Torres News_Edition 93_10 August 2023

Thursday, 10 August 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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Waiben celebrates National Children’s Day

The hopes, achievements and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were celebrated nationally last Friday, including on Waiben, for National

Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day. Hundreds turned out for a huge range of activities held at ANZAC Park hosted

by Mura Kosker Sorority Inc, including

these classmates from Waybeni Buway Ngurpay Mudh with the day’s coordinator, Nancy Pearson.

See full story and pics on PAGES 6 & 7 N

‘Yes’ campaigners shed light on Voice

BY CARLI WILLIS Yes23 campaigners Noel Pearson, Richie Ahmat and Kenny Bedford joined local Zenadth Kes leaders in Waiben on Tuesday to discuss what a Voice to Parliament might

mean to Indigenous Australians in the lead up to this year’s Constitutional Referendum.

Far North Queensland organiser for the Yes23 campaign, Stacee Ketchell, has also visited most of the Torres Strait’s outer islands

over the past week.

Around 100 people gathered to hear from the leaders at the Waiben forum, which ran for about four hours.

Noel Pearson, who had travelled from Garma festival on Yolgnu Country to join the forum, said the

Proudly delivering essential services to Cape York and the Torres Strait for more than 35 years!

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Voice was a national body, although regional voices were also likely to be established.

He said the Voice would talk directly to parliament about “bigger issues” such as health, infrastructure and transport in

remote communities.

“Issues like that, we can’t expect every island to fight for by themselves,” he said.

Story and pics continued on PAGES 3 & 4 N

02 NEWS

THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2023 TORRES NEWS

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.

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STORY AND PIC BY ALF WILSON

One of many cousins of famous basketball player Patty Mills, Allan Gong, is based in Cairns, travels the Atherton Tablelands delivering milk and loves the Torres News.

“I deliver milk, other dairy products and confectionary around the Tablelands to places as far away as Ravenshoe, Dimbulah and Port Douglas to the north of Cairns,” he said.

Allan was spotted with a copy of the paper as made a delivery to the Puma Roadhouse at Emerald Creek, near Mareeba, last Friday.

He said he was proud of his Torres Strait connections.

“I have many relatives on TI including from the Fujii, Ward and Mills families,” he said.

“I haven’t been up there for a while but hope to do so soon.”

Allan was delighted to see the latest Torres News featured champion basketballer Patty Mills.

“Patty has really done well and is an inspiration,” he said.

PIC ABOVE LEFT: Allan Gong with the Torres News featuring his famous cousin Patty Mills.

Your North Queensland airline New round of connecting the islands of the grants open for volunteers Torres Strait with Cairns and Bamaga

FLY WITH A QUEENSLANDER

Volunteers and their organisations across Leichhardt are eligible to to apply for the Australian Government’s $10 million Volunteer Grants to support the crucial role they play in our communities.

The 2023-24 Volunteer Grants provided organisations with grants of between $1000 to $5000 to help them buy small equipment for volunteers or reimburse fuel, transport or training costs, or support promotional activities.

Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said volunteering played an important role in Australia’s social landscape.

“These grants are a fabulous opportunity for our local community organisations to support their volunteers and boost engagement in their initiatives and programs,” he said.

“I strongly encourage all eligible groups to apply and to contact my office if you have any questions.”

Interested organisations can complete the Expression of Interest form at: https://www. warrenentsch.com.au/ grants/eoi-volunteergrants-2023-24/

Expressions of Interest forms must be submitted before close of business on Friday, 8 September 2023.

Apology The Torres News would like to apologise for an omission in last week’s 3 August, 2023, edition 92.

Our Mackay NAIDOC coverage was missing the word ‘weather’ in our description of the day’s conditions.

We apologise for any misunderstanding and to our writer, Bel Lui, for the omission.

NEWS 03

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2023

Politicians weigh in to stoush over maritime fees

BY CARLI WILLIS Queensland’s Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey has slammed comments made by the Federal Member for Leichardt Warren Entsch about the Torres Strait Island Regional Council’s (TSIRC’s) multimillion-dollar legal battle with Sea Swift.

Mr Entsch called for the resignation of the TSIRC Mayor and CEO. Minister Bailey told the Torres News it was “highly inappropriate” of Mr Entsch to comment on an active court case between the two.

“The Mayor and CEO of TSIRCl have my full confidence,” he said.

Earlier this month public court documents were cited in the media revealing TSIRC’s pursuit of 253 invoices for the use of island boat ramps and landing facilities to the sum of more than $66 million.

TSIRC Mayor Phillemon Mosby said it was disappointing Mr Entsch did not talk to him before taking his position – based on only a few hours on the islands – publicly.

Poor boat ramp conditions on Moa Island. Pic supplied.

“Our gesture of welcoming such government dignitaries, based on our Ailan Kastom, has been taken for granted,” Mayor Mosby said.

Mr Entsch conceded he had not contacted the Mayor but defended his call.

He said it would be devastating for the region if Sea Swift withdrew their services or raised freight costs.

“I’ve been aware of this for quite some time, and I was hoping common sense would prevail and the matter would be resolved amicably,” he said.

Sea Swift Chief

Executive Officer Dwayne Freeman told the Torres News the company’s priority was to settle the case and move forward.

“We remain committed to keeping Northern Australia connected through our freight services to remote parts of Far North Queensland, including the Torres Strait, and the Northern Territory,” he said.

TSIRC’s 15 island communities, covering 42,000 square kilometres of sea country, rely on Sea Swift for delivery of essential foods and goods.

Mr Entsch said he visited Poruma, Masig,

Mabuiag and Moa Islands on a recent trip to the Torres Strait.

He also visited Waiben and Horn Island in the neighbouring Torres Shire region.

He said a photograph he took on Moa Island showed significant cracks in the infrastructure of a boat ramp, which he said had not been maintained properly.

“I was surprised to find out Council is charging very significant fees, for Sea Swift to be able to access these ramps,” he said.

He said due to the essential nature of the service, Councils

should not charge Sea Swift for the use of the infrastructure.

Cr Mosby said under maritime law ships landing in ports were required to report and pay.

“Every plane that lands on our communities throughout our 14 islands, those islands will have air strips and they have to pay to land, like anywhere in the country,” he said.

