Torres News_Edition 96_31 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.

Thursday, 31 August 2023

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No flies on these rodeo guys!

Northern Peninsula residents

Rodeo and Races event.

and visitors enjoyed three full

There were champions of field, fashion and sportsmanship in the making at events ranging from the boy’s and girl’s Poddy rides,

days of rip-roaring, yahoo’ing, best-dressed – and sometimes slightly dangerous – fun and madness at this year’s NPA

barrel and sprint races through to best dressed before they moved onto the scarier stuff of bull rides, sack races, boot throwing and saddle broncs!

Full range of pics inside on PAGE 18 N

Pictured are Maithapol Wymarra, Tristan Bond, Smithy Getwan, Kelvin Gowa, Lenard Reid & Jefferson Mandie, who loved every hair-raising minute of the thong throws, horse races, bronco bucking and other hard-fought competitions. Pic courtesy of Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC). RIDER & BULL: pic courtesy of Jemima Knight.

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THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023 TORRES NEWS

What now? Referendum set for 14 October

BY CARLI WILLIS The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is gearing up for the upcoming voice referendum - to be held on Saturday 14 October – by encouraging people to enrol and looking to employ local people to guide their communities through the process.

AEC Indigenous and Community Engagement Officer Mas Banu said in the first instance it was important for mob to be enrolled if they

want to have a say in the referendum.

“I sabe our pamle there outside we get scared too, because we get fined,” he said.

“If you forget to vote blo federal election or state or local government elections, you can simply pick up the phone and give us a call and we can waive that fine, based on sufficient reason.

“We encourage you for our pamle out there to come and vote.”

Mr Banu said people could enrol to vote online or call 13 23 26 for help.

Earlier this year Parliament passed the Constitution Alteration Bill and the government said they were committed to holding the referendum in 2023.

Voice Referendum booklets began arriving in mailboxes on the mainland and the date for the compulsory referendum was set to take place on Saturday 14 October, as announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday this week.

Mr Banu said

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mobile polling would be available in midSeptember - three weeks prior to the referendum - for people who may not be able to make it to a polling booth on the day.

He said the AEC was looking for workers to assist with mobile polling booths on the outer islands of the Torres Strait, Northern Peninsula Area and Cairns.

He said they would employ at least two people per mobile booth.

“We can employ someone in those communities and we can train them up,” he said.

“Our community members or even them local members, who like to come and work for us, we can pay them three between $300 to $500 per day.”

The lengthy online application form asked applicants to outline similar working experience.

Mr Banu said previous experience was not a pre-requisite and encouraged people to apply regardless.

“No skills required just a willing to learn and communicate and sabe the process,” he said.

“Training normally just for about one or two days and they get paid on the training days.”

He said it was a preference to have Torres Strait Islanders helping to guide their own communities through the process and encouraged community members to follow up their applications with an email to the Indigenous team - IndigenousQLD@aec.gov.au - to flag they were living in the community and able to assist.

He also encouraged people to read the 15-page Yes/No neutral pamphlet commissioned

by the AEC on their website.

“We’ll have the information [available on the] day with that yes case and the no case so they can have a bit of a read,” he said. “So it’s up to our pamle out there to get informed to be informed blo the pamphlet yes or no case.”

He said where possible, mobile booths would also target persons who may not have access to postal voting or vehicles.

“All them homeless family as well, who don’t have an address all stap blo park, we look after them too where we actually go to thempla in the park,” he said.

“So they can have a voice to say either ‘yes’ or ‘no’.”

Mr Banu said on the day voting would be open from 8am to 6pm across the country.

He said it was critical people read the instructions before casting their vote.

“We give them the ballot paper and we tell them they need to need to write ‘Yes’, as in ‘Y-E-S’, and ‘No’, as in ‘N-O’,” he said.

“If they put a ‘Y’ for ‘YES’ or ‘N’ for No, we will mark that as invalid.

“On the day, we will let them know.”

To contact the AEC Indigenous team write to Indigenous-QLD@aec. gov.au

Up to 100,000 temporary election jobs available here: https://www.aec. gov.au/employment/ working-at-elections/ index.htm

Read the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ pamphlet here:

http://www.aec.gov.au

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Practise voting here:

https://www.aec.gov. au/referendums/vote/ completing-the-ballotpaper.html

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NEWS 03

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023

Help for Telstra customers on Waiben today Financial councillors from the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) are on Waiben until 5pm today to help customers who may have experienced miss-selling by Telstra.

In 2021, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) ordered Telstra to pay a $50 million dollar penalty for “unconscionable” sales made to Indigenous consumers.

As a result Telstra was Court-ordered to further assist customers who were affected, and ICAN was funded to assist consumers with financial counselling and compensation for such sales.

Councillors Unaisi Buli and Zack Wildy

have been based at Mura Kosker on Waiben since Monday to offer face to face assistance to customers.

Mr Wildy said customers could be eligible for up to $20,000 in compensation.

“The general cases that we’re seeing are people who might have come down to Cairns, gone into a Telstra shop for a basic inquiry, a new phone, or to look at perhaps like a prepaid plan,” he said.

“But walk out of that shop with, a new phone, a new tablet, headphones, bluetooth speaker, and a whole range of other devices and services that perhaps they didn’t need, or couldn’t afford, or both.”

Ms Buli said across the Cape they’d already uncovered 30 current

Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network financial councillors Unaisi Buli & Zack Wildy.

Pic supplied. customers they believed were miss-sold Telstra goods or services, and 17 historical cases where miss-selling occurred.

She said the financial stress had a crippling effect of peoples lives in some cases.

“I’ve got a client who’s on Disability

Support Pension, she was wanting to just get credit, she came out with a phone plan, two mobiles, Foxtel and a WiFi toggle,” she said.

“She came out with a lot more than what she actually wanted to go in for.

“She ended up in financial stress.”

Mr Wildy said Telstra had done postcode sweeps and physically attended some communities in a pink bus to help customers to waive debt where possible.

He said even if customers had their debt waived, they may still be eligible for compensation.

“We might feel that something is particularly egregious, whereas Telstra may not see it that way based on their benchmarking,” he said.

“If people are concerned about this being just another drag and pain in the backside, it’s not.

“Generally we’ll do all the heavy lifting for them.

“So far, we’ve still been able to get most cases resolved.”

Boomers doco launched

BY VELMA GARA When the Australian Boomers won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics they made history.

It was the first time the men’s team had won a medal and, even though it was bronze, it was dubbed Rose Gold – also the name of a new 90 minute documentary released last week.

Director Matthew Adekponya was filming Boomers guard Patty Mills at the Olympics and vision was put together as a behind-thescenes look at how the Boomers found their identity and achieved their first international medal.

Rose Gold looked at Mills’ identity as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and the advice he received from his

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parents, Benny and Yvonne.

Former Boomers Andrew Gaze and Andrew Bogut were interviewed along with current teammates Joe Ingles and Matisse Thybulle Rose Gold was released in time for the start of the FIBA World Cup however it ran in only 130 cinemas around the country for a week, mainly in cities and regional cities.

Support for the project came from Screen Australia, the ABC and Madman.

It also previewed at the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) 2023.

Rose Gold - pic supplied.

Raffia Woven Basket Nancy Nona

See PAGE 19 for a full report on the Boomers progress in the FIBA World Cup. N

Colouring New Adventures Book

Deadly Choices aims for ‘tobacco takedown’ Queensland’s Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities are the target of Deadly Choices’ three pronged ‘tobacco takedown’, designed to help close the gap in health and life expectancy outcomes among Indigenous Australians.

