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.