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THURSDAY 9 MARCH 2023 TORRES NEWS
A Women’s Week to remember BY ALF WILSON Badu Ipi-Kazil organised a muchappreciated and fantastic three-day Women’s Week and International Women’s Day event earlier this week on Badhu. The theme for the Women’s Week event was, Empower Her Voice, Secure Her Future, which celebrated present, future and achievements of our women and girls, group spokeswoman Marie Ah-Wang said. “We are celebrating our diverse community
by shining the spotlight on some of them,” she said. “We have asked the women on how they choose to challenge themselves to create a great future? “To this, it was showcased at the event, acknowledging their achievements.” The theme for the International Women Day event, held on Tuesday, was Crack the Code, highlighting leaders and changemakers who were redefining innovation, creating new social, economic and cultural
codes for gender equal future. “The purpose of this project is to highlight women in business and gender equality,” Marie said. “Women in particular have different sets of life, work experiences and perspective. “This event is a great way to bring everyone together and making Badhu a nicer place to live in. “The idea is to bring in like-minded people through shared passion and interest – It’s Time for A Change [is] a great way of promoting and showcasing our culture
and tradition,” she said. She said the outcome would be a direct and indirect impact of bringing the community together, helping to build community spirt and raising awareness of community issues. “It will provide opportunities for participation, skills developments, volunteering and has a political and environmental impact,” she said. “It will give a healthy boost for their self-confidence, selfesteem and a best way to improve our community and make it stronger.”
MAKING THEIR OWN T-SHIRTS: Lily Ahmat (above) and participants (right). Pics supplied.
TORRES SHIRE COUNCIL To lead, provide and facilitate a sustainable, safe and culturally vibrant community
PUBLIC NOTICE TORRES SHIRE COUNCIL PUBLIC & BANK HOLIDAYS FOR 2023 Council wishes to advise our community that Pursuant to Section 4 of the Holidays Act 1983, the Minister for Education and Minister for Industrial Relations has appointed the following for Torres Shire:
Date
Holiday
Monday 29 May
Holiday for the Shire of Torres for the purpose of the Torres Strait Flag Day.
Friday 2 June
Holiday for the Shire of Torres for the purpose of the Winds of Zenadth Cultural Festival (public holiday).
Monday 5 June
Holiday for the Shire of Torres for the purpose of Mabo Day.
Monday 3 July
Holiday for the Shire of Torres for the purpose of the Coming of the Light Day.
Wednesday 23 August
Holiday for the Shire of Torres for the purpose of the First Torres Strait Councillors Meeting at Masig.
Notification of the appointment of the 2023 special holidays was published in the Queensland Government Gazette on 2 December 2022. For further information please contact Torres Shire Council on 4083 1200 or email admin@torres.qld.gov.au Dalassa Yorkston CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Celebrating strong women, strong workforce, strong communities The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) is celebrating inspiring women in its workforce as part of International Women’s Day and beyond. TSRA Acting Chairperson Horace Baira said the TSRA encouraged more women from across the region to consider opportunities including Board, middle and senior management positions, ranger roles, leadership programs and scholarships. “Women carry knowledge and continue to lift our families, workplaces and communities,” Mr Baira said. “The TSRA Board currently has the strongest level of female representation since the TSRA was established in 1994. “Our Board includes six female members, up from three in the previous term and we know there’s always more we can do to increase diversity.” TSRA Chief Executive Officer Vonda Malone oversees the operations for one of the most remote Australian Public Service agencies and the lead Commonwealth agency in the Torres Strait. Previously, she was the first female Mayor of Torres Shire Council. This month Ms Malone presented at the 3rd Regional Conference for Pacific Women in Maritime, jointly hosted in Cairns by the Australian Government in partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC) and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). “We voiced challenges, opportunities and our shared optimism for more women to progress and succeed on their journeys in
INSPIRING WOMEN: Former Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Rakuita of Fiji with TSRA CEO Vonda Malone. Pic supplied. traditionally male-dominated sectors including maritime, leadership and ranger work,” Ms Malone said. “TSRA supports a range of opportunities across the region from professional development, small business and university scholarships to leadership programs and supporting students’ exchange programs to be exposed to opportunities down south. “We are proud to invest in girls and women across the region to support strong communities.” Women make up more than half of TSRA’s workforce, including eight female rangers. As part of Working on Country plans, all TSRA Rangers – men and women – carry out important work including turtle and dugong monitoring, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) recording, weed removal, surveillance, beach clean-ups and more.
