Torres News_Edition 81_18 May 2023

Thursday, 18 May 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.

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Two new ferries blessed and ready

Two boats new to the Torres Straits, were blessed last weekend by Father Tom Stephen, with a welcome ceremony by Uncle Saila Savage.

The Colossus and Mystery B are both part of a “substantial investment” Torres Strait Tours have made into the region, manager Sonia Einersen said.

“With these two new vessels Torres Strait Tours has made a substantial investment in the region to ensure we have the capacity to cope with demand now and into the future,” she said.

“Both boats working together mean we can more than cater for recent demands placed on the service.

“These vessels are a huge step up in comfort and performance, both are fully airconditioned and have great clear views from inside the cabins.

“Whilst there is still some work to complete to provide disabled access that is underway and will be installed soon, there is also a canopy going over the rear deck of the Mystery B to provide some shade.”

She said the blessings were well-attended with a

free sausage sizzle, drinks and prizes enjoyed by all.

“There were free tickets, gift vouchers and TST Shirts with a new design up for grabs,” she said.

“Interestingly the blessing comes in the same month – 24 years after – the Robert Henry arrived on TI which at the time was also a brand new, state-of-the-art vessel to the area.”

She said a new ‘tag’ system was about to be employed on all their vessels.

“The new system is being installed on all vessels to make paying for travel easier, as well as providing

a more convenient way of tracking balances and trips,” she said. “This will firstly be rolled out to regular weekly travellers and expand from there.

“Suzannah, Elsie, Tony, our families and I would like to express our thanks for the support, well wishes and gratitude from the community, as a family business based on TI for 36 years, we are proud to ensure that income stays in the local economy.”

Pics thanks to Sandie Edwards, Elsie Seriat & Suzannah Salam.

Colossus was the first vessel to arrive all the way from Sydney and has been working hard since it arrived, mostly between Waiben and Ngurpai.

It will also be available for charters to nearby islands and has a ramp that will allow beach landings as well as access over the wharves.

The Colossus can carry up to 68 passengers and is fully enclosed, providing protection from the elements with an icy-cold airconditioner which has been installed in the past week to keep everyone cool, calm and collected on their journey.

Mystery B is a true Queenslander having been built on the Gold

Coast and residing in Gladstone until coming to her new home at Thursday Island.

She is brand new and absolutely amazing on the water.

With a fullyairconditioned cabin and a spacious open deck for some fresh air, she glides through the water at a cruising speed of 18 knots, carrying up to 60 passengers.

Mystery B will be doing the Hammond Island student runs and will be also utilised on the Ngurpai service outside of school times, especially for the Qantas runs to meet demands for capacity.

See our recently expanded timetable for these additional services.

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02 NEWS

THURSDAY 18 MAY 2023 TORRES NEWS

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Path to Treaty legislation historical ‘turning point’

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ITTB member Aaron Fa’Aoso. Pic supplied.

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FLY WITH A QUEENSLANDER

The Path to Treaty Bill, which creates a framework for establishing a First Nations Treaty Institute and a formal Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry, was passed in the Queensland Parliament last week.

Local MP Cynthia Lui said the passage of the legislation was a clear turning point.

“Today is a clear turning point in our state’s history,” she said.

“I am humbled to take part in this very important journey – a journey that will have a long-lasting impact for many generations to come.

“I see this Bill as a pillar of hope – one that will carry our hopes, dreams and aspirations into the future.”

The significance of the new laws, for Queensland and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, was momentous and set in motion real change that will alter the fabric of our society, The Interim Truth and Treaty Body (ITTB) said.

The ITTB was integral in the drafting of the Act and tasked with progressing the Truth and Treaty process.

ITTB Board member Aaron Fa’Aoso said it was important the treaty-making process was community-led.

“There’s a lot of scepticism because of broken promises, previous legislations, policies, acts,” Mr Fa’Aso said.

“We’re charged with giving that information and taking our people in communities on this treaty-making journey which will not be without its challenges and it’s something that we are very aware of as well.”

Board member and key drafter of the Act, Professor The Hon Michael Lavarch AO, said the legislation was the first of its kind in Queensland and centred the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples into the clauses contained within the Act. “This is why the passing of the Path to Treaty Act 2023 is such an extraordinary occasion – it ensures

First Nations peoples have the freedom and power to make decisions and craft solutions on their own terms,” he said.

“We’ve certainly come a long way since the Aboriginals Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act in 1897, which did not allow this freedom of rights.”

The Path to Treaty Act was underpinned by the UN Declaration to the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and specified the key bodies to be appointed to progress the truth telling and healing process, and to prepare the community for treaty-readiness.

The ITTB are independent of Government.

ITTB co-chairs Cheryl Buchanan and Sallyanne Atkinson AO, said it was important to get the next steps right to set a firm foundation to progress this work.

“Generosity of spirit needs to occur for treaty to be beneficial and for our future generations to live a good life,” Ms Buchanan said.

“We all have anger and some type of hurt we carry which will come out in the truth telling process – we need to capture that energy and direct it in a positive way that we can create the change that is well overdue in Queensland.

“Our time for truth telling, our time for treaty is now.”

Following the Community Yarning sessions, likely to continue until November 2023, the ITTB will prepare a report to the Minister for Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Craig Crawford with recommendations on the set up of the structures that will carry this significant work forward.

The ITTB said they would be back to visit Torres Strait clusters over the coming months to ensure Ailan views were captured in preparation for Treaty negotiations.

Visit the website to keep up to date on Community Yarning sessions at www. truthandtreatyqld. org.au

NEWS 03

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 18 MAY 2023

Sea cucumber fishing reinstated after 20 years Teatfish: sea cucumber species (Holothuria (Holothuria whitmaei). whitmaei ).

Vessel in action, tackling illegal fishing. Pics Australian Fisheries Management Authority.

Pedro Stephen AM said the black teatfish season was vital to support livelihoods and traditional ways of life for all Torres Strait communities.

“The recent consultation, supported by the TSRA, connected science and traditional knowledge to support local economic aspirations,” Mr Stephen said.

Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said there were few examples of sea cucumber species elsewhere in the world that had recovered from being over-fished.

“The commitment of Traditional Inhabitants to support and implement improved management measures has been critical to allowing the species to open for fishing and will see increased economic returns to their

communities,” he said.

“The export value of Australian sea cucumbers has risen substantially over the last decade due to declining stock around the world, as well as massive demand from other countries where they are a highly desirable cuisine and eaten for purported health and medicinal benefits.”

Black teatfish are vulnerable to overfishing as they are sedentary and found in inshore waters, making them easy to harvest.

They must be caught from a boat smaller than seven metres in length and the sea cucembers themselves smaller than 25 centimetres.

The season will close on a date yet to be determined by the PZJA.

No change needed as NRL signs up for ‘yes’ The final report of the Joint Select Committee on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice has recommended the Parliament pass the Constitution Alteration Bill without amendment.

A joint statement from Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney and Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the Committee’s recommendation was based on evidence of significant support for the Voice from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities.

They said it also reflects the

overwhelming consensus of constitutional and legal experts, who told the Committee the amendment was constitutionally sound.

As part of this process, they said, the Government provided the Committee with an opinion from the Solicitor-General, in which he confirmed the provision was not only compatible with Australia’s system of government, the addition of the Voice would enhance it.

