Torres News_Edition 107_16 November 2023

Stories and events of the Kaurareg homeland of Kaiwalagal, the Torres Strait homeland and

Thursday, 16 November 2023 Cape York homelands of the Anggamuthi, Atambaya, Wuthathi, Yadhaykenu and Gudang Peoples.

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

l Edition 107 l $2 incl. GST

ADVERTISING l M: 0419 828 639 l E: ads@torres.news

Toxic smoke danger on Waiben

Fire on the hill behind Summer Street on Waiben.

Pic by Susie Olopai.

BY CARLI WILLIS

INSIDE

A fire – thought to have been deliberately lit – passed through the car dump causing toxic smoke over the Waiben community on Sunday night.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) Chief Superintendent Adam Gwin said a call to report the fire came through

at 8.20pm on Sunday night.

By 6am on Monday a ‘prepare to leave’ text was sent to residents on Summers, Loban, Milman and Douglas streets.

He said the fire, which was mostly along Milman Hill, was contained but expected to be a smoke hazard for several more days.

“There are certainly some aspects of this fire that would indicate it has been lit,” he said.

“We’re currently putting some staff onto aircraft to get them up to Thursday Island.

“We’ll conduct an initial investigation into that and see if we can locate where it started, and how it started.”

Mr Gwin said it was the second

fire the team had been called to on the island that day, and the causes would be investigated.

A fire also burned on Muralag for seven days last week.

Emergency services said they expected heightened bushfire conditions to return across the state in the coming days.

Local QFES Station Officer

Luke Smith said firefighters used multiple techniques to try to contain the blaze on Waiben.

“On arrival, we were met with the front edge of about 400 metres, and it took crews a while to gain an upper hand on the fire,” he said.

Story continued P2 N See also CFES call for staff P3 N

Heritage-listed church celebrates 130 years Heritage listed since 2001, All

years of service with a procession,

Souls and St Bartholomew’s

special guests and feasts last

Parish at the Quetta Memorial

weekend. The church was state

Precinct on Waiben celebrated 130

heritage listed in 2001

Keeping your community connected for more than 35 years Sea Swift provides regular, weekly essential services up and down the east coast of Australia, through the Torres Strait, into Weipa, and throughout the Northern Territory. We’re proud to supply fresh food and other essentials to enhance the health and wellbeing of your community.

Sea Swift is the lifeblood of many remote communities across the Torres Strait and Cape York.

Check our website for the latest news and updates for your community.

Live schedules at www.seaswift.com.au | Connect with us on social media!

seaswift.com.au 1800 424 422

as a social and cultural religious institution that commemorated significant events.

See full story and pics on P6 N

02 NEWS

THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 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.

Torres News

@TSIMAtorresnews

Nutritionist gets a start on World Diabetes Day Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) has appointed a new Indigenous Nutrition Cadet to help further drive healthier eating in remote communities – and she started on Tuesday, which was also World Diabetes Day. Pictured is La’shauna Nathaniel (left) offering a sample to CEQ Team member Manuel Mareko at IBIS Nurupai (Horn Island) store. Pic supplied.

Fires bring smoke risk to communities M Continued from P1

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

FLY WITH A QUEENSLANDER

“It’s very disappointing to see someone has lit that,” Local QFES Station Officer Luke Smith said.

“A number of structures came under threat last night, putting a lot of strain on our crew, not only on rescue crews, but the police and ambulance as well, and also putting a lot of stress on the home owners along Summer Street.”

Mr Gwin commended the crew, who he said worked tirelessly through the night.

“The structures are protected and certainly no one was injured, which is fantastic news,” he said.

He said deliberately lit fires were an ongoing issue during school holidays in the north and that QFES had worked with schools during the school year to educate young people about fire.

The incident prompted the Torres and Cape Hospital and Cape Service (TCHHS) to call for residents to take precaution in smoky conditions.

TCHHS Public Health Medical Officer Dr Alison Hempenstall said the conditions may cause health problems.

“Fine smoke particles can cause health problems like itchy or burning eyes, throat irritation, a runny nose, and illnesses like bronchitis,” she said.

“They can also aggravate existing lung conditions like chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma.”

Dr Hempenstall said people should stay indoors if smoke was around and warned symptoms can occur for several days after smoke is inhaled.

She recommended residents used fans or air conditioners on recirculating mode inside, or a P2 face mask where necessary.

“It is very important that people with pre-existing health conditions take their medication, follow their treatment plan, and seek immediate medical advice if symptoms persist,” she said.

“Anyone with a heart or lung condition should follow the treatment plan advised by their doctor and keep at least five days’ supply of medication on hand.

“People with asthma should follow their personal asthma plan.”

• If you or someone you know is having trouble breathing or experiencing chest pain, they should call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

• For free health advice call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

• If you or anyone in your household is experiencing any other health effects from the smoky conditions seek medical advice from your doctor.

• To understand your current bushfire risk visit Queensland

Fire and Emergency Services at http:// www.qfes.qld.gov.au/ • See also: https://www. health.qld.gov.au/ public-health/disaster

NEWS 03

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2023

CT scanner delivered to Thursday Island hospital

ABOVE: Cynthia Lui, Director of Nursing & Midwifery Services Northern David Kitchener, Minister Shannon Fentiman, Corporate Services Manager Northern Marita Sagigi & TCHHS chair Ella Kris.

ABOVE RIGHT: Welcoming the new scanner: Radiographer/Sonographer Sarah Baxter, Father Tom Stephens, Allied Health Assistant Joe Bon, Radiographer/Sonographer Neil Thomas & CT Radiographer Michael Baxter. Pics supplied.

A new $2.1 million Computed Tomography (CT) scanner has arrived at Thursday Island Hospital and is expected to be ready for use from about mid-December.

CT scans generate images, enabling clinicians to visualise segments of bone and soft tissue from various perspectives.

A special blessing ceremony for the new

scanner was held at the hospital on Tuesday.

Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman said it was a game changer for residents, saving 50 to 60 patients a month from travelling outside the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula area to receive care.

“I’m thrilled that staff and residents across the Torres Strait and

Northern Peninsula Area will have access to this vital piece of equipment,” she said.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said having a CT Scanner at the Thursday Island Hospital meant more access for people closer to home.

“The introduction of the CT scanning service at Thursday Island will create opportunities for growth and development by attracting and

retaining staff, while also increasing the self-sufficiency of the hospital,” she said.

“A full-time radiographer has been recruited to support the new service and opportunities will be provided to upskill First Nations staff to support the CT scanner and other services, similar to what has occurred in Weipa since the installation of that hospital’s scanner in 2021.”

Thursday Island Hospital Director of Medical Services Dr Jennifer Wharton said they were excited.

“Access to a CT scanner in the testing and investigation phase of a patient’s care here at Thursday Island Hospital is tremendously important,’’ Dr Wharton said. “Our clinicians here are at the hospital are excited about having this service.”

Community called on to join firey family

GAB TITUI

ART AWARD 2023

NOMINATE FOR PEOPLE’S

CHOICE AWARD Please help us identify the winner of the 2023 GTIAA People’s Choice Award.

Complete a nomination form anonymously and provide it to the GTCC staff.

Nominations close Thursday, 30 November 2023.

Luke Smith, Barwoo Fisher, Richard Muhamad & Aaron (Lui) Bon. STORY AND PICS

BY CARLI WILLIS With large fires occurring on multiple islands over the past fortnight, the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) on Thursday Island is calling for more people to join the service.

Station Officer Luke Smith said the team welcomed everyone who was willing but it was local people who provided invaluable knowledge and connection to community.

He said Thursday Island station had only eight positions filled out of 14 part-time positions on offer.

“It’s more relevant in such remote communities such as Thursday Island, or within the Torres Straits, to have local people employed within the fire brigade,” he said.

“To have that connection to

community and to connection back into those outer islands and villages, and for us to be able to achieve our objectives up here in the best way possible.”

He said with a transient workforce, largely consisting of government employees, the service had a high turnover of staff.

“One of the goals I set when I first came up here about 18 months ago was to get more local involvement,” he said.

Crew Captain and Waiben local Uncle Richard Muhumad has been running the crew for 25 years.

“It’s like another family,” he said.

Mr Muhumad said the service covered a large portion of the state, right up to the Papua New Guinea border, with their next nearest station in Cooktown.

In June, young Torres Strait

Aaron (Lui) Bon. Islander Aaron Bon completed his recruit course and said he hadn’t looked back.

“The first time I came down I turned into a little boy again got excited about the big red trucks,” he said.

“I’ve learned a lot, not only about firefighting and becoming a firefighter, but things that I can apply in daily life as well.”

He said even though he also had a full time job, he found fire fighting rewarding.

“The thing I enjoy most is the satisfaction of is helping the community, saving heartache, basically,” he said.

Mr Muhmad said signing up was a good stepping stone into a long term career in QFES or other government positions.

“It’s good for people to see a local person in a firefighter position as he [or she] can be a mentor, someone to look up to as well,” he said.

“We have had a few

firefighters that been through here, they’ve gone to the main land and they are permanent fire fighters.”

