Torres News_Edition 82_25 May 2023

Thursday, 25 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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For Denne ...

Torres Strait Outrigger Canoe Club on their #paddlefordenne last weekend. Pic by Chris Boon.

See page 12 for more tributes to Denne Bourke, missing at sea since 3 May. N

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02 NEWS

THURSDAY 25 MAY 2023 TORRES NEWS

Beach clean-ups this weekend Tangaroa Blue, the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and Kaurareg Native Title Aboriginal Corporation invite Waiben and Muralag residents – and anyone else who would like to join them – for a weekend of beach-cleans this Saturday and Sunday.

Target beaches include Long

Beach, Sadies Beach, Bach Beach and Waterfront.

Water bottle (drinking water provided), covered shoes and sun protection is essential, with a BBQ for volunteers set for 2pm at the Bowls Club on Saturday, and lunch provided on Sunday.

For more information contact

ebony@tangaroablue.org

Above & below: Erub Island bamboo cutting.

Winds of Zenadth Festival update

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

A good deal of hard work has been done over the past few months in preparation for the most anitcipated event of the year - The Winds of Zenadth Cultural festival.

Torres Shire Council said they particularly wanted to acknowledge the crew from Erub who cut 150 Bamboos for Festival.

Au Esoau Erub.

The Cultural Village Display has also taken

shape in preparation for the Festival.

The Winds of Zenadth Cultural Festival will be held next week, also National Reconciliation Week, from next Tuesday to Saturday on Waiben.

It’s themes are: • • •

The Voice from the Deep Malungu Yungu Wakay Mirkar

FLY WITH A QUEENSLANDER

Horn Island airport display. Pics supplied.

Apology In last week’s 18 May 2023, edition 81, the caption at the bottom of page 8 misspelled Waniki Maluwapi’s name.

The Torres News

editorial staff would like to sincerely apologise for the error and assure her and her family we have corrected the mistake on our electronic records.

NEWS 03

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 25 MAY 2023

ACTU Secretary acknowledges proud history ACTU Secretary Sally McManus enjoyed her time on Waiben honouring our proud union history and marching with local members last Friday.

The 1936 Maritime strike right up to today’s cost of living crisis and the need for pay rises in the Torres Strait were all on her agenda, as was union support for a ‘yes’ vote in this year’s referendum.

Torres News was told Sally had a “fantastic time” meeting and matching with locals, and she was “impressed to see people from all the islands in the Torres Strait come to celebrate the day.”

She passed on her thanks to the people of Waiben and the Torres Strait for their warm welcome.

2023 GAB TITUI

ART AWARD OPENING 2 NOVEMBER 2023 Share in over $37,000 worth of prizes

Pics supplied.

Joint initiative to mark DV prevention 4MW broadcasters said it was great to have Mura Kosker Sorority staff at the table with them to promote Domestic and Family Violence Prevention and Awareness Month earlier this week.

Everyone was invited to go and check out the info stall and share a sausage sizzle.

It’s in our control to stop coercive control – say NO to Domestic and Family Violence!

If you or a family member is affected

by DV call Mura Kosker Sorority to access their DV Counsellors on 4069 1663.

Pics supplied..

ENTRIES NOW OPEN Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal artists living in the Northern Peninsula Area and Torres Strait region are invited to submit their artworks (created in the last 12-months) for a chance to share in over $37,000 worth of prizes.

Terms and conditions apply.

For more information about the 2023 Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award, please contact Leitha Assan: 07 4069 0888 | leitha.assan@tsra.gov.au

04

THURSDAY 25 MAY 2023 TORRES NEWS

BE READY FOR THE CONVERSATION. What’s the Voice referendum about?

It’s about whether we should change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by setting up an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. A referendum is the only way to change the Australian Constitution.

What is the Voice?

The Voice would be a permanent body that gives independent advice to the Australian Parliament and Government on matters that affect First Nations people.

The Voice aims to help the Parliament and Government to make better decisions and deliver better outcomes for First Nations people.

How will the Voice be set up?

How it’s set up would be determined after the referendum with input from First Nations people, the broader public and the Government. The Parliament would then make a law to set up the Voice.

The intention is that its members will be chosen by and representative of, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from across Australia.

Scan here to visit the website

Be ready for the conversation, get informed at

Voice.gov.au

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 25 MAY 2023

Entries open for 2023 Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award Entries are now open for the 2023 Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award (GTIAA), proudly supported by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA).

Chairperson Mr Napau Pedro Stephen AM said they were proud to support the return of the awards after a prolonged COVID-19 hiatus.

“It’s the biggest event on the Gab Titui Cultural Centre’s exhibition and events calendar, attracting attention from leading cultural institutions and prominent Indigenous curators and artists,” he said.

“This year, winning artists will share in $37,000 worth of prizes, including the $10,000 first prize.

“A new award category has been introduced to celebrate and showcase the incredible jewellers and textile weavers in the region who will compete for a prize of $2000 and be awarded for Best Contemporary Jewellery Work.”

Renowned curator, Indigenous arts advocate and proud Nunukul woman Avril Quaill has joined the 2023 GTIAA as this year’s guest judge.

She is the current the First Nations Engagement Principal at the Queensland Museum and Chair of the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) Indigenous

2018 Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award. Pic by NMA. Advisory Committee.

“Ms Quaill’s extensive experience and knowledge of Indigenous arts make her an ideal guest judge for the awards,” Chair Stephen said.

“She will lead a panel of cultural advisors in the judging process to identify works that personify culture, provoke conversation and are visually stunning.”

To enter the 12th GTIAA, local Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal artists and craftsmen, living within the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area, can submit one entry in any medium, that has been created in the last year, and has not been exhibited before.

Entries close on Friday, 21 July

(5pm), and the exhibition will open with an awards presentation on Thursday, 2 November, 2023.

The Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award was established as an initiative of the Torres Strait Regional Authority’s Culture, Art, and Heritage Programme to provide opportunity to local artists wishing to increase their exhibition experience and exposure nationally.

For more information about the Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award or to submit an entry, please contact: Leitha Assan, Exhibitions and Public Programmes Manager, Gab Titui Cultural Centre, 07 4069 0873, leitha.assan@tsra.gov.au or call 07 4069 0888.

NEWS 05 Funds tie leadership to drought and fire control As part of the Torres Cape Indigenous Councils Alliance (TCICA) and under the Cape York NRM umbrella, the three regional Councils covering the NPA and Torres Strait will take a share in funds to mitigate drought and fire in the coming months.

The funds, from the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) come under a Cape York Torres Water Project and a Cape York Torres Fire Project.

The initiatives seek to help agriculture-dependent communities in regions across remote, rural, and regional Australia that are vulnerable to the impacts of drought and fire become more prepared for and resilient to these impacts.

The Cape York Torres Water Project aims to increase skills, knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by drought through the delivery of a water education program and activating a co-designed community-led strategic water security plan.

The Cape York Torres Fire Project seeks to improve capability, coordination, and collaboration between professional, social and

community networks, which can be drawn upon in future drought, through the delivery of a series of fire prevention training activities, events and forums.

Over the past three months FRRR and ARLF have worked closely with local community partner lead organisations to identify projects such as events, training and workshops, which local groups in the region can implement to create opportunities for communities.

Each of the regions being funded will also receive access to tailored ARLF leadership development activities.

Lead organisations can choose between one of five leadership development activities, depending on their projects and local priorities.

ARLF CEO, Matt Linnegar, says leadership development supported the short-term delivery of projects and yielded long-term benefits for the regions.

“In addition to the project funding, these leadership development activities are a crucial investment in building the social capital required to support the project and each region,” he said.

The projects will be completed by June 2025.

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06 SCHOOL NEWS

THURSDAY 25 MAY 2023 TORRES NEWS

WBNM campus enjoys a colourful Colour Fun Run Improved school attendance prompted a celebratory Colour Fun Run, sponsored by Indigenous Marathon Foundation, at the Waybeni Buway Ngurpay Mudh school oval last Friday.

“Our goal leading to this fun event

was for all students to attend,” Head of Campus Rick Cass said.

He said the goal was achieved and family and friends were welcome to come and watch and enjoy.

Pics supplied.