The Government thanked the Joint Select Committee Chair and members for their work.

“We look forward to the Bill progressing through Parliament and Australians having their

say on constitutional recognition later this year,” they said.

MEANWHILE Yes23 campaign director Dean Parkin welcomed the National Rugby League to what he described as an “ever-growing movement” of people, communities and organisations getting behind a ‘yes’ vote.

“Rugby league is so embedded in local communities across Australia, and this decision by the NRL is another important step in demonstrating widespread support for a ‘Yes’ vote,” he said.

“The NRL has a proud tradition of connection with Indigenous communities and

nurturing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent.

“In its statement the League encourages people to get informed so that we can move forward together – this is something we fully endorse.”

The NRL Statement said they were “committed” to the Voice.

“First Nations communities have deep bonds with Rugby League and are part of our fabric at all levels, from grassroots participants and fans to the Indigenous stars who light up the NRL and NRLW,” they said.

“The NRL has had its own independent ‘voice’ since the commencement

of the Australian Rugby League Commission.

“The Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council (ARLIC) plays an integral role in making representations to the ARLC with ideas and views on behalf of Indigenous peoples across the game.

“True change comes through listening, learning and taking action – and we encourage everyone in the Rugby League community to get informed by the facts, and use their voice, so we can move forward together.”

The AFL was also expected to announce their position on the referendum later this week.

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included 30 participants representing the fishing industry and Native Title interests across the Torres Strait,” he said.

“The black teatfish season will be monitored by a joint patrol of fisheries officers from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to ensure all fishing is in accordance with the rules.”

Local MP Cynthia Lui said the revival of black teatfish was a conservation and restoration success story.

“Traditional owners will benefit from having exclusive rights to black teatfish, and regulations will ensure their numbers will be conserved for generations to come,” she said.

Torres Strait Regional Authority Chairperson Napau

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Torres Strait Islanders will have exclusive access rights to black teatfish, estimated to be worth $380,000 to the local economy, after the fishing season for the highly valued sea cucumber was reopened for the first time in 20 years on Monday this week.

Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the opening was the culmination of decades of concerted conservation and stock restoration efforts from Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) and other government agencies, scientists and Traditional fishers to rebuild the fishery.

“The 2023 season opening date has been set following advice from a Beche-de-Mer industry workshop, which

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04 NEWS

THURSDAY 18 MAY 2023 TORRES NEWS

Local MP spends time on Waiben and Saibai Local MP Cynthia Lui has been in the Torres Straits since last week, and has spent some time on Waiben and Saibai.

Ms Lui’s first visit was to Our Lady of Sacred Heart School to check on the progress of a $5.2 million investment from the non-state schools capital fund granted to the school in September last year.

Similarly on Saibai earlier this week, the MP, with guests Member for Redlands, and Chair of the Education, Employment and Training Committee Kim Richards, Member for Kurwongbah, and Chair of the Transport and Resources Committee Shane King, visited the Council, school, health and marine infrastructure.

“The Palaszczuk Government continues to invest in services and vital infrastructure to meet the ongoing needs of community,” she said.

“Kim, Shane and I spent some time earlier this week with students and teachers at the Tagai State College Saibai Campus - Queensland’s most northern recipients of the recent Round 1 of Go for Gold Schools Grants.

“This little school received $4975 in funding for soccer goals and nets for the school through the Go For Gold funding which is providing vital sporting equipment that encourages active play and increases participation in sports at schools right across Queensland.”

She said she was just as excited to meet Thursday Island TAFE students on Waiben over the weekend.

“Good to see these young men giving up their Sunday, and hard at work to complete their Coxswain training at Thursday Island

ABOVE: Coxswain trainees at Thursday Island TAFE with Ms Lui and her guests.

RIGHT: Ms Lui at the Tagai State College Saibai Campus.

Pics supplied.

TAFE,” she said.

“I am passionate about training and employment pathways to ensure that courses such as these leads to good, stable jobs in the region.”

Ms Lui also took the opportunity to set up a mobile office on Waiben, as well as

a visit the TI Hospital, Tagai Secondary Campus and MSQ officer Tony Dorante at the Maritime Safety Branch.

She spent Mother’s day with her son Jonah and his girlfriend Rothanna, and good friends, Jacob, Calista and their little girls.

CLASS ACTION ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE TORRES STRAIT ISLANDS

This is an important notice ordered by the Federal Court of Australia

What is this notice about?

Two Torres Strait Islander leaders have brought a legal case against the Australian Government on behalf of all Torres Strait Islanders. The case is about climate change and its effects on Torres Strait Islanders.

If you are a Torres Strait Islander, and believe you have suffered loss or damage as a result of the Australian Government not doing things to protect Torres Strait Islanders from the effects of climate change you are automatically part of the case. You can: 1. Stay in the case by doing nothing; or 2. Leave the case by sending a form called an opt-out form, or by emailing Phi Finney McDonald and telling them you want to opt out, by 4:00pm AEST on 26 May 2023.

You do not need to pay money to stay in the case.

Information about the case Uncle Pabai Pabai and Uncle Paul Kabai from Boigu and Saibai Islands in the Torres Strait have brought a legal case in the Federal Court against the Australian Government.

The case is about climate change and its effects on Torres Strait Islanders. The Australian Government is defending the case.

Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul's lawyers are a firm called Phi Finney McDonald. They are helping Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul to bring the case.

What do you need to do to be part of the case?

The case is called a “class action” because Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul have brought the case on behalf of everyone who is Torres Strait Islander (by descent or by customary adoption) (Torres Strait Islander) and who believes they have suffered loss or damage as a result of the Australian Government not doing things to protect Torres Strait Islanders from the effects of climate change. In legal terms, everyone who meets this description is a “Group Member”.

If you meet the description, you are automatically a Group Member and you don’t need to do anything to be a part of the case.

What do you need to do if you don’t want to be part of the case?

If you don’t want to be part of the case, you need to tell the Federal Court. This is called ‘opting out’ of the case. There are two ways you can opt out: 1. Download the opt out form from www.climatecase.com.au, fill it out and post or email it to the Victorian Registry of the Federal Court at 305 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 or vicreg@fedcourt.gov.au.

2. Email Phi Finney McDonald on climateclassaction@phifinneymcdonald.com and say you want to opt out.

If you want to opt-out, you must send the form or email by 4:00pm on 26 May 2023.

Where can you get more information or ask questions?

If you have questions about the case or this notice, please do not ask the Court. You can contact Phi Finney McDonald on the details below. If you do not want to talk to Phi Finney McDonald, you should talk to your own lawyer.

1. Email: climateclassaction@phifinneymcdonald.com 2. Visit: www.climatecase.com.au 3. Call: +61 (0)3 9134 7100

A copy of this notice is available for inspection at Phi Finney McDonald’s offices, Level 3, 325 Flinders Lane Melbourne 3000, and at the Cairns Registry of the Federal Circuit and Family Court at Level 3, 94-104 Grafton St, Cairns City QLD 4870.

NEWS 05 Women and girls find a way forward from Wiyi Yani U Thangani Summit TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 18 MAY 2023

STORY AND PICS

BY VELMA GARA There was overwhelming support for major changes to make a better future for our women and girls at the Wiyi Yani U Thangani Summit in Canberra last week.