“The same rules apply to any shipping company that comes into the Torres Strait that lands at any ports.

“Why should the Torres Strait be any different?”

He said as a nonrateable, grant-reliant council, the organisation relied on those revenue streams.

In October last year the Albanese Government committed $40 million to repair and replace aging infrastructure across the Torres Strait, a sum that was matched by the Queensland Government in March this year.

Under the $80 million dollar commitment, funds were to be distributed between three

local government areas; the Northern Peninsula Area Council, the Torres Shire Council and the Torres Strait Island Regional Council.

Mayor Mosby said he was overwhelmed by the government’s commitment, but more would be needed.

“That’s not enough, but we’ve got to start somewhere,” he said.

“The Albanese Labor Government knows how important the marine

infrastructure is in keeping these vulnerable communities accessible.”

He said Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) were working with council on a plan to address the issues in the three local government areas.

“Mobilisation costs up here would require a collective approach to start replacement of marine infrastructure,” he said.

FIND AUTHENTIC ARTS AND ACCESSORIES ONLINE OR IN STORE

‘Yes’ campaigners shed light on Voice STORY AND PICS

BY CARLI WILLIS

M Continued from P1 Mr Pearson said there were lots of details that would need to be discussed if the ‘Yes’ vote was successful in the referendum‘.

“We’re going to workshop, we’re going to have lots of meetings, you guys need to have lots of meetings,” he said.

“Everybody around different parts of the country will be talking about the details.

“You will present to the government, ‘this is what we want the Torres Strait to look like’.”

Waiben-local Eldrina Warria said she’d been following the Voice campaign on TV but felt she didn’t quite get enough information from the news.

She said she had felt confused by different messaging in the media.

“Uncertainty puts fear in our hearts that’s why we’re not aware of what the movement’s all about,” she said.

“It’s amazing what our leaders are pushing for and working together.

“It’s a big thing and I’ve actually realised that now, like

How Does Your Garden Grow Book Iama Sunset - Abbie Pearson Tablemat

ABOVE: Aunty Abigail Harry, Noel Pearson and Richie Ahmat on stage. RIGHT: Noel Pearson at the meeting. what they’re actually doing.

“That they will be sitting to give advice to the Parliament about our matters up here.”

Ms Warriar said she had reached out to staff at the event to see if she could become a volunteer campaigner in Zenadth Kes. Elder and Kaurareg Aboriginal Corporation Director Enid Tom came from Horn Island to show her support at the event.

“I believe that when Mabo came along, that was their

destiny, our elders destiny, to follow that path,” she said.

“It is now our time to stand up and take the way forward.”

Ms Tom said she felt at some elections Indigenous people missed out as they did not vote properly.

“I believe our job now from now to the referendum is to be educating our people [on] what it’s about and how we can benefit out of it,” she said.

“And educate people about how to vote in the election.”

shop.gabtitui.gov.au Corner of Blackall St & Victoria Parade Thursday Island QLD 4875

More Waiben pics on P4 N Stories & pics from outer island meetings in our next issue J

04 NEWS

THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2023 TORRES NEWS

Path to Treaty’s next steps under advice Queensland’s Interim Truth and Treaty Body (ITTB) has handed its advice to the Queensland Government on the Path to Treaty’s next steps, just under 12 months since the signing of the Queensland Government’s Path to Treaty Commitment on 16 August last year.

ITTB advice is part of co-design processes to inform establishment of the TruthTelling and Healing Inquiry and the First Nations Treaty Institute.

Minister for Treaty Leeanne Enoch thanked the ITTB for their work.

“I thank and congratulate the ITTB for their work over the past year in ensuring that we hear from the voices of communities across Queensland,” she said.

“These perspectives are vital as we finalise the detailed arrangements for the Truthtelling and Healing Inquiry and the First Nations Treaty Institute.

“I particularly want to recognise the co-chairs, Cheryl Buchanan and Sally-Anne Atkinson for their vast body of work, not just in this advice

received today but also their critical role in the co-design of the Path to Treaty legislation.

“The ITTB’s advice is another step towards preparing to engage in truth-telling and healing, laying the foundations for future treaty-making in Queensland based on the voices of Queenslanders.”

The advice will help shape the next steps as Queensland continues on its Path to Treaty.

The Path to Treaty Act 2023, passed in May 2023, established the legislative framework enabling the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry and the First Nations Treaty Institute. This landmark Act was co-designed with the ITTB. Ms Buchanan said the advances they had made in the past year were “truly amazing”. “[The] passing of the Path to Treaty Act 2023 - it brings me so much hope,” she said.

“It’s important to recognise the struggle and advocacy of those who came before us, and continue the legacy of our Elders and advocates.

“But it is equally as important to recognise those who are contributing now – community have played an

integral role in what we’ve achieved.

“Collectively, we are ushering in long awaited change for Queensland.”

Ms Atkinson said ‘Treaty’ was about the legacy they wanted for future generations.

“At the engagement sessions we’ve been conducting, community have been clear that we need to ‘future proof’ treaties so that the next generations to come can adapt those agreements, to meet our changing times,” she said.

“We need to create positive futures – culturally, politically, economically and socially.”

The ITTB conducted extensive community consultation across Queensland to capture the voices of Queenslanders as a basis of the advice which would help the Queensland Government shape the next steps as it continued on the path to treaty, truth-telling and healing.

For more information about the Interim Truth and Treaty Body, visit: www. truthandtreatyqld.org.au

For more information, visit:

www.qld.gov.au/treaty

Members of Queensland’s Interim Truth and Treaty Body (ITTB) with Ministers Craig Crawford & Leeanne Enoch & local MP Cynthia Lui at the Cairns sitting of the Queensland Parliament in May this year. Pic supplied.

Ruby Ketchell learning to film at a Matildas - Australia’s national women’s team – game in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brisbane. Pic supplied.

Ruby inspired by opportunity

BY CARLI WILLIS 2022 year 12 graduate Ruby Ketchell took an opportunity to work at her local Indigenous radio station four months ago, never dreaming it would land her in Brisbane covering the FIFA Women’s World Cup last month.

She did it by earning herself a spot with the ABC’s International Development program, aimed at bringing together First Nations Australian women with women from the Indo Pacific and Asia Pacific to learn mobile journalism.

