NEWS 09
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2023
Townsville solidarity story & pics BY VELMA GARA Support for Survival Day in Townsville was overwhelming, with hundreds turning up for the Dawn Service, Walk in Solidarity and Festival at Strand Park. For many years, Big Eye Theatre organised this significant event and this year’s was dubbed the biggest as a time to reflect, respect and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history. Organiser, Ros Sailor said she was overwhelmed by the support. “Townsville was embracing and accepting of culture, also of the truth telling,” she said. “The attendance has doubled from last year’s January 26 event.” At the Dawn Service at the Picnic Bay Surf Lifesaving Amphitheatre, traditional custodians and guest speakers were Dr Gracelyn Smallwood and Linda Saltner. Later in the morning many participated in a silent walk from the Gregory Street Amphitheatre to Strand Park with flags, banners and in unity. Upon arrival, people were greeted by Wulgurukaba Walkabouts and walked
through the smoke from ceremony. Murray Islander woman, Helen Akee, was a part of the official ceremony and spoke of the pearling and fishing industry – how the bechede-mer industry had made the Torres Strait a profitable place to live in for non-Indigenous people. “A royal commission report of 1922 was a racist document by Labor government and showed that there were big dollars to be made in the Torres Strait with the beche-de-mer industry,” she said. “Many businesses started arriving and setting up in the Torres Strait.” Traditional Onwers Virginia Wyles of Wulgurukaba and Jeannette Wyles of Bindal were also guest speakers. Their messages were of hope and support shown for the event, and for the Voice to Parliament. Torres Strait Islander presence was also felt with weaving, food and market stalls, and performances from the Komet Dance Team and Urapun Band, featuring father and son Tom and Lawrence Neliman. Townsville’s Survival Day 2023 finished with popular Cape York band Black Image.
Wulgurukaba Walkabouts. Wya Sailor conducting weaving workshop.
Back L-R: Topsy Mola, Mahalah Luta, Tayiesha Tapim-Savage, Jordon Ah-One Remfrey. Front L-R: Leo Ah-One Remfrey (1), Jaylen Luta (1).
Tristan Neliman & Neil Sabatino.
INTRODUCING THE
YOU SABE BUSINESS WORKSHOPS
Some of the large crowd walking in solidarity towards the Strand Park.
Explore l Get tips l Research Come along to create and/or refine a Business Plan Pictured: Yuriko Nakachi (You Sabe Business Workshop participant) with Flora Warrior (Mentor).
Workshop Dates
Trudi Passi, Patrina Gara, Genus Passi, Marita Akee.
Francis welcomes new citizens story and pics BY ALF WILSON For the past 10 years Francis Tapim (pictured) of Mer descent has done the Welcome to Country on behalf of Torres Strait Islanders at the Townsville City Council Australia Day ceremony. The 75-year-old Mr Tapim did the welcome on 26 January at the event held at the Jezzine Barracks Precinct. “During my welcome speech I acknowledged the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion and all Australian Defence Force personnel and talked about what a great country we live in,” he said.
“We are one but we are many.” Townsville City Council celebrated Australia Day with a jam-packed community event. The day included a traditional Citizenship, Flag Raising and Australia Day Award ceremonies, and also featured an Aussie
Cash Flow
Fun Run, a free Aussie Breakfast for the first 500 people and the Great Australian Bites. About a kilometre away at Strand Park, more than 2000 men, women and children attended Survival Day or what many also called Invasion Day. Mr Tapim said he was looking forward to the 80th Anniversary celebrations in Townsville of the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion who defended Australia’s northern outposts during World War II. It will be held over a six week period from March 16, finishing on ANZAC Day.
Workshops Workshop A
Workshop B
Workshop C
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Learn about
Location
Date
Thursday Island
21-22 March
Thursday Island
23-24 March
Thursday Island
18-19 April
Thursday Island
20-21 April
Thursday Island
23-24 May
Thursday Island
25-26 May
“With the support of the TSRA Economic Development Programme, I am now running my own business.” Alonza Ahwang Ahwang Ware Torres Strait Scaffolding
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What going into business really means
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The market
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The competition
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Economic Development products and services and how to apply
Hear stories first-hand From local Indigenous business owners √ Their journey √ Their challenges √ Their success
Come along and connect with other like-minded entrepreneurs!
** Workshop locations and date are subject to change on COVID - 19 health advice **
Application Forms must be submitted by 5pm Friday, 17 February 2023 For application forms please contact the TSRA Economic Development Programme on
(07) 40 690 700 or economic@tsra.gov.au