The Summit was designed for First Nations women to speak on their own terms to government, policymakers and service providers about addressing issues affecting First Nations women and girls.

The main event was preceded by a Youth Forum which was attended by over 150 young First Nations women.

Overall the Summit was the culmination of a five-year systemic change project led by the Commission’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner June Oscar AO. On the final day, 950 women and girls confidently supported the establishment of an Institute for First Nations Gender Justice, to be based at the Australian National University, and a National Framework for Action to achieve First Nations Gender Justice and Equality.

Delegates were from all across the country – from

Summit Communique The landmark Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voice) project holds our stories and truths.

The Report and supporting documents are our blue-print for systemic and structural reform.

We’ve come to this historic gathering, the first of its kind in Australia, to determine how to translate this substantial body of

cities, remote and regional towns and islands – and met over three days to attend presentations covering the four key focus areas for the new Institute.

They were: • Leadership and Decision-Making for Self Determination • Language, Land, Water and Cultural Rights • Societal Healing and Intergenerational Wellbeing • Economic Justice and Empowerment Ms Oscar said she was was overwhelmed by the enormity of the occasion, which united and established lifelong family and friends.

“Look around you at the power that is here,” she said.

“See one another, the connections and strength.

“Honour the stories you all carry, none came from nowhere.”

She said the next step for attendees was to provide feedback.

It was hoped the Framework would be launched on International Women’s Day in 2024, along with the establishment of the Institute.

ABOVE : Torres Strait delegation. BELOW: Torres Strait Represents!

Watch for more Summit stories in our next issue J

work, our collective voices, into shaping the future we want to have a right to.

We know that real, meaningful change will only come from us, We Are The Change!

Together, we resoundingly endorse the next steps: A National Framework for Action and an Institute for First Nations Gender Justice and Equality.

This work is about constructing our own table, so we have power and control

over the decisions that impact our lives.

The energy of our sisterhood, the spirit of this Summit, will create the foundations, scaffolding and focus of the Framework and Institute.

Australia has never had a consistent and coherent national plan or approach to respond to our rights and interests as First Nations women and girls.

Nor have we had an independent space, belonging to us.

The Institute will be our place, where we will create the research agenda, design the models to support thriving societies for our women and families on the ground, and put forward our stories and lived experiences as evidence-based and innovative policy.

Through the Summit, as we awaken the force of action drawing from our collective strengths, wisdom, knowledges and lived experiences, it is time we make this happen.

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06 MOTHER’S DAY

THURSDAY 18 MAY 2023 TORRES NEWS

‘Happy Mother’s Day’ On Mother’s Day we thank mothers everywhere, in all shapes and forms, for the immeasurable contributions they make every day, UN Women Australia says.

From managing households to managing boardrooms; from leading the school sports team to leading roles in parliament, mothers make a significant impact in every area of society.

As we honour the women who have come before us,

Mum’s honoured in Warraber feast

we recognised the incredible work that mothers do to raise up the leaders of tomorrow, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to champion the rights of women and girls so that mothers and women everywhere have equal opportunities to achieve their full potential.

To all the mothers and mother figures out there, we say thank you for all that you do, and hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day.

Mothers on Warraber on their special day. Pic by Lopez Bowie.

BY ALF WILSON

TORRES SHIRE COUNCIL TORRES SHIRE COUNCIL To lead, provide & facilitate a sustainable, To lead, facilitate a sustainable, & culturally vibrant community safeprovide and&culturally vibrantsafecommunity

PUBLIC NOTICE Closure of Council Facilities due to Winds of Zenadth Cultural Festival Torres Shire Council would like to advise community members the following Council facilities will be closed from Monday 22 May 2023 to Friday 9 June 2023, re-open on Monday 12 June 2023.

1. TI Sports Complex (includes Gym and Pool) 2. HI Sports Complex (includes Gym) 3. Loban Road Hall 4. TRAWQ Hall 5. Library 6. Ken Brown Oval

Beautiful and muchloved mums were honoured during a wonderful event for 35 mothers on Warraber last weekend.

Around 100 men, women and children were at the special ceremony where mums’ and guests enjoyed a community lunch prepared by organisers, the local Men’s Group and the Surumau Gladiators.

It took a week of preparations to organise their delicious Ailan dishes including amai turtle and damper, Wongai and pumpkin domboy along with seafood, fish, turtle, clamshell and crayfish.

They enjoyed traditional Ailan music well into the afternoon.

There was also, of course, a huge Mother’s Day cake.

“The preparations started on the previous Monday and finished a day after Mother’s Day

The Mother’s Day cake. with the men doing the wash up and clean up,” Warraber Cr Kabay Tamu told the Torres News.

“There was a combined service where all the three churches came together on Sunday morning for morning and evening services.

“It was celebrated together by whole community and all the mothers looked beautiful on the day.

“Our men certainly showed their appreciation to these strong Warraber women – ‘The Pillars of our Community’.”

He said it was a Mother’s Day they would remember.

Council apologises for any inconvenience caused to our local community during this time.

Should you have any enquiries please contact: Torres Shire Council Manager Business Services, David Abednego on 4069 1336.

Some of the many Warraber Men who assisted on the day.

DALASSA YORKSTON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MAY 2023 The Surumau Gladiators boys who helped organise and run the Mothers Day celebrations.

MOTHER’S DAY 07

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 18 MAY 2023

Townsville Mums come together for special celebrations STORY AND PICS

BY ALF WILSON A special Mother’s Day event held at St John’s Anglican Church in Townsville on Sunday was attended by about 100 people.

Healthy food and traditional Ailan music and songs were on the menu.

Happy mother Mesela Newman, 77, was there with her son Ken, daughters Denise and Esme, daughter in law Pam and six-year-old great-granddaughter Indianna.

Mesela and her family live in Townsville but come from Bamaga.

Therese Cowley was also there, busy preparing healthy food in the kitchen although she still managed to spend time with her 18-yearold daughter Olive-Rose Pearson.

Millianna Davey, 81, has a daughter living on Erub – her island home – and was a regular at events for the Townsville Torres Strait Islander community with her was long-time friend Mamam Martin, age unknown.

“She just turned 21,” joked a relative sitting next to her, followed by loud laugh.

It was a happy occasion, as well as a time for reflection and memories.

Douglas Kaigey with guitar.

Elsie Lui, Lala Sambo, Wasee Lui & Amy Kaddy.

Moses Gizar, Zac Salee, Ian Kaddy & Jim Tapau.

Mother Therese Cowley with daughter Olive-Rose Peasron.

The Newman family: Ken, Denise, mum Mesela, Esme, Pam & Indianna.

Millianna Davey & Mamam Martin.

Front: Sienna Gagee-Kudub, Maria Thaiday & Jessie Ghee, behind Rita Gabey.

The main table where the feast was served.

Happy mother Mesela Newman, middle, with daughters Esme, left, and Denise.

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08 CLIMATE CHANGE

THURSDAY 18 MAY 2023 TORRES NEWS

Climate Justice Charter calls for Indigenous Empowerment An Australian & Pacific First Nations Climate Justice Workshop held in Cairns late last month resulted in support for an Indigenous Climate Justice Charter calling for Indigenous empowerment “to sustain and regenerate the land, waterways, the sea, the air and all their biodiversity

drawing on their cultural knowledge and authority”.

