Torres News_Edition 70_02 March 2023

Thursday, 2 March 2023

Stories and events of the Kaurareg homeland of Kaiwalagal, the Torres Strait homeland and Cape York homelands of the Anggamuthi, Atambaya, Wuthathi, Yadhaykenu and Gudang Peoples.

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JT drops in to inspire and ‘hang out’

Teya Yusia enjoys playing rock, paper, scissors with JT.

Group work with students, staff and parent support. Pics supplied.

Year 7-9 students at Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh enjoyed a day with Johnathan Thurston himself on Monday this week.

Working with JT Believe Officer Alex Blanco, group work, lunch and just ‘hanging out’ were all part of introducing the students to the Academy’s agenda of education and wellbeing initiatives to be delivered over the year.

JT also acknowledged the achievements of those who have completed the Believe Program.

Continued P2 N

Year 7-9 boys ‘hanging out’ with JT over lunch.

INSIDE

JT doing group work with kids.

Liftout Feature PAGES 9 – 12 N

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02 NEWS

SS Quetta blessing

BY VELMA GARA A memorial church service will be held at All Souls and St Bartholomew Church for shipwreck of the SS Quetta and the Cyclone Mahina disaster on Sunday.

SS Quetta was wrecked on 28 February 1890 and the Cyclone Mahina disaster occurred in March 1899 at Bathurst Bay in Cape Melville.

It’s been 30 years since centenary celebrations were held on Thursday Island to mark the loss.

THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2023 TORRES NEWS

An inaugural blessing of marine monuments has been organised for the service on Sunday, which will be at 9.30am and followed by light lunch.

Community is invited, and to also bring a plate to share.

At 6.30pm a traditional feast will be held at the Anglican Hall.

For more information about the SS Quetta see https:// www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/ queensland-places-thursdayisland-rms-quetta-whathappened-after-sinking

For more information about the Blessing and Church Service contact Priest Warden, Pauline Ah Wang on 0438 810 309.

New date confirmed for region’s ‘Cost of Your North Queensland airline Living’ Summit

connecting the islands of the Torres Strait with Cairns and Bamaga

FLY WITH A QUEENSLANDER

STORY BY KANTESHA TAKAI Local MP Cynthia Lui has announced the rescheduled Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Region Cost of Living Summit will be held at Thursday Island on Monday 20 March.

The Summit promised to deliver on the State Government’s commitment to continue high of living discussions with local communities.

Late last year Ms Lui told the Torres News such dialogue was critical to identify solutions to alleviate some of the financial pressures experienced in

the region.

“We know that the further you are from an urban centre, the greater the impact of supplychain issues on prices,” she said. “Unfortunately, for people in the Torres Strait, they are often at the end of those supplychains, absorbing all the accumulated pressures.”

Ms Lui said she was keen to hear from locals in the community in the lead up to the Summit.

Her office invited comments and perspectives on the impact of those pressures.

The Cook Electorate Office can be contacted via email on cook@ parliament.qld.gov.au or by phone on 4223 1100.

JT drops in to ‘hang out’ and inspire M Continued from P1 Incentives within the program include exclusive camps and field trips and other opportunities designed to encourage and support students as they navigate their way through secondary school.

Students enjoyed team building activities to create stronger connections for them, so they could ‘be the change’ they wanted to see in the school by

applying the three values of confidence, courage and self-belief from the JT Believe Program.

JT told students he made changes at the age of 15 to move away from his friends and focus on his goals and his studies.

He said he was also inspired by the Mabo Mural at the school, which enouraged students to ‘study like Mabo’.

Mr Blanco said it was an awesome day.

NEWS 03

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2023

Volunteer vets back on board Volunteer vets and vet nurses will be on Waiben from this Saturday until Wednesday next week.

Thursday Island Animal Support Group (TIASG) President Sonia Einersen said seven people from Vets Beyond Borders and the Animal Welfare League of Queensland would be on board.

“We have volunteers on TI who help as well,” she said.

“The clinic is open to everyone who wants to come in, we do ask for a donation, but if people can’t afford it, it’s free, we don’t demand anyone pays anything.”

She said desexing, vaccinations, heartworm testing and an annual heartworm injection were all on the ‘menu’.

“And we also have a new thing, it’s a little implant for male dogs that is a temporary sterilisation,” she said.

“So, if people aren’t sure about this desexing their male dogs, they can go for this

we think is really important because we see it’s such a common occurrence up here.

“And being on an island, if we get lots of dogs treated, we could potentially get rid of it in a few years, if we worked really hard and everybody came in and did it.

“It is a fatal thing and it’s a terrible way to die.”

She said making an appointment was as simple as calling or texting 0477 271 958 or emailing tiasginfo@

Pics supplied. option, which lasts for six to 12 months.

“Desexing is really important because we’re seeing so many litters around the island and it doesn’t take long for two dogs – they have puppies, and six, seven, eight months later, those ones can breed, so you can see that the problem spreads rather quickly if it’s left unchecked.

“We’re quite happy, if anyone wants to come and talk to the vets or anything like that directly and see, they can talk

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about desexing and make sure.”

She said heartworm was also a big thing.

“We’re really, really pushing heartworm testing and the annual injection, so that will prevent heartworm,” she said.

“Even if dogs have heartworm already, they can still get that injection, which means that, although it won’t kill the heartworm that is there already, it will stop them passing it onto other dogs.

“So that’s something that

“If anyone needs a hand, they don’t have transport or something like that, just give us call, and we’re quite happy to arrange what we can,” she said.

“We’ll come and pick up cats or dogs or anything like that because we think it’s really important to make sure that people have this access.”

She said shout out to Patrick Bin Juda, who had been with the group since it was formed.

“He was a founder of the TIASG, and thanks to him we are still going,” she said.

Markets washed out but more to come

Opening Hours Monday - Friday 10am - 3pm Saturday 9:30am - 1:00pm LEFT: Artist Normie Young with Gab Titui Gallery Officer Kailu George. RIGHT: Artist Phyllis Tapau. Pics supplied.

Torres Shire Council hosted two cruise ship markets on Waiben last week as the Le Laperpuse and Viking Neptune were welcomed by less than friendly weather conditions.

Northern Peninsula Area Art Centre Manager Dev Lengjel said it was the “worst day possible” for their artists to make their debut at the markets.

“Much wind and rain,

so bad that the Viking captain decided to get all passengers back to the ship,” he said.

He said they sold a pair of earrings and a tea towel for their trouble, but also got to meet with Rosie and Kailu at

the Gab Titui Cultural Centre to “talk shop”.

“We were shown the art shop, and what an amazing well-stocked art shop,” Dev said.

“Normie was impressed.”

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He said meanwhile there were more ships due to come in soon and they would be back.

“Shout out to the Torres Shire for supporting the NPA with tables, chairs and good cheer,” he said.

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04 NEWS

THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2023 TORRES NEWS

Radio 4MW goes live for Hoops 4 Health training clinics

Team Photo after first clinic. Pic by Velma Gara.

Simon Taylor oversees a layup drill. Pic by Velma Gara.

Radio 4MW was live to air from the 10-14- and 15-17-year-olds Hoops 4 Health clinics held at the Torres Shire Council Sports Complex last Thursday.