The successful applicants were flown to Brisbane to cover the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“I think it was kind of easier for a lot of us being women of colour because everyone kind of just got along straightaway,” she said.

“Everyone realised how similar we all were, and the similar traditions we had, and it was easier to connect like that.

“We have a fun little joke, because there’s so many of us everywhere, we have so many new holiday destinations to go to now.”

Back at her home station, Bumma Bippera Media in Cairns, she said she would continue to host the Torres Strait Hour on Thursdays from 1-2pm, which was also broadcast over the National Indigenous Radio Service.

Every other day she ran an easy listening

‘Yes’ campaigners shed light on Voice to Parliament vote

program where she played tunes BBM listeners loved to help get them through the afternoon.

But, she said, the ABC program had helped her realise how much she loved to film.

“Since being here with them, I’ve learned so much to do with all of this, but probably learned a little bit about myself as well,” she said.

“To be with a kid and all this equipment, I’ve learned that I actually really liked doing all this.

“I think this is the perfect opportunity to be a part of something that, I don’t know, just kind of opened your eyes to a whole different world of things.”

PICS BY CARLI WILLIS M Continued from P3 Young Eldrina Warria said the information helped her decide on a ‘Yes’ vote.

Enid Tom (front right), Kaurareg Elder and ranger says she is a Yes! person.

Kaurareg Elder Milton Savage (R) opens the event with a Welcome to Country.

Charles David proudly grabs his free ‘Yes’ shirt.

Bishop Tolowa Nona, Fr Michael Martin & Debra Nona. Pic: Anthea Patrick.

Elder Frank Cook has his say at the Waiben meeting.

NEWS 05

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2023

C-27J Spartan demonstration strengthens ties

ABOVE LEFT: Community engagement on Badu Island with No. 35 Squadron and ADF members during Exercise Coastwatcher Wallaby 23.

BELOW: Executive Officer, Squadron Leader Nathan Thompson, No. 35 Squadron, greets members of the Badu Island community.

ABOVE RIGHT: Corporal Jordan Oakley, No. 35 Squadron & Corporal Ashleigh Shannon, Defence Force Recruiting, greet members of the Badu Island community during Exercise Coastwatcher Wallaby 23.

Pics PTE Dean Armstrong, Department of Defence.

A flight to Badu – part of Exercise Coastwatcher Wallaby 23 in mid-July – was to demonstrate the C-27J Spartan’s unique capabilities which will strengthen ties between 35 Squadron and Charlie Company, 51st Battalion, The Far North Queensland Regiment (51FNQR).

35 Squadron executive officer and pilot Squadron Leader Nathan Thompson

want to reassure the locals that when they look up at the sky and see our aircraft, they know that we are there to help,” Squadron Leader Thompson said.

He emphasised the importance of strengthening ties with Charlie Company and broader 51FNQR. “The C-27J Spartan is unique among ADF aircraft, allowing access to the remotest airfields in the

said communities in the Torres Strait were set to benefit from C-27J Spartans’ increased capability to land and take-off on shorter and less prepared runways.

To demonstrate the C-27J Spartan’s unique capability, 35 Squadron crew employed advanced flying techniques to take-off and land on Badu Island’s approximately 800m long runway for the first time,

with the local community lining the airfield to cheer them on.

The C-27J Spartan then went on static display and the local community was invited on board to chat with the crew.

Squadron Leader Thompson said the community support was imperative.

“Community engagement is so important because we

Torres Strait Islands and providing an aerial resupply to the Charlie Company ground forces when they are deployed to islands without an airfield,” he said.

Charlie Company was mostly made up of Torres Strait Islander soldiers, who provided surveillance of both land and sea in the local area, including the strategically significant Prince of Wales Channel

‘maritime choke point’.

“Exercise Coastwatcher Wallaby 23 was a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the C-27J Spartan capabilities, and how it can support our joint forces and the Torres Strait Island communities,” he said.

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Rural fire brigades hold hope for extra staff

BY CARLI WILLIS Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) says it is committed to employing an additional 114 additional staff to support frontline Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers, the locations of which were yet to be determined.

At the time of printing there were no paid full time support staff based in the Northern Peninsula Area or Torres Strait.

Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said RFS volunteers played a crucial role in keeping the nation and beyond safe.

He said this year volunteers had already been deployed to south west Queensland and had assisted with firefighting efforts in Canada.

“At the same time, they have

kept their own communities safe and prepared them for the upcoming season through a variety of mitigation efforts,” he said.

“RFS members perform their work, not for recognition or reward, but because they are dedicated to their communities, often sacrificing time away from their jobs and loved ones.

“I encourage all Queenslanders to get behind their local brigade and show their support for these incredible people who help our communities in so many ways.”

In a statement to Torres News, a Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) spokesperson said the staffing model was still being finalised.

“The process to procure new equipment is [also] underway, with funding allocated from the Queensland Government,” he said.

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06 CHILDREN’S DAY

THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2023 TORRES NEWS

Waiben celebrations for Children’s Day The hopes, achievements and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were celebrated nationally last Friday, including on Waiben, for National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day. Activities on the day highlighted the importance of culture and community in the lives of young people under a theme of Little Voices, Loud Futures.

SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle said the growing popularity of Children’s Day demonstrated the importance families and educators placed on including cultural perspectives in early years education and care.

“It’s wonderful to see so many early years centres, schools and children’s services embracing the chance to celebrate and learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, and the central role it plays in the lives of our children,” Ms Liddle said.

“It is also a day of awareness, to advocate for our children’s rights to grow up strong and healthy, connected to family, community and Country, with equity of opportunity.”

SNAICC Chairperson Muriel Bamblet said this year’s theme also emphasised the importance of listening to children’s aspirations, hopes and dreams.

“Our call for the future is for our children to be proud of their heritage, be empowered and strengthened by their culture to speak their truth, to have a say on matters important to them and in the decisions that impact their lives,” she said. t

Ailan Life

Each month our proud sponsor CEQ will pick their favourite Ailan Life entry and the winner will receive a $150 GIFT CARD to use at any of your local CEQ stores!

