Sydney Uni goes deep into Torres Strait culture

A Torres Strait Immersion Day was the first time Torres Strait cultural knowledge was presented to students studying nutrition and dietetics at the University of Sydney last month.

Lecturer in Dietetics, Dr Alyse Jai Davies, said there was a need for more information about the Torres Strait.

“There was a lack of understanding and knowledge of history, cultural diet and health,” she said.

After organising an Aboriginal Cultural Immersion Day in 2022 she said she felt it was appropriate to conduct a similar program this year for Torres Strait Islanders.

She was supported by colleague, Dr Bobby Porykali.

NAMU Consultancy and 2 Footprints were approached to conduct the Day, which involved cultural workshops on cooking, creation stories, weaving and dance.

Consultant, Genus Passi said the day was a success.

“It was an awesome day of raising awareness of our eastern islands cultural practices, protocols and customary lore to 80+ Dietetic, local and international students, and staff at the Uni of Sydney,” he said.

Mr Passi organised family members from Sydney and Townsville to conduct the workshops.

He said he felt honoured and blessed to work with his sons, Genus Jnr and Xavier, along with other family members who were all recognised as emerging leaders of our Torres Strait Island community.

ABOVE: Team effort – University of Sydney & Torres Strait community: Back L-R: Aba Bero, Thomas Dow, Jacob Dow, Patrina Gara, Xavier Passi & Andrew Malloc. Front L-R: Dr Alyse Davies, Dr Bobby Porykali, Genus Passi Jnr, Trudi Passi & Genus Passi Snr.

LEFT: Thomas Dow, Aba Bero & Genus Passi Jnr conducted a dance workshop.