The rejuvenated campaign, launched by the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) last week, was made possible through the continued support from the Federal Government’s Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) Program.

Dolphins player Edrick Lee lent his

Edrick Lee and Ezra Mam with a young friend in advertising. Pic supplied. support after seeing the impact the Deadly Choices mob had when they first started in commuities.

“I’ve seen a lot of

friends and the family that were involved with Deadly Choices and the choices they had to make to become where they are now,” he said.

“And I think without the Deadly Choices information that they had, I wouldn’t be where I am right now.

“So the nutrition

and the value, and also making the right choices the way they definitely set you up and see you on the right path.”

Mr Lee worked with his cousin, Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam, on the first instalment of a multi-faceted health check ad campaign funded by Health and Wellbeing Queensland, to be unveiled during the NRL Finals series.

The major messages of the 2023 Deadly Choices advertising campaigns were to stress to individuals the importance of making deadly, healthy choices, not only for themselves, but for their families and for their communities as a cultural commitment.

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HEALTH NEWS 05

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023

Funds are in for new allied health help for kids

BY JEN ENOSA AND CARLI WILLIS A new child development program in the Torres Strait, Cape York and Northern Peninsula Area will receive $3.6 million in funding over two years to help improve the lives of children who may be vulnerable to developmental delays or difficulties.

Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said the funding would bolster the existing allied health workforce and bring in more speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers and dieticians to work with children.

She said up to eight local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Allied Health Assistants would also be hired to work in community clusters.

The funds came after the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service’s (TCHHS’s) 2022 Local Area Needs Assessment reported almost 70 percent of people in the region were First Nations.

The Australian Early Development Census

also found the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children on track in five key developmental areas had decreased by 0.5 per cent, widening the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children to 21.9 per cent.

Allied Health Assistant Rita Kebisu has a long history in community engagement and has visited remote island communities to look at the needs of children and their families to improve child development.

“How do we close the gap and build capacity with community for yumi pikaninney,” she said.

“We’re looking at community and identifying children early, that may have delayed learning or a disability.

“We sabe we got five key factors when kids here attend school and some of those domains, they don’t get reached until they get to kindy and we find them kids here are behind a little bit.”

Ms Kebisu said the program would target children aged 0- to nineyears-old in a bid to address developmental delays early.

She said more than 1100 children in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area

Allied Health Executive Amanda Wilson (left) and Allied Health Assistant Rita Kebisu (right) are working toward better access to health for remote kids. Pic supplied. experienced at least one disadvantage in one key area of learning, and more than 600 in two or more key areas.

Allied Health executive Amanda Wilson said the new program worked in partnership with the NDIS and was accessible to children with learning delays and those who lived with a disability.

“This is to help children who may be a little bit delayed in their development, so speech delays or difficulties regulating emotions,” she said.

“It could also help with kids who have autism, or some disabilities like down syndrome or cerebral palsy.”

She said having locally-based community engagement officers was key to building capacity and would help with early intervention of learning delays.

“We very much want to make sure that we’ve got staff who have got existing relationships with communities,” she said.

“But that we also bring in additional workforce because we know that shortages in

allied health is something that communities have told us is limiting access to care.”

Ms Wilson said the Early Childhood program was expected to reach around 1154 children in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area.

She said communities could expect to see allied health professionals on the ground from around October, and that a second Allied Health Assistant, Rita Kaitap, was already on board to help inform how the program would roll out logistically through

community engagement.

Ms Kebisu said they were actively visiting inner and outer islands to understand their unique needs.

“For instance, for the visit at Murray Island, the school has offered for mipla for use thempla kindy area and offered the school bus so it gives opportunity for community members to come up and engage with me,” she said.

She said areas with the most demand would determine how often allied health professionals visited and how long they would spend in each community.

Referrals to the program could come from family or through GP’s and schools.

“We’re working with the schools so we can build capacity blo them early childhood educators but also parents and caregivers, all those who look after them children,” she said.

“We’re working with passion, working with community to make sure that we help give them kids the possible best possible start for life.”

Families based in the TCHHS region can contact Ms Kebisu on 0457 348 354 for more information.

06 NEWS

THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023 TORRES NEWS

Malungu Yangu Wakay sparks celebration and inspires change

Serai Watson, Maryann Pedro & Anna Ruth Kris at St Paul’s, Moa Island. Pic by Hans Ahwang.

BY CARLI WILLIS Celebrations across the length and breadth of Zenadth Kes, and on the mainland, marked the 86th Anniversary of the First Councillors meeting on Masig last Wednesday, 23 August.

That first Torres Strait Island Councillor’s Conference was recognised as marking the beginning of regional autonomy, and from there the Masig Statement - Malungu Yangu Wakay (Voice from the Deep) – was born in 2022.

In the Torres Strait region the day was a bank holiday, and this year celebrations included processions, discussions, signings of the Masig Statement, games and kai kai.

Torres Strait Island Regional Council provided each of its island

Hans Ahwang & Serai Watson at St Paul’s, Moa Island.

Pics above & below by Hans Ahwang.

communities with a limited number of shirts listing the names of the first councillors.

Saint Paul’s community member Michelle Ware said it was a mina emotional day.

“The day is a very significant day for yumi Torres Strait Islanders,” she said. “It was a bit emotional for me personally because I didn’t know much about the day, I thought it was only Masig celebrating the day.

“Reading and learning about this day, wa, it kind of took me by surprise.”

Ms Ware said Elders and community members read the meeting minutes aloud from the First Islanders Council meeting in 1937 and shared stories.

TSIMA Board Member and

Central Island representative Frank Fauid said he always looked forward to the anniversary celebrations but was in Cairns for a meeting this year.

“It is a commemoration of a day

(Back) Rosina Gibuma, Millas Anau, Saeda Dotoi & (front) Lawrence Marama on Boigu Island. Pic by Tonaio Aunau.

“Together, we can make a change – only together, we can make the change.

“The change he comes by, you take a one step, you make a change, you take another step, you make a change.

“Change comes with every step we take and you can see the changes in our community.”

Mr Fauid urged communities to take time to talk to their Elders who carried the fight for change for long before them.

He also urged communities to take the time to share knowledge with young people.

“You need to rise up, you need to encourage them from primary school, to the high school and if they go to another training, you still need to support them,” he said.

that we can look back, reflect our mind back, for the journeys that have been taken through our fathers, grandfathers, and our fathers,” he said.

“And even to this current leadership on Zenadth Kes. “When we celebrate like this, we are looking forward for a change.

“In our sports in our health in, our working ethics.”

He said the celebrations were highly anticipated in communities but urged people to understand the day was about so much more.

“The point is we are working together to accomplish the purpose, blo whole Zenadth Kes as a nation,” he said.

“One community can’t stand and fight, it has to be the whole Zenadth Kes community.

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08 BUSINESS NEWS

THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023 TORRES NEWS

Ninth Indigenous Business Month ready to connect

TN0461 • 09/02/23

Local Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs were invited join a regular Black Coffee meeting at the Island Stars Cafe (Lagaw Titui) on Tuesday this week. Pic supplied.

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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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The theme for the ninth Indigenous Business Month, to be held in October this year, will be To Gather, Together.

Acknowledging the importance and impact of connection, for this year only, Indigenous Business Month co-founders said they were not facilitating the national Indigenous Business Month awards competition, as they had done previously.

They said they were asking individuals and communities across the country to offer exposure to their local Indigenous businesses and experience the collective sense of pride generated when they gathered together.