Each week we will publish a pic showing the Ailan way of life in the Torres Strait and the NPA – the kids swimming, a BBQ at the beach, fishing, scenic shot, etc – from local photographers and readers across our region. Just email us your pic of Ailan Life along with your name, phone number and a 25-word description to ads@torres.news

This week’s pic of a double rainbow in front of a storm on Saturday evening at the Seaswift Wharf on Thursday Island, was taken by Carol McDonald.

Carol is now in the draw to win this month’s $150 gift card! Good luck!

Multiple entries may be submitted, but every entry (or entrant) may not be published. All pics submitted will be considered in the draw for the monthly gift voucher. Winners of the CEQ Ailan Life competition are determined by CEQ. Entries to the Ailan Life photo competition may be used by the CEQ marketing/promotions team as background images for store promotions such as posters, digital noticeboard specials, counter-facing displays (POS) screens, and/or on their website and social media. Entries may also be used in-store to promote the ‘Ailan Life’ competition.

PICS BY CARLI WALLIS

CHILDREN’S DAY 07

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2023 PICS BELOW AND RIGHT BY TARI SAGIGI

PICS ABOVE AND BELOW BY DIAT ALFERINK

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08 WONGAI BALL

THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2023 TORRES NEWS

Wongai Ball fundraiser a success for school STORY BY KATRINA COATES PICS BY TARI SAGIGI The Parents and Friends Association (PFA) of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School held their annual fundraiser, the Wongai Ball, at the PKA hall on Saturday night.

The event was dubbed a huge success, with an almost sell-out crowd enjoying a night of dancing with music provided by DJ Esther and live band First Break.

Wai Reka Catering – Sweet Waters provided a selection of delicious cocktail-style food.

Pic courtesy of Nadja Mack.

Ailan Life Photo Competition ENTER & WIN! We want to see your pic showing your Ailan Life!

Email your pic along with your name, phone number and a brief description of the pic to ads@torres.news

Each month our proud sponsor CEQ will pick their favourite Ailan Life entry and the winner will receive a $150 GIFT CARD*to use at any CEQ store!

Multiple entries may be submitted, but every entry (or entrant) may not be published. All pics submitted will be considered in the draw for the monthly gift voucher. Winners of the CEQ Ailan Life competition are determined by CEQ. Entries to the Ailan Life photo competition may be used by the CEQ marketing/promotions team as background images for store promotions such as posters, digital noticeboard specials, counter-facing displays (POS) screens, and/or on their website and social media. Entries may also be used in-store to promote the ‘Ailan Life’ competition.

A silent auction was also held with a variety of prizes all generously donated by local businesses Mark Milbourne Construction, Northern Construction, Joey Laifoo, Coral Sea Concrete, Matt Birney Builders, Cape York Camping Punsand Bay, EMVER Partners, ATS Services, Peddellls Ferry and Community Enterprise Queensland.

All money raised from the night will be used by the PFA to purchase a variety of resources for the school.

The PFA said they were extremely grateful to the community for their overwhelming support of this event.

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2023

WONGAI BALL 09

10 HEALTH NEWS

THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2023 TORRES NEWS

Birthday recovery on the cards for Ann STORY AND PICS BY ALF WILSON Waiben elder Ann Peters is recovering well from knee replacement surgery and looking forward to celebrating her 65th birthday tomorrow.

The Torres News saw the highly respected Ann in Cairns on 2 July, where she had the aid of crutches.

“I was in Cairns Base hospital for five days and was discharged two days ago,” she said.

“I am recovering very well and have had a lot of support from family and friends.

“I was supposed to have the surgery in early June but it was postponed.”

TN0461 • 09/02/23

Ann Peters in Cairns where she is recovering from knee surgery.

With Ann was her husband, Tony Peters, who works as a ganger for the Torres Strait Shire Council on Waiben.

Whilst in Cairns Ann got to spend valuable time with two nieces Elizabeth and Bakoi Bon, who live there.

“My two sons Gabriel Peters and Daniel Peters also live here, and my daughter Jessie came down from TI to see me as well, before I return back there,” Ann said.

Ann worked for Kaziw Meta College on Waiben for some time.

“I retired in 2020 and am enjoying life on TI where we have so many family,” she said.

We wish Ann many happy returns of the day for her birthday tomorrow.

Docs sign agreement to help close health gap

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TIMETABLE SUBJECT^KD & ZZ/ ^ D z EKd KW Z d TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE DUE TO QANTAS SCHEDULING, SOME FERRIES MAY NOT OPERATE

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.

J All TI transfers include complimentary bus service on Thursday Island J

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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10:30

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10:45 QF2488

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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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WůĞĂƐĞ ŶŽƚĞ͗ WůĞĂƐĞ ďĞ ĂǁĂƌĞ ƚŚĂƚ ǁĞ ǁŝůů ŚĂǀĞ ĨĞƌƌŝĞƐ ƚŽ ŵĞĞƚ s Zz Y Ed ^ ĂŶĚ ^<zdZ E^ ĨůŝŐŚƚ ĨƌŽŵ Bookings are essen�al for 18:00/18:10 ferry Mon-Fri, and Saturday 06:15/06:20 & 13:45/14:00 Sunday ferry 17:15/17:30 ONLY operates when Qantas operates a late flight. ĂŝƌŶƐ͘ /Ĩ LJŽƵ ĐĂŶ ŶŽƚ ƐĞĞ Ă ĨĞƌƌLJ ƚŚĂƚ ƐƵŝƚƐ LJŽƵƌ ĨůŝŐŚƚ ƉůĞĂƐĞ >> ƚŚĞ ŽĨĨŝĐĞ ŽŶ ϰϬϲϵ ϭϱϴϲ͘

Office hours are Monday to Friday - 08:00 - 17:00 - Please consider these hours to make bookings - our office is not manned outside of these ŽŽŬŝŶŐƐ ĂƌĞ ĞƐƐĞŶƚŝĂů ĨŽƌ ϭϴ͗ϬϬͬϭϴ͗ϭϬ ĨĞƌƌLJ DŽŶͲ&ƌŝ͕ ĂŶĚ ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ Ϭϲ͗ϭϱͬϬϲ͗ϮϬ Θ ϭϯ͗ϰϱͬϭϰ͗ϬϬ hours and we can not look up bookings or emails. We answer the phone whilst the ferry is running, but please try to book during office hours.