Mr Smith, who relocated to Waiben from Townsville, held the only full time position in the station and said he had learned a lot in the role.

“You’re challenged, you have to think outside the box all the time and you don’t have the resources you have available at your fingertips,” he said.

“The ability to be much more autonomous and thinking outside the box to find problems to solutions is very rewarding to me.

“And then [being] exposed to the culture up here is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.

“It’s a beautiful place to work and to live, the people are amazing.”

Image Credit: Women’s Business (2023), Flora Warria. Photography by George Serras.

For more information, speak to a member of our team.

For more information about the 2023 Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award, please contact: 07 4069 0888 | info@gabtitui.gov.au | www.gabtitui.gov.au

04 NEWS

THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

Energy-saving LED lights to offset cost of electricity

ABOVE: Installations in NPA & RIGHT on Waiben. Pics supplied.

Applications are invited for

Deputy Chair and Board member positions at REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA TROPICAL NORTH INC

Make a difference in Tropical North Queensland

Ergon Energy crews have installed energy-efficient LED streetlights across several NPA and Torres Strait communities, with more to come as part of the Queensland Government’s Cost of Living package.

Local MP Cynthia Lui said remote communities in the Northern Peninsula Area and Torres Shire had welcomed the streetlight upgrade, which would lead to major savings.

“The new LED streetlights are longer lasting and much more energy-efficient, so we are helping Councils to significantly reduce their power bills, and those savings can then be reinvested in other programs for the community,” she said.

“The LED streetlights also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost community safety, so they come with a range of benefits.”

Ergon crews have completed work at Bamaga, Coen, Injinoo, New Mapoon, Umagico, Seisia, Thursday Island and Horn Island.

They have hit the halfway mark in Lockhart River and were waiting fresh supplies of LED

Fast facts on street light replacement:

streetlights to finish the job and tackle the outer islands in the Torres Strait.

“This is an extensive program of work that will run into next year, and other shires will also reap the benefits of our $7 million investment in the replacement of more than 2200 streetlights in remote and regional Queensland,” Ms Lui said.

• These streetlights account for over 400,000 kWh in electricity consumption each year.

• For many communities, the replacement will save them thousands of dollars a year on electricity bills, subject to the number of lights working, current bulb type, location, street light fleet numbers, and other components of their bill.

The replacement of these streetlights with LED will: • Save over 30 per cent on streetlight bill due to a 60 per cent reduction in energy costs.

• Last up to 15 times longer than standard bulbs.

• Reduce greenhouse emissions by over 13 tonnes CO2 equivalent per annum.

• Acheive a diesel fuel reduction from generators of 7000 litres per annum.

Youth to have say on health services

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North is seeking highly-motivated leaders with vision, drive, and strong ties to their region to volunteer to be Deputy Chair or Board members of the RDA Tropical North Board.

RDA Boards are vital promoters for their region. They facilitate investment in people, places, services, and industries and local economies and work with stakeholders to support delivery of the Australian Government’s strategic priorities.

Applications are sought from business and community leaders who have a proven track record of achieving meaningful outcomes in a complex environment.

Women, First Nations Australians, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and people with disability are encouraged to apply.

An Applicant Information Pack, including the application form, can be found at rdatropicalnorth.org.au/about.

For further information: 4041 1729 (Mon–Fri 9am-5pm local time) info@rdatropicalnorth.org.au.

Applications close on Monday 4th December 2023.

ABOVE: The new Waibeni Youth Network. Pics supplied.

A group of Thursday Island youth will form part of a new network aiming to improve health service delivery in the community.

The Waibeni Youth Network held their first meeting last month in

WE’RE RECRUITING! Are you looking for a hands-on role supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students? Aboriginal Hostels Limited is seeking Residential Youth Workers.

Residential Youth Workers

www.ahl.gov.au/employment Applications close on 23 November 2023

2602KL_4490

For more information go to

the recently opened Buai Mudh (Family House) at Mura Kosker.

They were joined by staff from Wakai Waian, Torres & Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) men’s and women’s health teams, Maternal and Child Health, Education Queensland, the Department of Child Safety, Torres Health Indigenous Corporation and Mura Kosker.

It was hoped other major community stakeholders might attend future meetings.

The young group shared data collected earlier this year which identified the health needs identified as priorities by local youth.

TCHHS school-based youth health nurse Brooke Birt said she had encouraged young people at Waibeni Keoy Ngurpay Mudh to attend

and be part of the new group.

“We wanted to ensure youth voices were at the centre of all discussions as these are issues that directly affect them and their peers,” she said.

“The purpose of the network is to collaborate with local services and key stakeholders who support adolescents and young adults, aged between 12-24, in the community.

“Stakeholder groups were each able to share insights about their services, discuss key issues and share data collected by the young people identifying the health needs they see as priorities within their community.”

Tyrell Whap, who was at the meeting, said the group was passionate about doing what they could to improve the lives of their peers.

“I felt proud we are

doing something to help the school community and that there are people who actually care and want good for teenagers,” he said.

Kunio Sagigi said he didn’t know what support was available.

“It was good because it opened up about what is available for young people,” he said.

Thomas King said he was thrilled with the chance to talk to the people delivering the services. “[We could tell them] what the actual problem is and [they can] help us,” he said.

The group also hoped to expand the network to include the inner and outer Torres Strait islands.

To learn more about the Waibeni Youth Network contact Brooke and her colleagues at TCHHSSBYHN@health.qld. gov.au

CLIMATE CHANGE NEWS 05

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2023

Government commits to helping Pacific nations

Uncles Pabai and Paul with their legal team and supporters in Naarm. Pic by Catherine Black.

Climate case heard in Naarm Climate change was a global problem but the solution lies with individual governments, the Federal Court has heard in the Australian Climate Case against the Commonwealth this week in Naarm (Melbourne).

The case, which has attracted national media attention this week, was brought by Uncles Pabai Pabai and Paul Kabai.

Expert witness Emeritus Professor David Karoly of Melbourne University, an internationally recognised global expert on climate change, a former-CSIRO Chief Scientist and an author and editor of the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment reports, opened the hearing with his explanation of the science of greenhouse gases.

He also spoke about the effects of the gases, particularly in Australia, and so-called ‘tipping points’ and their impacts.

He said climate change was a global problem but the solution lay with individual governments.

He said the Australian Government could “significantly contribute” to halting global temperature increases.

On the second day he said an analysis of high-quality temperature observations for Horn Island showed the average maximum temperature in the

Torres Strait Islands had increased by 0.80°C from 1951–1960 to the most recent decade, 2011–2020.

He said this was consistent with the long-term warming trend in sea surface temperatures around northern Australia.

The court also heard from Emeritus Professor Terry Hughes from the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University, who was an internationally recognised expert on marine biology, coral reef ecology and the linkages between ecology, societies and economies.

He has led various research responses to mass coral bleaching and losses of corals throughout the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait and explained the current and the projected near-future impacts of anthropogenic climate change on tropical marine species and ecosystems, including in the Torres Strait.

He said substantial diebacks of seagrass had been documented in the Torres Strait, which had impacted dugongs and been linked to climate change.

He said spikes in sea temperature during increasingly hot summers had produced destructive episodes of mass coral bleaching.

On day three the Court heard

from key witness in the field of public health Dr Linda Selvey, a physician and an infectious diseases epidemiologist, who referred to statistical increases in hospital admissions for every two-degrees-celsius of global temperature increase.

She said the ability to practise culture also correlated to health outcomes.

“Culture is well-recognised as part of the socioeconomic determinants of health,” Dr Selvey said.

“Culture can have a very positive impact on health, particularly among Indigenous peoples.”

The court also heard how climate change could impact the cost of food, the availability of drinking water, and the incidence of infectious diseases.

Dr Selvey said the Torres Strait was already experiencing food insecurity, due to the cost of food as a proportion of their income.

Her opinion was the Torres Strait would also experience an increase in mortality due to global temperature increases.

Dr. Selvey also said there had been a 3.4 per cent increase in salmonella cases nationally for every one degree celsius increase in monthly mean temperature.

More to come in our next issue J

The Australian Government has made a commitment to offer residency to Tuvalu citizens and to increase financial aid to Pacific nations facing climate threats at the Pacific Forum held in the Cook Islands last week.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the security and prosperity of the Pacific was vital to Australia’s future.

“Being part of the conversation – whether it is on climate change, security or the economy – means Australia gets to be part of the solution,” he said.

“At the Pacific Islands Forum we are working together with our partners to shape the future we want to see.

“I have made it a priority for Australia to take a seat at the table at forums like this, so we can engage consistently and deliberately, and make our voice heard.”

The Climate Council welcomed the government’s announcement and has urged it to build on their commitments with a solid plan to phase out fossil fuels – to tackle the risks threatening Pacific Islands communities at their source.

They said the Government’s otherwise positive actions threw Australia’s ongoing commitment to extracting fossil fuels into sharp relief.

Climate Councillor and economist Nicki Hutley said while it was good Australia was providing resilience funding, was also meaningless if the country kept funding the industry that was causing the problem in the first place.

