Torres News_Edition 99_21 September 2023

Thursday, 21 September 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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Boil water notice should end soon – NPARC Pic by Colyn Huber/Lovegreen Photography.

Big dance for Big Talk One Fire from Boigu

The 16th annual Big Talk One Fire, Fire, a multicultural arts festival hosted by UMI Arts, was held at Munro Martin Parklands in Cairns last Saturday.

Boigu Island Dance Group members Richard Banu (front right) and Ray Marama Jnr (left) were up front on stage, and on fire!

More on PAGE 10 N

BY CARLI WILLIS A major leak in the Northern Peninsula Area’s (NPA’s) water treatment plant has been fixed and new filters have been installed, meaning a boil water notice – which has been in place for the past nine months – should soon be lifted, Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) says.

The Council said they spent $427,000 on purchasing and installing new membranes into its water treatment plant, and a further $329,000 on repairing the leak at the plant yard.

NPARC Executive Manager of Operations Augustus Yates said while the overdue repairs were welcomed by council and the community, there was more work to be done.

“We did a similar project before I started with the council in June or July of 2021 and that was $375,000,” he said. “We can’t afford $400,000 every 12- 18 months.

“We’ve been on a boiled water notice for nine months, we should have had them replaced nine months ago.”

He said their water issues came under more pressure during tourist season.

The NPA has a population of around 2781 residents but could see as many as 60-80,000 tourists travel through each year.

“We have a high population of tourism during the dry season every year, which also has an impact on what our usage is,” Mr Yates said.

“Repairing that major leak is actually allowing us to provide water for the community rather than having it run down the road.”

Continued PAGE 5 N

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THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

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New Waiben podiatrist finds his feet Waiben’s new podiatrist, Ryan Bonnefin, is a man who knows a thing or two about taking care of feet.

Mr Bonnefin recently relocated to his new ailan home from Alice Springs, but he said he wasn’t letting the smaller land size of his new space get in the way of his other hobby – training for an ultra-marathon.

Mr Bonnefin, who spent eight years working in the Northern Territory, said he was passionate about Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander health, and thrilled about his new role.

“After my time in Alice Springs I was looking for a new professional challenge,” he said. “Thursday Island appealed to me because I would still

be working in First Nations health.

“I was also equally intrigued about living in this part of the world.”

Originally from Sydney, Mr Bonnefin completed his studies in Brisbane and was working in a graduate position there before a job advertisement for Alice Springs caught his eye.

“It was the best decision and I really enjoy living in smaller communities,” he said.

With an extended lap of Thursday Island only reaching 8km, he said he would literally be running rings around the community to prepare for his next ultra-marathon race.

But, he said, the stunning surrounds made training much more appealing.

New podiatrist Ryan Bonnefin started work on Waiben last month. Pic supplied.

Anthology looks at growing up ailan-way

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

FLY WITH A QUEENSLANDER

Black Inc’s bestselling ‘Growing Up’ series has come to the Torres Strait with the announcement of 22 story-writers who will contribute to a new anthology Growing Up Torres Strait Islander in Australia.

Edited by Samantha Faulkner, she said the book brought together stories which explored the experiences of growing up Torres Strait Islander in the Torres Strait and on the mainland.

Authors, established and emerging – and including an excerpt from the memoir of Eddie Koiki Mabo, whose activism overturned the lie of terra nullius – would feature in the book, which promised a rich and diverse celebration of family, identity and representation, unique to the Torres Strait Islands.

Ms Faulkner said the Torres Strait was a beautiful place, an island paradise, one of Australia’s hidden treasures.

She said within

the pages there were lessons to learn, wisdom, encouragement, love, culture and the connection with other cultures.

The anthology was set to be released in April 2024.

Contributors chosen to write for Growing Up Torres Strait Islander in Australia in Australia were: • Aaliyah Bradbury • Aaron Fa’Aoso • Adam Lees • Catherine Titasey • Daniella Williams • Donisha Duff • Edward Koiki Mabo • Ellen Armstrong • Ellie Gaffney • Jaqui Hughes • Jillian Bowie • Jimi Bani • John Doolah • Leilani Bin-Juda • Lenora Thaker • Lockeah Wapau • Rhett Loban • Sorren Thomas • Tahlia Bowie • Tetei Bakic • Thomas Mayo • Velma Gara Logo supplied by Black Inc.

Apology The Torres News would like to apologise for an incorrect reference in last week’s 14 September 2023, edition 98.

In the story New broadband scheme leaves

out Torres Strait and NPA Lala Gutchen’s language, Erub Mer which is a dialect of Meriam Mer, was incorrectly referred to as Meuram, which is her tribe.

NEWS 03

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2023

Big gussore as comedy takes Waiben because TI people recognise that quality in my stand-up.

“This was my first-ever proper gig here.

“Growing up here and having the big dreams of going to the city and becoming a comedian, and going there and doing it – or having the best go of it – and then getting invited back and asked, ‘hey come play lor ailan’, so I’m like, ‘okay’.

“But it was really nice to play here at home and I 100 per cent definitely want to come back and do this again – and again, again and again.”

The finale, delivered by Diat, was a slam-poetry piece that had a good go at inaction on climate change.

Her words were halfprepared and half made up ‘on-the-fly’, resulting in a thought-provoking piece, with laughs throughout.

“That audience was maybe 60 or 70 but it felt like 5000 – it was really loud,” Mr Ilic said.

“I think comedians are weird people with weird takes on the world, their brains work different.

“Comedy is like setting a table where you bring the menu, everybody comes and has a good time – it creates a platform for comedians to say something about the world.”

STORY & PICS BY DARREN MONCRIEFF A night of loud laughing and big gussore took place at the TI Bowls Club on Monday evening as a mostly-local comedy team recorded a live podcast to a small audience of about 60-70 people.

Show creator Dan Ilic and Lewis Hobba were joined on stage by fellow comedians Dane Simpson from Walgett, and Torres Strait Islanders Jordan Wymarra, Leon Filewood and Diat Alferink.

“The show is called A Rational Fear and is a show for people to talk about contemporary anxiety in a really funny way,” Mr Ilic said.

The hour-long show covered a variety of subjects using comedy to bring the Voice referendum into sharp focus, and particularly on those public figures with their ‘irrational fears’ of what a Yes vote may mean.

It also ran a Price Is Right segment to highlight the high cost of basic products on the islands, including some particularly funny moments in Creole, later translated to English.