“Great things happen when we come together, relationships are formed, opportunities brokered and action is taken,” Indigenous Business Month (IBM) co-founder and Director of 33 Creative, Mayrah Sonter said.

They said gatherings could be as simple as a conversation over a cuppa with a local Indigenous business owner to support a new collaboration, partnership, opportunity or to share ideas.

“We encourage as many localised IBM gatherings as possible and urge mob to use IBM as a vehicle to showcase the diversity of the way we gather across our many and varied nations,” co-founder Dr Michelle Evans said.

Indigenous Business Month is an annual event held from 1 – 31 October as an initiative driven by the alumni of Melbourne Business School’s MURRA Indigenous Business Master Class, who said they saw business as a way of providing positive role models for young First Nations Australians and improving the quality of life in communities.

“Consider how you might support Indigenous business in the gathering you have, purchase from Indigenous businesses or host events at Indigenous business premises to raise their exposure amongst the community,” co-founder and Director of Iscariot Media Leesa Watego said.

They said they wanted to see connections with Indigenous businesses across the country in the lead up to, and during October and encouraged event registration for large or small gatherings via their website. #IndigBizMonth #IndigenousBusinessMonth.

For more information or to register your event visit http://www.indigenousbusinessmonth.com.au or connect on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) or follow us on LinkedIn.

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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.

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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

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REFERENDUM NEWS 09

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023

Constitution campaigns a part of our history STORY BY DIAT ALFERINK & CARLI WILLIS

Noel Pearson & Richie Ahmat at the Yes23 campaign meeting on Waiben. Pic Nadja Mack.

The purpose of the Recognise Campaign was to raise awareness around recommendations of Prime Minister Gilliard’s Expert Panel, and increase general knowledge of the Australian Constitution and the way it was changed through the referendum process.

Reconciliation Australia said at the time more than 318,000 Australians had supported the need for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

“I don’t know if people can remember, certainly a lot of grassroots campaigns emerged on social media, criticising the Recognise Campaign for selling us out on the long-standing political goal of Treaty, and questioning whether we should be included in the foundation law document of the colonial Settler-State,” Dr Bourne said.

“There was a lot of concern that Recognise was a top-down government-funded campaign with no grassroots input.

“This raised community concerns about whether it was pushing to sell-out First Nations’ sovereignty.”

Dr Bourne believed that confusion remained because there wasn’t a widespread education campaign after the 2017 Uluru Convention.

She said moving forward with the Voice referendum was announced by new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on election night in May 2022, who confimed it would go ahead on Saturday 14

October 2023 earlier this week.

Dr Bourne attended a Yes23 campaign meeting on Waiben earlier this month, which was hosted

by Gur A Baradharaw Kod Sea and Land Council Torres Strait Islander Corporation (GBK) and facilitated by Chair Ned David.

“I thought the meeting was fantastic, it was a dialogue and not just Yes23 presenting their views,” she said.

“Everyone got to hear the diversity of views among Islanders.”

Dr Bourne said it was important communities had the opportunity to voice their concerns and put questions directly to campaigners.

On the day, attendees reported to Torres News the session had helped them to better understand and decide whether to support the Voice.

“In a cultural context, for us yarning is all about that sharing knowledge and creating new meaning,” Dr Bourne said.

“It would have been great if we could have had those kinds of yarns earlier.”

She said the open dialogue gave respected Elders and leaders the opportunity to raise awareness of important current issues and future considerations for the work after the referendum.

“My hope is that our rightful representation in a national voice is achieved through negotiations between the State and our leaders, and not solely based on the report handed to government by Professor Marcia Langton and

Professor Tom Calma,” she said.

“Aunty Abigail Harry, I thought in a very diplomatic way, gave [Noel Pearson] the task of ensuring Torres Strait Islanders would have equal representation at that national level.”

Dr Bourne said Aunty Abigail had a long history in political affairs and served on the Torres Strait Islander Advisory Board (TSIAB), established to represent the interests of mainland islanders within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC).

“Aunty Daynee Mareko shared her story

Ned David at the Waiben meeting. Pic Carli Willis.

as the only woman on the Island Coordinating Council (ICC) during her term as council chair of Mabuiag, and reflected on the calibre of leaders she served with,” she said.

“They carry the vision, the aspirations, and the knowledge from that time, reminding us that we have people in our community that do have governance experience and knowledge, they understand the various governance arrangements we’ve had, and can contribute to this discussion.”

Dr Bourne encouraged people to get

involved in upcoming discussions in their communities and also online.

“It’s a really good way to see what people are thinking and what Torres Strait Islanders are thinking across the country,” she said.

She said diverse opinions should be expected from a diverse People still adversely affected by laws and policies.

“With the research I did through my PhD, I was looking at why our leaders struggle to make national organisations work for us,” she said.

“At the end I realised, the problems we have

stem from the settlers not knowing who they are as Australians – they are still developing their identity. As First Nations’ people of this continent, we know who we are, we have developed our identity, our way of being, our way of governing over thousands of years.

“If the outcome of the referendum is ‘no’ it will be a day of reckoning for the nation, and particularly for settler Australians.”

A second Voice discussion will be hosted by GBK on Waiben on a date yet to be announced.

Ailan Life Photo Competition ENTER & WIN! Pic courtesy of Nadja Mack.

Torres Strait Islanders have been actively campaigning for changes to the Constitution for at least the past decade, mainland Torres Strait Islander Dr Josephine Bourne says.

Dr Bourne, a Goemulgal descendant of Mabuiag Island and political scientist at the School of Political Science and International Studies at the University of Queensland, said those who had been involved included 2013 Recognise and Yes23 campaigners Kenny Bedford and Rita Kebisu.

“Noel Pearson has been thinking and working on this thing for 15 years,” she said.

“I got involved 13 years ago as a member of the Expert Panel on Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, established by Labor Prime Minister Julia Gillard.”

She said several referendum meetings across the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area had left some feeling confused about what the Voice was, what the changes to the Constitution would be and what they could achieve.

Dr Bourne said changes in messaging over time and over various campaigns through different processes under different governments had contributed to that confusion.

“There was big change after the Recognise Campaign in terms of the messaging and what we were fighting for,” she said.

“Before that we were fighting for the insertion of a nondiscrimination clause, to prevent the government from using the Race Power, Section 51(26) in the constitution to negatively discriminate against us through legislation.”

The Recognise Campaign was spearheaded by Reconciliation Australia in 2012 and ran until 2017 when the Referendum Council was established by Liberal Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull.

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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.

10

THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023 TORRES NEWS

YUMI College News

TA G A I S TAT E C O L L E G E

LITERACY: Impressive Teaching Practices and Consistency during Literacy Block In a recent visit to Badu Ngurpay Lag, the commitment to excellence in education was abundantly clear during the literacy block. Walking through the classrooms, a remarkable display of fidelity and consistency in teaching practices caught the eye.

One standout aspect was the exceptional performance of teacher-aides. Their high standard of teaching left a lasting impression, solidifying the notion that the college is undoubtedly on the right track. What was particularly striking was the involvement of casual teacher-aides in guiding small groups of students. This not only showcased their dedication but also highlighted the campus’s holistic approach to fostering quality education.

POSITIVE CULTURE FOR LEARNING Our Positive Culture for Learning initiative, designed to foster a constructive learning environment encompassing students, staff, and parents, hinges on meticulously crafting conducive conditions for education. The linchpin of this endeavour is the establishment of unambiguous behavioural norms and learning routines.