It was a full team effort as guests spoke Drive presenter Anthony Geagea and guest Velma Gara, with Luke Mosby on the panels and Jen Enosa in the studio.

They hoped those tuning in

enjoyed the coverage.

• Nathan Jawai / Hoops 4 Health

Torres Strait Islander Media Association thanked those who gave up their time to promote the Hoops 4 Health, Meriba Ged Ngalpun Mab and Wongai Basketball including:

• Makayla Baker-Sailor / Participant

• Timmy Duggan / Hoops 4 Health • Marcella Ketchell / Meriba Ged Ngalpan Mab

• Michael Loban / ICBL • Cedella Gaidan / Participant • Robert Nona / Participant • Joseph Passi / Torres Shire Council • Simon Taylor / Qld Basketball More pics P5 N

TN0449 - 2/3/23 AdsIN E 19x3 monthly ad Team Huddle with Nathan Jawai and Deba George. Pic by Velma Gara.

Sian Scott <sian.scott@djarragun.qld.edu.au>

Joseph Passi (Torres Shire Council) with Anthony Geagea. Pic by Velma Gara.

ABOVE: Anthony Geagea interviews Marcella Ketchell (Meriba Ged Ngalpun Mab). Pic by Velma Gara.

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RIGHT: Simon Taylor (Qld Basketball) with Velma Gara. Pic by Anthony Geagea.

BELOW: Luke Mosby, Anthony Geagea, Nathan Jawai, Wally Shibasaki & Deba George. Pic by Velma Gara.

NEWS 05

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2023

Hoops 4 Health inspires job provider workers

BY VELMA GARA & CHRISTINE HOWES Meriba Ged Ngalpun Mab (MGNM) staff were “buzzing” after they undertook a Hoops 4 Health (H4H) resilience and empowerment workshop while the team was in town.

MGNM is a locally-owned job network provider which facilitates and delivers community development programs for the Torres Strait.

Executive Officer Marcella Ketchell said they had brought H4H to Warraber, Badhu and Waiben in an attempt to improve their engagement with young people, and they hoped to bring them back.

“There’s not a lot happening in the region for our young people and the majority of our job seekers on the caseload are in that younger age group,” she said.

“So [we were] wanting to be able to improve our engagement and connection with that group, understand how we can improve our service delivery to engage better with them, and to also find out what services or programs they want delivered through CDP – what activities they want formulated, projects, et cetera.

“And that leads to a

H4H TEAM: Deba George, Timmy Duggan and Nathan Jawai. Pics supplied. community benefit.”

She said it was also important for communities to see their own people in leadership roles and delivering services to their own communities.

“They’re valuable because our people in community don’t usually get this type of program or training about resiliency, empowerment, the way that the brain works, how we make decisions, positive reinforcement or about positive decision making,” she said.

“It was also about understanding how our thinking is formulated.

“And it comes back to: ‘how we can help

our people start to build some resiliency and confidence and feel empowered?’.

“We want them to engage with the projects and programs we’re going to roll out.”

She said she was confident the H4H training had not only had a positive impact on their engagement with community, but their own staff had benefitted.

“Our staff on TI did a session with the H4H team and they were just on another level after that training,” she said.

“They were just on a buzz, they really benefited from it and they’re already talking about when H4H come

back, well, ‘we could do this, we could do that’.”

She said MGNM also hoped to support local H4H facilitators.

“We’d like to see one of our job seekers become a facilitator with them in the future as well,” she said.

Marcella said they were keen to have the H4H team, who included professional basketballers Nathan Jawai and former stars Deba George and Timmy Duggan, back.

“We’d love to bring them back,” Marcella said. “Obviously Deba and Nathan being Torres Strait Islander, their ability to engage and connect with people at grassroots level, is really important.”

She said they were a resounding success.

“To be able to be involved in a program that’s facilitated by people of that calibre in basketball is really good and special,” she said.

“It was a positive community program targeted at helping to build resiliency and empowerment.

“But it was also important as a First Nation’s program and organisation working with another First Nation’s organisation, so that our people can see and understand we can help each other build these skills and capabilities, and that our people can deliver.”

WORKING AT ALL LEVELS: H4H inspiring young people on Badhu.

What’s On IN TORRES SHIRE

To Lead, Provide and Facilitate a sustainable, safe and culturally vibrant community.

Meetings & Events MARCH 2023 Sun. 5 March Clean Up Australia Day Sat. 11 March Cruise Ship Viking Orion (930 Pax) Tue. 21 March Ordinary Council Meeting Thu. 30 March Cruise Ship Viking Mars (930 Pax)

Water Conservation LOGGY CREEK DAM LEVEL CURRENTLY 99%

H4H & MGNM staff workshop.

M Continued from P4

To view all current public notices and alerts, visit www.torres.qld.gov.au and follow and like us on Facebook

Lay up drill. Pic by Velma Gara.

All enquiries to Council Office J P (07) 4069 1336 J E admin@torres.qld.gov.au J 68 Douglas St, Thursday Island

Tall Timbers – Deb Lui & Nathan Jawai. Pic by Velma Gara.

06 NEWS

THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2023 TORRES NEWS

Strong Born: a new campaign supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to yarn about FASD National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) has been working with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) clinical, cultural and community experts across Australia, to design a new awareness-raising campaign called Strong Born.

Supported by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), the campaign – aimed at raising awareness of the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy and safe breastfeeding practices – was launched last week.

It was designed in collaboration with representatives from various communities who informed the development of resources to make yarning about this complex topic easier.

“The Strong Born campaign is about raising awareness and understanding of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and reducing stigma and shame,” NACCHO CEO Pat Turner said.

“The campaign includes culturally appropriate health information for women and families, educational materials for our Aboriginal health care workers, and guidance for health care providers that work with Aboriginal communities.

“In collaboration with our

AT THE VIRTUAL LAUNCH: L-R Top Row: Strong Born logo, NACCHO Strong Born Project Officer Holly Kemp and NACCHO Communications & Training Manager Annabel Campbell; FASD researcher Robyn Williams; Bottom Row: NACCHO CEO Pat Turner, NACCHO Senior Director Policy & Programs Dr Sarah Hayton, FARE CEO Caterina Giorgi. Pic supplied. regional and remote member organisations, we’ll also support opportunities to bring our communities together to create safe places for yarning about the impacts of alcohol on pregnancy.

“Growing strong healthy mums and bubs leads to healthy communities. Our communities need to understand the risks of

“It is great to have the opportunity to collaborate with NACCHO on this important campaign as part of the broader Every Moment Matters initiative, which provides evidence-based health information about alcohol, pregnancy and breastfeeding.”

Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler said the

drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and where to go for support, so they can ask for help if they need it.”

FARE CEO Caterina Giorgi said far too many Australians had FASD. “There continues to be misinformation about alcohol, pregnancy and breastfeeding,” she said.

Australian Government was proud to support the campaign.

“Preventing the harm caused by alcohol, particularly when it comes to developing babies is incredibly important – not only for women, but for the whole community,” he said.

Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said FASD was often referred to as the “invisible disability”.

