Torres News_Edition 74_30 March 2023

Thursday, 30 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.

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

l Edition 74 l $2 incl. GST

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BY TALEI ELU

“I’m feeling over the moon, this still feels like a dream” is how Royston Sagigi-Baira from Mapoon community describes the feeling of being this year’s winner of Australian Idol.

Royston said he felt incredibly supported by all those who voted for him every week and continuously during the show.

“I just want to say thank you so much for everybody supporting me,” he said.

“It feels like the whole of Far North Queensland support got together and got behind me.

“I feel uplifted, inspired, and empowered by all of you.”

Royston has signed with Sony music and released his latest single, Invincible, a song written for him by Australian artist Tones and

Pic supplied by Channel 7.

Royston wins!

I, about following dreams, and the struggles and triumph that can come with that journey.

He said the song was like his journey to stardom, and had a message for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in remote communities.

“It doesn’t matter where you come from, if you come from a small Indigenous community or rural or remote, you can follow and achieve your dreams,” he said.

Royston grew up in Mapoon before leaving for the big smoke to pursue his dreams of becoming a singer.

He said it was hard to make the decision to leave his home and family behind.

“I had to leave everything behind to pursue my passion for music in the city,” he said.

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02 NEWS

THURSDAY 30 MARCH 2023 TORRES NEWS

Vet clinic kicks goals with dedicated volunteers

BY NADJA MACK

VOLUNTEERS AT WORK. Pic supplied.

Your North Queensland airline connecting the islands of the Torres Strait with Cairns and Bamaga

FLY WITH A QUEENSLANDER

More than 130 consultations, including lots and lots of desexed dogs and cats, dozens of vaccines preventing nasty diseases such as heartworm, parvo virus and distemper, countless removed ticks and bumps, a saved infected eye, an operated hernia and several entropion surgeries to correct in-turned eyelids, were all done within five amazing days by a team of all-female vets and nurses earlier this month.

They came from Vets Beyond Borders (VBB) and the Animal Welfare League of Queensland (AWLQ) to work with Thursday Island Animal Support Group (TIASG).

President Sonia Einersen said prevention over treatment worked for her every time.

“We have not had a serious parvo outbreak this year, however the wet weather washes up the virus which can live in the soil for up to eight years,” she said.

“A quick needle can prevent needless suffering and death.

“The same is true for heartworm and other nasties that are found on TI.” AWLQ Rural and Regional Program Manager and newly appointed VBB Program Manager Sylvana Wenderhold

said donations allowed the clinics to continue and contributed to the running costs.

“If you get your cat desexed on the mainland, you pay between $150 – $250, for a dog it is between $200 – $500,” she said.

“The TI clinic offers these services for free, however a donation is encouraged if you can.”

Since TIASG was formed it has found new homes for 330 dogs and cats and was always looking for new foster carers on Waiben and Horn Island, and donations of towels for the clinic.

Financial donations can be made to:

Thursday Island Animal Support Group Inc, BSB 084-951, Account 93482-4281, all donations

are tax deductable.

100 per cent of donations go towards the care of animals and to keep the clinics operating, everyone is a volunteer.

The next TI vet clinic with the team from Vets Beyond Borders is scheduled for Saturday 27 May.

The Thursday Island Animal Support Group can be reached on 0477 271 958, a text or email is the preferred method of contact for non-urgent enquiries or to make an appointment for the next clinic.

Full story next issue J

Royston wins Idol M Continued from P1 “At the time my mum was very sick with cancer, but she wanted me to stick to my dreams,” Royston said.

“It was hard to leave… but you have to make some sacrifices and you have to work hard.

“With the right support system behind you, you can do it.”

Royston said he wanted to make sure other young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids in communities didn’t have to make sacrifices to pursue their passions, and contributing back to his community was on his mind.

“I want to be able to help the next generation.

“I want to go back home and hold music workshops, or bring along an actor and do acting workshops,” he said.

He said he hoped the workshops would help to inspire the next generation of musicians and actors.

“When I was a kid, we always had sports workshops and opportunities but not really music, and I would have loved to do something like that growing up in Mapoon,” he said.

“I’m an advocate for going away and seeing the world, but also coming back home to use your skills and experience to better your community when you have the skills and the experience, and that is what I want to do.”

NEWS 03

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 30 MARCH 2023

No alternatives in sight for Erub/Mabuaig flights The suspension of commercial – or Regular Passenger Transport – flights in and out of Erub and Mabuiag Islands continues to cause anger and frustration for residents who have few alternatives and no solutions in sight.

Darnley resident Diann Lui said she had written to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey with her concerns.

“Residents have no option to travel from the island apart from dinghy to neighbouring islands and then flights from there,” she wrote.

“This is not suitable for elderly residents or residents without access to a boat.”

A CASA spokesperson said they continued to “work closely with Skytrans”.

“Airline management is aware of additional work needed to restart flights to other airfields and we continue to work through the necessary processes to resume commercial flights to more Torres Strait Islands in 2023,” they said in January after flights to Mer were resumed.

Alan Milne and Johnathan Thurston. Pic supplied.

Skytrans CEO Alan Milne said they were still waiting for CASA. “Skytrans has been working with CASA to allow for special ‘permissions’ to be granted by CASA to us, enabling us to re-start operations into Murray Island,” he said.

“Unfortunately, we are still awaiting CASA approvals to resume operations back into Mabuiag and Darnley islands.”

Torres Strait Island Regional Council Mayor Phillemon Mosby said Council met with Skytrans on Warraber last week.

He said they had written to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King as a result of those meetings, “seeking urgent intervention in to what is becoming a worsening air transport crisis on Erub and Mabuaig islands”.

“The RPT service offered

by Skytrans is a life line to the islands proving access to vital goods and services and travel to and from the islands for health, personal and work purposes,” Mayor Mosby said.

“We don’t want to see community members and families forced into sea travel in open dinghies due to this unnecessary rule.”

Minister King said aviation safety remained their top priority.

“The Government understands the importance of reliable transport to remote communities across the Torres Strait,” she said.

“I know that CASA and Skytrans will continue to work together cooperatively on this issue.”

Queensland Minister Mark Bailey was also contacted for comment earlier this week but were unable to respond in time for our print deadlines.

We’ll have more on this story in our next issue J

Questions over Summit funds packages

Several new funding announcements were made by the Queensland Government during and after the recent Torres Strait Islands and Northern Peninsula Cost of Living Summit, some of which are “uncertain” and/or need clarifying, Torres Strait Island Regional Council Mayor Phillemon Mosby says.

Stakeholders from across the Torres Strait, Northern Peninsula Area and broader Cape and Gulf communities took part in the Summit, which identified several complex challenges faced by residents.

Two funding packages announced by the government - $64m freight funding package for the Northern Peninsula, Torres Strait, Cape York and Gulf

Regions, and $80m in joint State & Federal funding for marine infrastructure – were under scrutiny by local leaders, who have fought hard and long for the funds, Cr Mosby said.