^ƵŶĚĂLJ ĨĞƌƌLJ ϭϳ͗ϭϱͬϭϳ͗ϯϬ KE>z ŽƉĞƌĂƚĞƐ ǁŚĞŶ YĂŶƚĂƐ ŽƉĞƌĂƚĞƐ Ă ůĂƚĞ ĨůŝŐŚƚ

KĨĨŝĐĞ ŚŽƵƌƐ ĂƌĞ DŽŶĚĂLJ ƚŽ &ƌŝĚĂLJ Ͳ Ϭϴ͗ϬϬ Ͳ ϭϳ͗ϬϬ Ͳ WůĞĂƐĞ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌ ƚŚĞƐĞ ŚŽƵƌƐ ƚŽ ŵĂŬĞ ďŽŽŬŝŶŐƐ Ͳ ŽƵƌ ŽĨĨŝĐĞ ŝƐ ŶŽƚ ŵĂŶŶĞĚ ŽƵƚƐŝĚĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞƐĞ ŚŽƵƌƐ ĂŶĚ ǁĞ ĐĂŶ ŶŽƚ ůŽŽŬ ƵƉ ŬŝŶŐƐ Žƌ ĞŵĂŝůƐ͘ tĞ ĂŶƐǁĞƌ ƚŚĞ ƉŚŽŶĞ ǁŚŝůƐƚ ƚŚĞ ĨĞƌƌLJ ŝƐ ƌƵŶŶŝŶŐ͕ ďƵƚ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ƚƌLJ ƚŽ Ŭ ĚƵƌŝŶŐ ŽĨĨŝĐĞ ŚŽƵƌƐ

AIDA President Dr Simone Raye & Australian Medical Association (AMA) President Professor Steve Robson. Pic supplied.

Tackling serious health inequities affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is at the heart of a new agreement between the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) and the Australian Medical Association (AMA).

The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last week, cementing a shared commitment towards addressing these issues, as well as empowering Australia’s future Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors.

AIDA President Dr Simone Raye said the signing of the MOU was not just a ceremonial act, but a powerful commitment to collaboration, trust, and a shared vision.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with the AMA as we focus on improving the culture of medicine, for our workforce and our patients,” Dr Raye said.

“Clinical safety is cultural safety, and it is essential we continue to improve outcomes for our people.

“By uniting in purpose, we can continue to unlock endless possibilities through our work towards a shared vision of a culturally safe healthcare system.”

AMA President Professor Steve Robson said the new agreement would unlock further collaboration with AIDA and foster the growth of

a culturally safe, expert medical workforce.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a right to affordable and culturally safe healthcare, no matter where they are in Australia,” Professor Robson said.

“Disappointingly, racism and discrimination are still present in our community, which contributes to a significant health gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and nonIndigenous Australians.

“This MOU will accelerate collaboration between the AMA and AIDA as we work towards closing that gap.”

As part of the agreement, signed at the AMA’s federal offices in Canberra, the AMA and AIDA planned to work together to help create new opportunities for success, growth and excellence for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors in the Australian healthcare system.

They said that would involve advocating for cultural safety across the medical education and training pipeline, to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students, trainee doctors and specialists were able to thrive in their careers.

HEALTH NEWS 11

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2023

CEQ nutritionist ready to take on store-driven healthy eating

BY JEN ENOSA & CHRISTINE HOWES Retail operator Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) has appointed a new Store Nutritionist to help further drive healthier eating in remote Cape York and Torres Strait Islands communities.

Georgia Day will work closely with CEQ Nutrition and Wellbeing Manager Melinda Hammond as the organisation prepared to release its 2023-2027 Nutrition and Wellbeing Strategy in the coming weeks.

Georgia was appointed to lead the Gather and Grow Healthy Stores project, a partnership with Health and Wellbeing Queensland, and work alongside remote store teams to improve the position of healthy food options and make it easier for customers to purchase.

Georgia said she was passionate about nutrition and improving the health outcomes of people living in remote and rural communities.

“I’m delighted to have joined CEQ and am really enjoying getting to know the communities, building relationships, and getting as much feedback and knowledge as I can,” she said.

“My role is focused on in-store environments and promoting health and wellbeing by encouraging customers towards healthier choices.

“My passion is creating healthenabling food environments.

“I‘m excited to be a part of implementing long-lasting and positive changes within CEQ that will support community aspirations for health.”

Georgia Day. Pic supplied.

Ms Hammond said they were keen to drive a nutrition and wellbeing strategy for the stores.

“The company is really changing direction and very much interested in our new vision which is ‘caring everyday always’,” she said.

“A big part of that is caring about the health and wellbeing of the communities we service, so I’m developing a nutrition and wellbeing team that will work with our store group and bring healthy choices to consumers, making it easier for people in the Torres Strait to keep their families healthy.

“In a few weeks time we will be releasing a four-year nutrition and wellbeing strategy which will talk about what our commitments are to the communities we service and the sort of work we’ll be doing with our stores to make them healthy stores.”

Ms Hammond said Georgia’s appointment in the Store Nutritionist role showed CEQ’s commitment to healthy choices for its customers.

“We do take our social responsibility seriously in improving the overall health and wellbeing of the communities we serve, and we are very proactive in that space,” she said.

“We’re confident that Georgia will drive change and healthier choices across our stores.”

She said they were also seeking to appoint a First Nations Nutrition Cadet to work alongside Georgia in a travelling role to promote healthy eating and increase nutrition capacity in CEQ stores, particularly with staff, who were 90 per cent local.

“We can work with those store teams to strengthen the nutrition knowledge and health knowledge and then they can then pass that on to their family and community members,” she said.

“So that part of our work is not just working on what products are in the store.

“We put all the healthy products in prominent locations.

“We work on price, making the healthier choice is cheaper than the unhealthy options.

“We also work on lots of promotions – cooking demonstrations, the posters, the material on our digital screens.

“So that’s work that the cadet and Georgia will do.”

For more information, visit www.

Feds boost funding for regional junior doctor program

BY CARLI WILLIS A new Commonwealth-funded junior doctor rotation program will further boost doctor numbers across regional and rural Queensland, Queensland Health says.