At the heart of the PCL system lies the explicit instruction of students about these expectations and routines. Across all corners of the College, a shared identity as “Proud Learners” resonates, underscored by values of Respect, Responsibility, and Safety. Such a comprehensive approach to instilling positive conduct and attitudes lays the bedrock for holistic student development.To ensure the cultural seamless implementation of the PCL system, Tagai State College has

Head of School - Yolanda McLean Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh’s Transition Program: Empowering Secondary Education Journey

It was heartening to witness experienced teacher-aides taking the initiative to mentor their casual counterparts. This handson training ensures uniformity in lesson quality, a key factor in enhancing the overall educational experience. Such proactive behaviour is poised to ignite improvement and motivation among students, propelling them toward success.

Kudos must be extended to the exceptional staff at Badu Ngurpay Lag, with special appreciation for the leadership of Mrs. Paula Tweedie. Their commitment to maintaining consistent teaching practices and nurturing an environment of growth is truly commendable. As parents, we can rest assured that our children are in capable hands, paving the way for a brighter future.

joined forces with Dr. Tim Lewis, a global authority in the realm of Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL). Dr. Lewis brings his wealth of expertise to the table, collaborating with the College’s personnel to erect a school-wide scaffolding of support. The objective is clear: to engender a sense of uniformity and longevity in this initiative. With the intention of withstanding the turnover of teaching staff, the College is strategically upskilling local staff members as coaches, empowering them to perpetuate the PCL system across each campus.

As Tagai State College strides confidently into this transformative journey, our doors are open to families and communities. An eagerness to involve these vital stakeholders in the evolution of this venture underscores the College’s commitment to inclusivity and shared progress. The Positive Culture for Learning system isn’t just a program; it’s a beacon guiding Tagai State College towards a brighter, more harmonious educational future.

A team comprising Head of Campus - Matt Tully, Head of Department - Danielle Wiley, Thomas Dunsmore from Kaziw Meta, and Lenwhat Bindoraho from Canon Boggo recently visited Mabuiag, Badu, Mer,Erub, Masig and Warraber Campuses, marking a significant step in aiding students’ transition to secondary education with Tagai. Matt and Danielle led the effort, providing practical guidance to students and parents and hosting an engaging arts lesson.

The response was resoundingly positive, underscoring the program’s value. The collaboration between Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh and boarding providers was evident and promising, fostering optimal opportunities for students. The students’ receptive behaviour during presentations set a commendable precedent. With upcoming visits to other islands scheduled, the commitment to smoother transitions and brighter futures remains unwavering. Education is a journey, and Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh is dedicated to guiding students every step of the way toward success and growth. Thank you to all involved in organising the transitions visits.

11

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023

Positive Culture for Learning Our Positive Culture for Learning Focus of the week is I am Safe - I follow Instructions.

I am Respectful - I remove my hat when asked.

Warraber Ngurpay Lag Head of Campus Natalie Van Zyl

Our PAUSE focus of the week is all about having a Growth Mindset.

Term 1 Attendance - 51 Students Enrolled Current

70% (36 students)

Target Goal

90% (46 students daily)

Literacy At Warraber Ngurpay Lag our students are being guided in mastering the fundamentals of reading and writing following the Promoting Literacy Development program.

Celebrating Naidoc Week On Thursday 17th August we celebrated NAIDOC week and spent time celebrating our elders.

Big eso to all staff, students and community for your engagement on that day. What a great turn out and a successful day this was!

Our Year 1 students are starting to write full sentences and sound out tricky words for themselves. Students have also been working on writing persuasive sentences and letters about the environment.

Iama Ngurpay Lag

Homework Club

Celebrating 86th Anniversary Masig Statement

Homework Club supports busy families and continues on Monday and Thursday from 3pm to 4.30pm.

On Wednesday 23 August our students participated in the 86th Anniversary of The First Torres Strait Island Councillors Conference. This included:

Head of Campus Tessie Portelli

•listening to Councillor Getano Lui give his address about the Masig Statement •listening to Mayor Philemon Mosby via video link in the pursuit of self-determination

Term 1 Attendance - 53 Students Enrolled Current

80% (42 students)

Target Goal

90% (47 students daily)

Literacy Our students at Iama Ngurpay Lag continue to engage in Promoting Literacy Development and Systematic Synthetics Phonics lessons and its great to see the progress our students are making. Most students have made gains in spelling when we compare term one and term two spelling data. Keep up the great work!

The students are loving the “Walking Bus” and enjoying their daily breakfast at school before classes begin.

Students who attend school on time every day for a whole week are presented with a 100% Attendance Certificate at parade each week.

•participation in a nativity play of the re-enactment of August 23 1937 •based on the Maritime Strike in January 1936, the students role played and spoke about the unfair pay system and the restrictions on how they could spend their money. They spoke about how they wanted to choose the skipper and crew to run the pearling boats.

Positive Culture for Learning Our focus for this week is Expectation: I am Respectful Behaviour: I use postive language Routine: I am using kind words

Let’s all work together to make a positive impact on our student’s learning by ensuring students attend school every day and being on time.

Ugar

others.

Ngurpay Lag

Celebrating NAIDOC Ugar Eruer Uteb students and community members marched for NAIDOC and enjoyed many activities.

Thank you to all students, parents and community for their engagement, this was a huge success!

A/Head of Campus Caitlin Browne

Celebrating 86th Anniversary Masig Statement On the 23rd of August we celebrated the anniversary of the Masig Statement.

This date is an opportunity to acknowledge 86 years of local decision making and proudly continue the legacy of those who paved the way forward.

Term 1 Attendance - 18 Students Enrolled Current

70% (12 students)

Target Goal

90% (16 students daily)

Literacy Ugar Eruer Uteb students have been learning how to write persuasive texts. We used a variety of persuasive devices to write a letter to our councillor, attempting to convince him to upgrade our basketball courts. We included evidence in our letter about how beneficial physical activity is for our growing minds and explained why we want an upgraded basketball court.

Devonte performing his role as MC of the Ugar Community event with Councillor Rocky Stephen.

Positive Culture for Learning Our focus this week is I am Respectful: I use positive language. I speak nicely to my friends and teachers, I use kind words and I am respectful and tolerant of

Big au esoau to the Ugar community for joining us for these events and to our MC Devonte who joined Councillor Rocky Stephen in leading the community celebrations.

12 NEWS

THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023 TORRES NEWS

National Children’s Day celebrated in Cairns STORY AND PICS

BY BEL LUI

Little voices, loud futures was the theme for this year’s Children Day 2023, which was celebrated

by Wuchopperen Health Services in Cairns last Wednesday.

Children’s Day, first established in 1988, acknowledges the ‘Stolen Generations’ who were taken from their parents/family at a very young age without knowing their birthday – an opportunity to make them feel special and included.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

felt a day was needed to celebrate our children, to give them confidence.

Art to military was on display, along with free sausage sizzles, heaps of cakes and entertainments by the Tjapukai Aboriginal dancers from Kuranda, and the Mabuaig Island Torres Strait dance troupe was enjoyed by all.

Mabiuag Torres Strait Islanders performers.

Elders table.

Mabiuag Torres Strait Island dancers.

The special Children’s Day cake.

Tjapukai performers.

Elders Maureen Mossman & Criscilla Lui cutting the special cake.

Tjapukai didgeridoo solo artist.

Solo entertainer Waha Grey.

NEWS 13

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023

Navy cadets endeavour to master tall sail ship

Eileen Solomon, Jikkida Manuel & Mawai Whap aboard the STS Young Endeavour departing Cairns. Pics supplied.

