Torres News_Edition 65_26 January 2023

Thursday, 26 January 2023

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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Class of 2023’s first days It was cute-ness overload on Monday as the first day at Kindy kids and Preppies turned up for roll call at Waybeni Buway Ngurpay Mudh.

Head of Campus Rick Cass said the students, including Rahahnie Fauid (pictured left) had a great day with their new teachers and friends.

“Plenty of smiles today from children and teachers alike,” he said.

“We have lots of new families enrolled this year plus eight new and familiar faces on our teaching team.

“We have spaces available in all year levels, from Kindy to Year 6.”

More pics Pages 3 & 4 N

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02 NEWS

COVID VACCINATIONS: As of 11 January 2023, more than 85.5 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 16 years and over have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and more than 82.3 per cent have received their second dose.

THURSDAY 26 JANUARY 2023 TORRES NEWS

COVID is still here A rapid antigen test (RAT) is a quick way to test for COVID-19.

A RAT can sometimes detect COVID-19 before symptoms develop.

RATs are quick – returning a result within 10 to 30 minutes – at home.

The tests involve taking either a saliva sample or nasal swab.

There are different types of RAT kits available – instructions differ between brands and kits – which are available online, or

from pharmacies, supermarkets and other retail stores.

Visit the Federal Government Health Departments’ website at https://www.health.

gov.au/health-alerts/ covid-19/testingpositive about what you

should do if you test positive.

COVID-19 can be dangerous, particularly for Elders and those living with existing health conditions.

Getting vaccinated helps protect Elders and the community

from getting really sick with COVID-19. It also helps reduce the chances of spreading the virus to each other.

Everyone aged five years and over can be booked for a COVID-19 vaccine.

Learn more about each COVID-19 vaccine including how they work, safety and side effects on the Department’s website here https:// www.health.gov. au/our-work/ covid-19-vaccines/ approved-vaccines

Be aware of Melioidosis

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With wet conditions affecting parts of the Torres Strait, Cape York and Northern Peninsula Area health authorities are reminding residents to take precautions against melioidosis.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Public Health Medical Officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said three cases of melioidosis had been reported within the health service region so far this year.

“Melioidosis is a soil-borne bacterial disease that can cause pneumonia, abdominal organ, skin and bloodstream infections,’’ Dr Hempenstall said.

“While potentially fatal, melioidosis is treatable and curable with antibiotics.

“Melioidosis is very uncommon in healthy adults and rarely seen in children.

“However, people who have diabetes, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease, cancer, medication that suppresses their immune system and drink too much alcohol are most at risk of developing the infection.

“People may also be at greater risk of contracting melioidosis during and after significant periods of rainfall and flooding, given the likelihood of coming into direct contact with flood waters.’’

Dr Hempenstall said melioidosis was caused by a germ typically found in muddy surface waters.

“The majority of infections occur when

skin abrasions or wounds come into contact with wet soil or water contaminated by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei,” Dr Hempenstall said.

“Symptoms of acute melioidosis include fever, cough and difficulty breathing; the effects can be very severe and almost always result in hospitalisation.

“Sometimes the disease may present as superficial skin infections or abscesses in various part of the body.”

People are advised to see a health professional or their doctor if they suffer symptoms of melioidosis to ensure they receive appropriate treatment and care.

During the wet season adults, especially those with an underlying medical condition, should take the following precautions: • Wear protective footwear when outdoors • Wear gloves and consider a face mask while working in the garden, on the farm, etc • Cover abrasions and sores with waterproof dressings • Wash thoroughly (preferably shower) after exposure to soil or muddy water, and after working outdoors • Diabetics should maintain optimal foot care, with help from a podiatrist if necessary.

See: http://conditions.

health.qld.gov.au/ HealthCondition/ condition/14/33/455/ melioidosis

SCHOOL NEWS 03

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 26 JANUARY 2023

Class of 2023

M Continued

from Page 1

Welcome to new Tagai Preppies

Saibai welcomes new teachers School started back this week across the Torres Strait after all new students and families were encouraged to visit their local Tagai State College campus office to discuss enrolment options for Kindy to Grade 6.

Heralding the start of what was hoped would be an incredible 2023 school year, teaching staff at Kadhego Ngurpay Lag were welcomed to their new island home by local stakeholders last weekend.

TSIRC, Division 3 – Saibai Councillor Conwell Tabuai, PBC Chair Herbert Warusam and TSIRC Divisional Manager Tina Tabuai joined representatives from Queensland Health, Australian Border Force, and Meriba Ged Ngalpun Mab (MGNM) for the big event.

Tagai State College Saibai Island Head of Campus Michael Richards said building community relationships was of paramount importance to families and students.

“This was an

CONNECTING TO COMMUNITY: New teaching staff at Saibai campus were welcomed into their new roles by the community. Pics supplied.

important way of introducing our new staff to our very important stakeholders here on Saibai Island and provide an opportunity for our stakeholders to connect and share information with our new staff,” he said.

“Our stakeholders are a vital part of our community.

“Working together and having the opportunity to start the 2023 school year with our stakeholders’ welcome shows how

much we value the local community in our school.”

Jodie Whelan, her husband Peter and son Colby, were one of the new teaching families who attended the stakeholder welcome.

Mrs Whelan, who will be teaching Dawa Class (Kindy) on Saibai Island this year, said she really enjoyed the opportunity to meet the community representatives.

“It was such an amazing experience to hear some of the incredible stories and to meet our stakeholders,” she said.

“We just learnt so much.

“We have been so warmly welcomed by community and are incredibly lucky to be living and working with amazing people.”

Councillor Tabuai said it was great to meet the teachers and share with them what each stakeholder group was responsible for.

Mr Richards said he hoped the welcome would become an annual event.

“We are really looking forward to working with Councillor, our TSRA Representative, Elders and all our stakeholders, families and community members in 2023,” he said.

04 SCHOOL NEWS

THURSDAY 26 JANUARY 2023 TORRES NEWS

Preppies first day of school in Townsville!

BY VELMA GARA It was a nervous first day of school for prep students, Eli CantrellEdoni and Elthius Mau. Parents told Torres News they were excited to be going to ‘big’ school but hesitated when they got there on Monday morning.

