Torres News_Edition 117_15 February 2024

Thursday, 15 February 2024

Stories and events of the Kaurareg homeland of Kaiwalagal, the Torres Strait homeland and Cape York homelands of the Anggamuthi, Atambaya, Wuthathi, Yadhaykenu and Gudang Peoples.

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All Stars all shiny and ready to spark Men’s and women’s teams set to play in tomorrow’s All Stars clash in Townsville have enjoyed a busy week leading into one of 2024’s most anticipated rugby league clashes.

Players and their support crews attended a welcome-to-country ceremony early on Monday morning where Ashley Saltner performed a Welcome to Country ceremony which included Komet Torres Strait Islander Art & Cultural Group.

On Tuesday there were team training sessions and their Deadly

Choices health checks.

Yesterday the players enjoyed most of the day off before a jersey presentation on the Strand and an All Stars dinner at the prestigious Ville.

Today there were the captains’ runs and a breakfast for all players will be held tomorrow morning.

BELOW: Komet Torres Strait Island Islander Art and Cultural Group with Cultural support Elsie Seriat and Torres Strait representatives Talisha Harden, Kimberly Hunt, Jasmine Peters, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Bailey Biondi-Odo. Pic supplied.

See full coverage PAGE 17 N

TSIRC and Sea Swift join forces Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) and Sea Swift are working together to lobby State and Commonwealth Governments for improved marine infrastructure after overcoming recent challenges in the delivery of key freight to the region.

Sea Swift Managing Director Chris Pearce and TSIRC Chief Executive Officer James William said the partnership was announced after Masig Island residents were left isolated due to severe weather events and ramp conditions as recently as last week.

Masig Island encountered challenging environmental conditions annually, often leading to excess sand on the ramp preventing deliveries or vessel landings.

A Sea Swift vessel unsuccessfully attempted to access the island several times last week before TSIRC workers removed about 100 tonnes of wet sand from the ramp, working around the high tide, in the early hours of Friday and Saturday morning.

The vessel landed on the island on Sunday at 8.30am.

Continued PAGE 5 N

INSIDE

LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS 2024

Who’s running where?

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

SEE STORY ON PAGE 6 N

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THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2024 TORRES NEWS

Cyclone warnings well-heeded by Townsville locals

BY ALF WILSON

Lincoln Poynter, Damien Donaldson, Ronnie Wilson & Ben Nomoa the morning after the cyclone. Pic by Alf Wilson.

Ben Nomoa was among a group of men who spent the night in a safe shelter in Townsville when Cyclone Kirrily struck last month.

Ben, Lincoln Poynter, Damien Donaldson, Ronnie Wilson, Greg Inkerman and Matt Dick heeded the warnings hours before the category-3 cyclone hit.

At the time, it had the potential to be the most dangerous since Cyclone Althea devastated Townsville on Christmas Eve in 1971.

“The winds were strong in the afternoon before the cyclone arrived in Townsville about 8pm, so we decided it was best to go to the shelter and we were glad we did,” Ben told the Torres News.

Jardine Ferry limits operating hours for staff and safety

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Travellers are urged to prepare their trips in time to catch the ferry across the Jardine River.

Pic thanks to NPARC. Travellers have been urged to remember the Jardine River ferry will only operate during the day in 2024.

The NPA Regional Council said it could not operate the ferry out of hours this year and into 2025, due to “operational reasons for staff and public safety”.

The NPARC said the times and dates the ferry would operate were: • 1 May (2024) through to 31 October: 7am until 6pm • 1 November to 30 April (2025): 8am until 5pm.

“Council cannot operate the ferry out of hours moving into 2024 due to operational reasons for staff and public safety,” NPARC chief executive Kate Gallaway said.

She said those concerns included managing the “high risk of fatigue, night-time driving hazards, nocturnal wildlife movement, road conditions, and

the number of staff required on-site to operate the vessel safely and in accordance with compliance requirements”.

She said it would not impact those who had contacted Triple 0 in the case of an emergency and needed to access the ferry.

Travellers through the region were encouraged to plan their road trips to ensure they arrived during opening hours or be prepared to camp at the Jardine River campsite.

During the NPA region’s busiest tourism period, from May to October, the ferry could cause travellers to experience significant delays due to the large number of people travelling through the NPA and en route to the tip of Cape York.

Travellers were urged to make sure they arrived at the ferry by 4pm to ensure a timely crossing and avoid missing the ferry closing time.

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Twenty-five young people from the five communities in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) travelled to Cairns for a leadership camp in Redlynch. Pics supplied.

Embracing new experiences and expanding their horizons, 25 young people from five communities in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) have travelled to Cairns for an inspiring youth leadership camp.

