Torres News_Edition 101_05 October 2023

Thursday, 5 October 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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Traditional adoption office opens

Aunty Ivy Trevallion and Minister for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Leeanne Enoch cut the tape to officially open the new Waiben office. Pic by Carli Willis.

BY CARLI WILLIS AND JEN ENOSA Traditional cultural adoptions can be legalised in Australian law in the privacy and comfort of a newly opened office on Waiben as of last week.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Leeanne Enoch gave a heartfelt speech at the opening, which she helped officiate.

“I want to thank every one of you who have been on this journey, creating this

story here for Torres Strait Island families, but for all First Nations peoples across this country,” she said.

“You have stepped into a new space for all of us.

“It is one step in a bigger journey as we continue our Path to Treaty, as

we continue our path to truth-telling.”

2020 – meaning ‘For Our

The opening came three years after the world-first Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa (Torres Strait Islander Traditional Child Rearing Practice) Act

The legislation helped

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Children’s Children’. align traditional Ailan Kastom and Traditional Lore with Australian Law and allowed families to update birth certificates to reflect the

customary adoption practice.

An office has been open in Cairns – 800 km south – for more than a year but that meant families had to make the pilgrimage south for the service.

Continued PAGE 4 N

02 NEWS

THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

Freecall 1800 732 850 Email enquiries@ wakai-waian. com.au 40 Douglas St Thursday Is. Our very own cultural safe, Psychological and Counselling support service that delivers to youme first nations and non-indigenous people throughout “Zenadth Kes” region. The Social, emotional wellbeing bor youme in the community e responsibility and business bor youme everyone.

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Kaziw Meta dance team wows Your North Queensland airline Tasmania

connecting the islands of the Torres Strait with Cairns and Bamaga

FLY WITH A QUEENSLANDER

In a long journey that took them from the warmth of Thursday Island to the cooler climes of Hobart, Tasmania, the Torres Strait Kaziw Meta dance team served as cultural ambassadors at the International Boarding Schools Conference last week.

The dance team seized the opportunity to share the richness of Torres Strait Islander culture with the global network of the Australian Boarding Schools Association (ABSA) and the wider Tasmanian community.

As the opening act for the conference, the dance team set the stage at the Crowne Plaza in Hobart.

They also performed on Peppermint Bay Cruises, where the rough seas made the dancing difficult – however, students and guests thoroughly enjoyed their time before the team moved on to St Michael’s Collegiate College.

Each performance served as an interactive exhibition of our rich cultural heritage, allowing audiences to gain an insight into Torres Strait Islander traditions.

But the trip wasn’t just about performances.

The team also had a chance to explore Hobart and the greater Tasmanian area, enjoying the state’s natural beauty, unique buildings and many sites of interest.

Congratulations to the Torres Strait Kaziw Meta dance team for representing their culture with such pride and energy, and for forging new relationships that will undoubtedly continue to enrich their educational journey and beyond.

Apology In our article Hopes high Bamaga health services will benefit from upgrades on page 4 of Issue 100 (28 September 2023), quotes about the Office of the Health Ombudsman (OHO) were incorrectly attributed to Torres & Cape Hospital

and Health Services (TCHHS) Acting Chief Executive Director of Strategy Investment Lindsay Pickstone instead of TCHHS Acting Chief Executive Nick Steele.

The Torres News would like to apologise for the error.

NEWS 03

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2023

Polling booths open for business

NEW PRODUCTS

in store at Gab Titui Cultural Centre

Ghost Net Earrings

by Nancy Kiwat

Raffia Earrings

AEC Team One at Jack Ahmat Stadium, Badu Island: Marie Bani, Carly Sabatino-Ahmat (Local Assistant), Jacinta Moloney & Veronica Mosby.

STORY AND PICS

BY JILLIAN BOWIE AEC mobile polling teams have been travelling across the Torres Strait and NPA regions since last week visiting communities for pre-election voting on the Voice Referendum.

Two teams of Torres Strait Islanders were committed to visiting all our communities within a two-week timeframe.

Marie Bani, who travelled with Team One to Mabuiag, Mua, Badu, Warraber, Poruma

and Iama, said they completed their tour on Waiben at Star of the Sea aged care facility and HACC, and had enjoyed a good response from locals.

Team one was Marie working with Carly SabatinoAhmat (Local Assistant), Jacinta Moloney and Veronica Mosby.

Team two visited the remaining communities and included Ronald Laifoo, Quinton Barba, and Monica Nona.

“To go into all the communities where we built relationships, rapport, and

assisting the locals, especially those with mobility issues and language barriers produced very good outcomes,” Ms Bani said.

The teams utilised local assistants from each community to assist, who they said proved quite valuable.

Locals absent during this early voting period still have an opportunity to ‘absentee’ vote on Saturday 14 October if they are in a town or city with polling booths on the day.

Postal voting If you cannot make it to a polling place during the early

By Nancy Nona

voting period, or on voting day itself, you can apply for a postal vote via the AEC: https://www.

Another Day in the Colony

aec.gov.au/referendums/vote/ postal-voting.html

Applications close on Wednesday 11 October at 6pm local time.

When you go to vote, you will receive one ballot paper with one question – the question will ask if you approve the proposed alteration.

On the referendum ballot paper, you need to indicate your vote by clearly writing either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ in the box, in full and in English.

by Chelsea Watego

Necklaces

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Earrings

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OPENING TIMES

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Marie Bani passing on the ballot paper and instructions to Pamai Richard.

Marie Bani & Carly Ahmat-Sabatino servicing the steady flow of voter traffic.

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Marie Bani, Jacinta Moloney & Veronica Mosby servicing the flow of voters traffic.

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04 NEWS

THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

Traditional adoption office opens ‘for our children’s children’ M Continued from P1

Francis Tapim hugs the Minister. Pics Carli Willis.

Father Tom Stephen blessed the new building.

TSIRC Mayor Phillemon Mosby was among the dignitaries to attend.

Commissioner C’Zarke Maza making his opening speech.

Aunty Tassie McDonald brought the day full circle by sharing Ailan hymns.

Elsie Seriat will take on the only role on Thursday Island as Cultural Support Officer.

ABOVE & RIGHT: Island Stars dancers.

Elder Francis Tapim, based in Townsville, was part of the Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa Advisory group and played a vital role connecting Torres Strait communities to Government.

He said the eyes of the world were watching.

“Canada, New Zealand, all the South Pacific countries, are interested to see the Queensland legislation and where child rearing practice goes,” he said.

“They can take them up, plug them in and enact the same process for recognising their own traditional practices.”

He said families had also travelled from interstate to seek the service out.

“At the moment we’re working with other state and territory governments so that it may recognise holistically around Queensland and other state and territories,” he said.

C’Zarke Maza, who was appointed as Commissioner (Meriba Omasker

Kaziw Kazipa) in July 2021, was charged with processing each ‘Cultural Recognition Order’ – the transfer of a child’s parentage from their birth parent to their cultural parent.

In June 22, the Office of the Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa Commissioner received federal funding of $3 million for two years.

To date there have been 22 Cultural Recognition Orders and 15 families supported in preparing their applications.

The organisation employed seven people in Cairns and one on Thursday Island.

Commissioner Maza said it meant families were able to offer their children the same fundamental rights all Queenslanders enjoy.