NEWS 07

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 25 MAY 2023

Refreshed Cabinet to deliver for Queenslanders priority should be achieving health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders, amidst challenges like hospitals, ambulance ramping, and workforce shortages.

“The gap isn’t closed,” he said.

“Many measures have regressed.”

He thanked the outgoing Health and Ambulance Services Minister Yvette D’Ath for her support given to the sector.

Minister Meaghan Scanlon has been promoted to take on responsibility for the new standalone priority portfolio of Housing.

Minister Leeanne Enoch will have responsibility for Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities and the Arts.

Minister Di Farmer will assume responsibility for Youth Justice.

“Our government cares about

Work starts to consider a First Nations Cultural Centre in Cairns The Queensland Government will lead the development of a business case for a First Nations Cultural Centre in Cairns, in addition to an iconic First Nations Cultural Centre in Brisbane.

A First Nations Cultural Centre for Far North Queensland based in Cairns acknowledges Cairns as an important gateway to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island cultures of Far North Queensland, and will complement the development of a business case for the Brisbane based centre to be delivered as part of the SEQ City Deal.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the centre would provide a deeper view of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in the Far North.

“Cairns is an ideal home for a new First Nations Cultural Centre – it is a gateway to the reef and the rainforest, both of which flourish under the custodianship of our First Nations people,” she said.

“I’m proud our government can make this announcement, as we continue to walk the Path to Treaty hand in hand with First Nations Queenslanders.”

The vision for these First Nations Cultural Centres was to showcase and celebrate the rich history, unique stories and truth telling of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Dedicated First Nations Cultural Centres brought communities and cultures together and foster longterm social and economic benefits including creating jobs, training and employment opportunities for First Nations Peoples across the state.

It was envisaged that the First Nations Cultural Centres in Cairns and Brisbane will act as hubs, connecting with First Nations communities across the state, including the network of Indigenous Art Centres and other significant sites and locations throughout Queensland.

Queenslanders and what they’re thinking - I have listened, and I have

acted,” the Premier said.

“I’m going to use the experience I have as

Premier to have a critical focus on shaping a better and fairer Queensland, now and for the future.

“I’m firmly focussed on the future.

“And I’m firmly focussed on the key issues affecting Queenslanders – as my government is.

“That’s why I have refreshed the government by refreshing the Cabinet and today marks a new beginning.”

Freecall 1800 732 850 Email enquiries@ wakai-waian. com.au 40 Douglas St Thursday Is. Our very own cultural safe, Psychological and Counselling support service that delivers to youme first nations and non-indigenous people throughout “Zenadth Kes” region. The Social, emotional wellbeing bor youme in the community e responsibility and business bor youme everyone.

Original artwork by Marcus Lee Design

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has unveiled a refreshed State Cabinet focussed on delivering for Queenslanders now and for the future, she says.

The refreshed Cabinet will continue to drive Queensland’s substantial and modernising economic agenda for the future, while also tackling the issues affecting Queensland households today.

In the new Palaszczuk Cabinet, Shannon Fentiman will take responsibility for Health and Ambulance Services, Mental Health and Women.

The move was welcomed by the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC), who said they had enjoyed a “good relationship” with Minister Fentiman in her past portfolios.

QAIHC Chair Matthew Cooke (pictured) was quick to point out Minister Fentiman’s top

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08 2023 NAIDOC AWARDS

THURSDAY 25 MAY 2023 TORRES NEWS

Represent! Ailan finalists in National NAIDOC 2023 National NAIDOC Week Awards Finalists Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

Innovation Award Category

• Aunty Dr Naomi Mayers OAM

• Dr Rhett Loban • Daniel Motlop • Passing the Message Stick

Person Award Category • Professor Kelvin Kong • Murrawah Johnson • Megan Krakouer

Female Elder Award Category • Dr Aunty Bilawara Lee • Aunty Dr Matilda House-Williams • Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann AM

Male Elder Award Category • Pastor Dennis Phillip Jetta OAM • Tom Slockee • William Tilmouth

Youth Award Category • Brodie Murray • Courtney Burns • Mitchell Harrison-Currie

Proud of of Proudtotobebea part a part

Education Award Category • Aurora Education Foundation • Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child and Family Centre • Professor Jacinta Elston

Creative Talent Award Category • Aaron Fa’Aoso • Dr Anita Heiss • Rachel Perkins

Sportsperson Award Category • Ash Gardner • Donnell Wallam • Indi Cooper

Caring for Country and Culture Award Category • Lala Gutchen • METRONET Noongar Reference Group • Talei Elu

LIGHT UP

YOUR FAVOURITE

Aaron Fa’Aoso.

Lala Gutchen.

Talei Elu.

Not one, but two Torres Strait Islanders – Lala Gutchen and Talei Elu – are finalists in the Caring for Country and Culture category of the 2023 National NAIDOC Awards.

Other Torres Strait Islander finalists include Aaron Fa’Aoso for Creative Talent, with special mention to climate change campaigner Murrawah Johnson – a finalist for NAIDOC Person of the Year.

Selected from a pool of almost 200 nominees, nearly 30 finalists overall exemplified the spirit of NAIDOC, which is a week-long celebration of

Blak excellence across the Country, the national Committee said.

“The National NAIDOC Committee is very fortunate to be able to read the stories of so many of our people who are achieving remarkable results and working tirelessly to support their communities,” National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair Dr Lynette Riley said.

“It is an honour to be entrusted with selecting these incredible finalists.”

Co-Chair Steven Satour said National NAIDOC Week Awards sought to recognise and honour

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who really understood their communities and worked to create positive change.

“Each year we receive nominations from all over the Country, from big cities to small communities, and today we pay tribute to every single one of those people,” he said.

Award winners will be announced at the National NAIDOC Week Award Ceremony on Saturday 1 July 2023 in Meanjin (Brisbane). Tickets will go on sale in early June.

Pics supplied.

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THURSDAY 25 MAY 2023 TORRES NEWS

YUMI College News

TA G A I S TAT E CO L L E G E

Literacy

Year 1 and 2 Students - Spelling Progress

Work on the Tagai State College Literacy System started in Term 3 of 2021 and has been ongoing. There are several compelling cases for this work to continue to develop as we progress. At the top of the list is the need to develop our own capability in the College to teach English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) for students to fluently speak, read, write and spell English.

Our primary Literacy System Design strategy includes, Waybeni Buway Ngurpay Mudh being our Flagship campus.

The campus has been resourced with additional literacy specialists to help develop capability; of our Heads of Campus, teachers and our teacher aides to be highly competent to do this work with students. There have been some great news stories to come out of Term 1’s spelling data at Waybeni Buway Ngurpay Mudh and all campuses.

The next piece of work is to engage with Dr Tim Lewis, Director of Positive Behaviour Interventions and Support (PBIS) from the United Stated to support us to engage authentically, culturally appropriately and sensitively with all students and their families. This is such exciting work to see our progress towards We Are One and We Are Many!

We have also developed interventions that are targeted at students who are not progressing at the same speed as their peers so that their learning continues to improve.

Literacy is taught in the morning. Ensure children are at school before the first bell.

This new way of teaching is already showing great results that you can see in the graph. These results are the culmination of the quality of the teaching demonstrated daily by the teachers and the high quality of the professional learning developed by our dedicated support staff.

All Primary Students - Spelling Progress

Head of School - Yolanda McLean

Year 3 to Year 6 Students - Spelling Progress

The graph shows our campus improvement from 2020 – 2023 in each of the 7 Essential Features of Positive Culture for Learning. Our aim is for all campuses to reach 95% or above.

Positive Culture for Learning We achieved a major milestone this year with five campuses, Poruma Ngurpay Lag, Masig Muysaw Ngurpay Lag, Badhulgaw Ngurpay Lag, Ugar Eruer Lag, Erub Erwer Uteb achieving 100% in their Schoolwide Evaluation Tool (SET) audit and four campuses, Kadhego Ngurpay Lag, Mer Eruer Uteb, Malu Kiyay Ngurpay Lag and Dauan Ngurpay Lag campus that achieved our 95% target or above this year. A huge shout out to all the staff and students involved for this achievement.

The Purpose of the SET is to assess and evaluate the critical features of schoolwide effective behaviour support across each academic school year, which provides a snapshot of our Tier 1 performance.