“But as far as many families and communities are concerned, it’s a very visible part of daily life,” she said.

“It’s important people understand that FASD is not confined to a particular community or demographic; it is a disorder that crosses socioeconomic, racial and educational boundaries.

“That said, the AMA tells us that in some high-risk Indigenous communities the prevalence may be as high as 12 per cent.

“All kids deserve the best start to life and the Strong Born campaign is an important campaign to keep raising awareness and taking the shame out of talking about these complex issues.”

To find out more about the Strong Born campaign, visit www.naccho.

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TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2023

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08 NEWS

THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2023 TORRES NEWS

Infantry anniversary celebrations on track in Townsville

As he strummed on his trusty guitar Tom Neliman enchanted the room with his rendition of Nitha Ngalmun.

He was singing at a practice at Townsville’s Flexible Learning Centre on Saturday 26 February for the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion.

“This is an ode to the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion,” renowned entertainer Tom said.

About 20 volunteers were there, including another well known singer and quality guitar player Alma Pilot, and Eddie Savage, who brought along his Warups.

The Torres News was there and also saw Danny Ghee, Kappie Cloudy, Morris Cloudy, Angie Akee, Madeleine and Russell Philpott, Edith Mareko, JJ Parsgaard, Jim Akee, Therese Cowley, Olive-Rose Pearson and Matthew Pearson.

Planning for the Townsville celebrations have been ongoing after

Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion

80th Anniversary News STORY AND PICS BY ALF WILSON

Tom Neliman and his trusty guitar. fine tuning at a meeting of about 20 Torres Strait Islanders held at Townsville’s Aitkenvale Library on Saturday 11 February.

At the meeting a

large banner about the celebrations held pride of place.

The Light Infantry (1942-46) was Australia’s only Indigenous Army

Battalion, formed to defend the far north from a possible Japanese invasion.

A total of 830 men enlisted with the Battalion during WWII with just two survivors – Private Mebai Warusam (Saibai Island) and Private Awati Mau (Bamaga, a resident at the Star of the Sea Home for the Aged on Waiben) – now aged in their nineties.

There will be many events between Saturday 18 March and ANZAC Day on 25 April, including visits to schools by volunteers, a family day and a march.

At the meeting a list of schools for volunteers to visit was written up.

“We hope to visit five primary schools and five secondary schools over the period and they will be both Catholic and State ones,” organiser Theresa Cowley said.

“Boarding schools such as St Pats in Townsville, Columba in Charters Towers and Abergowrie, near Ingham, all have students from the Torres Strait so

they will be ideal.”

She said the official launch, which members of the public will be invited to attend, will be on Friday 17 March at the Jezzine Barracks site near the Strand.

“The three military services – Army, Navy and Airforce – are supporting this and will provide vehicles as displays,” she said.

“The children will love this.”

Another much anticipated event will be a family day at the Flexible Learning Centre which is expected to be attended by hundreds including many elders.

“It is great to be able to have this indoor facility in case of rain and heat outdoors,” she said.

“We thank the Flexible Learning Centre.”

Interest in the contingent, which will take part in the ANZAC Day march along Townsville Strand Road and is traditionally watched by 40,000+ on lookers, is already high.

Eddie Savage and his warup drums.

Alma Pilot and her guitar.

Arts support for Torres Strait & NPA Regions Need help finding out about funding your arts projects?

Want to be part of the Torres Strait Performing Arts Collective?

Want to use TSIMA Studio and create music?

Got an idea for an arts project?

As part of Arts QLD Regional Arts Services Network (RASN), Torres Strait Islanders Association partnership with Regional Arts Services Network Tropical North has a regional arts officer based on Thursday Island to support your creative and artistic needs.

For more information, contact Diat Alferink, CEO TSIMA 0497 618 738

07 4069 1524

ceo@tsima4mw.org.au

Regional Development Australia Tropical North in collaboration with Cook Shire council is the RASN Provider for Far North QLD Region.

ABOVE: Top: Danny Ghee, Alma Pilot, Kappie Cloudy amd Morris Cloudy.

Above Left: Jim Akee.

Above Right: Edith Mareko, JJ Parsgaard and Patrick Neliman.

Below Right: Peter Adai amd Allan Kaniu.

09

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2023

Liftout Feature The UN Women Australia’s theme for International Women’s Day 2023 is Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future.

Cracking the Code highlights the role that bold, transformative ideas, inclusive technologies, and accessible education can play in combatting discrimination and the marginalisation of women globally.

TSRA Rangers in global award-winning Indigenous women’s ranger network

ON COUNTRY: Queensland Womens Rangers Network including TSRA Rangers. Pics supplied.

TSRA TEAM REPRESENTING: Merelsa Wailu, Alice Manas, Loretta Glanville, Ethel Anau & Alicia Sabatino.

Ahead of International Women’s Day Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Rangers are celebrating being part of the awardwining Queensland Indigenous Womens Ranger Network (QIWRN) which received the £1 million (AUD $1.8 million) 2022 Earthshot Prize for Revive our Oceans late last year.

The QIWRN is helping build the next generation of female Indigenous rangers with the knowledge, skills

communities, our people and rangers are showing the world how powerful community spirit can be in making local changes to adapt and be the future we envision,” Mr Baira said.

“It is inspiring to see the significant work being done locally by TSRA Rangers being recognised globally, including efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef in our region.”

TSRA currently employs eight female rangers – 20 per

and conservation tools needed to better manage the Great Barrier Reef – including the northernmost and resilient reefs of the Torres Strait.

In 2023, TSRA’s female rangers are building on recent experiences and learnings following the first-ever Torres Strait Great Reef Census with Traditional Owners, TSRA Rangers and Sea Team, Citizens of the GBR and JCU TropWater researchers, plus the Queensland Indigenous Womens Ranger Network

forum in Brisbane in late 2022.

TSRA Ranger Planner – People and Country, Alicia Sabatino said it was important to use the momentum to challenge gender stereotypes and encourage more women to consider becoming rangers.

“The Earthshot Prize celebrates the contributions of First Nations female rangers in caring for land and sea across Queensland, including the Torres Strait, on

a world stage,” Ms Sabatino said.

“We are proud to represent our region and be part of a statewide network of strong women, keeping Country strong.”

TSRA Acting Chairperson Horace Baira said channelling individual efforts into collective action was vital in responding to a changing climate.

“We can struggle with what can one person do but here in Torres Strait, but our

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cent of its ranger workforce.

The Australian Government has also committed $15.9 million over four years (2022-23 to 2025-26) to establish the Torres Strait Climate Centre of Excellence under the 2022-23 Federal Budget to support a First-Nations led approach to climate resilience in the region.

Keep an eye on www. tsra.gov.au or follow TSRA on Facebook for upcoming ranger jobs.

10

THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2023 TORRES NEWS

History of International Women’s Day 1917

SOURCED FROM THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WEBSITE

On the last Sunday of February, Russian women began a strike for “Bread and Peace” in response to the death of over two million Russian soldiers in World War 1.

Opposed by political leaders, the women continued to strike until four days later the Czar was forced to abdicate and the provisional Government granted women the right to vote.

