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.
FOR SALE
Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion (TSLIB) 80th Anniversary shirts available Contact Aunty Rosie Ware 0427 692 801 or email rosieware@bigpond.com
Wear your shirts on ANZAC Day! Celebrating the TSLIB 80th Anniversary throughout the year 2023.
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. TSRA. by credit card - issue to offer andrate $189incl. [$171.82ex] 9x4 [36]training ad @ $5.25 Proof approval: 4.30pm Mon. 27/3 human.resources@tsra.gov.au growth.” Quinten Hirakawa <Quinten.Hirakawa@tsra.gov.au>
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