Waybeni Buway Ngurpay Mudth Head of Campus Rick Cass

enjoyed the afternoon as they made their way home to start the weekend.

Well done students!

Waybeni Koey

Classroom 3A

Head of Campus Matthew Tully Youth in Control Leadership Camp Over forty Year 11 students enjoyed an eventful stay at Irrki (Bamfield, Prince of Wales) for the Youth in Control Leadership Camp on Tuesday 16 May.

Colour Fun Run

Staff, students and parents were all excited to particpate and cheer on students at the Colour Fun Run on Friday 19 May. This event was an afternoon of joy for our students celebrating whole school attendance. Our target for this term is 90% and currently we are at 84%.

Their colour-filled smiling faces showed how much everyone

Ngurpay Mudth

Students from Classroom 3A are using their new laptops for 21st century learning across all curriculm areas.

‘I love using laptops for our school work because it makes it fun’ Ryu

Queensland Mental Health, Lena Passi Womens Shelter and Thursday Island Community Justice presented “The Will of Respect”.

By far the highlight for students was Mr Saliman Binjuda (Kaurareg Ranger), guiding group hikes, and leading and helping the students prepare the kupmari for their dinner.

This camp was funded through the Local Thriving Communities Grant from DATSIP.Their ongoing support is truly valued by our campus.

Students and Staff were Welcomed to Country by Traditional Owner Kusa Wasaga (a former Tagai State College Student) and followed by engaging learning exercises/experiences across the four days.

Activities were led by staff and special guests, including Queensland Police; delivering the Elevate program.

Special thanks to camp coordinators Ms LJ Shibasaki and Mr Damien Broderick, teaching staff and all the special guests for making this camp happen!

Mina big eso, it was so much fun!

11

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 25 MAY 2023

At Poruma we have eight small groups working across our two classes with targeted interventions for individual students occurring daily.

Poruma Ngurpay Lag

Positive Culture for Learning This week our students are focussing on being responsible in our return from the oval at the conclusion of play time.

Head of Campus Tim McKee Term 1 Attendance - 27 Students Enrolled Current

90.2% (25 students)

Target Goal

95% (26 students daily)

Literacy Every morning our students take part in our Promoting Literacy Development program.

Bell rings, whistle blows, game over.

All students get a drink go to the toilet and then line up for their next class.

Athletics Carnival Sports houses Ghaiya (The Red Wasps) and Urab (Green Coconuts) are currently in heavy training for the upcoming Athletics Carnival held on Wednesday 21 June.

Students begin as a whole group then they are grouped based on their current spelling and reading ability levels. Our Teachers and Teacher aides deliver the content that is targeted to each specific group.

Teacher aides are taking the students through their paces after school 3-4pm everyday. Ghaiya is training for ball games on Wednesday and Urab are practicing their march and war cry on Thursday.

This will be an eventful day and we invite all parents, caregivers and the community to come support our children on this day!

Our awesome Teacher aides have been specially trained by Ms Deb to implement this Multi-tiered System of Support.

St Paul Ngurpay Lag Head of Campus Kaltie Tabuai

Positive Culture for Learning I take Responsibility for my actions.

Term 1 Attendance - 40 Students Enrolled

Why: I will be a model student How: I think before I act What: I will make good choices

Current

77.3% (31 students)

Target Goal

90% (36 students daily)

Literacy After a stuttering start to Term 2, our Promoting Learning Development is clicking into full stride. With the expert guidance of our very own Ms Deb Calder, we are implementing Tier 1 and Tier 2 and venturing to pilot the Tier 3 intervention system.

The focuses are chosen from collaborative staff discussions about observed behaviours in all settings and implemented over a fortnight.

The focus is then explicitly taught around the defining questions of, Why must I take responsibility for my actions, How will I take responsibility for my actions and What does it look like when I take responsibility for my actions?

This has meant we have had to be consistently concise with our delivery routines, to not only reap maximum benefits, but more importantly, tailor to individual student’s needs.

These questions will be adapted to suit the next focus, whereby we may change the content but adhering the same structure, therefore maximising uptake through familiarity.

Narupay

To support students who are not improving, we have implemented our Multi-tierd Systems of Support intervention program to bridge the gap.

Ngurpay Lag Head of Campus Rachel Moore Term 1 Attendance - 60 Students Enrolled Current

69.1% (42 students)

Target Goal

90% (54 students daily)

Literacy Here at Narupay Ngurpay Mudh our students have been working hard, learning the phonic code through their Promoting Learning Development (PLD)-SSP program.

Students in all classes are working extremely hard this term to improve their spelling and reading results. Many students have shown great progress in their individual data this term.

Attendance is crucial for our PLD program to work and for the interventions to have any impact on student progress. Every day really does count for us to give our students the best chance at success.

Positive Culture for Learning Our focus for this week is ‘I am Safe.’ I ask permission to leave; my classroom, my learning space, eating area and playground.

Touch Football Our students love their touch footy! Every lunchbreak they rip into a great game of six on six.The staff here also join in as well.

Recently we played student’s vs teachers to determine who truly are the champs, of course our students were the champs!

I am pleased to say that touch footy was a winner on the day and that no ambulance was required.

Fresh Fruit for kids On Mondays our tuckshop convenor collects a box of fresh fruit from the IBIS. This has been kindly sponsored by CEQ and provides Poruma students with a welcome fruit break at 10:00am every day. Eso CEQ for your valued contribution.

Mothers Day The campus has successfully hosted special commemoratory celebrations such as a Mother’s Day Breakfast.

Our elderly mothers were bused in, thanks to the support of our deadly Pathways staff.

We also had a fund-raising stall, where community could buy special gifts for our very special mothers.

Mina koey eso to Mrs Helen Saveka and the whole team for organising the beautiful event.

Attendance Rewards Students who come to school everyday are entered in the draw to win $125 IBIS voucher.

Jackson won the IBIS voucher for Week 5. Johnny and brother Jackson have been coming to school every day and this is the second time their family have won the voucher. Great job Jackson and Johnny !

Upcoming events We invite all parents and the community to join us with our upcoming events below: Hockey Carnival Wednesday 24th May Athletics Carnival Friday 16th June Attendance Reward Draw - Week 10

12 NEWS

Sport organisations unite for ‘Yes’ Sport has been a unifying force in Australia, bringing people from all walks of life together to play ball, Yes23 Campaign Director Dean Parkin says.

“With Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people making strong strides and contributions on and off the field, I am thrilled to welcome support for the Yes campaign from Rugby Australia, AFL and Commonwealth Games Australia,” he said.

He said Richmond, Essendon, and Geelong football clubs had also signed up.

“With support ramping up for the Yes campaign, we can make the most of this opportunity to harness the power of this unity to get the ‘Yes’ vote over the line,” he said.

“Not only have we been buoyed by the backing of major sports organisations, we were packed to the rafters at events this week in New South Wales, with lots of respectfully curious questions and open conversations.

“Wherever you are in Australia, there are more and more opportunities every week to become a player in this campaign.”

He said Thomas Mayo and Kerry O’Brien had released The Voice to Parliament Handbook, a clear and simple guide to help Australians better understand what they were voting for.

Referendum information campaign kicks off The Australian Government has launched a new information program to encourage Australians to talk about this year’s referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through establishing a Voice in the Constitution.

The information program will provide factual information about the referendum proposal and point them to Voice.gov.au where they can learn more.

Minister Burney for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney said everyone should be wellinformed.

“All Australians need to be well-informed with access to a trusted source of information as they consider the proposal to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia through a referendum,” she said.

“I welcome the launch of this information campaign which will reach audiences of every background and is a key step in preparing the country for this national conversation before voting day.

“This is one part of the broader Referendum civics education program with investments made through the Museum of Australian Democracy and the Constitution Education Fund Australia to give Australians everything they need to make an informed decision.”

Giving Australians trusted, easily accessible information that covers the what, why and how of the Referendum was crucial to increasing awareness and understanding before voting day, being held between October and December this year.

Community toolkits and other resources will be made available on the Voice.gov.au website.

THURSDAY 25 MAY 2023 TORRES NEWS

Tributes for Denne ...

A small sample of the many tributes to Denne on social media from around Australia and beyond, including Cook Islands and Norfolk Island.