The workshop involved First Nations representatives from North Queensland and the Pacific Region, including GBK chair Ned David and Torres Strait Islanders Lenora Thaker and Talicia Bolea, and produced the Yidinji Declaration in

support of their call.

The Declaration will be presented to the Pacific Urban Forum in Fiji in August this year

by Eastern Regional Organisation for Planning and Human Settlement (EAROPH) President, and Deputy Governor of East Java, Dr H Emil Elestianto Dardak.

It said First Nations

experience was “vital for our collective action for a just future” and included a list of global principles and actions.

The Declaration also outlined an Australia Pacific Framework which included: developing a pilot program for compensation for loss and damage attributable to climate change; establishing long term,

community-led planning and resources; and, assisting with pathways for local Indigenous communities to access international climate finance programs to support them in strengthening their resilience to climate change.

Mr David said the Declaration had his personal support but was yet to be taken to the

GBK board.

“In principle we would support it,” he said. “I think this is critically important for all First Nations people, and a lot of other people who are concerned about what’s happening on the climate front or the environmental front and the impact it has on everyone.

“So this is very important.”

He said the Declaration set some clear expectations.

“I think you have some clarity around what the aspirations are of First Nations people, and it gives everyone, I think, a clear set of ideas that First Nations and people who are keen to protect the environment can work towards,” he said.

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Nearly 50,000 petition signatures were delivered to Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers MP calling on the Government to commit to urgent funding for seawalls and climate adaptation measures in the Federal Budget earlier this month.

Our Islands, Our Home Community Organiser Waniki Maluwapi said the sigantories echoed calls from the Torres Strait for seawalls.

“We need climate action now,” she said.

Included in the delivery was a tub of special edition Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, This is Our Whirled, a flavour designed to bring awareness to the campaign led by Torres Strait Islanders to protect their Island homes from climate change.

“In the coming weeks we should be

notified of the government’s response to the landmark decision made in the Torres Strait 8’s favour by the United Nations Human Rights Committee,” Waniki said.

The decision was the first time an international court found: • a country had violated human rights law through inadequate climate policy; • a nation state was found responsible for their emissions under international human rights law; and, • peoples’ right to culture was at risk from climate impacts.

She said more signatures were needed to put pressure of the Government to act.

The petition can still be signed at https://ourislandsourhome.com. au/#petition

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350 Australia Queensland organiser Beatrice Valek with Waniki Maluwap at Treasurer, Dr Jim Chalmers’ offices in Logan, near Brisbane. Pic supplied.

BUDGET NEWS 09

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 18 MAY 2023

Federal budget falls short for Leichhardt in 2023-24 Federal Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch MP has expressed his disappointment with the Labor Government’s 2023-24 Budget, highlighting a lack of support for key infrastructure projects and increased costs that will impact residents and businesses in Leichhardt.

On tourism, Mr Entsch welcomed the Government honouring the $15 million for Tourism Tropical North Queensland he secured in the previous government but criticised their increase to the passenger movement charge.

“The passenger movement charge is getting a $10 per head increase, it’s another cost added on top,” he said.

“You could probably live with it, if that money was reinvested back in tourism, but it’s not going to be.”

He called for a boost to funding for international travel through the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG), which was now seeing tapered investment under the new government.

“At a time where we need to maximise our focus on attracting international visitors, Labor haven’t expanded the scheme to enable larger operators to take the lead in securing visitors from the array

The LNP has labelled it a “budget of broken promises”, Kennedy MP Bob Katter has labelled it as “unimaginative” and the Greens said it was a “betrayal of people who were promised that no one would be left behind”, but groups from several sectors across health, housing and have welcomed at least some of the initiatives announced in last week’s 2023-24 Federal Budget.

Here’s a round up of some of the responses to the Albanese

This is the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians – the beginning of a new chapter that will make our nation proud.

of new markets,” he said.

The Budget’s 20 per cent increase on working holiday visas and tourist visas was another point of concern for Mr Entsch.

“This government has cut infrastructure, has no plan to manage migration, but has also added to the cost of holiday visas,” he said.

He also expressed disappointment over the lack of allocated funds for marine precinct infrastructure.

“They didn’t allocate the $24 million needed to finish the marine precinct, it’s the last tranche in order to get it to completion, and they haven’t stepped up to do it,” he said.

“We’ve seen the Queensland Government in recent days commit to half of that money, but they need to convince the Federal Treasurer to commit to the other half,” Mr Entsch said.

He said the 60-day dispensing for pharmacies was also a counterintuitive measure the government was going ahead with, despite negative implications for regional communities and advice from community pharmacies.

“I’m seriously concerned that this is going to impact on the viability of pharmacies particularly in our regional communities,” Mr Entsch said.

Budget snapshot COMPILED BY CHRISTINE HOWES

The Albanese Government is working together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to make a practical difference, help close the gap and deliver a better future Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney and Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health Senator Malarndirri McCarthy say.

Government’s 2023-24 Budget: ● This year’s federal budget’s investment in vocational training was a welcome step towards addressing the nation’s critical skills shortage, the Independent Tertiary Council Australia says. ● HESTA welcomed the Federal Budget as potentially providing significant cost of living relief to women and lower income earners, with funding for a much needed 15 per cent pay rise for aged care workers and measures to encourage green investment.

Continued P10 N

Uluru Statement from the Heart

Improving Housing

We are continuing to deliver on our commitment to implement the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full. Later this year Australians will be given the opportunity to recognise the First Peoples of Australia in the Constitution through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

$20.8 million over two years to arrest the decline of Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL).

AHL is a critical provider of culturally safe accommodation enabling First Nations people to access vital services, particularly people who need to travel to regional and urban areas to access these services. Funding will enable AHL to increase spending on meals, improve security and undertake urgent repairs, maintenance and capital works.

The National Agreement on Closing the Gap In February 2023, the Albanese Government outlined the strategic priorities for Closing the Gap over the next 12 to 18 months as part of our 2023 Implementation Plan, committing $424 million of additional spending.

Better Health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People The Government is investing $3.5 billion to triple the bulk billing incentive, supporting more doctors to bulk bill consultations for children under the age of 16 and Commonwealth concession card holders.

This will have a positive impact for the over 310,000 First Nations concession card holders.

Clean Drinking Water & Food Security The Government is committing $150 million over four years to support First Nations water infrastructure and provide safe and reliable water for remote and regional communities. Funding for the National Water Grid fund will target communities that do not have access to clean drinking water. $11.8 million for the National Strategy for Food Security in remote First Nations communities to make essential food more affordable and accessible.

Tackling Family Violence The Albanese Government is deeply committed to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to address the unacceptable rates of family and domestic violence they experience.

