Torres News_Edition 108_23 November 2023

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

Thursday, 23 November 2023 Cape York homelands of the Anggamuthi, Atambaya, Wuthathi, Yadhaykenu and Gudang Peoples.

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2023 Year 12 graduates ready for the world!

They cried, they laughed, they have worked hard and now they get to show the world what they are made of, as this year’s seniors said ‘goodbye’ to their high school years in style at Saturday night’s Tagai State College Secondary Campus Formal.

The event was their own celebration night in recognition of 12 years of schooling, on the heels of their presentation night last Thursday and graduation on Friday.

Speakers and performers on the night included Credence Maloney and Courtney Morseu, along with the Kaziw Meta Dance Team and a well-known song from Mr Wylie.

Jerome Holland and Gracie Genai (pictured) were just two of nearly 40 young men and women who took pics down on the waterfront and Rose Hill before heading up to the school’s Multipurpose Courts for the big event.

Congratulations Year 12s!

See more pics on PAGES 14 & 15 N

Waiben outbreak prompts warning to parents Children and young people between the ages of 12 months and 17 years on Thursday Island have been urged to undertake a course of antibiotics to protect them from a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that can lead to kidney disease if left untreated.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Public Health Medical Officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said eight cases of Acute Post-Streptococcal

Glomerulonephritis (APSGN) had been confirmed to date in the community.

“The last outbreaks of APSGN on Thursday Island and in the Torres Strait (Saibai Island) were in 2013,” she said.

“There are about 1000 children and young people in that 12 months to 17 years age group on Thursday Island.”

Dr Hempenstall said the most atrisk group for APSGN was children

and young people aged between the ages of 12 months and 17 years.

“As such, we will be offering a course of antibiotics to everyone on Thursday Island within that age group in order to minimise the spread of the condition,’’ she said.

Dr Hempenstall said, if untreated, APSGN could lead to more serious problems such as chronic kidney problems, so the condition should never be ignored.

“Treatment is quite simple,

through a course of antibiotics,’’ Dr Hempenstall said.

“Most people make a good recovery.’’

Symptoms to look out for are skin sores, itch from scabies, or a sore throat.

A puffy face and limbs, or sometimes reddish to dark urine, could signal kidney problems.

“Anyone with any concerns, or currently exhibiting symptoms, should visit their local primary

health care centre or Thursday Island Hospital,’’ she said.

Dr Hempenstall said residents could prevent skin infections, and kidney complications, in children by first aid for minor injuries and regular washing or swimming.

“As well as controlling the spread of skin infections, good hygiene also is vital in helping ensure kidney complications do not occur in the first place,’’ Dr Hempenstall said.

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THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

T’Kido wins 2023 AMA scholarship A medical student who hopes to establish his own healthcare service in the Torres Strait has received a 2023 Australian Medical Association (AMA) Indigenous Medical Scholarship.

T’Kido Titasey grew up on Waiben – Thursday Island where he observed widespread health disparities due to a lack of access to culturally appropriate healthcare.

He said he was planning on a return to the Torres Strait following his studies to help address those

AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship recipient T’kido Titasey hopes to return home following his studies to address widespread health inequalities in his community. Pic supplied. issues by establishing his own health service or charitable foundation.

“As a child growing

up on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait the longstanding inequalities in access to culturally

safe healthcare was normalised,” T’kido said.

“My drive is to go back to my community to address those health issues and hopefully make a difference.”

AMA President Professor Steve Robson presented the scholarship to T’kido in Brisbane last week.

“I have been struck

by T’kido’s profound sense of community and desire to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Professor Robson said.

“Initiatives like the AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship are so important to help grow the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce, which we hope will lead to improved equity and access, creating better health outcomes for their communities.”

A second AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship recipient will be announced in early 2024.

Applications are now open for the 2024 AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship. Established in 1994, the scholarship contributes to growing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors by supporting First Nations people who are studying a medical degree at an Australian university.

The value of the scholarship is currently $11,000 per annum.

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Slick marketing campaigns targeting specific days called ‘Black Friday’ and ‘Cyber Monday’ with sales are back, and this year they come with a new warning.

RMIT University Finance Associate Professor Dr Angel Zong warned people not to let the excitement of ‘sale days’ blind them to potential scams.

“While Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales encourage spending for their perceived savings, they are also a money-making opportunity for scammers,” Dr Zong said.

“Increasing cybersecurity breaches and scams mean people need to be extremely cautious of the authenticity of marketing over email and text.

“To avoid falling victim to a sales scam, it’s important to verify the authenticity of online deals, avoid clicking suspicious links, and always doublecheck the website’s link.

“Be cautious of unsolicited emails or texts claiming unbelievable discounts. Stick to reputable retailers and always check for secure payment options.

“In addition to the newer threats, people should continue to be wary of sales tactics businesses continue to use to lure buyers into a sale that is too good to be true.

“Pay attention to deals labelled with a huge discount, as there are normally other tricks to the advertised deal, such as having to buy more to get the sale price or terms and conditions voiding return and refunds.

“Watch out for the perceived generosity of Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) schemes.

“BNPL can add up if used on multiple purchases and may give people an extra debt hangover.

“Steep late payment fees are also a risk of BNPL if not paid on time.

“Sales are all around us, all the time, and the big hype around Black Friday and Cyber Monday is designed to make consumers think they’ll never get as good a deal again and that they may miss out if they don’t buy anything.

“It’s important to assess your own financial situation, consider what you need and budget accordingly to ensure your short-term sales excitement doesn’t turn into long-term financial pain.”

NEWS 03

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2023

Hostels celebrate 50 years of great service

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.

Elders at the Elders table included Cessa Nakata, Nazareth Adidi, Selon Namok & Abigail Harry.

STORY AND PICS

BY CARLI WILLIS Elders, government dignitaries and school students celebrated 50 years of Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) on Waiben in a night of cultural dance, kaikai and stories last week.

In the Torres Strait, Cannon Boggo Pilot Hostel and Jumula Dubbins Hostel come under the AHL banner.

AHL provide accommodation for First Nations people who need to travel, relocate or be away from home to access economic opportunities.

On Waiben the hostels have helped many young Zenadth Kes students access schooling away from their island homes.

Mabuiag-based parent Frank Whap said his daughter attended Cannon Boggo on Waiben.

He said it was extremely difficult to be away from her, but staff had gone over and above to keep them connected to their daughter.

“It’s really a big step for parents, for our children to be away from home, and studying hard to achieve all that,” he said.

“I thank the Lord for all of this wisdom, knowledge and understanding.”

Mawai Whap’s mum Mary Whap said they couldn’t be prouder of her, not only for overcoming the loneliness of leaving her home and staying at Cannon Boggo, but for graduating with recognition.

“I remember that time when Mawai walked in Year 7 and now she is graduating from this hostel,” she said.

“I don’t know what to say.

“I’m so proud.”

Cannon Boggo Pilot Hostel Head of Boarding Irene Laifoo said hostels were critical to remote First Nations communities.

“Not only have I worked here, but also in the Northern Territory and boarding schools similar but much, much larger,” she said.