“This is absolutely shocking and so unreal. Bala Denne garr, you will be dearly missed by everyone. You will remain forever in our hearts,” Kali McKeown said.

“Bala Denne was an all round great family guy with a heart of gold, loved by everyone.

“Torres Strait Outriggers paddled for Bala Denne this morning, Saturday 20 May at 6.30am, laying flowers in his honour and loving memory. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his Georgia and Kiva, siblings, family and friends and the Thursday Island community.”

Pics with thanks to the groups mentioned and to Tarita Bin Doraho, Noel Green and Chris Boon.

Mission Beach.

J Last weekend the Mission Beach Outrigger Canoe Club stopped to remember Denne who shared his beautiful soul with Mission Beach outriggers.

“We send our thoughts, love and prayers to Georgia, Kiva, and family and to the Torres Strait community.

RIP mate,” they said.

Cook Islands.

Last Saturday at sunrise the Torres Strait Outriggers Canoe Club came together to paddle for club president, partner, brother, son, father, bala, and friend Denne Bourke. The paddle began with three blows on the bu shell and a prayer delivered by a friend.

From the club HQ to Sadies Beach, Denne’s partner Georgia led the flotila while Denne’s sisters Shelley, Diana, and Kathleen were on board to bid Denne a smol yawo.

The club was honoured to paddle with Georgia and her sisters-in-law on the waters he loved so much.

“We all raised our paddles and shared stories of what he meant to us and the wider community,” they said. “Then with the final blow on the bu shell we lay flowers to be with Denne, all while Denne’s son Kiva watched on from Queensland Police vessel.

“As the sun rose on our backs, we splashed our paddles three times, and Georgia paddled us all home for Denne.”

Georgia said she paddled for him.

“Today, all I kept thinking was that I couldn’t paddle home from Sadies but then I thought, ‘Denne couldn’t paddle home’, so I had to paddle home for him,” she said.

The club said as a paddler, Denne was strong, outgoing, and supportive of everyone who wanted to give it a try.

“Since his arrival on Waiben the Outriggers grew and grew to become the much loved club it is today – he was forever recruiting people, every morning while they waited for their coffee,” they said.

“Denne coached most of the people who have paddled with the Outriggers, and pushed people to acheive things in outrigging they would have never have otherwise tried. Our juniors looked up to him as a mentor and superman.

“His love and support for the club and for outrigging was the reason so many of us on Thursday Island paddle – and we will continue to do so.

“On behalf of the Torres Strait Outriggers Canoe Club, we can not thank Queensland Police, the community of the Torres Strait, and the wider outirgging community enough for their continuous support throughout this time.”

Torres Strait Outriggers Canoe Club on Saturday morning.

J The Hekili Outrigger Canoe Club in the Cook Islands also paddled in Denne’s honour, along with many other clubs and paddling family along the coast.

“We paddled out in honour of our friend Denne Bourke of TSOCC,” they said.

“To the call of the Conch shell and the beat of the Cook Island drums we remembered Denne for his big smile, caring nature and love of paddling.

“He will forever be in our hearts. Our thoughts and love to Georgia, their son Kiva and all Denne’s family and friends.”

Townsville.

J Townsville’s Coral Sea Outrigger Canoe Club sent their heartfelt thoughts and prayers to their beautiful paddling friend Denne Bourke, Georgia, Kiva, family, friends, the Thursday Island community and our paddling friends from the Torres Strait Outriggers.

Norfolk Island.

Locals at Bala D’s spot.

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 25 MAY 2023

Salty Monkeys get serious

ABOVE: Godfrey Bero, Reggie Simbolo, Marcella Ketchell, Dennis Fay, Neville Johnson & Robert Nona.

BELOW: Joey Laifoo and the Island Stars dance team with the Salty Monkeys team. Pics supplied.

BY CHRISTINE HOWES A set of monkey masks and a chance sighting on Instagram have set local business Salty Monkeys and Meriba Ged Ngalpun Mab (MGNM) on a partnership path set to lead in service and program delivery for Torres Strait Islander people.

“Salty Monkeys was never intended to be a business,” founder Dennis Fay said.

“It actually started off with just mates going out, doing what they love, which was all ocean-related.

“We were going out spear fishing, diving, and one day we had some monkey masks and we used the masks to have a bit of a joke and a laugh.

“We had that on video and it took off from there, where people were actually finding the funny side of us goofing around with these monkey masks.

“Salty Monkeys as a name was quite fitting for what we were doing, and it stuck.”

He said as their following grew, some opportunities to help promote other businesses were offered.

“As it took off, people wanted to wear the products that we were using or wearing, and that included our own apparel,” he said.

“So we started selling apparel, and because a lot of people were wanting our stuff, we wanted to get a little bit more innovative with a little bit more style, so I reached out to Indigenous artists, and we collaborated from there.”

He said over time they realised they had influence.

“Over the years it built a bit more popularity and we had this strong impact, especially in the youth community up in the Torres Straits,” he said.

“So we started volunteering our time just going out into the communities and the schools to engage and try to have some positive impact in the schools.

“And that’s lead us towards the other things that we’re doing now.”

Enter MGNM. “We’re about to do a youth leadership program in June, July, working with the youth that love watching our videos,” Dennis said.

“But this time they’re going to be a part of the videos and we’re going to create promotional content of positive topics within the community, such as taking care of our environment, safety above and below the ocean, listening to

our elders, which is the current NADOC theme, and a few more things like that.”

MGNM Executive Officer Marcella Ketchell said when she saw Salty Monkeys posts on Instagram, she realised they had a lot of followers in the Torres Strait and took it from there.

“I saw their posts were about awareness, information and education, so, I reached out and suggested to Dennis there were opportunities coming up for us to collaborate with them,” she said.

“It was firstly around youth engagement, because they’ve got a very good social media presence and profile, and have a lot of followers from the Torres Strait region.

“But then it developed into them working on a marine development program we’re hoping to roll out

by October.

“It’s an opportunity to provide a program for our job seekers to improve and increase their safety and awareness when they’re out on the water.

“It’s such a big part of their life, going out to hunting, fishing, or just for recreational and travel, so that marine development program will be a good entry level, unaccredited course into further training if they want to go into it, or just as a safety and awareness training for them while they’re doing things in community, or while they’re taking part in different seasons for hunting.”

Dennis said they were excited about the idea.

“The marine development program is basically a uniquely designed program that teaches job seekers basic but essential skills they would need to pursue further in any kind of maritime career opportunities,” he said.

“We’ve got seven subjects we’re delivering, and the aim behind it is to give the people skills, exposure

and a bit of practise before they go further into it.

“So we’ll be looking at those skills and giving them confidence to take on the bigger courses such as your coxswains or your maritime operations.

“The aim is to get them inspired to take that next step.

“So whether it’s going on to a four-week intensive course or going out into a direct entry type role within the community or anywhere, they’ve got that bit of skill and knowledge there.

“And a lot of them already have the skills in the Torres Strait, we’re just kind of formalising it a little bit more, and helping them get out there a little bit more as well.

“I’m definitely excited.”

Marcella said she was too.

“This is setting the example,” she said.

“Showing people in community that we can have our own people delivering these programs for us, and it can be successful.

“Salty Monkeys is an emerging entrepreneurial business with professional, high standards, and I think that’s also what we want to show our job seekers and people in community, that our people can deliver programs and services to a high standard.

“We’re proud of that, we’re proud of our staff and being able to provide them with leadership, capacity building and mindset training.

“And we’re excited to work with Salty Monkeys, it’s empowering for our people to see our own people leading in service and program delivery for our people and communities.”

You can follow MGNM and Salty Monkeys on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

COMMUNITY NEWS 13 CDP trial projects fostering long term jobs The Goshen Church upgrade on Erub is a collaborative community project aimed at providing five CDP participants with paid employment and valuable experience.

The initiative, known as the CDP Community Project, was part of a larger effort to foster long term employment pathways in the Torres Strait.

Managed by Meriba Ged Ngalpun Mab (MGNM), and coordinated by cultural mentor and qualified supervisor Kapua Gutchen, the Goshen Church project has made significant progress since its inception in March.

MGNM CDP Community Project Manager Jermaine Reuben – who has accomplished 28 CDP Trial Project job placements across the region – praised the project for providing skill-building and cultural mentorship to its participants.