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Brisbane Gold Coast

10 BUDGET NEWS

THURSDAY 18 MAY 2023 TORRES NEWS

Budget snapshot – responses and highlights Strait Islander health, with some concerns it didn’t go far enough to support core primary health care. ● The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) said budget delivered critical support to single parents, people on low incomes needing health care, and kicked off important investment to retrofit low-income homes to improve their energy efficiency. ● ACOSS also

M Continued from P9 ● The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson said the Budget helped small businesses with contemporary challenges. ● The Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) welcomed the budget as a step in the right direction for Aboriginal and Torres

welcomed the increase in wages for people working in aged care, most of whom were low-paid women, and the establishment of a Net Zero Authority to oversee impacted worker and community transition to a clean economy. ● The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) welcomed funding announced in the Federal Budget for a rain gauge network

TN0461 • 09/02/23

to keep communities safe but has warned other critical funding – such as the Federal Assistance Grants and Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program – has been cut, vanished or ignored. ● The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) welcomed the federal Budget as a game changer for GPs, practice teams and the patients they care for across Australia.

Budget highlights include:

● a range of new initiatives through this Budget to help deliver the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 ● the most significant single year investment in women’s equality in at least the past 40 years. ● support for more than 340,000 veterans and dependants accessing services through

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the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). ● investments to protect our electoral integrity, boost enrolment and bolster our institutions. ● support for Australians with a disability through a range of investments in employment and employment opportunities; better data collection for better services and early intervention for autism. ● Establishing an Energy Bill Relief Fund to provide up to $3 billion in electricity bill relief to eligible small businesses and households, in partnership with the states and territories. ● developing the critical minerals industry needs to make batteries and other green technologies an integral part of our plan for Australia to become a renewable energy superpower. ● a new strategic approach to delivering regional investment through a Regional Investment Framework ● getting the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) back on track by improving outcomes for participants and ensuring the sustainability of the Scheme for future generations. ● A new Industry Growth Program to offer advice and grants to start-ups and small-to-medium businesses, to help them commercialise their ideas and grow. ● investment in new social and affordable housing, incentivise new long-term rentals and provide additional support for lowincome renters during difficult times. ● an additional investment through the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border Force to improve Australia’s migration program and build on Australia’s already strong border and national security settings. ● investments in Medicare will triple the bulk billing incentive, deliver cheaper medicines and grow the health workforce. ● delivering a transformational package of support to the Pacific to respond to Pacific priorities and ensure our shared interests in a peaceful,

prosperous and resilient region. ● deliver strong investments in emergency management that will ensure a cohesive approach to natural hazard preparedness, emergency response and recovery. ● deliver targeted investments across early education, schools and higher education and builds on our Cheaper Child Care investment. ● Provide funding stability to the ABC and SBS in the communications sector. ● Households and businesses will be able to access energy upgrades to improve their energy use and save on their energy costs, with a $1.6 billion Energy Savings Plan. ● Legislate a national Net Zero Authority to ensure the workers, industries and communities that have powered Australia for generations, can seize the opportunities of Australia’s net zero transformation. ● delivering record new investment in Australia’s arts sector in the 2023-24 Budget, with almost $950 million in additional spending over four years to safeguard our national institutions, train and support creators, and deliver on the vision of our new national cultural policy, Revive. ● strengthen the national biosecurity system, through the development of long-term sustainable funding to help ensure agriculture is protected from short and long term threats like exotic pests, disease and climate change, as well as helping to grow the industry through access to more workers and overseas trade markets. ● increasing workingage and student payments and Commonwealth Rent Assistance, as part of the Budget’s $14.6 billion cost-of-living package.

The Government said it would continue to fight to elevate Indigenous voices, to remove barriers to full participation in our national life, and to close the gap in social outcomes that are holding people back.

HEALTH NEWS 11

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 18 MAY 2023

Self-collection option Remote health access helicopters increases far north cervical (x 2) to new heights screening participation The Queensland Ambulance Service’s capacity to provide 24/7 emergency health care to the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula region has received a massive boost with the addition of two new helicopters with more speed, range and operational capability than ever before, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced.

Two AW139 helicopters would arrive in 2024, with the services expected to be operational by the second half of that year, replacing the two Bell 412 helicopters currently servicing the region.

They would be stationed at Horn Island, where the current base was to be upgraded to include staff accommodation and a patient holding facility.

Local artists have been engaged to design the artwork for the new helicopters to ensure they were representative of the local communities they served.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the remote location of many people on the Cape and in the Torres Strait meant aeromedical services were vital.

“This investment will improve health care and improve facilities for patients,” she said.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’ath said delivering emergency health services in the most decentralised state was a challenge.

“Not only will these helicopters support interfacility transfers of patients and delivery of emergency

health care via pre-hospital missions, they will also provide enhanced search and rescue capability, a critical service in the region,” she said.

“Having dedicated clinical staff and onsite facilities will improve operational response times, in line with other helicopter bases across the state”.

Local MP Cynthia Lui said it meant more jobs and opportunities for the region.

“We know modern facilities are near the top of the list when it comes to attracting health workers to regional areas, and with the new choppers and base on Horn Island, we tick those boxes,” she said.

“This means more jobs and opportunities for local Queenslanders throughout construction and once the base is open next year.

“It will also allow greater support capabilities to nearby health facilities such as Bamaga and Weipa as well as support for 000 responses in the Northern Cape.”

Queensland Ambulance Service Retrieval Services Executive Director Dr Mark Elcock said helicopters were the most effective and efficient aeromedical transport option for this unique region.

“Once operational, the addition of these two new helicopters will provide 100 per cent emergency helicopter availability for the region, with a dedicated service and fully kitted out, state of the art airconditioned rescue helicopters,” he said.

A self-collection option introduced in July last year as part of the National Cervical Screening Program has been widely adopted in the Torres Strait, Cape York, and Northern Peninsula Area, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Men’s and Women’s Health Clinical Coordinator Sandra Gregson says.

She said an impressive 49 per cent of cervical screening tests in the health service region were now self-collected.

“This was the highest self-collection percentage achieved by any health service in the state, and well above the state-wide self-collection average of 14.5 per cent,’’ she said.

“The self-collect test gives people the option of collecting their own sample in a private space such as behind a curtain or private room, rather than a clinician

Source: Department of Health & Aged Care website – https://www. health.gov.au/self-collection-for-the-cervical-screening-test.

collecting the cervical sample.

“This has definitely proved popular in our region.

“You can book a cervical screening test at your GP, your local primary healthcare centre, any family planning, and sexual

health clinics and at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical services.’’

The self-collection option is helping increase cervical screening uptake amongst First Nations people and women who have never

screened before.

For more information: https:// www.health.gov. au/our-work/ national-cervicalscreening-program and https://www.health.qld. gov.au/public-health/ cancer-screening/ cervical/program

Staying healthy and strong – a simple bowel screening test can save lives A new campaign featuring Waanyi Gangalidda and Erub man Trevor Tim is encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to stay strong and healthy by doing a free bowel cancer screening test every two years from the age of 50.

Bowel cancer is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer and one of the most common cancers impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

If detected early, almost all bowel cancers are treatable.

“I think it’s very important that our people, our mob, do the free test,” Trevor said.

“We’re talking about leading the way for our people, we need to close the gap and we need our mob to be living longer.

“When I talk about our brothers out

there, (they) need to be a Warrior of the 21st century.

“Act by your actions, lead by your actions.

“By you doing the test and looking after yourself, your younger brothers, sons, younger cousins, uncles… can… see what you’re doing and act on that, so you then become a true leader.”

The free at-home test kit is sent to people at their Medicare registered home address once they turn 50.

Contact the National Cancer Screening Register at www.ncsr.gov. au or call on 1800 627 701 for more information.