International Women’s Day (IWD) has been observed since the early 1900s – a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialised world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies.

1908 Great unrest and critical debate was occurring amongst women.

Women’s oppression and inequality was spurring women to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change.

In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.

1909 The first National Woman’s Day (NWD) was observed across the United States on 28 February.

Women continued to celebrate NWD on the last Sunday of February until 1913.

1975 1910 In 1910 a second International Conference of Working Women was held in Copenhagen.

A woman named Clara Zetkin tabled the idea of an International Women’s Day. She proposed that every year in every country there should be a celebration on the same day – a Women’s Day – to press for their demands.

The conference of over 100 women from 17 countries, representing unions, socialist parties, working women’s clubs

greeted Zetkin’s suggestion with unanimous approval and thus International Women’s Day was the result.

1911 Following the decision agreed at Copenhagen in Denmark in 1911, International Women’s Day was honored the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on 19 March.

More than one million women and men attended IWD rallies campaigning for women’s rights to work, vote, be trained, to hold public

office and end discrimination.

However, less than a week later on 25 March, the tragic ‘Triangle Fire’ in New York City took the lives of more than 140 working women, most of them Italian and Jewish immigrants.

This disastrous event drew significant attention to working conditions and labor legislation in the United States that became a focus of subsequent International Women’s Day events.

1913-1914 On the eve of World War I campaigning for peace,

Russian women observed their first International Women’s Day on 23 February, the last Sunday in February.

In 1914, further women across Europe held rallies to campaign against the war and to express women’s solidarity. For example, in London in the United Kingdom there was a march from Bow to Trafalgar Square in support of women’s suffrage on 8 March 1914.

Sylvia Pankhurst was arrested in front of Charing Cross station on her way to speak in Trafalgar Square.

International Women’s Day was marked for a first time by the United Nations in 1975.

In December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions.

1996 The UN announced their first annual theme Celebrating the past,

March 6-7 Girls & women in the Torres Strait are invited to attend a local

International Women's Day Celebration Supported by

Mura Kosker Sorority Incorporated

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March 8 Thursday Island Community l 9:30 am - 12:30pm Morning Tea @ 156 Douglas Street Hall Badu Community l 8:30 am Light refreshments @ Ugarie Community Hall

March 10 Mabuiag Community l 3 pm - 7 pm Community Feasting @ TSIRC Community Hall St Pauls Community l 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm Community Feasting @ Demega Uruba Ware Community Hall

March 11 Hammond Community l 10 am - 2 pm Light refreshments @ TSIRC Community Hall Saibai Community l 10 am - 3 pm Lunch & Activities @ Saibai Community Hall Poruma Community l 10 am - 2 pm Morning Tea & Lunch @ Olandi Pearson Community Memorial Hall

March 15 Iama Community l 10 am - 2 pm Lunch @ Dawita Cultural Centre For more information, please call 07 4069 1663 email: info@murakosker.org.au or talk to your local MKS worker.

11

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2023 Planning for the Future which was followed in 1997 with Women at the Peace table, in 1998 with Women and Human Rights, in 1999 with World Free of Violence Against Women, and so on each year.

2000 By the new millennium, there was little mainstream activity occurring for International Women’s Day in most countries.

The world had moved on and, in many spheres, feminism wasn’t a popular topic.

There was urgent work to do – battles had not been won, and gender parity still had not been achieved.

There was a strong need to engage the mainstream masses, and to encourage and support collective action.

2001 Following a year of planning and collaborative conversations, the internationalwomensday. com platform was launched with the specific purpose of re-energising the day and inviting mass participation – a focus which continues to this day – by celebrating and making visible the achievements of women, while continuing the call for

accelerating gender parity.

The IWD website adopts an annual campaign theme that is globally relevant for groups and organisations.

The campaign theme provides a framework and direction for annual IWD activity and takes into account the wider agenda of both celebration as well as the call to action for gender parity.

Campaign themes over the years have included: Embrace Equity, Break The Bias, Choose To Challenge, Each for Equal, Balance for Better, Press for Progress, Be Bold for Change, Pledge for Parity, Make It Happen, The Gender Agenda, and more.

Campaign themes for the global IWD website are collaboratively developed each year with a range of stakeholders and widely adopted worldwide across the mainstream.

The IWD website also serves as a significant vehicle for charities, fundraising hefty six figure sums with 100 per cent of donations going direct to charity.

Today, an IWD Charity Alliance is open to femalefocused registered charities from around the world.

2011

2023 and beyond

2011 saw the 100 year centenary of International Women’s Day – with the first IWD event held exactly 100 years ago in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.

In the United States, President Barack Obama proclaimed March 2011 to be “Women’s History Month”, calling Americans to mark IWD by reflecting on “the extraordinary accomplishments of women” in shaping the country’s history.

Many celebrities and business leaders actively support the day.

IWD was finally starting to become more mainstream and inclusive, with groups everywhere participating.

The world has witnessed a significant change and attitudinal shift in both women’s and society’s thoughts about women’s equality and emancipation.

Many from a younger generation may feel that ‘all the battles have been won for women’ while many feminists from the 1970s know only too well the longevity and ingrained complexity of patriarchy.

With more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights, and an increased critical mass of women’s visibility as impressive role models in every aspect of life, one could think that women have gained true equality.

The unfortunate fact is that women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women’s education, health and the violence against them is worse than that of men.

However, great improvements have been made.

And so each year the world inspires women and celebrates their achievements.

IWD is an official holiday in many countries including Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China (for women only), Cuba, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar (for women only), Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal (for women only), Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Zambia.

In some countries IWD has the equivalent status of Mother’s Day, where children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers.

Happy International Women’s Day FNQ

A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women’s craft markets, theatrical performances, fashion parades and more.

Many global corporations actively support IWD by running their own events and campaigns.

For example, on 8 March search engine and media giant Google often changes its Google Doodle on its global search pages to honor IWD. Year on year, IWD is certainly a powerful moment increasing in status.

Make a difference – think globally and act locally!

All choice of IWD activity is valid.

Make everyday International Women’s Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe, and rewarding.

For more information on International Women’s Day go to https://www. internationalwomensday. com/

Pictured: Left, Cynthia Lui - State Labor Member for Cook Right, Nita Green - Queensland Labor Senator

8 MARCH 2023

To all women seeking equal pay and secure work, we are on your side.

@CynthiaLuiMP

To all women who want to feel safe at work, in their communities and at home, we are on your side.

@nitagreenqld

Let’s ‘Embrace Equity’ on International Women’s Day & beyond.

#EmbraceEquity

Authorised by Senator Nita Green, ALP, 141-143 Abbott St, Cairns, QLD

12 International Women’s Day

THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2023 TORRES NEWS

CELEBRATING OUR LOCAL FEMALE

Artists & Cultural Practitioners MOANA AHWANG

WASIE TARDENT

ROSALINE TOMSANA

PAULA SAVAGE

Known for her acrylic work on canvas, Moana is an innovative Torres Strait artist that expresses her culture and stories through visual contemporary pieces.

Moana’s style is unique and uses bold bright colours, metallic paint and eyecatching designs.