“They can now enrol their kid in school, they can provide consent for a child’s guardianship, medical care and other essentials,” he said.

“They can now put their name on bank accounts and other forms of legal identification like a passport or a licence.”

Minister Enoch said she had spent

time consulting with community members and the Advisory Group.

She said there were concerns that families who had their cultural identity recognised through the new legislation had experienced barriers through other legal frameworks that still only recognised biological parentage.

The Minister said a review of the Act was underway to determine its efficacy.

“It’s built into the actual legislation that we would do this review at this point in time, and that’s coming through in this in the submissions and the consultation,” she said.

Mr Tapim said aligning lore with law was difficult and the Advisory Group always knew there would have to be adjustments made to the process.

“We just want to make sure that whatever language or whatever thing we use, it comes from us,” he said.

“So that when we speak about the traditional child rearing practices, it’s what Torres Strait Islander people want.”

Minister Enoch reveals a plaque at the front of the office.

NEWS 05

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2023

Kaziw Meta funded to help youth work on jobs Waiben boarding house Torres Strait Kaziw Meta has announced it is one of only 10 industry and community groups approved to receive funding under the State Government’s Growing Workforce Participation Fund, to provide support and assistance for young people finding work.

CEO Thomas Dunmore (pictured) said they were thrilled.

“It’s essential to engage our students and introduce them to the diverse businesses and industries available to them,” he said.

“Similarly, it’s crucial to involve local and national businesses to ensure they’re offering opportunities for young people in remote areas.

“This grant serves as a vital support for creating these opportunities, benefitting not just Kaziw Meta students, but the broader Torres Strait community as well.”

He said the grant was a testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved.

“And a wonderful opportunity for our students to thrive,” he said.

“Our project, the Remote Indigenous Boarding Students Mentoring Employment Support, will be delivered on Thursday Island and focuses on enriching the lives of our boarding students through employment support and mentoring.

“It’s not just a win for us but a win for the broader community as we collaborate to create employment opportunities and make a lasting impact.”

Kaziw Meta Students at the end of Term 3 – they will be well-supported in their efforts to find work thanks to the new funding. Pics supplied.

The future is looking bright for Kaziw Meta students, with new funds available for employment mentoring on Waiben.

Plan ahead

REFERENDUM | SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER

Local MP launches Christmas card comp Young artists have been invited to take part a Christmas card competition, themed Your Christmas Traditions, by Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch.

The winning artwork will grace the cover of the MPs annual Christmas card and adorn the wall at Cairns Bank.

Now in its 13th year, the competition was opened to all children in the Leichhardt electorate aged between five to 12 years.

Sponsors, Cairns Bank, has offered $150, $100, and $50 savings accounts to the top three winners.

The cards were expected to be posted by the week of 11 December 2023.

“I’m always amazed at the creativity and talent displayed by young artists in our community,” Mr Entsch said.

“From crayon and pencil drawings to glitter and glue masterpieces, we receive hundreds of unique entries from children across Cairns and Far North Queensland each year.

“I can’t wait to see how they all interpret this year’s theme, Your Christmas Traditions.”

“Cairns Bank has been a steadfast supporter of this annual tradition.

“They are also providing an additional five $20 accounts for designs that exhibit special merit.”

To qualify, all entries must be original, on theme, formatted in horizontal A4, and accompanied by a completed application form.

Winners will be announced between 6-8 November, with a presentation ceremony at Cairns Bank in early December (likely the week commencing 11 December 2023).

All entrants will receive a personalised Certificate of Appreciation for their efforts.

Application forms and competition guidelines were to be distributed to schools and the competition closed at 5pm on Thursday 3 November.

Entries can be submitted at Warren Entsch’s office (200 Mulgrave Rd, Westcourt), or mailed to PO Box 14, Bungalow, Queensland, 4870.

All Australian citizens aged 18 and over must vote in the upcoming referendum.

If you can’t make it to a polling place on voting day, you may be eligible to: • vote at an early voting centre, or • apply for a postal vote.

You can vote early if you’re travelling, working, or will be outside the electorate where you’re enrolled on voting day.

Plan ahead – because when you vote in the referendum, your answer matters.

Visit aec.gov.au/early or call 13 23 26 to find your nearest polling place and check early voting options and eligibility Authorised by the Electoral Commissioner, 10 Mort Street, Canberra, ACT.

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THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

Report raises digital inclusion concerns for communities

RMIT researchers Jenny Kennedy, Dr Lyndon Ormond-Parker & Daniel Featherstone with Nixon Mye & Lala Gutchen. Pics thanks to RMIT.

BY CARLI WILLIS Data collected from more than 20 remote communities, including Erub, has helped to place First Nations communities on the Australian Digital Inclusion Index for the first time, as well as potentially helping to progress one of the Productivity Commission’s ‘Closing the Gap’ socioeconomic targets.

A RMIT-led research team collected the data to try to understand the scale and nature of a significant gap in digital inclusion for First Nations people compared with other Australians, which they said widened substantially with remoteness.

The “Mapping the Digital Gap” 2023 Outcomes Report, led by Senior Research fellow at RMIT University Dr Daniel Featherstone, was released last week.

He said they had found in remote communities, typically on low incomes, 84 per cent of respondents in the study used or shared a mobile phone and 94 per cent of those were prepaid.

He said people often prefer prepaid data as it was more manageable budget-wise, but it was also more expensive.

“And now they’re using their phone for everything – communicating with family and friends, but accessing their online services, even all their entertainment,” he said.

“Often the TV services weren’t working in most of these households we visited so the mobile phone was being used for everything.

“In a lot of places, like where we went to Erub, the mobile

Co-researcher Lala Gutchen raising her phone for internet reception while taking the team fishing. coverage was only covering about three of the 19 villages on the island.”

He said the report also found there was low uptake of fixed internet largely due to affordability and reliability in remote areas.

He said he hoped the information they had collected would help inform solutions for disadvantaged communities.

“The government actually listens to data, that’s how they get the evidence to know what investment is needed,” he said. “So for the first time we have a data, and we also have a Closing the Gap target.”

Closing the gap Target 17 referred to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people having equal levels of digital inclusion by 2026.

The office of the Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland said the target was established in 2020 following extensive consultation with First Nations media organisations and advocacy groups.

“So, there’s a policy lever too that government are paying very close attention to,” Dr Featherstone said.

The Minister’s office has since confirmed in a statement to Torres News, that the data would help inform the federal government.

Dr Featherstone said Telstra, who funded the report, had been assessing digital inclusion since 2015 but had not included any remote First Nations communities in that assessment.

“So the people who were at the lowest digital inclusion were also not being recorded as part of the annual digital inclusion index,” he said.

He said the project was funded for $2.4 million over four years, complemented by a $100,000 and in-kind support by the Australian Research Council’s Centre for Excellence.

Key to the report’s success, he said, was its partnerships with local organisations and leaders on the ground.

The Torres Strait Islanders Media Association (TSIMA) was the project partner for the Zenadth Kes region, with leaders Lala Gutchen and Nixon Mye on the ground conducting research in Erub.

“Having Lala and Nixon [was a] fantastic engagement with the

community that helped to build the trust and to explain in language, what we were doing and why this was important,” Dr Featherstone said.