“While we welcome that investment into the region, there’s a lot of things that are really uncertain or need a lot of clarity around,” he said.

“I’m really interested to know about the methodology, how they’re going to work that out.”

He said there were questions about the benefits to consumers.

“While it may look like big money, when you spread it across the Torres Strait and further west, people in communities say, ‘where’s that money going to go?’

“If Torres Strait is going to get their

share out of the freight subsidy, how are they going to deliver that – pass it down to the consumer, or is it going to go directly to the freight companies or the shops? What we need in the Torres Strait is competition.”

Local MP, and co-chair of the Summit, Cynthia Lui said the work they had to do included engagement with community to identify the most targeted options to ensure the benefits are felt at the community level.

“There are details that are yet to be finalised in terms of how these new programs will be implemented,” she said.

“I am looking forward to continuing to work with community to identify the best pathways forward, to ensure the benefits are

realised at the individual and community level.”

She also said Summit co-chair and Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey was, “working through the mechanisms by which the [freight] subsidy package will be delivered, to ensure it is for the benefit of people living in these remote FNQ communities”.

“This work includes engagement with community to identify the most targeted options to ensure the benefits are felt at the community level,” she said.

Cr Mosby said they were also concerned about the money for marine infrastructure.

“They matched the $40 million with the Commonwealth,” he said. “[Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government]

Catherine King shook my hands and made an election promise on Hammond Island prior to the government being elected into office, and said that money was for the Torres Strait Island Regional Council for the outer islands.”

He said TSRIC needed $250 million to replace ramps and jetties.

“There’s five communities being shut down already in the Torres Strait,” he said.

“And there’s a remaining three communities, that’s going to be eight Council divisions that are cut off from access in terms of poor marine infrastructure.”

Ms Lui said the $80 million would be allocated to marine assets in need of repair “which will be identified in consultation with the local community”.

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Pippa, Nicole Croswelll (2019)

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Only 10 places per workshop Registrations close 5pm Monday 3 April

07 40690 888

CAHTeam@tsra.gov.au

04 RANGER NEWS

THURSDAY 30 MARCH 2023 TORRES NEWS

Celebrating 10 years: TSRA Rangers finds their true calling Laura Pearson is celebrating more than a decade of caring for land and sea with the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA).

She never expected to become – and love – being a ranger.

After graduating from

high school in Cairns, Laura considered a navy or marine science career, but at the request of her parents returned to her home community of Warraber at the age of 17.

While raising her children, she joined TSRA as one of the first

female rangers in 2012.

She became the Central Cluster Senior Ranger Supervisor to oversee eight staff across the islands of Poruma (Coconut), Iama (Yam) and Warraber (Sue).

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(Central cluster), she credited her family as her motivation, with both parents respected Elders in the Kulkalgal region, and cultural advisors and mentors to the community of Warraber.

“When you have strong support from families, communities and being brought up with brothers you will have the mentality that ‘I can do this’ – male or female – we are at the same level,” Ms Pearson said. “There is a cultural expectation that women can’t do this type of work, but I have the skills and qualifications to do what the men are doing. We as women know our limits, but we set the limits, no one else. I have strong people on both sides of my family, including strong grandmothers, aunties, grandfathers and uncles who know the seasons and tides.

“They were prepping us for the future back

then, even before the Torres Strait had an international shipping lane or the phrase ‘climate change’ was around.”

Laura said she looked up to Larissa Hale and the Queensland Indigenous Women Rangers Network for motivation.

“It is inspiring to see women leading activities On Country around Cooktown, including traditional burning, stories in art work and turtle rehabilitation for the betterment of First Nations people,” she said.

“TSRA has invested in us with training to complete our jobs safely and in using our traditional knowledge together with research databases.

“We are supported to grow a better understanding of how both worlds – traditional knowledge and Western science – work hand in hand to achieve better

outcomes for the natural and cultural resources for the Torres Strait.

“My favourite part of this job is helping people, including Elders to revive our language, cultural practices and maintain our culture knowledge, as we face climate change impacts.

“We explain what’s happening and reassure them we are doing our best to protect and maintain our islands and cultural knowledge.

“I want my great, great grandkids to enjoy what I’m experiencing now in this world.”

The proud mother of two hopes more parents and caregivers – especially women – consider ranger careers.

“We have to be there through thick and thin for the development of our future. Not just my family, or your family, but the future of all Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people,” she said. “Go for it, if

you’ve been thinking for a few years now, just put your name in and apply.

“You will grow, and you will glow in your community with a supportive team ready to back you up. You’re never too old to learn new things, new skills and gain understanding.

“There is always a right time and a right place, be yourself and ready to challenge yourself for this may be your calling.”

To young women, she offered the same advice she gave her now 19-year-old daughter – a top recruit in her navy cohort.

“Finish school and aim high to represent your family, your island and your people,” she said. “My daughter is living her dream and also fulfilling mine.”

Love caring for land, sea and culture? Be a TSRA Ranger. Apply by Sunday 2 April 2023 at

https://tsra.nga.net.au

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LAND, SEA AND CULTURE?

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BE A TSRA RANGER!

We are seeking: Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people for exciting roles On Country.

You must have or apply for: A Blue Card (Working with Children).

Benefits Full-time job Salary starting $48,862+ Official ranger uniform 15.4% superannuation Remote locality allowances Paid training Option to join Ranger Dance Team

Apply by Sunday 2 April 2023.

4069 0700 human.resources@tsra.gov.au

Go to tsra.nga.net.au

LAURA PEARSON: “We as women know our limits...but we set the limits, no one else.” Pics supplied.

Aaron enjoys ‘best job in the world’: caring for Torres Strait land and sea Congratulations also go to Aaron Bon for his 10 years of working with TSRA’s Land and Sea Management Unit.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’ve got the best job in the world!” Mr Bon said.

“I started back in 2013 as a Trainee Ranger, then Ranger on Mer, Senior Ranger on Mer, Ranger Supervisor, Senior Ranger Supervisor and now Acting Operations Manager.

“I’ve learned a whole lot, made so many friends, discovered family I didn’t even know I had.

“I put my heart and soul into the work that we do and can honestly say my blood,

AARON BON: “I’ve got the best job in the world.” Pic supplied. sweat and tears goes into this job.

“I’ve made so many memories doing what I love and I want to thank everyone who has helped me along the way.

“Au Esoau for the advice, guidance, encouragement and good times.”

Love caring for land, sea and culture? Be a TSRA Ranger.

Apply by Sunday 2 April 2023 at https:// tsra.nga.net.au

For more information about the TSRA visit www.tsra.gov.au or follow us on Facebook.

NEWS 05

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 30 MARCH 2023

Torres Strait artwork takes off on AMSA Challenger rescue aircraft The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) launched new artwork designed by Torres Strait artist Michael Nona on the Cairnsbased Challenger aircraft last week.