Ama Wasie is a cultural weaver, specialising in natural fibre weaving and jewellery making. Her immense talent also extends to jewellery-making and accessories. Ama Wasie launched her long-awaited autobiography at the tender age of seventy-nine.

Aunty Rose hails from Kubin Village on Mua Island. A proud Kaurareg woman and Kala Lagaw Ya speaker, she delivers regular workshops at Gab Titui Cultural Centre and is excited to soon travel overseas for the first time to facilitate workshops in Fiji.

Paula is from the clan group Serganilgal on Moa Island and Kaurareg of Muralag.

Her works are based on her cultural heritage, stories in traditional knowledge, techniques and styles. Paula has grown her craft to include printmaking, weaving, drawing and carving.

Acrylic on canvas by Moana Creations

Lei Ribbon Necklace by Wasie Tardent

Beaded Earring by Rosaline Tomsana

Raffia bag by Paula Savage (Moa Arts)

MARGARET MARA

FIONA ELISALA-MOSBY

GOEYNAW ISUA

NANCY KIWAT

Margaret is a First Nation’s artist based at Badu Art Centre. Margaret’s artwork entitled “My Journey My Way” was featured on the North Queensland Cowboys 2022 Indigenous Jersey. Her works are inspired by her life experiences, and stories from her mother.

Originally from Dauan Island, Fiona graduated from Queensland College of Art with a Bachelor of Visual Art in Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art. She is a role model and based at Moa Arts. Fiona works primarily with lino printing, etching and monoprints.

Proud Saibailaig and avid cultural practitioner, Goeynaw is a natural entertainer. Her traditional kaikai demonstrations at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre are part instructional, part comic relief. Elders, children and visitors alike, all enjoy her interactive workshops.

Raised on Erub, Nancy Kiwat is a threetime Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award Winner and a renowned artist. Her tribal clan is Saisarem and she draws from her cultural heritage, community and family for inspiration. Nancy is renowned for her 3D sculptures.

‘Coral Spawning’ acrylic on canvas

Humanity State by Fiona Elisala-Mosby

Goeynaw Cooking for QLD Weekender TV

Kara Ama Woven by Nancy Kiwat

NANCY NONA

MARGARET GABEY

LAURA DE JERSEY

NAZARETH FAUID

Nancy proudly shares her traditional knowledge through weaving and cooking workshops. A First Nations fashion model and television food stylist, Nancy has applied her expert eye to styling her beach shack at Alup on Badu Island; one of American Forbes Magazine’s best 2023 travel destinations.

Margaret Gabey, affectionately known as Nayama has bloodlines from Mer to Mabuyag. Nayama is a talented ukulele player, singer and cultural weaver who creates extraordinary pieces using contemporary and natural fibres; pandanus, coconut fronds and cane.

From the Argun/Thupmal clan of Badu Island, She likes exploring and learning different mediums including acrylic on canvas and linen, works on paper, photography and digital art. Laura’s creations are based around the themes of connections to family and country.

Nazareth resides on the central island of Poruma. Her totem is Samu, and traditional language dialect is Kulkalgau Ya. She thoroughly enjoys each element of the creative process and is a gifted craftsperson excelling in jewellery making, basket weaving and carving.

Weaving workshop hosted by Nancy

Ukulele singing at workshop hosted by Nayama

‘Sea Shells’ acrylic on canvas

Raffia earrings

07 4069 0888

Corner Blackall St & Victoria Pde Thursday Island

NEWS 13

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2023

Sellers beware: PayID scams on the increase Anyone selling unwanted or used items on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and other online websites is being urged to watch out for a new PayID impersonation scam.

National Australia Bank (NAB) said they have seen an increased number of scams related to fake PayID communication in recent weeks.

NAB Economics research has found more than 25 per cent of people were deterred from selling items because of social media hassles, but Australians overall lost $260,000 to PayID-specific impersonation scams last year, according to Scamwatch.

NAB Executive Chris Sheehan said PayID deception was the latest impersonation scam and the true number of scams impacting the community was expected to be higher, given many weren’t reported.

“No one wants to try to sell their old couch, fridge, phone or pram and it inadvertently ends up costing them,” he said. “Just as online marketplaces have replaced garage sales as the go-to option to sell second-hand items, the way we make and receive payments is also changing.

“PayID is a relatively

new payment method, and is quick, safe and simple.

“It is also free – and the biggest red flag of any PayID-related scam is often if someone asks you for money to upgrade an account or to access PayID. “Cyber criminals are sophisticated and we’re unfortunately now seeing them try to exploit PayID given, on the whole, it isn’t as familiar to the community as other ways to send and receive money.”

Mr Sheehan encouraged Australians to learn about PayID so they could see through scams.

“Educating yourself about PayID and remaining vigilant means you’ll be more likely to spot red flags,” he said.

Mr Sheehan said scams were a society-wide issue and underlined the need for greater collaboration across government, business sectors and the community to stop the crime.

“We will always make every attempt to prevent scams and recover funds where possible, but it can be very difficult to recover them once the funds have left a victim’s account,” he said.

“I urge anyone who thinks they might have been scammed to contact their bank immediately.”

What is PayID? • PayID is a free payment method launched in February 2018. It uses a person or business’ mobile phone number, email address or an ABN to send and receive funds almost instantly.

• PayID allows the payer to see a confirmation screen, which include the intended payee’s PayID name, before they authorise the payment.

What is a PayID impersonation scam?

• PayID impersonation scams often target people selling items on second-hand websites.

• The scammer will push to buy your item using PayID, but then claim the transaction couldn’t be completed because you don’t have a PayID “business” account.

• They’ll claim they’ve sent extra money to upgrade the account, send you a fake email as evidence and pressure you to reimburse them. But no money will ever appear in your account.

Remember, you will never:

• Need to send money first to receive a payment via PayID. • Need to take any additional action, like upgrading your account or paying additional fees, before money can be received into your bank account.

• Receive communication directly from PayID via email, text, or messenger. PayID is managed by your bank.

For more information go to NAB’s security hub website: www.nab.com.au/ security

Example of scam PayID email.

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IMPORTANT NOTE: We will ALWAYS meet any QANTAS and Skytrans flight from Cairns – should extra services be scheduled QF = QANTAS WATER TAXIS AND CHARTERS AVAILABLE QN =MUST SKYTRANS (eg school holidays) we will add services that may be outside this schedule.

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P J 07 4069 1586 • F J 07 4069 1408 • E J info@rebeltours.com.au • W J www.rebeltours.com.au & Ϭϳ ϰϬϲϵ ϭϰϬϴ ŝŶĨŽΛƌĞďĞůƚŽƵƌƐ͘ĐŽŵ͘ĂƵ Important: please request pickups at least 1 hour prior to Ferry departure �me ǁǁǁ͘ƌĞďĞůƚŽƵƌƐ͘ĐŽŵ͘ĂƵ Please note: Please be aware that we will have ferries to meet EVERY QANTAS and SKYTRANS flight from /ŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚ͗ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ƌĞƋƵĞƐƚ ƉŝĐŬƵƉƐ Ăƚ ůĞĂƐƚ ϭ ŚŽƵƌ ƉƌŝŽƌ ƚŽ &ĞƌƌLJ ĚĞƉĂƌƚƵƌĞ ƚŝŵĞ Cairns. If you can not see a ferry that suits your flight please CALL the office on 4069 1586.