“Without those partnerships and local knowledge and engagement we wouldn’t be able to do this research.

“We get a really good sense of all of the different ways people are using communications, what some of the challenges are, and what some of the solutions might be.”

Dr Featherstone said the access divide meant more people were turning to low-earth orbiting satellite technologies like Starlink.

He said next year was a concern, as Telstra planned to turn off 3G in the Torres Strait.

“We don’t know yet what that’s going to mean for people who are out on the ocean fishing or travelling between islands in terms of the coverage,” he said.

In a statement to Torres News, Northern Queensland Telstra regional general manager Rachel Cliffe said there was a “small number” of devices accessing the 3G network.

“We will be making contact directly with these customers before we say goodbye to 3G because we don’t want to leave anyone behind,” she said. “When customers upgrade to 4G/5G devices, we recommend they look for blue tick handsets as they have better signal strength for regional and rural handheld usage.

“In terms of mobile coverage at sea, users should experience a similar service through 4G but please note that factors beyond Telstra’s control such as the weather, tides, sea conditions and customer antenna installation.”

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2023

Favourite kai kai proves popular as hospital revamps what’s on the menu Hospital food isn’t typically known as a five-star cuisine, but the Thursday Island Hospital kitchen staff are working hard to change that for their Ailan patients.

The Thursday Island Hospital Operations team worked with dietitian students to design a new menu after feedback from patients suggested the students should put a cultural spin to what was on offer.

Hospital Operations Manager Nicola Britain said the addition of healthy versions of dishes such as coconut curry chicken and semur chicken were proving a hit.

“The students were given a three-month project to assess the reviews of our original meals, identify likes and dislikes and come up with alternatives to the least favourites,” she said.

“After that was complete, we went back to the students and asked them to customise it to culture.

“We have people staying in hospital who are a long way from their home islands so if we can give them some comfort food from home, it can really help.

“If these changes can also help us reduce food wastage, then that is also a great result.”

The team also answered patients’ calls for fresh fish, instead of tinned, and adjusted the sandwich rotation so dialysis patients were getting different

selections each visit.

Ms Britain said the proof of their efforts was literally in the, er, main course, when a local patient agreed to eat for the first time in several days after being offered the semur chicken.

Thursday Island Hospital cook Dulcie Kepa serves up some coconut curry chicken in the hospital kitchen. Pic supplied.

Temporary change to TI Hospital entrance as redevelopment continues The entrance to the Thursday Island Hospital’s Emergency Department will be temporarily moved while stage three of the Thursday Island Hospital Redevelopment continues.

“While the Emergency Department (ED) rooms are upgraded, the ED will move into a temporary space,” Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) Acting Executive General Manager (North) Frank Grainer said.

“Access to the ED, maternity and the General Ward will be through the door to left of the breezeway.

“Construction of the maternity ward is already under way, with

handover expected in November 2023.

“We expect the Emergency Department to be completed in December 2023.”

He said the old entrance to the emergency department would be blocked off during construction with clear signage directing people to the temporary entrance.

The overall hospital redevelopment commissioning was expected to be completed in early 2024.

Additional funding was approved for the Thursday Island Hospital project in December last year, increasing the total project value from $36 million to $53 million.

Mr Grainer said he was grateful for the community’s support.

“We appreciate everyone’s continued patience,” he said.

“Although there’s been a lot of changes with the redevelopment, we continue to offer health services as normal.”

When complete in early 2024, the redeveloped Thursday Island Hospital was expected to have: • 31 inpatient beds, • 7 emergency department spaces, • 2 negative pressure rooms, • operating theatre with 4 recovery spaces, • a birthing suite with a birthing bath and additional procedural space that can also be used for emergency birthing, • 5 outpatient rooms,

• an enhanced medical imaging department with a new CT scanner service, the first for the Torres Strait.

What’s On IN TORRES SHIRE

To Lead, Provide and Facilitate a sustainable, safe and culturally vibrant community.

Meetings & Events

October 2023

Tuesday 24 October

Ordinary Council Meeting

Thursday 2 November

Cruise Ship Le Laperouse (185Pax)

Water Conservation LOGGY CREEK DAM LEVEL CURRENTLY 70.5% To view all current public notices and alerts, visit www.torres.qld.gov.au and follow and like us on Facebook J All enquiries to Council Office J P (07) 4069 1336 J E admin@torres.qld.gov.au J 68 Douglas St, Thursday Island

HEALTH NEWS 07

Maternity ward closure prompts calls for remote support

BY CARLI WILLIS The Rural Doctors Association of Queensland (RDAQ) is calling on the government to strengthen birthing services in regional and remote locations after the state government announced additional staff and the expansion of the Cairns Hospital maternity ward late last month.

“If you’ve got good functioning rural and remote services, and regional ones around there that will help to not to have unnecessary transfers or down to Cairns,” RDAQ president Alex Dunn said.

“Having a good robust Hospital and Health Service in general, is a good thing.”

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) Chief Executive Leena Singh said the investment became a priority when Ramsay Health Care announced it would soon close their maternity ward at the Cairns Private Hospital.

She said the CHHHS was working hard to transition birthing women from the private hospital.

“We have a high level of expertise in birthing as well as before and after birth care and support,” she said.

“This funding will provide additional staff across a woman’s birthing journey including in antenatal clinics, birth suites, the maternity ward and special care nursery.

“We want all of our expectant mums to have positive and safe birthing experiences.”

Mr Dunn welcomed the funding but said the loss of the maternity ward at Cairns Private Hospital was a blow.

“That invariably will put more pressure on to the public system for to absorb those patients,” he said.

He said birthing parents from across the Cape were often flown to Cairns for specialist treatment when remote hospitals couldn’t meet their needs.

“Throughout Queensland, rural remote maternity is an area that’s really under a lot of pressure,” he said.

“It’s a real challenge to get the teams, in terms of the midwives and the doctors and all the other health workers that are involved in the care of pregnant mums, to be able to safely deliver the maternity care.”

Earlier this year the state government announced $42 millions dollars funding to bring maternity services closer to rural and remote women.

Mr Dunn said for that to be successful, Queensland Health would need to look at collaborative models of care.

“It’s recognised the vital importance of having First Nations representatives and culturally appropriate programs delivered for the communities where they are based,” he said.

“Working out what the right model of care is for the communities where maternity services are going to be commenced is essential to ensure it is sustainable.”

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08 NEWS Customer feedback kiosks to feature in remote community stores Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) says they are ‘caring, every day, always’ with the launch of innovative customer feedback kiosks in remote Indigenous communities.

They said they were proud to announce their ‘Tell Us’ customer feedback kiosks were in the process of being rolled out to all 28 CEQ remote stores as of last week.

Bamaga, Waiben (Thursday Island), Palm Island and Ngurupai (Horn Island) were first.

The ‘Tell Us’ kiosks, created by worldwide customer engagement company HappyOrNot, allowed CEQ customers to share feedback simply and instantly via the kiosk’s user friendly ‘smiley faces’ while their shopping experience was still fresh in their mind.

The rollout followed a successful trial run in four remote stores earlier this year.

CEQ General Manager (Stakeholder Engagement) Fred Gela said more than 11,000 customer feedback responses were received within the threemonth trial period at Waiben, Palm Island, Ngurupai and Bamaga, with 74 per cent of customers happy with the service they received, and 68 per cent happy with the range of healthy options that were available at these locations.