Michael was selected to design the artwork after a search by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) last year on behalf of AMSA. The design concept features Baydham, an important symbol in the Torres Strait region.

Known as the protectors of the reef, sharks play an important role in maintaining balance in the seas.

This striking design has been wrapped around the front section of the Challenger 604 rescue aircraft, a critical part of AMSA’s search and rescue fleet in Australia.

Michael said it was very exciting to know his creation was flying.

“I’m passionate about the culture and stories

FAMILY: Michael Nona with twins Thiomi and Ruby, mum Lexy Carroll and Aunt Harriet Dorante next to the plane. Pic Christine Howes. of Badu Island and my people,” he said.

“So much of it represents our deep connection to the islands, sea and marine life.

“I am very proud to have been able to share a small part of our story.

“The Torres Strait

is a beautiful place and unique in so many ways.”

AMSA Executive Director for Response Mark Morrow said AMSA acknowledged the strong connection of First Nations people to land and sea, including across the Torres Strait

in Far North Queensland.

“The Cairns-based Challenger aircraft is critical to keeping people in the region safe,” he said.

“We commissioned this artwork to acknowledge the unbroken, rich enduring history and guardianship of our oceans by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this nation.

“Every time the Cairns-based Challenger rescues a fisher, boater or seafarer, Mr Nona’s art will be a symbol that represents AMSA’s commitment to safe and clean seas.”

TSRA Acting Chairperson Horace Baira said the project highlighted the significance of seafaring cultural knowledge.

“This flying tribute to Torres Strait Islander culture is reconciliation in action and helps embed Indigenous knowledge into everyday business,” Mr Baira said.

TI Pharmacy’s excellent award Thursday Island Pharmacy was once again a finalist in this year’s Pharmacy of the Year awards, winning the category of Excellence in Professional Innovation.

Finalists were selected from the more than 500 nominations received, including nominations from the public.

Ownership team Caitlin Davies, Carli Berrill, Mick and Luci Delaney, said their commitment to their community was a matter of huge pride to everyone in the pharmacy.

“Our place within the community is something we are very proud of,” Ms Davies said.

“We have a great relationship with James Cook University and often get asked by students from there about what it’s like working in remote community pharmacy, and it’s not simple for us to answer because we are so much more than just a pharmacy.”

Ms Davies said she and the staff were in constant communication with doctors, nurses, allied healthworkers, Aboriginal Health Workers including mental health teams

to ensure they were providing the best outcomes for the 15 remote island health centres and the community of Thursday Island.

“We also love to push ourselves to offer something better within our community like visiting the elderly to provide medication information and support, community information events, educational events at the primary and high schools, and the implementation of an annual TI Pharmacy iPad Science/Maths award to all schools in the region to encourage local children to invest in their education and hopefully

“It is a proud moment for our region and our people to see artwork from the remote island of Badu take flight across Australia and beyond to support safety and save lives at sea.”

Rendering the artwork on the aircraft by specialist technicians was facilitated by aircraft operator Leidos.

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STRONG WOMEN, STRONG COMMUNITIES.

BE A TSRA RANGER!

We are seeking: Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people for exciting roles On Country.

pharmacy as a future.”

You must have or apply for: A Blue Card (Working with Children).

Ms Berrill said she and the pharmacy’s staff Benefits were continually on Full-time job the lookout for ways to Salary starting $48,862+ improve.

Official ranger uniform Co-proprietors Mick 15.4% superannuation and Luci Delaney said Remote locality allowances Paid training the most important Join the Queensland Indigenous aspect of the business Womens Ranger Network side of operations Be part of Ranger Dance Team at Thursday Island Pharmacy, is its team, Apply by Sunday 2 April 2023. Go to tsra.nga.net.au and they are always Issue: 30/3/23_____ EXCEL DOC E DUMMY E Ad F E lookingPaying for chances 4069invoice 0700 direct to Quinten.

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TN0507

Expressions of Interest Torres Strait Spanish Mackerel & Coral Trout Fishing Quota The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from interested parties to take up leasing options for the Torres Strait Protected Zone Spanish mackerel and Coral trout fisheries in 2023-24.

EOIs must address the criteria outlined in the EOI Information Package and be received by no later than 5pm on Friday 21 April 2023.

Pic supplied.

For further enquiries and to obtain an EOI Information Package, please contact Quentin Hirakawa at TSRA by telephone on (07) 4069 0700, toll free on 1800 079 093 or email fisheries@tsra.gov.au

06 NEWS

THURSDAY 30 MARCH 2023 TORRES NEWS

Local fashion community comes together for workshop A two-day intensive Fashion and Textile workshop held at TSIMA last weekend offered more than 30 participants industry knowledge about fashion, textile and business development.

Sessions were curated by a number of industry experts including John Palmer from Emver Partners, Peter Naughton from KIN Fashion, Lois Hazel from The Social Studio, and Tamara Leacock from Remuse Designs.

Organiser Perina Drummond said she was excited to see what would come of the work they did.

“Participants were engaged in conversations about everything from copyright to how to build a business to the different textiles available globally,” she said.

“We also covered the current Indigenous fashion sector in review, natural dyeing methods utilising turmeric and indigo, and illustration and design ideas.

“It was incredible bringing together a strong collective of individuals in our community and sharing knowledge about art, fashion and business development for our region.

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“This was a two-way learning space that we all can say we’ve taken so much away from the last few days.

“There are some very clear goals and outcomes that were discussed and decided as a group, including creating a fashion community, hosting regular workshops for skills development within our region, business development planning for those looking to embark on building their fashion brand, and creating a regional fashion collection that could be showcased on runways around Australia including a Torres Strait/NPA fashion show – watch this space!”

She said she was grateful to everyone involved including the Torres Strait Regional Authority, TSIMA, presenters John Palmer, Peter Naughton, Lois Hazel and Tamara Leacock, and Uncle Frankie’s for assisting with catering.

For more information or to get involved in this initiative contact Perina Drummond at perinadrummond@gmail. com

Pics supplied.

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08 TOURISM NEWS

THURSDAY 30 MARCH 2023 TORRES NEWS

NPA dancers travel to Perth

TN0461 • 09/02/23

IN PERTH: The Naygayiw Gigi Dance Troupe. Pics supplied.

The World Indigenous Tourism Summit 2023 (WITS) was an international forum to help advance opportunities for First Nations people in the tourism sector.

The event was held in Perth earlier this month and co-hosted by the WA Indigenous Tourism Operators Council on country of the Whadjuk Noongar people.

The summit brought together Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and organisations

from diverse parts of the tourism industry, offering participants an opportunity to impart and gain knowledge of the vital interdependence among tourism, community, and earth stewardship.

The Naygayiw Gigi Dance Troupe, who have represented the Northern Peninsula Area, Torres Strait and Australia at festivals across the Asia-Pacific region, performed at the conference.

Singer and Manager

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Leonora Adidi said they were sponsored to be there by the Torres Strait Regional Authority.

