NEWS 03
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2023
University student Nina ready to learn
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BY KELLY SEDEN Like many new students, “freshers” around Queensland started their university journey this week including Nina Lui, who graduated from Tagai Secondary in 2022. Nina was accepted to study a dual Batchelor of Nursing Science and Midwifery at James Cook University’s Townsville campus. The transition to university all students go through cam be tough, especially for this young – but inspired and determined – Torres Strait Islander woman. “I have always been a very patient and hands on person and I enjoy helping others,” she said. “As a young Torres Strait Islander woman, I’ve been influenced by many Indigenous women on the importance of caring for oneself, and our cultural responsibilities.
INSPIRED: Nina Lui at her new university. Pic supplied. “So, after attending a Torres Strait Islander Nurses Indigenous Corporation (TSINIC) health dinner last year, I heard from nursing graduates and was inspired, and learned of many supports available. “University feels daunting, I’m here
by Catherine Titasey
now, and I know that living away from home won’t be easy, but I am determined to give it a go – for myself, my family, and my community.” The Torres News wishes you all the best Nina!
Emotions run high on Apology Day The 15th anniversary of the Apology was marked in Canberra earlier this week with two commemorations hosted by The Healing Foundation and Message Stick, an Indigenous-owned professional communications company. Ivy Trevallion, who attended the Apology Healing Gathering on Sunday, said she and her student colleagues put on a play in Adelaide’s Rundle Mall which included a performance of the song Brown Skin Baby in 1977. “In the play, at a time when you weren’t allowed to talk about it, I was the mother of a child being taken away,” she said. “That was 46 years ago. “For me, to track all the things that have happened since then, even just going back to the 15 years since Kevin Rudd apologised, was amazing for me personally, and sitting there was very emotional.” Mura Kosker Sorority CEO Aletia Twist said she had not previously been involved in any Apology Day events, but was
deeply moved by what she saw and heard. “I have not been involved previously in any of these events, but having the opportunity to go, particularly to the Apology Anniversary Healing Gathering, was very emotional,” she said. “Being surrounded by people who were directly affected, or had family members who were of the Stolen Generations, and feeling them, listening to their stories, understanding their pain and then hearing how they felt when the government gave that recognition was moving. “And those three words, ‘we are sorry’ – the impact that had on those people around us was obviously very deep.” The Healing Gathering was followed by an Anniversary Breakfast in the Great Hall at Parliament House on Monday morning, followed by the tabling of the Closing the Gap Implementation Plan on Monday afternoon.
by Thomas Mayor
ABOVE: Ivy Trevallion and Aletia Twist. Pic by Diat Alferink. BELOW: 2008 Stolen Generations Parliament Apology.
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