BY CARLI WILLIS Australian Navy Cadets from Zenadth Kes and Northern Australia joined crew from the Navy Indigenous Development Program to sail for six days on the STS Young Endeavour, a two-masted tall sailing ship, from Cairns to the Great Barrier reef and back to Port Douglas earlier this month.

Aboard the ship, which was purpose-built for sailing education and learning, Torres Strait Islander cadets Jikkida Manuel, Mawai Whap and Eileen Solomon learnt the ropes.

“We had to handle ropes, help move the sheets and make bowlines for the sheets,” Jikkida said.

“For the mast we had safety equipment when climbing up and down.

“But the view’s nice up there, like really good.”

Tasked with climbing a 34 metre mast, the young people were treated to stunning island vistas.

Jikkida said she was one of the first to put her hand up to climb the mast but, as she was scheduled to help on the mast at night, didn’t realise she’d be seeing quite a different view.

She said the experience was an eye opener.

Cadets climb the mast atop the STS Young Endeavour.

“From my experience, don’t climb in the middle of the night for the first time,” she laughed.

“One in the morning looking down, it was so dark and scary.”

But later she saw a mother whale gliding along in the ocean with her calf and she said that made it all worth while.

Mawai said once she mastered her motion sickness, climbing the mast got easier.

“It wasn’t scary, but it was hot,” she said.

“I was struggling with the knots and I was like, ‘nah, I gotta go down’.

“It was pretty fun, facing fears.”

She said she enjoyed meeting new people at different levels of their careers including cadets and new Navy personnel from the Cairns, Tasmania, Alice Springs and South Australia.

Inspired to join the Navy

Climbing the mast was hard work but the views always paid off.

Cadets aboard the STS Young Endeavour.

Cadets aboard the STS Young Endeavour.

by her big brother, she said the experience on the Young Endeavour brought her one step closer to realising her dream career in the Navy.

As a Leading Seaman Navy Cadet, she said she loved teaching newer cadets the ropes and couldn’t wait to share the experience with the crew.

“I just want to say just keep chasing your dreams, never give up,” she said.

14 NEWS & CLASSIFIEDS THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023 TORRES NEWS Townsville birthdays celebrated That was the case for Aicey Day, who turned 46 earlier this month on the same What better way to celebrate your birthday day Townsville’s St Matthew’s Anglican’s then to spend it with Church held their fete. family and friends also a E a fete andE flower 31/8/23 _____at AdsF Dummy ItEwasExcel “blooming beautiful show where money CYLC: 31x4 ad [124] @ $8 incl rate $992inc [$901.82ex] confirmevent” 3pm Mon 28/8/23 for Erub Island raised goes•toBook the local Addie-Mae Day &<LThompson@cylc.org.au> Paiwer Day, aged one. lady Millianna Leah Thompson PO:church? __________ by 12noon TUES 29/8/23Davey STORY AND PICS

BY ALF WILSON

TN0616

ICN 1163 | ABN 22 965 382 705

AUTHORISATION MEETING FOR A PROPOSED NATIVE TITLE DETERMINATION APPLICATION

Wuthathi Native Title Group Thursday 14 September 2023, Cairns Cape York Land Council (CYLC) will hold a decision-making meeting on Thursday 14 September 2023 in Cairns to consider: 1. Authorisation of the proposed Wuthathi native title determination application (see map of proposed application area below) 2. Authorisation of the Applicant for the proposed Wuthathi Sea Claim

Who is invited to attend the meeting?

The meeting is open to all descendants by birth, or adoption in accordance with traditional law and custom, of one or more of the following apical ancestors: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Johnson Moreton Frank Wilson Ida “Waterbag” Temple Moe Rie Warren Annie (Athanamu) Punda Pintharra

7. Innis Pascoe 8. Dinah 9. Ada Lancaster 10. Nara Jira Para 11. Ela (Illa) 12. Eliza (wife of Tom Ware)

Any person who is a descendant of one or more of the apical ancestors listed above is invited to attend this meeting.

Please contact CYLC if you would like to confirm whether you are a descendant of one or more of the apical ancestors listed above and so entitled to attend the meeting.

The meeting will be held as follows (dinner will be provided): Date: Venue: Time:

Thursday 14 September 2023 Rydges Esplanade Resort 209 – 217 Abbott St, Cairns 5:30 pm – 7:30pm

who was celebrating her 82nd birthday three days later.

“I am here with my niece Gladys Bourne and have really enjoyed it,” she said.

The birthday boys and girls were delighted to have the Torres News snap their picture together.

“I am looking forward to going back to Erub later in the year for a family event,” Millianna said.

Aicey had numerous family members with him and was running a weaving stall.

“We started weaving this morning and any money raised goes to the church,” Aicey said.

With Aicey were his wife OTare, Aigaris, Aipuri, Emily, Ali, Addie-Mae Day, Tainara Takai and babies Paiwer and Merad, both aged one.

“This is such a special day turning 46, being here helping the church and being with these family members,” he said.

“I hope to live for another 46 years.”

Birthday boy & girl Aicey Day & Millianna Davey.

Millianna & her niece Gladys Bourne.

Aicey Day (seated in green shirt) celebrated his 46th birthday with family.

TN0535 10x3posADVERTISING vac CADET CLASSIFIED 20/04/23_____ & 639 27/04/23_____ Contact us J M: 0419 828 J E: ads@torres.news

J Torres News Cadetship (2 years) We are looking for a Media Cadet to develop their skills and experience here with us at the Torres News.

Video-conferencing Video-conferencing facilities will be made available at the meeting. If you would like CYLC to arrange a videoconference from your location into the meeting, whether you live at the location of the meeting or elsewhere, please contact CYLC on the number below. It is important to provide every opportunity for persons entitled to attend the meeting.

The successful applicant must be an 18-year-old Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and be willing to live and work from Thursday Island, have enthusiasm and drive to help tell our community stories.

Attendance To register your interest in attending the meeting or to enquire about travel assistance, please contact Leah Thompson at CYLC on free call number 1800 623 548 or by email lthompson@cylc.org.au no later than 3pm on 5 September 2023.

Please note that there is limited funding for travel assistance. If you have queries about this meeting, please contact Parky Wirrick on 0409 548 569 or pwirrick@cylc.org.au

For further information please contact: Diat Alferink – Editor in Chief, Torres News Email: editor@torres.news Phone: 0497 618 738

CLASSIFIEDS 15

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023 www.wifs.com.au Phone: Barry - 0499 320 990

TRADES & SERVICES Thursday Island. contact your local funeral company on TOMBSTONES for your loved one,

For help with funeral arrangements When sori come, wherever wherever you youare are When sori time time come, When sori time come, wherever you are Every yawor blo ume em difrnt Waibeni Indigenous Waibeni Indigenous Funeral Services Funeral Services Are Arehere herefor for you you 24/7 Are here for you 24/7 Are here for you 24/7 Every yawor blo ume em difrnt Services ForFuneral help with funeral arrangements for your loved one, Waibeni contact your local funeralIndigenous company on Thursday Island.

Every yawor blo ume em difrnt Every yawor blo ume em difrnt Phone Barry 0499 320 990 • www.wifs.com.au When sori time come, wherever you are For help with funeral arrangements For helpfor with funeral your lovedarrangements one, for your loved one, contact your local funeral company on contact your local funeral company on Thursday Island.

Thursday Island.

Phone: Barry - 0499 320 990 Phone: Barry - 0499 320 990 www.wifs.com.au @TSIMAtorresnews www.wifs.com.au

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News 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.