Jordan Wymarra grew up on Waiben and said he was happy

A Rational Fear played at the Bowls Club on Monday night (back row) Lewis Hobba, Jordan Wymarra & Dane Simpson; (front) Leon Filewood, Dan Ilic & Diat Alferink. to bring his brand of comedy back home.

“The feedback I got tonight was very positive,” Jordan said.

“I know I say really curly things on stage but that’s very much by the fact I grew up here on TI.

“I grew up around so many characters who would tell you what ever was on their minds without much regard to how you’re going to take it, and I love how that’s informed my humour.

“The response was positive

Power outages across the state

Telstra promises more connection problems to come

BY DARREN MONCRIEFF Network connectivity problems have been a nuisance for some islands in the Torres Strait over the past two weeks, and were expected to continue until this time next week.

Telstra customers, including other card users who connect to the Telstra network, received text messages last week notifying them of periodic upgrades to some of the telco’s 4G mobile sites.

The upgrades were to impact Waiben and Saibai islands.

According to Telstra, Waiben – or the ‘Thursday Island West site’ – received their upgrades from 7am last Thursday through to 10pm yesterday.

Saibai Island’s turn would come from 7am today through to 10pm next Wednesday, 27 September.

The interruptions were part-“unplanned service interruptions” and part “planned maintenance”.

“While Telstra has carefully planned this work in stages to minimise disruption, (we) know there have been some impacts to mobile services,” the telco said in a statement.

“During this time your service may be impacted and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“Telstra know this can be frustrating for customers and apologise for any impacts.”

NEW IN STORE

Power outages across Queensland have affected tens of thousands of people, including those in the NPA and on Waiben. Pic Ergon Energy.

BY CARLI WILLIS Since early September the Northern Peninsula Area has experienced power outages across its five communities, which Ergon Energy says have been planned and unrelated to power outages experienced across the state.

Last weekend 674 customers on Waiben lost power from 10pm on Sunday night until 2am on Monday morning in an unplanned outage.

Across the state, there were outages in South East Queensland, North and Far North Queensland.

In a statement to Torres News, a spokesperson for Ergon Energy said the outages were unrelated and each outage was on a different part of the network.

They said the on-call crew who attended Waiben’s unplanned outage found network damage that was repaired.

“Across Queensland the risk of unplanned power outages increases over summer, when severe storms, cyclones and flooding can cause damage to the electricity network,” they said.

“While we cannot predict the timing of these emergency outages, our crews are well prepared to respond and we urge customers to get ready for storm season as well.

“Crews are doing a lot of network maintenance across the Northern Peninsula Area to improve the reliability and safety of the electricity supply for the communities.

“This proactive maintenance program includes replacing dozens of power poles.

“Planned outages are required so crews can safely access the network and get the job done more efficiently.

“We notify customers by mail with all the details in advance so they can plan for any power interruptions.”

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04 HEALTH NEWS

THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

Waiben takes RU OK? Day and mental health to streets

BY DARREN MONCRIEFF

Associate Professor Richard Fletcher (left) and Uncle Mick Adams. Pic by Carli Willis.

SMS 4 (Deadly) Dads hopes to support fathers in grief A national SMS service that supports dads through their partner’s pregnancy has joined up with leading safe sleep and safe pregnancy authority Red Nose Australia, to help create texts for dads who may experience the loss of a baby.

SMS 4 Dads has been running for over 11 years as an opt-in service that sends brief texts to a father’s phone from 12 weeks into the pregnancy until the baby is one-year-old.

SMS 4 Deadly Dads was launched last year.

Cultural Lead for SMS 4 Dads Uncle Mick Adams said the dynamic was different for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dads due to cultural roles the parents have.

He also said the service did not have a text for dads during loss, although indications were it was a gap that needed filling.

“We’re trying to gather through our discussions up in the Torres Strait and everywhere else to look at what sort of questions should we be asking,” he said.

“What messages we could send out to make sure those people are in the right mindset, making sure that we are able to cover them through their period of grief.”

SMS 4 Dads Associate

Supplied by SMS4DADS.

BY CARLI WILLIS

Professor Richard Fletcher, who was travelling with Uncle Mick, and said the message service was good for dads who were less likely to go face-to-face.

“We already know from talking to dads, that after the loss they often don’t want to talk to people in a group,” he said.

“They don’t want to sign up to a service where they’ve got to go into a room and a lot of other people there.

“This is a way to talk to the dads and encourage them to be involved.

“Research says the father’s involvement with the baby will really help that baby develop.”

He said SMS 4 Dads was

calling for dads and family members to share their experience and feedback on what sort of messages might be helpful during loss.

“They do get isolated and lonely, this is a real need,” he said.

“Even if it was a long time ago, we know that means that sometimes it’s still real.

“We’d be keen to help to hear from you, we’d like to hear the stories from dads in this area.

“Then we [one of the Indigenous team members] will be in touch with you because we’d like to hear your stories.”

Uncle Mick said they were also in discussion with Indigenous-led health organisations across the region such as Mura Kosker Sorority Inc, Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan, Apunipima Cape York Health Council and Wuchopperen Health Services to develop texts related to loss.

He said 8000 people were signed up to receive texts nationally.

“We know it’s very, very sensitive but we need to look at if we could get the support or the backing from people to help them through their journey of grief in grief and loss,” he said.

See https://www.sms4dads. com.au/sms4dads-messagefeedback-rednose/ for more.

Mental health and wellbeing was front and centre of conversations at an RU OK? Day on Waiben last week as Torres Health and Queensland Health teams took their work to the streets.

RU OK? Day was a national and annual reminder that professional services for those among us with mental ill-health issues did exist.

In the Torres Strait, those services were mostly based on Waiben.

The rate of self-harm leading to death in Australia was high – up to nine people per day take their lives and 65,000 of us know someone who has or who has attempted to take their own lives – the numbers were a sobering reminder support services and events such as RU OK? Day were vitally important.

Queensland Health Social & Emotional Wellbeing Senior Counsellor Gesima Olney said in her time working in the field she had seen subtle changes in attitude toward mental ill-health.

She said 45 per cent of people in Australia suffered mental illness at some stage during their lives.

“One-in-five people suffer with mental illness,” she said.

“We’ve been doing [RU OK] Days for the past few years, we do see changes in the community.

“One of the things we are doing is employing

Having a good yarn on RU OK? Day were Deidree Whap, Aunty Selona Namok, Torres Health’s Charleeja Viti & Aunty Nazareth Adidi.

Pics Flora Warria & Darren Moncrieff.

Queensland Health’s Anthony Geagea’s shirt asks an important question. peer-workers to further the reduce the stigma surrounding this.