Eli’s older brother, Cooper, will be in Year 2 and will be able to keep an eye on both of them.

Meantime, all of

Serdonia and Geoff Lui’s children were at school, including Malu, who was a new prep student too.

It was a tradition to have a family school photo taken for the Lui children and Leannie and David McIlvride’s two – Leithon McIlvride and Jaxson Querro.

On the day of publication, week one of school is nearly done – only nine more to go in Term 1 until school holidays at end of March.

Back – Veeleah Edoni & Gemmai Mau. Front (L–R) – Eli Cantrell-Edoni, Cooper Cantrell-Edoni & Elthius Mau. Pic by Velma Gara.

(L–R) Geoffrey Lui, Eva Lui, Leithon McIlvride, Jaxson Querro, Cian Lui, Eden Lui & Malu Lui. Pic supplied by Serdonia Lui.

New partnerships offer painting traineeships story and pics ALF WILSON

Norisha Eseli & Zhakuan Tapim.

Liam Pablo & mum Marcia Ropeyarn from Bamaga.

Four Torres Strait Islander youths, and one from the NPA are amongst a group who will gain valuable experience painting ABIS Houses in Townsville over coming months.

The trainee painters are Majada Buhmann (Badhu) Kaddy Kaigey (Mer), Norisha Eseli (Waiben), Zhakuan Tapim (Mer) and Liam Pablo (Bamaga) with Trae Santo and Alliera French.

MEGT, ABIS Community CoOperative Society Ltd, The Brilliant Group, Major Training, and Taubmans are partners in the project which was a Skilling Queenslanders for work program funded by the Department of Employment Small Business and Training.

The launch of the project was held at the Anastasia Maria Ross building in the Townsville suburb of Aitkenvale earlier this month.

Five were in attendance.

With Liam was his mother Marcia Ropeyarn and Majada’s mum Vera Buhmann was also there with several mentors who will train them to paint

the four ABIS houses.

ABIS Properties Manager and Cultural Mentor Francis Tapim said it was an exciting opportunity for the group.

“They will be trained in all aspects of painting and when they finish it will open the door to them gaining employment,” he said.

“It may be as an apprentice carpenter, electrician or in some other trade.”

Mr Tapim said the group started their training on Monday January 16 at an ABIS Home in Currajong suburb in Armit Street.

ABIS Community Co-operative Society Limited was established in 1975 to provide long term secure and affordable housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Townsville area who experience difficulty in accessing suitable housing in the private market.

ABIS has a proud record of serving the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Townsville for almost 48 years.

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(L–R) Majada Buhmann, Trae Santo, Alliera French, cultural mentor Francis Tapim, Liam Pablo & Kaddy Kaigey.

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NEWS 05

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 26 JANUARY 2023

CEQ hires local experience to engage locally initiative, and as a Divisional Manager, Environmental Health Worker and Councillor for Torres Strait Island Regional Council (Kubin).

“It’s an absolute privilege and honour to be blessed with the opportunity to continue to serve the region’s Indigenous communities,” Mr Pic supplied.

complement our very capable CEQ team.”

CEQ Chief Executive Officer Michael Dykes said he was delighted to welcome someone of Mr Bosun’s standing in the Torres Strait community to the organisation.

“David brings a vast amount of knowledge and experience to

our team, and the relationships he’s established at all levels of community and government in the Torres Strait will add immense value to this role,” said Mr Dykes.

“David’s appointment is further proof that CEQ invests in bringing people into

the organisation who live and work in the communities we serve.

“His understanding of our business and the part we play in the social and economic fabric of Torres Strait Island communities is significant, and I welcome him into our team.”

Remote Servicing Service Officer (Affirmative Measure – Indigenous & Identified)

Tax office pretenders in ATO scam – be aware!

The Federal Government is warning taxpayers to beware of an insidious new scam on social media where fraudsters are pretending to be tax office workers on social media platforms.

Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones said they started with scanning public conversations on social media where taxpayers ask questions or make complaints about the ATO. He said fake tax officer accounts on Twitter and Facebook could be extremely convincing.

“The Tax Office will never ask for personal information over social media and never send links that ask you to fill out your personal information like your tax file number, myGov log in or bank account details,” he said.

“The government is urging people to

Bosun, who is also a renowned artist, said.

“I’ve gained a wealth of experience and have built many strategic alliances and partnerships across the Torres Strait while serving under community and local government, which will

exercise extreme caution in their social media interactions.

“An unsuspecting person thinks they’re contacting a legitimate ATO site, they send them a question and the scammer tries to divert them off to a direct message service or an SMS service.

“The objective from the scammer’s point of view is to get your login details and get your personal information.

“They then use that through ID theft to access money that you might have or they on-sell your information on the dark web.”

He said he knew most people didn’t like the ATO but a page with zero likes and zero followers on it, for example, was a pretty good indication it wasn’t real.

“This is a serious subject matter,” he said.

“The Tax Office has had a social media presence for almost as long as Facebook has existed, for example.

“If somebody’s pretending to be the Tax Office and they only joined in October last year, that’s a pretty good indication that it’s a fake.

“And individual Tax Office employees won’t use a Facebook profile to contact somebody.

“In fact, no government agency contacts and asks for information over social media.

“They’ll use a secure portal to do all of that and they’ll never ask you to directly upload your information by clicking a link.”

He said the ATO was working with social media platforms and other government agencies to help remove these damaging interactions.

Services Australia are recruiting to fill a number of Remote Servicing Service Officer roles at the APS3 and APS4 level, within the Face to Face Services Division.

Service Officers assist customers across a range of payments, programs and services via one or more service delivery channels. Service Officers (APS3) assess customer and stakeholder needs, entitlements and obligations, encourage the use of self-managed services, support operations where applicable and collaborate with others in the provision of services. Service Officers (APS4) work with customers facing significant disadvantage or multiple complex challenges who require coordinated assistance. They work across one or more service delivery channels to provide a tailored service to the customer by assessing needs and determining entitlements and obligations.