“The project currently accommodates five participants, who receive competitive wages, in line with the local pay scale,” he said.

“This approach not only provides paid employment but also remunerates the participants’ for their valuable contributions to the project.”

Additional participants may be considered based on location, project requirements and funding availability as the CDP Community Project progresses, he said.

“Other renovation projects are currently in progress across the region,” he said.

“While the focus is on practical experience, future plans involve linking training programs to construction-related qualifications.

“The Goshen Church Project not only contributes to the physical improvement of the Erub community, but also enables economic empowerment.

“The success of this project will determine the format of similar projects, across communities in the Torres Strait region.”

Final work on the Goshen Church were set to be completed next month.

Pics supplied.

14 ARTS NEWS Paula wins Design Week’s ‘Best Work’

THURSDAY 25 MAY 2023 TORRES NEWS

Above & below: At the launch of Dare to Dream’s – I Gut This Feeling is Maurice as one of several characters he takes on throughout the play with co-star Jamaylya Ballangarry-Kearins. Pics by Mimi Tannaka.

Maurice set to tour as he ‘dares to dream’

Moa Arts Artist Paula Savage has won a 2023 Melbourne Design Week Award for Best Work, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the Design Week program.

Judges complimented Paula for the originality of her bold expressive forms in her handwoven baskets, including Dollar Reef, No. 2 Reef and No. 3 Reef.

Paula also presented as part of a panel discussion at the event with Nicolette Johnson, Jessica Murtagh and Emma Jackson, and NGV curator Simone LeAmon, as part of a series of Melbourne Design Fair TALKS reflecting on their practices and works in the FOCUS exhibition.

Her works are Paula Savage renowned for bringing to

... is a Mualgal woman from the Serganilgal clan group from the village of Dabu on Moa Island, Torres Strait, and the Kaurareg Nation of Muralag and Kiriri.

life the enduring traditional material practices of her cultural heritage that are both learned and lived.

Her work has appeared in national exhibitions including Longwater: Fibre A senior artist, Savage Stories, Institute of Modern has been a member of Art, Brisbane (2020) and Ngalmun Lagau Minaral Art Centre (Moa Arts) since Tarnanthi, Art Gallery of South Australia (2019).

2017.

Main pic by Aaron Francis. Basket pic by Sean Fennessy.

Cairns-based JUTE Theatre Company’s award-winning First Nations residency program Dare to Dream hits the road this month, with talented and aspiring young actor Maurice Sailor playing a lead role.

I Gut this Feeling, by Isaac Drandic, blends a compelling narrative with First Nations storytelling to form the centrepiece of the program which is bound for the Cape York and Gulf communities of Mossman, Weipa, Mapoon, Lockhart River, and Normanton.

Delivered by an all-new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cast and crew, Maurice will be working alongside stage/tour manager Serena Thompson and actor Jamaylya Ballangarry-Kearins.

“This kind of theatre is important because we are sending a message to kids and communities about how to be safe, to trust your intuition and to build confidence,” Maurice said.

“I think it’s going to be awesome because I’m going with a mob who share the same energy for getting out there and spreading this positive and important message.

“Aunty Rita from The Pryce Centre for Culture and Arts got in contact and told me that there was

an opportunity with JUTE to spread an important message in the remote communities of Queensland.

“They were looking for someone who is aware of issues affecting our people and that has a passion for acting and theatre work so I thought that I might be a good fit.

“By getting to know each other more in rehearsals, we are getting closer and more comfortable around each other so I think that these five weeks travelling around are going to be pretty special.”

He said he was blessed to be doing this kind of work.

“I bring experience in on-stage performance and an awareness of the impact that these kind of productions and their messaging can have,” he said.

“I know that it is really important work to do and I’m really blessed to be doing work that I am passionate about and that I enjoy.”

At each community visited over the five weeks, they will host four-day theatre residency program of daily workshop sessions for up to 20 young people (Years 4 to 6 and 7 to 9), offering a fun and exciting environment to learn leadership, confidence, teamwork, acting, and creating performance skills.

HEALTH NEWS 15

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 25 MAY 2023

Sexual Health Awareness Month observed in Torres Strait Health authorities in the Torres Strait were kept busy last month promoting Sexual Health Awareness Month.

Senior Public Health Officer Mario Assan said ensuring people had the tools and knowledge for prevention, testing and treatment options was really important.

“The best way to prevent getting an STI is to use condoms with water-based lubricant,’’ he said.

“Condoms, if used correctly, are the most effective way to reduce the risk of contracting an STI whilst also helping to prevent pregnancy.’’

Torres Strait Program Coordinator Lily-Annie Ahmat said one of the main aims of Sexual Health Awareness Month was to promote and provide factual sexual health and relationships information.

“Having regular sexual health checks is also an important part of maintaining good sexual and relationship health,’’ she said.

“Many STIs do not have symptoms, so the only way to know if you have an STI is to have a sexual health check, including STI testing.

“For most sexually active people, it is recommended to get tested at least once a year, but there are situations where getting tested more regularly is advised.’’

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Thursday Island-based Men’s and Women’s Health Clinical Coordinator Sandra Gregson said activities over the month included radio promotions, along with community barbecues and information stalls.

“Key messages and information delivered included reducing sexually transmissible infection-related stigma, fear, and discrimination,’’ she said.

“We wanted Torres Strait residents to take the opportunity during April, and beyond, to consider their risks and take appropriate precautions.’’

Ms Gregson said the rate of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis had climbed state-wide and nationally over the past 20 years.

“Notifications of infectious syphilis (four

Warning – don’t touch bats!

Cape York, Torres Strait, and Northern Peninsula Area residents have been warned not to touch bats, following three reported bat scratches on Cape York in the past month.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Public Health Medical Officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said none of the exposures had led to an individual contracting Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV).

“However, those exposures are a wake-up call about the risks of handling bats,’’ she said.

“Any species of bat could be carrying ABLV, which is harmful to humans and, as there is no known effective treatment for the disease once symptoms have started, almost always fatal. ‘‘Australian Bat Lyssavirus is like rabies and has led to three human deaths in Queensland in the past 25 years. ‘‘So, the message is simple, don’t touch bats.

‘‘Don’t touch any type of bat, adult or pup, sick or well, dead or alive – how a bat looks or behaves is not an accurate guide as to whether it may be carrying a virus. ‘‘It is also incredibly important to encourage young children to never handle any bat, particularly if they should come across a sick or injured one.’’

Dr Hempenstall said only people who had been trained in the care of bats, and had been vaccinated against rabies, should ever handle bats or flying foxes.

If you find an injured bat or flying fox, contact the RSPCA (1300 ANIMAL) or your local wildlife care group/rescuer/carer, or the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (1300 130 372) for

assistance – do not attempt to assist the animal yourself.

For more information phone 13 HEALTH (13

43 25 84).

cases to date) in the overall Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service region are on a par with previous year to date numbers, even a bit lower,’’ she said.

“However, we have seen increases in notifications of chlamydia (289 cases this year to date compared to 178 for the same period last year) and gonorrhoea (88 cases to date compared to 63 for the same period last year), similar to the state-wide and national

increases in notifications for these conditions.

“As elsewhere in Queensland and nationally, this is thought to be partly attributed to advances in diagnostic technology and increased testing.

“But it is also linked to increases in the use of dating apps and greater access to more sexual partners.’’

For more information see: https://www.qld.

TN0461 • 09/02/23 gov.au/health/stayinghealthy/sexual-health/sti

Raising awareness: The Men’s and Women’s Health Promotion Team (North) – from left Richard Mola, Chenoa Wapau, Richard Hayes & Tyrome Zitha. Pic supplied.

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Ph: (07) 4069 1586 Thursday Island/Horn Island Ferry Timetable from 06/02/2023 dŚƵƌƐĚĂLJ /ƐůĂŶĚͬ,ŽƌŶ /ƐůĂŶĚ &ĞƌƌLJ dŝŵĞƚĂďůĞ ĨƌŽŵ ϬϲͬϬϮͬϮϬϮϯ All TI Transfers Include Complimentary Bus Service on Thursday Island.

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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.

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SPORT 17

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 25 MAY 2023

The best of our best making their NRL marks

Canberra Raiders fullback Sebastian Kris.