“A peer worker is someone who has a story of having recovered from mental health issues, and employing them to bring that message over, to reduce the stigma that people may have with mental health issues, and that they can lead a full life.”

But, she said, normalising the conversation was only one part of RU OK? Day. “It brings awareness of suicide prevention, so it’s a way of making

Healthy Choices 4

people aware that it is okay to check in with family and friends,” she said. “We have a guide in how to ask for help, to not to get scared if someone says they’re not okay, so it really brings that awareness to the community.

“We’re passionate about our work here and we will continue with it.”

She said unlike physical injuries, mental ill-health was invisible, but could lead to the same outcomes.

“These are invisible injuries but they can cost people their lives if not treated,” she said.

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NEWS 05

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2023

Boil water notice should end soon – NPARC

ABOVE and RIGHT: Repairs underway to the NPARC water storage tanks.

Puncture holes in membranes from sharp particles in water. Pics supplied NPARC.

BY CARLI WILLIS

M Continued from P1 Mr Yates said NPARC was working with water, waste and energy management company Veolia to determine whether a new water treatment plant, to draw water from the Jardine River, was needed.

He said the organic nature of the water particles was damaging to the membranes used in water treatment to separate contaminants.

“As the water is sucked or pushed through the membranes, it’s puncturing the membrane, or the fabric,” he said.

NPARC’s low rate base means the council relies on state and federal funding.

He said the council was calling on more funding to eventually replace the aging water treatment plant which was expensive to run.

Queensland Minister for Regional Development and Water Glenn Butcher visited the region earlier this month to see the aging infrastructure first hand.

“This community has probably one of the highest per head uses of water in not only Queensland, possibly Australia, getting close to nearly 2000 litres a day per person,” Mr Butcher said.

“You look at a city like Brisbane, in southeast Queensland, they use about 240 or 260 [litres a day].

“We know that there’s some leaks in around the place in critical infrastructure, we know that people use a lot of water up here, we know there’s a lot of tourists that are using a lot of water.”

Mr Yates said the council had state

government funding to undertake a Water Demand Situational Analysis.

He said as part of the analysis, monitoring devices would be placed on the fire hydrants to listen for leaks.

“It will give us ideas as to the size those leaks may be,” he said.

Bamaga Enterprises Limited (BEL) General Manager Tom Kelly said their accommodation and other businesses relied on water.

He said he found it “interesting” that such a small community used so much water.

“We have issues with water in the NPA in the sense that we have to boil water here in order to drink it, because the facilities are just not up to standard,” he said. “[We make] sure signs are up and we encourage all our guests to boil water with kettles that we provide.”

He said local businesses had to provide guests with more bottled water to assist, and that was an additional cost.

To alleviate some of the strain on the town’s water supply, he said BEL was looking to add a car wash service onto its service station.

“We can recycle water and maximise the limited water we have up here,” he said.

Mr Yates said there had been some downtime as the repairs were carried out.

“We now have to go through some testing and work with public health and the drinking water regulator to demonstrate that things are working properly,” he said.

“As far as we are aware, everything we’ve done is leading us to removing the boil notice.”

Referendum

This year a referendum will be held on whether to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

The last referendum was held in 1999. It’s the only way the Constitution can be changed. The Constitution sets out how Australia is governed.

All Australian citizens aged 18 and over must vote, and the government must act on what Australia decides.

When you vote in the referendum, your answer matters.

Learn more at aec.gov.au or call 13 23 26 Authorised by the Electoral Commissioner, 10 Mort Street, Canberra, ACT.

06 NEWS

THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

Yarning circles ‘Highly Commended’ at community awards

BY CARLI WILLIS AND JEN ENOSA Yarning circles held on the Torres Straits’ outer islands hosted

by Waiben police won ‘Highly Commended’ at the inaugural First Nations Peoples and Communities Awards in Cairns last week.

Senior Constable Patricia Pedro said the yarning circles idea was borne out of a need she saw to help communities to understand what domestic violence was.

“Most of our calls for service here are domestic violence and offences stemming from domestic violence,” she said.

“I came up with this idea of education, but through a cultural way, so a cultural practice of yarning circles.

“I worked with a lot of the NGOs, Mura Kosker Sorority Inc., Wakai Waian Healing, Queensland Health and Mental Health, and we had a discussion about

how we would run this.”

Ms Pedro said it was decided an informal meeting – sitting around in a circle to yarn – would be the most inviting way for communities to discuss the difficult topic.

“I [would] yarn [with communities] about DV, that was my way of educating women about coercive control, police action orders, and what the different types of domestic violence are in the legislation,” she said.

“Breaking it right down into simple terms that our women could understand, and our men as well.”

She said the program was a huge success with several men referred for mental health support from the first meeting.

“Domestic violence breaks down families, so I felt that I needed to do something in my role as a police officer, but also as a First Nations woman using this cultural practice,” she said.

SC Patricia Pedro & S/Sgt Anthony Moynihan receiving their award. Pic QPS. “I got a lot of fulfilment out of helping my people to understand [DV] and keep their families together.”

She said she was excited to see Sergeant Taiina Stevens was appointed to the role of Domestic and Family Violence Coordinator.

“I think there will be a lot of education around DV now, hopefully at the schools as well,” Ms Pedro said.

“That’s where I believe it needs to go, we need to educate the

younger people about domestic violence, because that’s where it starts.”

Sergeant Stevens said she was looking forward to making the framework a regular monthly program and expanding it to include the inner islands and Bamaga.

“The feedback that we get from people when we turn up and have these localised groups, with a men’s work group and a women’s group yarning about what DV is, has pivoted the way we’re

doing business, in the Torres Strait,” she said.

“We’re making sure voices out on the outer islands are heard, and making sure we actually action that.

“We want our community to go; ‘hey, that’s DV, we’re going to reject that, we don’t we don’t accept that’.

“Because we understand that children that are privy to domestic and family violence and can later on experience those effects in their future relationships.”

She said another flowon effect was that some children could wind up committing crimes.

Mura Kosker Sorority Inc Domestic & Family Violence support worker Olive Whap has held her position for eight years and regularly visited the outer islands for her work.

She said it was an important milestone to have services come together to listen to the community.

She said it was also amazing to see there were 25 women and 10 men at the first event.

“You are most likely to get all women in most of these engagements, so it was really good to see the men there,” she said.

“It’s always good to have cuppa tea before the actual yarn starts and so it was really to make everybody feel so comfortable, creating a safe space for community to have a voice there.”

Ms Whap said one of the things she spoke about was how family members could talk to a person they knew was experiencing domestic violence.