“The system data is live and reports in real time, allowing our teams to identify and implement business improvement strategies in response to any negative feedback from customers,” Mr Gela said.

“For example, we received feedback from some customers that they felt they were waiting too long at the checkout at certain times.

“This resulted in us adjusting our rosters, ensuring varying peak periods at each location have sufficient checkouts open – ultimately reducing customer waiting times.

“The versatility of the

THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

Bai to accept PM’s apology for thalidomide disaster STORY AND PICS

BY ALF WILSON

Shopper Sunny Auda uses the new ‘Tell Us’ customer feedback kiosk at CEQ’s Bamaga store. Pic supplied. system has allowed CEQ to effectively engage with the four communities, seeking their views on important matters.

“For example, we asked our customers whether zero per cent (non–alcoholic) beverages should be made available to purchase in store locally at these locations, and 66 per cent responded with ‘yes’ to this question, so we’ve now put this in place.”

CEQ Chief Executive Officer Michael Dykes said the innovative initiative signified CEQ’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its vision of Caring, Every Day, Always.

“At CEQ we’re passionate about enhancing customer experiences and fostering a deeper connection with the communities we serve,” Mr Dykes said.

“Our customers in Bamaga, Waiben, Ngurupai and Palm Island are already embracing the opportunity to provide valuable feedback on their store experiences, and we look forward to rolling out more kiosks across our other stores.

“This initiative reflects CEQ’s dedication to actively listen to and address the needs and preferences of our customers.”

Key highlights of the CEQ ‘Tell Us’ kiosk initiative include: • Local language inclusion: CEQ to include local Indigenous languages on the kiosk signage. This approach fosters inclusivity and ensures that everyone has a voice in the feedback process.

• Expanded feedback options: CEQ has expanded the kiosk’s feedback options to comprehensively assess areas of customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction. The four key questions on the CEQ kiosks enable customers to provide insightful input: – Are you happy with our service today?

– What could be improved?

– What was good?

– Would you like to add anything? (opportunity for open feedback).

“Our primary goal is to collect valuable customer feedback to enhance our service quality,” Mr Dykes said.

For more information, visit www.ceqld.org.au

Mer Island beaches and the reefs around them are a long way from the Australian capital Canberra, which is where Wareed “Bai” Tapau will soon travel to receive an apology from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

A proud Torres Strait Islander, Bai was one of about 20 men and women from around the country born with disabilities because their mothers were prescribed thalidomide.

Townsville resident, Bai, 47, was raised on Mer Island and born with two short arms.

A talented artist, she learnt her skills from observing the reefs around Mer as a youngster.

Throughout her life Bai has overcome adversity.

She was bullied and stared at by many people.

“Those who prescribed thalidomide for my mum Margaret, who lives on Mer, took my life away,” she said.

“But I am a Christian and have been inspired by my love of God and it has been his will that I have survived.”

Bai said she was advised that herself and other thalidomide survivors would travel to Canberra in November to meet the PM. “It is really a bit scary and the first time I have travelled so far but I am looking forward to it,” she said.

“The PM is going to apologise to us.

Ailan Life

The winner of the September 2023 Ailan Life photo competition is Hue Nhi Ton – Congratulations Nhi.

Nhi’s winning pic (left) was taken at Green Hill Fort on Thursday Island.

“The sunset picture captures the breathtaking beauty of nature as vibrant hues paint the sky in a mesmerizing display,” Nhi said.

For your chance to win, email us your pic showing your Ailan Life along with your name, phone number and a 25-word description to ads@torres.news RIGHT: Hue Nhi Ton with her $150 gift

voucher with David Curan (IBIS Store Manager). Pic Leilani Lewin.

Wareed “Bai” Tapau prepares for her trip to Canberra to meet the PM. “I leave on 27 November and will return three days later.”

Bai still suffers from a range of chronic health issues.

“I still have the health issues from the side effects of thalidomide and it has been hard life,” she said.

The thalidomide drug was widely sold as a treatment for anxiety, insomnia and morning sickness, but parents were unaware at the time it was the cause of birth defects in unborn babies.

Some people affected by thalidomide were born without limbs, and/ or with damage to the nervous system, kidney and heart.

Earlier in the year, Bai and the other thalidomide victims were paid compensation

by the Government.

The payment was made through the Australian Thalidomide Survivors Support Program, and Bai had to go through a rigorous process to make an application.

In 2019 a Senate report found that the Australian Government owed an apology and ongoing disability support payments to thalidomide survivors.

The report found the Government had a “moral obligation” to thalidomide survivors and recommended a lump sum payment and ongoing disability support be provided The Government had previously argued it held no responsibility over the tragedy.

WINNER CEQ $150 GIFT CARD – SEPTEMBER

09

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2023

Tuesday, 17 October

Community Workshop Program (Pre-Festival)

Gathering Voices Media and Arts

Salty Monkeys Film Workshop Tagai College & Community

TBC

Facilitator: Dennis Fay Who: Aspiring young film makers

Festival 2023

AFTRS Film Workshop Port Kennedy Association Hall

9:30am – 12:30pm

Facilitator: Cornel Ozies Who: Community

Dance Workshop with Pryce Centre for Culture and Arts TRAWQ Community Hall

3:30pm - 5:30pm

Facilitator: Cleo & Rita Pryce Who: Young people (12-26yrs)

Wednesday, 18 October

Community Workshop Program (Pre-Festival)

Salty Monkeys Film Workshop Tagai College & Community

Thursday, 19 October

Community Workshop Program (Pre-Festival)

Salty Monkeys Film Workshop Tagai College & Community

TBC

TBC

National Film and Sound Archives Workshop

Facilitator: Dennis Fay Who: Aspiring young film makers

Facilitator: Dennis Fay Who: Aspiring young film makers

AFTRS Film Workshop

AFTRS Film Workshop

Facilitator: Cornel Ozies Who: Community

Facilitator: Cornel Ozies Who: Community

Dance Workshop with Pryce Centre for Culture and Arts

Dance Workshop with Pryce Centre for Culture and Arts

Port Kennedy Association Hall

Island Stars Who: Community

9:30am – 12:30pm

Port Kennedy Association Hall

9:30am – 12:30pm

3:30pm - 5:30pm

TRAWQ Community Hall

10am 2pm

Facilitator: Cleo & Rita Pryce Who: Young people (12-26yrs)

Facilitator: Cleo & Rita Pryce Who: Young people (12-26yrs)

Koori Mail Journalism Workshop

Koori Mail Journalism Workshop

TSIMA Office

TBC

TSIMA Office

Who: Aspiring writers and journalists

Friday, 20 October

Saturday, 21 October

Rotating Media Workshops

Media Industry Forum

9:30am - 11:30am

Mekem Music Workshop • Film-Making Workshop • Dance Workshop •

Songwriting Workshop Arts & Culture Mini Arts Market

Showcase Concert with special performance by Kee'ahn 11:30am - 12:30pm

Artist Networking Event & TSIMA Logo Launch BOOK Bach Beach

TO JOIN THIS PRIVATE EVENT

5:30pm - 6:30pm Hosted by: RASN and TSIMA

Zenadth Kes Film Festival ANZAC Park

Various

Who: Primary school students

Music Support & Mentoring Getano Bann will host 1:1 support and mentoring for musicians and songwriters pre-festival (registrations required).