The group, aged between 12 and 25, travelled with five Family and Community Services (NPAFACS) youth team leaders from Bamaga to Redlynch for the camp, which was run by NPAFACS and The Northern Outlook (TNO).

Remote Alcohol Drug Intervention Outcomes (RADIO) Support Worker Odessa Sabatino said the goal of the leadership camp was to empower the young people, enable resilience and selfleadership, and enhance their worldview.

“By positively exposing the young people to life outside NPA, they can develop their sense of curiosity and future potential,” Odessa said.

“The youths enjoyed themselves and had a positive experience. Some of them had never visited Cairns before, and therefore it was an enlightening experience for them.

“Other young people are now keen to be selected for the next leadership camp because the group returned full of enthusiasm and with good stories for their friends and other youths in the NPA community.”

Odessa said the NPA communities had many great role models and elders to guide the young people.

“However, we are also encouraging them to self-lead and role-model good behaviour, practice safe and healthy social and emotional regulation, and practice help and health-seeking behaviours,” she said.

“The incentive for this trip was to value education and attend school, show respect to teachers, parents, and community members,

The camp gave the young people opportunities to work as a team and develop skills as a group and as team players. and actively participate and engage with youth services, such as book club, the Respectful Relationships Youth Group, AOD education, and counselling.

“This camp presented participants with an opportunity

to work as a team and develop skills as a group and team players.

“It also enabled them to manage time and organise themselves for various activities, budgeting money for shopping trips and excursions,

and adaptable behaviour to bigger city norms.”

Youth team staff also ran activities during the camp, including a yarning circle, myths and legends storytelling, and cultural leadership with each person’s clan’s winds and totems to identify themselves and connect.

NPAFACS Youth Team Leader – Youth Services Susita Vout said the totem activity, facilitated by youth staff members, showed the group they were all connected, even though they came from different communities.

The young people agreed.

“This camp is good because it connects all five communities and we can do group activities with our friends from school who live in different communities,” one told Susita.

Others enjoyed hiking to the waterfalls and the group activities.

They all said they appreciated having the opportunity to visit a “big city” and said it felt special to be selected.

Susita said the camp and activities helped the young people develop trust, work together, and bond.

But they also got to experience life in the big smoke.

“On the last day of camp, the Youth Team decided to take the children to the go-karts and laser tag,” she said.

“They had an awesome time and loved every bit of the camp.

“They also enjoyed a seafood feast and some shopping.”

NPAFACS thanked and acknowledged the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and Bamaga Enterprise Limited (BEL), who contributed to the youth camp.

The RADIO program was funded by the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN).

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04 NEWS

THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2024 TORRES NEWS

Sweeping changes as CDP to be replaced in July

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CDP was the “number one issue” raised with her.

“For too long, people in remote communities have missed out on economic opportunities and have been stuck in cycles of poverty,” she said.

“People in remote communities should have access to the benefits and dignity of work – for themselves, their families and the next generation.

“This is about putting communities in the driver’s seat to create local jobs and businesses. Rates of unemployment in remote communities are unacceptable and this is the first step in turning that around.”

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Business Fund would be set up for local and community-owned businesses to apply for money for equipment and capital.

Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians and Indigenous Health Malarndirri McCarthy said it would make a positive difference.

“Our practical delivery of a proper jobs program in the bush will make a positive difference in the lives of Indigenous Australians and ensure they can fulfil their full potential regardless of where they live,” she said.

“As a former participant of a remote jobs program myself, I know all too well the importance that meaningful employment has on economic empowerment, health, happiness, and general wellbeing.

“Building on our significant delivery of better health, housing, education and employment services will help build stronger

communities for all Australians and ensure more Indigenous Australians can live longer, healthier and happier lives.”

The new remote jobs program was about remote communities deciding what would make the biggest difference locally, instead of a one-size-fitsall program that took the same approach across the country.

The new program would also include superannuation, long service leave and better workplace conditions.

The Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations (Coalition of Peaks) welcomed the announcement.

Acting Lead Convenor Catherine Liddle said they were pleased to see the Government acknowledge the importance of inclusive decision-making.

“The focus of the National Partnership Agreement on Closing

the Gap is shareddecision making and equal partnership, so we look forward to playing a strong role in designing what a future remote employment program looks like,” she said.

She said successive governments had failed to deliver a remote community employment program that met the needs of communities.

“Implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap has been patchy and governments have been too slow to deliver the commitments and promises they have made,” she said.

ACTU Indigenous Officer Lara Watson said the ACTU welcomed the government’s approach.

“We believe in the value of creating real employment opportunities on country,” she said.