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – DIAT ALFERINK E editor@torres.news NEWS & CHIEF SUB EDITOR – CHRISTINE HOWES M 0419 656 277 • E christine@torres.news TSIMA JOURNALIST – CARLI WILLIS M 0415 705 160 • E carli@tsima4mw.org.au TSIMA CORRESPONDENTS – Jen Enosa, Sylvia Tabua and Anthony Geagea.

NEWS & PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS – Kantesha Takai, Jillian Bowie, Talei Elu, Shanella Majid, Bel Lui, Alf Wilson, Velma Gara and Perina Drummond.

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Ports North wishes to advise that line marking will be undertaken by RoadTek at the ferry carpark on Saturday 9th September.

The carpark will be closed from 5pm Friday 8th September and we request that all vehicles are removed from site prior to the closure.

During the works pedestrian access to the wharf is available from the footpath, with coaches utilising the bus stop on Victoria Parade.

Ports North appreciates your ongoing cooperation to enable completion of these car park improvement works.

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I just want to say BIG ESSO to my family and friends from near and far for helping me to plan and organise my 80th birthday celebrations. A special thank you to my Husband for your continuous support and help, and also thank you to Pastor Pedro Stephen for your consideration. I would like to acknowledge those of you who contributed your time and hard work towards my birthday party, and the dancers who performed and entertained us all.

Including my Tongan friend’s young daughter Ilaise, for performing a special solo dance for me.

Love to everyone and God bless – Mrs Wasie Tardent

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CIRCULATION COVERAGE AREA – Covering news and events of the Torres Strait and the Northern Peninsula Area including: Badu, Bamaga, Boigu, Dauan, Erub, Horn Island (Ngurupai), Iama, Injinoo, Kerriri, Mabuyag, Masig, Mer, Moa - Kubin (Arkai) and St Pauls (Wug), Muralag, New Mapoon, Poruma, Saibai, Seisia, Thursday Island (Waiben) - TRAWQ and Port Kennedy, Ugar, Umagico, Warraber and everywhere in between.

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16 SPORT

THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023 TORRES NEWS

Netball stars rise on NPA kids take AFL on board Deadly Choices sides Queensland’s Deadly Choices Shield side just missed making the top eight of the Vicki Wilson Championships earlier this month.

Deadly Choices Coordinator Brendan Cook said Torres Strait Islanders on all three teams – the Shield, Cup and Boy’s – played above and beyond.

“The Shield team played exceptionally well and just missed out on getting into the top eight, which would have been fantastic,” he said.

“Mya Moke shot really well, she was a real standout for the Shield team.

“She’s a very experienced big game player with basketball as well as netball, and she was a real

lynchpin for us.

“Kiesha Muckan, also a very experienced player and we really drew on her experience at the back.

“She was very very strong, and her younger sister Tahira played very well.

“Allah Lacey and Keiriana Dargin-Clark were very solid in the midcourt.”

He said it was fair to say the young Torres Strait Islanders had made a “massive” contribution.

“Especially Mya, we didn’t actually hand out captaincies, but she was a really good leader on court and so was Kiesha as well,” he said.

“And Keiriana, you always need a good communicator on court and she certainly did that for us.”

Bamaga.

Injinoo.

Injinoo.

Injinoo.

AFL ROUND UP WITH AFL CAPE YORK DEVELOPMENT OFFICER KEIRAN SCIBERRAS

NPA kids to take on the Cape

Mya Moke shooting. Pic supplied.

We want YOUR news!

After securing a win at the AFL Crusaders Cup on Thursday Island, NPA State College students have been invited to attend the AFL Crusaders Cup where they’ll take on students from across the Cape York region.

The NPA students will join the communities of Coen, Lockhart River, Aurukun and Hope Vale as they put their skills to the test at the AFL Gala day event.

“Students from grade 5 and 6 at both Injinoo and Bamaga are eligible to represent their school at the carnival if they meet selection criteria,” AFL Cape York Development Coordinator Kieran Sciberras said.

“Attendance at school, behaviour, completion of assessment and effort shown during AFL school sessions are all

considered when picking our team of 15 boys and girls from the NPA.” He said students and staff will travel to Coen next week and camp-out over two nights.

“They’ll have the opportunity to meet students from other schools, go over the rules for AFL and learn about the AFL Schools talent pathway,” he said.

“This will be another great opportunity for young people from the Northern Peninsula Area to practice their football skills and potentially be selected for higher representation in AFL, whether that’s at the AFLQ schools Cup or as part of our Cape York & Torres Strait Crusaders team next year.

“There are more and more opportunities for our young people from the Cape to make representative sides.”

The Coen AFL Cape York Crusaders Cup will be held at the community football field on Thursday 7 September.

Tagai student selected into U14 Suns After impressing at the North Queensland Diversity Championships in Cairns, earlier this year, Mistee Sagigi (Tagai State College – Thursday

Eagles NPA players.

Island Campus) has been selected into the North Queensland AFL side and will take part in the State Development Carnival.

Mistee will travel to the Sunshine Coast via Cairns in September to work with some of the best footballers in Queensland as part of the Gold Coast SUNS Academy program.

The carnival will incorporate further education on game style and professional habits, as well as three games against Brisbane Lions Academy teams.

Mistee is proudly supported by the Torres Shire Council, AFL Queensland and the AFL Cape York House Foundation.

100 Auskickers in the NPA Over 100 young people from Injinoo Junior Campus and Bamaga Junior Campus have signed up for our 2023 AFL Auskick program.

There’s still two weeks left of free in-school football plus lots of time to sign up for our Auskick program to receive your bag, pump, football cards, fidget spinner and FOOTBALL – sign-up at your school office.

Don’t forget to make

sure you’re at school to play AFL.

Eagles girls take home the Cup The Eagles – a combined AFL Cape York House team – have won the U17 Youth Girls AFL Cairns Premiership.

After trailing at every break to the Cairns Saints, the Eagles fought back into the game – taking home the 2023 Premiership trophy with a nail-biting victory (3.3.21 – 2.5.17).

Nelly Annnu (Ruck) took home the best on ground honours for the Grand Final match, played last Sunday at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns.

“It’s been a great season, coming from fourth on the ladder to winning the grand final is an unreal achievement,” Cape York Girls Eagles Coach Shay Warburton said.

“The team definitely played for their family, their community and for themselves.

“It’s more than just a game for the U17 Youth Girls Cape York Eagles.”

FREE AFL in-school clinics this week: Monday- Wednesday: Bamaga Junior Campus Thursday: Injinoo Junior Campus Friday: New Mapoon Daycare

Have you got news? If you have an event or news you’d like to share... make sure you share!

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You must include: your full name and contact details (not necessarily to publish, but to verify), a word or text document explaining who, what, when and where your story or event occurred, and a list of captions for any photographs you Please contribute your words and fully captioned pics in clearly include. If you’d like more information about how to get your identified folders via Dropbox or WeTransfer (www.WeTransfer. story on board, email Diat or Christine! com). One folder per story and pics, or item.

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SPORT 17

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023

Broncos gallop over Raiders

ROUND UP

BY ALF WILSON

Dynamic five eighth Ezra Mam scored a try, was magnificent in defence and classy in attack when his Brisbane Broncos defeated the Canberra Raiders 29-18 on Saturday night, to move to outright top of the NRL ladder.

Playing before a Raiders parochial home crowd of 19,400 at Canberra’s GIO Stadium, Ezra was the Broncos on-field general in the absence of his injured champion halfback partner Adam Reynolds.

