, housing: they are common right across the region.”

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04 NEWS

THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2022 TORRES NEWS

Grassroots orgs gain funds for women

Six weeks to celebrate 80th story and pic

BY ALF WILSON

“There will be a six-week exhibition to honour the TSLIB including visits to schools by community members and for these we need lots of volunteers,” she said.

“On Anzac Day after the street march we will gather at Strand Park for a family day which will involve singing, dancing, food and a great together.”

The committee has contacted the Australian Defence Force about being involved and also an apparel company to provide shirts, caps and other things.

“We have to provide the design for the shirts,” Mrs Cowley said.

At the meeting was Leading Aircraftsman Matthew Pearson jnr who is based at Williamstown RAAF base in NSW. The youngest at the meeting was 17 year old Olive-Rose Pearson.

The 80th Anniversary support the introduction celebrations in Townsville of and implementation of the Torres Strait Light Infantry the organisation’s new Battalion which defended domestic violence action Australia’s northern outposts plan. during World War II will be • Reef and Rainforest held over a six-week period Research Centre Ltd: from 16 March and finish on 25 $15,000 for Deadly April which is Anzac Day. Women of the Torres Strait That was decided at a to implement an alreadycommunity meeting held at St proven Indigenous women’s John Anglican Church in South Townsville on Saturday (12 leadership and training November) to which the Torres program. The project will News was invited. help to empower women A total of 830 men enlisted living on remote islands with the Battalion during WWII by developing their job and there is just two surviving – readiness and fostering Private Mebai Warusam (Saibai leadership within their local Island) and Private Awati Mau communities.

(Bamaga).

• Northern Peninsula Area The meeting was chaired by Family and Community Theresa Cowley with assistance Services Aboriginal & from Morris Cloudy.

Torres Strait Islander Corporation: $10,000 for Barriers and Solutions to reporting Successful recipients in Torres sexual violence in the Strait and NPA were: Northern Peninsula Area, a • Torres Strait Island series of focused workshop Regional Council: consultations for girls aged Torres Strait Islander Queensland’s 2022 12-17 years and women $15,000 for TSIRC’s owned businesses and Indigenous Business 18-years and over from to 27/7/23 AD # International TN0316.

25 Fortnightly Issues 25/8/22 through Women’s more than 60 events Month has26/1, been 9/2, each 1/12, of the five Northern Week in the lead-up to 3/11, 17/11, 25/8, 8/9, 22/9, 6/10, 20/10, 15/12, 29/12/22. 12/1/23, held across the state hailed a success, with Peninsula (NPA) International Women’s 23/2, 9/3, 23/3, 6/4, 20/4, 4/5, 18/5, 1/6, 15/6,Area 29/6, 13/7 and 27/7/23*. throughout October. greater recognition communities.

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Minister Di Farmer said the eighth annual Indigenous Business Month focused on partnerships and growth through its theme Actions Today. Impact Tomorrow.

“Indigenous Business Month involved exciting celebrations and Do you need assistance with Three local organisations are recipients of State Government funding in the latest Investing in Queensland Women Grants announced last week.

Attorney-General and Minister for Women and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman said many community and grass-roots organisations shared the government’s vision for women and wanted to address the issues faced by women and girls across the state.

Each successful organisations had put forward their ideas for empowering women and boosting local economies and communities.

Far North Queensland received the highest number of winning grants with some of the successful initiatives to coincide with Queensland Women’s Week in 2023.

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valuable networking events from Thursday Island to Mount Isa and from Cairns to Coolangatta,” Ms Farmer said.

“There were ‘meet the buyer and seller’ networking events, mentoring and capability building sessions, and Indigenous Business Connect networking events that focused on procurement and supply chain opportunities.”

She said the

Government was also pleased to announce Deadly Business 2032 during Indigenous Business Month.

“Deadly Business 2032 is a key project for the Far North region that will facilitate new partnerships, prepare businesses and generate business growth in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Minister Farmer said.

Army-based Yarning Circle a place for everyone to enjoy

BY ALF WILSON Twelve months of planning came to fruition last Friday, when a Yarning Circle was officially opened at the giant Lavarack Barracks Army base in Townsville.

The idea was hatched a year ago when Uncle Dave (Warrant Officer Class 2 David Gugila Boye) was appointed as the 3rd Brigade Indigenous Uncle and Local Observer Elder at a ceremony conducted at Jezzine House at the invitation of Brigadier Kahlil Fegan, Commander 3rd Brigade.

Under wonderful collaboration with the Lavarack Base Management Team, a suitable site was found and construction began.

“The Yarning Circle was officially opened with a Smoking and Blessing Ceremony with special guests in attendance, inclusive of Uncle Alfred Smallwood, William Mabo, and the Deputy Commander of 3rd Brigade,” Uncle Dave said.

“The site was then consummated with a prayer from our Chaplain.”

William Mabo is a grandson of the late and great Eddie “Koiki” Mabo.

The Yarning Circle sits in peaceful grassland covered by native tress, and in line of sight to Brother Mandalgun (Mt Stuart).

It is openly accessible by all, which was important, as the site was there for all to use, not just Indigenous soldiers.

The Commanding Officer of 3 RAR, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Johnson, heard this call, and conducted the very first non-Indigenous meeting at the Yarning Circle by conducting his Unit Briefing there.

“The Lavarack Barracks Yarning Circle is a place of calm, a place of reflection, and a place to just sit and listen to nature, and will hopefully be a place of rest and solitude for all members of the Barracks,” Uncle Dave said.

“It is a place for all to meet, to speak freely and to take a moment to relax in nature.”

NEWS 05

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2022

Chances to buy a new home may be closer to home than you think Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander home ownership is within touching distance as the Horn Island Affordable Housing sub-division fast approaches completion, Torres Shire Mayor Mayor Yen Loban says.

To be know as ‘Wasaga Village’, the new sub-division will provide safe, healthy, adequate, appropriate and affordable housing to local Indigenous families and persons resident in the Torres Strait.

“Torres Shire Council is pleased to advise our community that the new subdivision is almost complete and a large number of freehold housing lots will soon be on the market for our community members to pursue their homeownership aspirations,” Cr Loban said.

He said the project was funded by multiple grant funding agencies, including the Commonwealth Government’s statutory authority the Torres Strait Regional Authority, the Queensland Government Interim Capital Works Funding and the Building Our Regions Round 5 Funding Streams.

Mayor Loaban said if people were interested in owning a home they needed to consider what was involved.

“It is important for our community members to start gearing up and obtaining necessary advice and guidance on becoming a homeowner in 2023,” he said.

TSC CEO Dalassa Yorkston said there were loans available.

“Most banks provide information about their available home loans at their branch locations, as well as by phone or online,” she said.

“In most cases, you can just pick up the phone and make some enquires on what exactly is required in order to prepare yourself for the application process.

“They will also request information to support your application such as your ID, pay slips and bank statements, and evidence of continuous employment.

“Home buyers should generally have pre-approval on their loan before making an offer on a property.

“Pre-approval says you can access the finances necessary to buy the house.”

In the coming editions of the Torres News, TSC will outline what is proposed regarding the building blocks.