“We were there to represent the Torres Strait and NPA in Indigenous cultural tourism, as we have operated in this space since 2015 as performing artists at Cape York Peninsula Lodge,” she said.

“We performed on the Cultural Night of the Summit along with other dancers from WA, other parts of the country and international guests.

“It was a tremendous honour for us to represent and share our culture on this particular international platform.”

She said their only

disappointment was they were only asked to perform once.

“As Australia’s other sovereign First Nation people, we felt that to have travelled such a long distance over two days for a once-only performance was terribly disrespectful,” she said.

“However, as a dance troupe operating as a business, we found attending the sessions, seeing and listening to experienced Indigenous operators in the industry in Australia and overseas, what we learned was invaluable for our business and as Indigenous cultural performing artists.”

All TI Transfers Include Complimentary Bus Service on Thursday Island.

J All TI transfers include complimentary bus service on Thursday Island J

IMPORTANT NOTE: - We will ALWAYS meet any QANTAS and Skytrans flight from Cairns - should extra services be scheduled (eg School Holidays) we will add services that may be outside this schedule. For late flights - you MUST have a booking

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.

For late flights – you have a booking.

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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.

W Ϭϳ ϰϬϲϵ ϭϱϴϲ

WůĞĂƐĞ ŶŽƚĞ͗ WůĞĂƐĞ ďĞ ĂǁĂƌĞ ƚŚĂƚ ǁĞ ǁŝůů ŚĂǀĞ ĨĞƌƌŝĞƐ ƚŽ ŵĞĞƚ s Zz Y Ed ^ ĂŶĚ ^<zdZ E^ ĨůŝŐŚƚ ĨƌŽŵ Bookings are essen�al for 18:00/18:10 ferry Mon-Fri, and Saturday 06:15/06:20 & 13:45/14:00 Sunday ferry 17:15/17:30 ONLY operates when Qantas operates a late flight. ĂŝƌŶƐ͘ /Ĩ LJŽƵ ĐĂŶ ŶŽƚ ƐĞĞ Ă ĨĞƌƌLJ ƚŚĂƚ ƐƵŝƚƐ LJŽƵƌ ĨůŝŐŚƚ ƉůĞĂƐĞ >> ƚŚĞ ŽĨĨŝĐĞ ŽŶ ϰϬϲϵ ϭϱϴϲ͘

Office hours are Monday to Friday - 08:00 - 17:00 - Please consider these hours to make bookings - our office is not manned outside of these ŽŽŬŝŶŐƐ ĂƌĞ ĞƐƐĞŶƚŝĂů ĨŽƌ ϭϴ͗ϬϬͬϭϴ͗ϭϬ ĨĞƌƌLJ DŽŶͲ&ƌŝ͕ ĂŶĚ ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ Ϭϲ͗ϭϱͬϬϲ͗ϮϬ Θ ϭϯ͗ϰϱͬϭϰ͗ϬϬ hours and we can not look up bookings or emails. We answer the phone whilst the ferry is running, but please try to book during office hours.

^ƵŶĚĂLJ ĨĞƌƌLJ ϭϳ͗ϭϱͬϭϳ͗ϯϬ KE>z ŽƉĞƌĂƚĞƐ ǁŚĞŶ YĂŶƚĂƐ ŽƉĞƌĂƚĞƐ Ă ůĂƚĞ ĨůŝŐŚƚ

KĨĨŝĐĞ ŚŽƵƌƐ ĂƌĞ DŽŶĚĂLJ ƚŽ &ƌŝĚĂLJ Ͳ Ϭϴ͗ϬϬ Ͳ ϭϳ͗ϬϬ Ͳ WůĞĂƐĞ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌ ƚŚĞƐĞ ŚŽƵƌƐ ƚŽ ŵĂŬĞ ďŽŽŬŝŶŐƐ Ͳ ŽƵƌ ŽĨĨŝĐĞ ŝƐ ŶŽƚ ŵĂŶŶĞĚ ŽƵƚƐŝĚĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞƐĞ ŚŽƵƌƐ ĂŶĚ ǁĞ ĐĂŶ ŶŽƚ ůŽŽŬ ƵƉ ŬŝŶŐƐ Žƌ ĞŵĂŝůƐ͘ tĞ ĂŶƐǁĞƌ ƚŚĞ ƉŚŽŶĞ ǁŚŝůƐƚ ƚŚĞ ĨĞƌƌLJ ŝƐ ƌƵŶŶŝŶŐ͕ ďƵƚ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ƚƌLJ ƚŽ Ŭ ĚƵƌŝŶŐ ŽĨĨŝĐĞ ŚŽƵƌƐ

Grants open to support businesses in 2023 Year of Accessible Tourism Applications are now open for the new Accessible Tourism Enablers grants providing between $50,000 to $250,000 to support not-for-profit peak and disability services organisations to make products that make visitor experiences more inclusive.

Queensland Minister for Tourism and Sport Stirling Hinchliffe said the new grants were part of the Government’s investment in the 2023 Year of Accessible Tourism, an exciting opportunity to demonstrate Queensland’s commitment to making Brisbane 2032 the world’s most accessible and inclusive sporting event.

“These grants will support upgrades of accessible visitor infrastructure and technology that will further enhance Queensland’s reputation as an all-abilities destination of choice,” he said. “More and more people with a disability and their families are looking for travel options that can cater to their needs.

“We want this year to be the transformation that creates an enduring legacy for Queensland as an inclusive, world-class visitor destination.

“Queensland’s great lifestyle and world-class visitor experiences are too good not to be enjoyed by everyone.”

The strategy recognised the untapped potential surrounding accessible tourism of $735 million per annum or $1.8 billion per annum when including the travel party.

Queensland’s Year of Accessible Tourism kicked-off with the release of a free online accessible tourism toolkit earlier this year developed by Get Skilled Access (GSA) and TravAbility in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport.

For more information, visit www.dtis.qld.gov.

au/tourism/accessible-tourism/year-of-accessibletourism

09

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 30 MARCH 2023

TORRES STRAIT Marine Safety Program Increase your survival time and reduce your rescue time Good preparation is essential for your safety before heading to sea. Good skippers always plan for the journey ahead, but they should also plan for the unexpected, because there’s always a chance that something may go wrong. Your engine might breakdown, the weather may change for the worse or navigational equipment could fail. Any number of things could combine to create a situation where you need to be rescued.

The two most important rules to surviving in this type of situation are always the same...

Increase your survival time and reduce your rescue time.

We reduce our rescue time through carrying and using equipment like EPIRBs and flares, which alert others to our location when we are in distress. These items are essential safety equipment, and good skippers carry them on all voyages.

One of the most important items to help increase your survival time is a good quality, properly fitting lifejacket.

A lifejacket will keep you on the surface in the event that your boat is swamped or sunk, and will allow you to stay afloat indefinitely. It is the one vital piece of equipment which will give you the ability to manage a very bad situation, and make good decisions to help keep you and your family alive.