Senior researcher at the Climate Council Dr Wesley Morgan said the government’s outreach to their Pacific neighbours, who were on the frontline of the crisis, was commendable.

“But our first responsibility must be to get emissions down as fast as possible so that we can minimise the risk of people being forced from their homes, the communities and environments that sustain them,” he said.

“That means leaving fossil fuels in the ground, so the Australian Government needs a solid plan to phase out fossil fuels.

“Pacific communities want a safe and thriving future in their own homes first and foremost.”

The Climate Council urged the Australian government to take decisive action to curb fossil fuels.

They said the time for bold leadership was now.

For more information go to: www.climatecouncil.org.au or facebook.com/climatecouncil or twitter.com/climatecouncil

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a commitment on climate change to Tuvalu residents at the Pacific Island Forum last week. Pic supplied.

Healthy Choices

4

$ .00 Kg

Papaya Red Kg

$ .20 Kg

4

$ .00 Kg

Watermelon Kg

Cabbage Green Kg

2

14.70

$

Kg

Mushrooms Kg

Offer valid from Thursday 26th October 2023 until Wednesday 23rd November 2023.

*Pictures shown are for illustration purpose only. Actual product may vary due to product enhancement.

06 NEWS

THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

Heritage-listed Waiben church celebrates 130 years Strait Islander church.

Bishop Keith Joseph travelled from “It’s a meeting place Townsville for the day, for many cultures.” and welcomed two new Mr Wigness said in All Souls and St brothers who had joined the church, the ‘white Bartholomew’s the congregation from man heritage’ now Parish at the Quetta Vanuatu. existed along side Torres Memorial Precinct on He said he had Strait Islander heritage.

Waiben celebrated 130 worked in the Solomon “But traditional years of service with Islands and Torres Strait heritage is totally a procession, special for many years and he different, it’s deep like guests and feasts last enjoyed immersing in bloodline,” he said. weekend. the different cultures.

“It goes right back to Kanamurri man of “The church was the ground. the Kaurareg nation church Councillor Willie built in response to the “It’s in us – it’s not disaster of the RMS the building, it’s in Wigness said religion Quetta in 1890,” Bishop us – the building is the had changed the course Joseph said. caretaker, to hold our of history for the people stuff in there.” of Zenadth Kes. The event, in which a British mail and He said he felt that “It was more or less passenger ship struck the church was changing white man church, we a rock causing the due to advances in weren’t involved in any loss of 133 lives, was technology. of it,” he said “All around, people “Call it amalgamation considered one of the are leaving and people or you want to call it ‘the county’s worst maritime disasters. are staying… but just a weaving of the mat’. handful,” he said.

“The expatriate “God added in his community put together “But it’s good own way to weave the money to build this because we are still mat, bring all colours church on this block of alive.” to that mat – culture of land,” he said. many colours.

The church was state GORI MARBLE 20/7/23 - 20/6/24 “Over the11x3 past [new] heritage listed in 2001 “The beautiful thing& GRANITE 130 years, the as a social and cultural about this is it has church has changed (1): TN0568 2023 43yrs - AdsFreligious T Dummy T Excel T institution changed the destiny20/7/23 of considerably – it’s that commemorated the First Nations of the (1): TN0568 18/1/24 *2024 T Dummyevents.

T Excel T now far more44yrs a Torres- AdsFsignificant Torres Strait.”

STORY AND PICS

BY CARLI WILLIS

18 Ishmael Rd, Earlville, Cairns Q 4870 • P J (07) 4211 2700 Email J office@gorimarbleandgranite.com.au F J (07) 4028 3420 • W J www.gorimarbleandgranite.com.au

Aunty Claney (Ivy) Bon, Aunty May Litchendahl, Aunty Cessa Nakata, Aunty Selon Namok & Aunty Pauline Ahwang.

Bishop Keith Joseph blesses the front of the church with Brother John Steel (left) & Brother Chris (right).

Outside the church a monument signifies the ‘coming of the light’.

Community members filled the church for the celebration.

Bishop Keith Joseph, Aunty Pauline Ahwang & Uncle Willie Wigness.

Bishop Keith Joseph’s cape is embroidered with symbols of Torres Strait Islander culture.

Father Charlie Loban.

A successfully owned and operated Local Family Business.

Established in 1965 – 43 years experience in Monuments.

Specialising in designing and manufacturing: • Headstones, Bases, Plaques, Graves – In stock or made to order.

• Ceramic Photos, Frames, Statues, Crosses and Vases.

• Inscriptions and Artwork completed at our factory in Cairns.

• Qualified Stonemasons with Queensland Apprenticeships.

Let us help you effectively manage your employees. We can assist you with: Advice on Restructures, Wage Advice and Pay Audits, Investigations and, Mediations, Employee Grievances and Employee Policies.

1800 877 747 hello@hrdynamics.com.au hrdynamics.com.au

Uncle Willie Wignes (drum), Tony Peters (middle guitar) & Gayai Ware (nearest guitar) share music.

NEWS 07

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2023

Students and Elders sad as visits finish for 2023 Waiben-based Torres Strait Aged Care Association Inc (TSACAI) says it will miss fortnightly visits from schoolbased youngsters as the study year comes to an end and families start to plan their holidays.

Students up to Year 3 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School normally visit the Social Group Support Centre at TSACAI every fortnight, but their last week for 2023 has already wrapped up.

The children sing, dance, craft and do cultural activities with the Elders.

TSACAI chair Carol Thompson said they all loved the young people’s visits.

“A lot of our elderly clients are

Learning Support Officer Flo Mareko & Meleisha Gela. either widows or widowers – we mostly have female clients here – and a lot of them don’t have grandchildren,” she said.

“And I know some of the children don’t have grandparents up here, some of them from the outer islands, some of them from south.

“So that’s a two-way exchange that we have.

“Having young people and connecting with young people and having them perform their cultural ways and giving back to them as well talking to them… this supports [them] in a in a very, very big way.”

Year 2 student Meleisha Gela Yorkston said she loved visiting the elders at TSACAI. “They do Island dance and they sing a song, language songs,” she said.

“I’m a little bit sad because we can’t see them anymore.”

But she said she was very excited for the school holidays, and playing with her brothers and sister on Hammond Island.

Elders Selon Namok & Jalaya Williams (nee Binawell) sing with the children.

The young boys do a dance only for men. Pics Carli Willis.

Elders dance with the children.

TORRES SHIRE COUNCIL To lead, provide and facilitate a sustainable, safe and culturally vibrant community

PUBLIC NOTICE WATER SUPPLY RESTRICTION – LEVEL 2 Water Restriction Level 2 is in force until further notice.

PRIVATE GARDENS AND LAWN WATERING Watering not permitted on Mondays Odd numbered houses – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday Even numbered houses – Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Level 2 Restrictions Micro sprays and drip systems – between 6pm and 8am Sprinklers – 6am to 8am and 6pm to 8pm Hand held hoses, watering cans or buckets – at any time This notice applies to all homeowners, tenants, shop and business owners, occupiers of Government residences and buildings located on Horn Island and Thursday Island.

Dalassa Yorkston CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER November 2023

08 NEWS

THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

Townsville Elders stylin’ up and deadly for awards night STORY AND PICS

BY ALF WILSON More than 260 people attended an Elders Awards Night and Dinner to celebrate ad recognise Elders, past and present, at Townsville’s Ingnatius Park College Hall earlier this month.

The event was presented by the ABIS Community Cooperative Society Limited and Corporation for Women on behalf of the Townsville Council of Elders.

Guests were treated to entertainment by the band Bula, fine food and lots of yarning, as well as guest speakers.

A feast prepared

by Ziggy’s Café and Catering was led by renowned connoisseur of fine food, Naianga Mabo.

Dress code for the event was Stylin’ Up and Too Deadly which added to the atmosphere.

The audience enjoyed entertainment by Komet (Mer) and Poenipan Thithui (Boigu and St Paul’s) groups.

The main award was

won by Albert Abdul Rahman for his work within the Indigenous community and with youth.

“Albert was given a standing ovation by the large audience when he got his award,” organiser Angie Akee said.

Other award winners included Mabel Ross, Jenny Pryor, Bimbo Smallwood, the late Margaret Mullins (nee Tallis), Mary Horope, Linda Janetski and former international rugby league player Colin Scott.

The Poenipan Thithui Boigu & St Paul’s Dancers ready to perform.

Michael & Mary Horope.

Alma Pilot & Edith Mareko.

Ailan Life

Major award winner Albert Abdul Rahman & Mer Islander Potepa Captain.

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

Wasee Lui & Daisy Passi.

Francis Tapim.

Ali Day holds his warrup.

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

phone number and a 25-word description to ads@torres. news

This week’s pic was submitted by Kantisha Daniel.

The pic was taken at Frenchman’s Beach at the back of Prince of Wales Island.

“Camping would have to one of my most favourite

things to do. It’s fun and mainly peaceful. To be excited for every afternoon just to sit by the beach and watch the sunset makes me so happy and really grateful, to think that I’m blessed to see another day,” Kantisha said.

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

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

The Torres Strait and Aboriginal flags on stage.