To find out more about the benefits of bowel cancer screening or to download campaign and stakeholder resources visit www.indigenousbowelscreen.com.au

12 ART NEWS

THURSDAY 18 MAY 2023 TORRES NEWS

Writer’s Fest an Ailan feast STORY BY VELMA GARA PICS SUPPLIED BY JILLIAN BOWIE

Left: Artist Bobbi Lockyer, and above, the winning poster. Pics courtesy NAIDOC website.

2023 poster comp winner announced for NAIDOC The winner of the 2023 National NAIDOC Week Poster Competition is Bobbi Lockyer, a Ngarluma, Kariyarra, Nyulnyul and Yawuru artist, born and based on Kariyarra Country in Port Hedland.

National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chairs, Steven Satour and Dr Lynette Riley said Ms Lockyer’s artwork, For Our Elders, powerfully captured the spirit of this year’s NAIDOC Week theme.

“Our Elders are an integral part of our communities, the keepers of our wisdom, and important bridges between the modern world and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures,” Mr Satour said.

“There has never been a more pressing time to

sit down and listen to our Elders.”

On behalf of the National NAIDOC Committee the co-chairs thanked the many talented artists who submitted their artwork.

“Each year, judging and selecting the artwork is one of the toughest jobs of the National NAIDOC Committee as there is so much talent amongst all our communities,” Dr Riley said.

Ms Lockyer said her art was not defined by conventional means.

“As an artist I find art healing,” she said.

“When I create, it’s like a whole other world.

“With this poster I wanted to showcase how important our Elders are in passing down traditions and culture to our children and future.”

The National NAIDOC

Committee and Kmart Group also announced Kmart has been appointed the Official National NAIDOC Week Poster Distribution Partner for 2023.

The partnership means posters would be distributed by over 100 Kmart, Khub and Target stores across the country from early June.

Kmart and Target will display the posters at select stores and provide them to customers free of charge.

Where possible, customers could also be able to access the posters from the front of the store.

Visit the NAIDOC website to learn more about this year’s artwork and winning artist and to download a range of freeto-use social media tiles: https://www.naidoc.org.au/

The 2023 Brisbane Writers Festival (BWF) provided some incredible sessions of Torres Strait Islander content on its program last weekend.

First Nations Curator Samantha Faulkner said she was honoured to be chosen to curate six panels, which were: • For Our Elders with Aunty Vicky Duff; • Torres Strait Islander Youth and City Living with Destiny Dewis, Jamie Healey, and Mayella Koroi; • Olympic Spirit and Experience with Paula Dewis and Benny Mills; • Japan-Australia Research Project with Dr Julie Lahn, Dr Annick Thomassin and Jacinta Baragud; • Writing Women’s Stories with Lenora Thaker and Jillian Bowie; and, • Writing Men’s Stories with Benny Mills and Aaron Fa’aoso.

As the author of Life Blong Ali

Drummond: A Life in the Torres Strait with Ali Drummond, Samantha was also invited to give the First Word keynote, which formally opened the BWF on 10 May 2023.

“That was a thrill and I was nervous but I got through it with my family and friends in the audience,” she said.

She said she found it hard to pick out a few highlights, as there were so many to choose from.

“I did enjoy hearing from the South Korean writers,” she said.

“South Korea was the country of focus in 2023.

“I saw Alexis Wright talking about her new book Praiseworthy and Debra Dank on We Come with This Place.”

The five-day event was a very busy festival.

“There were a lot of books to buy, a lot of networking being done and just the general buzz of excitement coming from readers and writers to be on Turrbul and Yuggera country,” she said.

TSI Youth and City Living (L to R) James Healy, Destiny Dewis, Mayella Koroi & Samantha Faulkner (Moderator).

Writing Men’s Stories Samantha Faulkner, Benny Mills & Aaron Fa’Aoso.

Samantha Faulkner & Jillian Bowie.

Point of view the mark of Nazareth’s life work

BY VELMA GARA

Nazareth Alfred (Filmmaker/AFTRS Graduate). Pic supplied.

Nazareth Alfred was conferred her Bachelor of Arts (BA) at the prestigious Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) in a graduation ceremony in Sydney last week.

A Masiglayg Kulkalayg woman, Nazareth was born on Thursday Island, and said she was a filmmaker dedicated to telling diverse and unique stories.

“I like to write and direct stories about social issues and injustices in all genres,” she said.

“I write from my own lens with my own authentic voice.

“I tell my stories about traumas and adversaries, which are not mine alone, but our stories, Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander stories.”

Nazareth started her BA at AFTRS in 2020 and has already written and directed three short films.

Her second-year short documentary titled: Pills & Powder Milk screened on SBS OnDemand for over 12 months.

Now enrolled in a Masters (MA) in Directing at AFTRS, Nazareth will finish this next round of studies next year.

“I am currently developing a project for my final year in the Masters,” she said.

“I hope to take to my capstone [final] project in 2024 a short film titled: SEE-SAW.” She said the story was set in Townsville and was a drama/coming of age/dark humour about a rebellious

Torres Strait Islander girl caught between two worlds, her cultural world, and the western world.

The girl was challenged and struggled to find her way in both worlds after being traumatised by ongoing death and illness in her family.

As she rebelled against her family, her brother held her responsible.

“SEE-SAW was born out of sheer frustration of trying to make sense of the challenges of extreme, and relentless deaths and illness in my family,” Nazareth said.

She said the story was personal – she wanted to show a story of a First Nation teen trying to make sense of the two contrasting worlds, hers, and the western world.

“Even though I’m writing

for a niche audience, this is a universal story of an individual needs versus the community needs,” she said.

“I want our youths and elders to feel empowered when they see our mob in leading roles on screen.

“Whether the stories make us laugh, cry, give us thrills or make us scared, it is okay and it is safe to talk about it.”

Nazareth spent her childhood on Masig Island and in Townsville.

“I want to tell stories to entertain, and I want to tell stories to educate and inform others and bring them into our world to experience our– rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures,” she said.

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14 SPORT

THURSDAY 18 MAY 2023 TORRES NEWS

Mam saves try

BY ALF WILSON

EZRA MAM’S MIRACLE TRY SAVER Brisbane Bronco Ezra Mam produced one of season’s best try saving tackles when his side lost 26-14 to the Melbourne Storm in round 11 last Thursday.

Commentators were confident that his miracle save at the 51st minute would be near the top on the season’s highlight reels.

Ezra knocked the ball from the grasp of Storm’s Eliesa Katoa who was across the line saving a certain try.

It was rated as the play of the game.

The Broncos are second on the ladder, ready to meet premiers the Penrith Panthers tonight in what has already been dubbed the match of the round.

KRIS SCORES AGAIN They were cheering on Mabuiag Island and Waiben when Sebastian Kris starred for the Canberra Raiders in their 26-18 win over last year’s grand finalists the Parramatta Eels on Saturday night in NRL round 11.

It was the fifth win in a row for the Raiders and fullback “Seb” again proved he is one of the most underrated players in the 17 club NRL. Canberra moved to sixth spot on the ladder and will meet the Manly Sea Eagles at home on Sunday afternoon.

Seb was sensational when he scored a try at the 45th minute and was dangerous in attack and generally safe under high bomb kicks in defence.