“I’ve seen quite a few cohorts come through from Year 7 to Year 12 and graduate with jobs.

“Now their children have come into my care, that’s an amazing feeling.”

In July, the Australian

Government committed an additional $20.8 million over two years to AHL. Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney said the funds would go toward making improvements to services, such as meals, repairs, maintenance and capital works.

“AHL is a First Nations organisation formed by, and for, First Nations people and continues to provide a vital service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians,” she said.

“I recognise and thank the AHL’s dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly to provide care, support and shelter for thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people while they’re away from home.”

Young women enjoying the Hostel event on Waiben.

AHL CEO Dave Chalmers & Elder Selin David cut the cake.

ABOVE: Jimmy Luffman, Elsie Dorante & Shakayah Dorante.

LEFT: Sarah Whap & Irene Laifoo.

BELOW: Island Stars Dancers.

Wisdom of Our Elders

Exhibition now showing in the Ephraim Bani Gallery Wisdom of Our Elders supports the 2023 NAIDOC Theme; For Our Elders by capturing Kaiwalagal region Elders and their words of wisdom.

Artist Credit: © Jimmi K Thaiday, 2023

For more information about the Wisdom of Our Elders exhibition, please contact: 07 4069 0888 | info@gabtitui.gov.au www.gabtitui.gov.au

Seated are Mrs Mary Whap, daughter Mawai Whap & Mr Frank Whap. Mr & Mrs Whap are proud of Mawai, who has graduated from high school this year.

04 NEWS

THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

Waiben White Ribbon Day: cause for a pause in thinking Waiben hosted a White Ribbon day event last Friday as results from a nationally representative survey released by national organisers revealed more than half of Australian men didn’t “know where to start” in preventing violence against women.

White Ribbon Australia – the nation’s largest movement to

prevent men’s violence against women – said the results of the new study showed there was no good reason to think enough had been done to combat the issue.

The results indicated Australian men were shockingly reticent to take action.

They said while 86 per cent of the men surveyed acknowledged they played a critical

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role in the prevention of violence against women, a mere six per cent had actively helped (via monetary donations, volunteering time, self educating self or otherwise).

The study also revealed: • Compared to more visceral forms of violence, those surveyed struggled to identify social and psychological violence as part of the issue. Only 25 per cent considered “Reducing agency” to be a form of violence against women.

“Love bombing” (30 per cent), “Coercion” (60 per cent), “Disrespect” (64 per cent) and “Shaming” (69 per cent) all tracked well behind physical forms of violence against women.

• More than half of the men surveyed (56 per cent) said they did not understand their role in preventing violence against women.

• Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of the men surveyed believed that “not being an offender” was doing enough to help end violence against women.

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

The White Ribbon event on Waiben. Pics supplied.

RAATSIC facilitates new Escaping Violence Payment

HAVE YOUR SAY THURSDAY ISLAND COMMUNITY HUB DRAFT LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN To progress the proposed development of the Thursday Island Community Hub, a Land Management Plan has been prepared in accordance with the Land Act 1994.

Any person may make a submission to Torres Shire Council on the draft Land Management Plan during the following submission period:

Tuesday 14 November 2023 to Friday 22 December 2023 A copy of the draft Land Management Plan is available on Council’s website at www.torres.qld.gov.au and at the Torres Shire Council office located at 68 Douglas Street, Thursday Island.

For further information please contact Phil Turner, Director, Governance & Planning Services, Torres Shire Council on 07 4083 1200 or via email phil.turner@torres.qld.gov.au.

RAATSIC staff who work hard to provide human services throughout the Cape and Torres Strait. Pic supplied.

BY CHRISTINE HOWES Cairns-based RAATSIC (Remote Area Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Child Care) Advisory Association has added a trial delivery of a new Escaping Violence Payment on offer from the Australian Government to their services.

Manager Larissa Walker said delivery of the program extended across the Cape and into the Torres Strait.

“This is a short-term, non-intensive program that provides financial assistance packages of up to $5000 to people – male or female – who have experienced intimate partner violence,” she said.

“Not family violence, not community violence, we look at intimate partner violence as romantic relationships and it’s a complimentary

service, not a crisis service.

“So you don’t call us for immediate evacuation, you can apply through us or we are linked to DV and support services who are already working with individuals. They can do an application so they don’t have to re-tell their story to us again – police or justice services, DV shelters, family support and those types of services can do a support service application.”

She said the package consisted of up to $1500 cash and $3500 for goods and services such as removalists, bond, travel, medical expenses, temporary accommodation, bills or material aids such as white goods.

“It’s an individual package,” she said.

She said the easiest way to find out about it was to go to the RAATSIC website (www.raatsic.org.au) or call the EVP team directly on 1300 605 092.

NEWS 05

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2023

CSIRO research study launched from Waiben CSIRO held a celebration on Waiben-Thursday Island to mark the milestone 35th annual tropical rock lobster population survey in the Torres Strait last week.

They were also about to embark on a new research project to provide vital information into the impacts of climate change on key fisheries in the Torres Strait, such as the tropical rock lobster (Kaiar), sea cucumber (Aber) and finfish.

CSIRO senior principal research scientist and project lead of the Torres Strait tropical rock lobster survey, Dr Eva Plaganyi, said the tropical rock lobster fishery was economically the most important fishery for Torres Strait Islanders and supported the livelihoods of hundreds of fishers.

“Although the lobster surveys show the fishery is naturally highly variable, climate change is causing this variability to become even more extreme in some years and there are increasing impacts on lobsters and habitat,” Dr Plaganyi said.

“The variability means the numbers of lobsters available

and collaboration between CSIRO and stakeholders in the Torres Strait.”

As part of the project, researchers would collect oceanographic data to inform a 3-dimensional ocean model able to generate additional oceanographic data, based on different climate change scenarios.

The meeting on Waiben. Pic supplied.

The climate scenarios would feed into an integrated ocean temperatures, more lobster in the Torres Strait to be caught sustainably by regional climate driver – ecological model known as namely the switch from La acidic waters, changes in the fishery can double or varied in recent years due to MICE (Model of Intermediate Niña to El Niño. halve from one year to the ocean circulation, and more COVID, and reached $16.03 Complexity for Ecosystem next. intense rainfall patterns are million for the 2021-22 Research has suggested assessment) to estimate fishing season, with China and expected to have both direct previously strong El Niño “The survey data are climate change impacts on and indirect impacts on the the United States making up led to poor subsequent rapidly processed and selected fisheries and species. abundance, distribution, the primary markets. recruitment and catches of analysed to help inform the The model results were growth, reproductive capacity, lobsters in Torres Strait. setting of a Total Allowable CSIRO senior research presented to stakeholders and phenology of key species for discussion and coCatch each year. scientist and project lead of The total catch of tropical in these fisheries,” Dr Blamey development of adaptation the new project Modelling rock lobster has fluctuated “The survey is a way to climate change impacts on key said. between 132 tonnes and accurately track ecosystem strategies via workshops.