She said communities often wanted to deal with matters at their own level before it escalated into the criminal system, but didn’t know how.

“It’s sort of under the mat, as we all know, it’s a very sensitive sort of issue to confront,” she said.

She said it was important for providers to understand how limited services were on the outer islands and how isolated that could make people feel.

“One of the services, it was their first time to actually be in community,” she said.

She said she her aspiration was for communities to have, and to run, their own on-island services.

“I would want to see community control, where they’re able to establish their own pathway, their own administration, their own office,” she said.

“What is stopping communities to have their own services based in community and service their area?

“Empower the people to stand and be empowered, being a part of something that’s greater.”

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2023

New police boat to be named after highly regarded PLO

The new boat for the Thursday Island Police was announced at the First Nations Peoples and Communities Awards in Cairns. Pic courtesy of QPS.

BY CARLI WILLIS & JEN ENOSA A new boat commissioned for the Thursday Island police will be named to help celebrate the life and service of the late Uncle Paul Dai, who was a Senior Police Liaison Officer for his community.

Queensland’s Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll APM made the announcement at the inaugural First Nations Peoples and Communities Awards in Cairns last week.

A spokesperson for the Queensland Police Service said Uncle Paul serviced his region in an exemplary manner.

“He joined the Queensland Police Service as a Police Liaison Officer serving at Horn Island Police Station and in 1998, he sought out the opportunity to work at the Brisbane City Watchhouse for 12 months, before returning to Horn Island,” they said.

“He was fluent in 14 dialects across the region and beyond its borders and maintained relationships, mentoring sworn police and advising on matters of cultural importance, which became Uncle Paul’s life work.

“An upbringing built on faith,

teaching, travel and community service, would go on to shape him as an influential member of his community and the QPS.” Thursday Island Police Senior Sergeant Anthony Moynihan said he was lucky to have worked with Uncle Paul.

“Our old Horn Island Police Liaison Officer was a wonderful friend to all of us who tragically passed away about 18 months ago, and they’re going to name that vessel after him which is just fantastic,” he said.

“His name will be emblazoned across it and it’ll be a lovely memory for those of us that knew him, and for those who didn’t, it’s a good conversation starter of who he was and what he meant to us.”

He said the existing boat had reached the end of its life and was due to be replaced.

“If anybody’s seen our fast response vessel, the Olive, it’s the one [with] three outboards on the back that will get you to Badu and Moa, those places, quite quickly,” he said.

“It’s reached its end of life and we’re getting a brand new one.

“The [new] vessel is undergoing sea trials in Brisbane, it’s not far away.”

NEWS 07

Response to sexual violence strengthened with new training STORY AND PIC

BY CARLI WILLIS Queensland Police Service (QPS) began rolling out their Sexual Violence Response Strategy 2023-2025 last month, including appointing Sexual Violence Liaison Officers and offering training to all staff, with the goal of strengthening its response to sexual violence victims.

Criminal Investigation Branch Detective Sergeant Jacqueline (Jacki) Goodwin was appointed the Sexual Violence Liaison Officer role on Waiben.

Sgt Goodwin said her job was to help her team align to the aspirations of the QPS, who were shifting to a trauma-informed, and more victim-centric approach to sexual violence response.

“It’s my role to ensure that they are receiving up to date information in regards to changes, specifically in regards to any legislation, or operational requirements,” she said.

“It’s also my job in that role is to really be accountable for all of the investigations from start to finish, oversee when the complaint comes in, if it makes it to court or if it doesn’t make it to court, [and] ensure that every new procedure and investigation is conducted to the highest standard.”

The QPS developed the Sexual Violence Response Strategy (2021-2023) in response to a Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

An independent review of the strategy by researchers at the Griffith Criminology Institute found elements of the strategy were working, but there was still work to be done, and further recommendations were made.

Sgt Goodwin said within the review the accounts of victims who had reported sexual violence had helped identify where police could do better.

“A few years ago, if someone came in to report a rape or a

Criminal Investigation Branch Detective Sergeant Jacqueline (Jacki) Goodwin. sexual violence offence and they were unable to voice their story to us, or if they came across too angry, they may have not been given the proper attention,” she said.

“But now through education we’re understanding those feelings are quite natural in terms of going through that horrific ordeal.”

Sgt Goodwin said the training was being rolled out across all QPS staff.

“That training has been very significant in the way we are looking to change our investigative processes, taking on trauma informed and a victim centric approach” she said.

She said the QPS was also working to install ‘soft rooms’ at each station in the state.

“Coming to a police station for some can be really daunting,” she said.

“We’re just trying to come up with small changes, like rooms where [victims are] not taken into the same room where you would be interviewed as an offender.”

She said the Thursday Island Police Service station was small and would modify an existing room for this purpose.

“We had a room specifically set out to interview children and we’re going to re modify that so we can use it for sexual violence victims, and also victims of domestic violence,” she said.

“So, when people are coming into the police station as victims, they are treated as victims first, and can be in a room feeling as comfortable as possible.

“It’s constantly looking for those little things that can make our victims feel more confident to come forward and seek help.”

Sgt Goodwin said that the strategy also focussed on giving victims the option to report crimes online.

“They can be in the comfort of their own home, have their own support people around them and put that complaint online,” she said.

She said a huge focus in future was for the QPS to work more corroboratively with social welfare and support services to reduce re-traumatisation.

She said in some cases victims presented to a service and would have to re-live their experience in the telling before they were then shown to hospital, where they re-lived it again, and then sent to the police to do so again.

She said they were keen to “really work with our partner agencies to give a holistic response to those horrific crimes”.

If you or anyone you know needs help: Mura Kosker 07 4069 1663 Wakai Wain Healing 1800 732 850 DV Connect Womensline 1800 811 811 DV Connect Mensline 1800 600 636 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 Lifeline on 13 11 14 MensLine Australia 1300 789 978 Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 Headspace 1800 650 890 ReachOut www.reachout.com.au QLife 1800 184 527 1800 Respect National Helpline 1800 737 732 Women’s Crisis Line 1800 811 811 Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491 To make a report online: https://www.police.qld.gov. au/units/victims-of-crime/ support-for-victims-of-crime/ adult-sexual-assault/i-want-totalk-to-the.

November 6-7 -Saibai November 7-8 -Thursday Is. November 9-10 -Bamaga See you soon!

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08 NEWS

THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

New Action Plans to include concrete steps and targets to end gender-based violence All Australian governments have agreed to concrete actions and measurable targets to end genderbased violence within a generation with the release of two Action Plans under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.