The Remote Servicing Service Officer positions will be open from 20/01/2023 to 02/02/2023. To learn more and to apply, please visit us at https://servicesaustraliacareers.nga.net.au/cp/?audiencetypecode=ext

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Former Torres Strait Regional Authority Board Member and Kubin Island councillor David Bosun (pictured) has joined not-for-profit remote store operator Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) to help drive community and stakeholder engagement across the region.

Mr Bosun, who hails from Kubin, has been appointed Community Enterprise and Stakeholder Engagement Manager.

He previously worked with the Australian Government Community Development Employment Projects

06 NEWS

THURSDAY 26 JANUARY 2023 TORRES NEWS

Taking care of business – yours and your business’s SOURCE: Australian Small Business And Family Enterprise Ombudsman.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has urged small business owners to take time early in the new year to take stock of their mental and financial well-being.

“When you own a small business, it is just as important to spend time working on your business as it is to spend time working in your business,” Mr Billson said.

“Too often the daily quest to keep the doors open and manage the many immediate demands prevents time being spent thinking about the health, future and goals of your business.

“And for that matter, your own health.

“That’s why it is vital those running or managing a small business look after their mental and financial well-being.

“Sometimes it can be as simple as making time to pause, reflect and reconnect.”

Research published

by Treasury just before Christmas confirmed that many small business owners struggle with mental health challenges.

One-in-five of those surveyed had been diagnosed with a mental health condition by a doctor or health professional.

In some industries such as manufacturing,

retail trade, accommodation and food services it was one-in-three.

Small business owners said a key cause of stress was finding a balance between the demands of work, family and personal life followed by lockdowns owing to COVID‑19.

Other top issues causing stress were: • Worry about the ongoing profitability and survival of the business; • maintaining cashflow; • difficulties accessing government information and small business support; • accessing or maintaining affordable finance; • receiving payments on time; • and developing knowledge and skills to cope with a changing business environment.

One of the insights of the study was that small business owners feel acute pressure to ‘do it all’ and to keep up the appearance of being fine even when they were struggling with their mental health and wellbeing.

They feel others – family, business partners, employees, and suppliers – depended on them.

One of the respondents to the survey said: It all rests with me.

Mr Billson said talking to trusted advisers and networks was a great way to find solutions and an independent but dependable view can

MAINTAINING MENTAL HEALTH: don’t let the dark clouds of pressure put you out of business, help is available now. Pic Christine Howes. be a vital ingredient to blend with the optimism that drives enterprising people.

“For small and family business owners, their identities are interwoven into their business and the stakes are so much higher than just a job,” he said.

“Many people have invested a lifetime -- and put their family home on the line -- to build up their business, which amplifies the emotional challenges.

“Small businesspeople know it is often not just their livelihood but that of their team members who are invariably wellknown to the owner.”

Mr Billson said many small business owners had developed good techniques for managing the stressors this involves.

These included: • Structuring their day to navigate ‘not enough hours in the day’ – pro-actively scheduling time

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for important stuff; time-blocks for calls, lead follow-ups, emails, social media engagement, admin tasks; timely reminders for compliance tasks; and setting clear boundaries, including all important ‘breaks’/ get away time • Self-care – implementing a personal wellbeing plan, staying healthy (sleep, exercise, diet, water); thinking time while walking/ exercising; finding ways to relax, clearing the mind and unwind; locking in family time; tactics to ‘unplug’ from the business, release and connect with family and other interests; not regularly taking the work of the business home; and set times to turn off the tech • Not trying to do everything – from the list of what needs to be done & prioritising what matters most; cutting unnecessary tasks; delegating/

out-sourcing where possible; not being afraid to ask for help; writing down what is on their mind so not everything is being processed at once; and saying ‘no’ sometimes so as to not overcommit • Focus – on what can be controlled; on positives like what is being achieved, things ticked off the ‘to do’ list/ milestones reached; remembering the ‘joy’ that drove the business motivation; on implementing business systems and processes to allow for short breaks and holidays; and a hobby or enjoyable ways of being involved in your community that helps them ‘recharge’ • Support – join business groups or industry associations; build support group of peers to share and discuss daily challenges; engage with trusted advisers; ask for help for both yourself and the business; and

Other resources to help small business owners include:

not sacrificing key relationships for their business.

Most of the small business owners who responded to the Treasury study said they had not used any of the support services available.

While owners understood the need to look after the mental health of their staff, just over half believed they would be treated poorly if they disclosed they had been diagnosed with a mental illness.

The perception of stigma was even more pronounced among small business owners who are culturally and linguistically diverse.

Some 58 per cent of all business owners said that they would not consider turning to a doctor or mental health professional for help.

Other stated barriers included the cost, lack of time, and that the services they would use did not understand what it is like to run a small business.

One positive finding was that 37 per cent of business owners felt more comfortable talking about their mental health since COVID. Mr Billson urged small and family business owners to take advantage of the many free support services provided by small business experts.

“Being able to speak to someone who understands the mental load of running a small business makes a big difference,” he said.

The Ombudsman also said it was important that policy makers, program designers and

and wellbeing through personalised resources and tools tailored to their specific needs, including a • New Access for Small Mental health check-up you Business Owners is a free can use to see how you are mental health support tracking with your mental service developed by health and wellbeing. www.

Beyond Blue. It offers aheadforbusiness.org.au one-on-one telehealth • MindSpot provides free, sessions tailored for small digital mental health business owners with services to adults across specially trained mental Australia including a free health coaches providing and confidential online evidence-based advice on assessment tool that can be strategies for managing used to learn more about stress. www.beyondblue.org. the symptoms of anxiety au/get-support/newaccessand depression, and access mental-health-coaching/ clinically-proven treatment newaccess-for-smalloptions. https://www. business-owners mindspot.org.au • Ahead for business helps • The Small Business Debt small business owners take Helpline operated by Financial Counselling action on their mental health

regulators understand that a time-poor small business does not have the same bandwidth as a big business.

“A small business isn’t a shrink-wrapped version of a big one,” he said.

“They don’t have a slightly smaller HR department.

“There isn’t a smaller team of compliance people running around.