“Understanding the nature fisheries in the Torres Strait 917 tonnes per year for the health, which is important The Torres Strait tropical and extent of climate change Australian sectors in the to co-develop adaptation given emerging impacts rock lobster population Torres Strait over the past four and mitigation strategies, Dr impacts on fisheries, and and changes due to climate surveys were funded by decades. their socio-economic and Laura Blamey, said fisheries change, and this improved the Australian Fisheries livelihood consequences understanding helps inform According to the Australian in the Torres Strait played a Management Authority and will help stakeholders better vital role in supporting the the science underpinning all Bureau of Agricultural and CSIRO, while the new project manage risks and adapt. lifestyles, livelihoods, and lobster fisheries.”

Resource Economics and Modelling climate change Sciences (ABARES) Fishery economic activities of the “This project is only The results of this year’s impacts on key fisheries in the Status Reports 2023, the total region, but were increasingly possible given the long time survey were expected to be Torres Strait to co-develop catch for the 2021–22 fishing threatened by the effects of series of data available for available next month and adaptation and mitigation climate change. season was 290.3 tonnes. some of the key species, such strategies was funded by should provide important as tropical rock lobster, and “Rising sea levels, Real gross value of insight into the effects of a the Torres Strait Regional the long history of research Authority (TSRA) and CSIRO. warmer atmospheric and production of tropical rock large-scale change in a key

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

06 CLIMATE CHANGE NEWS

THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

Climate change case update At the MOU Signing ceremony: Leah Armstrong, Chairperson, First Australians Capital; Ernie Daniels, President & CEO, First Nations Finance Authority; Harold Calla, Executive Chair, First Nations Financial Management Board; Prof. Peter Yu, Vice President First Nations, Australian National University; Jamie Lowe, CEO National Native Title Council & Joe Morrison, Group CEO, Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation. Pic supplied.

Chelsea Aniba & Lavetanalagi Seru join Uncle Paul at Federal Court in Melbourne for expert evidence hearings. Pic Ruby Mitchell, Grata Fund.

The Federal Court in Melbourne has heard that Australia’s GHG emissions reductions targets were too low to limit the global average temperature rise to two degrees celsius.

Climate policy expert Julia Gardiner, who is the Director of International Climate Policy and Negotiations at the Federal Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, presented the court with several reports supporting their thesis on Monday, after the Court heard from coastal engineer Stuart Bettington on Friday last week. Mr Bettington was involved in various seawall projects in the Torres Strait, including the design of the 2017 seawall on Saibai Island.

He said budgetary constraints played a significant role in the seawall design projects on multiple islands and noted less robust

design options were chosen, citing budgetary constraints on Warraber Island as an example.

“The decision to go geobag was entirely driven by financial constraints,” he told the Court.

The previous day witnesses had discussed the seawall on Boigu and how it was insufficient to protect the community from future inundation.

In a discussion of a 100-yearflood in 2050 on Boigu, Government witnesses Dr Matthew Barnes and Dr Bruce Harper agreed the seawall on its own was “not going to restrict flooding.” Mr Bettington also said communities in the Torres Strait had already adapted to increased inundation and erosion by, “elevating housing on stilts, not leaving valuable things on the ground” and “not wasting time planting fancy gardens”.

More next week J

Canada/Aus finance institutions sign MOU A unique international agreement between key Indigenous-led organisations in Australia and Canada was signed in Gatineau, southwestern Quebec, last Thursday.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) addressed ongoing issues of the exclusion and marginalisation of Indigenous peoples from economic opportunities in both countries.

It prioritised Indigenous collaboration and diplomacy.

Signatories included Canadian First Nations financial institutions – the First Nations Financial Management Board and the First Nations Finance Authority – and Australian Indigenous-led organisations – the Australian National University’s First Nations Portfolio, First Australians Capital, The Indigenous Land and Sea

Corporation, and the National Native Title Council.

Described as a historic move, the agreement encouraged closer ties between First Nations organisations committed to advancing economic reconciliation.

First Australians Capital Chairperson Leah Armstrong, said they were excited about creating a new economy driven by First Australians and the opportunity for global collaborations facilitated by the MOU. Indigenous Land & Sea Corporation (ILSC) CEO Joe Morrison said they were committed to achieving selfdetermination through collective partnership.

Canada’s First Nations Financial Management Board executive chair, Harold Calla, said there were similarities in the histories of the two countries

and potential for collaboration in business opportunities, economic development and cultural preservation.

“The MOU signifies an important step in the expanding relationship with First Nations partners in Australia,” he said.

“Our connections have grown in recent years and this agreement reflects our shared awareness of the benefits greater collaboration will yield in business opportunities, economic development, and the preservation of cultural assets.

“We still have much to learn from each other.

“In recent years, we’ve strengthened our bilateral relationships and recognised the tremendous potential in sharing insights, experiences, and solutions.”

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TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2023

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THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

YUMI College News

TA G A I S TAT E C O L L E G E Exciting Literacy Achievements Unveiled!

This year, I am thrilled to announce and celebrate the culmination of three years dedicated to designing, piloting, trialling, and implementing Phases 1, 2, and 3 of our Literacy System.

This ground-breaking initiative is a testament to the strength of our teamwork and in just three years positions us on a trajectory to fulfill our primary purpose.

Executive Principal - Michael Ward By the time this message goes to publication, we will have only one week left in the 2023 school year. School breaks up on Friday 1st December and I know our college team are very busy with special events, finalising the learning program, writing reports and getting organised for next year. Please ensure your children are attending school right up to and including the last day so that we maximise learning progress at every opportunity before the long summer break.

At this time of year there are always many farewells. I would like to publicly thank all staff moving on from the college to new places and new challenges. I know they will be recognised in their respective campus communities with the It care brings immense joy to share andme gratitude that only the YUMIwith way the can Torres community the remarkable deliverNews so well.

I could mention many names but strides we’ve made in advancing in the interest of limited space here,literacy I will single within theone primary of our college. out only personsector for special mention.

Our purpose statement is to: Provide students with a supportive, equitable, 21st Century learning environment, so they speak, read and write Standard Australian English proficiently in primary school, enriching cultural identity in preparation to achieve our Service Commitment in secondary.

100% of our students achieve one or more of the following when they exit Tagai to give them the best start in life after school: •

Proficiency speaking a Torres Strait Islander Language

•

Enter a university; and or

•

A clear Vocational Education and

Training (VET) pathway to employment; and or •

Direct employment; and or

•

A Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or a Queensland Certificate of individual Achievement (QCIA); and

A special commendation goes out to each contributor for the outstanding results reflected in our Systematic Synthetic Phonics data. Your collective efforts are rewriting the history of education in the Torres Strait, fostering a positive impact on the educational landscape and ensuring a brighter future for our students. Survey testimonials from our dedicated staff shed light on the transformative effects of the Systematic Synthetic Phonics approach in our classrooms: “The new direction is priceless! Very excited to be taking this journey.”

“Students are more confident, taking academic risks, and I can see an improvement in reading and spelling ability.

I think we are making progress towards closing the gap.”