Festival Program

Festival Program

ANZAC Park

Zenadth Kes Youth Choir supported by Jade Bligh

TBC

Who: Aspiring writers and journalists

• • •

Additional Workshops:

Tagai Primary

TRAWQ Community Hall

ANZAC Park

12pm - 2pm

7pm – 10pm

Featuring films made by Torres Strait Islander Creatives and Premiere Screening of Katele by John Harvey, winner of the Best Short-Documentary Film in Australia.

Port Kennedy Association Hall

Inspiring Voices Concert

10am - 12pm

ANZAC Park 7pm – 10pm

Featuring a panel of media experts; AFTRS, NFSA, Koori Mail, Batchelor College and hosted by TSIMA

The Taste of Mabu Mabu Bowls Club

BOOK TO JOIN

Cost: $80pp

12pm -2pm Torres Strait Islander Chef from SBS “The Cook Up”, will showcase our local ingredients

Dread Sound

Christine Anu, Kee'Ahn, Northern Xposure, Daniella Williams, Jack Bani, Jessie Lloyd, Lingu Karay Women's Choir, Zenadth Kes Youth Choir, Airileke Ingram, guests and community artists.

10 NEWS

THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2023 TORRES NEWS Talei Elu, who delivered the Solomon Lecture recently.

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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.

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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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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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Talei delivers Solomon Lecture on info issues PICS SUPPLIED 2023 Young Australian of the Year Talei Elu has delivered this year’s Solomon Lecture, called The story of Seisia – how access to information in remote Indigenous communities can help solve complex problems.

The Solomon Lecture is delivered annually on The Right to Information Day (28 September) in honour of Dr David Solomon, who was the Chair of the Independent FOI Review Panel appointed by the Queensland State Government to review Queensland’s Freedom of Information laws in 2007 – 2008.

The event was hosted by the Office of the Information Commissioner in Queensland.

Journalist and media personality Kim Skubris MCd the event and led a panel discussion after the lecture about bridging the digital divide and real life case studies.

The panel featured: Chris McLaren (Chief Customer and Digital Officer, Queensland Government Customer and Digital Group), Chatur Zala (CEO, Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council) and Professor Michael Dezuanni (Program Leader, Digital Inclusion and Participation, Digital Media Research Centre, QUT).

Talei told her audience Seisia was a small coastal Torres Strait Islander community at the northernmost point of Cape York.

“In recent years,

the people of this community experienced struggles associated with poor telecommunications – including being unable to call 000, unable to access resources for COVID, inability for businesses to trade and inability for community members to access services,” she said.

She shared her story about how the people of Seisia harnessed the information and contacts they had to lobby for better telecommunications infrastructure, ultimately securing a $1.09 million tower through the Regional Connectivity Program.

“In the lead up to being able to reap the benefits of better digital access, residents of Seisia now have the challenge of ensuring they are digitally literate and resilient against the scourge of misinformation, and online bullying,” she said.

“The residents of Seisia experience the brunt of multiple complex issues and systems that interact – often to compound.

“Seisia is building on their access to information and contacts across government processes, health, media, and a range of fields to ultimately learn how to go about solving these complex issues, to secure investment, and improve community liveability.”

A recording of the event is available here:

https://www.oic.qld.gov. au/training-and-events/ international-accessto-information-day/ the-solomonlecture/2023-solomonlecture

NEWS 11

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2023

Danielle appointed to lead new Screen Qld program Waiben-born Danielle Ah Boo started her new role as Screen Queensland’s (SQ’s) first Head of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Program on Tuesday this week.

SQ Board members and selection panelists Aaron Fa’Aoso and Dean Gibson said the appointment reflected the agency’s commitment to a more diverse and inclusive screen sector—one where First Nations practitioners and narratives received the recognition and support they deserve.

SQ chief executive Jacqui Feeney said the agency

has been undertaking First Nations-led community consultation to inform its Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Program, and was looking forward to Ms Ah Boo leading the agency through the next stage of the program’s development.

“Danielle’s appointment to the SQ leadership team will ensure we achieve meaningful progress in how we coordinate, cooperate and collaborate to build more sustainable opportunities and outcomes for First Nations screen stories in our state,” she said.

“Danielle is naturally

empathetic and inclusive.

“She also possesses strong stakeholder skills and deep financial acumen, which she will put to good use to drive our industry forward.”

Ms Ah Boo previously worked in production for First Nations-founded agency Carbon Creative and more recently as a financial accountant with Arrow Energy.

She has also served as treasurer and co-chair of Reconciliation Queensland.

She said her major aspiration for her new role was to elevate awareness

of the cultural significance of First Nations heritage and open doors to new and exciting opportunities for practitioners.

“I am eagerly looking forward to amplifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and stories in the screen industry, as truth-telling holds immense significance in shaping our nation’s history,” she said.

“I have always had a passion for the screen industry.

“I have worked on the production side in the past and I’m excited to embark on this new journey.”

Danielle Ah Boo has filled a new key position at Screen Queensland. Pic supplied.

Indigenous journos in New Zealand exchange

First Nations delegates – Patrick McKenzie (Batchelor Institute), Jillian Mundy (Koori Mail), Kyle Dowling (ABC), Timu King (ABC), Velma Gara, Tallulah Bieundurry (ABC), Lauren Smith (ABC), Tahnee Jash (ABC) & Sylvia Tabua (TSIMA).

All the delegates at Mangere Mountain.

Rewi Heke (Cameraman/TVNZ) sharing tips and experience.

Hangi Masters at work – Rewi Spraggon (holding leaf in hand) and Nikau Spraggon (far right).

A historical Google-backed gathering of 24 Indigenous journalists and broadcasters at a three-day noho marae (camp/workshop) was held in Aotearoa (New Zealand) – land of the long white cloud – last month.

The cadets and experienced personnel – nine were from Australia, 12 from New Zealand’s Te Rito Journalism Program and one each were from Solomon Islands, Fiji and Samoa – attended workshops and panel discussions to learn and exchange media knowledge.

It was also an opportunity to connect through culture.

Sylvia Tabua (Torres Strait Islander Media Association), Jillian Mundy (Koori Mail) and Patrick McKenzie (Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary) and Velma Gara (Freelance Journalist) attended as part of First Nations Media Australia’s (FNMA’s) News Initiative.

Training topics focused on Indigenous journalism – Maori, First Nations and Pasifika; the future, challenges and opportunities; and Google fundamentals.

ABC Indigenous News Unit head Suzanne Dredge said impactful storytelling would change the conversation, help people understand the world better and bring the powerful to account.

Another leader in the media field, Roihana Nuri, facilitated the noho marae and hosted a meet and greet on Day 1 where everyone introduced themselves and shared something of random, interest and emotion with the group.

He said they were the three factors needed when telling a story.

Delegates also took an opportunity to be a part of a Q&A panel with Lois Turei (NZME), Sefita Hao’uli (former journalist and broadcaster), Ms Dredge, Mr Nuri and Miguel D’souza (Google).

Mr Hao’uli spoke of the importance of broadcasting in language, to guarantee it lived forever.

He said journalists should have competency in language as well as English.