“No one got into business for the ‘back end’ of running the business.

“It’s unrelenting obligations and duties, and typically it is one person doing everything after-hours.”

Mr Billson said while many small business owners had ended 2022 feeling exhausted and were apprehensive about the economic outlook, he was inspired by their entrepreneurship and capacity to lift the nation.

“We should not forget just how vital small and family businesses are,” he said.

“After the global financial crisis, the bulk of new job growth was driven by small businesses.

“The same can be true now.

“Small business leaders are innovators, producing new ways of delighting customers and new ways of creating wealth and opportunity.

“They should have the wind in their sails, not the wind in their face.”

More information, resources and tips to help run your small business is available at www.

asbfeo.gov.au

Australia has a team of qualified financial counsellors who can answer calls directly or assist via a web chat function.

The helpline provides free, independent and non-judgemental advice by calling 1800 413 828. www. sbdh.org.au • Lifeline are a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Call 131 144.

• ATO support for businesses and employers has learning resources, tools and services to support small business. https://www.ato.gov.au/ General/Support-in-difficulttimes

07

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 26 JANUARY 2023

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DALASSA YORKSTON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

08 NEWS

THURSDAY 26 JANUARY 2023 TORRES NEWS

Commission calls for cultural protection in arts The Productivity Commission is calling for the Australian Government to introduce legislation that will enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to protect important aspects of their cultures from being misappropriated in visual arts and crafts.

In a report released late last year, the Commission said two in three products in the $80 million dollar Indigenous-style souvenirs market were fake, with no connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Many visual arts and crafts misappropriated sacred cultural symbols and stories, undermining customary laws and causing harms and offence. The Commission recommended a comprehensive set

of actions to tackle these problems.

“Inauthentic Indigenous-style products mislead consumers, deprive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists of income and disrespect cultures,” Commissioner Romlie Mokak said.

“Communities have limited legal avenues to stop their cultures from being used without permission and out of context.

“Mandatory disclosure where products are not made or licensed by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person would steer consumers toward authentic products and put the compliance burden on those producing fake products, not Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.”

Commissioner Lisa Gropp said mandatory disclosure was the way forward.

“In combination with new cultural rights legislation, we consider mandatory disclosure to be a more proportionate and practical response than trying to ban inauthentic products,” she said.

The Government said they were committed to fixing the issue and welcomed the Productivity Commission’s report.

They said the final report provided a series of recommendations that would be carefully considered by the Government, as part of its commitment to working with First Nations people to establish stand-alone legislation to protect traditional knowledge and cultural expressions.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the report’s recommendations would build on

the Government’s groundwork in strengthening authentic and ethically produced First Nations arts and crafts, through its landmark National Cultural Policy.

“We’re committed to cracking down on this deliberate cultural theft – and the recommendations from this report will help inform that,” he said.

The Commission found annual sales of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual arts and crafts, including souvenirs, were at least $250 million, supporting thousands of jobs – many in remote communities – and were a major drawcard for tourists.

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists engaged successfully with art dealers, galleries and consumers – often through community-controlled art centres.

But there were still instances of unscrupulous behaviour towards artists and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remained under-represented in management and leadership roles in the sector.

The Commission recommended strengthening the supports available to artists through the Indigenous Art Code, and reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of government funding, to ensure it aligned with community priorities, and supported future growth in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual arts and crafts workforce.

The full report on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual arts and crafts is available from the Commission’s website:

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NEWS 09

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 26 JANUARY 2023

Twins celebrate western-style 50th birthdays story and pics

BY BEL LUI

Wapau twins began 2023 as 50 year olds, celebrating their birthday in style, after travelling from Senpol, Moa to Cairns for their special celebration.

Families and friends dressed in Western theme to help the brothers, Eddie and Freddy, celebrate at the Hemingway

Brewery’s restaurant on the last day of year 2022 – New Year’s Eve. MC Kaltie Tabuai entertained as the party progressed while everyone enjoyed light refreshments followed by a beautiful birthday cake.

It was an enjoyable time catching up with families and friends.

Birthday Boys with Hylda Wapau.

The Emcee Kaltie Tabuai.

Eddie and wife Mary Wapau and Freddy Wapau and partner Karina Rawson.

Wapau Family.

Extended family.

The Magnificent Seven.

Little Karla Wapau.

The Boys with family.

The Awesome Foursome.

Eddie Wapau, Kaltie Tabuai, and Freddy Wapau and their Birthday cake.

Twins Eddie and Freddy Wapau.

Napau and mum Mary Wapau.

10 CLIMATE CHANGE

THURSDAY 26 JANUARY 2023 TORRES NEWS

Bureau of Meteorology data shows La Niña drenching in 2022 as bushfire risk looms The Bureau of Meteorology has published annual climate data and key statistics which show that 2022 was wetter and warmer than average for Australia overall, particularly for south east Australia where persistent heavy rain led to repeated and widespread flooding.

Following the La Niña drenching, emergency services and regional communities are gearing up for what could be a serious bushfire season, as high fuel loads couple with a potential return to El Niño conditions later in 2023.

The ongoing flood emergency in the Kimberley has been

described as the worst ever seen in the state with communities cut off, homes inundated, and a significant loss of infrastructure across the region.

“Australians will remember 2022 as the year of the ‘great deluge’, when recordbreaking rain and floods, supercharged by climate change, left a

TN0461 • 26/01/23

trail of devastation from Queensland down to Tasmania,” Macquarie University Climate Councillor and Professor Emerita Lesley Hughes said.

“The climate risk to Australians is likely to remain high over the coming summer, with more rain and flooding expected in saturated catchments, a high

chance of more tropical cyclones, and warnings of a major Japanese Encephalitis outbreak that could affect up to 750,000 people.

