Thursday, 8 December 2022
Stories and events of the Kaurareg homeland of Kaiwalagal, the Torres Strait homeland and Cape York homelands of the Anggamuthi, Atambaya, Wuthathi, Yadhaykenu and Gudang Peoples.
EDITORIAL l E: editor@torres.news
l
Edition 61
l
$2 incl. GST
ADVERTISING l M: 0419 828 639 l E: ads@torres.news
The day we made history
Injinoo dancers Neldu Pablo, Loui Bowie and Smithy Wilson Jnr are unlikely to forget the day the native title rights of five groups of
Torres Strait and mainland traditional owners were recognised on Waiben last week.
We have a full spread of pics on Pages 10 & 11
Ferry service loss part of regional transport crisis Ongoing concerns with the Hammond Island ferry services are part of a serious transport crisis affecting our region from Hammond Island to Mer, Torres Strait Island Regional Council Mayor Phillemon Mosby says. Ferry services to Hammond Island by Rebel (Torres Strait Tours) were set to be suspended from tomorrow until school returned in January after negotiations with government to maintain the service failed.
“Community members may not be aware that Torres Strait Tours/ Rebel has provided this community service for the past three years without any financial support from government and at significant cost,” Rebel said in an announcement last week. “We will update by the end of the week so you can make alternative travel arrangements if we are unable to continue the service past Friday 9 December.” Hammond Island community resident Regina Turner said it was a
shame to see families having to rely on their own transport. “We’ve stepped back over 40 years in time – no ferry, no health centre, no supermarket, not even a designated helipad,” she said. “Single mums or parents with kids, elders, workers, who don’t have access to transport, are now forced to look for family for help. “We’re all vulnerable - there is no access to essential services like a consistent ferry service, the presence of a supermarket and
Proudly delivering essential services to Cape York and the Torres Strait for more than 35 years! Sea Swift - Keeping your community connected, and delivering opportunity through employment, sponsorship and engagement. Check our website for the latest news and update for your community.
health centre on Hammond Island.” Mayor Mosby said the transport crisis was across the board. “We acknowledge the difficulties also faced by residents on Mabuiag, Erub, and Mer following the ongoing suspension of the Skytrans air service,” he said. “Council takes this timely opportunity to sympathise with all communities and transport operators currently impacted by ongoing disruptions to service. “We further appreciate that
current interruptions are much more difficult when they occur at important times like our festive season.” He said their full Council and executive team had been looking at options with Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey and his office, and working with the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), State and Commonwealth governments to find solutions. Continued P3