Ms Tess Portelli is currently our longest serving Head of Campus, having spent ten years in the role at Iama campus. Tess will be commencing pre-retirement leave at the end of next week.

Our college family wish her all the very best for this next chapter in her life and want to recognise her long career in education, positively influencing the lives of many many children across Queensland. Tess has made a significant contribution to our college team and the Iama campus over the past decade. She goes with our love, prayers for blessings and sincere thanks.

After working with college leaders at our October forum, conducting internal reviews and fine tuning our work, I am able to confirm the College’s Explicit Improvement agenda priorities for 2024. They are: Literacy, PCL, Collaborative Planning & Pedagogy (Explicit teaching & EDI focus). State delivered kindergarten will be referenced within each of these priority areas.

The theme for 2024 is yet to be finalised by our TSIREC Partners and will be shared in due course.

Parents are reminded that school resumes in 2024 on Monday 22nd January. If you have little ones eligible for kindy or other year levels please ensure they are enrolled and ready to go on day one. Our secondary campus on Thursday Island is keen to maximise local enrolments from across the Torres Strait in association with our boarding partners at Kaziw Meta and Canon Boggo Pilot. It is important all of our young people are enrolled and engaged in learning throughout their years of compulsory schooling, so that we can support them into real-life pathways of employment, further training or university education. The secondary campus is geared up to implement a range of exciting reforms in 2024 that will ensure a relevant and engaging program is made available to the students, with new options for their respective learning pathways.

We will publish one more feature for this year here in the Torres News in two week’s time, in which I will pass on my Christmas messages and season’s greetings to the Torres Strait community.

Michael Ward, Executive Principal

Masig School Garden Opening The school captain Ivan Mosby skillfully served as the Master of Ceremony, and the event included a traditional feast and dessert, thanks to the efforts of various staff and community members.

The Masig Garden was opened on November 17, 2023, after six months of collaboration between students, staff, parents, grandparents, and community members.

The garden, named Apaw Lag, was part of a campus beautification initiative led

by Thelma Billy from it’s inception and was crafted with recycled materials.

The garden boasts a variety of vegetables, herbs, and fruits, and Mr. Michael Nai contributed by translating plant names into various languages to enrich the students’ learning experience.

The TSRA Rangers played a pivotal role in the garden’s development and generously gave away plants to families during the event, extending the beauty and benefits of the garden beyond the campus.

The collaborative spirit of the entire school community was heartwarming, and the project was a collective achievement to be proud of.

Head of School - Yolanda McLean “The cognitive planning workload was reduced in respect to planning for guided reading groups, new reading texts were far more engaging for students. Very excited that we were taking this approach and on the Science of Reading, PLD road. As a campus, our leader went over and above to make sure we were supported, whether it be resources or people. It made a huge difference, especially when starting off was a little overwhelming.”

Together, we are shaping a brighter educational future for the Torres Strait, and I am grateful for the dedication and passion each of you brings to this transformative journey.

x

09

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2023

This semester at Warraber Ngurpay Lag, our focus has been on animals and writing informative reports about them. In Gubaw, we have been honing our sentence construction skills by using proper punctuation and capitalization.

Warraber Ngurpay Lag Head of Campus Natalie Van Zyl

Kindergarten Transitions Recently, the school hosted a special event for the students to meet their 2024 teacher. This has been an important time of transition for everyone involved.

Term 3 Attendance - 46 Students Enrolled Current

70% (32 students)

Target Goal

90% (41 students daily)

Literacy It brings us immense joy to reflect on our literacy group rotations this year. Witnessing the progress of our students, from those who started with little to no reading and writing skills in January to now being able to read full sentences, has been a rewarding experience. Even our upperyear students have shown impressive improvement, and we’re proud of all the accomplishments here at Warraber Ngurpay Lag.

Our students in Peonipanaw and Dhuyum have advanced to constructing paragraphs, and have also been creating engaging multimodal presentations with the help of PowerPoint and Word.

Positive Culture for Learning Our PCL Focus of the week at Warraber Ngurpay Lag is: Being Safe: I keep my hands and feet to myself and I participate in all classroom activities.

Reading is an essential lifelong skill, necessary for most everyday activities. Reading a book, sharing the pages, looking at the pictures, and discussing what is happening in the story are some of the crucial aspects of reading.

Iama Ngurpay Lag Head of Campus Tessie Portelli Term 3 Attendance - 50 Students Enrolled Current

81% (40 students)

Target Goal

90% (45 students daily)

Our Kindergarten students enjoyed the opportunity to spend five full days at school this term. This was a great chance for them to get used to the routine and become more familiar with their surroundings.

We are thrilled to announce that our first Strait Start group will be graduating to Kindergarten in 2024.

Everyone is excited about the new classes and all the great things to come.

A big congratulations to the Iama Ngurpay Lag Readers Cup participants, To’Donika, Delanamay, and Beth. We applaud all the students who competed and extend our gratitude to the teachers and Mrs. Aki for their support.

Another critical part is QTA, i.e., questioning the author, understanding what is read, and finding answers to the questions of the reading. The students participating in the Readers Cup demonstrated their comprehension and understanding of the chapter books they had read through this methodology.

Iama brings the Readers Cup home Iama’s students have made their school proud by winning the Readers Cup. The staff, students, and families decorated the airstrip fence and welcomed the winning team back home.

Iama has been a past winner in 2021 and 2023 and also runners-up in different years.

Waybeni Buway

Our teachers also noticed that the Montessori preppies had a strong foundation in the basics, such as counting, reading, and writing. Their love for learning was evident in the way they enthusiastically participated in class activities and asked insightful questions. The teachers are excited to see how much these bright young minds will grow and achieve in the coming years.

Ngurpay Lag Mudh Head of Campus Rick Cass Term 3 Attendance - 279 Students Enrolled Current

81% (226 students)

Target Goal

90% (251 students daily)

The school’s staff and teachers were impressed with how well-prepared the Paru Montessori preppies were for the transition. They were confident, curious, and eager to learn, which made for a smooth and enjoyable first week at Waybeni Buway.

The preppies quickly adapted to the new environment, making new friends and exploring their new classrooms.

10 NEWS

THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

Elma stars in Bangarra’s children’s show Waru STORY BY SYLVIA TABUA PICS BY CARLI WILLIS. More than 800 students and community enjoyed a local performance of Bangarra’s Waru – Journey of the Small Turtle, starring our very own Elma Kris as Aka Malu and Aba Bero in an outstanding dual performance as a turtle and a goanna, last Wednesday night.

The story was Bangarra’s first children’s show, offering entertainment and education.

It has been on tour for the past three months, with 23 performances and news of an awesome response from schools further south – topped only, Elma said, by her coming home.

“Coming up here, I was so overwhelmed,” she said.

“The show is so emotional, not only for all pikinini, but adults as well because they get emotional.

“I get emotional.

Elma Kris and Ana Aba Bero perform in the hit Waru Waru..

“Sometimes I cry on stage when it comes to the ending part.

“Yeah and the excitement

Sila Savage welcomes the audience to Country.

blo piknini when all look and all laugh, and the response blo thempla, when it comes to the part where the lizard

ready for get flog they cry out behind you, behind you and me too, I have to make it more for thempla.”