Louisa Hood.

NEWS 09

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2023

Local sustainable seaweed hope for cattle feed industry

BY CARLI WILLIS An Australian company licensed to commercially grow the world’s first sustainable seaweed for the purpose of producing cow feed has visited the Torres Strait to better understand where and how it grows.

Tony Eyres from FutureFeed Australia said Asparagopsis seaweed dramatically reduced the amount of methane cows produced compared to other types of feed – and was endemic to the Torres Strait region.

FutureFeed was established by the CSIRO to commercialise the production of the seaweed after it made the discovery.

“We thought we’ll

be looking to try and produce more of this seaweed all around the world, (so) let’s start where it’s endemic,” Mr Eyres said.

“We’re looking to talk to people who understand aquaculture, understand seaweed, understand the ocean, marine environments and aquaculture businesses to help us with the production of the raw seaweed.”

Scientists at the CSIRO worked with James Cook University and Meat and Live Stock Australia on researching the use of the seaweed, which they later patented for the exclusive use of FutureFeed, the only company permitted to issue licences to grow the seaweed commercially.

He said he had spoken to community members and leaders about the project.

“We have licensees that we sign up effectively to grow the seaweed and then extract the bioactive and then put that into a feed additive and make that available to be fed to ruminant animals,” Mr Eyres said.

He said FutureFeed had already issued five licences in Australia, in Tasmania, South Australia and Victoria, as well as one in Europe, two in the United States and one in Canada.

The start-up industry had only been going for three years, and he said another 10 years of science and research may be needed before

the seaweed could be mass-produced.

He said while the company was seeking to produce the seaweed on a large scale, it was part of the organisation’s ethos to do so sustainably.

“We understand very much that we are to look to accelerate our natural production system that cannot be done to the detriment of the existing other populations,” he said.

“Asparagopsis seaweed naturally occurs in certain locations on the seabed already, and co-inhabits with rock lobsters and particular fish species.

“I hope we can come up with a local industry that can actually help contribute to fixing a global problem.”

Tony Eyres was on Waiben to better understand where seaweed as food for cows grows. Pic supplied.

Cleopatra is bringing it back home

BY FLORA WARRIA Cleopatra Pryce has been dancing since she was four years old and is a young Torres Strait Island woman who hails from the Kulkalgal, Kaurareg and Kuku Yalanji Peoples.

She was the daughter of our very own local, proud Kulkalgal and Kaurareg woman Rita Pryce, a national and international choreographer, innovator, advocate and businesswoman in the performing arts arena.

Founder and Artistic Director of the Pryce Centre for Culture and Arts in Cairns, Rita was born and raised on Hammond Island.

Emerging arts leader, choreographer and dancer, Cleopatra, grew up alongside some of Indigenous dance greats of Australia and has been performing since she was a small child.

She has performed nationally within Australia and toured overseas, including to China.

In 2018, she performed in Los Angeles at the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) gathering as part of Baiwa Kazil, the youth ensemble and performing legacy of Baiwa Dance Company and the Pryce Centre in Cairns.

She has received a number of scholarships including Young, Black and Deadly Scholarship, and travelled to the USA in January and April 2019 to participate in dance classes at Alvin Ailey Dance Theater (New York), Philadanco! (Philadelphia),

Debbie Allen School of Dance (Los Angeles), Millennium Dance (Studio City), Playground (North Hollywood).

As part of the Pryce Centre cohort, she has met with Tribal Leaders from various Indigenous American groups from several areas in the United States, including the Lenape, Tongva, Chumash Peoples.

She was expected to play a key role in the development of the pathway for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in both Australia and the USA, leading by example and sharing her experiences with others along the way.

Cleopatra and her mother were recently back home on Waiben as guests during the Gathering Voices Media and Arts Festival, held in conjunction with TSIMA, and were key contributors to dance workshops for local children and youth throughout the event.

They worked hard to make sure Pryce Centre’s main purpose continues, and that was to create a lasting social impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in all they do.

Their vision was to deliver training and development opportunities in performing arts to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on-Country and in-Community.

Rita said coming back was important for her because she could relate to the kids who lived in remote areas, and knew how much they felt they were missing opportunities.

“It’s an exciting time to come back,” she said.

“We know the opportunities that are out there for our kids, and it starts with building them around where they will feel supported, which is back home here.”

She said the Pryce Cultural School of Arts (CSoA) was designed to offer our kids get the same opportunities as everyone else, and keep them close to home and close to the support of their community.

“We who are in the performing arts are forever looking for dancers, people to work in tech, stage management, things like that,” she said.

“In Pryce Cultural School of Arts, we are getting our people trained up in all the areas that are lacking at the moment.

“We use these young people’s strong existing connection to culture as a foundation to build the confidence and competence of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts students whilst respecting cultural protocols and transgenerational knowledge.

“We support the continuum of cultural knowledge with technical and practical training in the performing arts to define a place in the performing arts ecosystem for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in contemporary Australia.”

She said the Pryce Centre was internationally recognised for their unique approach to embedding social practices and cultural

traditions into creative workplaces, and putting cultural protocol and authenticity at the heart of all their operations.

She said Pryce Cultural

School of Arts created opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth to be truly elevated.

“We are all about identifying and engaging local talent and enriching their lives with opportunities that seem out of reach,” she said.

“We strive to ensure all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have greater decisionmaking authority on service delivery and economic development that affects them in their communities.

“We facilitate and promote platforms to ensure our stories can be told.”

MAIN PIC: Dancer and Choreographer Cleopatra Pryce in action.

INSET: Cleopatra and mum Rita working on some dance moves.

Pics supplied.

“Graduates of the Pryce Cultural School of Arts will be employable, careerready, and culturally empowered practitioners that are ready to provide meaningful contributions to their own lives, those of their families, and society more broadly. In addition to the dance aspects, the Pryce Centre champions cultural health and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Persons in any environment.”

Cleopatra, who was born and raised in Cairns and later moved down to Sydney, said when she danced she was expressing herself.

“I was once like you, shy, but with the support of my family I have reached my goal, and my dream of becoming a professional dancer and choreographer has come true,” she said.

“My profession has taken me travelling all over the world.

“If I can reach it, so can you.

“I came back to encourage and help my people do whatever they will put their hearts to, and to be a role model to them.

“I love coming back home.”

10 NEWS

THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

Tributes flow for Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan founder Tributes have poured in from across the country for Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan founder Aunty Rose Richards, 93, who passed away peacefully at Cairns Base Hospital on 9 October.

A proud Kuku Yalanji and Tagalaka Elder, Aunty Rose was widely known and well-respected for her work in improving the health and wellbeing of babies, young children and mothers.

Torres & Cape Hospital and Health Services (TCHHS) chair Ella Kris said many First Nations women and children had benefitted from Aunty Rose’s work.

“I would like to pay tribute to an amazing and inspirational woman who dedicated her life to improving health services for First Nations people right across Far North Queensland,” she said.

“She was always passionate about

improving the health and wellbeing of babies, young children, and mothers.

“Many of our First Nations women and children from across Cape York, the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area have benefitted from the work Aunty Rose has done over her decades of public service.

“In the late 1970s, while working at Cairns Hospital as its first Aboriginal and Torres

TN0461 • 02/11/23

homes in Cairns and giving them culturally safe accommodation and care.

“With the assistance of local Aboriginal leaders in 1983, the trio went on to establish “Rosie’s Farm” facility as a hostel for First Nations women awaiting the births of their babies in Cairns “In 2010, Rosie’s Farm developed into a custom-designed facility at Edmonton, south of Cairns, known as

Strait Islander Hospital Liaison Officer, Aunty Rose recognised the unique challenges faced by First Nations people who had to leave their communities and families on Cape York, the Torres Strait, and Northern Peninsula Area to travel to Cairns for medical treatment.