Torres News will have more on this and what it means for the Torres Strait and NPA in our next issue. J

More in prison as 2023 data reveals youth justice is broken New data from the Productivity Commission reveals the number of young people in detention across Australia has increased for the second year in a row, with an average of 707 youth offenders in prison per day in 2023.

“Data shows urgent criminal justice reform is needed to ensure low-risk youth offenders are punished in a manner that does not turn them into lifelong and violent offenders,” Institute of Public Affairs research analyst Mia Schlicht said.

The data also showed: • National spending on detention services was more than $855 million, the highest on record.

• It costs taxpayers more than $2827 to house one youth offender in detention per day, or $1.03 million per year.

• The utilisation rate of detention centres in Queensland was at 98 per cent of the designed capacity.

“Spending on youth detention has increased for the eighth consecutive year, despite

youth crime continuing to spiral out of control,” Mia said. “It is clear that youth prisons are not improving community safety and are, in fact, creating lifelong criminals.

“Approximately 60 per cent of young people released from prison will return to sentenced supervision within 12 months. The case for reform in every jurisdiction is clear as youth prisons are clearly not preventing the criminal behaviour of young offenders.”

The Productivity Commission’s data followed that of the Australia Bureau of Statistics, which showed youth offenders were becoming increasingly violent.

“Just 10 years ago, approximately 21 per cent of crime committed by youth offenders was of a violent nature, this number has since skyrocketed to 31 per cent,” Mia said.

“Locking up nonviolent youth offenders with dangerous and violent offenders is creating more hardened criminals, and the data

shows that youth prisons are not a deterrent for youth crime.”

Research by the Institute of Public Affairs found offenders were short-sighted in their decision to commit crime, and were more likely to be deterred from offending by an increased likelihood of being caught.

“We need more police on the beat to catch and deter criminals before they offend and before a victim is created,” she said.

“For those low-risk, non-violent offenders, the best way to break the cycle of criminality is by giving them the skills they need to enter the workforce and become productive, self-sufficient members of society.

“Getting low-risk criminals employed is an idea already being implemented in areas such as outback Queensland, where non-violent criminals are able to substitute their prison sentence for work in the community, saving taxpayers millions in spending on unnecessary incarceration.”

NEWS 05

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2024

Scathing review calls for change TSIRC and Sea Swift

BY DARREN MONCRIEFF

Governments have failed to fully grasp the nature and scale of change required to meet obligations they signed up for under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, a review by the Productivity Commission has found.

The Commission found fundamental change was required, and that governments had not fulfilled their commitments under the Agreement.

The Commission’s first progress review into the Agreement was handed to the Joint Council overseeing the review last month and made public last week.

They made four recommendations to drive progress.

They were: to share power; recognise and support Indigenous Data Sovereignty; fundamentally rethink mainstream government systems and culture; and implement stronger accountability.

The Review found evidence of a failure to relinquish power and the persistence of ‘government knows best’ thinking.

To address this, the Review’s first recommendation proposed five actions, which included amending the Agreement to better emphasise power-sharing, and have governments recognise the expertise of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in what works for their communities.

“Efforts to improve outcomes are far more likely to succeed when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people lead their design and implementation,” Commissioner Romlie Mokak said.

“Nothing will change until this model of partnership, based on genuine power

January 2024

Review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap Study report Volume 1

i

sharing, becomes the rule and not the exception.”

Advocate Thomas Mayo said unless Federal Labor took “courageous steps” in addressing Indigenous disadvantage and implementing the report’s recommendations, it would make the same mistake as the almost decade-long inactivity on this issue by the LNP Coalition.

“In government, the Coalition agreed there needed to be systemic change,” he told the Guardian Australia newspaper.

“We’ve lost the opportunity [in the referendum] and here we are again.

“Now the Labor government risks having the same record if they don’t take action and the action they take needs to be courageous.

“They need to push against this idea that the ‘no’ vote was a mandate to make things worse, let alone do nothing.

“It wasn’t a mandate to ignore racism and allow the opportunity to use Indigenous people as scapegoats.”

The Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) called for the government to engage in a power-share arrangement “with the Aboriginal Community Controlled sector and embed accountability to drive positive change”.

AIDA Chief Executive Donna Burns recognised

the report’s findings reinforced the urgent need for transformative action within all levels of government.

“As the peak body representing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical workforce, AIDA remains committed to bringing our unique medicocultural perspective to work alongside government as equal partners and create change,” Ms Burns said.

The Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations (Coalition of Peaks), a representative body of over 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled peak organisations, said life outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would not change unless there was “a fundamental shift in how federal, state and territory governments view the National Agreement on Closing the Gap”.

“As Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, we know what is best for our communities, but governments across the board are still not meaningfully giving us a voice in the decisions that affect our lives,” Coalition of Peaks acting-lead Convenor Catherine Liddle said.