COTTER IN FORM FOR ORIGIN Reuben Cotter put in yet another strong performance when the Cowboys rolled the St George Dragons 42-22 before a large crowd at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday night.

It was the Dragons’ Ben Hunt’s 300th NRL game but the Cowboys were far too good and have moved from 15th place on the ladder to 13th.

After the game Reuben was asked by FOX Sport commentators about his great attacking and defensive effort.

“I am getting there and would still like to be a lot better. I am working on it and chipping away,” he said.

With two great games in a row, Reuben must be a great chance for Queensland State of Origin selection again.

The Cowboys will travel to Sydney to face Wests Tigers on Saturday at Leichhardt Oval, a venue where they have lost eight of their past nine games but were last-start winners in 2021.

DANE AND DAVID AMONGST THE TRIES Opponents Dane Gagai and David Fifita did their Queensland State of Origin selection chances no harm with dominating performances during the Newcastle Knights 46-26 victory over the Gold Coast Titans on Sunday.

A highlight of the match was David’s second try 15 minutes before fulltime when he dashed 92m to score.

David ran for more than 200 metres in a tireless performance.

Dane was excellent in both defence and attack showing great pace and determination.

DOLPHINS FACE A STORM The Dolphins had the bye and in round 12 at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night will face the mighty Melbourne Storm who are fifth on the ladder.

Surumau Gladiators host junior camp The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) recently supported the Surumau Gladiators Rugby League Club to host Warraber’s Junior Rugby League Camp and Careers Market.

Young people from across Torres Strait’s Kulkalgal

and Kemer Kemer Meriam Clusters gathered to enjoy sports including OzTag and Basketball while learning key fundamentals including: • building confidence, meeting new people, making new friends • gaining leadership

BY VELMA GARA

FLYING winger Alex Johnston didn’t score a try but turned in a strong attacking game when the South Sydney Rabbitohs scored a 20-nil win over Wests Tigers at Accor Stadium on Saturday.

Johnston ran for 136 metres and made 13 powerful runs.

It was the sixth win in a row for the Rabbitohs which now sit top of the NRL ladder after 11 rounds.

The Rabbitohs face the Eels in Round 12 at Allianz Stadium on Friday night.

Cairns NBL1 North teams are back in the winning circle after solid wins at home last weekend against Mackay in Round 7.

Dolphins centre LJ Williams was injected into the starting lineup due to the absence of New Zealand Tall Ferns forward, Penina Davidson, and made the most of the extra court time to finish the game with 20 points and 12 rebounds.

WNBA prospect Shaniece Swain played her usual high standard game and contributed 21 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists.

Teyahna Bond was also a big contributor to finish the game with 14 points.

It was a big margin win for the Dolphins, 86-64.

The ladies team is sitting third on the ladder.

The Marlins defeated Mackay men’s team, 96-89, with guard, Curt Ah Wang, a big threat off the bench with 24 points.

He shot 7 from 9 attempts from beyond the three point arc.

Cairns will have a well-earned bye this weekend.

Alana Fraser’s South West Metro Pirates continue to get the wins, defeating Gold Coast 92-84.

It was a close game between Gold Coast and South West Metro with TJ Diop’s Rollers getting the three point win, 102 to 99 over Chris Cedar’s Pirates.

Cedar had the chance to take the game into overtime but missed his three pointer jump shot attempt seconds before the

Australian Idol winner Royston Noell was a popular starter as he performed before the Cowboys game in Townsville.

Round 12 of the NRL – the Indigenous Round – starts tonight as a celebration and acknowledgement of First Nations players in the league.

All teams will wear jumpers with Indigenous designs.

TSRA’s Healthy and Safe Communities programs and Warraberalgal Rangers joined Defence Australia (Navy, Army, and Air Force), Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service and Meriba Ged Ngalpun Mab to share career opportunities with our young future leaders.

LJ Williams starts in big margin win for Cairns

JOHNSTON A METRE EATER

ROYSTON POPULAR AT COWBOYS GAME

skills, crucial for career prospects • identifying a range of employment and career opportunities, both local and in the wider community • staying healthy and active at a young age.

Dolphins centre LJ Williams. Pic supplied. final buzzer sounded.

Northside Wizards had an off-shooting night against Sunshine Coast Phoenix, losing the game 68-91. Guard, Deshawn Ross-Paiwan, had 11 points and four rebounds.

Darwin Salties shot the lights out in the first half and Mackay never recovered, winning the game 102-88.

The Northern Territory team piled on 60 points in the first half to Mackay’s 36. Guard, Deba George, continued to support his team off the bench with 14 points, three rebounds and two assists.

The Salties travel to Central Queensland to play against Mackay and Rockhampton.

No doubt, Mackay will be ready for them at their home court.

At this stage both Salties teams are sitting high on the NBL1 North Ladder – Women (2nd) and Mens (4th).

Townsville Heat and Flames had the bye and will go on a three-game road trip, playing Logan tomorrow night, North Gold Coast (Saturday) and South West Metro Pirates (Sunday).

Round 8 will be the half way mark for the NBL1 North competition and all teams will be making sure they are playing their best basketball so as to make the playoffs at the end of regular season which will be in July 2023.

KITTYHAWK scores from last week were: Women’s Game - Kukuwams 39 def Undawu Mari 20 Men’s Game Auto Pilots 49 def Ebuaubau 38 and Bucks 54 def Space Jam 32

SPORT 15

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 18 MAY 2023

Tallisha Harden signs for NRLW NQ Cowboys

BY ALF WILSON In what is a major signing coup, champion Jillaroos and Queensland star Tallisha Harden has agreed to a one-year deal with the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys for the inaugural 2023 NRLW campaign set to start in July.

Tallisha will be the Cowboys ladies marquee signing for the season and is one of five Torres Strait players in the squad.

The others are forwards Sareka Mooka and Essay Banu, along with backs Tahlulah Tillett and Jasmine Peters.

The Cowboys ladies will field an awesome forward pack with Tallisha, Sareka and Essay, all strong runners who make lots of metres.

Tallisha has an impressive record having played four

Tallisha Harden with ball playing for Jillaroos.Pic supplied.

Tests for Australia, four State of Origins for Queensland, and six Indigenous All Stars appearances and three for the Australian 9s.

The 30-year-old has registered 18 NRLW appearances over four seasons with the Broncos

and one for the Roosters.

Starting in the second row, Harden scored a try in the Broncos’ 20-10 grand final win over her former team the Roosters in 2020.

She played four games for the Broncos in the 2022 season, scoring

one try and averaging a career-high 112 running metres per game.

“The experience and knowledge Tallisha will bring to our group will be priceless,” Cowboys NRLW Head Coach Ben Jeffries said.

“With her

International and Origin experience, Tallisha understands what it takes to play in big games and prepare weekly for the NRLW, which will be important knowledge for a playing group with an average age of 22.

“I have had the opportunity to coach Tallisha in the Indigenous All Stars arena and with our roster here at the Cowboys boasting over 40 per cent Indigenous players, Tallisha will assist us in getting the best out of our players throughout the 2023 NRLW season.

“On the field Tallisha is renowned for her tireless defensive workrate.

“We are looking forward to having her don Cowboys colours in 2023.”

The season, set to be the biggest NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership ever, will feature nine rounds, double headers and – for the first time –

matches in primetime.