A First Action Plan, and a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan, have been released by the Federal TSIMA HOUSE Government to chartAD. a path to reducing – and

ultimately ending – the pervasive rates of family, domestic and sexual violence in communities across the nation.

They said one in four women had experienced intimate partner violence since the age of 15, and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander women experienced disproportionately higher rates of violence than non-Indigenous women.

Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney said the dedicated Action Plan

for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women demonstrated the Government’s commitment to creating a safer future for First Nations women and children.

“This plan is a first for our country and has been developed by listening and working with First Nations people, because we know that listening is the key to developing better policies and programs and delivering better outcomes,” Minister Burney said.

For the first time, the First Action Plan set targets to end violence, including a 25 per cent annual reduction in female victims of intimate partner homicide, and changed community attitudes in terms of seeing more people across the community reject violence against women.

The Commonwealth would work together with states and territories to consider and agree ways to further measure progress across each of the four domains of the

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National Plan, over the life of the First Action Plan.

Actions outlined in the Plans for governments to work towards included: • Developing a range of supporting resources to help promote and implement the National Principles to Address Coercive Control in Family and Domestic Violence.

• Providing services in prisons and places of detention for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

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people who were victims or perpetrators of family, domestic and sexual violence, including children.

• Establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Men’s Advisory Body to provide advice and leadership on issues such as family violence, gender equality, programs and services for men, boys and men’s issues in general.

• Bolstering traumainformed supports and exploring new innovative models for recovery for victimsurvivors of family, domestic and sexual violence.

• Funding education and training on family, domestic and sexual violence for community mainstream workers, health professionals, and the justice sector including training and capacity-building training for judicial and legal practitioners.

• Implementing measures that provided a connected and coordinated response to address technologyfacilitated abuse, including a national support service to assist victim survivors as well as frontline service staff.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said all governments across Australia were committed to the goal of ending violence against women and children in one generation.

“I thank all my state, territory and Commonwealth colleagues for working together to make this a reality and for all pulling in the same direction to end violence against women and children,” Minister Rishworth said.

“These Action Plans, and the important Outcomes Framework, bring us closer to achieving our goal to end violence against women and children and to creating real, lasting change.

“No woman or child should live in fear from violence.

“No woman or child should have their lives terrorised by someone who professed to love and care for them.

“No woman or child should have their lives ended prematurely due to that violence.”

Minister Rishworth said the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander

Action Plan was important to recognise the unique challenges and additional barriers faced by First Nations women when seeking support.

“This is why we worked in genuine partnership with the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council to achieve the best possible outcomes for individuals and their communities,” she said.

Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Justine Elliot emphasised the need for everyone to act on the unacceptable rates of violence in Australia.

“Violence against women and children is abhorrent, and that is why these clear joint and individual actions are so vital and timely,” she said.

“The Action Plans and Outcomes Framework facilitate the effective tracking, monitoring and reporting of changes over the life of the National Plan, which will mean governments can deliver tailored resources, services and support.

“By working closely with victim-survivors, the sector, community leaders, business, and industry, and the states and territories – we can pave the way to a country free from fear and violence,” she said More information on the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 was available on the Department of Social Services website at https://www.dss. gov.au/ If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, 24 hours a day, seven days a week or visit www.

1800RESPECT.org.au Feeling worried or no good?

No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.

Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76.

This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au

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TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2023

NEWS 09

Townsville walks for ‘Yes’ STORY AND PICS

BY VELMA GARA Townsville was the one of the first locations to kick off a National Walk for Yes, with more than 300 supporters in attendance last Saturday.

Many held ‘Yes’ placards and walked with their four-legged friends in the peaceful event, which started from Strand Park and finished at the Rock Pool with a sausage sizzle.

Also on offer was free merchandise including shirts, hats, tote bags and badges.

Yes Campaign Coordinator for Townsville Ben Gertz said he was encouraged by the turnout of locals.

“There was a good show of support for the referendum here in Townsville,” he said.

With just over three weeks left until the nation went to the polling booth Mr Gertz said he knew there was still work to do.

He said there was still time to spread the word before pre-polling started on Tuesday 2 October.

“Kicking off the National Walks for Yes has shown the nation with a good start here in Townsville,” he said.

Leader of the Yes Campaign for Far North Queensland Stacee Ketchell attended the event after spending time in remote regions, including the Torres Strait.

She said her work was to ensure families and community understood what the vote was all about, ask questions and share information.

The message that has been relayed to Miss Ketchell from communities was they knew a direct link to decision-makers in Canberra was needed.

“They know how important it is,” she said.

She said she was

heartened to see the many supporters along The Strand.

“This is what it’s about, bringing the country all together,” she said.

A week earlier, on Friday 8 September, a Voice Information session was held at the Railway Estate Community Centre with about 20 community members.

Uluru Youth Dialogue Ambassadors, Joel Johnson and Sonjah Stewart, facilitated the event and spoke about the Voice to Parliament and upcoming referendum.

LEFT: Leading the Walk for Yes – Chris Rollason, Brenton Creed (Wulgurukaba Traditional Owner) & Ben Gertz (Townsville Yes Campaign Coordinator).

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10 NEWS

THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

Ailan culture stars at Big Talk One Fire

TN0461 • 09/02/23

Boigu Island Dance Group.

LEFT: Mau Power. RIGHT: Nancy Baker running her workshop. Pics by Colyn Huber/Lovegreen Photography.

BY CHRISTINE HOWES

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IMPORTANT NOTE: We will ALWAYS meet any QANTAS and Skytrans flight from Cairns – should extra services be scheduled QF = QANTAS WATER TAXIS AND CHARTERS AVAILABLE QN =MUST SKYTRANS (eg school holidays) we will add services that may be outside this schedule.

For late flights – you have a booking.

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P J 07 4069 1586 • F J 07 4069 1408 • E J info@rebeltours.com.au • W J www.rebeltours.com.au & Ϭϳ ϰϬϲϵ ϭϰϬϴ ŝŶĨŽΛƌĞďĞůƚŽƵƌƐ͘ĐŽŵ͘ĂƵ Important: please request pickups at least 1 hour prior to Ferry departure �me ǁǁǁ͘ƌĞďĞůƚŽƵƌƐ͘ĐŽŵ͘ĂƵ Please note: Please be aware that we will have ferries to meet EVERY QANTAS and SKYTRANS flight from /ŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚ͗ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ƌĞƋƵĞƐƚ ƉŝĐŬƵƉƐ Ăƚ ůĞĂƐƚ ϭ ŚŽƵƌ ƉƌŝŽƌ ƚŽ &ĞƌƌLJ ĚĞƉĂƌƚƵƌĞ ƚŝŵĞ Cairns. If you can not see a ferry that suits your flight please CALL the office on 4069 1586.