“Australians are footing the multi-billion dollar damage bill from climate-fuelled worsening floods, bushfires, droughts, heatwaves, and storms while the coal, gas and

TIMETABLE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE DUE TO QANTAS SCHEDULING, SOME FERRIES MAY NOT OPERATE TIMETABLE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE DUE TO QANTAS TIMETABLE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE DUE TO QANTAS SCHEDULING, SOMESOME FERRIES MAY NOT OPERATE SCHEDULING, FERRIES MAY NOT OPERATE

Thursday Island/Horn Island 4069 Ferry Timetable Ph: (07) 1586 from 15/10/2022

All TI Transfers Include Complimentary Service on Thursday Island.15/10/2022 Thursday Island/Horn Island FerryBus Timetable from

J All TI transfers include complimentary bus service on Thursday Island J All TI Transfers Include Complimentary Bus Service on Thursday Island.

IMPORTANT NOTE: - We will ALWAYS meet any QANTAS and Skytrans flight from Cairns - should extra services be scheduled (eg School Holidays) we will add services that may be outside this schedule. For late flights - you MUST have a booking

IMPORTANT NOTE: We will ALWAYS meet any QANTAS and Skytrans flight from Cairns – should extra services be scheduled (eg school holidays) we will add services that may be outside this schedule. For late flights – you MUST have a booking.

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SUN SUN

oil companies fuelling climate destruction are raking in piles of cash and paying little to no income tax.”

Climate Councillor and former leader of the CSIRO Earth Systems and Climate Change Hub David Karoly said the continuing La Niña event led to our wettest year across Australia since the previous multi-year La Niña over 2010 and 2011.

“Despite lowerthan-average Australian temperatures since the record highs we saw in 2019 prior to this event, we’ve still seen them come in at 0.2C to 0.3C hotter than the previous La Niña events due to global warming,” he said.

“Not only that, the extreme rainfall and flooding that has swept through many parts of the country this year has been made worse by these warming temperatures.

“What we’ve got

is a climate system on steroids.

“Climate change is amplifying extreme events – like the heavy rainfall causing the floods in NSW in 2022 and the heat waves and bushfires in the 2019 Black Summer – making them bigger, more frequent and more dangerous.

“We are at risk of seeing more weather records broken if we stay on this trajectory of warming.

“Ensuring that we avoid the worsening effects of climate change on our weather systems is paramount to protecting our communities.

“We need urgent, deep, emissions cuts this decade to limit any further warming.

“Every fraction of a degree counts.

“Every tonne of carbon dioxide emissions adds to global warming.”

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Climate Councillor and Professor Emerita, Macquarie University: Professor Lesley Hughes. Pic supplied.

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Torres News @TSIMAtorresnews

11

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 26 JANUARY 2023

Arts support for Torres Strait Islands and Northern Peninsula Area Driving social and economic change through the arts and cultural economy is the goal behind Regional Arts Services Network Tropical North (RASN TN), whose TSI & NPA based team are offering support to help local artists reach their goals. RASN Tropical North covers the areas from Cardwell to Etheridge and to Torres Strait Islands. RASN TN has three arts officers across this region. One in Cairns and surrounds, one in Cooktown that covers Cape York and two new officers, one on Thursday Island and One in Northern Peninsula Area.

RASN TN is a part of a Queensland wide network of creative practitioners that looks to develop partnerships that connect artists an arts worker through networking and professional development opportunities. Further to this RASN is building business cases for major arts and cultural projects with the aims of providing opportunities for storytellers to share their stories through digital platforms, develop cultural tourism opportunities that are authentic and respectful of culture and environment and develop employment pathways that build capabilities of creative workers and build confidence in creative career paths. One of the key aims of RASN TN is to showcase the dynamic and diverse arts and culture of Tropical North Queensland toward inclusion and programming for Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics.

RASN TN is currently scoping out ideas for a performing artist program of bootcamps, masterclasses and mentorship activities for emerging and established artists and storytellers with leading practitioners from across the country and around the world. And a sculpture trail from Cardwell to Torres Strait Islands opportunities for designing and creating sculptures in communities and provides visitors to the regions a journey to experience and learn about the culture of each of the communities involved in the trail. It really is an exciting time for arts and artists across the region, and we are looking forward to continuing to work with artists, stakeholders and communities to support them and achieve meaningful outcomes.

12 NEWS & CLASSIFIEDS Nominations closing soon for 2023 Queensland Reconciliation Awards Time is running out to nominate Queensland’s ‘reconciliation champions’ for the 2023 Queensland Reconciliation Awards – honouring the businesses, community groups, educational institutions and partnerships making outstanding contributions on the road to reconciliation.

Since its inception in 2003, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Awards had recognised more than 100 initiatives and partnerships, fostering a fairer, more inclusive Queensland.

“While our Path to Treaty journey formally began in 2019, for more than two decades the Queensland Government has been celebrating reconciliation in action through the Queensland Reconciliation Awards,” the Premier said.

“The process of advancing reconciliation can – and should – be part of everyday Queensland life, whether it be through pioneering projects in the classroom, in business, or out in the community.

“There are so many inspiring reconciliation initiatives happening across our State, and now we need your help to identify the most creative, innovative and impactful for this year’s Queensland Reconciliation Awards.

“With nominations closing on Friday 3 February, there’s still time to make a submission, and highlight the

important work of our reconciliation champions.”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Craig Crawford encouraged Queenslanders to nominate projects and initiatives that further promote reconciliation and truth telling.

“The Queensland Reconciliation Awards are an important part of the incredible momentum sweeping the nation in our reconciliation journey,’’ Minister Crawford said.

“We want to inspire and encourage reconciliation action today for a better tomorrow.

“The Awards highlight First Nations and non-Indigenous partnerships working towards a more equitable, inclusive society.”

Nominations for the 2023 Queensland Reconciliation Awards can be submitted across five categories — business, community, education, health and wellbeing, and partnership.

An overall Premier’s Reconciliation Award will also be presented to a nominated initiative, with a total of $30,000 in prize money on offer across all categories.

THURSDAY 26 JANUARY 2023 TORRES NEWS

Powerhouse-galang inspires Paris residency

Nominations close at 5pm, Friday 3 February 2023.

For more information or to submit an online nomination, visit www.qld.

gov.au/reconciliation

Message of Thanks

The family of the late Mr Reggie (Reginald) Sabatino of Keriri (Hammond Island) acknowledge the Kaurareg people, the t�aditional owners of Keriri, where he lived and now is his final resting place.