In a statement to Torres News, the federal Department of Health and Aged care said rotations had increased yearon-year nationally, with 440 rotations in 2022 expected to increase to 800 in 2025.

Under the new consolidated structure, the state was set to receive an increase in funds of more than $800,000 per year.

Previous programs – the Rural Junior Doctors Training and Innovation Fund (RJDTIF) and RJDTIF Rural Generalists in Queensland programs – were not administered by Queensland Health.

Under the new John Flynn Prevocational Doctor Program junior doctors would be administered by Queensland Hospital and Health Services, and would complete their rotation at a rural private General Practice or approved primary care facility.

Queensland Health said doctor numbers for the Torres and Cape would be finalised by the end of August.

ceqld.org.au

TCHHS PUPS team finalists in national pallative care awards The Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service’s (TCHHS) Pop-Up Palliative Care Service, known as the PUPS team, has been named as a finalist in the 2023 National Palliative Care Awards.

The team, pictured from left – Kate Richardson, Vesta Sexton and Charlene McCall – will find out if they are winners in the category of Outstanding Achievement in Aboriginal or

We want YOUR news!

Torres Strait Islander Palliative Care in Sydney in September.

“The dedicated TCHHS PUPS team transitioned from a project to a service in the past year and have seen ongoing success in the delivery of their consumer driven Model of Care,” a TCHHS spokesperson told the Torres News.

“Congratulations to the team on becoming finalists.”

Pic supplied.

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SPORT 13

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2023

Mam stars despite leg injury

BY ALF WILSON

Electric five eighth Ezra Mam overcame a painful leg injury to shine for the Brisbane Broncos as they beat the North Queensland Cowboys 30-14 before a sellout crowd at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Ezra looked in severe discomfort and had one leg strapped but scored a try at the 52nd minute and was dangerous every time he touched the ball.

The rising star also was brutal in defence often tackling much bigger opponents.

He has scored seven tries in his past nine games.

His usual halfback partner, champion playmaker Adam Reynolds missed the game due to a groin injury, and deputising for him was Jock Madden.

The Cowboys were without quality centre Valentine Holmes who was suspended for a month.

Reuben Cotter had his usual good game for the Cowboys in defence and attack.

The Cowboys have dropped to ninth on

Gagai knight in shining armour A best on the ground performance from experienced centre Dane Gagai led the Newcastle Knights to a nail biting 30-28 victory over the Dolphins in front of 42,000 spectators in Perth on Saturday.

Dane made numerous telling runs and was solid in defence as the Knights moved to seventh on the ladder.

Winger Jamayne Isaako scored three first half tries for the Dolphins, who were inspired by Hamiso “Hammer” TabuaiFidow.

Although he wore the number one jumper, Hammer lined up in the centres.

The Dolphins will meet the Sydney Roosters at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium next week whilst the Knights are back home at McDonald Jones Stadium to take on the Bulldogs.

Seb consistent A position change from fullback to the centres paid handsome dividends for Canberra Raiders’ Sebastian “Seb” Kris when he scored two tries the 22-18 win over the West Tigers on Sunday.

Seb scored at the

25th and 44th minutes which propelled the Green Machine into fifth spot on the 17 club NRL ladder.

It was Seb’s 10th try of the season and he is fast becoming one of the most consistent backs in the comp.

Later on Seb left the field with a hamstring injury at the 52nd minute and will be missed if unavailable for the Raiders next match against the Melbourne Storm.

The Rabbitohs fought back with three quick tries with the first at the 62nd minute out wide by AJ. AJ had another try disallowed just before halftime when the bunker ruled his leg had touched the side line.

This week the Rabbitohs will take on the St George Dragons in Cairns in a Saturday night blockbuster.

NRLW

ROUND UP

the NRL ladder after successive losses and have a bye next round before hosting the Cronulla Sharks in the opening match of Round 25.

The second-placed Broncos face the Parramatta Eels at the Gabba in Brisbane in round 24.

Fifita scores 7th for season Tough forward David Fifita scored a try at the 23rd minute when his side the Gold Coast Titans lost 28-18 to the high rolling New Zealand Warriors on Saturday night.

He was, once again, one of the Titans’ best, running from dummy half to score from close range for his seventh try of the season.

The 13th placed Titans will head down to Sydney to meet with the Cronulla Sharks at PointsBet Stadium while the third placed Warriors host the Wests Tigers at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton.

AJ’s bumper season Winger Alex “AJ” Johnston scored a try which was the 185th of his long career when his side the South Sydney Rabbitohs lost 26-16 to the Cronulla Sharks in Perth on Saturday.

The Sharks, who were inspired by Dally M winner and champion halfback Nicko Hynes, led 26-nil early in the second half.

ROUND UP

BY ALF WILSON

NRLW Round 3 The Torres Strait trio of Tallisha Harden, Jasmine Peters and Sareka Mooka had strong games during the Cowboys 40-12 loss to the Brisbane Broncos in round three of the NRLW competition.

A sellout crowd packed into Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Brisbane scored eight tries to North Queensland’s two in the first meeting between the two sides from the Sunshine State.

The Broncos women are coached by former NRL star Scott Prince, who has been to Waiben several times to compete in the big touch carnival.

Edrick Lee with Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett in Townsville earlier in the season.

Lee scores two tries after return from injury STORY AND PIC

BY ALF WILSON Lanky outside back Edrick Lee scored two tries in his return after injury when the CQ Capras beat the Townsville Blackhawks 44-22 at Rockhampton’s Browne Park on Saturday.

The Capras led 16-6 at halftime and Edrick scored at the third and 62nd minutes to lead way.

Edrick had lined up for the Dolphins NRL side earlier in the season when they beat the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville and showed all of the NRL experience he gained from stints with the Canberra Raiders, Cronulla Sharks and Newcastle Knights.

Jayden Hodges and Gehamat Shibasaki were in the Blackhawks team who sit in 10th place on the ladder, and the Capras fifth.

Pride over Seagulls away

Cowboys v Brisbane Broncos at Townsville on Saturday afternoon. Pic supplied.

Northern Pride travelled to Tweed Heads to defeat the Seagulls 34-24 at Piggabeen Sports Complex and move to eighth on the 15 club ladder.

Dantoray Lui had a good game for the Pride.