Lifejackets are life savers - wear them This is the most effective way to maximise your survival time in the water.

Without a lifejacket, you will not stay afloat in open rough water long enough to be rescued. You will not be able to help yourself, or those around you, and a very bad situation will become rapidly worse.

Do you have your LIFEJACKET? Check

WHAT TYPE OF LIFEJACKETS?

► Australian Standard 4758 PFD type 1 is required for recreational boats. ► Children must have a properly fitting lifejacket. ► Lifejackets must be in good condition to comply with boating safety laws.

HOW MANY DO I NEED?

► One lifejacket for every person on board. ► One child lifejacket for each child. ► Water skiers and PWC riders should wear PFD type 2 or 3.

HOW ARE THEY CARRIED?

► It is compulsory to wear a lifejacket if you are under 12 years old (from 12 months old and up to, but not including, 12 years old) in an open boat that is less than 4.8m in length and underway. ► Lifejackets should be worn at all times by all passengers on a boat if possible. ► If not worn, lifejackets should be laid on your lap. ► Extra lifejackets should be kept clean, dry and accessible. ► Lifejackets should never be used as seat cushions.

HOW ARE THEY MAINTAINED?

► ► ► ►

Good quality lifejackets are an essential piece of lifesaving equipment on all boats, regardless of how far they are travelling. They have saved the lives of thousands of people around the world, including here in Torres Strait.

It is essential that you carry a lifejacket for every person on board your boat, and ensure that all children have a good quality, properly fitted lifejacket. Lifejacket design and quality has improved dramatically recently, and manufacturers are now providing lifejackets which can be comfortably worn at all times when travelling in a boat. You should include these in your boat’s safety equipment.

Lifejackets should be clean and dry and free of mould or mildew.

Inflatable lifejackets should be serviced annually.

Lifejackets should be inspected for tears and repaired or replaced accordingly.

Lifejackets should be checked to ensure zips are not seized.

Lifejackets are available at the various boating and marine stores on Thursday Island, as well as various other outlets in Torres Strait and Far North Queensland.

If you have any questions at all about lifejackets, or any other piece of safety equipment, please contact the Torres Strait Marine Safety Program officers on the numbers provided.

Torres Strait Marine Safety Program Australian Maritime Safety Authority 80 Douglas Street, Thursday Island QLD 4875 PO Box 471, Thursday Island QLD 4875 P: (07) 4090 3079 F: (07) 4069 2573

Maritime Safety Queensland 4 Hastings Street, Thursday Island QLD 4875 PO Box 109, Thursday Island QLD 4875 P: (07) 4069 1351 F: (07) 4069 2190

10 CLIMATE CHANGE

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!

THURSDAY 30 MARCH 2023 TORRES NEWS

Net zero emissions one step closer The Federal Government has secured Parliamentary support for the so-called ‘Safeguard Mechanism’ reforms expected to reduce 205 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions to 2030 – equivalent to taking two-thirds of the nation’s cars off the road over the same period.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said the finalisation of the Safeguard Mechanism Bill was a key milestone in achieving Australia’s 43 per cent emissions reduction target by 2030.

“Today, we are a step closer to achieving net zero by 2050,” Minister Bowen said.

“These reforms are the culmination of months of extensive feedback from Safeguard businesses, industry associations, climate and community groups, academics and private individuals.

“Business and climate groups have been clear that the Parliament should pass the strengthened legislation in front of it and deliver overdue policy certainty.

“These reforms are crucial to our climate and our economy – supporting Australian industry and ensuring they will continue to be competitive in a decarbonising world.”

The Safeguard Mechanism was put in place by the previous Coalition Government.

It required facilities that produce over 100,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases annually (around 215 facilities) to keep their net emissions below a baseline (or ceiling).

The Government expected to finalise detailed Safeguard Rules next month, with the updated Safeguard Mechanism scheme expected to be in operation as of 1 July 2023.

Global / Pacific legal experts get to work on frontiers of climate change ‘emergency’

Each week we will publish a pic showing the Ailan way of life in the Torres Strait and 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 Nadja Mack: her first pic (top) is at Harmony Week concert, ANZAC Park on Thursday Island, and (right) “Being from Melbourne,one thing that excites me about being in the TS: my resident sun bird who is building her next right in front of my kitchen window,” Nadja said.

Nadja is now in the draw to win this month’s $150 gift card! Good luck!

Multiple entries may be submitted, but every entry (or entrant) may not be published. All pics submitted will be considered in the draw for the monthly gift voucher. 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.

TN0312 23-03-16 TN Ailan View ad with Sponsor 15x4

We want see your pic showing your.. .

Each week we will publish a pic showing the Ailan way of life in the Torres Strait and the NPA – the kids swimming, a BBQ at the beach, fishing, scenic shot, etc – from local photographers and readers across our region.

Ailan Life R E T EN !

N I W & Send us your favourite pic NOW!

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

Torres News

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 CEQ store!

Multiple entries may be submitted, but every entry (or entrant) may not be published. All pics submitted will be considered in the draw for the monthly gift voucher. 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.

CONFERENCE DELEGATES: meeting in Nadi, Fiji. Pic supplied.

A Pacific Islands Forum gathering the top global minds on international law in Fiji this week is putting the spotlight on sea level rise as it implicates statehood and persons.

The four-day conference in Nadi, Fiji, was chaired by the High Commissioner of the Cook Islands to Fiji, HE Jim Armistead, supported by the Forum SG Henry Puna and Deputy, Dr Filimon Manoni, and attended by Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) members including national, regional, and global officials, experts and diplomats working on the legal contexts of climate change impacts on ocean states.

Forum Chair, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown highlighted their anxiety around island nations losing shorelines and water security to the rising tides.

“You are at the forefront of groundbreaking work that will influence a legacy for our children and future generations into

perpetuity,” Mr Brown said in a recorded presentation to the event.

He said sovereignty, lands and homes, fundamental and universal rights and freedoms, and the status of states are questions that “are difficult but real – they require solutions”.

“We are at a new frontier and the world once again looks to us to steer the way despite the problem and injustices being caused by others,” he said. “This is our lived reality. This is our ‘climate emergency’.”

He said the 2021 PIF Declaration on Preserving Maritime Zones in the Face of Climate Change Related Sea Level Rise (2021 PIF Declaration) was a ground-breaking benchmark and “an excellent starting point for this Conference”.

Amongst other issues, the conference looked into next steps for the Declaration, and the mandate from Leaders to recognise the impact of climate change of Pacific peoples and statehood.

Forum SG Henry Puna urged continued focus on keeping global emissions below 1.5 degrees in accordance with the Paris Agreement.

“We must not lose sight of the bigger picture – climate change is an existential threat to our Pacific family and ensuring that we keep global temperatures below 1.5 degrees, must always remain a top priority for us,” he said.