Betty Tekahika (Mabo) shares language and culture in private sessions with the Bangara team.

Waru is an interactive play for children who sing in language, clap and join in the fun.

Vera Havalli tells the dancers how kaikai is made.

Ms Kris said they had made some changes to the script to cater to their Torres Strait audience.

“We we were performing in the mainland in English, [but] we wanted to change the script to Creole because back home, everybody sabbe tortol, they were aware of it and the season.

“Because the school learn language too, which is really good ego be mina good for the kids cos ‘e go understand, like, you know, we bringing Creole into the arts.

“And this is something where everybody go understand, whether your non-Indigenous up here, but you’ve been learning our language up here to communicate with them kids at school.

“So that was the very exciting thing for us, we have our own languages, we can always change it to other languages.”

The show will be back on the road from September to November in 2024.

Participants sit in the basketball stadium.

Bangara Director and CEO Frances Rings at the event.

Elma Kris and Aba Bero visiting Montessori class.

Leonora Adidi and Rosie Ware enjoy watching Waru.

NEWS 11

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2023

Bangara dancers close their eyes and practice deep listening.

Aunty Elma Kris catches up with some of the Waybeni Buway Ngurpay Mudh students after her performance.

Children joining in the fun.

Waru showcases Torres Strait Islander culture.

A young man and Vera Havalli lead the Bangara men in a men’s dance.

A wily goanna character in Waru tries to steal the turtle egg.

Waru was staged in the basketball arena on Waiben.

Waru has strong messages about caring for Country.

Ella Kris and Betty Tekahika (Mabo) share culture with Bangara dance team on Waiben.

Waru is an interactive play for children who enjoy singing in language, clapping and joining in the fun.

Elma Kris holds a prop that represents a turtle egg in the story Waru.

12 HEALTH NEWS

THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

Ricky travels to share his RHD story with the world

Ricky Thomas wants to be a voice for young people suffering with RHD. Pic suppplied by Heart Foundation Australia.

BY CARLI WILLIS

TN0461 • 02/11/23 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

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A young Badu Island and Yuin man, who grew up in Darwin, has attended a World Congress for Rhuematic Heart Disease (RHD) in Abu Dhabi last month to share his lived experience of dealing with the preventable disease.

Menzies School of Health Research training scholar Henrique “Ricky” Thomas said it took eight long years to get his RHD diagnosis – three out of four diagnoses were among First Nations people.

Now 19-years-old, and with too much damage to his heart, Mr Thomas said he was calling for better communication between doctors and patients.

“Doctors didn’t believe that it was possible for me to have the RHD, because I was growing up in an urban environment,” he said.

“RHD is more prevalent in the remote areas.”

He said after many years of different doctors and specialists, he was finally referred to Dr Bo Remenyi, an awardwinning paediatric cardiologist.

But he said even the renowned doctor did not pick it up straight away – it was his mum who first suspected he had RHD and pushed to have him tested for it.

“One of the main things I took from it was the patient’s experience sometimes gets undermined by doctor’s knowledge,” Mr Thomas said.

“So explaining what’s happening, it doesn’t really get taken into account by the doctors because they know better.

“Because they are really intelligent people, sometimes they assume that the patient won’t understand what they’re talking about, but I’ll really enjoy it if health professionals were to speak to me like I knew what was happening and let me ask questions and just listen.”

Heart Foundation chief executive David Lloyd said the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation’s (NACCHO’s) recent appointment as Australia’s lead agency to prevent rheumatic fever – a precursor to RHD – strategy was to be commended.

He said communityled efforts were key, and in many cases were already having an impact.

“RHD needs more attention from Australians because the rheumatic fever strategy has the answers, we just need to generate a better understanding of what it is, why exists, and how easy it is solve – if we wish,” Mr Llloyd said.

“We are rapt at the Heart Foundation to be working closely with NACCHO to improve the heart health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

The Champions4Change program, led by Heart Foundation Australia, supported 80 Australian RHD and First Nations experts’ attendance to the Abu Dhabi conference.

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NEWS 13

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2023

Story tells of 30-year struggle for recognition STORY & PICS BY ALF WILSON After 30 years of struggle, setbacks, renewed hope and ultimate triumph by a Working Party for the Queensland Parliament, the bill to legally recognise ancient child-rearing practices was finally passed three years ago, in 2020.

That long journey has been recognised and detailed in a book - Piri Piri Mab – launched at a function in Townsville last week which was attended by 100 people, including members of the Kupai Omasker Working Party.

They were Waiben-based Aunty Ivy Trevallion, Belza Lowah, former Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia the Honourable Alastair Nicholson and Townsville’s Francis Tapim of Mer descent alongw with the author, Paul Ban. Other members of the Working Party were Uncle Steve Mam (dec), Dana Ober and McRose Elu. Torres News was invited to the launch, where Aunty Ivy, Mr Lowah, Justice Nicholson, Mr Tapim and Mr Ban gave emotional speeches about their journey.

The Working Party was credited with helping the passage of the Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa (Torres Strait Islander Traditional Child Rearing Practice) Act 2020 through the Queensland Parliament.

It was the first piece of

Greg Anderson, Commissioner C’Zarke Maza, Belza Lowah, author Paul Ban, former Chief Justice Alastair Nicholson & Aunty Ivy Trevallion speaking to the audience and Francis Tapim. legislation in Australian history to legally recognise the ancient childrearing practice among Torres Strait Islander people where children were “adopted” by relatives or other community members.

In the book Mr Ban took readers on the historically important, and remarkable, journey of the Kupai Omasker Working Party.

Mr Tapim, who was also MC for the event, described the book as an important education and praised members of the Working Party.

“They have done a lot of work, and this book is a must read for all Torres Strait Islander people and others,” Mr Tapim said.

Mr Ban – not a Torres Strait

Islander himself – previously worked for the Department of Children’s Services from 1977 to 1988, including four years in the Cairns office.

He has worked in private practice in Melbourne since 1995 and has a Bachelor of Social Work, Graduate Diploma in Aboriginal Studies, Master of Social Work, Master of Arts in Aboriginal Studies and a Master of Conflict Resolution.

He has been a resource to the Working Party since its inception in 1990, after finishing his Master of Social Work thesis Traditional Adoption Practice of Torres Strait Islanders and Queensland Adoption

ABOVE LEFT: Aunty Ivy Trevallion, right, with her daughter Surum Trevallion at the launch.

ABOVE CENTRE: Audience members with Zenadth Kes shirts.

ABOVE RIGHT: MC Francis Tapim speaks with Working Party members looking on and the Torres Strait flag behind.

BELOW LEFT: Emily Marshall & Naianga Mabo at the launch.

BELOW RIGHT: Mary Whaleboat holds a copy of the book.

Legislation in 1989.

Also at the launch was DATSIP Regional Director Greg Anderson and Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa Commissioner C’Zarke Maza.