If you are interested in homeownership, then there are a few things to remember: 1. You won’t be paying rent, so your rent money can be used for the home loan payments instead; 2. Any savings you can put towards your home purchase will reduce the amount you need to borrow; 3. If you are a first home buyer, you may be eligible for the Queensland Government’s $15,000 Great Start Grant; 4. Indigenous residents in the Torres Strait may also be eligible for a TSRA loan, which provides benefits over bank loans; and, 5. Repayments include interest, so you will pay back more than the cost of the home over the term of the loan. House values usually increase over time, which offsets the money spent on interest.

Torres Strait Regional Authority Home Loans The TSRA Home Ownership Program offers interest charged at 4.5 per cent and rises each year by 0.5 per cent to a maximum of one per cent below the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) owneroccupied variable home loan interest rate.

A maximum loan term of 32 years applies.

An option to purchase an established residential property, construct a new home, purchase land or make essential improvements to an existing home.

To be eligible for a TSRA housing loan you will be a Torres Strait Islander or Aboriginal Person living in the Torres Strait Region, have the capacity to meet housing loan repayments, be able to meet the minimum deposit requirement of $3000 or five per cent of the cost of the home, whichever is the lesser and not currently own a property.

If you are interested in applying for a TSRA home loan it is important to contact the TSRA Economic Development Program on 07 4069 0700 or email economic@tsra.gov.au As part of the home purchase and ownership process, you will need to show the banks and lenders that you have good money management practices.

This will help you to set realistic goals, choose a loan and a home that is affordable, and right for you, and manage your repayments.

Are you ready to buy a New Home?

REMEMBER • Get prepared by start having conversations with your family and friends about this exciting opportunity and your interest.

• Start a good savings history at your bank.

• Start making some enquiries now from local mortgage lenders, including but not limited to the TSRA Home Loan Section, National Australia Bank and IBA (Indigenous Business Australia).

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06 CLIMATE CHANGE

THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2022 TORRES NEWS

From the Islands to Egypt – Torres Strait climate activists raise their voices at international climate summit this year the United Nations Human Rights Committee, in a case Torres Strait Islanders brought by the Torres have taken over Strait 8, determined the COP27, the 2022 United Nations Climate Australian Government had failed to adequately Change Conference protect Torres Strait in Sharm El Sheikh, Islanders from climate Egypt this week. change.

Uncle Paul Kabai The Australian (Saibai), Uncle Pabai Government was due to Pabai (Boigu), Aunty offer the United Nations McRose Elu (Seisia/ a formal response, Saibai), Tishiko King however they were not (Masig), Yessie and legally bound to follow his son Genia Mosby the recommendations of (Masig) are all in the Committee.

Egypt attending the IN THE PICS ABOVE & BELOW: McRose Elu, Yessie and Genia Mosby and Uncle Paul and Pabai international climate Tishiko King at forums and meetings in Egypt at COP27. Pics supplied. have taken their case forum to speak to and to the Federal Court of share their stories with While the Australian Torres Strait would help Developed Countries.

Australia. They argue international leaders. to bring light to climate Government had taken “There is no the Federal government impacts in the region.

Uncle Paul and Pabai steps to reduce its conversation about had a legal responsibility were keen to put Torres “We will be putting climate impact, Tishiko climate finance, loss and to ensure Torres Strait Strait on the map with Torres Strait on the map said there was more to damage and adaptation.”

Islander Peoples were their Australian Climate so every leader will be be done.

She said countries not harmed by climate Case, and were due to able to identify where “Australia has who had contributed change. speak to international Torres Strait is,” Uncle committed programs most to climate change delegates this week.

If successful, the Pabai said. should be more to support many of our Australian Government “I’m very interested Torres Strait 8 supportive of countries brothers and sisters in would be legally in going to COP27, Claimant Yessie Mosby, experiencing climate the Pacific and they required to take action its very important to his son Genia and change impacts. should,” she said. on the issue. us to talk about the climate activist Tishiko “There is a lot of “I stand front and 4wks 3/11 ____ 10/11 (N/C)____ 17/11forums ____& 24/11/22 ____ community of Saibai They were hoping King attended conversation happening, centre with solidarity. and Boigu,” Uncle Pabai their speaking to the learning about climate TSC PO:___________ by 10.30am WED. 2/11.

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Torres Strait 8 claimant, Yessie Mosby

BY TALEI ELU

TN0384

Torres shire CounCil

To lead, provide and facilitate a sustainable, safe and culturally vibrant community

PUBLIC NOTICE WATER SUPPLY RESTRICTION – LEVEL 2 Water Restriction Level 2 is in force until further notice.

PRIVATE GARDENS AND LAWN WATERING Watering not permitted on Mondays Odd numbered houses – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday Even numbered houses – Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Level 2 Restrictions Micro sprays and drip systems – between 6am and 8am Sprinklers – 6am to 8am and 6pm to 8pm Hand held hoses, watering cans or buckets – at any time This notice applies to all homeowners, tenants, shop and business owners, occupiers of Government residences and buildings located on Horn Island and Thursday Island.

Dalassa Yorkston CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER October 2022

spoke on several panels about the real and contenting impacts of climate change on Masig and across the Torres Strait.

His experiences shared striking similarities to many of the First Nations and Pacific communities.

Aunty McRose Elu said she had faith the conversations they were having would help with the fight for climate action.

She attended COP27 as a delegate from the Anglican Church, and was speaking with church leaders of different faiths about how to support communities through the impacts of climate change.

“We are here speaking to many people about how we can support, we are looking at ways the church can support funding climate action” she said.

Tishiko said she was advocating for much more radical targets to address climate change around the world.

“We need the transparency of a

roadmap and timebound delivery tracking of doubling adaptation finance by 2030 – 43 per cent emissions reduction wont cut it,” she said.

“Then we need to aim to reach a bare minimum of 50 per cent adaptation in climate finance.

“We need to scale up finance and implementation because time is not on our side and we refuse to become climate refugees.”

While the responses of world governments and big corporations at COP27 hasn’t been as substantial as desired, Tishiko remained hopeful Torres Strait Islanders would continue the climate fight.

“There is a lot to be done and I continue to feel the mana of our ancestors and the contributions of the footprints of those who have gone before us in my heart guiding me to make sure our voices are heard,” she said. “We may be a tiny nation, but as we rise like our ocean, we make big waves.”

COP27 will finish tomorrow.

CLIMATE CHANGE 07

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2022

Australia joins international Mangrove Alliance for Climate Australia will join the Mangrove Alliance for Climate, strengthening the country’s leadership on climate action and blue carbon.

The Alliance aims to increase and accelerate conservation, restoration and plantation efforts of mangrove ecosystems to help combat climate change and support adaption.

Australia’s announcement it would join other nations in protecting and restoring mangroves came after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched the

initiative at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheik in Egypt earlier this week.

The Alliance is a joint UAE and Indonesia initiative.

The goal of the Alliance is to increase the global area of mangrove habitat by 20 per cent by the year 2030.

Mangroves absorb significant amounts of carbon and can be a key contributor to global action on climate change.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said Australia was proud to be part of the Alliance.

New global climate ranking sees Australia go from “dead last to far from a pass” Australia has climbed just four places to rank 55th out of 63 in this year’s global Climate Change Performance Index 2023, launched at COP27 in Egypt, a slight improvement on last year’s where it came in dead last for climate policy.