We sincerely acknowledge and thank our relatives and friends for the respect, love and suppor� provided during our time of Sor�� Business. Your condolences and generous financial suppor� are g�eatly appreciated.

We par�icularly acknowledge those who t�avelled long distances to pay their respects and farewell Reggie.

We are also g�atef�l to the following individuals and local businesses for their donations and ser�ices. Please accept our sincere apologies for anyone we failed to mention.

• Welcome to Count�� – Uncle Silas Savage • TSIRC Keriri– Cr. Sireako Dorante • Marigeths – Funeral Ar�angements – Dawn Bin Doraho, Ursula Nai & Massie Zamiak (Snr) • Funeral Ser�ice – Pastor Stanislaus Bin Doraho & Evangelist Saleh Bin Doraho, Church of the Living God • Funeral Ser�ice Prog�am & Eulog� – Peter Sabatino & Andrew Mar� • Deliver� of Eulog� – Ilario & Cassandra Sabatino • Pall Bearers, Dressing Up & Transpor� f rom TI Hospital Mor��ar� to Keriri – Family & Relatives • Guard of Honour – Grandnieces & Great–g�andnieces • PA System – Brother Eugene & Roxanne Dorante • Funeral Directors – Bar�� & Anna Williams of Waibeni Indigenous Funeral Ser�ices, Thursday Island • Hunter – Francis Sabatino, Keriri • Caterers for Sit Downs & Funeral Day – Tomisina & Kenny Ah Wang/Mar� & Fred Gela & Family/Francis Sabatino/Christine Gar�ier – Keriri Child Care Cent�e/Beaut�, Orepa, Ada & Margie Pearson/Mario Sabatino & Family – M&M Minimar�, Keriri • Grave Site Preparation – Anson Dorante/Mot�lu Nai ( Jnr)/Antonio Sabatino/Charlie Sabatino/ TSIRC workers – Keriri/Shell sand collectors • Ser�ices – Mura Kosker Sororit� Inc/Seaswiſt Thursday Island/Michael & Sarah Bon – TI Main Events/Tor�es St�ait Tours Fer�� Ser�ice/Ty Ward – Por�able Toilet Hire, TI & Harold Pearson/Wardsmen – TI Hospital Mor��ar�

God Bless, Koey�a Eso, Au Esoau, Many Thanks

From the Powerhouse collection: Beizam Shark Headdress with Bait Fish by Ken Thaiday (1995). Purchased 2000. Photographer Marinco Kojdanovski.

Applications for a residency program which supports First Nations artists and creatives to undertake residencies in Paris are open.

Powerhouse Parramatta and the Cité internationale des arts host the residency, which was an initiative of Powerhouse Artistic Associate, Wiradjuri artist, writer and curator Dr Brook Garru Andrew and inspired by the Powerhouse-galang, an international collective of First Nations artists, academics and curators.

Powerhouse-galang empowers First Nations artists, scholars and creatives by providing solidarity and support to reflect on urgent changes that need to occur within museums and collections.

It was devised by Dr Brook Garru Andrew and includes members Dr Léuli Eshrāghi, Dr Liisa-Rávná Finbog, Lisa Hilli, Dr Biung Ismahasan, Gail Mabo, Mayunkiki, and Kanoko Tamura.

“The galang residency is a trailblazing new international program created through a collaboration between the Cité internationale des arts and Powerhouse Parramatta for First Nations creatives from

Australia,” Powerhouse Artist Associate Brook Andrew said.

“Sydney and Paris are complex historical cities that offer new ways to see the world differently, especially through First Nations visions that will challenge complex colonial spaces of the so-called ‘decolonial.’

“The galang residency is an opportunity to support First Nations Australians to immerse themselves and their practice into the zeitgeist of contemporary Paris, the complex heart of restitution conversations, alongside other international creatives and to imbue Paris with the power of First Nations ideas and creativity.”

Cité internationale des arts Director General Bénédicte Alliot said they welcomed the new partnership.

“This new partnership with Powerhouse Parramatta will allow for Australian based First Nations artists to join the over 300 artists in residence at the Cité international des arts,” he said.

“We could not have wished for a more fruitful partnership between our two institutions or a better opportunity to

contribute to an artist’s career development through this residency program.”

Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said she was excited.

“It is exciting to be collaborating with the Cité internationale des arts to support First Nations creatives and artists,” she said.

“The galang residency program will provide a platform for rich artistic conversations and collaborations among Australia and Paris-based artists.

“Importantly it is the first step towards establishing the Powerhouse Parramatta residency program which is committed to supporting ongoing international creative and cultural exchange when it is launched in 2025.”

In 2023, two three-month fully supported residency opportunities for Australian based First Nations artists will be offered between 4 May – 28 July and 3 July – 27 September.

Applications are now open till 16 February 2023.

For information on application requirements and how to submit, please visit our website at https://www.maas. museum/galang-residency/

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CLASSIFIEDS 13

TRADES & SERVICES

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 26 JANUARY 2023

Notice of 2021/2022 ANNuAl GeNerAl MeetiNG

AVAILABLE TO ALL TORRES STRAIT COMMUNITIES

The Management Committee of Lena Passi Women’s Shelter would like to inform all members, of the 2021/2022 financial year, Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday Island: Date: Saturday, 28 January 2023 time: 11am Venue: lena Passi Women’s Shelter All members and interested community members are encouraged to attend either in person or by phone (details can be obtained from office).

Nominations are now being called for Members for the Management Committee.

Nominations Close: 6pm Friday 27 January 2023.

Proxy forms will be accepted up until 9am, 28 January 2023.

Nomination forms and Proxy forms can be obtained from the office, if you would like any clarification please contact the administration staff on 07 4069 1366.

KEEPING OUR FAMILIES SAFE & STRONG Mura Kosker Sorority Incorporated can help you, your family and your community with social, emotional, educational, economic, health, cultural, spiritual and welfare support.

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Photo: Young child with Mura Kosker Sorority Staff Member Norah Mosby at Child Protection Week 2020 Celebrations, Kiriri Community (2020).