“Along with her sister Aunty Esme Hudson and Aunty Bonnie Simpson, Aunty Rose began taking expectant and new mums into their

TIMETABLE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE DUE TO QANTAS SCHEDULING, SOME FERRIES MAY NOT OPERATE

Ph: (07) 4069 1586

Thursday Island/Horn Island Ferry Timetable from 27/10/2023 THURSDAY ISLAND/HORN ISLAND FERRY TIMETABLE J All TI transfers include complimentary bus service on Thursday Island J

FROM

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

SUN

TI

6:15

6:15

6:15

6:15

6:15

6:15 *

-

HIW

6:25

6:25

6:25

6:25

6:25

6:25 *

-

TI

7:00

7:00

7:00

7:00

7:00

-

-

HIW

7:15

7:15

7:15

7:15

7:15

-

-

TI

8:00

8:00

8:00

8:00

8:00

8:00

8:00

HIW

8:15

8:15

8:15

8:15

8:15

8:15

8:15

TI

09:00 QF2489

09:00 QF2489

09:00 QF2489

09:00 QF2489

09:00 QF2489

09:00 QF2489

09:00 QF2489

HIW

9:15

9:15

9:15

9:15

9:15

9:15

9:15

TI

10:30

10:30

10:30

10:30

10:30

10:30

10:30

HIW

10:45 QF2488

10:45 QF2488

10:45 QF2488

10:45 QF2488

10:45 QF2488

10:45 QF2488

10:45 QF2488

TI

11:45

11:45

11:45

11:45

11:45

-

-

HIW

12:00

12:00

12:00

12:00

12:00

-

-

TI

13:45 QF2491

13:45 QF2491

13:45

13:45 QF2491

13:45 QF2491

13:45 QF2491

13:45 * QF2491

HIW

14:00

14:00

14:00

14:00

14:00

14:00

14:00 *

TI

15:15 QF2493

15:15

15:15 QF2493

15:15 QF2493

15:15 QF2493

15:15

15:15 QF2493

HIW

15:30 QF2490

15:30 QF2490

15:30

15:30 QF2490

15:30 QF2490

15:30 QF2490

15:30

TI

16:15

16:15

16:15

16:15

16:15

16:15

-

HIW

16:30

16:30

16:30

16:30

16:30

16:30

-

TI

17:15

17:15

17:15

17:15

17:15

-

-

HIW

17:30 QF2492

17:30

17:30 QF2492

17:30 QF2492

17:30 QF2492

-

17:30 QF2492

TI

18:00 *

18:00 *

18:00 *

18:00 *

18:00 *

-

-

HIW

18:10 *

18:10 *

18:10 *

18:10 *

18:10 *

-

-

P J 07 4069 1586 • F J 07 4069 1408 • E J info@rebeltours.com.au • W J www.rebeltours.com.au

•• Important: Important: Island must be before. requested the day before.

Horn Horn Island Bus PickupsBus mustPickups be requested the day •• Please Please note: Please be aware that we will have ferries meet every Qantas and Skytrans flight note: Please be aware that we will have ferries to meet every Qantasto and

AVOID THE QUEUE!

from Cairns.

If Cairns. you can a ferry suits your Skytrans flight from If younot cansee not see a ferry that that suits your flightflight pleaseplease call the office on 4069 1586.

SCAN ME and the office on 4069 1586.

• call Bookings are essential for 18:00/18:10 ferry Mon-Fri, and Saturday 06:15/06:20.

Book your ferry areferry essential for 18:00/18:10 ferry Mon-Fri, and Saturday 06:15/06:20.

•• Bookings Sunday 13:45/14:00 only operates when Qantas operates that flight. now using this QR • Sunday ferry 13:45/14:00 only operates when Qantas operates that flight.

Office hours are Monday to Friday – 08:00 – 17:00 – Please consider these hours to code, pay online.

Office hours –are Friday – 08:00 – 17:00 – Please consider these hours to make bookings – make bookings our Monday office is notto manned outside of these hours and we can not our is not manned outside these and we can lookoffice up bookings or emails.

We answer the of phone whilsthours the ferry is running, butnot look up bookings or emails. We answer please try to book during hours.

Schedule may without notice. the phone whilst theoffice ferry is running, butchange please try to book during office hours. Schedule may change

BOOK ONLINE WWW.REBELTOURS.COM.AU without notice.AT *****Current as at 27th October 2023

BOOK ONLINE AT WWW.REBELTOURS.COM.AU

Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan, meaning “Aunty Rosie’s place’’.

“Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan is Far North Queensland’s only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s accommodation service run and staffed by First Nations women and Australia’s first Indigenous communitycontrolled corporation that specialises in health care services for women and children.

“As well as safe accommodation, Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan offers mothers advice on nutrition and provides prenatal and postnatal care and support.

“Over the years, it has been a temporary home for hundreds of First Nations women and their children when travelling to Cairns to access medical care.”

She said throughout her life Aunty Rose had fought tirelessly to achieve culturally safe services at a time when it wasn’t easy to bring about positive change in service delivery culture.

“Today, Queensland’s health system recognises and values the importance of delivering culturally appropriate health care to help achieve health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

people, families, and communities,” she said.

“As well as her involvement in Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan, Aunty Rose also was involved in establishing the Wuchopperen Medical Service and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Medical Service in Cairns.

“Aunty Rose, whose maiden name was Grogan, is the aunt of Queensland’s Chief First Nations Health Officer Haylene Grogan.

“Now and in the future, Aunty Rose’s legacy will continue to inspire and benefit First Nations people right across Far North Queensland.

“She will always be remembered in the hearts of her family, her friends and the many people whose lives she touched over the years.”

Aunty Rose was the much-loved wife of Ron Richards (dec), mum to Rosanna (Dawn) and Ron (dec) Archer, Roy (Sonny) and Sandra (Pete) Levers, and Lillian Simpson, grandmother and great grandmother to many.

A well-attended celebration of Aunty Rose’s life was held at the Cairns Seventh Day Adventist Church on Friday 27 October.

Aunty Rose Richards. Pic supplied.

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS

HERE

For more information: Call 0419 828 639 or Email ads@torres.news

NEWS 11

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2023

‘Deeply personal’ song reflects on Royston’s choices

BY FLORA WARRIA Royston Sagigi, who won the 2023 Australian Idol competition, has released Dreaming, a deeply personal song he co-wrote with Chris Chidiac, one of Australia’s top composers, lyricists and producers.

Royston, a young Thankakwith man of Old Mapoon community whose bloodline was also to Badu and Mabuiag (Wagadagam) in the near Western Malulilgal people, started singing at a young age in Mapoon.

The story behind the concept and the lyrics of Dreaming go back to when Royston faced a major crossroads in his life after finishing Year 12.

“At the core of the song, the reason why I did this song, was because the lack of confidence that some youth in remote communities and islands may have, and who might think that it’s unachievable to go out and pursue your dreams,” he said.

“No matter your situation, leaving home can still be a big deal.”

He said the song spoke about his own journey of leaving home to pursue music, which had been one of the hardest things he had ever had to do – to leave everything behind to pursue his dream and make his mother, who had brain cancer, proud.

Royston Sagigi, winner of the 2023 Australian Idol, has released a song called Dreaming. Pic by Cybele Malinowski.

“Dreaming is about acknowledging how hard the process is of leaving home

and how hard navigating two worlds can be, between cultural identity and the

Applications close at 5pm AEDT on 15 December 2023.

For application details and eligibility criteria, please visit the Department of Education’s website at www.education.gov.au/regional-

university-study-hubs

Pic courtesy of Nadja Mack.

He said community-owned organisations in Leichhardt were encouraged to apply for funding to establish a new Hub. “This is an investment in the future of our young people, especially those who are the first in their families to undertake tertiary study and has the potential to greatly improve remote access for higher education,” Mr Entsch said.

He said the program’s impact was already measurable.

In 2023, the 34 existing hubs supported over 3400 students, with 41 per cent being the first in their family to attend tertiary study and 11 per cent identifying as First Nations.

on their own journey.

“As a songwriter you really have to go back into

Ailan Life Photo Competition ENTER & WIN!

Funds on offer for regional study hubs The expansion of the Regional University Study Hubs program offers a a transformative opportunity for Torres Strait and Cape York communities and applications are open for community-based organisations to apply, local MP Warren Entsch says.

Regional University Study Hubs were community-owned facilities that offered critical support to students studying at any Australian tertiary institution.

The hubs aimed to improve diversity, equity of access, and student outcomes while allowing students to continue living in their communities.

“I strongly urge local organisations to consider this fantastic opportunity,” Mr Entsch said.

“We need to bring university education closer to home, and this program is a significant step in the right direction.”

whitefella world,” he said.

“The core reason for this song is to help other people

how you felt back then.

“It was really tough, the emotions were there of how I felt. “(But) it’s also a fun kind of song as well, where I tried to draw in on how I was feeling at the time, in those moments when I was feeling sad and excited at the same time.”

Royston recently returned from a trip to Los Angeles.

“One of the main realisations when I got over there was that LA, which you only see in movies and TV – like Hollywood and Beverly Hills – is literally just a place that I felt wasn’t attainable, that it seemed so far away,” he said.

“But being over there and seeing how it is and meeting with people, producers and songwriters, now I can dream.

“We met up with so many people and got to work with a lot of people and created some cool songs.

“We will be releasing a new album, an EP, which I hope will come out early next year.

“We went back home to Mapoon to do the music video for Dreaming, the community got involved and they got to shoot on different locations.

“I was really happy that Sony was on board with going back to the community and filming, I got to show off my community to the world.”

Dreaming was released online last Friday.

We want to see your pic showing your Ailan Life!

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

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

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

follow us on facebook 8x2

12 CLASSIFIEDS

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2023

ADVERTISING J M: 0419 828 639 J E: ads@torres.news

Notice of Consultation Meeting

Torres News @TSIMAtorresnews

AVAILABLE VENUE HIRE

Representatives from the Department of Resources will be facilitating a consultation meeting for the proposed transfer of Lot 20 on CP851532, Nawie Street, Horn Island, locally known as the former Ngurapai Kazil Centre, under the provisions of the Aboriginal Land Act 1991 (ALA).

The Department invites Aboriginal people particularly concerned with the land to attend, that is, those who have a particular connection with the land under Aboriginal tradition, and/or those who live on or use the land or neighbouring land.