On numerous occasions, Ezra tackled much heavier Raiders forwards to prevent opposition tries and it was anybody’s game when scores were deadlocked 16-all at halftime.

Ezra scored one of the Broncos six tries at the 34th minute and combined supremely with star fullback Reece Walsh and winger Selwyn Cobbo, who scored three tries.

Knight Dane Gagai with ball when he starred against Cronulla. Pic NRL. Also missing from the Broncos lineup was quality forward Pat Carrigan.

Sebastian “Seb” Kris returned to the Raiders side after missing several matches due to injury and lined up on a wing instead of his normal fullback position.

The Mabuiag Islander turned in a steady game and will improve next week in the last match before the finals series, which the Raiders must win to guarantee a finals berth.

The seventh consecutive win saw Brisbane (42 competition points) leapfrog Penrith into top spot, and they can clinch their first JJ Giltinan Shield since 2000 by beating Melbourne Storm this Thursday night at Suncorp Stadium.

Cowboys tightrope into finals series

Reuben Cotter ran for more than 100 metres and tackled his heart out when his side

defeated the Dolphins 34-10 at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

The Cowboys sit in ninth spot on the NRL ladder and have to beat premiers the Penrith Panthers in the last round next Saturday – and hope for other results to go their way – to slip into the finals series.

Dolphins fullback Hamiso “Hammer” Tabuai-Fidow was one of the best for the beaten team and although carefully marked, was dangerous with his limited opportunities.

Next weekend the Dolphins meet the third placed Warriors at Suncorp Stadium and a large crowd is expected.

Gagai stars as Knights secure a finals spot.

Classy centre Dane Gagai shone for the Newcastle Knights which wrapped up a finals series berth after beating the Cronulla Sharks 32-6 on Sunday.

Dane was outstanding in attack and defence as the Knights won their eighth straight game before a massive home in Newcastle.

He even kicked a goal at the 77th minute.

The Knights sit fifth on the table and meet St George Dragons in the last round of fixtures this weekend.

Coates bags three tries.

PNG flier Xavier Coates scored three tries for the Melbourne Storm in their 37-16 victory over a David Fifita-inspired Gold Coast Titans at AAMI Park on Saturday.

Winger Xavier ran for 203 metres for the Storm side who also welcomed the return on long-term injured superstar Ryan Papenhuyzen off the bench.

One of the best second row forwards in the comp, David was well marked by the strong Storm defence, but still made lots of metres when he had the ball.

Week off for AJ

South Sydney Rabbitohs had a bye this round and will meet the Roosters next Friday night.

Winger Alex “AJ” Johnston will be hoping to add to his tally of tries in the battle which they must win to stay in the top eight.

NRLW

Cowboys defense ‘poor’ - coach

ROUND UP

BY ALF WILSON Courageous Cowboys co-captain Tallisha Harden was amongst the best forwards on the ground when her side went down 16-12 to the Parramatta Eels at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in Sydney on Saturday in round six of the NRL Women’s competition.

In her role as a front row forward, Tallisha made plenty of ground up the centre of the ruck and the Cowboys fought back after trailing 10-nil at half time.

Jasmine Peters, Tahlulah Tillett and Sareka Mooka all contributed well.

Centre Jasmine had limited opportunities but was solid in defence, five eighth Tahlulah kicked well in general play, and forward Sareka was powerful when she came off the interchange bench.

Essay Banu was a reserve for the match.

Cowboys coach Ben Jeffries said the Eels were obviously desperate, and they came to play.

“In the end they got the win and they deserved what they got,” Ben said at the after match press conference.

“Overall, defensively we were just poor... we had a lot of missed tackles so again we’re not

getting up defensively, aiming up, whether that’s individually or collectively when we’re in tackles.

“You can’t be missing so many tackles.”

The Eels face the Roosters in Gosford in Round 7 while the Cowboys host the Dragons in Townsville on Saturday.

FOOTNOTE: A big crowd is expected when the Cowboys meet the St George Dragons ladies in round seven in Townsville next Saturday, which will commence at 3.10pm.

Other results and ladder The Titans d Dragon 23-22, Sydney Roosters d West Tigers 48-10, Broncos d Raiders 40-8 and Knights d Sharks 20-14.

The NRLW ladder is:

Roosters and Knights 10p, Titans 8, Raiders 8, Broncos 6, Sharks 4, Dragons 4, Tigers 4, Cowboys 4, Eels 2.

The NRL has confirmed the expanded 10-team NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership will include home semi-finals for the first time in 2023.

Teams which finish the regular season in first and second place will play finals matches at their selected home grounds.

The semi-finals will take place on Sunday, September 24 with both matches to be shown live on Channel 9 and Fox League.

The winners of each semi-final will then play on Grand Final Day at Accor Stadium on Sunday 1 October 1 prior to the NRL Men’s Telstra Premiership Grand Final.

Jon Reuben tops try scorers

BY ALF WILSON Erub United star Jon Reuben has won the prestigious leading try scorer award for the Queensland Hostplus premiership.

The Norths Devils Club winger scored 20 tries for the season which was contested by 15 clubs Statewide over 22 fixture rounds.

Aged 30, Jon has been a try scoring machine for many years and also was a key player for Erub United during their Allblacks carnival success during the past year.

Jon played 18 matches during the Q-Cup season and beat Bears’ Sami Sauil Uma on 19 tries and Seagulls’ Caleb Ngamanu, who was third with 18.

“I was very happy when I heard that I won the try scoring, I didn’t realise until you told me,” Jon said.

“Norths didn’t make the finals this season as we had a young side and lost some games we should have won.”

Proud of his Erub descent on his father’s side of the family tree, Jon has Daly River, NT connections on his

Jon Reuben on the burst for Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup. PIC QRL. mother’s side.

Quietly spoken off the field, Jon said he had relatives living on Waiben, some of the other islands and in Cairns and Townsville.

Jon played for Erub United which won the 2022 Queensland Murri Knockout and when they narrowly lost to Newcastle All blacks at the Interstate Challenge early this year.

Erub United organiser Elia Ware was glowing in his praise of Jon when contacted by the Torres News about Jon’s win.

“I am a huge fan of Jono,” he said.

“He is one of the best finishers in the game of rugby league.

“At the 2022 Murri carnival I got to know Jono a bit more as a

person and he’s a very down to earth Bala (brother) and a funny bloke too. [It] still baffles me to this day as to why he hasn’t played more NRL games but I’m just glad that he’s still playing good consistent footy and that he plays for Erub United too.”

Jon said he had not signed for any club for next season.

“Not yet, I am keeping my options open,” he said.

He said he would line up for Erub United at the coming Dan Ropeyarn Memorial NPA carnival at Bamaga.

“That is the side representing the island where my father was from and I have played at a previous Dan Ropeyarn carnival for Bamaga Brothers,” he said.

Pride out after thriller

BY ALF WILSON A courageous Northern Pride was eliminated from the Hostplus Queensland Cup rugby league competition when they went down 15-14 to Wynnum Manly Seagulls at BMD Kougari Oval on Sunday.

Scores were deadlocked 14-all as the siren sounded for the end of normal time.

In the second period of golden point extra time Seagulls sharp shooting five eighth Josh Rogers booted a field goal to snare the victory.

Both sides scored three tries.

It was a successful season for the Pride, who finished the 15-club competition in seventh spot after 22 rounds of fixtures.