Keynote speaker for the event, Tuvalu Minister of Justice, Communications and Foreign Affairs Hon Simon Kofe said they had the power to make significant impact if they acted urgently and decisively.

“We must take an active stance, anticipate worst-case scenarios, and protect our Blue Pacific’s future,” he said.

Conference outcomes were expected to go back to Forum Officials for further discussion and final reporting back to Pacific leaders, later in 2023.

HARMONY WEEK 11

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 30 MARCH 2023

Singing in style for Harmony Week celebrations Pics by Trish Lehmann of the Waybeni Buway Harmony Week concert at the Thursday Island Sports Centre and ‘Harmony in the Park’.

Singer-songwriter Andrea Kirwin, who’s mum lived on Waiben for a while, performed at a number of events across Zenadth Kes for Harmony Week last week.

Andrea also travelled to several outer islands, writing songs with students and performing mini-concerts for Ugar, Badu, Duaun, Ngurapay, Saibai and Warraber.

Waybeni Buway Ngurpay Mudh put together a Harmony Week Concert, which featured their own choir as well as Warraber campus choir.

Head of Campus Rick Cass said a song they wrote with Andrea received rapturous applause.

“Tony Maen performed a dance

from Kirribati and May Passi did a Fijian Hula, honouring her lineage on her mother’s side as well as Andrea, who is of Fijian heritage,” he said.

“On Saturday night, the Waiben community came out in droves to ANZAC Park to watch Gabe Bani, Tagai Children’s choir, Margarey Gabey, Lonnie and Connie Pedro, the Island Stars dance team, Tagai staff band First Break and, of course, Andrea Kirwin.”

The Saturday night event was organised in partnership between Tagai College and TSIMA, with support from Regional Arts Services Network (RASN) and the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA).

Pic by Diat Alferink

12 TSLIB 80TH ANNIVERSARY THURSDAY 30 MARCH 2023 TORRES NEWS Townsville meets TI in Waiben celebrations for Battalion’s 80th

BY ALF WILSON Emotions ran high as Olive-Rose Pearson turned 18 on the same day as the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion (TSLIB) 80th anniversary celebrations on Waiben earlier this month.

Olive-Rose travelled to Waiben with her mum, Thesese Cowley, from Townsville especially for the huge TSLIB memorial and celebrations, which ran over two days.

Therese was also organising ongoing TSLIB meetings and celebrations in Townsville, which will climax on ANZAC Day in the north Queensland capital, with a march along the Strand.

A highlight for the mother and daughter team was meeting Private Awati Mau, one of only two surviving members of the TSLIB. Mr Mau was a special and VIP guest at the Waiben event, which was highly successful.

“We had planned to go to Waiben for the celebrations and it was

special as well because Olive-Rose turned 18,” Therese said.

“Meeting Awati Mau was just wonderful.”

Therese and OliveRose also enjoyed catching up with family and visitors from other islands during the celebrations.

Therese said she had a lot of ideas from the Waiben event to take back to the Townsville committee.

“During the Waiben event there was lots of pull up banners and conflute signs which we hope to have in the Townsville events,” she said.

“We haven’t got any official funding and will have had to pay for some things from our own pockets.”

She said they hoped to have banners and corflutes displayed along the Townsville Strand in coming weeks.

Therese and Olive-Rose were sorry to miss the official Townsville launch for the celebrations, which they understood was well attended and held at the Jezzine Barracks Military Museum.

Olive-Rose Pearson with WWII TSLIB Veteran Awati Mau, sister Raelene Pearson & mum Therese Cowley. Pic by Belinda Mason.

Olive-Rose Peasron with her Cousin sister Raelene Pearson at Sarpeye Barracks on Waiben. Pic by Alf Wilson.

Olive-Rose Pearson with Grandmothers Mrs Josie Cowley & Ms Dorothy Durante, LC RAN & NAVY Indigenous Advisor Samuel Shepherd with mum Therese Cowley. Pic by Belinda Mason.

Olive-Rose Pearson with Uncle Marsat Ketchell retired Petty Officer RAN & Vietnam Veteran. Pic by Belinda Mason.

More Torres Strait Light Infantry Battallion celebration pics...

A total of 880 men enlisted with the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion (TSLIB) during WWII and there are just two survivors left - Private Mebai Warusam (Saibai Island and Private Awati Mau (Bamaga who now is a resident at the Star of the Sea Home for the Aged on TI).

Mr Mau was a special VIP guest during two days of celebrations and commemoration on Waiben earlier this month when the 80th anniversary of TSLIB was honoured.

Activities included an Open Day at Sarpeye Barracks and a ceremonial parade and service joined by the soldiers of 51st Battalion, The Far North Queensland Regiment’s (51 FNQR) Charlie (Saypeye) Company through the streets of Thursday Island.

The Light Infantry (194246) was Australia’s only Indigenous Army Battalion and was formed to defend the far north from a possible Japanese invasion.

Pics by Belinda Mason.

TN0484

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For Further information interested parties are invited to contact Lina Filitonga of Black & More on telephone 07 4031 9944 or email: lina.filitonga@blackm.com

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Just email through your wording and any images to be included and your ad size preference, and we can do the rest. * Other ad sizes and costings upon request.

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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.

PUBLISHERS – TORRES NEWS PTY LTD Diat Alferink – Chief Executive Officer E editor@torres.news A 69 Douglas St, Thursday Is. Q 4875 CIRCULATION – Published every Thursday. Circulation 1000. Readership average: Print readership 4000 + online subscriptions + 8k followers on our @TSIMAtorresnews Facebook page

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Published every ThursdAy Available at various outlets in the Torres Strait & NPA and also at these newsagencies and stores • Raintrees Newsagency CAIRNS – Raintrees Shopping • Tobacco Stop Woree Centre, Alfred St, (formerly Bayview Manunda Gardens Newsagency) MOSSMAN – Southside Shopping • News Extra Mossman – Village, Woree 35 Front Street • Earlville Newsagency PAlM ISlANd – Stockland Cairns • ABIS Palm Is. – Shopping Centre, Bwgcolman Supermarket, Earlville 67 Beach Rd • Enmore News – TOWNSVIllE 5 Reservoir Rd, Manoora • Mooney Street News – • Marketplace 72-86 Mooney St, Newsagency – Gulliver 2/96 McLaughlan Rd, • NewsXpress Garbutt Bentley Park Central – 1/221 Ingham • NewsXpressCairns Rd, Garbutt Central – Cairns Central • NewsXpress Sun City – Shopping Centre, 126 307 Flinders Mall McLeod St MACKAY • Railway Newsagency – • Moores Newspower – 48 McLeod St, Cairns 332 Shakespeare Street

Senior Natural Resource Management Officer (Land, Sea & Marine) APS6 – 3 x positions SALARY RANGE $83,311 – $95,698 LOCATION – THURSDAY ISLAND

Plus 15.4% superannuation, district allowance, housing subsidy, and leave fare allowance (payable after 12 months’ service).