The Seagulls had led

18-12 at halftime before a parochial home crowd but the Pride stormed home to seal victory.

Hunters big win at home The PNG Hunters scored a 26-22 win over the Dolphins before a big supportive crowd at Port Morseby.

Hunters try scorers were Solo Wane (two), Whallan Tau-Loi, Joshua Lau 67 and Benji Kot whilst Jamie Mavoko kicked two goals.

The Hunters led 8-4 at halftime and the second 40 minutes was a genuine grind by both sides.

Reuben scores a double Two tries by speedy outside back Jon Reuben was not enough for his Norths Devils who lost 42-34 to the Clydesdales at Clive Berghofer Stadium in Toowoomba.

Jon crossed at the 54th and 57th minutes to give the Devils some hope after they trailed 22-6 at halftime.

On Saturday in the next round

Northern Pride v Western Clydesdales at Barlow Park, PNG Hunters v Townsville Blackhawks at Santos National Football Stadium, Norths Devils v Sunshine Coast Falcons at Bishop Park and Burleigh Bears v Mackay Cutters at UAA Park.

Next Sunday

Souths Logan Magpies v Wynnum Manly Seagulls at Ron Stark Oval, Redcliffe Dolphins v CQ Capras at Kayo Stadium and Tweed Seagulls v Ipswich Jets at Piggabeen Sports Complex.

Hastings Deering Colts Premiership Round 14 Jamal Shibasaki and PNG star Ragarive Wavik shone of the Townsville Blackhawks, who defeated the CQ Capras 38-14 at Rockhampton.

Ragarive scored two tries and kicked three goals for a personal tally of 14 points, whilst Jamal also scored a four pointer.

The Cairns Northern Pride went down 64-4 to Tweed Seagulls at Piggabeen Sports Complex.

Blackhawks sit fourth on the 14 club comp ladder, the Mackay Cutter ninth, the Capras 11th and the Pride 13th.

Next Saturday in Round 15

The Pride and Blackhawks clash at Barlow Park in Cairns with kickoff at 10.15am.

Mackay Cutters will meet the CQ Capras at Mackay Junior Rugby League Ground commencing at 4.15pm.

14 SPORT

THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2023 TORRES NEWS

World Cup looms for Boomers Basketball the winner in close NBL1 finals series

The Australian Boomers have cut their squad from 18 down to 15 ahead of the FIBA Basketball World Cup later this month, with three more to go.

Keanu Pinder missed out,

but Patty Mills and William McDowell-White were still in the mix as the squad left the north for Melbourne this week, ready to play exhibition games against Venezuela, Brazil and South Sudan next week.

In the end only 12 players will be chosen to ‘boom’ in World Cup games to be played in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia from 25 August to 10 September – the 32 participating teams will play 92 games over the 16 days.

BY VELMA GARA The Ipswich Force (Men’s) and Northside Wizards (Women’s) are the NBL1 North Champions.

Third placed, Ipswich Force, defeated the favourites, Gold Coast Rollers – two games to one.

The basketball grand finals were played last weekend in a best of three games series at the home courts for Rollers (Gold Coast) and Wizards (Zillmere, Brisbane).

In the men’s, Rollers won the first game, 100-86, and had to win the following night for the 2023 championship.

However, Ipswich had other ideas and came out fired up and levelled the series to play the third game.

Force won, 119-98, and then last Sunday afternoon, won convincingly again by about 20 points, 109-85.

Rollers centre, Tidjane Diop, played consistently off the bench until he was

ABOVE: Pinder (left) & McDowell-White (right) in NBL action in Cairns late last year.

RIGHT: Patty Mills in Cairns last month at the ICBL Qld North launch. Pics by Christine Howes.

Celebratory moment of Tidjane Diop (#33) with his Rollers teammates during the Grand Finals series. Pic @trent.schwartz. injured in Game 3. Just before the end of third quarter, whilst guarding Deng Deng, Diop injured his left shoulder.

He didn’t return to play.

Collectively over the three games, Diop had 17 points, 9 rebounds and one block.

Wizards women’s team won their grand final series against Rockhampton Cyclones in two games – (87-52) and (70-59).

The North Champions will be heading to Joondalup, West Australia, to compete in the NBL1 National Championship on 18-20 August 2023.

They will play the winners of NBL1 East, South, Central and West.

Top scorers for the men’s series: Game 1 – (Rollers)

Todd Blanchfield 27p and 14r. / (Force) Nathan Sobey 22p and 6r.

Game 2 – (Rollers) Todd

Blanchfield 40p and 8r / (Force) Nathan Sobey 39p and 6r.

Game 3 – (Rollers) Todd

Blanchfield 20p and 15r / (Force) Deng Deng 41p and 13r.

Top Scorers for the women’s series: Game 1 – (Wizards) AJ

Johnson 23p and 8r / (Cyclones) Tia Hays 13p and 3r.

Game 2 – (Wizards)

Courtney Woods 23p, 7r and 10assists / (Cyclones) Lara McSpadden 20p and 12r.

Huge crowds enjoy double blockbuster in Townsville NRL STORY & PICS BY ALF WILSON Waiben rugby league follower LJ Shibasaki was amongst an invasion of Torres Strait Islanders from around North Queensland who converged on Townsville for the double header NRL games between the Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos last weekend.

LJ, a highly respected Waiben resident, was a hard working secretary of the local Kaiwalagal Rugby League competition for many years.

The Torres News unexpectedly saw LJ, her sister Florence Mills and husband Fred Mills from Mount Isa at the Cardwell Choice Roadhouse on Friday 4 August.

It was the day before the NRL women’s and men’s blockbuster matches between the Cowboys and Broncos at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

“We are really looking forward to the games,” LJ said.

Also there was Cairns resident Don Bowie, the father of Cowboys ladies co-captain Tallisha Harden.

They caught up with a relative Lilian Bosun, who has worked at the roadhouse for seven years.

“It was really good to see them,” Lilian said.

LJ has many relatives in Townsville, including her nephews Gehamat and his younger brother Jamal Shibasaki.

The brothers were travelling away from Townsville for the weekend, with Gehamat on the team for the Queensland Hostplus Cup Blackhawks team taking on the CQ Capras at Rockhampton’s Browne Park. Jamal was in the Blackhawks Hasting Deering Colts side also meeting the Capras in Rockhampton.