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14 NEWS

THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2023 TORRES NEWS

Ailan Life

Each month our proud sponsor CEQ will pick their favourite Ailan Life entry and the winner will receive a $150 GIFT CARD to use at any of your local CEQ stores!

Each week we will publish a pic showing the

Mosby and Katherine Robinson.

Ailan way of life in the Torres Strait and

ABOVE: Yalena’s sunset pic was taken from the Quarantine ramp looking Friday and Goodie Island. “Island living means having a front row seat of nature’s performance,” Yalena said.

the NPA – the kids swimming, a BBQ at the beach, fishing, scenic shot, etc – from local photographers and readers across our region.

Just email us your pic of Ailan Life along with your name, phone number and a 25-word description to ads@torres.news This week’s pics were submitted by Yalena

BELOW: Katherine’s sunset view pic was taken at Bach Beach.

Yalena and Katherine are now in the draw to win this month’s $150 gift card! Good luck!

Winners of the CEQ Ailan Life competition are determined by CEQ. Entries to the Ailan Life photo competition may be used by the CEQ marketing/promotions team as background images for store promotions such as posters, digital noticeboard specials, counter-facing displays (POS) screens, and/or on their website and social media. Entries may also be used in-store to promote the ‘Ailan Life’ competition.

First stage in legislating against coercive control passes Parliament The Domestic and Family Violence Protection (Combating Coercive Control) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 has passed.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said coercive control was at the core of domestic and family violence.

“It is a pattern of deliberate behaviours perpetrated against a person to create a climate of fear, isolation, intimidation and humiliation,” she said.

The legislation strengthens laws to address the patterned nature of coercive control, and lays the foundation to create a standalone offence of coercive control later this year.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman said it was a significant step toward achieving the Government’s commitment to legislate against coercive control.

“We know how dangerous these behaviours can be,” she said.

“This is about identifying and responding to the red flags of coercive control earlier before blue police tape surrounds another family home.”

The amendments will: • modernise and strengthen the offence of unlawful stalking in the Criminal Code to better capture the broad range of tactics used by perpetrators;

• broaden the definition of domestic and family violence to include behaviour that occurs over time and should be considered in the context of the whole relationship; • strengthen the court’s response to cross applications for protection orders to ensure the protection of the person most at risk; • broaden the court’s ability to award costs to help prevent using the legal process to further abuse victims; • strengthen the consideration of previous domestic violence or criminal history; • bring domestic violence complainants and other witnesses within the protected witness scheme; and • allow for the giving of jury directions and expert evidence on domestic violence.

Women’s Legal Service Queensland CEO, Nadia Bromley said they welcomed the Bill.

“It contains some of the many changes we need to see to improve the safety of women in Queensland,” she said.

“We look forward to the implementation of all the recommendations of the Hear Her Voice reports and the Commission of Inquiry into the Queensland Police Responses to Domestic and Family Violence.”

Report reveals young Australians are struggling financially The way young Australians think about and manage their finances is rapidly changing and fintech is having a profound impact, according to new research from the Monash Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice.

The Young people’s financial strategies report released late last year, revealed job losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of affordable housing and the rapid rise of platforms like cryptocurrency and ‘buy now, pay later’ (BNPL) schemes, have changed the financial landscape for young Australians.

The comprehensive survey which examined the views of more than 500 young Australians aged 18-24 over the previous two years found: • More than a quarter (25.2 per cent) reported experiencing financial difficulties • Only 18.2 per cent reported never experiencing financial difficulties

• Just over half young Australians now use BNPL services • Around half thought BNPL has a negative effect on their financial behaviour • 76 per cent of who experienced financial difficulties were more likely to use BNPL The study also found living at home helped young people save money and protected them from experiencing financial difficulties with more than half (56.1 per cent) able to save, compared to those who lived in a share-house (39.5 per cent) and those who lived on their own (47.4 per cent).

Notably, more than a third of young people who lived independently experienced financial difficulties often or very often, compared with 22.6 per cent of those who lived in their family home.

Having a job helped young people save money but did not always protect them from experiencing financial difficulties, as noted by 18.4 per cent of

respondents who were working for wages or salary but experienced financial difficulties often.

The report was the latest insight from The 2021 Australian Youth Barometer and confirmed that young people’s financial situation was closely linked to their wellbeing.

Professor Lucas Walsh, co-author of the report, and director of the Monash Centre for Youth Practice and Education Policy said changes to the financial landscape for young people mattered because their financial experiences were deeply interconnected to other aspects of their lives.

Lead author of the report, Dr Beatriz Gallo Cordoba said with young people increasingly navigating an everchanging world of online financial products and services, we needed to provide better digital financial literacy support to account for these new realities of young people’s financial lives.

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2023

UMI launch You & Me UMI Arts will launch its 2023 season of exhibitions next Friday, with the official opening of member showcase, You & Me. Featuring a curated selection of 26 works in various styles and mediums, You & Me represents 14 emerging and established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from Yarrabah to the Cape and Torres Strait.

UMI Arts Exhibition Officer Robyne Pacey said this year’s exhibition presented an interesting and diverse collection from painting on canvas, prints on paper to ceramics, weaving, and two multimedia sculptures.

“I am particularly proud of this year’s exhibition, the quality of work is outstanding,” she said.

She said they were pleased to be exhibiting several artists from the NPA Art Centre, some of which were older members returning and newcomers.

ARTS 15

She also said Robert Tommy Pau had created the Kole-Gate sculpture (a reflection on capitalism, and the commodification and exploitation of labour and resources), which was a departure from his usual work in print making and painting.

You & Me 2023 exhibiting artists include: • • • • • • •

Freddie Joe, Moa Art Centre Robert Tommy Pau Sandra Kaddy, NPA Art Centre Normie Young, NPA Art Centre Johnny Mark, NPA Art Centre Joy Tapau, NPA Art Centre Peter Kulla Kulla, NPA Art Centre

The exhibitions runs until 5 May 2023.

Artists images thanks to NPA Art Centre.

Artwork images thanks to Colyn Huber, Lovegreen Photography.

ARTWORK: Dugong by Johnny Mark, New Mapoon.

Artist Joy Tapau, Bamaga, with her island turtle artwork.

Ailan Life

CEQ $150 GIFT CARD – FEBRUARY 2023 WINNER

Winners are grinners!

ARTWORK: Dugongs by Sandra Kaddy, New Mapoon.

The winner of the February 2023 Ailan Life photo competition is Tari Shibasaki – Congratulations Tari.

Tari submitted her beautiful pic of her Ailan life chilling at the beach under a coconut tree at Cable Bay or Horn Island.

For your chance to win, email us your pic showing your Ailan Life along with your name, phone number and a 25-word description to ads@torres.news

ABOVE & RIGHT: Artist Norm Young, Umagico, with Crayfish.

IBIS staff member Harriet Holland (left) presents Tari Shibasaki with her $150 gift voucher.

Pic by Anthony Geagea.