12 NOON Tuesday, 11 April

Issue: Thursday 4 MAY

(Labour Day public holiday Mon. 1 May)

TSRA are seeking three Senior Natural Resource Management Officers (SNRMOs). The Land Team and Sea Team SNRMOs are responsible for the coordination and delivery or land-based or sea-based natural resource management activities and services to communities across the Torres Strait. The Marine SNRMO manages the delivery of all marine based assets and operations within the TSRA’s Ranger Programme.

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Applications close at 11:30pm, Sunday 2 April 2023. For further information on these positions contact Moni Carlisle on 07 4069 0700.

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14 SPORT

Naygay champions in Torres Strait ICB comp

BY VELMA GARA PICS SUPPLIED BY KAREN KEANE Naygay Girls and Boys are the Indigenous Community Basketball League Under-14s champions of the Torres Strait competition for 2023.

Due to forfeits by Kuki and Zey in the girls’ semifinals games, Naygay and Sager advanced to the grand finals.

In the boys’ semifinals games, Zey defeated Sager – 55 to 33. Naygay was too strong for Kuki, winning their game – 54 to 14.

It was a close girls’ game with Naygay winning against Sager by just two points – 48 to 46.

Naygay boys had the momentum going into the grand final and defeated Zey – 51 to 22.

Presentations were held after the grand finals games.

Torres Strait Coordinator Mick Loban said Eso to all the players and their parents for their participation throughout the five weeks of the ICBL. He said also wanted to Eso for support the ICBL had received from community including: Uncle Yen Loban & Crew (Ferry service), Aunty Joanne Savage & Marypar Ware (Bus service), Lisa Nona, Karen Keane, Nancy Cook, Sammy Sabatino, (Volunteers), Marcella Mosby-Loban,

THURSDAY 30 MARCH 2023 TORRES NEWS

20 First Nations players in NBL1 teams

BY VELMA GARA Several Torres Strait Islanders will play in this year’s NBL1 North competition.

Torres News had a quick look at the rosters for NBL1 North teams and found there were at least 20 First Nations players participating in the 16-round competition.

There are 16 club teams from across Queensland and over to Darwin, with Cairns

having the most First Nations players on its roster across its men’s and women’s sides.

The national NBL1 competition comprises of North, South, East, West and Central.

The North’s regular season tipped off last weekend and will continue until mid-July 2023.

Here are the club teams with their First Nations players: Cairns Dolphins / Marlins – Teyahna

Bond, Shaneice Swain, Leichan Williams, Curt Ah Wang, Kerry Williams (Men’s Coach) Townsville Flames / Heat – Indiah Bowyer, Michael Cedar Mackay Meteorettes /Meteors – Denesha Bobongie Brisbane Capitals – Abby Cubillo, Tyla Cubillo Darwin Salties – Jamie-Lee Peris, Deba George, Nathan Jawai, Michael Maclean (Assistant Coach)

Walter John Sailor, Weilarni Darua (Most Valuable Players).

NBL1 Heat wins first game

Carly Mosby, Kailu George, Hassan Binawel (Coaches), Anthony Sagigi (Table official), Micaree Binawel, Kiwat Abednego, Thomas Loban, Kailu Luffman (Referees), Robert Nona (Referee / Shot clock), Cedella Gaidan (Referee / Table Official), Lucas Dewis (Shotclock / Coach), Rishad Sabatino (Shot clock), Ayesha Kepa (Table Official), Liberty Seekee (Photographer), Tom Dunsmore, Joseph Passi & Crew (Torres Shire Council), Fay Peters & Frank Morseu (Kaziw Meta) and Irene Laifoo & Crew (Boggo Pilot Hostel).

BY VELMA GARA

Player of the Grand Final • Girls – Nay Binawel • Boys – Kura Stephen

Most Valuable Player of the Torres Strait ICBL • Girls – Weilarni Darua • Boys – Walter John Sailor

Townsville Heat opened its NBL1 North season with a convincing win against the Cairns Marlins – 99 to 70 – last weekend.

Experienced guard, Michael Cedar, said he couldn’t wait to play.

“After being around the competition since 2002 where I suited up for my first game as a teenager, this could be the most excited I have been for a opening game to a season,” he said.

“Townsville is home, and I love being back home.”

Cedar said he was particularly excited about playing in front of his wife and two daughters at the stadium where he had spend a majority of his junior years learning how to play the game.

Heat team was filled with young local products, a couple older veterans and an import who Cedar thought would be amazing to share the court with.

Although he didn’t feature as a top scorer for the Heat, Cedar’s experience and presence on the floor was important.

Guard, Curt Ah Wang, played hard and showed experience for the Marlins.

Michael Cedar. Pic supplied by Townsville Basketball.

The Cairns team will travel to Darwin to play the Salties on Saturday 1 April.

Townsville will be on a road trip to play against Mackay on Friday 31 March followed by Rockhampton on Saturday 1 April.

Meantime, Salties guard, Deba George, had 14 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists in 11.44 minutes of court time.

He shot 4 from 6 three pointers but unfortunately got fouled out in the third quarter in the game against the Southern District Spartans.

Salties got the win at home with a high score of 102 – 89.

Dynamic centre and former NBA player, Nathan Jawai, didn’t suit up to play in this game.

Gold Coast Rollers – Tidjane Diop North Gold Coast Seahawks – Biwali Bayles Northside Wizards – Deshawn Ross-Paiwan USC Rip City – Verle Williams South West Pirates – Alana Fraser, Christopher Cedar Southern Districts Spartans – Hayley McDowell-White, Kobe McDowell-White

NBL news Superstar Australian point guard William McDowell-White, All-NBL Second Team Member and two-time Most Improved Player winner Keanu Pinder, are all out of contract and expected to be highly soughtafter in this year’s list of free agents.

The star-studded list of free agents will be up for grabs from today when free agency opens in the Hungry Jack’s NBL. Teams will still have three imports next season, with 11 contracted players per roster.

NBL Next Stars will not count towards the 11 contracted players.

Week 3 results for Kittyhawk basketball ABOVE: Naygay (Girls Champions).

LEFT: Sager (Runners Up).

NPA BELOW LEFT: Naygay (Boys Champions).

BELOW RIGHT: Zey (Runners Up).

KITTYHAWK BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PICS BY STANLEY ELU

Preseason Week 3 game results Tuesday 21/03/23 Ladies- Kukuwams 30 def Undawu Mari 28.

Men’s- Bucks 62 def Hawks 55.

Thursday 23/30/23 Men’s- Auto Pilot 56 def Ebuaubau 39.

Ladies- Kukuwams 36 def Invaders 32.

SPORT 15

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 30 MARCH 2023

Hometown showdown sees Broncos hold top

BY ALF WILSON Ezra Mam won some hard-earned bragging rights over Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow when the Brisbane Broncos beat the Redcliffe Dolphins 18-12 in the blockbuster NRL round four clash, dubbed the “Battle of Brisbane”, last Friday night.