“In Queensland, whilst we have attained legal recognition of Torres Strait Islander traditional child rearing practices, the real driving force behind this world first achievement was a small band of Torres Strait Islanders and a handful of philanthropists who formed the Kupai Omasker Working Party,” Mr Maza said.

At the end of the ceremony Mr Ban and other members of the Working Party signed books and everyone enjoyed a feast of great food.

Mr Ban said he hoped the book would be found in schools, libraries and government departments, as well as with politicians and as many other places as possible.

Purchase price for individuals was $25.

To buy a copy: Thursday Island: contact Ivy Trevallion – 0400 566 453 or ivy. trevallion@outlook.com

Or in Townsville: contact Francis Tapim – 0418 986 791 or fat98@ bigpond.com

Or from the author, Paul Ban – 0412 313 744 or pzban@ozemail. com.au

Pic courtesy of Nadja Mack.

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

14 NEWS

Tagai Year 12 Formal

THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

PICS BY BETH FORTESCUE

NEWS 15

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2023

NRL Cowboys House celebrates graduations

BY ALF WILSON Eight young Torres Strait youths from five islands have been recognised for their academic, cultural and sporting achievements at the annual NRL Cowboys House awards and graduation ceremony held last week in Townsville.

They were Ruhkoa Ahmat-Nona (Badu Island), Samjoe Baragud, Isaiah Kepa and Kylorren BeethamKepa (Yam Island), Steph Bob and Desharnthie Nona (Warraber Island), Bobby Naawi (Moa Island) and Ariel Tapim-Wailu (Murray Island).

The efforts and achievements of the Year 7-12 youths, including 17 graduating students, was celebrated by families and community members, school community

members, partners, supporters, staff and students on NRL Cowboys House campus.

Speaking at Tuesday’s awards ceremony, NRL Cowboys House General Manager Rochelle Jones paid tribute to the students’ diligence, bravery and perseverance.

“Hard work has been shown by many of our students through their academic achievements, and it brings great joy to us all when they return from school with a proud smile and the news of how well they’ve done on an exam or assignment,” she said.

“We wish our 2023 graduates all the best for what lies ahead.”

The event was hosted by Year 11 students Bruce Baudu (Thursday Island) and Makeilla Gibson (Cooktown).

The 2023 NRL Cowboys House graduates. Pic supplied.

Human Resources Advisor APS5 SALARY RANGE $77,135.91 – $81,794.58 LOCATION – THURSDAY ISLAND Plus 15.4% superannuation, district allowance, housing subsidy, and leave fare allowance (payable after 12 months’ service).

The TSRA Corporate Services is seeking a suitably experienced, enthusiastic and motivated person to be our new Human Resources Advisor. This role is ongoing/non-ongoing and is open to all candidates.

The HR Team is responsible for supporting the TSRA’s employees, enabling them to focus on delivering their Programme objectives through seamless support. The HR Team provides sound advice on all areas of human resource management practice, and is growing beyond transactional relationships into offering strategic, end-to-end HR support to the organisation.

Applications close at 11:30pm, Tuesday 28 November 2023.

To Apply: • View this vacancy on our website at https://tsra.nga.net.au/ and apply online.

• If you do not have access to the internet please contact the HR Team on (07) 4069 0700.

For further information please contact Jae-Maree Lundstrom on Tel: 0438 145 084.

Please note: TSRA accommodation is not available for this position.

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

Natural Resources Management Officer (NRMO) – Project Support APS3 SALARY RANGE $62,050 – $66,972 LOCATION – THURSDAY ISLAND Plus 15.4% superannuation, district allowance, housing subsidy, and leave fare allowance (payable after 12 months’ service).

The TSRA Land & Sea Management Team (LSMU) is seeking a suitably experienced, enthusiastic and motivated person to be our new NRMO – Project Support Officer. This role is ongoing/non-ongoing.

The LSMU team delivers projects, initiatives and policy in biodiversity and biocultural management, invasive species management, sustainable horticulture and environmental education to achieve outcomes in key natural and cultural resources to sustainably managed in line with community priorities and traditional ecological knowledge.

Applications close at 11:30pm, Tuesday 28 November 2023.

To Apply: • View this vacancy on our website at https://tsra.nga.net.au/ and apply online.

• If you do not have access to the internet please contact the HR Team on (07) 4069 0700.

For further information please contact Jessica Sabatino on Tel: 0408 214 371.

Please note: TSRA accommodation is not available for this position.

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

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The positions

Location: Horn Island / Thursday Island 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

TN0030 20x1 2/2/23 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 Road, Manoora • Marketplace Newsagency – 2/96 McLaughlan Road, Bentley Park • NewsXpressCairns Central – Cairns Central Shopping Centre, 126 McLeod St • Railway Newsagency – 48 McLeod St, Cairns • Raintrees Newsagency – Raintrees Shopping Centre Alfred Street, Manunda MOSSMAN • News Extra Mossman – 35 Front Street PAlM ISlANd • ABIS Palm Island – Bwgcolman Supermarket, 67 Beach Road TOWNSVIllE • Mooney Street News – 72-86 Mooney Street, Gulliver • NewsXpress Garbutt Central – 1/221 Ingham Road, Garbutt • NewsXpress Sun City – 307 Flinders Mall MACKAY • Moores Newspower – 332 Shakespeare Street

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

Corporate Services Manager EL2 SALARY RANGE $129,949 - $ 148,008 LOCATION – THURSDAY ISLAND Plus 15.4% superannuation, district allowance, housing subsidy, and leave fare allowance (payable after 12 months’ service).

The TSRA is seeking a suitably experienced, enthusiastic and motivated person to be our new Corporate Services Manager. This role is ongoing/ non-ongoing and is open to all candidates.

The Corporate Services Manager is part of the Executive Team, working with the Chief Executive Officer and supporting the Board ensures the provision of efficient services for the TSRA Administration and Board and the Minister in order to facilitate decision-making. This is a critical role with a broad remit and the opportunity to make tangible differences to Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people, both immediately and for future generations.

Applications close at 11:30pm, Thursday 7 December 2023.

Go to the TSRA website https://tsra.nga.net.au/ to find out how to apply.

For further information please contact Sam Rubino on 0480 002 521.

TSRA housing may be available for this position.

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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SPORT 17

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2023

AFL Cape York houses celebrate graduates Several young people were formally recognised for their hard work this school year when they graduated from AFL Cape York House’s boarding program last week.

Edna-Grey Muhamad, Taum Nona-Lifu, Yehusha Lifu (AFLCY House for Girls), and Charlie Peterson, Kai Koomeeta, Ned Mosby and Stephen Gilbert-Kean (AFLCY House for Boys) were among those honoured for their hard work and determination at the 2023 AFL Cape York House awards and graduation night.

Over 250 people attended the event which featured cultural dance, presentation of awards and a review of the year that was.

In an exciting moment, it was revealed that the AFLCY House for Girl’s Cultural Award was renamed after 2023 graduate Yehusha Lifu, from New Mapoon.

“Our awards night is our ‘night of nights’, where we celebrate, acknowledge and reward our young people’s efforts throughout 2023 in boarding, leadership, sporting, cultural, transition and education spaces,” AFLCY House for Girls boarding manager Sean Hunter said.