Torres News

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NPA19/1WOMENS 2 Issues: ___ & 26/1/23 ____ AdsIn

TN0463 T. 0 7 4 0 3 2

Helping our communities since 1988

Mura Kosker Sorority Inc. ABN 24 687 087 757

Mura Kosker Sorority Inc. is looking to recruit a Coordinator for the Thursday Island Neighbourhood Community Centre.

This posi�on will facilitate community engagement and deliver ac�vi�es and support services to meet community needs. The coordinator posi�on will be cri�cal in ensuring that the Neighbourhood Community Centre meets the needs of community members and defined program outcomes.

• To be successful in this role you: o Will be energe�c and enthusias�c with experience that would complement the skills required. o Have a passion for social change and contribu�ng to an organisa�on of influence for vulnerable, at risk and disadvantaged members of the community o Must be a people’s person who loves working innova�vely. o Will have a demonstrated passion for improving the lives of marginalised people.

Essen�al Qualifica�ons • Qualifica�ons in community development; human services, social work and/or behavioural/social sciences, or the willingness to study.

Experience, Knowledge and Skill • Experience in coordina�ng mul�ple projects and events within �meframes and budgets.

• High level interpersonal skills with an ability to interact and communicate with all levels of staff, suppliers, stakeholders, community members and government bodies.

• Confident in building and maintaining strong working rela�onships with internal and external stakeholders • Cri�cal thinking skills, with the client always at the centre • Time-management and organisa�onal capabili�es and be able to manage mul�ple priori�es whilst working unsupervised.

• Well-developed wri�en and verbal communica�on skills and the ability to empathise, liaise and nego�ate effec�vely and sensi�vely with Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people, families, community groups and organisa�ons.

• Experience in report wri�ng, data collec�on and evalua�on.

• Knowledge and understanding of social issues affec�ng Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communi�es especially those living in the Torres Strait Region.

• Knowledge of Torres Strait Islander and/or Aboriginal culture, preferably in rela�on to the Torres Strait Region.

This posi�on will be paid according to skills and experience. Salary sacrifice will be available. The incumbent will be subject to a six-month proba�onary period. This posi�on is based on Thursday Island. No housing is allocated to this posi�on.

Applicants are to submit their resume and Expression of Interest (EOI) addressing the key selection criteria outlined on the PD. Applicants are also to provide the names and contact for two (2) recent referees and undergo a Working with Children check and a Criminal Records check if successful.

Please contact Ale�a Twist 07 4069 1663 or 0458 691 663 for further informa�on and/or a posi�on descrip�on to be sent out. Applica�ons should be emailed to – Ale�a.Twist@murakosker.org.au Applica�ons will close at 5pm on Tuesday 31st January 2023.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – DIAT ALFERINK E editor@torres.news NEWS & CHIEF SUB EDITOR – CHRISTINE HOWES M 0419 656 277 • E christine@torres.news TSIMA CORRESPONDENTS – Jen Enosa, Sylvia Tabua and Anthony Geagea.

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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 – 1065.

READERSHIP AV. – Print readership 4260 + online subscriptions + 8k followers on our @ TSIMAtorresnews Facebook page

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We acknowledge 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.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Notice is given to financial members of the Torres Strait Islanders Media Association Inc. that the Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday, 25 February, 2023, at the TSIMA OFFICE (UPSTAIRS), Thursday Island.

The meeting will commence at 1pm.

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

AGENDA (a) The receiving of the Annual Report 2021/2022 (b) The receiving of the Auditor’s report 2021/2022 (c) The appointment of Auditor (d) Appointment of Board of Directors (e) Special Resolutions For more information please contact: Diat Alferink (CEO) on 4069 1524, 0497 618 738 or email: ceo@tsima4mw.org.au

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Torres News

14 SPORT

THURSDAY 26 JANUARY 2023 TORRES NEWS

Annual cricket fest enjoys green conditions story and pics

BY ALF WILSON

Bradley Baker played for Johnny Mac’s XI named after a late Garbutt Magpies AFL player.

Darryl Ross ready to bat for Garbutt Jets.

Ali Abdul-Rahman left, and Gordon Ross jnr played for Garbutt Jets at the aerodrome.

Richard Butler of Garbutt Jets and Damien Logan, a star Weekend Wariyas allrounder.

The rain was gone and the fields lush green but it was still very hot conditions for the hundreds of cricketers and supporters who participated in the three day Goldfield Ashes carnival in Charters Towers last weekend.

It was held from last Friday until Sunday and the majority of the 236 teams which had nominated turned up to play.

A minority who had to withdraw did so because of flooding south of Townsville, which cut the roads.

Garbutt Jets, Garbutt Magpies men and women’s teams, West Indigies, Black Bream men and ladies sides, Brothers and Weekend Wariyas had a majority of Indigenous players.

The Torres News was there and visited many of the estimated 60 fields where these teams played.

Some other grounds such as

the Gun Club could not be played on because of water from rain up until the day before.

Gordon Ross jnr from Garbutt Jets said it was a great carnival to enjoy some cricket in a social atmosphere.

“You catch up with a lot of people here that we haven’t seen for a while,” he said.

The Jets had star allrounder Richard Butler and Darryl Ross but lost narrowly on day one at field 35 on the aerodrome reserve to Weekend Wariyas.

West Indigies men won two of their three matches and allrounder Simon Leo said there was some good performances.

“Keenan Kerr retired at 50 in one game and Cody Snot got amongst the wickets,” Simon said.

Garbutt Magpies men lost their three games but took a young side this year who will be better for the experience.

Veteran Jermaine Ross and youngster Tnathan Jeffries were both impressive.

The best player overall for

West Indigies was Manford Reed.

Black Bream men played at field 47 on the Goldfield Sporting Complex and had their own tent to enable supporters to get some shade.

Brothers won their first game at Richmond School beating Mingela which also included Indigenous players.

Weipa Crocs and Coen’s Heroes from Cape York also competed with players having to travel long distances to get to Charters Towers.

Garbutt Maggie’s Women’s • Talisa Ross - Best Batter • Taymarme Jeffress & Toni.

