Our best achievers celebrated with Australia Day awards

Torres Shire Council celebrated the Shire community and their wonderful contribution and achievements at this year’s Australia Day Awards.

The Torres Shire ambassador for 2023 was Professor Peter Leggat, AM.

Professor Leggat is the CoDirector of the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Vector-Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases at James Cook University in Townsville.

Torres Shire Council, Mayor Yen Norman Loban along with Deputy Mayor Gabriel Bani and Cr Thomas Loban presented the Awards at the Torres Shire Sports Complex.

Mayor Loban congratulated the winners.

“Council and the community recognise your wonderful contribution and achievements,” he said.

Citizen of the Year

Corey Ward for his achievement and services as the local bank manager of the National Australia Bank, Thursday Island Branch.

Young Citizen of the Year

Kailu Luffman for his leadership qualities and for being a great young role model in our community impacting and mentoring others.

Recognition Award

Pastor Pedro Stephen for providing pastoral care for our communities and the wider Torres Strait Island communities.

Cultural Medallion

Rosie Ware for being on the frontline in promoting our culture and attending every cruise ship that docked into Thursday Island in 2022. Rain, hail or shine.

Community Event of the Year

Wongai Basketball Association’s September 2022 Carnival for bringing back sports into our communities after the pandemic shut down.

Achievement Awards

Natasha Fujii for achieving her Bachelor of Education Qualification.

Gebie Sagigi for being an active member of Rosehill ZAR-ZAR Committee and Rosehill Community.

Dinah Sailor for being an active member of Rosehill ZAR-ZAR Committee and Rosehill Community.

Hagiga Mosby being a member and player in the 2022 NRL Women’s Teams.