The international event was made possible by Te Rito, in partnership with media organisations NZME, Whakaata Maori, Newshub and Pacific Media Network, and it was backed by NZ on Air’s Public Interest Journalism Fund.

Te Rito ensured newsrooms reflected a multicultural Aotearoa and provided training and guidance to those who had the potential to shape the future of the media industry in NZ. “It’s the first time we’ve seen and heard from our Australian counterparts and it has been a valuable addition to the program,” Mr Hao’uli said.

“The range of talents and experience from ‘across the ditch’ tells me you’ve been at this longer than us and you’ve given us a lot to think through.”

He also had a message for up-and-coming journalists.

“Through your enthusiastic contributions and your questions, I am truly impressed, optimistic and assured that the future of Indigenous journalism is in good hands as we continue to face challenges within and outside of our communities,” he said.

A special farewell event by Hangi Master Rewi Spraggon, and his son Nikau, was held at Mangere Mountain before visitors departed to their home country.

There was a strong consensus by all who attended to hold more Indigenous media gatherings in the future, and to continue to share and build stronger partnerships between our Australian First Nations, Maori and Pasifika nations.

12 NEWS & CLASSIFIEDS THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2023 TORRES NEWS Subscribe to the Health org hosts purpose-built holiday fun PICS SUPPLIED

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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.

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A school holiday program hosted by Torres Health, and led by Nathan Jawai and Deba George, has been a huge success for Zenadth Kes friends and families across several islands over these past couple of weeks.

Torres Health Indigenous Corporation CEO Renee Williams said it was about engaging the community, especially young people and, to that end, the popular basketball clinics were just the tip of the iceberg.

“We’ve also gone to other local sporting agents like netball to look at alternative sports,” she said.

“We’ve got League Tags and lawn bowls, and then the big social activity on Friday night is the disco with DJ Rasta Popo.

“We’re going to do a cultural activity with Joey Laifoo at Island Star, so health is not just about sport and health and activity, it’s also about cultural, social, emotional wellbeing.”

Kirirri.

She said it was a “whole of lifespan” they were aiming for.

“The kids love it and the young people just want to engage in doing something that’s active but also engages them, that cuts across everything,” she said.

“We’re not the school, so we’re not caught up at attendance, we’re just trying to run a program that engages young people over the school holidays and keeps life pumping along.”

She said they had worked – and would

their future in the Torres Strait region.

“We also have other people like the radio station, so TSIMA/4MW, can share the message out there in the community.”

She said the program had been a success.

“We engaged a fair bit of the community and the young people and their families to come along, participate and play an activity,” she said. “[They heard] the message of Nate and Deba, and their story and

their journey to get to where they are today and where their history has been.”

She said the question for Torres Health was always how do they do things better.

“How do we engage young people, but how do we also share with them about healthy lifestyle activities – tackling smoking, building their capacity around what services are out there?” she said.

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SATURDAY JULY 6TH, 2024 THURSDAY ISLAND R.S.V.P

Victor Joseph Henry Joseph Michael Nona

0400 149 185 0437 710 462 0497 782 462

Notice of Intention to Appoint a Grantee 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.

A Torres Strait Islander person particularly concerned with the land may make written representations to the Minister about the proposed appointment.

A locality map showing the land is available from the Department of Resources.

Buai Mudh

Representations must be received by 5.00 pm on Friday 3 November 2023 and may be made to:

Thursday Island Neighbourhood and Community Centre

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula regions. We pay our sincere respects to the Elders and the Peoples of the Torres Strait and the Northern Peninsula Area, across whose traditional lands and seas we report.

This newspaper is dedicated to recognising, preserving and promoting the traditional cultures and customs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of these regions.

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continue to do so – with several other services.

“It relies on a partnership model,” she said.

“We’ve engaged Mura Kosker, who does a whole series of social services.

“We’ve also got MGMN and GBK, who have a footprint in the outer islands but also provide CDP services and Native Title services – they have an interest and an investment in looking at how do they change the outcomes for the young people and

NOW OPEN Family friendly, all welcome.

(6 Computer Monitors available)

156 Douglas Street (next to Meriba Mudh) Open 9am to 4:30pm Lunch time closure 12:30pm to 1:30pm We also have Hire facilities available to cater from small to large groups.

For more information, please contact: Lazariah Nona - Buai Mudh Community Centre Coordinator 07 4069 1663 (“Press 2” for Buai Mudh) tincc@murakosker.org.au

Minister for Resources c/- Julie Brogan (Director) Indigenous Land Operations Department of Resources PO Box 15216 City East QLD 4002 For further information, contact Peter Lawrence, Principal Land Officer, Native Title and Indigenous Land Services on 0429 126 882.

The Honourable Scott Stewart MP Minister for Resources

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SPORT 13

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2023

Footy festivals ready to kick off

BY ALF WILSON With the NRL, Queensland Cup and club football in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and the NPA now over, Torres Strait Island players and fans are looking forward to a feast of carnivals across far north Queensland this month.

There will be several Indigenous rugby league tournaments across the region every weekend in October, starting this weekend in Mackay.

First up Badu team Kulpiyam will be one of 32 teams to play at the Mackay Indigenous Rugby League tournament from 6 – 8 October.

Kulpiyam will be coached by Roy Baira, the Queensland Cup premiership-winning coach who steered the young Townsville Blackhawks to the Colts (under-21) premiership.

In Townsville, the annual Bindal Sharks Indigenous Rugby

League Carnival will run from 13 – 15 October, a hugely popular event with teams and players from across the region.

Alley Park at Gordonvale will host a two-day tournament from 21 – 22 October which should see a team from Waiben compete.

And at Bamaga, in what will be a fitting finale to a month of football, the Dan Ropeyarn Memorial Carnival will run from 27 – 29 October.

Mabuiag side Goemu Bau Raiders, who won the 2023 Island of Origin on Badu in June, and last year’s Dan Ropeyarn Carnival winners Malu Kiwai, were among the 14 nominated men’s teams for this tournament.

A women’s division also will see six sides play out who will include some of the best players from the Torres Strait, the NPA and Cape York.

Congrats to ZKJRL at GF David Fifita. Pic Darren Moncrieff.

Fifita, Mam & Tillet rewarded

BY ALF WILSON

On the big screen: a picture from ZKJRL’s August event to celebrate the QRL club prize, which turned into a celebration for winning the national prize. Pics supplied.

Nationally recognised for their club excellence, part of the Zenadth Kes Junior Rugby League (ZKJRL) prize for winning the NRL Community Club of the Year was an NRL Grand Final experience for past and present committee members.

Founding member George Nona, past president Rees Davies and past treasurer Caitlin Davies drew the lucky straw for their once- ina-lifetime adventure.

Rees Davies, George Nona & Caitlin Davies at the NRL grand final to receive the 2023 NRL Westpac Community Club of the Year award.

They were happy to take the opportunity to rub shoulders with NRL players, past and

present, have an on field experience and be acknowledged on a national platform.

David Fifita, Ezra Mam and Tahlulah Tillet were rewarded for their individual seasons at the NRL’s annual Dally M Awards in Sydney on the eve of the 2023 grand final last week.

Rising Broncos star Ezra Mam and Gold Coast enforcer David Fifita were named in the NRL’s 2023 team of the year.