There is no doubt that the Torres Strait produces some of the best rugby league players in Australia, and even the world.

It is evident when you see junior games and the great work by the QRL in organising recent clinics on Warraber and Kubin to ensure that form continues.

There are many youngsters around the Torres Strait who have the ability to play NRL or at least Queensland Cup in the future.

That includes young women who now have a pathway to competitions such as the Queensland BMD ladies premiership and the NRL Women’s comp, which will see the Cowboys make their debut when it starts in July. The efforts of seven quality male NRL players in particular are an incentive for our youngsters to strive to compete at the top levels.

Our regular footy correspondent Alf Wilson offers a mid-season report on these NRL players making a name for themselves.

Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.

Newcastle Knights’ Dane Gagai.

Seven players with connections to the remotest Torres Strait Islands have shone in the NRL and are genuine role models for the many talented young footballers living around Australia’s northern outposts.

Sebastian Kris (Canberra Raiders), Alex Johnston (South Sydney), Dane Gagai (Newcastle Knights), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Brenko Lee (Dolphins), David Fifita and Reuben Cotter (NQ Cowboys) are integral members of their teams.

Another Edrick Lee (Dolphins), has only played one NRL match this season because of injury but also showed good form then.

There are more coming up through the ranks – there can be no doubt we will still be talking about players of the callibre of Ezra Mam (Broncos) and Dantoray Lui (Northern Pride) in years to come.

There is also no doubt the Torres Strait has produced some of the best and most outstanding players of our era - and they are all proud of their Torres Strait heritage.

Gagai played his 250th NRL match when his Newcastle Knights played Manly a few weeks ago.

During NRL Magic Round 10, Johnston played his 200th NRL match scoring two tries and coming close to scoring two others in the Rabbits 28-10 win over the Melbourne Storm.

He made his NRL debut against the Brisbane Broncos on Anzac Day in 2014 and holds the title of the Rabbitohs’ all time leading try scorer.

Johnston is third on the list of Souths’ most capped players behind John Sutton (336) and Adam Reynolds (231).

The Dolphins Magic Round 36-16 win over hot favourites the Cronulla Sharks also had special significance, as it was the 900th premiership game as a coach by Dolphins mentor Wayne Bennett.

Fullback Hammer scored one of the Dolphins six tries and was damaging in attack and rock solid in defence.

At the 17th minute Hammer, who was running in support, scored his four pointer.

It was his 10th try of the season and he continued to shine in the Dolphins fairytale start to the season in their debut year.

Kris has been in dazzling form for the Raiders lining up at fullback, after having

From left at Mackay Indigenous carnival are Ben Barba, Cody Walker, Neil Seden, Josh Hofman & Dane Gagai. played most of his NRL matches as a centre.

The 24-year-old Kris ran for an amazing 247m when his side beat the Dolphins 31-30 in golden point extra time and his rival fullback Tabuai-Fidow (Hammer) also had a great game.

Fullbacks Kris and Hammer each scored a try in that round nine game before more than 10,000 spectators at Wagga Wagga.

Kris kept the fullback spot in round 10 despite the return of rising star Xavier Savage, who had returned from injury in that match.

Hammer has been sensational this season after switching from the Cowboys, and has figured prominently in early Dally M Medal voting.

Journeyman Brenko Lee has played for the Canberra Raiders, Canterbury Bulldogs, Gold Coast Titans, Melbourne Storm (where he was part of their 2021 premiership side) and the Broncos.

Kris has lined up for Mabuiag side Wagadagam Storm whilst Hammer was a member of the island team Saibai Stags at the Zenadth Kes carnival on Waiben.

Brenko Lee and Edrick Lee have both played for Badu side

Kulpiyam and others at various Allblacks carnivals including the Murri Knockout.

Cotter has been in great form for the struggling Cowboys making many metres as a forward.

The hard running forward scored a try and was one of the best on the ground in the Cowboys 20-6 upset win over the Roosters in Magic Round 10.

Barnstorming forward David Fifita led from the front for his side the Gold Coast Titans which scored an upset 26-10 win over the Manly Sea Eagles at 4 Pines Park in round nine.

A week later in Magic Round Fifita made lots of ground when the Titans defeated hot favourites the Parramatta Eels 26-24.

Gagai played his 250th NRL match against Manly recently and has been a regular Queensland State of Origin and Test representative.

He regularly attends and sometimes plays for family team GH United at the annual Mackay Indigenous carnivals and also recruits his mate and South Sydney champion Cody Walker.

Another young player making a name for himself is Brisbane Broncos five eighth Ezra Mam.

His mother Tomisina Ahwang lives on Hammond Island and said he phoned her soon after each Broncos match.

“And I talk to him the following morning as well,” she said.

Saibai Island Cr Conwell Tabuai said the population of the small community were proud of Hammer and Johnston.

One of the most famous Torres Strait players for all-time was retired Brisbane Broncos forward Sam Thaiday.

Thaiday played 304 games for the Broncos and represented Queensland Maroons 29 times and had 32 Tests for Australia.

Another quality star was Ben Barba, a member of the Cronulla Sharks team who won the 2016 NRL grand final.

Barba won the 2012 Dally M medal when with the Bulldogs.

Still possessing a high skill level, Barba plays with Mossman Port Douglas Sharks in the Cairns and District comp and was man of the match for Cairns when they won the prestigious Foley Shield on 7 April.

“Ben is still one of the best rugby league players in the world,” respected NQ coach Roy Baira said.

Star player David Fifita lining up for the Indigenous Allstars.

Dophins players Edrick Lee & Brenko Lee.

18 SPORT

THURSDAY 25 MAY 2023 TORRES NEWS

Taipans sign Taran Armstrong

LEFT: David Fifita & RIGHT: Hamiso ‘Hammer’ Tabuai-Fidow. Pics NRL.

Maroons pick for game 1

BY ALF WILSON Torres Strait Islanders David Fifita and Hamiso “Hammer” Tabuai-Fidow have been named in the run on side, with Reuben Cotter on the interchange bench, in the Queensland Maroons team for game one of the 2023 State of Origin series against the New South Wales Blues.

The clash will be held at Adelaide Oval next Wednesday.

The Maroons will be coached by former Melbourne Storm champion fullback Billy Slater and NSW by Brad Fittler.

David will line up in the second row, Hammer in the centres and Reuben as a fresh forward from the bench.

A notable exclusion was Newcastle Knights centre Dane Gagai, who has served Queensland well in past series.

Dane played 21 times for the Maroons between 2015 and 2022, scoring 12 tries.

He has also represented Australia on seven occasions at Test level.

Hammer normally plays at fullback for his NRL side the Redcliffe Dolphins, but will give the Maroons plenty of attacking options in the centres beside Cowboys superstar Valentine Holmes.

Ironically Hammer, who has played once for the Maroons in the past, has shown such good NRL form that he nudged Gagai out of his usual centre position.

At 21 years old, Hammer has the “key in the door” for a long representative career.

BY ALF WILSON The NRL’s David Fifita (Badu), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Alex Johnston (Saibai), Reuben Cotter (Boigu/ Darnley), Sebastian Kris (Mabuiag), Dane Gagai (Iama) and Ezra Mam were all acknowledged for where they came from in the lead up to last weekend’s Indigenous Round 12.

Unfortunately all their teams lost.

HAMMER STRONG Classy Hamiso TabuaiFidow was in good form when his Dolphins lost 24-16 to highly rated Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. Fullback “Hammer” passed to

He has scored 10 tries for the Dolphins this season.

At just 23-years-old, David is a potential matchwinner with his barnstorming runs.

He has represented the Maroons five times between 2019 and 21 and makes a welcome return after not taking part last year.

Fourteen players who represented the Maroons during last year’s 2-1 series victory have been selected in the 19-man squad.

The sole debutant for the Maroons is Reece Walsh, who won the race for the fullback position following his impressive form for the Broncos.

Reece replaces last year’s fullback Kalyn Ponga.