“Australia has gone from dead last to far from a pass, and despite the nation’s recent progress, there is no escaping just how far behind we are and how much catching up we’ve got to do,” Climate Councillor and economist Nicki Hutley, who was in Egypt at COP27, said.

Australia has gone from 59th to 55th place in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), which has been published annually for almost two decades

by Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute and Climate Action Network International.

The index assesses 59 countries and the European Union, which are collectively responsible for more than 90 percent of global emissions.

While the Australian Government has put in place important new policies and initiatives for transforming our energy system, it is early days, and Australia is still lagging.

“Good climate policy is good economic policy,” Ms Hutley said.

“We know the costs of inaction are skyrocketing, and we know that making the most of Australia’s vast, untapped renewable energy potential is the path to Australia’s future economic prosperity, just as it is essential to protecting vulnerable communities in Australia, the Pacific and beyond.”

At a global level the index found: • Denmark, Sweden, Chile, Morocco and India led this year’s ranking.

Iran, Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan came in • last.

No country was ranked first, second or third • in the Index, as no country is doing enough to prevent dangerous climate change.

The United States and China, the world’s biggest emitters, performed ‘very low’ — though the United States rose three ranks compared with last year, whilst China dropped 13 ranks.

For more information, go to: climatecouncil.org.

au

“Australia recognises the crucial role mangroves can play in global climate change mitigation and also the broad benefits they bring in climate resilience, biodiversity, tourism, indigenous communities and job opportunities,” he said.

“Australia is home to some of the world’s most significant mangrove stocks, and we want to be a world leader in efforts to protect and restore them.”

At the UN Oceans Conference earlier this year Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek announced Australia

If you’re a director of a business

would help restore blue carbon ecosystems across Australia, including mangroves, by investing $9.5 million to support five new practical restoration projects.

The Minister said it was vital nations worked together on preserving these fragile habitats.

“Mangroves provide habitats for countless animal species, reduce coastal flooding and even improve water quality,” she said.

“They are some of the world’s most valuable ecosystems but they are at serious risk.

“We have a responsibility to

Make it your business to get a Director ID by 30 Nov

There are all kinds of different directors in Australia, and they all need to get a Director ID – not just the ones who run big corporations. Make it your business to get your Director ID now.

Or follow us on social media: facebook.com/ climatecouncil and twitter.com/climatecouncil

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protect these fragile ecosystems and help them to thrive long into the future.

“These ecosystems are significantly better at storing carbon than terrestrial forests.

“The Australian Bureau of Statistics have estimated that in 2021 Australia’s mangroves and seagrass sequestered over 14 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

“This amount of carbon sequestered is equivalent to the amount emitted by over 4 million cars.”

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra

08

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2022

EDUCATION Pic courtesy Mo

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EDUCATION

NA un rag jar ID O C.

Our main focus in these pages is to provide as much information as we can to parents and youth in the Torres Strait and the Northern Peninsula Area about their education options.

ge .

Welcome to the Torres News annual education information guide for 2023.

unt S t Be rna r d Co ll e

A TORRES NEWS INFORMATION GUIDE

We hope to broaden their horizons about available to them – whether they are looking for primary, secondary, tertiary, TAFE or uni choices.

EDUCATION

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O

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

Pic taken at Djarragun C o l le g eN

In all we do we acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula regions, and 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.

EDUCATION IS THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON

YOU CAN USE TO CHANGE THE WORLD – NELSON MANDELA

EDUCATION 2023 FEATURE 09

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2022

Joining the dots to lift education averages On average less than 50 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students finish high school, compared to more than 75 per cent of their nonIndigenous counterparts.

Barriers to improving these numbers include inappropriate teaching materials and a lack of role models.

Education requires connection to communities and informed parents.

On that basis the Torres News is proud to present to you the first of our annual education information

guides for you in 2023.

You are about to read up some of what is on offer in the New Year in terms of education, from Tagai College’s exciting new innovations in strategic literacy development to the amazing support offered

by Murdoch University’s Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre, which is there to help.

Here is where you can get a start on finding out about Djarragun College’s rich and varied cultural connections, and their extensive VET program, offering extracurricular studies in

everything from automotive to hospitality.

The regional Mount St Bernard College, in Herberton on the Atherton Tablelands offers a Christian education for Years 7-12, and has been doing so for more than 100 years – can you see your child progessing in that kind of environment?

You may be interested in maintaining your faith-based studies, either on-site or at home through the Australian Catholic University’s Away from Base program, as midwife

Katrina, has done.

Perhaps you are looking to improve your skills and job prosects by doing as the amazing Rockhampton mum, Lenique Lawson, has done, in pursuing her dreams at Central Queensland University.

Journeys in education can begin with some as simple as having a go at James Cook University’s Indigenous Education Research Centre’s summer program or joining the University of Woollongong’s Woolyungah’s Indigenous Centre and seeing

how their Indigenous Admission’s Pathway could work for you.

Whatever you and your family are interested in, we may well have something here for you.

As Queensland Minister for Education Grace Grace tells us: education has the power to change lives.

“The Premier and I believe every child in Queensland is entitled to a world class education, no matter where they live,” she said.

We hope our 2023 guide to your options in 2023 can help.

Start your journey to uni with K-Track

K-Track graduate Jenna (pictured) is an associate lecturer in Community Development at Murdoch University. She is currently undertaking her PhD.

Anyone who is considering uni, but not sure where to start, should know Murdoch University’s Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre is there to help.

Kulbardi, meaning ‘magpie’ in Noongar, offers support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students throughout their academic journey.

It is based at Murdoch University’s South Street campus in Whadjuk Noongar boodjar (Perth).

Their award-winning K-Track Enabling Program provides a culturally safe alternative pathway into university and takes just 14

weeks to complete.

It is a free program run by the team at Kulbardi aiming to remove barriers to accessing tertiary education.

There are no pre-requisites for entry – they provide everything students need, such as class materials, SmartRider, mentors and access to a fortnightly scholarship.

K-Track is Centrelink and AbStudy approved so students may also be eligible for assistance with residential and relocation costs.

The course applies an Aboriginal lens to critical thinking, with a mix of

in-class and on-country learning.

It runs full time from Monday to Thursday in semesters one and two.

Students have full access to Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre 24/7, including a computer lab, print room and kitchen facilities.

Successful completion of K-Track is equivalent to receiving a 70 ATAR or Cert IV qualification, granting entry into a broad range of undergraduate degrees at Murdoch University.

Apply now at murdoch.edu.au/ kulbardi or call (08) 9360 2128 to discuss. (see advertisement page 8)

Lawyer trades courtrooms for classrooms

C_AD_2212_Koori Mail_QP 80x260_27.07

Proud of her Torres Strait Islander, Wulli Wulli and Australian South Sea Islander heritage, Rockhampton mum Lenique Lawson was admitted to the legal profession in 2020, after graduating from CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Laws.

Ms Lawson juggled her studies with work as a legal support officer for the Department of Public Prosecutions, and a court support officer with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (ATSILS).

As she worked Ms Lawson realised she had a passion for connecting with young people to empower them for positive life choices.

So she went back to CQUniversity in 2022 to take on a Master of Teaching (Secondary).