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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.

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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

Cloncurry-born, and Cairns-raised, Nancy Baker says dancing and singing are her passions, so teaching punters how to do so at Big Talk One Fire in Cairns last week was her pleasure.

“I love to dance and I love to sing,” she said.

“And my culture is my identity.

“My culture is my everything.

“And if I hadn’t had culture, I wouldn’t be who I am.

“It teaches me structure.

“It teaches me discipline, if anything.

“And so to go out, and teach it, it’s a pleasure.”

Big Talk One Fire, a multicultural arts festival hosted by UMI Arts, was held for the 16th time last Saturday at Munro Martin Parklands.

The event comprised an art and craft market and activities for kids, food stalls, Elder’s lounge, symposium, workshops and storytelling alongside an exciting program of stage entertainment, including the Boigu Island Dance Grup, crisscrossing musical and dance genres which culminated in a headline performance by Patrick Mau of Mau Power at 8pm.

UMI Arts Artistic Director Lisa Michl Komanggén OAM said Big Talk One Fire was one of UMI Arts’ most-loved events.

“UMI Arts is always immensely proud to present this all-inclusive event that promotes the best of North Queensland Indigenous culture to a large and varied audience,” she said.

She said this year also included a symposium which focused on fake art and its impact on First Nations culture and preservation.

Nancy said they

hadn’t run workshops like hers before, so they weren’t sure what to expect.

“This was the first time they actually incorporated the dance workshop into Big Talk One Fire,” she said.

“And so walking in, I guess, you have expectations, you’re just in, but once I started to put those shakers out, I started to draw the crowd, even though I was locked away in a little area outside.

“And then some volunteers pretty much rounded up all the people, so in the end it was an outstanding weekend and I thoroughly enjoyed my little section – I didn’t have to worry.”

She said she was keen to educate and to offer insight.

“I do this so that people are aware that we, as Torres Strait Islanders, we do exist and that our race of people do exist,” she said.

“And down on mainland Australia, it’s pretty hard.

“Any little thing, any little event that I get a chance to go in, whether it be in through the schools because I’ve been doing a lot of the schools, and that’s a joy – just to see the kids and the enthusiasm they bring to it.”

She said overall the Big Talk One Fire event was spectacular.

“From what I could see everything went perfectly well,” she said.

“The dancers went in, everything was on time, it was obviously a really fun event, and I really enjoyed my little area.

“I think any teacher or any instructor who does anything, I think the whole spark of teaching is when you see your students smile, or when you can see them know, because they’re smiling and they’re thoroughly enjoying what they’re doing.”

NEWS 11

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2023

Wedding bells in Cairns for Mr & Mrs Gela Freshwater Lakes at Cairns Botanical Garden was buzzing with activity last Saturday night as families and friends watched John Ettie

Gela and Magdalene Lifu declare their vows in Holy Matrimony.

The ceremony was officiated by the groom’s uncle, Pastor David Gela, along with a huge

The groom’s mum Ethel Gela & Sarah Van Horan.

wedding party of 14 groomsmen and their partners.

On behalf of her late father Charlie Lifu, the bride’s uncle Muen Lifu presented Magdalene to

be married to the John in the presence of her mother Josephine.

The reception was held at AFL Cape York House on Buchan Street.

Local beauties Shintae & Kandis Nona.

With this ring I do wed: exchanging of rings ceremony.

Presentation: Pastor David Gela, Magdalene Gela & John Ettie Gela.

Brother Trevor Lifu walks with his sister, the happy bride, Magdalene Lifu.

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

The beautiful newlyweds Magdalene & John Ettie Gela.

The wedding party, and guests of families and friends.

The bride’s mum, Josephine Lifu.

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!

Top: John Ettie Gela & his 14 groomsmen. Bottom: The bridal party.

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.

12 NEWS & CLASSIFIEDS

THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Thaiday signs up for heavy vehicle road safety campaign STORY AND PICS

BY ALF WILSON

The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) is a Commonwealth statutory body located on Thursday Island. The TSRA is engaged in a wide range of service delivery functions to Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people living in the Torres Strait region.

The TSRA Environmental Management Programme is seeking a suitably qualified, experienced, enthusiastic and motivated person to fill the following Identified Ongoing/Non-ongoing position.

Project Manager – Ranger Operations EL 1 (P/N T01796) *SALARY RANGE $106,801 – $129,949 P/A TSRA accommodation may be available for this position.

Based on Thursday Island, the Project Manager (Ranger Operations) role is to manage and deliver on the land and marine operations activities for the TSRA’s Ranger Programme. This position will manage and support the day-to-day operational procedures and associated requirements of rangers, and work closely with the Corporate Services team on infrastructure, assets, resources, IT services, and storage and security requirements. The Project Manager works collaboratively with other Project Managers to ensure activities are aligned and delivered effectively.

*Generous allowances are paid on top of the salary listed above.

Allowances include district allowance, leave fare allowance (payable after 12 months of service) and housing subsidy.

Superannuation is paid at 15.4%.

Indigenous jobseekers are encouraged to apply for this vacancy.

If the job is ‘Identified’, then part or all of the duties impact on Indigenous Australian people and/or involve interaction with Indigenous Australian communities or their representatives.

A merit list may be created.

How to apply: • Visit our website at www.tsra.gov.au and click on tthe Opportunities to apply through the online application system or, • If you do not have access to the internet please contact the HR Team on (07) 4069 0700. ***APPLICANTS ARE REQUESTED TO APPLY ONLINE*** Closing date for applications is 11:30pm, AEST Sunday 08 October 2023.

For further information relating to this position please contact Samantha Fernando on Tel: 0402 494 581 or at Apsrecruitment@sixdegreesexecutive.com.au

Legendary rugby league player Sam Thaiday (pictured) has joined the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) We All Need Space campaign for road safety.

Sam, 38, played 304 games for the Brisbane Broncos from 2003 until he retired in 2018.

A tough as nails forward, Sam also played 29 matches for Queensland in the State of Origin series, 32 Tests for Australia and represented the Indigenous Allstars three times and the Prime Ministers XI twice.

His passion for rugby league intact, Sam also lined up for Samford Stags, who lost to Burpengary Jets 22-16, in the 2023 Brisbane Men’s 2 Open Grand Final last month.

He said it was just as important for motorists to show the same kind of relentlessness when it came to road safety.