Venue caters to small and large groups with access to:

Buai Mudh Full kitchen and appliances Thursday Island Tables and chairs Neighbourhood and Male/female/disabled toilets Community Centre Outdoor garden 156 Douglas Street (next to Meriba Mudh)

The meeting will be held on Thursday, 23 November 2023 commencing at 1.00 pm at the Gateway Torres Strait Resort, 24 Outie Street, Horn Island.

EDITORIAL

For more information, please contact: Lazariah Nona - Buai Mudh Community Centre Coordinator

M10428

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.

The purpose of this meeting is to provide an overview of the land transfer process under the ALA and to seek views from Aboriginal people particularly concerned with the land regarding a proposed grantee to hold the land.

For further information, contact Kylie Eddie, Manager, Native Title and Indigenous Land Services on (07) 0427 575 892.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – DIAT ALFERINK E editor@torres.news NEWS DIRECTOR – DARREN MONCRIEFF M 0431 148 881 • E darren@torres.news

PO Box 92 THURSDAY ISLAND QLD 4875 ICN 3712 / ABN 44590587098

TSIMA JOURNALIST – CARLI WILLIS M 0415 705 160 • E carli@tsima4mw.org.au

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

NEWS & PHOTOS DEADLINE All news, sports & photo contributions

5PM MONDAYS

ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION MANAGER – SHARON GALLERY M 0419 828 639 • E ads@torres.news

ADVERTISING DEADLINES Ad bookings Ad copy (ad to be set) Supplied Ad material Classifieds

KAURAREG LAND AND SEA RANGERS Multiple Vacancies

12 NOON TUESDAYS 12 NOON TUESDAYS 2PM TUESDAYS 3PM TUESDAYS

PUBLISHERS TORRES NEWS PTY LTD. Diat Alferink – Chief Executive Officer 69 Douglas Street, Thursday Island Q 4875 E editor@torres.news

ACCOUNTS

ABN 16 657 427 908 SHARON GALLERY M 0419 828 639 • E shaztorresnews@gmail.com PO Box 385, Thursday Island Q 4875

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 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.

Our offices are sometimes unattended. Please call and leave a message or email editorial, advertising or accounts.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 24 Hour Service for DV CONNECT Ph: 1800 811 811 Lena Passi Women's Shelter NPA WOMENS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELP 24 hr Crisis Shelter – Ph: 4212 2200

Subscribe to the

Affirmative measures positions The Kaurareg Native Title Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC is seeking 1 x full time and 2 x casual Rangers to be part of its Kaurareg Land and Sea Ranger program.

The role and duties These roles are part of the Kaurareg Land and Sea Ranger program and successful applicants will work closely with other rangers, Australian, Queensland and local government agencies and departments and Kaurareg people. These positions will support the delivery of on-ground ranger activities, reporting and asset management.

No accommodation is provided with these roles.

Applications and information Written applications, a resume and two references (with at least one reference from the most recent employer) must be submitted to kntac.gm@outlook.com by no later than 5.00pm on 24 November 2023.

Further information can be obtained by contacting kntac.gm@outlook.com

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

PUBLISHED – every Thursday.

CIRCULATION NUMBERS – 1010.

READERSHIP AV. – Print readership 4040 + online subscriptions + 8.1k followers on our @TSIMAtorresnews Facebook page

07 4069 1663 (“Press 2” for Buai Mudh) tincc@murakosker.org.au

Location: Horn Island / Thursday Island The positions

ADVERTISING

Open 9am to 4:30pm Lunch time closure 12:30pm to 1:30pm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NEWS & CHIEF SUB EDITOR – CHRISTINE HOWES M 0419 656 277 • E christine@torres.news

TSIMA CORRESPONDENTS Jen Enosa and Sylvia Tabua.

HOST YOUR EVENT HERE

Published every ThursdAy Available at various outlets in the Torres Strait & NPA and also at these newsagencies and stores CAIRNS • Tobacco Stop Woree (formerly Bayview Gardens Newsagency) – Southside Shopping Village, Woree • Earlville Newsagency – Stockland Cairns Shopping Centre, Earlville • Enmore News – 5 Reservoir Rd, Manoora • Marketplace Newsagency – 2/96 McLaughlan Rd, Bentley Park • NewsXpressCairns Central – Cairns Central Shopping Centre, 126 McLeod St • Railway Newsagency – 48 McLeod St, Cairns

• Raintrees Newsagency – Raintrees Shopping Centre Alfred St, Manunda MOSSMAN • News Extra Mossman – 35 Front Street PAlM ISlANd • ABIS Palm Is. – Bwgcolman Supermarket, 67 Beach Rd TOWNSVIllE • Mooney Street News – 72-86 Mooney St, Gulliver • NewsXpress Garbutt Central – 1/221 Ingham Rd, Garbutt • NewsXpress Sun City – 307 Flinders Mall MACKAY • Moores Newspower – 332 Shakespeare Street

Available online via

12 month subscription (50 issues) only $80 (20% discount - you save $20) You will have access to new issues on a weekly basis.

Head online and get your copy issuu.com/store/publishers/ tsimatorresnews/subscribe

Date claimer ads

TOMBSTONE UNVEILINGS

The Torres News can publish your Tombstone Unveiling ads in our Classifieds section on Thursdays.

We offer 4 standard sized ads at the following special rates: Ad 1: 5cm deep x 2 columns (7.2cm) wide $27.50 per ad Ad 2: 7cm deep x 3 columns (11cm) wide $57.75 per ad Ad 3: 10cm deep x 3 columns (11cm) wide $82.50 per ad Ad 4: 10cm deep x 4 columns (14.8cm) wide $110 per ad

Booking and copy deadline: 12 noon on Tuesdays.

Just email through your wording and any images to be included and your ad size preference, and we can do the rest. * Other ad sizes and costings upon request.

Call 0419 828 639 Email ads@torres.news

Torres News

SPORT 13

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2023

AFL QLD Hall of Fame honours for Peter Ware

BY DARREN MONCRIEFF The Ware family name lives strong in Torres Strait Island rugby league, but that name also lives long in the memory of Aussie rules fans in Western Australia.

Now it will live forever in the AFL Queensland Football Hall of Fame, after Peter Ware joined several other Queensland footballers inducted into the Hall of Fame.

They included those who won multiple AFL premierships, Brownlow Medals, played representative football, flew the Maroon colours in other states and whose off-field contribution to the game spanned decades.

“The first I heard about it I was shocked, I couldn’t believe it,” Peter said from Perth after the ceremony in Cairns last weekend.

“I only just came over (to WA) to have a game, to have a go, so this was quite a surprise, a good surprise.

“It is a great honour to be a Torres Strait Islander in the Hall of Fame.

“It’s a good feeling.”

Peter spent his first five years on Waiben before his family moved to the Gulf of Carpentaria, then later to Cairns.

In Cairns as one of 11 siblings, Peter grew up playing rugby league on Saturdays and Aussie rules football on Sundays.

He later stuck with Aussie rules and became good at it.

“Well, I think I favoured Aussie rules more because it was just the running, the way the game is played,” he said.

“Rugby league is awesome, too, of course, and because I also played Aussie rules I was the designated kicker (when playing rugby league); I played inside centre for the Cairns Kangaroos.

“I mean if Wayne Bennett had come to Cairns and asked me, it would have been a different story, but I went the other way.”

Peter left Cairns for faraway Perth in 1982, with not much of an idea of what was in store after he was invited to play for West Australian Football League club Swan Districts – a club that shared the name and black-and-white colours of the native swan found on the Swan River, which runs through Perth.

The football Swans were on the verge of a golden run when Peter arrived.

From 1982–1984, the club won a hat-trick of WAFL premierships.

Peter missed the 1982 grand final when his team beat the previous year’s premiers Claremont.

But in the 1983 season, Peter was a standout player in a side packed with standout players.

He was blessed with pace and in the 22 games he played, he polled 12 Sandover Medal votes (the WAFL fairest-and-best) and was an automatic selection for the 1983 grand final in which the Swans again defeated Claremont.

In the next season, Peter again played 22 games but this time he missed selection due to injury.

Swans defeated East Fremantle in that year’s grand final.

In a stellar career Peter would go on to play 132 WAFL games for Swan Districts from 1982–1990, which included games against VFL clubs Richmond (1982) and Fitzroy (1985) in the old National Football Championships (the WAFL vs. SANFL vs. VFL series), and one game for WA against South Australia in Adelaide in 1984.

“Swan Districts was a real ‘workers’ club, they always looked after you,” Peter said.

“They were really all

down-to-earth, real friendly and welcoming.”

These days, Peter is a regular at Swans’ WAFL home games at Bassendean Oval, the club’s base.

“Every home game, I go to watch them,” he said.

He says he was often approached by fans who remembered him and the terrific football he played in the 1980s.

“All the time,” he said about older fans coming up to him to say hello.

“They’ll say, ‘Hey, Ware-y, good to see you!’ and will give me a hug and so I take the time out to talk with them.”

Peter still has family in the Torres Straits, with one of his sisters living on Moa Island.

ABOVE: Peter Ware was inducted into the AFL Queensland Football Hall of Fame last Saturday night in Cairns.