SEE IT. BE IT.

Born and raised on Darumbal country, Ms Lawson said her decision to pursue law had been about helping her community – as was the switch to teaching.

“In high school I started seeing people within my own community become entangled within the legal system, and they didn’t know how to navigate it,” she said.

“For me, teaching is a way to be connecting and making an impact with kids before they are involved in the court system.”

A busy mum as well, she said, the flexibility of her CQUniversity studies was vital to her success.

“I get through lectures and assignments after the kids’ bedtime, or when they’re both

at kindy and daycare – you grab time when you can,” she said. “But I’m loving what I’m learning, it’s so practical and I can see how it would all apply in the classroom.”

CQUniversity has countless pathways for students, including Start Uni Now for high school students, Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS), and vocational education and training.

Indigenous students can also access the Dare to be Deadly Student Journey, CQU’s culturally safe program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to provide supportive services and tools.

To explore support available, visit cqu.edu. au/indigenous.

WITH SPECIALISED SUPPORT FOR FIRST NATIONS STUDENTS

START YOUR JOURNEY TO BE WHAT YOU WANT TO BE TODAY

cqu.edu.au/firstnations TAFE AND UNIVERSITY QUALIFICATIONS

Rockhampton legal eagle Lenique Lawson takes advocacy into the classroom, with career change to empower Indigenous kids

JAYDEN

CERT III IN ENGINEERING

Office of Indigenous Engagement

10 EDUCATION 2023 FEATURE

THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2022 TORRES NEWS

Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre changed Marlee’s life Since completing a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology at Murdoch University, a Bardi Jawi woman and Ecologist from Broome WA, is working as an Ecologist, and focusing on giving back to her community and Country.

Marlee studied with the support of Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre, which provides academic, cultural and emotional support for Murdoch students throughout their journey.

Marlee said her time at Kulbardi, an amazing chemistry tutor and the hands-on learning experience that was part of her Murdoch degree, helped her through difficult times as she studied, ensuring she graduated job-ready and confident that she could tackle the challenges of her industry.

“I was part of Kulbardi going through uni, and I’m so glad for the support they offered me,” she said.

“I was starting from pretty much no education and I pretty much shut down.

“It was hard to feel

like I was adequate, like I deserved to be there.

“It took me a while, and a stern conversation from my Nanna, to kick me into gear.

“Kulbardi worked on getting me a tutor who was a huge part of why I eventually passed.

“Now I’m an ecologist with Kimberley Land Council and my job is to support the Kimberley Indigenous ranger groups with their threatened species monitoring programs.

“I really love my job and how much it gives back to my community and to the people up here in the Kimberley.”

Why study with Kulbardi?

• On campus accommodation at Murdoch University Village • 27/7 accessible Centre with kitchen facilities, computer lab and printing • Free, award-winning bridging program • Holistic support throughout your journey • Culturally safe space – we’re family

Supporting success

Kulbardi’s dedicated Student Success Team and academic staff are here to help you throughout your academic journey. Not only do we offer academic support and tutoring, but we also have a unique coaching unit which can help you to develop those core soft skills such as time management, navigating learning management system etc. Support is tailored to the individual student, to ensure we’re setting you up to succeed.

Postgraduate support Kulbardi’s research team are passionate about providing training and career pathways for Indigenous HDR students.

Doing a research degree is a fantastic way to give back to your community and drive the changes you want to see. There are many different pathways into research – email Bec at kulbardi@murdoch.edu. au to find out about your options and to get a head start on your application!

Come join the Kulbardi family!

K-Track graduate Marlee is now working as an Ecologist.

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2022

EDUCATION 2023 FEATURE 11

Djarragun celebrates Many Tribes, One Blood Just south of Cairns, outside the Djarragun College Hospitality Kitchen, the catchy bassline of some 1990s R&B floats through the air as a student rushes past with a perfectly plated bunya and sandalwood crusted lamb rack.

Stepping into the kitchen, Miss Alison was surrounded by a flurry of around 30 hospitality students dressed in white chef uniforms, working at full capacity to present a three-course menu of restaurant quality food for their Many Tribes, One Blood 2022 NAIDOC Arts & Food celebrations.

With around 115 boarders and 230 day students coming from more than 42 home locations across Australia, Djarragun College has rich and varied cultural connections, and students who were talented in many different areas, with skills across dance, sports, music and art.

Djarragun’s extensive VET Program has provided opportunities for them to engage in a range of areas, such as Automotive and

Nancella, Sam and Denisha (left to right), with canapés they prepared for the Art & Hospitality Open Day Many Tribes, One Blood.

Engineering, Construction, Beauty, Childcare, Healthcare, Horticulture, Hospitality, Sports and Outdoor Recreation, and the Arts.

Samuel, Nancella and Denisha were just three of the many Certificate

III Hospitality students at Djarragun College, who played their part in bringing this year’s NAIDOC event to life.

Each of them was enrolled in the VET Hospitality qualification.

Sam, a passionate

cook, planned on using his Certificate III to transition into the industry when he finished school at the end of this year.

“I love cooking, it’s in my background,” Sam said.

“My family always cook back home.

“Since I was in Year 9, I knew I wanted to be a chef.”

Although Nancella was also on track to complete her Certificate III in Hospitality, she had her sights set becoming a Registered Nurse.

“I’m doing the nursing

ENROL NOW BOARDING IN CAIRNS YEAR 7-12 Home away from home All excursions and meals provided Academies of Excellence in Sports, the Arts and Hospitality Wide range of VET courses

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Diploma with TAFE through a scholarship, which I applied for last week,” Nancella said.

“My mum and my grandma were both nurses.

“My niece has a chronic disease, and knowing about my niece’s condition, also made me want to be a nurse.

“My goal is to go back up to the Torres Strait and work up there.”

For younger students, such as Denisha, utilising Djarragun’s wide range of VET Course opportunities allowed her to sample a wide range of industries and gain a range of qualifications before finishing school, giving her every opportunity for further study and employment after graduation.

“I do other VET subjects outside of Hospitality,” Denisha said.

“I also do Outdoor Recreation and Coaching & Fitness.

“I’m looking at doing something in construction, carpentry or mechanics.

“That’s ‘plan-A’.”

12 EDUCATION 2023 FEATURE

THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2022 TORRES NEWS

My Journey into a Bachelor of Nursing Science at JCU My journey to become a nursing student at James Cook University (JCU) began when I realised I could further my studies in higher education, Michael Young writes ...

I grew up in Rockhampton, Central Queensland, though I came to the realisation of coming to JCU during my last years of schooling at St Brendan’s college in Yeppoon.

I pondered in my mind for a bit, and decided it would be a waste to not continue studying after the effort I had put into my schooling and study.

At first, I wanted to study para-medicine like my older brother but in his experience, he advised, I should wait a couple years before moving into that area as it can be quite daunting on a younger person like myself.

Another factor that pushed me towards nursing was my late grandmother, and my aunty who were – and are – dominant figures

in my life, being nurses back home, though I also just wanted to stay around people and help them with their health and wellbeing.

It was also cool coming here as I found out that my grandmother turned out to be a co-founder of the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives (CATSINAM), a body I have become a member of, and which has supported me.

