NPA embraces International Women’s Day

More than 60 Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) women, including Senior students from the NPA College, got together to ‘embrace equity’ on International Women’s Day earlier this month.

NPA Family & Community Services (NPAFACS) Alau Women’s Action Group hosted day at the Cape York Peninsula Lodge.

“A big thank you to Bamaga Enterprise Limited (BEL) who sponsored the event,” NPAFACS Women’s Development Officer Harriett Phineasa said.

She said BEL provided gifts for the speakers and tickets were drawn for prizes which included meals and accommodation at the Cape York Peninsula Lodge, a $300 IBIS Voucher and two air-fryers.

“They also catered for morning and afternoon tea, and lunch at our venue,” she said.

“We would like to thank our guest speakers for their contributions.

“There was good feedback from those who attended.”

She said their guest speakers included NPA College’s Ruth Miller, Relationship

Counsellor Susita Vout, NPARC Community Services Manager Yanetta Nadredre, NPAFACS Health Projects Coordinator Maryann Mosby, and Elma Yoelu on behalf of Program Officer for Youth and the Department of Environment and Science Myiesha Yoelu.

“The atmosphere was great, everyone was inspired by the stories,” she said.

“Some stories got us emotional and some made us laugh out loud, it was good to have Women together empowering each other.

“The speakers were gifted a shoulder bag, thanks to BEL, and they also had themed, coloured leis bought from Lakeesha Aniba in Brisbane.

“Beverly Jacob from the HIPPY Program (Home Interaction Program for Parents & Youngsters) also did a brief presentation for the women about what they are doing with families in the NPA.

“The Fijian Sisters entertained us with an awesome Fijian Dance.

“And finally, many thanks to NPA Councillor Kitty Gebadi for her closing speech and Yanetta for closing the day in prayer.” supplied.

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The Justices of the Peace Branch is aiming to undertake further training within the Torres Straits region over the next few months to allow greater access to witnessing services, JPs Registrar and Manager Damien Mealey says.

“This training will follow on from previous training undertaken on Thursday Island, Poruma, Saibai, Dauan, Badu and Warraber islands over the past several years to provide greater JP and Commissioner of Declaration services in the region,” he said.

MEANWHILE Justices of the Peace (JPs) across the board are being called on to help replenish volunteer numbers for the invaluable JPs in the Community Program, which is celebrating its 20th year servicing Queenslanders.

The Program started as a trial in 2003 – now there are more than 225 JPs in the community locations across Queensland stationed at courthouses, shopping centres, hospital, libraries and community centres.

These volunteers give up their time each week to witness documents as a complimentary service at various sites, Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman said.

“At some stage in our lives, we are going to require a JP to witness a document so it’s a wonderful public service they are providing,” she said.

To find out how to volunteer your services at a JPs in the Community program site see https://www. qld.gov.au/law/ legal-mediation-andjustice-of-the-peace/ jp-and-cdec-information/ volunteer-your-jp-orcdec-services