Torres News also met up with Cape York family Alfred Bond, Tessa Bosuen, Geraldine Kris, Kaylene Jawai and Alayah Bond in the Townsville CBD, all ready to get to the games.

“We have come down from Napranum and Weipa,” Tessa said.

They caught up with young Townsville girls Tahliyah Jawai and Miriam Kris as they watched the drum beat for the hundreds who marched from the Cowboys League’s Club in the CBD to the stadium.

Mackay’s Julie Tass was also heading off to the football, she was related to Isaiah Tass, a star back for the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Cape York family Alfred Bond, Tessa Bosuen, Geraldine Kris, Kaylene Jawai & Alayah Bond.

Tahliyah Jawai & Miriam Kris marched to the ground.

At Cardwell heading to the Cowboys games were Fred Mills, Florence Mills, Lilian Bosun & LJ Shibasaki from Waiben.

Julie Tass from Mackay was also heading to the game.

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TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2023

Steps, speed and skill on show at AFL schools comp Over 50 students from Tagai State College, NPA State College and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School put their steps, speed and football skills on display at the AFL Crusader Cup on Thursday Island last week.

The event saw boys and girls from Years 5 and 6 competing in an all-day AFL carnival on Ken Brown Oval. For Tagai State College and Sacred Heart students, the Crusader Cup wraps up the six weeks of free in-school AFL lessons.

“It was fantastic to see all of these students getting the opportunity to put the skills they’ve learnt to the test in a competitive environment,” Cape York AFL Development Officer Kieran Sciberras said. “For some of these students it was their first-time playing AFL games outside of our in-school sessions, and the quality of play has been outstanding.

“The NPA Crows took home the Crusader Cup after a hard-fought win over the Sacred Heart Bulldogs, but the best part of the day was

seeing this many young people try out something new and potentially put their hand up for future AFL program selection.

“We hold Crusader Cup events in Cooktown, Weipa, Normanton and Thursday Island as part of our selection processes for our U12 Crusaders representative program.

“Our Crusaders team that travelled down to the Sunshine Coast earlier this year for the QLD Schools Championships was made up of 22 students from across the Cape York, Torres Strait and

Gulf Savannah region.

“From those students, 10 had played in the Torres Strait/NPA Crusader Cup carnival last year or played in-school AFL with us during our school visits.

“This program wouldn’t be possible without the support of our partner schools throughout the region so we’re extremely grateful for that. We’d also like to thank CEQ – IBIS for sponsoring the fresh fruit, water and healthy lunch for all our players, coaches and staff.”

AFL Cape York

kicked off its Game Development program in the Northern Peninsula Area last week and will continue to deliver its game development program there for the rest of the school term.

Badu Island program kicking goals The AFL Cape York Game Development team visited Badu Island as part of their in-school and community football program last week.

Home to the northernmost AFL goals in Australia, Badu students were keen to have a kick

with staff and show off their AFL skills.

“It’s always great to come up to Badu to run AFL sessions, the kids are always so welcoming and excited to play footy,” Kieran said.

“Our after-school sessions on the town oval last week had over 45 young people (and a few adults) playing our great game of AFL.” As part of the visit, AFL Cape York delivered footballs to the school so students could

keep practicing their skills.

Various AFL prizes were also donated for the school to utilise as rewards for positive behaviours and attendance.

“We’d like to thank Tagai State College for their support of our AFL Game Development program – being able to deliver AFL sessions to some of the most remote schools across the Torres Strait is always one of the highlights of our year,” Kieran said.

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THURSDAY ISLAND / SEISIA ABOVE: All players – Crusader Cup.

BELOW LEFT & RIGHT: NPA Crows – U12 Cruader Cup winners.

FERRY SCHEDULE JUN – SEP 2023 Monday to Saturday (June to Saturday, 30 September) THURSDAY ISLAND to SEISIA: Depart 6.30AM & 2.30PM SEISIA to THURSDAY ISLAND: Depart 8AM & 4PM

During June to end of September, 2023, Peddells Ferry will operate on all gazetted bank holidays.

“Linking the Cape with the Torres Strait”

Boarding strictly 15 mins prior to departure

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

Sacred Heart & Tagai U12 Crusader Cup.

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.

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SPORTS CONTRIBUTIONS Please email your sports stories and photos before 5PM on Mondays.

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THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2023

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

NPA’s Sulia plays for AFL state U12s

More AFL pics & story P15 N

Sulia meeting with the ALFW players and (right) boarding the plane in Cairns. Pics supplied.

BY CARLI WILLIS Northern Peninsula Area State College – Injinoo Junior Campus student Sulia Ingui will fly the AFL flag for the Far North as part of the Queensland Blaze U12 girls team in Albury, New South Wales, this week.

Sulia was the only one of 22 girls selected for the team from north of Cairns.

AFL Cape York Development

Coordinator Kieran Sciberras said Sulia had very quickly excelled at the sport since joining only a year ago.

“Players are selected not only based on their footballing ability, but their school attendance, behaviour and ability to show responsibility, pride and respect – three values which we hold in high regard at AFL Cape York,” he said.

Sulia was in Brisbane last week for the first full team training

session and the Queensland AFL Guernsey presentation.

Whilst there she had the opportunity to visit Brighton Homes Arena – home of the Brisbane Lions – and meet several AFLW players before taking a tour of the facilities.

“Everyone at AFL Cape York is extremely proud of Sulia’s achievements so far and wish her and her teammates all the best at the championships,” Kieran said.

“We’re extremely grateful for the support from our partners at Bamaga Enterprises Ltd – who covered the travel costs for Sulia’s flights down to this event.

“A special shout out to Necole from the Yeronga Football Club and Anthony from the Brisbane Lions, who have helped Sulia to make the most out of this amazing opportunity.”

Earlier this year Sulia represented her school at the

AFLQ Schools Cup in Cairns and was selected by coaches as the Hinterland Aviation Most Valuable Player.

A live stream of the carnival is available via the schoolsportsaus website, with regular updates also available via AFL Cape York’s social media pages.

The team will play their last matches today against Western Australia at 11.15am and tomorrow against the Northern Territory at 12.15pm.

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