So, I set myself the goal of attending JCU to study a bachelor’s degree of Nursing Science.

To explore what JCU was like, one of my school Indigenous mentors asked me to apply to attend the Indigenous Education Research Centre (IERC) JCU summer program.

The program showed me how intense the hours of study should be, what I could expect from being an independent young man on college and how I should balance study with other things.

This also helped me to choose Saints Catholic College as my residency for the year, as it was comfortable, affordable, and close to JCU. For that I am grateful for that teacher and the IERC staff for allowing me to attend the program.

After finishing school I was accepted straight into the Bachelor of Nursing after receiving the JCU Rising star scholarship.

This year has been remarkable so far, meeting new people, expanding my knowledge and strengthening these bonds I’ve made.

The lecturers have been very easy to work with, them being so knowledgeable, understanding and caring really helps in general learning, and especially when I have an off-day.

The Indigenous Education & Reserch Centre (IERC) has also been very supportive to me as an Indigenous student.

They have set me up with a third year nursing student as a tutor, which has been particularly helpful.

He helps me with all the small things, greatly improving my studies overall.

The IERC also supported me in a way as my mother might, giving me a call every week or two, monitoring my work, making sure I am on task and up-to-date on my assessments but, the best thing, is just checking my wellbeing and seeing how I am.

I feel nursing could sway me away from the paramedicine degree, I guess that’s how much nursing has meant to me so far.

This is my journey, this is how I came to study a Bachelor of Nursing Science today.

I am grateful to all my role models – the IERC, JCU and, most importantly, my parents for helping me get to where I am today.

Bachelor of Nursing Science student Michael Young.

If you didn’t finish high school or if it’s been a while since you studied, the JCU Diploma of Higher Education will help you develop the necessary skills to be a successful university student.

For further information including how to apply, visit jcu.edu.au/ierc or contact the Indigenous Education & Research Centre on 07 4781 4676

CRICOS Provider Code 00117J

Study JCU’s Diploma of Higher Education

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2022

EDUCATION 2023 FEATURE 13

Woollongong Uni / Woolyungah supports Scholarship winner Lily Lily Thorpe, a proud Ngiyaampa and Wiradjuri woman from Wagga Wagga NSW, was awarded the 2022 Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship earlier this year.

Lily was in her second year of study at the University of Woollongong (UOW).

She said she found UOW after attending the university’s discovery day.

After a tour of the campus and surrounding city, she was convinced enough to successfully apply to for a Bachelor of Nursing and was admitted through Woolyungah’s Indigenous Centre’s (WIC) Indigenous Admissions Pathway.

Lily first applied for the Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship in October of 2021 after being notified of the opportunity by the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre (WIC).

Fortunately, due to her previous cadetship experience, she said the application process was “very smooth”.

She did have some minor

setbacks, however.

In December of 2021, she was told she was unsuccessful and was placed on a waitlist.

After several months, in May of 2022, she finally received the email from the Australian College of Nursing to say she was successful.

Lily said the Scholarship changed her life immensely.

“The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship has completely changed my financial situation,” she said.

“This scholarship has made me 100 per cent financially secure and has eased the pressure to work whilst studying full time.”

Through the Scholarship Lily was able to focus more on her studies and save money, which she hoped to put towards her university debt and eventually towards establishing her life as a nurse.

One of Australia’s most outstanding Aboriginal leaders, Dr Arnold ‘Puggy’ Hunter, devoted most of his

life to improving the state of Aboriginal Health in Australia.

Established in 2002 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander health, the Scholarship has encouraged and assisted undergraduate students in health-related disciplines to complete their studies.

Since its inception, the Puggy Hunter Scholarship has seen more than 7500 applications and awarded more than 2200 scholarships.

Lily said her goal was to become an orthopaedic clinical nursing specialist.

“I am hoping to secure a new grad position in an Orthopedic ward,” she said.

“To me, it is amazing to see patients come in for a total hip replacement one day and see them walk out of the hospital four days later, yes, only four days.”

Through her cadetship she has been offered a new grad position in her hometown – Wagga Wagga’s – base hospital.

Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship winner and UOW student Lily Thorpe.

THINKING OF GOING TO UNI?

INDIGENOUS ADMISSIONS PROGRAM Our Program welcomes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who: Haven’t completed secondary school Are/Are not receiving an ATAR Don't have the required ATAR for their preferred course Mature aged students

applications for our 2023 iap are now open April 2023 intake Tuesday 11th April - testing Wednesday 12th April - interviews

Contact us now: (02) 4221 3776 wic-ss@uow.edu.au

July 2023 intake Tuesday 11th July - testing Wednesday 12th July - interviews

September 2023 intake Tuesday 26th Sept - testing Wednesday 27th Sept- interviews

Scan to apply

14 EDUCATION 2023 FEATURE

THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2022 TORRES NEWS

A lifelong passion for midwifery From as far back as she can remember, Katrina Bon has always wanted to become a midwife.

“My mum says I was five when I first told her I want to do that job, helping women through childbirth,” Katrina, an Australian Catholic University (ACU) student and proud Torres Strait Islander, said.

“Then, when I was around 12, my cousin was having a baby, and because I wanted to be a midwife they asked me to go in with her, thinking that it might scare me out of it.

“But seeing her give birth just made me more eager.”

Katrina, now 29, was in her first year of a Bachelor of Midwifery degree through the Away from Base (AFB) program – a national scheme that allowed Indigenous students to live in their community while studying online, with two intensive residential study blocks each semester.

As a busy mother of four young children, studying from home was a juggling act for Katrina – but one she thoroughly enjoyed.

ACU student Katrina Bon. “When my partner gets back from work in the afternoon, I go off and study until late at night,” she said, adding the residential blocks at ACU’s Brisbane Campus were a great opportunity to put theory into practice.

“I like studying at home here on Thursday Island where my family and community is, but I also love going down to Brisbane two times a semester because it makes

it feel more real,” she said.

“Going into the labs, practising all the things you’ve been studying, it gives you a different perspective and it’s so valuable.”

Katrina has also enjoyed spending time at ACU’s Weemala unit, an oncampus hub that provides Indigenous students with a culturally safe space that promotes positive Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Katrina relaxing with her family.

Islander identity.

“That’s where we all catch up for yarns,” she said.

“We come back to Weemala after class and yarn about our families or what we’re learning, and I’ve found that really nice, to have a welcoming space where we all get along.”

Enrol Now for 2023 and 2024

M

The proud Torres Strait Islander who is following her dream to become a midwife.

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 close soon.

Scholarships available.

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.enrolment@cns.catholic.edu.au

www.msb.qld.edu.au MountStBernardHerberton

One of Katrina’s driving factors in enrolling to study midwifery was the shortage of Indigenous midwives on Thursday Island.

It’s a trend replicated across Australia, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people underrepresented in the

maternity care workforce.

Her dream was to work as a midwife in her own community, ushering in a new generation of Torres Strait Islanders.

“To have more Indigenous midwives here who know what it’s like to live in our community, who speak our languages and understand our culture, I think that’s really important,” Katrina said.

She said she hoped her foray into university study would inspire others to pursue their dreams.

“It took me 12 years after leaving school to enrol in a degree, and it was only my older sister graduating from nursing that made me finally take that step,” she said.

