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

AND PICS

BY ALF WILSON

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.

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.” 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