LEFT: Peter Ware in full flight playing for Swan Districts in the WAFL in the 1980s.

Pics Supplied.

School attendance rules for AFL on Moa and Mabuiag After two full days of in-school Aussie rules footy last week, students from St Paul’s and Kubin primary schools put their football skills to the test at the first-ever Moa Island AFL Gala Day run by the AFL Cape York game development team.

The big event was held at Tagai State College St Paul’s Campus in which students in Years 4,5 and 6 learnt about AFL talent pathways, participated in training and played their first full game.

All up, 30 boys and girls between the school campuses took part and, to keep them going throughout the day, were provided with lunch and healthy snacks – thanks to the team at CEQ/IBIS. “This was all about encouraging positive behaviours, trying something new and building relationships between the two school campuses,” AFL Cape York development coordinator Kieran Sciberras said.

“Moa is one of the only islands in the Torres Strait where two primary school campuses are within driving distance of each other so being able to use AFL to foster healthy relationships between the two communities is a win-win.”

Arashi Baira-Bodin (Kubin) and Maylien Mene (St Paul’s) won the day’s Most Valuable Player awards for their attitude on and off the field and for their outstanding skills on the field.

Every student that took part also displayed AFL Cape York’s values of Pride, Responsibility and Respect and were presented their match-day uniforms to keep.

Outer Islands programs continue Last Friday, the game development team travelled to Mabuiag to run its in-school sports education program, and present AFL-themed prizes to young people who were meeting school attendance and behaviour goals.

Moa Island.

Mabuiag Island.

Moa Island.

Moa Island.

The CEQ/IBIS team with Kieran (right) on Moa Island.

Pics supplied

by AFL Cape York.

At the end of the program, footballs and goal-posts were left with the school so that young people on the island can keep on playing footy until the team next visits.

This week, the AFL Cape York team went to Boigu and Saibai islands. *The Outer Islands AFL game development program is made possible with thanks to Tagai State College, Torres Strait Youth & Recreational Sporting Association and Nautilus Aviation.

14 SPORT

THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

2023 QRL season ‘outstanding’ All-Stars in Townsville

BY ALF WILSON

The Strait Stars, who were also nominated at the NATSIAs. See page 16 for more N STORY AND PIC

BY ALF WILSON Players and clubs from the Torres Strait, NPA and Cape York have distinguished themselves in the highlights of a successful 2023 QRL season, QRL Northern Region Manager Renae Kunst says.

“Across all age groups, and most pleasingly among volunteers, footy in the North is in the best shape yet – and it’s only going to get better,” she said.

“These selfless people who turn up week after week, some day after day even, are the backbone of our game and it places us in great stead to build on what we’ve already achieved in participation.

“We can’t leave it to the same people all the time.”

Renae said the RISE development camp on Waiben was one of the main highlights.

“It’s hard to put into words all the highlights from around the region in 2023, but one big one has been the steps forward made in remote areas,” she said.

“This ranged from the return of competitions in the Northern

Peninsula Area and Gulf districts, to the RISE player development camp held on Thursday Island, the Torres Strait outer islands tour and our season-opening administration conference on Thursday Island.

“The Remote Areas Forum held in Cairns recently gave us a chance to reflect on 2023, acknowledging the impact rugby league has on our diverse communities, where the game is part and parcel of their identity.”

She said the QRL national winner of the Community Club of the Year – Waiben’s Zenadth Kes Junior Rugby League Club – was a beacon “for what can be achieved when dedicated people and communities are equipped with the tools to tick all the boxes so the game can operate safely, generating wonderful social outcomes”.

“Thankfully, there are a bundle of resources out there providing guidance for a number of roles, especially those fulfilling committee positions, so there’s no need to be daunted,” she said.

During the 2023 season, two Torres Strait junior sides – the Zenadth Kes Stingers and Strait Stars – were amongst more than

70 junior teams which competed at the prestigious Laurie Spina carnival in Townsville.

They both performed well and the Strait Stars – comprising of players from the middle and outer islands – was one of eight teams selected to play game at Queensland’s Country Bank Stadium as a curtain raiser to a Cowboys game.

Coach of that team was former Melbourne Storm NRL player, now Mabuiag-based, Sam Joe, who was a prime mover behind the formation of an Outer Islands Junior comp for next season.

Renae also said more volunteers were required for the booming female competitions around NQ. “The growth in this space has been outstanding, but they need every bit of support to get on the field,” she said.

Another big win across the board was having so many carnivals after the official NRL season such as in Mackay, Townsville, Gordonvale and at Bamaga.

The NPARL club competition at Bamaga which featured four strong teams was another big positive for the region.

Wildcats continue good form

BY VELMA GARA Perth Wildcats continued their good form with a convincing win over the NBL23 grand finalists, New Zealand Breakers, 9476 last Friday night.

In the first quarter Perth scored 34 points, which the Breakers couldn’t match, as they only managed 17 points.

From there on, it was catch-up basketball for the visitors at the RAC Arena.

Centre, Keanu Pinder, had 21 points and six rebounds, including two 3-pointers.

Breakers guard, Will McDowell-White, who came off the bench, had five points and six assists.

Taipans struggle From the west to east, Cairns Taipans

Keanu scores against the Breakers on Friday night. Pic courtesy of Perth Wildcats. had to win their game against Illawarra Hawks after suffering two straight losses.

Cairns got the home

win, 81-71, but it was a close game.

Down by five points at half time, Taipans rallied in the third and

was up by one, 56-55, going into the final quarter.

They outscored the Hawks by nine points and got the win.

Head Coach Adam Forde said it wasn’t the prettiest game.

“I’m not going to sit here and pretend like this improved our offensive rating – it did not,” he said.

“But the desire to win, that’s the separator.

“And when you’ve got someone like Tahj who leads and captains this team and sets the example – guys naturally follow.”

Cairns will play Perth tonight before returning to Far North Queensland to play against Tasmania Jackjumpers on Saturday afternoon for their their Indigenous Round game.

Rugby league fans in north Queensland will get another chance to see the Indigenous All-Stars when the pre-season game with the Maori All-Stars returns to Townsville in February next year.

It is expected there will be several Torres Strait Islander players in the respective Indigenous All-Stars men’s and women’s teams at Townsville Stadium.

They would include Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Reuben Cotter, Alex Johnston, Ezra Mam and David Fifita.

Newcastle Knights’ Dane Gagai has played for both teams in previous games.

When the match was last held in Townsville in 2021, hundreds of families from the Torres Strait were among the more than 20,000 people

at the game.

The game has been held early in the year since 2010.

This year it was held in February at Rotorua in New Zealand for the first time.

Tahlulah Tillett, Sareka Mooka, Essay Banu and Jasmine Peters were among the touring Indigenous All-Stars team in that game, and expected to line up again, along with Cowboys co-captain Tallisha Harden in what will be a strong team.

“After a successful match in New Zealand in 2023, the All-Stars return to Townsville to kick off the 2024 season,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said.

“There is no better way to celebrate the start of our season.”

For those who can’t get to the match, the games will be broadcast live on the Nine Network and other pay-TV providers on Friday 16 February.

Tahlulah Tillett, Jasmine Peters, Sareka Mooka & Essay Banu played for the All-Stars at Rotorua earlier this year. Pic supplied.

England an option for Brenko

BY ALF WILSON Proud Torres Strait Islander Brenko Lee may have played for his last NRL club after considering a move to England to play in the Super League Europe (SLE – formerly the English Super League).

Several SLE clubs, including the London Broncos, have been chasing the star centre, who played with six NRL clubs since first joining the Canberra Raiders in 2014.

His other clubs were Canterbury Bulldogs, Gold Coast, Melbourne Storm, Brisbane Broncos and, finally, the Dolphins.

Brenko played 13 games for debutants the Dolphins in 2023 and, although contracted to the club until the end of next season, was granted a release, confirmed by Dolphins boss Terry Reader.

He said Brenko would forever be a member of the club’s first squad.

“We have mutually agreed with his management to a release from the final year of his

contract and wish him the best of luck in the next stage of his career,” Reader said.

“He was especially important in that first half of the season as we were establishing the way the Dolphins wanted to play.

“Brenko will always be remembered as a foundation player who was part of that spectacular round 1 win over the Roosters.”

In 2020, Brenko played for Queensland in one State of Origin game, and in the

same season won a premiership ring with the Melbourne Storm.

“I have achieved a lot within the NRL,” he said. “I won a grand final and State of Origin series along with being one of the inaugural Dolphins players, all of which I am proud of.

“I am looking for a new challenge and [the SLE] is something I have always wanted to test.”

Over the years Brenko has played several rugby league carnivals with distinction.

Brenko Lee played for the Queensland Maroons in 2020. Pic courtesy of QRL.

SPORT 15

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2023

Students play for Goannas winning rugby league side

The far north Queensland contingent of the Goannas team.

Three students from Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh played at the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League National Championships on the NSW Central Coast, returning as champions in September this year.

Dewron Aitken, Stanpele Warusam and Tom Gagai were part of the First Nations Goannas team, an invitational side made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from all over Australia.