“So when I speak to younger kids who went to the same school as me, I say to them, ‘If I can do it, you can do it, too’.”

Ready to make the leap into study?

Learn more: phone 07 3623 7371 or email first. peoples@acu.edu.au (see advertisement on opposite page)

College offers proud history Mount St Bernard College, in Herberton on the Atherton Tablelands, has a proud history.

We have been offering holistic Catholic Education in a co-educational boarding and day school environment for Years 7-12 going back over 100 years.

Our vision of being safe, respectful and responsible is at the forefront of all we do.

Our College aims to celebrate our Catholic identity through sacraments and liturgy and developing a welcoming community for all, through the Mercy ethos of acting justly with a compassionate heart.

Academically, the College strives to cultivate intellectual values in a wide range of disciplines.

We promote in students a sense of integrity, respect for truth, openness and positive virtues.

We encourage and value excellence in all our endeavours.

We acknowledge the important role of parents in the

Agricultural Practices is a popular choice for studying at MSB education of their children and recognise the significance of a positive and active co-relation between home and school.

We encourage all families to become involved and to be proactive with this relationship.

Feel free to contact the College if you would like to discuss enrolment opportunities for your child.

It is great to be part of a school community where there is a clear evidence of the

Catholic tradition and Mercy ethos.

To believe in it, to act on it and to share it with others is a significant role that we all have the responsibility to share.

Please take some time to peruse our website and the information it provides. www.msb.qld.edu.au.

If you have any questions please contact the College on 4096 1444.

Fee assistance and scholarship discussions are most welcome.

EDUCATION 2023 FEATURE 15

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2022

On Country.

On campus.

CRICOS registered provider: 00004G

Our Away from Base program gives youpla the chance to stup ya in community while studying.

Youpla can do face-to-face learning on campus with online study and e gud help from the Indigenous Higher Education Units whoda gor support youpla to succeed.

Courses include: • Bachelor of Business Administration (NSW) • Bachelor of Midwifery (Indigenous) (Qld) • Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation) (NSW) • Bachelor of Education (Primary) (NSW) Learn more P: 07 3623 7371 E: first.peoples@acu.edu.au W: acu.edu.au/awayfrombase

TN0392 THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2022 TORRES NEWS

16 EDUCATION 2023 Tagai leaders meet with State leaders Your child is eligible for Kindergarten in 2023 if they are born between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019.

At Tagai State College, we have State Delivered Kindergartens at every campus. Registration packs are available now from your local campus!

Kindy at Tagai State College is a free, 15 hour per week program. It is a place where children will make friends, explore new environments, build confidence and have fun learning.

To Register for Kindy, you will need:  Medicare Card details  Any Health Action Plans or information about your child’s health needs  Contact details of people who will collect or be emergency supports for your child  A Birth Certificate or Hospital Birth Record*  Immunisation History Statement* *If you do not have these last two documents, please see administration staff for a way to gain this information through Queensland Health.

22-11-17Enquiries TAGAI 19x3 AD– please email: KINDY Tamara Taumafai A/Head of Department Early Years – tltau0@eq.edu.au TN0392

“If you know how to read then the whole world opens up to you” – Barack Obama

The College Executive and fifteen of our Heads of Campus met during their Leadership Forum with some of the Department of Educations’ Executive Team in Brisbane.

The forum was held at the same time as the Department’s State Conference for all Principals.

At the conference Director-General of Education Michael De’Ath announced the department’s new strategy and direction.

Principals also heard and saw the Equity and Excellence strategic plan identify Strong Start, On Track for Success and Ready for the Future as three key stages in schooling to help focus our work.

The three-day Leaders Forum covered a range of priorities already identified in Tagai’s Strategic Plan under the College’s 2023 Explicit Improvement Agenda.

Tagai Leadership Team with Michael De’Ath – Director General, Sharon Schimming – ADG Early Childhood & State Schools, Stacie Hansel DDG – Schools and Student Support, Tania Porter DDG – Early Childhood, Chris Evers A/DDG First Nations Strategy & Partnerships.

They were: 1. Literacy 2. Collaborative Planning 3. Positive Culture for Learning Mr De’Ath and Executive Leadership team members also attended our Tagai Head of Campus Forum.

He called out Educational Achievement, Wellbeing and Engagement, and Culture and Inclusion

as the next evolution in our work together moving forward.

Coomera State College Executive Principal Noel Rawlins and Head of Primary Campus Carly Jones presented their Systems Leadership journey over the past two years, providing our leadership team with some understanding and some compelling cases about the benefits of Systems Leadership.

The remainder of the forum was dedicated to working through a number of workshops informed by our College Internal School Review (ISR) and each Head of Campus ISR in order to provide the information and rationale for the content of our 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan; 2023 Annual Improvement Plan; and, 2023 Explicit Improvement Agenda.

Tagai State College Literacy System Design Work on the Tagai State College Literacy System started in Term 3 of 2021 and has been ongoing.

There are several compelling cases for this work to continue to develop as we progress.

At the top of the list is the need to develop our own capability in the College to teach English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) students to fluently speak, read, write and spell English.

In Term 4 of that year a very successful pilot project based on the Science of Reading, Systematic Synthetic Phonics (SSP) was conducted over 35 days in 5 campuses.

A report of the findings and recommendations from that pilot project was used to inform the 2022 SSP trial which began on day one in Term 1.

SSP is an approach which teaches children to recognise letters (graphemes) and their associated sounds (phonemes).

It involves breaking the word down into the smallest units of sound.

The literacy system

Jade Bligh with her Year 2 students learning their routines from lining up outside, then transitioning effortlessly into their SSP lesson. design consists of six phases beginning with Phase 1 and 2.

Phase 1 Systematic Synthetic Phonics (SSP) 33 weeks into our SSP trial we are able to see in real time the exciting improvements our teachers are working on in this priority area.

The trials, findings and recommendations report from all 16 Primary campuses will inform our SSP

implementation in 2023.

Head of School Yolanda McLean visited every classroom at WBNM, where students were actively participating in and highly engaged with the explicit teaching of their lessons.

The quality and consistency of all SSP delivery in all classrooms was evident and a testament to the staff and students working towards

achieving this Tagai flagship strategy.

Phase 2 – Reading to Learn In September this year we introduced Phase 2 of our Tagai Literacy System Design – Reading to Learn.

We are confident our Reading to Learn system will achieve our purpose of building higher level language skills to underpin students’ ability to comprehend text.

EDUCATION 2023 FEATURE 17

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2022

Education is for everyone – Minister Grace I know that education has the power to change lives, Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace writes.

I see it in my job every single day, and it’s why the Palaszczuk Government is committed to giving every child the best start in life.

During my recent trip to the Torres Strait and the Northern Peninsula Area as part of Community Cabinet, it was a privilege to see firsthand the passion and dedication of school staff and school communities – not to mention the infectious energy of the students!

The Premier and I believe every child in Queensland is entitled to a world class education, no matter where they live.

We’ve invested over $30 million in upgrading buildings at Tagai State College in recent years.

On my trip I got to see some of this investment up close: from the new tuckshop at Poruma campus, the refurbished prep outdoor learning space at Erub, to the air conditioning replacement at Kubin, it was fantastic to hear from the students about the difference it was making.