TN0484

TN0483 2/3/23. _____

6 ISSUES:

AdsIN E Excel E Dummy E 16 CLASSIFIEDS

AdsIN E Excel E Dummy E 5x2 ad @ $6.30inc rate $63inc. [$57.27ex].

TORRES NEWS Proof and payment deadline: 12 noon Fri 24/2/23 THURSDAY MARCH 2023 Mick Loban --- IBA Torres Strait2 <thursdayisland@indigenousbasketballaustralia.com>

8x2 colour ad @ $7.85 rate $125.60incl [$114.18ex]

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News and events of the Kaurareg homeland of Kaiwalagal, the Torres Strait homeland and Cape York homelands of the Anggamuthi, Atambaya, Wuthathi, Yadhaykenu and Gudang Peoples.

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SPORT 17

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2023

Indigenous Community Basketball League results

TAKING A BREAK ON THE ROAD: Randall Ross with the junior girl cricketers at the trials.

Garbutt girls pick up bats and balls for tryouts STORY ALF WILSON PICS SUPPLIED READY TO BOUNCE: Volunteers: AJ Fujii (left third) and MJ Warrior (third right) with players and officials.

BY VELMA GARA

Sager Girls and

PICS SUPPLIED BY MICHAEL LOBAN

Naygay Boys also

Zey Boys and Girls’ teams are undefeated after two rounds of basketball games at the ICBL 14s competition at the Sports Complex on Waiben.

recorded their first wins, and after recording wins in Round 1, both Kuki Boys and Girls’ teams dropped their games.

Naygay Girls and Sager Boys are yet to win a game.

Pre-game photo of players and officials.

We want YOUR news!

Predicted Round 3 Games – Sunday 3 March 2023

Results from Round 2 Games played on Sunday 25 February 2023

ZEY vs SAGER

NAYGAY 41 vs SAGER 53 (GIRLS)

KUKI vs NAYGAY

NAYGAY 38 vs SAGER 27 (BOYS)

ZEY 46 vs KUKI 35 (Girls) ZEY 36 vs KUKI 30 (BOYS)

A group of five girls – Miley Joe Schafer, Taleah Schwartz, Flora Illin, Nuhnena Kerr – from the Townsville’s Garbutt Magpies Club travelled to Gilroy College near Ingham for 10-12-year-old school cricket trials last week.

Zpatian Schwartz, Tania Long and Lorretta Tom also went along for the ride.

Garbutt Magpies stalwart Randall Ross said they had all gained valuable experience.

“The five girls showed much talent but were overlooked as other young females had years of cricket experience,” he said.

“We will take our girls away knowing they did their club and teams proud, and we will work on some of their cricket skills to ensure they stand out in future trials,” Mr Ross told the Torres News.

After the trials an Invitational Cricket team was selected to compete at the Queensland School Sport 10-12yrs Girls’ Cricket State Championship, in Bundaberg.

AFL SIGN ON Meanwhile Garbutt Magpies and affiliated junior club Garbutt Bombers will hold a sign on for its Australian Rules teams this Saturday at the Mini Golf headquarters on Townsville’s Kings Road.

The clubs will field sides in the Townsville Australian Football League competition.

“New and existing players of any age group, girls, boys, men and women are welcome to come along to the sign on to play AFL football,” Randall said.

“There will be a free sausage sizzle and kids get to have a game of mini golf.

“Club members will be on hand to help with the sign on process.”

Randall Ross and the girls beside the team bus.

Have you got news? If you have an event or news you’d like to share... make sure you share!

You can email our editorial team via Diat or Christine with your words and pics – and tell us what’s new in your world!

Please contribute your words and fully captioned pics in clearly identified folders via Dropbox or WeTransfer (www.

WeTransfer.com). One folder per story and pics, or item.

You must include: your full name and contact details (not necessarily to publish, but to verify), a word or text document explaining who, what, when and where your story or event occurred, and a list of captions for any photographs you include. If you’d like more information about how to get your story on board, matha ring come!  Diat: editor@torres.news  Christine: christine@torres.news

18 SPORT

THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2023 TORRES NEWS

NPA Red Dust Junior Ballers benefit from training clinic

NPA KITTYHAWK BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PICS BY STANLEY ELU The Intensive Training Clinic (ITC) is an elite basketball

training program run at Bamaga hall on Saturday mornings by Dani Hewes.

The ITC program focuses on not only skill development and game sense but also accountability and discipline in sport.

ITC is for kids aged 10 years and up and is run weekly 8.30 - 10am every Saturday morning.

For more information, please contact Dani Hewes at the Senior Campus, NPA College.

SPORT 19

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2023

Time for kick off!

STORY AND PICS

BY ALF WILSON Two teams – U9s and U11s – will be picked after QRL/ NRL Development Camps on Moa Island (Kubin) and Warraber, to compete against ZKJRL and NPA sides in a Superhero round to be included in the Island of Origin carnival on Badhu in June.

The Kubin community will host the western and top western islands kids from 3-5 April and Warraber will host the central and eastern islands kids from 4-6 April, in partnership with TSIRC, Queensland

Health, NRL, NQ Cowboys, Mua Boars and their team Surumau Gladiators.

The final three teams will then contest a much anticipated Superhero comp in a round robin format where there are many rising stars of the future to be unearthed.

Junior Committee formed The Outer Islands have formed a Junior Rugby League committee working to incorporate and establish an outer island cluster competition.

The committee elected was President: Sam Joe, Vice President: George Nona, Secretary:

Ella Kris, Treasurer: Rita Kaitap and Registrar: Kabay Tamu.

Both Sam Joe and George Nona are well-respected, formerchampion footballers.

Administration Day Preparations for the Regional Administration Day on Waiben on 11-12 March are progressing well.

Sports Trainer Course JRL Coaching courses will also run as will a RISE Camp in Bamaga for Weipa NPA and TI Kids.

Season is underway The Zenadth Kes Junior Rugby League has started and will have two seasons because of the Cultural Festival.

Zenadth Kes Rugby League seniors are finalising their local competition with dates and details to be released soon.

Last season five clubs battled it out with local team Roosters taking out the grand final in an entertaining decider.

The Badhu Mulga Juniors will be starting their competition in the second school term.

NPA officials are going through some planning around their junior and senior competitions.

It is going to be a bumper season in the Torres Strait and NPA for rugby league in both senior and junior arenas.

TN0230 8x2 local sports

FLASHBACK: to 2010 when new Outer Island Junior Rugby League President Sam Joe held the trophy aloft with the Mua Razorbacks at their grand final victory at the 2010 silver jubilee 25th anniversary Island of Origin Series on Badhu.

Other senior carnivals to look forward to will be the Zenadth Kes on Waiben and the Dan Ropeyarn NPA Cup at Bamaga late in the year.

Gehamat’s happy return to Townsville

BY VELMA GARA North Queensland Cowboys star Gehamat Shibasaki says he is happy to be back in Townsville and will be making the most of it.

Given a one-year contract with the Cowboys, Shibasaki will continue to play in his preferred position of centre, but understood he needed to be versatile.

“My main position is centre but I would like to develop into winger and full back roles,” he said.

His approach to the one-year contract was to continue to train with the top squad, play in the Queensland Cup with Townsville Blackhawks and be ready for the call up if any injuries occur.