“It gave me great pleasure to announce we have renamed our cultural award

(Yam Island) • Lythall Family Award: Yehusha Lifu, Year 12 (New Mapoon) • 2023 Graduates: EdnaGrey Muhamad, Taum Nona-Lifu and Yehusha Lifu

AFL Cape York House for Boys

AFL Cape York’s Sean Hunter with graduates Yehusha Lifu, Edna-Grey Muhamad & Taum Nona-Lifu. Pics AFL Cape York. in recognition of a Yehusha Lifu’s investment, passion, dedication and leadership since the beginning.

“The renaming of the award was endorsed unanimously by our leadership team and the AFL Cape York cultural committee – from 2023 onwards it will be known as the Yehusha Lifu Cultural Award.

“Yehusha has always shown strong cultural identity, passion and enthusiasm for culture,

commitment and dedication, and leadership and teamwork.

“These characteristics have always underpinned how and why we selected our cultural award winners in previous years.

“Last Saturday night, Yehusha presented for the first time the award that bears her name to Tottsie NonaLifu and Thelrina Akene.

“It was an absolute highlight of the night and a sign of respect from AFLCYHG to what

Yehusha has created in our environment.”

Following the awards and graduation night, the 2023 graduates also attended their school graduations that also wrapped up their high school journey.

AWARD WINNERS: AFL Cape York House for Girls • Contribution to Life at the House: Jesse-Ella Mosby, Year 8 (Yorke Island)

• Careers & Pathways Award: Yehusha Lifu, Year 12 (New Mapoon) • Yehusha Lifu Cultural Award: Aboriginal: Tottsie Nona-Lifu, Year 10 (New Mapoon) Torres Strait Island: Thelrina Akene, Year 8 (Yam Island) • Sports Person of the Year: Natalie Williams, Year 11 (Bamaga) • Academic Excellence: Thelrina Akene, Year 8

The happy graduates from AFL Cape York (from left) Eden-Grey Muhamad, Yehusha Lifu, Taum Nona-Lifu, Charlie Peterson, Ned Mosby, Steven Gilbert-Kean U Kai Koomeeta.

SABAI.

SABAI.

BOIGU.

BOIGU.

• Careers & Pathways Award: Walter Satrick (Bamaga) • Cultural Award: Peter Dau (Boigu) and Steven Gilbert-Kean (Kowanyama) • Academic Consistency: Jerome Holland (Mabuiag) • Academic Excellence: Walter Satrick (Bamaga) and Walter Elu (Dauan) • Lythall Family Award: Walter Satrick (Bamaga) • 2023 Graduates: Charlie Peterson (Moa) and Ned Mosby (Yorke) MEANWHILE THIS WEEK the top Western islands of Boigu and Saibai were home to the game development team with a week of in-school and afterschool football between the two campuses.

This week the team headed to Dauan Island before moving onto Ugar to join in on their school camp activities.

As always – make sure you’re at school to play AFL.

SABAI.

SABAI.

BOIGU.

18 SPORT

THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2023 TORRES NEWS

Sam behind push for local Queensland Cup side

Sam Joe (holding trophy) with the Mua Razorbacks after they won the Silver Jubilee 25th anniversary Island of Origin carnival on Badu in 2010. Pics supplied.

BY ALF WILSON Former Melbourne Storm NRL player Sam Joe – a passionate advocate for rugby league in the Torres Strait – has no doubt the region is ready to enter a team in the Queensland Cup. Sam, 34, was the prime-mover behind a junior competition for players from the central and outer islands for 2024.

He coached the Strait Stars junior team, who competed at the Laurie Spina Shield in Townsville this year with 70 other teams.

Under his guidance, the

young Stars were one of eight sides selected to play at Townsville Stadium as a curtain-raiser to a Cowboys NRL match.

He said there were several reasons why he was confident a side from the Torres Strait was ready to be part of the Queensland Cup, now contested by 15 teams, in the not too distant future.

“It’s certainly great to see about our region (Zenadth Kes) and NPA striving in its best shape yet through the medium of rugby league,” he said.

“It’s heart warming to be a part of this great movement and to see that the game is still held highly

by volunteers to make these great achievements.

“Rugby league should be showcased for, and used as a tool to, meet requirements in our local affairs and affairs as First Nation people.”

Sam spoke passionately about what rugby league had achieved in the region this past year.

“Congratulations to Zenadth Kes Junior Rugby League in winning the QRL and NRL community club of the year,” he said. “(And) to the club and committees and, again, volunteers, who really are setting the precedent for our region and hopefully to all the remote rugby league areas

Sam Joe (right, at rear) with the Strait Stars junior team at Townsville Stadium earlier this year.

within our state.

“I want to acknowledge QRL–NRL in their support and putting their fingerprint as far as Mua Island Junior Rugby League Camp to the Laurie Spina shield in Townsville.

“Personally, it was a dream come true moment for me to see a rugby league development pathway beginning in our region.

“A big thank you to all who made it happen for our Little Strait Stars in Townville.

“It was a great effort and experience for the team and certainly will secure it in our junior rugby league future road-map.

“Thanks again to all sponsorship and donations who have made this special campaign happen.”

Sam said rugby league was in its best shape in the region and would be seeing growth in the future stage of carnival competitions.

“With 14 men’s teams and four women’s teams in the (recent) Dan Ropeyarn Memorial Carnival at Bamaga, it was the best and biggest carnival I’ve attended,” he said.

“Congratulations to Malu Kiwai in taking out the carnival, crowned back-toback champions.

“The scale of interest was amazing, and the level of

football seen prompted me to say we are ready for a state league team.”

Born on Waiben, Sam is from a big Torres Strait family.

He played two NRL matches for Melbourne Storm in the 2008 season.

In 2009, he was a member of the Storm’s under-20 team which won the grand final beating Wests Tigers.

In 2010, he was released by the Storm and worked as a miner in central Queensland, the same year he led the Mua Razorbacks to a grand final victory over Malu Kiwai in the silver jubilee Island of Origin Series grand final on Badu.

Taipans doing it tough while Illawarra Hawks play their best

BY VELMA GARA It’s been a tough week for the Taipans, who recorded two losses – one away and one at home – in Round 8 of the National Basketball League.

On Thursday the team travelled to Perth to play against an in-form Wildcats team and lost, 88-80.

Forward, Keanu Pinder, had four points and three rebounds – played in limited minutes due to foul trouble.

Perth then travelled to Brisbane to play the Bullets and won, 79-76.

Pinder had six points and 10 rebounds but again got into foul trouble.

Cairns returned home to play Tasmania Jackjumpers last Saturday night.

Although their Indigenous jersey looked great, it was a hardfought game that went into overtime.

Scores were locked at 77-all in regular game time, and locked again at 87-all until the last few seconds of overtime when Tasmanian guard, Jack McVeigh, hit a 3-pointer to give them the win.

He finished with 24 points while Taipans guard, Patrick Miller, top-scored with 26 points.