I also saw the outstanding new hospitality centre at Northern Peninsula Area State College’s Bamaga Senior Campus, that students are now running a café out of.

I think Bethany is serving some of the best coffee on the Cape!

And at the Junior Campus, I met Timothy from TL Mari Painting.

He and his team are

FROM QUEENSLAND EDUCATION MINISTER GRACE GRACE sprucing up the classrooms there, and with our $5 million small schools painting fund there will be more of that to come.

In the recent budget I announced $43 million exclusively for co-designed projects in Queensland’s discrete communities, and the department is also fasttracking air-conditioning replacement in the region as we know units can fail more quickly in the hot climate.

But I know there’s more to do.

I heard about the challenges of getting repairs and refurbishment work done, about buildings that should have been demolished long ago, and about campuses with nowhere for students to play.

None of this is acceptable, and I’ve asked my department to work closely with schools to develop local solutions.

It’s not just about infrastructure, as important as that is.

We’re also dramatically upgrading internet speeds across the Torres Strait and Cape as part of our $190 million partnership with Telstra, and providing hundreds of digital devices to students that need them most: more than 800 have been delivered already.

Of course, buildings and devices mean very little if you don’t have fantastic elders, community leaders, teachers, teacher aides, and support staff to ensure every student can

reach their full potential.

I met some absolutely outstanding individuals and saw some incredible teaching during my visit.

I heard the message loud and clear about the importance of nurturing local talent, and I’m pleased to share that the department is already exploring a program with JCU to support existing teacher aides and community teachers to make the move into teaching and leadership areas.

Our new Equity and Excellence strategy has first nations students at its heart, and exciting initiatives like virtual academies too.

We’re also looking into other issues raised included bus services, training opportunities, industry partnerships, boarding facilities, and more.

You have an excellent local member in Cynthia Lui, and she regularly speaks to me about what is needed to ensure every child can succeed.

I want to thank everyone who was kind enough to host me in September: I only wish I could have stayed longer.

Longer at each campus, and time to visit more of them.

I’ll be back in December as part of the Cost-ofLiving Summit the Premier committed to holding, and I’m planning to visit in 2023 too.

In the meantime, if my office or I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at education@ministerial.qld. gov.au

Tagai State College Senior Campus.

NPASC Bamaga Junior. Pics contributed.

Lady Gowrie Centre on Thursday Island.

Lady Gowrie Centre on Thursday Island.

NPASC Injinoo Junior.

Tagai State College Senior Campus.

EDUCATION

Djarragun College. and Djarragun NAIDOC celebrations.

Tagai State College.

Dj ar ra

n gu

NA

O ID

C.

Tagai State College.

EDUCATION

18 NEWS

THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2022 TORRES NEWS

Message from Mura Kosker Sorority: Reclaim the night!

Can we put an end to these things?

“Everyday one in three women experienced violence.”

“One in five women has experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.”

“In the Torres Straits, there is one incident of violence occurring every day?”

Ask yourself these questions: Is violence against women becoming a normalised behaviour in our community?

If so, does that mean violence against women should be a human rights issue?

Furthermore, what are the implications does this have for all of our Human Rights?

Do we have to wait for a tragedy happen in our community?

When will it be safe for our children to walk

the streets proudly?

How do we raise daughters to not be ashamed to be themselves in public and in private?

As an adult, how do I learn to walk in this world believing that it’s safe and that it belongs to us?

Because it does.

Have we even begun to educate ourselves to understand the real basis of power and disempowerment?

Do we understand that rape is never about sexual attraction, and all about power imbalance?

We need our men to be Fathers and to teach our sons to be respectful of themselves first.

So they can see their sisters and other females as individuals, not as objects they have a right to grab or claim at will.

As a community we need to link with

Message from MURA KOSKER SORORITY

BY Yuriko Nakachi Domestic Violence Counsellor each other to work towards changing our divided thinking and attitudes towards gender education.

These are the questions we must all look hard at, and prioritise if we are to truly change social behaviour.

The Monster Violence is a massive issues in our homes, communities, nationally and worldwide.

We all need desperately to tackle and fight against it.

This is not about

me, or you or women in uniforms or on committees, it’s about US… working together.

It’s a collective movement fighting to reclaiming our streets and to reclaim our rights as women.

We should have the right to go out at night and do the things we love to do feeling safe.

But many of us are afraid because we feel unsafe, others are afraid of being judged by their status being singled out.

It’s important we are all involved and show

support, because it’s 2022, and women still don’t have the rights they should in this day and age.

Isn’t it sad that still today, we have to reiterate that women should be able to walk the streets at night feeling safe?

Women, in fact, should be able to dress and go out and think as they please, just as men can, without being targeted as victims or provocateurs.

We should not feel like it sucks to be a woman, it sucks to be in a world where you have to constantly fight to be seen as fully human, with all the rights that entails.

Violence against anyone results in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering that includes any act of threats of coercion, arbitrary

deprivation of liberty that may occur in the public or in our private lives.

This violence is a fundamental violation of women’s human rights in accordance with the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.

History As part of the women’s liberation movement, the first Reclaim the Night ‘march’ started in Leeds, country of West Yorkshire, England in 1977.

Since then Reclaim the Night became an annual global women’s protest against violence with different communities shaping the night to their circumstances.

The marches were in response to the “Yorkshire Ripper” murders, and the police

response was to put out curfews for all women to stay out of public spaces after dark.

Mura Kosker Sorority Inc, in partnership with Zenadth Kes Rugby League Football Club, Social Justice Interagency Group and Lena Passi Women Shelter, takes the philosophy of Reclaim the Night further by hosting an annual event and promoting the message that “no form of violence is acceptable and that all individuals have a right to live a life that is safe and free from harm”.

As community we need to stand together in unity and draw upon our unique Ailan customs, strengths and resources to support a common cause to end all forms of violence.

For more information please contact Mura Kosker Sorority Inc, on 4069 1663.

Tagai students take Yr 12 formal to next level

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NEWS 19

Tagai students take Yr 12 formal to next level PICS BY TARI SAGIGI Tagai State College Year 12 students held their formal on Waiben last Saturday night.

Students turned up in their finest attire and looked the part, Year 12 Coordinator Taylah Savins said.

“It was a fantastic community event that would not have been possible without the support of the families of the students and local business volunteers,” she said.

She said Tagai State College would like to send a warm thank you to following people and businesses for volunteering their time towards the formal.

They were: • Year 12 families who supported with the set up and pack down of the venue as well as all the lead up getting to this night; • Special mention to Mr Rodney Mabo (Snr) for weaving a spectacular entrance; • Special mention to Ms Zilla Muhumad for supporting with the set up and pack down; • Ms Brooke Linsket and the Navy Cadets for the support with ushering families and assisting wherever was needed on the night; • Island Stars dance group and Kaziw Meta College dance group for outstanding performances on the night; • Staff at Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh for all their work behind the scenes; • Mitre 10 for supporting with transporting the tables and chairs to and from Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh; • Mark Milbourne Construction business for lending workers to help set up lights; • To the special guests, P&C members and Tagai executive members who attended the event; and, • Special shout out to DJ Mick Blue, Ofa the amazing caterer and team.