Gehamat Shibasaki at the Deadly Choices launch last week. Pic Alf Wilson.

He spent five years away from North Queensland playing for Brisbane Broncos (2018 – 2019) and Newcastle Knights (2020 – 2021) in the National Rugby League.

He also had an opportunity to play rugby union in Japan for the Green Rockets Tokatsu in Abiko, Chiba in 2022.

“It was an eye-opening experience to travel and live in a different country for eight months,” he said.

When his rugby season finished early, Shibasaki returned to Australia and rugby league – playing with the Mackay Cutters.

Whilst there, he was approached to attend the Cowboys pre-season training at end of 2022.

He already had a taste for playing first grade when he was named in the Cowboys team to play a pre-season trial game against the new team in the competition, the Redcliffe Dolphins, in Cairns last month.

The trial game ended in a 22-22 draw.

“Good for the hit out,” he said.

“Big pre-season training with fitness and weights, it was a chance to test ourselves where we’re at and tidy up some things in our game.”

The 25 year old felt it was crucial to be back on home soil and good for his game.

“Head feels good and back where I needed to be, to re-set and go again, he said.

“My main goal is to do well in my footy and training.”

North Queensland Cowboys will open their 2023 NRL season at home on Saturday afternoon against the Canberra Raiders at the Queensland Bank Stadium.

Hodges joins TDRL’s Roosters for 2023

BY ALF WILSON The acquisition of talented Torres Strait Islander Jayden Hodges has boosted the chances of the Burdekin Roosters in the Townsville & District Rugby League (TDRL) competition.

Now 29, Hodges played NRL for the Manly Sea Eagles and the North Queensland Cowboys, and was with the Cairns-based Northern Pride during the past two seasons for the Queensland Cup. Tough as nails, the hard-running forward lined up for Erub United when they won the 2021

BACK UP NORTH: Jayden Hodges on the burst for Erub United at the 2021 Zenadth Kes carnival on Waiben. Pic supplied.

Zenadth Kes carnival on Waiben the last time it was held.

The Roosters finished third last year in the TDRL before crashing out of their preliminary

final against eventual premiers Herbert River.

Hodges was contracted to the Townsville Blackhawks, who will be one of the favourites for the

this year’s Hostplus Queensland Cup competition.

He has been allocated to Burdekin Roosters Club by the Blackhawks, if not playing in the

Queensland Cup. “We (Blackhawks) won a trial against the Mackay Cutters on the weekend,” he said.

“It has been a great opportunity to come to Townsville, where I work for the Clontarf Foundation, and I’m looking forward to the season.”

Recently he was named by Townsville Bulletin as one of five players who could be called up by the Cowboys during 2023 season if forwards in the 30-man NRL squad were injured.

Hodges will be an asset to both the Blackhawks and Burdekin Roosters.

Looking for more local sport?

We’re happy to run it if we have it!

Darts, ballgames, water sports, athletics ... whatever your game is, we’re keen!

Send us your pic of the week, fixtures or finals results by noon on Monday!  EMAIL: editor@torres.news

THURSDAY ISLAND / SEISIA

FERRY SCHEDULE

JANUARY – MARCH 2023 Monday / Wednesday & Friday THURSDAY ISLAND to SEISIA: 6.30AM & 2.30PM SEISIA to THURSDAY ISLAND: 8AM & 4PM * RESERVATIONS ESSENTIAL Boarding strictly 15 mins prior to departure

“Linking the Cape with the Torres Strait”

PHONE 07 4069 1551

RESERVATIONS ESSENTIAL – TICKET ONLINE www.peddellsferry.com.au • Passengers please pre-ticket – online, agents, or by phone Concession fares available, conditions apply OFFICE HOURS • MON–FRI, 9am–12noon & 12.30–2.30pm

LUGGAGE • Passengers are required to take their luggage directly to the ferry with them at boarding time (1 piece under 20 kg, excess charges otherwise apply) FREIGHT • Items under 20 kg carried, conditions apply.

Please note freight may be delivered 1.30pm to 2pm to travel on the 2.30pm TI-Seisia Service or at other times delivered directly to the vessel and pre paid.

THE JETTY SHOP & OFFICE, ENGINEERS JETTY, THURSDAY IS.

SPORTS CONTRIBUTIONS Please email your sports stories and photos before 5PM on Mondays.

20

THURSDAY 2 MARCH 2023

EDITORIAL l E: christine@torres.news l M: 0419 656 277

Warraber ready for huge 2023 rugby league season

READY TO GO: Back row – Kabay Tamu, Samuel Mauga, Harry Lui, Andrew Samson, Adhea Tabuai, Peter Nai & Ramiyah Tamu.

Front row – Peter Mene & Andrew Akiba

BY ALF WILSON Rugby league followers on Warraber Island are gearing up for a big football season, starting with a barbecue and get together for the start of the NRL season.

The first round of the 17-club NRL comp starts on tonight.

Warraber will also host a Junior Development Camp for youngsters from the central and eastern islands, supported by local carnival competitors Surumau Gladiators, from 4-6 April.

Surumau Gladiators will also enter a side in June’s Island of Origin Carnival on Badhu Island, which Torres Strait Islands Regional Council (TSIRC) Cr Kabay Tamu, who represents Warraber, said would be big.

“This will be the 10th year for Surumau Gladiators and there will be teams from Badhu, Moa and many other islands and the NPA,” Cr Tamu said.

Cr Tamu said that most of the island’s 300 residents would be at a barbecue at the Warraber Community Hall this weekend for the NRL season openers.

“The people here love rugby league and barrack for many different sides and a lot go for the Cowboys and the Brisbane Broncos which was the first Queensland team in the NRL,” he said.

However others also barrack for premiers the Penrith Panthers, the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Cronulla Sharks.

“I go for the Cronulla Sharks and loved it when they won the grand final in

2016 beating the Melbourne Storm,” he said. “I was lucky enough to get into the Sharks dressing room when they beat the Cowboys at Townsville in 2015.

“My favourite players have been Paul Gallen and Brett Kimmorley who have retired, also current stars Toby Rudolph, Dale Finucane and Nicho Hynes who won the Dally M Medal last season.”

An NRL tipping competition will be held for Warraber men and women and Warraber residents can watch NRL matches at the Community Hall.

“For the big games such as State of Origin and NRL grand finals families can see them on a big screen which is popular,” he said.

“You can follow us on social media to see some of the great initiatives we

will be rolling out this year, and we are looking for any interested sponsors to make contact through our Facebook or Instagram accounts.”

You can find Surumau Gladiators on social media at surumau_gladiators

NRL Round 1 Thursday 2 March: Parramatta Eels v Melbourne Storm.

Friday 3 March: Warriors v Knights, Panthers v Brisbane Broncos.

Saturday 4 March: Manly Sea Eagles v Bulldogs, Cowboys v Raiders at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Sharks v Rabbitohs.

Sunday 5 March: Dolphins v Roosters, Wests Tigers v Titans.

Dragons (bye).

ON THE BALL: Cr Kabay Tamu from Warraber Island is looking forward to this year’s NRL season.

Pics supplied.