New teams are the Canberra Raiders, Cronulla Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys and Wests Tigers.

The competition will kick off on Saturday 22 July with a Queensland derby clash between Titans and Cowboys at Cbus Super Stadium, followed by premiers Newcastle taking on St George Illawarra at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Round One will

also feature standalone matches at Sunshine Coast Stadium (Brisbane Broncos against Sydney Roosters in the first ever NRLW primetime fixture) and CommBank Stadium (Parramatta Eels against Premiership debutantes Wests Tigers).

Cronulla and Canberra will face off in the final clash of the first round, as part of a Sharks-club double header at PointsBet Stadium.

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Northern Pride’s Mene scores in Colts

BY ALF WILSON Tries by Torres Strait Islanders Dantoray Lui and Bernard Lewis during the Northern Pride’s 32-30 win over the Western Clydesdales on Saturday saw the Cairnsbased side move into the top eight of the Hostplus Queensland Cup comp.

The round nine game was played at Clive Berghofer Stadium in Toowoomba and the Pride scored six tries to five.

At Jack Manski Oval in Townsville, the Blackhawks scored a 54-4 win over the PNG Hunters with a 10 try to one drubbing.

The try scorer for the Hunters was Solo Wane.

The Mackay Cutters lost 42-6 to Burleigh Bears and the CQ Capras went down 36-20 to the Redcliffe Dolphins.

In round 10 this coming weekend the Pride will meet Souths Logan Magpies at Tully, the Blackhawks take on Norths Devils and the Cutters clash with the Redcliffe Dolphins.

MENE HASTINGS DEERING COLTS PREMIERSHIP In round four on the weekend, Jacob Mene scored a try for the Northern Pride, who lost 56-22 to Western Clydesdales.

Mackay Cutters defeated Burleigh Bears 22-14 and Redcliffe Dolphins beat CQ Capras 32-24.

THURSDAY ISLAND / SEISIA

FERRY SCHEDULE MAY 2023 Monday / Wednesday & Friday THURSDAY ISLAND to SEISIA: 6.30AM & 2.30PM SEISIA to THURSDAY ISLAND: 8AM & 4PM

Rising Northern Pride star Jacob Mene, who plays in the Hastings Deering Colts competition.

Pic QRL.

BMD LADIES GRAND FINAL On Sunday the Burleigh Bears beat the Wynnun Manly Seagulls 24-10 in the BMD Premeirship Ladies Comp grand final at Logan Metro Sports Complex.

The week before the Burleigh Bears beat the Mackay Cutters which included four TS players 22-18 in a semi final.

WEIPA TO HOST PRIDE GAME The Northern Pride is drawn to meet the Sunshine Coast Falcons in round 18 of the aptly named “Country Week” on the weekend of 15 and 16 July.

In previous years Bamaga and Waiben have hosted

Country Week games.

Six other country towns – Kilcoy, Miles, Proserpine, Wondai, Biloela and Stanthorpe will host other games.

Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said Country Week had become a much anticipated annual event.

“This is one of my favourite rounds on the Hostplus Cup calendar and this season it’s great that we’ve been able to work with the QRL to bring Country Week games to Weipa, Wondai and Miles for the first time,” Minister Hinchliffe said.

Formerly Cairns-based, QRL competitions manager Dave Maiden said Activate Queensland Country Week would bring people together

through various game-day activities and school and community visits.

“We expect to have contact with 10,000-plus participants over the duration of the event,” he said.

“It’s a great leveller for our players and our competition as it reminds everyone how tough it is for some of these communities who have to travel four or five hours to play a game of rugby league and the conditions they often play under.

“It’s also a reminder for our players of where they come from, and to never underestimate the parents, volunteers and the people from junior clubs who help get them to where they are now.”

Boarding strictly 15 mins prior to departure

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16

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

THURSDAY 18 MAY 2023

ZKJRL named QRL Club of the Year!

BY ALF WILSON Waiben’s Zenadth Kes Junior Rugby League has taken out the Queensland’s Rugby League prestigious Community Club of the Year award.

The QRL announced the Community Volunteer Awards, which proudly showcase the achievements and contributions of some of the game’s most dedicated volunteers, earlier this week.

QRL official Michael Hillier said that by encouraging an inclusive space for families, the Thursday Island club had grown from 100 juniors to 140, while also adding 15 volunteers.

“The progressive club committee has demonstrated the importance of growing their volunteer base and providing engaging activities for all members, while working in partnership with various community organisations,” Mr Hillier said.

The ZKJRL was congratulated by several well-respected rugby league identities, including former-Northern Division Manager Scott Nosworthy, who is now the QRL State Strategy Manager.

“To the Zenadth Kes Juniors who hail from one of my favourite places on this earth, congratulations to you,” he said.

“Not everyone understands the work that you do not only to host games on weekends, but to be able to provide an opportunity for your teams to travel away to carnivals to give the young boys and girls and their families from the Torres Straits a life experience is a fantastic achievement and one you should be very proud of.”

Cairns-based Regional Game Development Manager Alby Anderson also congratulated the award-winning league.

“I would also like to congratulate Zenadth Kes Junior Rugby League for continuing to grow Rugby League up in the Torres Strait’s. Outstanding work,” he said.

NRLW Head Coach and Elite Women’s Coach of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys ladies Ben Jeffries also congratulated the ZKJRL. QRL general manager of community and competitions Glenn Ottaway congratulated recipients and acknowledged the collective input of all volunteers across the state.

“Volunteers are the heart and soul of community rugby league, and these awards help shine a light on those who play a vital role in providing a safe and organised environment for players, coaches and referees,” Ottaway said.

Pieces of home in special NRL round Star Broncos Ezra Mam and Selwyn Cobbo have been hitting the media with their support for this week’s 2023 NRL Indigenous round, which was officially launched on Tuesday this week.

Bringing the round to life across the weekend (18-21 May), all venues will use their traditional custodian land names, matches will be preceded by welcome ceremonies and Indigenous cultural performances, and teams will take the field in specially designed jerseys inspired by local Indigenous art and storytelling.

Selwyn took teammate Ezra home to Cherbourg last weekend to talk about their incredible journey and launch this year’s jersey for the Broncos.

The artwork they helped launch on Saturday was designed by Quandamooka and Nunukul artist Casey Coolwell-Fisher.

“It’s pretty special you know, being able to wear this jersey and be a young leader,” Selwyn said.

Meanwhile Ezra will run onto the field tonight with a special piece of his family on board.

He will be wearing boots with Indigenous artwork designed by his nephews DJ and Phillip, with inspiration drawn from both his Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander roots.

Mam said he was touched to see both his cultures represented through the storytelling in the design.

TN0529 10x7

Location.

Location.

Location.

Selwyn went home to Cherbourg with Ezra to unveil the team’s new Indigenous Jersey. Pic thanks to Brisbane Broncos.

“I got my two nephews to design my boots so that’s pretty special for myself to have more of a special connection to my boots and obviously a connection to my

family,” Mam said.

“I’m very proud of my nephews to be putting an art piece together and I’ll be happy to run out in them this week.”

The Broncos will host reigning Premiers Penrith Panthers tonight at Suncorp Stadium in what is set to be a spectacular celebration of the round.

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