The 20-year-old Ezra was named at five-eighth after a stellar season, and David was named in the second-row.

Ezra edged out other nominees for the key position, including Cameron Munster (Melbourne) and Cody Walker (South Sydney).

North Queensland five-eighth Tahlulah earned the Veronica White Medal – Woman of the Year for her outstanding community involvement during the recent NRLW season.

The Dally M Awards recognise the game’s most outstanding performers from both the NRL and NRLW. Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga won the Dally M medal for the best and fairest player in the 17-club NRL competition.

The 25 year old pipped New Zealand Warriors star Shaun Johnson by a point to claim the game’s highest individual honour.

And Tamika Upton, also from the Knights, was named the NRLW Dally M Medal winner for 2023.

14 SPORT

THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

From Zenadth Kes to the world: Congratulations to Arthur Pitt and Jade Ware who will travel to New York City in

November to participate in the world’s biggest marathon through the Indigenous Marathon Project… MORE in our next issue N

Jillaroos on Waiben this coming weekend

BY ALF WILSON The entire Australian Jillaroos women’s rugby league team will visit Waiben this Saturday, for a three-day stay as they prepare for two tests against the New Zealand Ferns.

The Jillaroos will arrive on Saturday afternoon and will stay on Horn Island.

On Sunday they will do an open training session at Waiben’s Ken Brown Oval as well as offering clinics, expected to be extremely popular with juniors.

They will also do a cultural session and tour of the island organised

by Elsie Seriat.

They will leave on Monday morning The 21-women squad will meet the Ferns in the upcoming 2023 Pacific Championships, with the first clash at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium to be played on Saturday 14 October.

A fortnight later they will meet the Ferns in Melbourne.

These will be the first games since the sides met in last year’s World Cup final, in which the Jillaroos defeated the Ferns 54-4.

The Jillaroos squad is: Tarryn Aiken (Roosters), Kezie Apps (Wests Tigers), Shaylee Bent (Titans), Ali Brigginshaw (Broncos), Lauren Brown (Titans), Jaime Chapman (Titans), Kennedy Cherrington (Eels), Yasmin Clydsdale (Knights), Keeley Davis (Roosters), Jess Elliston (Titans), Caitlan Johnston (Knights), Isabelle Kelly (Roosters), Olivia

Kernick (Roosters), Emma Manzelmann (Cowboys), Shannon Mato (Titans), Evania Pelite (Titans), Julia Robinson (Broncos), Jessica Sergis (Roosters), Simaima Taufa (Raiders), Emma Tonegato (Sharks).

All up nine of the 10 NRLW clubs were represented in the squad, following the completion of the expanded NRLW competition in 2023.

“The expanded NRLW premiership has been an outstanding success this year and we now see the best of the best represent the Jillaroos,” ARLC Chairman Mr Peter V’landys AM said.

“I’d like to congratulate all of these players who thoroughly deserve their selection and will now proudly wear the Australian colours in an exciting tournament for the international game.”

Hammer & Reuben in Kangaroos side Meanwhile Reuben Cotter and Hamiso Tabuai Fidow (Hammer) have been named in the Kangaroos squad for the Pacific Championships game against Toa Samoa in Townsville, also on Saturday14 October.

Cowboys forward Reuben and Dolphins star back Hammer were expected to be key players for the Mal Meninga-coached side.

Both Reuben and Hammer shone for the Queensland Maroons in the 2023 State of Origin Series.

Hammer, who played centre for Queensland in their Origin series win, will make his debut for the Kangaroos.

Mistee draws attention for all the right reasons

Another Moke makes state champ

BY VELMA GARA

AFL ROUND UP

BY AFL CAPE YORK DEVELOPMENT OFFICER KEIRAN SCIBERRAS

Tagai State College student Mistee Sagigi was among 20 girls from across North Queensland to represent the region as under-14s at the AFL State Development carnival on the Sunshine Coast last week.

Young people from across Queensland, Nauru and Papua New Guinea took part in the multi-day event as part of AFL Queensland’s development and diversity pathways.

Mistee (Waiben – Thursday Island) travelled with her Cairns-based teammates to play three matches against Brisbane North, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane South.

She was listed as among the best players for all of North Queensland’s matches.

Mistee Sagigi caught the attention of the Gold Coast Suns Academy while playing for North Queensland on the Sunshine Coast.

Pics by Peter Harrison for AFL Queensland.

“Gold Coast Suns Academy staff commented on Mistee’s workrate and her ‘hard at the ball’ approach,” AFL Cape York development coordinator Kieran Sciberras said.

“She knows how to play a very physical game and has those steps and speed that

Torres Strait players are known for.

“It was great for her to put her skills to the test against some of the state’s best female footballers.”

Mistee’s trip was proudly supported by the Torres Shire Council and AFL Cape York House Foundation.

Mistee and fellow junior footballers from PNG take a moment to show support for each other.

It was the perfect basketball graduation for 11-year-old Nahla Moke – crowned state champion and grand final MVP at the recent U12 Queensland tournament.

Playing for the Southern Districts Spartans in division one, point guard Nahla led her team in the rounds defeating Toowoomba Mountaineers, Rockhampton Cyclones, Northside Wizards, Cairns Dolphins and North Gold Coast Seahawks.

In the semi-finals the team, coached by Nahla’s mum Naomi, finished top of the ladder and played fourth spot Gold Coast Rollers for a place in the grand finals.

They won, 52-37.

Ipswich Force, second on the ladder, played the Seahawks and won, 6257, to take on Spartans in the grand finals.

Spartans were crowned state champions after a convincing win against the Force, 64-39.

Nahla had 27 points for the game and was a deserving MVP for the final.

She averaged 20 points per game.

The four-day event was held in Ipswich from 21-24 September 2023.

It was Nahla’s final year in the U12 competition, having played in this division since 2018, after making her debut for Cairns.

The family relocated to Brisbane at the end of 2021 where her parents – Naomi and Andrew – continued to be involved and share their coaching experience with southern basketball clubs.

Their eldest daughter, Mya, is also an exceptional player with a great basketball resume including this year’s U16 state champion and U16 Queensland South representative honours.

It may be a couple of years before the Moke family returns to the U12 tournament when their youngest child and son, Matua, suits up to play.

U12 State Champion – Nahla Moke (Southern Districts Spartans). Pic supplied.

Standout players in massive national basketball comp team effort M Continued from P16 In the final, the West Australians defeated NSW 43-40 to win the national girls title.

Amongst the standout players for Torres Strait were Meroma Mckeown, Norethy Warria, BekaLily Dorante, Ranietta Mareko, Cedella Gaidan,

and Leah and Taryn.

And for their stellar efforts, Leah and Taryn were later selected in the IBA Team of Merit, an honour shared by Micairee Bin Awel who was named for the boys team.

“The feeling was amazing,” Deeanna said, still smiling about the

bronze medal a few days after the tournament.

“It’s slowly starting to sink in, just knowing what we did was at a national tournament.

“There were plenty of happy tears, they were over the moon.

“To even walk away with a medal, the bronze celebration felt like a gold medal.”

She said the bronze medal was something local basketball could build on.

“We had spoken about moving forward and building on our capabilities with the exposure we’ve had at this tournament, which was for the first time for most of them,” she said.