She said the community was invited to attend their Year 12 Graduation ceremony, to be held at 10am tomorrow at the Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh – Multi Purpose Centre.  More pics on opposite page

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20 NEWS

THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2022 TORRES NEWS

Kindy transformed thanks to hard working helpers Transforming Waybeni Buway Ngurpay Mudh’s kindy playground in a cost-effective and sustainable way was the goal of Susri Kindy Teacher Aide, Trish Lehmann in July this year – and it is done.

Teacher Rizah Nona said they loved it.

“Trish and Rick have taken a blank canvas and transformed our playground into something so amazing,” she said.

“We all love it so much, especially the little ones.

“It was awesome to be part of the volunteer days, where our school community came together for our children.

“Painting tyres, planting trees and edible plants – everyone chipped in to help, including Head of Campus Rick Cass, who cooked up a sausage sizzle.

“What a great day!”

Mr Cass said the transformation was part of an overall master plan.

“The Kindy transformation is part of a bigger plan to make our whole school into a welcoming, interactive, fun place to be,” he said.

“This includes our classrooms and play spaces, and Susri Kindy certainly needed a make-over.

“The school community really came together over a number of working bees to help transform this space into what it is today.

“We can’t thank the helpers enough; to those who chipped in with painting tyres or who donated plants, or who did both.

“The project is ongoing, so if anyone out there would like to donate plants, or help in any way, simply pop into the school.

“We’d love your help.

“Our next project will be at Tagai’s other kindy just down the road, Paru Kaziw Mudh.

“I’ll communicate details to the community in the coming weeks.”

ABOVE: The Kindy after the transformation. BELOW: Before and in progress!

LEFT, ABOVE & RIGHT: Trish Lehmann (Teacher Aide) and Rizah Nona (Teacher) from Susri Kindy. MIDDLE: the Susri Kindy staff with the kids who get to enjoy the changes.

Happy birthday! story & pic ALF WILSON Robert Mackie celebrated his 44th birthday on 10 November with his father Albert Bowie and one of his brothers, Eric Maki.

The Torres News saw them at the Bellevue Hotel in South Townsville on his milestone day, where they enjoyed time together.

“My dad is aged 73 and from a big and well known family on Badhu,” Robert said.

“He left there when he was 15.

“We also have lots of

relatives amongst the Tom, Miskin, Wasaga, Namai, Bowie and Nona families.”

They live around Townsville, Cairns and Torres Strait Islands, and keep in contact by phone and social media.

Eric said he was on Horn Island last week to attend a meeting and enjoyed the trip.

Robert said he hadn’t been ‘home’ for a while.

“I haven’t been up to the Torres Strait for some time, probably around 20 years, but hope to do so in the not too distant future,” he said.

Celebrating: (L–R) Albert Bowie, birthday boy Robert Mackie and Eric Maki.

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22 SPORT

THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2022 TORRES NEWS

Kicking AFL goals (+ points) on Ugar and Boigu BOIGU.

Pics supplied by AFL Cape York.

BOIGU.

AFL Cape York’s Game Development Program kicked off on Boigu last week, in the form of in-school and after-school AFL clinics.

AFL Cape York Development Coordinator Keiran Sciberras said students from Kindy through to Year 6 all tried their hand at AFL, with impressive kicking, marking and handballing skills on display.

“The AFL Cape York team was also lucky enough to grab a spot on the walking bus – which heads around Boigu each morning so that students and staff can walk to school together,” he said.

After their time on Boigu, AFL Cape York headed to Ugar for two days – giving some students their first experience of AFL Football.

Tagai State College, Ugar Campus Student Welfare Officer Buddy Baira represented in the AFL Cape York Crusaders representative program several times and previously worked as a Cultural Teacher for AFL Cape York House.

BOIGU.

BOIGU.

UGAR.

UGAR.

“It’s good to see the excitement and joy on the faces of students playing AFL,” he said.

“It’s great for their well-being and it’s good that they can experience these new opportunities, for a lot of these kids it’s their first time ever playing AFL.” Mr Baira said it was great that AFL Cape York could visit Ugar to deliver the school AFL program.

Mr Sciberras said they couldn’t have done it on their own.

“This trip wouldn’t have been possible without the support and sponsorship from Tagai State College, Torres Strait Youth and Recreational Sporting Association and Nautilus Aviation,” he said.

“Their support has ensured that young people in some of the most remote communities still get access to the same sporting opportunities as students in mainland Australia.”

This week the AFL Cape York Team was running programs in Kubin and St Paul’s campuses on Moa Island – more to come!

BOIGU.

UGAR.

UGAR.

UGAR.

BOIGU.

UGAR.

8x2 local sports

SPORT 23 Looking for more

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2022

local sport?

Come and try day success It was a great turnout last weekend, at the Torres Strait Outrigger Canoe Club Come and Try day.

About 40 new paddlers had a go out on the water and came back to the beach with big smiles.

The TSOCC said they hoped to see you all back out on the water with them again soon.

“Thank you also to all our club and committee members for helping to make this one of our smoothest come

We’re happy to run it if we have it!

Darts, ballgames, water sports, athletics ... whatever your game is, we’re keen!

and try days yet,” they said.

“We cannot run events like this without all hands on deck so we really appreciate your time and committment.

“Big esso!”

Send us your pic of the week, fixtures or finals results by noon on Monday!

Pics submitted.

 EMAIL: editor@torres.news

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EDITORIAL l E: editor@torres.news

Malu Kiwai still celebrating win

BY ALF WILSON THE trophy Malu Kiwai holds for winning the prestigious Dan Ropeyarn Cup Allblacks carnival in Bamaga was on display at Boigu Island for 10 days before it showed up in Cairns TSIRC offices last Saturday.

Sources say everyone – about 300 people – came to see it and celebrate the win.

It left Boigu Island by plane so Cairns players and supporters could celebrate the win all over again with a function at Ravissa Park in Edmonton last Saturday (pictured).

Malu Kiwai defeated Napranum Bulldogs 44-10 in the carnival grand final last month.

Boigu Island Councillor Dimas Toby told the Torres News the win meant a lot to the Boigu community.

“Everybody got together to celebrate and this team is an inspiration to everybody including the young ones,” Cr Toby said.

Cr Toby was a former star Malu Kiwai player, now aged 43, who retired from football eight years ago.

“I started playing when I was aged 16,” he said.

Star back Eddie Daniel was one of the players who lined up for Malu Kiwai and told the Torres News the team had great pride in representing Boigu.

“This is icing on the cake and is up there with the best wins by Malu Kiwai – then to have the trophy displayed at Boigu and in Edmonton is just great,” Eddie said.

Eddie said about 100 men, women and children were at Saturday’s celebrations.

“A lot of the players and families were there as well as Cr Toby,” Eddie said.

Over the years many Boigu players have won sprints during the Island of Origin Series on Badhu.

“It is just down to raw talent and you can’t teach that – as for speed there is not much grass on Boigu to run on,” he said.

A Council worker told the Torres News the atmosphere was electric when the trophy was displayed.

“Everybody was happy to see it come to Boigu and I reckon all of the population saw it,” she said.

Another player said the side set a goal to win at Bamaga after losing the 2021 grand final there.

“We managed to achieve that,” he said.