Safeguarding cultural practices

Young people practicing culture in their daily lives at the Kaziw Meta boarding home on Waiben was the idea behind an immersive six week program of learning traditional weaving, dance, songs, art and food preparation launched last week.

Cultural leader Joey Laifoo, who spearheaded the project with Kaziw Meta, said it was important.

“It’s been mina good for see thempla engaging for make sure they can understand all the different topics for Torres Strait Islands,” he said.

“That’s the whole reason why we create this one here, then thempla can keep practicing it.”

As the young people rotated through several workshops on Saturday, they also worked with Torres Strait Islanders Media Association (TSIMA) professionals to document what they were doing using photos, video and audio.

Kaziw Meta CEO Thomas Dunsmore said the program was made possible by funding from the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and a huge community effort by local leaders and businesses.

He said the day had left the young people feeling empowered.

“As the cultural programs commenced over the weekend, anticipation for the next six weeks is high with hopes these initiatives will leave an enduring mark on preserving the Torres Strait’s rich cultural legacy for generations to come,” he said.

Waiben-based Meriam Cultural Facilitator, from Wakai Waian Health, Uncle Rodney Mabo shared weaving with the young people and said it was important to learn with natural fibre.

“Weaving for me is cultural stuff we do in the community as a whole and in our everyday life,” he said.

“It relaxes me and keeps me in a good state of mind and good space.”

On the same day, by the soothing sound of the sea lapping on the beach, Boigu dancer Uncle Roy Elvis Auda taught the young people song and dance. He said dance was an important part of Torres Strait Islander culture and identity.

“It’s a fun activity but it’s a cultural activity the same time, it tells a lot,” he said.

“It tells the storylines of our people where I come from, it can pass through the generations. Ailan dancing is one of the key things to know about to our youth, to our future, to everybody.”

Remaking of Torres Strait Fisheries (Furnishing of Logbooks) Instrument 2023

The Protected Zone Joint Authority have just remade the Torres Strait Fisheries (Furnishing of Logbooks) Instrument 2023. The purpose of the Logbook Instrument is to require the master of a licenced boat, who uses that boat in the course of commercial fishing (other than community fishing) to complete a Daily Fishing Logbook. This includes the Transferable Vessel Holder sector of the Tropical Rock Lobster Fishery, the Sunset Licence sector of the Finfish Fishery and the Torres Strait Prawn Fishery. The new instrument replaces the old logbook instrument. The only change to the instrument is to allow fishers in the Torres Strait Prawn Fishery to use electronic logbooks or paper logbooks. The instrument and explanatory statement can be found at www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2023L01024

For more information, call Lisa Cocking at the Australian Fisheries Management Authority on 02 6225 5451 or email lisa.cocking@afma.gov.au