“To play at this

tournament (and to win bronze), the majority of kids there play representative basketball or club games all the time, so for our girls to go there and step up, it was amazing; they played amazing.”

It was also a teachable moment, for player and coach alike.

“After our games we

would sit and watch the other teams,” Deeanna said.

“I got the girls to watch the games and pick out key players and who could match-up against them; learning their skills and taking note on how they play.

“Then when we’d go up against them, we’d pushed that extra line

and shut down their key players.

“And I was saying to the group – really, it wasn’t just myself who was coach, it was everybody who made some sort of impact.

“It takes a village to raise a child, so everyone who helped in their own way providing support, had an impact on us.”

SPORT 15

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2023

11-minutes of Ezra mayhem not quite enough

Ezra Mam is clearly pumped after scoring one of his three incredible tries in the grand final. Pics courtesy of QRL.

BY ALF WILSON Individual brilliance by Torres Strait Islander Ezra Mam, who scored three amazing tries, was the highlight in a stunning NRL grand final on Sunday.

Mam’s Brisbane Broncos couldn’t hold off an equally brilliant Penrith side that came back from a 16-point deficit to win 26-24 in front of a crowd of 81,947, and millions more on TV, at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium.

The finals-hardened Panthers looked to be in control in the first half when they bolted out to an 8-0 lead.

But the Broncos fought back through a try by Tom Flegler two minutes before half-time; the conversion saw the scores at 8-6 at the break.

Enter Ezra Mam, the

rising 20-year-old rugby league star.

The youngster ignited his side, and the crowd, when he first crossed the line at the 44th minute, which gave the Broncos the lead.

Eight minutes later, Ezra found himself in space and used his speed to cross the line again.

Two minutes after that, at the 54th minute, his try gave the Broncos an almost unbeatable 24-8.

But Penrith maestro Nathan Cleary got to work to effect one of the greatest escapes, and most memorable comebacks, in NRL grand final history.

The champion halfback was the architect in getting his side across the line at the 62nd and 67th minutes lifting the Panthers to within striking distance of the Broncos.

During a frantic final five minutes, Nathan sidestepped the Brisbane defence to score under the posts at the 76th minute to tie the scores; the conversion sealing the club an incredible win and the premiership, 26-24.

Nathan Cleary’s heroics saw him rightly win the Clive Churchill Medal as best-onground.

Had the Broncos won, that award may well have gone to Ezra who, in addition to his try-fest, ran up 147-metres, made seven tackle-busts and effected two line-breaks, producing one of the best games played by any grand final debutant.

Ezra’s hat-trick of tries capped a sensational fightback after he and Broncos fullback Reece Walsh were targeted by the Panthers defence, who put on some brutal tackles on the pair.

Ezra’s first try came after he split the Panthers’ defence and raced 50 metres to score wide out. Adam Reynolds’ conversion gave the Broncos a 12-8 lead.

With a wing on both feet Ezra scored his second four-pointer after some wonderful evasion of the Panthers defence.

Two minutes later he took a pass from Reece and crossed to give the Broncos a 16 point advantage, and the Broncos looked home.

Then the Panthers made their move.

Despite being extremely disappointed, Broncos coach Kevin Walters was full of praise Ezra.

“There’s no emotion in the sheds, it’s very quiet,” he said.

“It’s hard to get your head around what actually happened.

“I feel for all the players in there that gave so much but it wasn’t enough in the end.

“I think the whole stadium thought we had done enough when Ezra scored his hat-trick.

“Right now it’s a pretty empty feeling.

“I watched the AFL grand final yesterday and thought that’s not a nice way to lose for the Lions, and here we are sitting here in the same situation.

“That second period there, for 20 minutes, that’s the Broncos that I know and that’s where we’ll get to, we’ll do that for 80 (minutes), but we’re not there yet.

“But when we do, we’ll win premierships and that’s what it’s about.

“We’re not there yet but we’re a lot closer now than we were 12 months ago.”

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LEFT: Ezra on the burst and looking for holes in the Penrith defence on his way to a hat-trick of tries.

RIGHT: Ezra is consoled by teammates following Brisbane’s loss to Penrith in the 2023 NRL grand final at Olympic Stadium in Sydney on Sunday night. Pics courtesy of NRL.

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THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2023

INSIDE

16

Ezra Mam’s exhibition of high-octane football in Sunday night’s NRL grand final had his people in the Torres Strait and the wider world of rugby league in raptures.

It was the Torres Strait Islander’s first grand final on

J EMAIL: darren@torres.news J MOBILE: 0431 148 881

rugby league’s biggest stage and he delivered like a seasoned pro.

The Brisbane Broncos flyer delivered an explosive 11 minutes of football that saw him cross the line three times for an incredible hat-trick of tries.

It put the Broncos on track

to defeat opponents Penrith Panthers and deliver the club its first premiership since 2006.

The solidly-built Bronco had the Panthers defence scrambling and they seemingly had no answers. Ezra even stepped Penrith champion Nathan Cleary

on his way to the tryline.

But as history, and the tape, showed, Penrith fought back in one of the all-time great grand final comebacks. It left Ezra, the Broncos, and Broncos fans on the islands devastated.

Full coverage on PAGE 15 N

Podium-finish for girls in NIBT TOP RIGHT: Ranietta (Trudy) Mareko shows her pride at the tournament.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Cedella Gaidan celebrates her team’s success.

Mia Nakata, proud to hold the Torres Strait flag high.

BY DARREN MONCRIEFF Torres Strait basketball is on a high after the islands’ under-17s girls and boys teams stood toe-to-toe with their mainland counterparts at the National Indigenous Basketball Tournament (NIBT) in Meanjin-Brisbane last weekend.

The Deeanna Mosbycoached girls team rose to a podium finish when they defeated Northern Territory Metro 52-40 to win bronze in the tournament’s thirdplace play-off match.

The boys team, coached

by Thomas Loban, up against experienced opposition, had a tougher time of it.

In their second pool match the lads got within

The team is a picture of joy at winning bronze over NT Metro – Leah Pearson-Pitt is centre. striking distance of South Australia, as Deon Bin Awel (22pts) and Terence Mosby (16pts) put on a masterclass.

The South Aussie Nunga boys won it at 69-54.

The girls team ended the qualifying rounds in second place in Pool A with a 2-1 win-loss record.

They also had the highest total points scored (in the points-for column) with 127 from their three allotted

games, which was higher than first-placed NSW on 116.

The NT Metro placed first in Pool B and hadn’t lost a game (3-0), having totalled 126 points from their three games.

Western Australia placed second in this pool (2-1) on 114 total points scored.

In the finals pool leaders and second-placed teams played in crossover semi-

Pics courtesy of IBA. final matches to determine the grand finalists.

These results put the Torres Strait girls on track to play WA in the first semi-final, while NT Metro played NSW in the second semi-final.

Leah Pearson-Pitt, Taryn Bond and Mia Nakata were near unstoppable for Torres Strait in the first crossover semi-final against WA. The girls piled on 19, 12

and 11 points, respectively, with Leah deadly from outside the three.

The West Aussies, though, had a larger spread of scorers and in the end won 49-45 to advance to the final.

In the other crossover final, NSW won in a thriller over NT Metro 49-48 to book their place in the final, versus WA. Continued P14 N

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