The Queensland side is: 1: Reece Walsh (Brisbane Broncos), 2: Selwyn Cobbo (Brisbane Broncos), 3: Valentine Holmes (North Queensland Cowboys), 4: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins), 5: Murray Taulagi (Cowboys), 6: Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm), 7: Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly Sea Eagles), 8: Thomas Flegler (Brisbane Broncos), 9: Ben Hunt (St George Illawarra Dragons), 10: Lindsay Collins (Sydney Roosters), 11. Tom Gilbert (Dolphins), 12: David Fifita (Gold Coast Titans), 13: Patrick Carrigan (Brisbane Broncos), Interchange – 14: Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm), 15: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans), 16: Reuben Cotter (Cowboys), 17: Jai Arrow (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Reserves – 18: Tom Dearden (Cowboys), 19: Christian Welch (Melbourne Storm).

winger Jamayne Isaako who scored in the 13th minute. Hammer had a major role in another Dolphins try by former Kiwis international Kodi Nikorima.

He told commentators he carried the Saibai Island totem with him before games.

Star Storm hooker Harry Grant revealed his boots were painted for the round by an unnamed Thursday Island artist.

The Storm were equal first with the Panthers, Rabbitohs, Sharks, Broncos, leading the table on 16 points with only for and against percentage separating them. The Dolphins and Raiders were next on 14 points. Dolphins host the Dragons at Kayo Stadium on Thursday

The CQUniversity Cairns Taipans officially welcomed Taran Armstrong to the team earlier this week, after securing the young Indigenous Tasmanian point guard from California Baptist University, where he made a name for himself as the best passer in the college system.

Armstrong was touted as a top recruit when he entered the NCAA transfer portal earlier this year, but the 21 year old has instead chosen to sign with Cairns on a two-year contract, ahead of the NBA Draft.

Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde said securing Armstrong over big US colleges and other NBL clubs was significant.

“It’s exciting that Taran has committed to Cairns,” he said.

“There aren’t too many 21-year-old, 6’6” Australian point guards with his credentials floating around in free agency.

“He has such a level of polish and maturity to his game that is beyond his years.

“You don’t warrant the type of NBA attention he does without having an enormous ceiling.”

In his first year at CBU, Armstrong became the first player to be named Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Freshman of the Year in the program’s Division I history.

He averaged 10.5 points, 6.3 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game, and broke a program record with 15 assists in a game against North Dakota.

As a sophomore, he registered 11.3 points, 4.5 boards and 5.0 dimes, while becoming the sixth fastest active player to reach 300 career assists.

In both years at CBU, Armstrong led the WAC in assists per game.

“His composure on the floor really comes from the education and upbringing he has had in basketball,” Forde said.

“He’s from a basketball family and has a great family support network around him.

“Taran’s background at the

In October last year Taran Armstrong was named to the 202223 Preseason All-WAC First Team by both the media and league coaches. Pic California Baptist Men’s Basketball.

Centre of Excellence, NBA Global Academy, representing Australia and D1 college makes him very ready for immediate impact into the NBL.” Armstrong said there was a lot to look at.

“I had really good options in the States and a few good opportunities back here (in Australia), but the NBL is as good as it’s ever been,” he said.

“Speaking with Coach Adam Forde – he’s been great, and everyone I’ve spoken to had nothing but great things to say about him as well.

“It was a pretty easy decision.

“The Taipans’ play style is something that I was attracted to, right from the jump.

“The way they play fast, it’s really up and down, they play really upbeat and it’s a really nice, exciting brand of basketball which I’m excited to be a part of.”

Heads high despite losses night. The Storm’s next match against the Cowboys is on Saturday 4 June in Townsville.

FIFITA EARLY TRY

David Fifita scored the first try for the Gold Coast Titans in their 20-18 loss to the Canterbury Bulldogs at Accor Stadium.

The Titans went into the game a hot favourite but squandered a 14-nil lead at halftime.

KRIS AGAIN AMONGST BEST Sebastian Kris was one of the Canberra Raiders best in their shock 42-14 loss to the Manly Sea Eagles on Sunday. The Raiders, who enjoy great support

on Waiben, won their previous five matches whilst Manly had lost their last three.

Fullback Sebastian almost scored several times and made several strong runs and tackled well. The Raiders head away to Accor Stadium for a clash against the Rabbitohs in Round 13.

GAGAI SOLID IN KNIGHTS LOSS Quality Newcastle Knights centre Dane Gagai shared honours with his direct opponent Connor Tracey in the 26-6 loss to the Cronulla Sharks on Saturday.

Dane and Tracey had some tantalizing clashes in a match which saw the

Sharks score four tries to one at Coff’s Harbour.

Tireless in defence, Dane also made some telling runs.

COTTER SHINES IN COWBOYS LOSS Reuben Cotter was given the honour of leading the Cowboys before the Cowboys 66-18 thrashing by lowly West Tigers at Sydney’s Leichhardt Oval.

Going into the match as underdogs, the Tigers scored 11 tries to three by the Cowboys, one of which was scored

by Reuben in the 62nd minute. Fans were shocked and dismayed by the loss.The 48-point margin was the heaviest

2023-24 CQUniversity Cairns Taipans Roster • Tahjere McCall • Sam Waardenburg • Jonah Antonio • Lat Mayen • Sam Mennenga • AK Gak • Taran Armstrong

defeat by a Cowboys team since North Queensland joined the premiership in 1995.

The Cowboys return to Sydney on Friday night to take on the Eels at CommBank Stadium, while the Tigers have a bye before hosting the Raiders at Campbelltown Stadium on 2 June.

TWO TRIES DOESN’T SAVE RABBITS

Two tries by flying winger Alex “Magic” Johnston did not stop his South Sydney Rabbitohs going down 36-16 to the Parramatta Eels in Indigenous round 12 on Friday night.

The Rabbitohs went into the game as warm favourites but were outplayed

by the desperate Eels.

Johnston was electric in the first half, scoring his tries in the seventh and 36th minutes. It was anybody’s game at halftime when the Eels led 12-10 but they ran over the Rabbits after the break.

EZRA SOLID Ezra Mam was strong in defence when his Brisbane Broncos lost 15-4 to premiers the Penrith Panthers in Brisbane last Thursday night. The rising star lined up at five eighth without his normal number seven partner Adam Reynolds, who was out injured.

The Panthers scored two tries to one and a total of five four pointers were disallowed after review by the bunker.

SPORT 19

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 25 MAY 2023

Cotter & Tillet to help lead the way for students FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS – REUBEN COTTER With family ties to Darnley and Boigu, Reuben Cotter is still learning about his ancestry and hopes to share his life experiences with students at NRL Cowboys House.

Cotter grew up in Koumala, south of Mackay, and understands the challenges of living in a small community.

The 24-year old has experienced a rapid rise through rugby league, and at a young age has already represented his heritage in the Indigenous All Stars and State of Origin.

Cotter hopes to inspire the next generation of young people whether in sport or education, and places a high importance on connection to culture.

“If you want to achieve something and you’ve got a dream, go for it,” he said.

SHARING THE JOURNEY – TAHLULAH TILLETT Tahlulah Tillett grew up mostly in Cairns with her family hailing from St Paul Village on Moa Island.

The new Cowboys NRLW player has also represented the Indigenous All Stars.

Tahlulah is a familiar face to many of the girls at the House,.

“I’ve always been about giving back to the next generation, and being a proud Torres Strait Islander woman, I’m just really looking forward to sharing bits about my journey with the kids but also hearing about theirs,” she said.

“I think no matter what goal or dreams that these students have in life, I think one common thing is that you’ve got to work very hard to be able to achieve your dreams.”

North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Reuben Cotter and Tahlulah Tillett have been named 2023 NRL House ambassadors, acting as inspirations to students from near and far to strive for their dreams.

Reuben and Tilly were presented with their 2023 NRL Cowboys House polo shirt, featuring Renee Wilson’s ‘Mundarlbi’ design, and warmly welcomed by students at a special meet and greet earlier this week.

As player ambassadors, the Indigenous All Stars representatives will visit NRL Cowboys House for key events, milestones and casual visits amongst their training and playing commitments.

The House is a unique ‘home away from home’ for 104 Indigenous students from remote

Queensland communities as they pursue their secondary education at partner schools in Townsville.

Managed by the Cowboys Community Foundation, the charity arm of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys, NRL Cowboys House is a joint initiative between the National Rugby League, North Queensland Cowboys, the Queensland Government and the Australian Government.