Feltes-Ross Best Fielders • Lakita Dau - Most Improved Cricketer

Garbutt Magpies Men’s • Tathan Jeffress - Player of the Ashes • Jason Muhling - Best Batter • Jermain Ross Jnr - Best Fielder

Black Bream men bowling against Zarsoff Brothers at the Sporting Complex.

The Black Bream team tent at the Goldfield Sporting Complex on field 47

Garbutt Men. Pic supplied.

Garbutt Women. Pic supplied.

West Indigies Men. Pic supplied.

West Indigies Women. Pic supplied.

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 26 JANUARY 2023

Erub ‘underdogs’ in Allblacks clash

BY ALF WILSON CHAMPION Torres Strait Islander side Erub United will go into this Saturday’s Murri versus Koori Interstate Challenge as an underdog, with four of their stars contracted to either an NRL or Queensland Cup club and unable to play.

Erub United, who won the Queensland Murri Knockout carnival at Redcliffe two months ago, will meet the victors of the NSW Knockout Newcastle Allblacks at Bill Norris Oval in Beenleigh, near Brisbane, on Saturday evening.

The winner will claim the title of Australia’s

best Allblacks carnival side in what promises to be a juicy encounter, much anticipated by football followers around the Torres Strait and NPA. The rules state both teams can only field the same players who lined up for their team at their respective Knockout carnivals.

Some of the Erub United stars in that memorable victory included Julian Christian, who has since been signed by the NQ Cowboys, Queensland Cup players Gideon Gela-Mosby and former Rooster Bernard Lewis and Eddie Daniel, as well as try scoring whiz Jono Reuben, who made his NRL debut with

St George Illawarra Dragons in the 2022 season.

Christian, GelaMosby, Daniel and Lewis won’t play because they have commitments with their NRL or Queensland Cup clubs.

Daniel and Lewis are required by the Cairnsbased Northern Pride, as is Christian, who will line up for the Cowboys in a coming trial.

“I will be in the Cowboys trial against the Dolphins at Barlow Park in Cairns on 12 February but I’ll be barracking for the boys,” Christian told the Torres News on Tuesday.

Gela-Mosby is recovering from an injury but the good

news is that try scoring machine Reuben, who is with Queensland Cup club Norths Devils, will have Erub United colours on.

Newcastle Allblacks is a family club and won’t be missing many players for the clash.

Erub United is coached by Brian Murgha and organiser, Elia Ware, said his side would be underdogs.

“But when our boys put on the jumper they play from the heart and wear it with pride,” he said.

Those Ware was expecting big games from included forwards Dangorah Lui, Bazie Jacko, Josh Mene and Tibau Stephen along with backs Bradley

Stephen and Khan Ahwang.

Ware said the players would leave Cairns airport on Friday morning and meet in Brisbane.

“The Brisbane Torres Strait community has been getting right behind us, dancers have been practicing for three weeks and will be at the game, which starts on Saturday at 6.30pm,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter what island they are from but they are getting behind us.”

Torres Strait Island sides have done well in previous Murri versus Koori clashes with two winners, both Badu sides, Argun Warriors and Kulpiyam.

Erub United in action – Gordonvale 2022

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JONATHON REUBEN: Pic courtesy QRL.

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Hoops 4 Health to visit Torres Strait

BY VELMA GARA Hoops 4 Health will bring Nate Jawai, Deba George and Timmy Duggan to the Torres Strait next month.

All three have played high level basketball for Cairns Taipans in the National Basketball League as well as for Cairns Marlins and Kuiyam Pride in the state league competition.

The tour was made possible with the support of Merida Ged Ngalpun Mab (MGNM), an Indigenous organisation which aims to boost employment outcomes in the Torres Strait.

“MGNM are grateful for the opportunity to bring Hoops 4 Health to the Torres Strait to work with the younger people in our region to learn about leadership, mindset and resiliency, and become facilitators themselves to deliver the program in their own communities,” MGNM Executive Officer Marcella Ketchell said.

“It’s a privilege for MGNM to host basketball players of such a high calibre in the region to deliver needed programs that attribute to personal development and health promotion, and using basketball as a tool to do that.”

Since the end of NBL1 season last year Nate and Deba have working in the Northern Territory conducting clinics

at various communities and running programs in the Darwin Correctional Facility.

“We are looking to make an impact and provide a unique opportunity and develop employability skills to young people in the Straits,” Nate said.

“We’ll use our basketball knowledge and leadership from our journeys to impact knowledge for our people.”

Hoops 4 Health celebrated their 20th anniversary last year and Founder and Director, Timmy Duggan, said “the impact due to their demeanour and how they go about their business” was the key.

“Feedback from parents have been positive,” he said.

“We hope to increase skills that will lead to employment and also engage young ones between 16 to 24 years to mentor around coaching and leadership in a cultural safe way.”

Hoops 4 Health tour dates: • 13 and 14 February – Badu Island • 15 February – Warraber • 16 and 17 February – Thursday Island Stay tuned for more updates on socials: Facebook: Hoops 4 Health AUS. Instagram: Hoops4health_ australia.

H4H First Nations lifestyle & leadership coaches: Deba George & Nate Jawai.

Pic supplied by Hoops 4 Health.

Taipans holding second place despite loss The CQUniversity Cairns Taipans’ six-game winning streak ended last Friday night, but Keanu Pinder successfully returned and they remain solid in second spot on the NBL table at 16-8.

Keanu offered seven points and three boards in 20 minutes in the game.

In Round 17 Taipans played Phoenix last night – the round was the inauguaral Champion Pride Round to promote, celebrate and thank the

LGBTQ community while showcasing basketball as a sport striving to provide a safe, healthy and accessible environment for all.

Champion’s Pride Progress flag x ‘C’ logo and all players were invited to wear jerseys featuring that same logo.

In recognition of Champion Pride Round, all courts displayed

In addition, players, coaches, and staff had the opportunity to participate in LGBTQ awareness training.

ABOVE: CELEBRATING: at the NBL Pride Round launch last week.

Pic courtesy NBL.

LEFT: TAIPANS AT HOME: still in second place, despite loss. Pic courtesy Cairns Taipans