Cairns-based Pride has been well served this season by Torres Strait Islanders Dantoray Lui, Julian Christian and Bernard Lewis, who all look set to line up for Erub United at the forthcoming north Queensland Allblacks carnivals.

In the semi final, pitting fifth against eighth, Sunshine Coast Falcons beat Redcliffe Dolphins 42-36 at Kayo Stadium.

There were two qualifying finals on the weekend which saw the Brisbane Tigers beat Souths Logan Magpies 34-26 and Burleigh Bears rolled the CQ Capras 38-12 at UAA park.

Edrick Lee scored a try for the Capras who will have a double chance for finishing fourth.

Next Sunday in elimination finals: CQ Capras v Sunshine Coast Falcons

at Browne Park Rockhampton starting at 2:10pm and Souths Logan Magpies v Wynnum Manly Seagulls at Logan Metro Sports Complex.

The losers of both games will bow out for the season and the winners will meet the victors of the qualifying finals a week after.

The Capras will be relying on all of the NRL experience gained by Edrick if they are to emerge a winner.

Hastings Deering Colts Finals series Week I

The Townsville Blackhawks will have a second chance in the Hastings Deering Colts competition after losing 36-12 to the Brisbane Tigers in a qualifying semi final at Logan Metro Sports Complex on Sunday.

Coached by Roy Baira, the Blackhawks earned their chance because they finished third after the fixtures.

In the other qualifying finals, Tweed Seagulls defeated Burleigh Bears 46-10 and Redcliffe Dolphins beat Souths Logan Magpies 42-36.

For the Dolphins rising star Brenton Baira scored two tries and booted five goals for a wonderful personal tally of 18 points.

In the elimination semi final Sunshine Coast Falcons beat Wynnum Manly Seagulls 34-16 In this Saturday’s elimination finals Blackhawks v Sunshine Coast Falcons at Townsville’s Jack Manski Oval commencing at noon and Burleigh Bears v Redcliffe Dolphins at UAA Park starting at 4pm.

18 SPORT

THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023 TORRES NEWS

NPA celebrates rodeo and races in stylish good fun

Unless specified, pics courtesy NPARC.

available results 5 – 12 years Calf Ride sponsored by Bella and Bloca from Coastal Rotors: 1 Aylen Lifu 2 Adriana Rainbow & Jefferson Mandie 3 Smithy Getaway Senior Barrel Race sponsored by Northern Queensland Rodeo Association: 1 Ronald Bond 2 Tye Morseu (Horse 1) 3 Tye Morseu (Horse 2)

Pic by Jemima Knight, Cape York Traders.

Bending Race sponsored by AirBridge Networks: 1 Daniel Sebasio 2 Ronald Bond 3 Meun Lifu Boots and Saddle Race sponsored by Cape York Top End Tours & AirBridge Networks: 1 Ronald Bond 2 Meun Lifu 3 Tye Morseu

The Bamaga Enterprises BP Roadhouse 250m race event. Pics courtesy NPARC.

Figure of 8 sponsored

by AirBridge Networks: 1 Daniel Sebasio 2 Ronald Bond 3 Meun Lifu Mens 100m Dash: Jiles Sam Ladies 100m Dash: Valerie Wilson Best Dressed Cowboys 9 years and under sponsored by B&B Electrical and Ringers Western: 1 Daniel Sebasio 2 Malachi Arthurs

Rodeo events on Saturday night.

Pics by Jemima Knight, Cape York Traders.

Best Dressed Cowboys 9 years and under sponsored by B & B Electrical and Ringers Western: 1 Darona Sebasio 2 Asau Williams 3 Moriah Sebasio Best Dressed Cowboys 10 – 16 years and under sponsored by Torres Civil and Ringers Western: 1 Otis Williams 2 Reggae Jawai 3 Oscar Tabuai Best Dressed Cowgirls 10 – 16 years and under sponsored by Torres Civil and Ringers Western: 1 Shekinah Sebasio 2 Yanetta Sebasio 3 Penina Salee & Merrinah Salee 250m Horse Race sponsored by Bamaga Enterprises BP Roadhouse and Roberts & Morrow Technology: 1 Albert Cottis 2 Meun Lifu 3 Zachary Williams

Warren Bethel Local Bull ride event sponsored

by Northern Queensland Rodeo Association on Saturday night. This pic & row below by Jemima Knight, Cape York Traders.

SPORT 19

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023

Boomers progress their World Cup campaign

Patty Mills in action against Germany. Pics supplied.

BY VELMA GARA The Australian Boomers are enjoying a mixed bag in their favour at the FIBA Mens Basketball World Cup, with one win, one loss and a second spectacular win on Tuesday night.

Boomers guard Patty

Mills was inspirational and top scored against Finland and Germany.

The Boomers played Japan on Tuesday night which they won, 109-89, to stay in the top two spots in their group to advance to the last 16.

The team dominated, leading by 22 points at half time, with Mills (22

points, three rebounds, nine assists, one steal), Giddey (26 pts) and Cooks (24 pts) leading the way.

Last Friday they defeated Finland 98-72 (Mills had 25 points, eight rebounds and four steals). Giddy nearly had a triple double with 14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.

On Sunday they lost to number one in their group, Germany, 85-82 (Mills 21 points, five rebounds and six assists).

Giddy was only other player in double figures with 17 points.

It was a close and physical game with the lead changing many times.

On Tuesday night Giddey was ranked number one, and Cooks number five, in overall points scored in the comp so far.

Boomers will play in the cross over with Group F, which finished with Georgia – who they defeated in an exhibition match last week – and Slovenia on top.

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Benny & Yvonne Mills in Okinawa for the World Cup.

Benny Mills & Boomers supporters at the Okinawa Arena.

NBL1 celebrates best in Townsville

BY VELMA GARA Michael Cedar and Indiah Bowyer picked up individual awards at the Townsville Heat and Flames teams NBL1 presentation night last weekend.

Hosted by Townsville Basketball Incorporated (TBI),

the evening was held at the Rooftop Bar with sponsors, board members, staff and volunteers celebrating the season with the NBL1 players and coaches.

Cedar, who played in the guard position, had moved back to Townsville for his first season in the blue and gold

after spending playing several seasons with Logan Thunder and Mackay Meteors.

His 2023 stats average was 12.16ppg, 3.37apg, 4.79rpg.

He was the team’s pick for NBL1 Players Player for 2023.

Bowyer, who hails from Cairns, played her first season with Flames. The guard’s 2023

stats average were 13.80ppg 1.60apg, 3.95rpg. She was the NBL1 U23 Youth Player of the Year for the Flames.

Torres News understands neither Cedar (74 career games) nor Bowyer (80 career games) have indicated what their plans were for next year’s NBL1 season.

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

Shane Froling (Heat Coach), Justin Wilkins (Brothers Leagues Club) & Michael Cedar.

Pics by Greenhouse Media Productions

Indiah Bowyer, James Rapinett (Flames Coach) & Glenn Betts (Global Welding Supplies).

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.

20

THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023

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

NPA kids take AFL on board After securing a win at the AFL Crusaders Cup on Thursday Island, NPA State College students have been invited to attend the AFL Crusaders Cup where they’ll take on students from across the Cape York regio - and they’re happy about it too!

And that’s not all!

After impressing at the North Queensland Diversity Championships in Cairns, earlier this year, Tagai student Mistee Sagigi has been selected into the North Queensland AFL side and will take part in the State Development Carnival.

Full stories & more pics PAGE 16 N

Franciska Bond, Relsie Lifu, Francu Mau and Kami Wigness-Wilson. Pic supplied.

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