“JUST TWO REALLY GOOD PEOPLE” With both Reuben and Tahlulah having already spent time around NRL Cowboys House General Manager Rochelle Jones said she believed they would be genuine and humble role models.

“Something we talk about to the young people who board here is about being a good

person, a genuine person that really looks out for others,” she said.

“They’re two amazing role models for these young people to be able to sit down, have dinner with, go out in the afternoon, talk about their successes, and maybe they can inspire the young people just to be a really good person.

“For both of those players talking to the young people about where their families have come from and what’s happening on the islands now, and the changes that have happened since they’ve been home, I think they’ll learn a lot and then hopefully I think just make things stronger and stronger for the kids at the House.

“For those guys to be gifted with those House shirts today, I know they’ll be proud ambassadors wearing that.”

HostPlus Cup Round up Pioneer Knights already training for ZKRL in June

BY ALF WILSON

EDRICK SCORES TWO TRIES Experienced NRL back Edrick Lee scored two tries for the CQ Capras, who played an exciting 26-all draw with the Sunshine Coast Falcons at Rockhampton in round 10 of the Hostplus Statewide Cup on Saturday.

The lanky and fast winger scored his four pointers at the 54th and 70th minute marks.

The Falcons had led 16-6 at halftime and Edrick shone from his wing position.

“Eddie”, as his teammates refer to him looks set for a call up for the NRL Dolphins in coming weeks.

REUBEN SPEED TO BURN Former Townsville Blackhawks speedster Jon Reuben played a major role in the 26-12 win by his team the Norths Devils over his old side in round 10 on Sunday.

Norths had led 12-6 at the break and went on with the job to outscore the Blackhawks in the second half.

On the Blackhawks side was Jayden Hodges, who was a teammate of Jon’s for Erub United at recent Allblacks carnivals.

GIDEON HAS A WIN Ex-Cowboys back Gideon Gela-Mosby played well for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in their 28-24 win over the PNG Hunters at BMD Kougari Oval on Saturday.

Both teams scored five tries and the Hunters came back strongly in the second half after trailing 22-nil at the break.

PRIDE DOWN AT TULLY Northern Pride lost 28-12 to Souths Logan Magpies before a large crowd at the Tully Showgrounds.

Scores were deadlocked 12-all at half time.

The Pride side included Julian Christian, Dantoray Lui, Bernard Lui and Denzel Smith from Weipa.

Good for the Magpies was youngster Tristan Sailor.

At the completion of the round Capras were sitting fifth, Dolphins (seventh), Pride (ninth) PNG Hunters (10th) Blackhawks (12th) and Cutters (15th).

TORRES STRAIT PLAYERS SHINE IN COLTS

Meanwhile in round five of the Hastings Deering Colts competition, rising young star Brenton Baira scored a try in the Redcliffe Dolphins 32-10 win over the Mackay Cutters.

Caiban Thaiday scored a try and Dmitri Ahwang booted two goals for the Northern Pride in their 54-12 loss to the South Logan Magpies at Tully.

The Townsville Blackhawks had a handsome 52-6 win over the Norths Devils at Bishop Park and talented Tyreice Baira-Gela scored two tries and “Deadly” Dudley Dotoi booted seven goals.

BY ALF WILSON Some quality new signings will give Pioneer Knights every opportunity to charge up the ladder in the 2023 Zenadth Kes Rugby League club competition on Waiben.

Players have already been training hard in preparation for the season coach Olsen Sailor told the Torres News earlier this month.

“I have been told it will start soon after the Island of Origin Series on Badu which is from 16 to 18 June,” he said.

“We have some good players from last season and several new ones who are talented.”

Pioneer Knights was eliminated in last season’s semi final by Mulga Tigers, who later lost the grand final to premiers Roosters 44-20.

Olsen said former Suburbs prop Joshua Gabey and Aaron Guligo – who was previously with Roosters – would be great assets.

“They are both very good footballers and we are blessed to have them,” he said.

Other players who look set for big seasons include forwards Edwin Aniba, Bauz Harry, Nabaina Sailor and Aaron Banu.

Olsen is a well credentialed coach having been mentor of the Northern United representative side which lost to Queensland Outback at Roma in 2022.

He has been coach of Pioneer Knights since 2018 and retired as a player two years later.

“I used to fill in then when we were short of players,” he said.

Olsen said Knights was formed in 2005 and won the premiership two years later.

“Most of the boys are from Rosehill and Waibene on TI,” he said. “All champions who play this season will be a value to the red, white and blue families.”

Olsen was a nephew of former NRL, Queensland State of Origin, Test and rugby union star Wendell Sailor, now a commentator.

“Pioneer Knights has been building blocks last season and we are all looking forward to the coming local season,” he said.

It looks like being a bumper ZKRL season at Ken Brown Oval with talk of six men’s and four women’s teams competing.

Roosters will once again be the team to beat but Mulga Tigers has lots of young players mixed with experienced footballers and will also be hard to beat.

You can never write off Suburbs and Alau Eagles from the NPA was competitive in 2002.

Pioneer Knights finished third last season and lost 32-22 to Mulga Tigers in the preliminary final.

In an earlier semi final Pioneer Knights beat Suburbs 36-20.

At the completion of the 15 rounds of fixtures last August Roosters had led the points table with 21 from Mulga on 15, Suburbs 12, Pioneer Knights 7 and Alau Eagles 5.

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House Ambassadors Reuben Cotter & Tahlulah Tillett. Pic thanks to Cowboys.

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THURSDAY ISLAND / SEISIA

FERRY SCHEDULE MAY 2023 Monday / Wednesday & Friday THURSDAY ISLAND to SEISIA: 6.30AM & 2.30PM SEISIA to THURSDAY ISLAND: 8AM & 4PM Boarding strictly 15 mins prior to departure

“Linking the Cape with the Torres Strait”

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 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.

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

THURSDAY 25 MAY 2023

NPA AFL Q Schools team selected HAMMOND ISLAND.

Pics supplied.

HORN ISLAND.

HORN ISLAND. TAGAI, TI. For the second consecutive year, a team made up of primary school students from across the Northern Peninsula Area will make the trip down to Cairns to take on the best primary schools from across the region, AFL Cape York Development Officer Kieran Sciberras says.

“The 18 NPA State College students were selected into the program based on school behaviour, attendance and their passion shown during AFL sessions,” he said.

“In the lead up to the trip this today we’ll be running training sessions at Bamaga junior campus, to give the students every opportunity to sharpen their skills before taking on the Cairns-based schools.

“It’s fantastic to have our program partners at Hinterland Aviation, Torres Strait Youth and Recreational Sporting Association, Bamaga Enterprises Ltd and Community Enterprises Qld helping us to provide opportunities for young

people from some of the most remote areas of Queensland.”

He said it was about so much more than ‘just’ an AFL trip.

“With students visiting AFL Cape York House for Boys and AFL Cape York House for Girls boarding facilities in Cairns, they’ll also have the opportunity to train with our affiliate AFL junior side – the Cape York Eagles and to watch some of the best AFL footballers in Cairns at the Indigenous South Pacific Allstars game.”

TN0529 10x7

Location.

Location.

Location.

The AFLQ Schools Cup – Primary Division will kick off on Friday 26 May at North Cairns Tigers.

Seisia artwork on display The AFL guernsey worn

by Junior Girls the NPA & Tagai State College AFL team earlier this month was designed by proud Seisia woman and current AFL Cape York House for Girls resident – Edna-Grey Muhamad, Kieran said.

“Edna’s eye-catching design displays a crocodile,

snake, long-neck turtle, manta ray, hammer-head shark and kangaroo footprints,” he said.

“Animals which Edna says connect her to her home and family.

“The design also shows the unique landscape of the NPA including ‘the tip’ of Australia, the sun and the reef.

“This is the second year Edna’s artwork has been worn by an NPA or Tagai State College AFL team, with last year’s NPA State College primary school team wearing the design

when they were the first ever team from north of Cairns to participate in the AFLQ Schools Cup competition.”

AFL is back in the Torres Strait The Torres Strait AFL programs are back in full-swing in 2023.

“We’ve just completed two weeks of free in-school AFL sports education programs and our afterschool Auskick programs across our centres on Horn Island, Hammond Island and Thursday Island,” he said.

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