On Sunday the Illawarra Hawks recorded a win, 69-65,

which was their third for the season so far, against New Zealand Breakers at Spark Arena in Auckland.

Hawks guards, Biwali Bayles and Will Hickey, travelled with the team and got good minutes of playing time.

Bayles had five points and three rebounds.

Breakers guard, Will McDowell-White, has been placed on the injury list and won’t play for another five weeks.

In the Women’s National Basketball League, Will’s sister Jessica McDowell-White has come off the bench for Townsville Fire.

The defending champions played UC Capitals and won, 85-73.

Three point steal – Jackjumpers celebrate Jack McViegh’s winning shot. Pic thanks to Jackjumpers.

Torres News

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2023

Award nights celebrate success

BY ALF WILSON Footballers from the Torres Strait and PNG have been recognised for their outstanding efforts at endof-season awards ceremonies in the Queensland Cup statewide competition.

The awards ceremonies included the Queensland Cup’s senior men, Colts (21-andunder) and Mal Meninga Cup (under-18) competitions.

Star back Tristan Sailor was named the most valuable player for Souths Logan in the

Queensland Cup. The son of former champion rugby league and rugby union player Wendell Sailor, Tristan was rewarded with a spot in the Brisbane Broncos Top 30 squad for the 2024 NRL season.

The 24 year old played for the Broncos in season 2023 when custodian fullback Reece Walsh was on representative duties.

Flying Redcliffe Dolphins back Brenton Baira took out the try of the year award for his club.

He’s the son of former

Canberra Raiders star Royston Lightning of Badu.

Father and son lined up for Charters Towers side Black Bream who played the Bindal Sharks carnival in Townsville in October.

Ragarive Wavik from Townsville Blackhawks was named as Colts player of the year after shining for the team in their 2023 premiership win.

Jamal Shibasaki was named player for the year for the Blackhawks Mal Meninga Cup side.

Jamal was also a key forward in the Colts team.

For the PNG Hunters the player of the year was Morea Morea; the coaches award winners were Judah Rimbu and Benji Kot, rookie of the year was Trevor Solu, best back was Rodrick Tai, best forward was Junior Rop and the club person of the year was Brandon Nima.

Norths Devils winger Jon Reuben scored the most tries in the Queensland Cup. RIGHT: Ragarive Wavik was Townsville Hawks’ Colts player of the year. Pic supplied.

Lui recognised for quality coaching work in Townsville STORY AND PIC

BY ALF WILSON

Tallisha Harden playing for the Australian Jillaroos. Pic courtesy QRL.

Townsville to host third NRLW State of Origin

BY ALF WILSON North Queensland will host Game III in the expanded Women’s State of Origin series next year with at least four Torres Strait Islander players in contention for selection.

The NRL announced Townsville as host of the third and final game of the 2024 series on Thursday, 27 June.

Last month, officials increased the series from two games to three after listening to the players and fans.

Veteran Tallisha Harden, Jasmine Peters (both Badu), Sareka Mooka (Mabuiag) and Tahlulah Tillett (Moa) are every chance to pull on the Maroon jersey against NSW at Townsville Stadium.

Tallisha already represented Queensland five times while Sareka, Jasmine and Tahlulah

have yet to play for their state.

All have experience in the NRLW and in representative football.

Game I of the 2024 series will be held at Lang Park in Brisbane on Thursday, 16 May and Game II at Newcastle Stadium on Thursday, 6 June.

As current holders of the Origin shield, Queensland will have the first opportunity to host the expanded series twice and defend their title in 2024 with the potential decider in Townsville.

Townsville will host the Indigenous-Māori All-Stars men’s and women’s games on Friday, 16 February.

Tallisha has played 27 NRLW games for Brisbane Broncos, Sydney Roosters and the Cowboys. The powerhouse forward has also represented Australia four times and

the Indigenous All-Stars on six occasions.

Sareka has played six matches for the Cowboys and has represented both the All-Stars and the Prime Minister’s XIII. Tahlulah played six games for the Cowboys this season and four for Newcastle Knights previously.

Jasmine has eight games for Gold Coast and nine for the Cowboys; she also has three All-Stars jerseys on her impressive football resumé.

As current holders of the Shield, Queensland will have the first opportunity to host the expanded series twice and defend their title in 2024 with the potential decider confirmed for Townsville.

In June, almost 19,000 fans watched Game II at Townsville Stadium.

SPORT 19

Robert Lui, who excelled as an NRL and Queensland Cup rugby league player, has been recognised for his work as a coach.

Robert was named amongst the top 50 coaches in Townsville and districts, coming in at number 16 in the popular vote conducted among the sports fraternity by local newspaper, the Townsville Bulletin.

More than 100 coaches were nominated and shortlisted to 50 before votes were cast.

Robert’s honour was described as follows: “The former NRL player showed his dedication to Centrals Club by taking up a coaching role in the under-14s.

“His passion for the sport, combined with his exceptional coaching skills, has had a profound impact on the team’s growth, both in terms of their individual skills and their cohesiveness as a team.

“Robert has a remarkable ability to identify the strengths and areas for improvement of each player on the team and he tailors his coaching methods to ensure that every player has the opportunity to develop their skills to the fullest potential.

“He was nominated because he fosters an environment where teamwork and sportsmanship are highly valued.

“He is not only a coach but also a mentor and role model to the young athletes on the team.”

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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

Robert Lui was rated at 16 among the top 50 coaches in Townsville and districts sport.

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.

20

THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2023

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

IMF champs take on 2.5km runs Two Tagai kids ran first and second out of among 50 students from 10 remote community schools at the inaugurual Indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF) I-Can Championships in Canberra last weekend.

On Sunday students raced in the Stromlo Running Festival 2.5km Kids Dash with Samson Warria winning first place amd Kyeisha-Jade Aniba was the second girl to finish and sixth overall.

On the “champs” day on Saturday, all schools participated in roundrobin style Traditional Indigenous games, team challenges and relay races. Bamaga were the winning team from the day accumulating the most points and were awarded a trophy The I-CAN program is an initiative of the Indigenous Marathon Foundation and works in remote Indigenous primary schools and communities across Australia to provide children with access to fun and educational health and fitness programs that encourage school attendance and addresses childhood inactivity.

Students were selected based on consistent school attendance, good behaviour at school

with peers, and through demonstrating positive leadership within the school and healthy habits.

They took part in a series of fun games competing against each other including Traditional Indigenous Games and a colour fun run.

Participating schools were NPA State College’s Bamaga and Injinoo campuses, Tagai State College’s TI and Horn primary schools and Karratha, WA’s Tambrey Primary School.

Across the weekend, students attended a special luncheon with His Excellency General the Honourable David John Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley at Government House, and subsequently participated in team building, problem solving and leadership activities.

In the I-CAN Championships event they were joined by IMF RAW Run Leaders from across the country who are powerful role models and accrediting running coaches.

The 2.5km distance race for many was the longest distance they had ever run.

For all students, it was their first-time visiting Canberra.

Samson Warria.

Kyeisha-Jade Aniba.

All students. Pics by Lewis James Bin Doraho (Lewis James Media).

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