Ezra’s Broncos and Hamiso’s Dolphins battled it out in front of more than 53,000 spectators packed into Suncorp Stadium.

Ezra lined up at five eighth for the Broncos and Hamiso was in the vital fullback role.

Both performed well and early on Ezra made a great tackle which denied the Dolphins a try.

The 20-year-old Ezra had trained the night before the game with

strapping on his right leg after injuring it in the 40-18 win over the Dragons the previous week in round three.

At the 63rd munute, Hamiso gleefully picked up the ball after an Anthony Milford grubber kick to score and give the Dolphins a narrow lead.

However the Broncos scored two late tries and in the last minute Kotoni Staggs ran the length of the field to seal a Broncos victory.

Brenko Lee played a powerful game for the Dolphins.

A giant-sized centre, Brenko was strong in both defence and attack.

His cousin Edrick Lee will return to the Dolphins line up in coming weeks after injury.

The Broncos sit on the top of the NRL ladder as the only

BRAGGING RIGHTS: Ezra Mam. Pic courtesy Brisbane Broncos. undefeated side in the 17 team comp.

COWBOYS VERSUS TITANS Gehamat Shibasaki and David Fifita played prominent roles in the Cowboys 24-12 win over the Gold Coast Titans in Saturday’s match at Townsville’s Queensland

Country Bank Stadium.

Youngster Gehamat lined up in the centres for the Cowboys and made numerous telling runs and was solid in defence.

However late in the game Gehamat suffered a hamstring injury and finished on the bench.

David was a Titans

powerhouse forward who proved troublesome for the Cowboys defence and was one of the best on the ground.

At the fourth minute David put his stamp on the game when he fired out the final pass for Titans Alofiana KhanPereira to score and the conversion gave the Titans a six nil lead.

After that he also shot a pass to the same teammate who crossed again.

Cowboys enforcer Reuben Cotter of TS descent missed the game for the Cowboys due to injury.

In the final analysis the Cowboys scored four tries to two and had a great second half after trailing 8-6 at the break.

JOHNSTON ROLE IN RABBITS NARROW WIN Livewire outside back Alex Johnston was

Townsville to host ‘legends of league’

dangerous when his team the South Sydney Rabbitohs beat arch rival Manly 13-12 in golden point time.

The flying winger and renowned speedster didn’t score a four pointer in a low scoring game but attracted the attention of the Sea Eagles defence whenever he ran the ball.

GAGAI AND KRIS

both shone in their match.

Newcastle won 24-14 after trailing 14-8 at halftime.

Gagai scored a try in the 45th minute and Kris was mostly safe under the high bomb kick and made some telling runs in attack.

Centre Gagai was one of the best on the field and made a lot of ground up the centre of the ruck.

Kris ran for more than 245m and also made 25 hit ups.

TN0230 8x2 local sports

Canberra Raiders fullback Sebastian Kris and the Newcastle Knights Dane Gagai

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THURSDAY ISLAND / SEISIA Sam Thaiday.

Milton Thaiday.

Billo Mosby.

Vern Daisy.

STORY & PICS ALF WILSON

This “legends of league” match is expected to attract a big crowd at the Townsville Sports Reserve, and before it will be four entertaining curtain raisers.

Sam Thaiday will line up in the forward pack for the NRL Allstars which will also include former NQ Cowboys player Ray Thompson and Gabriel Geesu.

Listed on the Indigenous

side were ex-Newcastle Knights back Milton Thaiday, Billo Mosby, Roy Baira, Fred Bulsey and Craig Waia.

Also on the Indigenous Allstars is former Cowboys, Queensland Origin and Test back Matty Bowen.

The side will be coached by Mount Isa Foley Shield legend Vern Daisy whilst Patrick Mara and Terry Abdul Rahman are listed as team managers.

The main game starts at 6pm after two Masters Games, a women’s match between an Invitational combination and Palm Island Barracudettes, and a Walkabouts versus Palm island Barracudas men’s match.

Former Brisbane Broncos, Queensland State of Origin and Test star Sam Thaiday will be amongst a host of Torres Strait Islander players who will compete in a North Queensland Indigenous Legends versus an NRL Allstars side in Townsville on Saturday.

The games are supported by the Queensland Government and Townsville City Council along with numerous sponsors.

Local footy achievers get to first round game

FERRY SCHEDULE APRIL 2023

Monday / Wednesday & Friday THURSDAY ISLAND to SEISIA: 6.30AM & 2.30PM SEISIA to THURSDAY ISLAND: 8AM & 4PM

EASTER SCHEDULE THURSDAY 6 APRIL PM SERVICES ONLY DEPART • THURSDAY IS 2.30PM DEPART • SEISIA 4PM NO FERRY OPERATING GOOD FRIDAY 7 APRIL EASTER MONDAY 10 APRIL

TUESDAY 11 APRIL AM SERVICES ONLY Boarding strictly 15 mins prior to departure

PHONE 07 4069 1551

RESERVATIONS ESSENTIAL – TICKET ONLINE www.peddellsferry.com.au • Passengers please pre-ticket – online, agents (or by phone: booking fee applicable) Concession fares available, conditions apply

IN TOWNSVILLE: Gibson Kris, Robbie Moore, Tom Kris, Matthew Paipai and Terry Abednego, together for the first round of the NRL on Saturday 4 March. Pic supplied.

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.

16

THURSDAY 30 MARCH 2023

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

Paddlers enjoy fresh water wins

BY TSOCC Torres Strait Outrigger Canoe Club paddlers took to fresh water at Lake Tinaroo to compete at the first regatta of the year hosted by the Dam Outrigger and Cairns Beaches Canoe Clubs (OCCs) last weekend.

The Torres Strait team was a mix of seasoned, novice and junior paddlers who, after months of training were keen and ready for a big day of racing both long distance and short sprints.

Minnows (under 9) and juniors (under 16) enjoyed a number of firsts over the weekend, learning the culture of outrigger canoe paddling, sitting in and racing a oneperson canoe, racing with other clubs, getting medals and making new friends.

Maggie Berryman, 10, tied for first place in her OC1 race, Selina Newman, 9, and Lola Gordon, 9, also brought home first places in their OC6 race.

Kunio Sagigi, 15, raced with fellow paddlers from Mission Beach to take out second place in a 500m sprint against a field of master paddlers.

TSOCC would like to thank the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), Torres Strait Youth and Recreation Association and the Thursday Island community for their support for our juniors.

Senior members of the club also did the club proud, with first time novice racers, several personal bests and three first places to celebrate after months of training.

New club shirts designed

by George Gabey had the club looking sharp, and the unique design produced by Margen clothing was a hit with the other paddlers from the North Queensland region.

TSOCC hope to travel and compete in other regattas and paddling events later in the year.

MEDAL WINNERS Maggie Berryman, 10, Lola Gordon, 9 and Selina Newman, 9.

Pics by Tari Sagigi.