“So many of us get behind the wheel of a car every day; to get to work, do school drop offs and for me, back in the day, head to training,” he said.

“But unfortunately,

we often forget to stop and think more deeply about our behaviour behind the wheel.

“In rugby league, especially as a second rower, I always aimed to give my opponents as little space as possible and break down their defence.

“While the opposition may not need space on the field, trucks sure do on our roads.”

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey MP said it was important for more road users to understand the difference between driving a truck and a car.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and it’s critical for motorists to

understand trucks are extremely different to cars,” he said.

“Apart from the obvious – say an extra 35 tonnes for a semi-trailer – they are significantly more difficult to manoeuvre.

“For example, trucks have vastly different blind spots to cars, and driving too closely behind, alongside or in front of a truck, is extremely dangerous.

“That’s why it’s incredibly important for motorists to give trucks the space they need.”

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the We All Need Space campaign was about bringing in all road users on a conversation

around what they could do to stay safe when out and about on Australian roads.

The campaign has reached over four million people online since June.

Safety videos, featuring well-known Australians such as comedian Jimmy Rees, popular truckie Yogi, second generation truckie CJ, and country music singer James Blundell were proving to be popular.

“Now, having someone like Sam, who has transitioned from an NRL fan favourite to a wonderful community ambassador, come on board to help us spread this important safety message is fantastic,” Mr Petroccitto said.

“With more than one million registered heavy vehicles across the country, it’s essential all road users understand how to drive safely around them.”

As part of his involvement in the campaign, Sam’s own social media featured safety videos on topics such as being aware of truck blind spots, not overtaking a turning truck and leaving trucks more space to brake.

See https://

www.nhvr.gov.au/ weallneedspace

Note: • All positions with the TSRA are subject to satisfactory character checks, criminal history checks prior to commencement, Australian citizenship requirements, and, if applicable, formal qualifications and a working with children check.

TSRA is committed to ‘Closing the Gap’ and in support of Government policy encourages applications from Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Australians. TSRA embraces Workplace Diversity. Enjoy the benefits of a career in the Australian Public Service.

A TORRES NEWS LIFTOUT INFORMATION FEATURE

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The Minister for Resources intends to appoint the Magani Lagaugal (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation RNTBC as grantee of Lot 1 on SP282718 on Iama Island.

The appointment of the Corporation as grantee of the land is proposed to be made pursuant to the Torres Strait Islander Land Act 1991.

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The Honourable Scott Stewart MP Minister for Resources

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14 SPORT

THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

Ezra hopes for big dance debut Ailan-lead in PM’s XIII

BY ALF WILSON

Ezra Mam is bound to be the centre of attention at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday when the Brisbane Broncos take on the New Zealand Warriors in one of two NRL preliminary finals.

At stake is a spot in the grand final, and a shot at the premiership.

The five-eighth

Brisbane Broncos’ Ezra Mam will line up in the NRL preliminary final this weekend.

Pic by Brisbane Broncos. will be a vital player, partnering champion halfback Adam Reynolds in the Broncos backline against the Warriors.

Rising star Ezra is not only elusive in attack, and fires out

many precision passes, but is also tenacious in defence and often tackles much heavier opponents.

The young livewire also forms a good combination with Broncos fullback Reece

Blackhawks win Colts grand final

BY ALF WILSON Classy Jamal Shibasaki, Dudley Dotoi and PNG star Ragarive Wavik shone for the Townsville Blackhawks in their stunning 40-0 upset win over hot-favourites the Brisbane Tigers in Sunday’s Hastings Deering Colts grand final.

The Blackhawks went into the big dance at Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe as extreme underdogs after losing 36-12 to the Tigers two weeks ago in a qualifying semi-final.

But the determined young Blackhawks created history to become the first team in the competition’s seven years to win back-to-back premierships.

Blackhawks coach Roy Baira was overjoyed.

“I’m a bit stunned, actually, that was a fairy tale finish for our boys,” he said post-match.

“They’ve had a really long season, injuries to a few of our main players throughout the year, local boys who have stepped up for us, today was a complete performance.

“That performance was what we were pushing towards and it came today.

“I’m really proud of them.

“The Tigers are a champion side too – them and Tweed all year have been up top and we struggled at the start, but we worked our way back into that top four.

“Today was just our day. Our boys just put it on them and they were pressured under that.

“Everything went well for us.

“Our boys really wanted it and they showed it today.”

Ragarive was awarded the player of the match award; a highlight was his first-half try and second-half 40-20 kick.

He also booted six goals and was dangerous every time he had the ball.

Members of the victorious Blackhawks Colts team that won their division grand final on Sunday – Tajshon Santo Messa, Jamal Shibasaki, Tyrone Gunn-James, Dudley Dotoi, Elekana Suavai, Cathane Hill, Darnell Geia & Tyreice Baira-Gela.

Baira said one of the main messages this week for north Queensland was to remember who they were representing on the big stage.

“It means everything to the north,” he said.

“I’ve had messages all week, even from the Northern Pride fellas and even Dolphins NRL assistant coach Kristian Woolf down here who was supporting us.

“Sometimes up there in the north we’re forgotten a little bit but when we’re playing for each other and our region, it means a hell of a lot to us.”

Sadly, the game also closed the chapter on the Colts competition, as it will not return next season.

QRL awards Torres Strait Islanders were among some of the leading award-winners when the QRL announced its 2023 trophies in their statewide competitions last week.

Their achievements were celebrated by 350 guests who attended an awards luncheon at Brisbane City Hall.

The Petero Civoniceva Medal for the best and fairest player in the Hostplus Queensland Cup

was Trai Fuller from Redcliffe Dolphins.

Papua New Guinea Hunters fullback Morea Morea (18) and Souths Logan Magpies fullback Tristan Sailor (17) finished in the top five in the Hostplus Cup voting for the best and fairest players in the 15-club comp.

Morea was also named Rookie of the Year in the Hostplus Cup. Leading try scorer for the season was Jonathon Reuben from Norths Devils.

Hastings Deering Colts Player of the Year was Lachlan West of Brisbane Tigers.

Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup Player of the Year was Jamal Shibasaki from Townsville Blackhawks.

Boigu Islander Reuben Cotter was awarded his medal for being the Queensland Maroons State of Origin player of the series in the Origin series win over NSW. In the Hostplus Cup Team of the Year Tristan Sailor was named at fullback.

Hostplus Cup Grand Final The Brisbane Tigers had some joy on grand final day when the Brisbane Tigers senior men’s team defeated Burleigh Bears 22-18 to win the Queensland Cup.