The team provided students from regional and remote communities a ‘fair go’ at playing representative sport and showcasing their talent on the big stage.

The trio represented Tagai State College proudly and positively throughout the entire experience, and each of the boys proved they had the skills and talent to play at that level.

The boy’s performance had many spectators wondering where they were from, and how they were so good at rugby league.

The Goannas had dominant results throughout the pool stages: • Game 1: Goannas 46 def. 6 Northern Territory; • Game 2: Goannas 30 def. 6 Victoria; • Game 3: Goannas 40 def. 6 Western Australia.

Goannas captain leading the team in dance. championships, 20-16.

The local trio learned a lot about rugby league, the expectations and effort it takes to succeed in a professional sporting environment and, just as importantly, a lot about themselves as players.

They made new friendships and strong connections with fellow young mob from all over the country, as well as experiencing the fun stuff like surfing, zoos, escape rooms, and other activities.

The young group were welcomed to Dhungatti country

by Elders through a traditional smoking ceremony and they also got to meet and interact with current and former rugby league players including Tristan Reilly, Dean Widders and Timana Tahu.

Tom Gagai, Dewron Aitken & Stanpele Warusam represented the Goannas, Tagai State College, their community & families with pride at the national championships. Pics suppliled.

The grand final, however, proved to be the biggest challenge.

The game was a re-match with Western Australia, and it was the best of the entire carnival.

WA put points on the board early and with eight minutes left on the clock led 16-8.

But the Goannas rallied and scored back-to-back tries that

sent the game into golden-point extra-time.

Carrying this momentum with them, the Goannas put in strong yardage sets and forced a knock-on on the opposition try line, after which they crossed the line but it was called held-up.

In the very next play, however, they went over, scored the try, and won the

*None of this would have been possible without the support of Torres Shire Council. We greatly appreciate your support for our students at Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh and enabling them to participate in the carnival. This goes a long way into building more respect and recognition of the talent that exists in the Torres Strait at a schoolboy level. Extra thank you to Alex Blanco, Sports and Recreation Officer from Torres Shire Council, we are forever grateful for your hard work behind the scenes to put this all together.

Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh – Rugby League vs NPA SC To round off school rugby league for 2023, two boy’s and girl’s under-15 and under-18 sides went to Bamaga to play Northern Peninsula Area State College last month.

All players were great ambassadors for the school on and off the field, demonstrating the school values of proud, respectful, responsible and safe.

The under-18 boy’s game started with an early turnover off the kick-off in favour of NPA SC. The next set, NPA SC showed some excellent catch and pass skills to put their winger over for a try in the corner.

From the next kick-off NPA

SC looked dangerous with ball in hand, and managed to get a repeat set.

Just as NPA SC spread the ball wide again, an intercept by fullback Conwell Sailor got Tagai onto the front foot, and out of trouble.

From this moment onwards, it would be one-way traffic.

Tagai SC’s Josh MosbyNadredre, Lormont Rattler, Rob Nona and Zahdein Pearson-Bowie controlled the game with excellent ballcarrying through the middle and were tireless in defence.

Dummy-half Terence Mosby benefitted the most off the platform given by the middles, skipping out of dummy-half to score and

set-up a number of tries throughout the game.

The Tagai team won 66-4 and played with attacking and defensive structures and stuck to the gameplan worked on at training, that saw halves pairing Ezzy Gibuma, Billo Nona and fullback Conwell Sailor steering the team around the field.

Despite the scoreline, NPA SC put in some bruising defence, scrambled well to stop tries, and threw everything they had in attack.

Man of the Match: Terence Mosby The Tagai SC under-18 boy’s team finish the 2023 football season undefeated, and with 12 players selected into the Torres District side.

*A massive thank you to Matt Arkell – school sports coordinator for hosting the event and giving our students more opportunities to showcase their talent. Also to Liz Hosea who volunteered to be our league safe on the day, we really appreciate your support for our rugby league teams. *Thank you to Terence Yusia and Thomas Fujii who have helped our open boys in a variety of ways throughout the year. The boys really have appreciated the support and belief you have showed in them.

We wish our departing Year 12 rugby league players all the best in their future sporting journey and encourage them all to keep playing rugby league! They definitely have the talent.

TN0230 8x2 local sports

The Goannas’ Dewron Aitken leaps high for the ball against WA.

Looking for more local sport?

We’re happy to run it if we have it!

Darts, ballgames, water sports, athletics ... whatever your game is, we’re keen!

Send us your pic of the week, fixtures or finals results by noon on Monday!  EMAIL: editor@torres.news

THURSDAY ISLAND / SEISIA

FERRY SCHEDULE OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2023 Monday / Wednesday & Friday THURSDAY ISLAND to SEISIA: Depart 6.30AM & 2.30PM SEISIA to THURSDAY ISLAND: Depart 8AM & 4PM

“Linking the Cape with the Torres Strait”

Boarding strictly 15 mins prior to departure

PHONE 07 4069 1551

RESERVATIONS ESSENTIAL – TICKET ONLINE www.peddellsferry.com.au • Passengers please pre-ticket – online, agents (or by phone: booking and change of booking fees now apply) Concession fares available, conditions apply OFFICE HOURS MON–FRI, 9am–12noon & 12.30–2.30pm Office closed weekends and PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. LUGGAGE – Passengers are required to take their luggage directly to the ferry with them at boarding time (1 piece under 20 kg, excess charges otherwise apply) FREIGHT – Items under 20 kg carried, conditions apply.

Please note freight may be delivered 1.30pm to 2pm to travel on the 2.30pm TI-Seisia Service or at other times delivered directly to the vessel and pre paid.

The Jetty Shop & Office, Engineers Jetty, Thursday Is.

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

16

THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2023

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

Ailan wins in national sports awards it was a great thing to be part of, and for our organisation to be recognised on the big stage.

“It means a lot.

“All of us board members try to do as much volunteering as we can and each of us are involved in our communities.

“I do this for sport and passion.

“I have kids growing up playing sports and myself playing sports and all our family, that’s the passion and we try and get everybody participating in sport in our community and just be involved.

“For us, we want to thank everyone, to those who nominated us, and going back home, to our major funding body, the Torres Strait Regional Authority, so I wanted to pay recognition to them for their support for us.”

The NATSIA ceremony was revived this year after a 20-year hiatus.

The event was last held in Adelaide in 2003.

Organisers plan to hold it each year.

BY DARREN MONCRIEFF Torres Strait Youth Sports & Recreation Association (TSYSRA) and the Patty Mills-inspired National Indigenous Basketball Tournament (NIBT) were among the big winners at the 2023 National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards (NATSIA) ceremony in Naarm last weekend.

TSYRSA won the Community Organisation of the Year award and NIBT was named Sports Competition of the Year.

The Torres Strait was well represented in other areas at the awards with Johnny Mosby (Senior Sportsperson of the Year), Strait Stars (Team of the Year), Deeanna Mosby (Coach of the Year) and Patty Mills (Sportsperson of the Year) also nominated.

TSYRA’s William McKeown and Peter Mills, and Patty’s parents Benny and Yvonne Mills were on hand to receive the awards at the ceremony.

Peter Mills & William McKeown on stage with Simon Flagg from the Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative.

They were joined by about 500 guests from around the country at the event held at the Olympic Room, up high in the iconic MCG. TSYSRA vice-president William said he was honoured.

region,” he said.

“This was the first time we’ve ever had this happen and to be sitting in a room with Indigenous legends around like Cathy Freeman, Dean Widders and George Rose,

“We are certainly honoured to receive a national award like this for our organisation and just to be part of everything of what we do in our community, supporting sports and recreation throughout our

2023 NATSISA WINNERS: Volunteer of the Year: Jenny Pryor (Bindal Sharks United Rugby League Club) Community Organisation of the Year: Torres Strait Youth & Recreation Sporting Association Sports Team of the Year: Walgett Aboriginal Connection (Koori Knockout) Sportsperson with a Disability of the Year: Amanda Reid Sports Official of the Year: Jacqui Dover (WNBL, NBL referee) Media Representative: Jake Duke (Fox Sports) Coach of the Year: Ron Griffiths (Indigenous All-Stars, Newcastle Knights NRLW) Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Jesse-May Hall (basketball) Competition of the Year: National Indigenous Basketball Tournament Sportsperson of the Year: Ash Gardner (international and domestic cricketer) Yvonne and Benny Mills were on hand to receive the Sports Competition of the Year award for the National Indigenous Basketball Tournament created by their son, NBA star Patty Mills. Pics: TS Garvie Photography.

Senior (Elder) Sportsperson of the Year: Aunty Pam Pedersen (long-distance running) Lifetime Achievement Award: Cathy Freeman (athletics) Trailblazer Award: Uncle Kevin Coombes.

k Chec r ou out ing z ama

’s L A C LO LY K E E W DEAL

TI CAR HIRE  BOOK ONLINE www.ticarhire.com.au  info@ticarhire.com.au

0400 409 572 Deal not available for online bookings and subject to availability.



Book and pay for a car and get 2 DAYS FREE! that’s fantastic value!