02 NEWS THURSDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2023 TORRES NEWS Torres Strait Islander communities join Survival/Invasion Day events BY ALF WILSON As 26 January was acknowledged around the country, Torres Strait Islanders from near and far participated in Survival Day and Invasion Day rallies around the country. Torres News correspondent Velma Gara had to burn the midnight oil to cover Survival Day in Townsville this year. Proud Torres Strait Islander Velma woke up in the early hours of 26 January to attend the Dawn Service so she could take photos and record some interviews for her popular radio program.
“It was so good to see around 100 people there so early along the Strand,” she said. Then around 9.45am Velma was one of an estimated 1000 men, women and children who took part in the 400m Walk of Solidarity from the Esplanade Amphitheatre to Strand Park. Her daughter Patrina and relatives Genus and Trudi Passi were also there. “It was great to see so many Torres Strait Islanders walking in solidarity with our Aboriginal people,” she said. At Strand Park there were numerous guest speakers, entertainment by Aboriginal
and TS Komet Dancers, guest speakers and many stalls. Velma even sat under a tent in the weaving stall which proved so popular as Wya Sailor showed how it is done. “A lot of people sat inside the tent there to check out the weaving and there was a lot of interest,” Velma said. Velma was glowing in her praise of Rosalind Sailor the co-ordinator from local company Big Eye Theatre which organised the event. “It was a wonderful event enjoyed by many,” Velma said. More 26 January pics on Pages 4 + 8 & 9 N
PROUD TO MARCH: Velma’s daughter Patrina Gara with Genus and Trudi Passi in the walk. Inset pic: Velma Gara.
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Waiben nurse receives OAM honour M Continued from P1 “They go above and beyond, are from all over the country, and contribute every day in every way imaginable,” said The GovernorGeneral. “These are the people who see us through good times and bad. “They’re the first to show up and the last to leave.” Mrs Mills has been with the Men’s and Women’s Health team on Waiben since qualifying as an enrolled nurse in 1985. She was recognised this week for her services to nursing which include, almost 40 years later, obtaining a nursing degree and a Masters. Yoko said she was happily shocked to receive the OAM. “I just go to work and try
to do the best I can, giving 100 per cent,” she said. “I’m very passionate about sexual health. “One of the best things in my career was when I did my nursing degree. It just opened doors for me.” Yoko and husband Sam Mills, a nurse with TI’s renal team, also formed and led the First Nations COVID-19 vaccination team. Torres & Cape Hospital and Health Service Acting Executive General Manager (North) Frank Grainer said Yoko was a deserving recipient of the award. “We thank her for her ongoing service and congratulate her on this well-deserved award,” she said. More 26 January Awards pics P4 N
Mer flights return M Continued from P1 Skytrans can now operate under the latest world standard legislation. Skytrans CEO, Alan Milne said it had been a collaborative effort to restore the flights. “We are so happy to be able to bring the people of the Torres Strait together along with other Islands and connect them to Horn
Island and Cairns,” he said. “Without the support of the Torres Strait Islands Regional Council, specifically their CEO James William, these services would still be grounded. Skytrans also announced the introduction of another Cessna C208 Caravan aircraft to their fleet to provide even more connectivity for residents.