STORY BY DARREN MONCRIEFF PICS BY ALF WILSON Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Tallisha Harden will lead strong teams fielded in the men’s and women’s Prime Minister’s XIII, due to play in Port Moresby this weekend.

The post-season rugby league football teams were named last week for the annual match, which this year will see the Australian teams take on their Papua New Guinean counterparts on Saturday.

Tallisha was afforded an extra honour when she was named captain of the women’s team to play the PNG Orchids.

Hamiso was one of six Indigenous players chosen for the Australian men’s team to play against the PNG Kumuls.

It was the first time since 2018 Australia and PNG representative rugby league teams have played against each other.

Australian Men’s team coach Mal Meninga said the match would provide a selection guide ahead of the first ever Pacific Championships coming up across October and November this year.

“This squad is a blend of experience from the World Cup last year, additional State of Origin players from this year, as well as younger players who we would like to see at this level,” Meninga said.

“There was fairly unanimous agreement across the selections and I can’t wait to see this group test themselves in the green and gold.”

Australian Women’s team coach Brad Donald said the game would provide opportunities for the players to

ABOVE: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow leads a strong Men’s Prime Minister’s XIII team.

BELOW: Tallisha Harden was named captain of the Women’s Prime Minister’s XIII team.

further their representative aspirations as well as experience something quite unique.

“It’s a really well-balanced team featuring some of our First Nations Gems players, emerging talent in the NRLW competition and a handful of Jillaroos representatives who will be the key leaders,” Donald said.

Cowboys finish in 9th spot

NRLW

ROUND UP

Walsh and winger Selwyn Cobbo who is a try-scoring machine.

Ezra has numerous family members living on Hammond Island and will have great support on Waiben, other Torres Strait islands, the NPA and Cape York.

In the other preliminary final, defending premiers Penrith will meet the in-form Melbourne Storm.

The Storm scored a try in the last minute to beat arch rivals Sydney Roosters 18-13 in an elimination final in Melbourne on Friday night.

The winners of the two preliminary finals will advance to the grand final next weekend.

ROUND UP

BY ALF WILSON Tallisha Harden, Tahlulah Tillett, Jasmine Peters and Sareka Mooka made strong contributions in North Queensland’s 40-16 loss to a red-hot Sydney Roosters in round 9 on Saturday night.

The second-placed Roosters led 18-10 at half-time and ran away with the game in Sydney in the final round of fixtures before the finals.

The Roosters scored seven tries to three against the Cowboys, who have won two games in their debut NRLW season to finish ninth on the 10-team ladder.

Five-eighth Tahlulah was once again crafty in general play and

used the bomb kick to advantage several times at the eighth and 33rd minutes.

Centre Jasmine made a great line break at the 13th minute which had her family and friends on Badu Island cheering as they watched it on the box.

Tallisha made several strong runs before going to the bench for a spell at the 19th minute mark.

When she returned at the 61st minute, she made powerful attacks and was solid in defence.

At the 74th minute she made a blockbusting line break through the centre of the ruck and came off a minute later.

Hard-running forward Sareka, with many supporters on Mabuiag, came on from the interchange bench at the 24th minute and proved a handful for the Roosters defence.

Cowboys coach Ben Jeffries said he could not fault the effort of his team in the first half.

“We absolutely got that in the first half, but just fell away in the

second half,” he said.

“Just attention to detail around a few things and obviously getting to the end of a long season now, the score line blew away in the second half which is disappointing, but in the first half there was definitely effort there.”

Special mention to Essay Banu, who played for the Cowboys as a forward, and also represented the All-Stars this year.

In the other round 9 matches, the Knights defeated West Tigers 288, the Broncos defeated the Dragons 46-12, the Sharks defeated the Eels 56-6 and the Titans defeated the Raiders 30-6.

The full NRLW ladder at the end of the minor rounds was: 1 Knights 2 Roosters 3 Titans 4 Broncos 5 Raiders 6 Sharks 7 Dragons 8 Tigers 9 Cowboys 10 Eels

SPORT 15

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2023

Moa enjoys AFL sessions with the Sherrin ball AFL ROUND UP

BY AFL CAPE YORK DEVELOPMENT OFFICER KEIRAN SCIBERRAS

Moa Island was the most recent stop for the AFL Cape York game development team where students

at St Paul’s and Kubin school campuses familiarised themselves with Aussie rules football.

They put their footy skills to the test during small-sided games and skills and drills during the in-school and after-school Auskick sessions.

Sherrin footballs and goalposts were donated to both school campuses so students could continue to

practice their skills.

Prize packs including backpacks, an AFL shirt and football cards were presented to the school to use as reward for attendance and positive behaviours.

The team from AFL Cape York’s visit to the outer islands was proudly supported by Tagai State College.

Look out Darnley and Mer! Next term, the game

development team heads out to Darnley and Mer Islands in weeks 1 and 2 – so make sure you’re at school to play AFL. After another busy term at AFL Cape York House for Boys and AFL Cape York House for Girls, students have travelled home to their communities.

Safe holidays to everyone heading home and we’ll see you again next term.

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THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2023

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Tillett above and beyond her footy

Tahlulah Tillett is in line to win the Veronica White Medal for her work off the field while playing in the NRLW. STORY AND PICS

BY ALF WILSON NRLW player Tahlulah Tillett is a nominee for the 2023 Veronica White – Woman of the Year medal.

The award recognised the efforts of an active NRLW player who had not only achieved on the field, but

had committed their time off the field toward community projects.

Tahlulah, who played five-eighth, had ties to Moa Island on her grandmother’s side.

She represented the Indigenous All-Stars and played for North Queensland Cowboys as part of the club’s first-ever

team in the NRLW this year.

While employed as a community ambassador for the club, she generously donated her time for a multitude of community engagements.

From supporting her junior club Cairns Kangaroos, to welcoming Torres Strait Island junior rugby league teams and

being part of junior clinics throughout Queensland, Tahlulah has encouraged junior development at grassroots level.

The 25-year-old has also used rugby league as a platform to promote her culture, the region and its people.

Teaching Indigenous dances at gala days and

sharing the meaning of cultural songs and dances were just some of ways Tahlulah achieved this.

Overcoming personal adversity, with four consecutive knee injuries, motivated Tahlulah to use her story to inspire youth, especially females, to be brave, resilient and to persevere through

challenges to achieve their dreams.

Criteria for the Veronica White Medal was in line with the men’s Ken Stephen Medal, for those who demonstrated a commitment to making a difference in their local community while playing rugby league at the elite level.

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