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) said they wanted governments to take bigger steps towards Closing the Gap and establishing real Aboriginal self-determination.

They said the Closing the Gap Agreement was not making a difference on the ground for them.

“Every government in Australia should be embarrassed and ashamed of how little progress they have made under the Closing the Gap Agreement,” VALS chief executive Nerita Waight said.

“Politicians spent a lot of time talking about giving

our people a stronger voice over the last 18 months, but the Productivity Commission report makes it clear to everyone that governments are not listening to us when we are in the room right now.

“Self-determination is the only thing that will lead to real change and improve the lives of our people.

“That means giving us the authority and resources to make decisions about the things that impact our lives, not sitting us down at a table and then ignoring what we have to say.”

Gunawuna Jungai Chairperson and respected Doomadgee Elder Barry Walden said genuine partnerships needed to be sustained with adequate funding.

“Our community deserves meaningful partnerships backed by adequate funding to drive positive change and uplift our people,” he said.

“True partnership between Indigenous communities and governments is not just a goal, it’s a necessity for realising our aspirations for self-determination and prosperity.

“Let us harness the wisdom of our elders and the resilience of our people to forge a path of empowerment, inclusivity, and equity for generations to come.”

Mr Walden called upon all levels of government to honour their commitments under the National Agreement, stressing that true partnership was essential for realising Indigenous selfdetermination and success.

Minderoo Foundation’s Thrive By Five campaign’s Jay Weatherill said governments must take the Productivity Commission’s recommendations seriously.

The report is available from https://www.pc.gov.au/

inquiries/completed/closingthe-gap-review#report

join forces on Masig

The Masig Island ramp. Pics thanks to TSIRC.

M Continued from P1 “Teams at TSIRC and Sea Swift should be congratulated for the mammoth effort it took to finally provide for the Masig Island community at this time,” Sea Swift Managing Director Chris Pearce said.

“Sea Swift will continue to work closely with the Council to ensure all communities and locations in the Torres Strait have ongoing food and supply security this wet season.”

Mr Pearce and TSIRC Chief Executive James William agreed they would lobby relevant government agencies for more support.

The pair said they would travel to some of the most challenged islands represented by TSIRC to understand the challenges the vessel crews and communities faced in terms of delivery and supply.

Mr William said many island communities

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faced significant challenges around ageing infrastructure, particularly marine assets such as ramps, jetties, and channels.

“In a fresh approach, TSIRC and Sea Swift are now working closely together to better understand these challenges and formulating options to advocate to State and Commonwealth Governments to invest in the region,” he said.

Mr Pearce agreed and said there were complex historical issues that could be solved with solid collaboration between the Council and Sea Swift, as well as continued investment from State and Commonwealth stakeholders.

“We want to work together with all stakeholders towards continual improvements to vital infrastructure which underpin critical services to this important region,” Mr Pearce said.

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06 LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS 2024

THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2024 TORRES NEWS

Nominations in for Council elections Election nominations for local governments across Queensland are in and in all three Zenadth Kes councils existing Mayors have once again put their hands up for the top jobs, although none of them will run unopposed.

However, some Councillors in the Torres Strait Island Regional Council and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council were the only nomination for their Division, while others will see as many as four or five competing for one spot.

The Torres Shire Council region, which administered the seven inner islands of Muralag, Waiben, Ngurupai, Gealug, Mawai, Muralag and Palilug, as well as parts of the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA), has just two nominations for Mayor – incumbent Cr Yen Loban and new contender Elsie Seriat.

Twelve nominations, including from existing councillors, have been received for just four councillor positions which, unlike their regional council counterparts, are not split into divisions.

The Torres Strait Islands Regional Council, which administered the fifteen ‘outer island’ communities including Badu, Boigu, Dauan, Erub,

Kirriri, Iama, Kubin Community at Mua, Mabuiag, Masig, Mer, Poruma, Warraber, Saibai, St Pauls Community at Mua and Ugar, has five mayoral candidate nominations, again including incumbent Cr Phillemon Mosby, who will run against Regina Turner, Mario Sabatino, John ‘Toshie’ Kris and Jerry Stephen.

TSIRC holds fourteen councillor positions which 33 people have been nominated to

Boigu

contend for – and once again, all current councillors have put their hand up.

Crs Torenzo Elisala (2), Keith Fell (4) Francis Pearson (11) and Rocky Stephen (13) were the only nominations for their respective Divisions and will keep their positions.

Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council was responsible for an area spanning the five communities of Bamaga, Injinoo, New Mapoon,

Saibai Ugar

Dauan

Bamaga

Seisia and Umagico, where five mayoral candidates have been nominated, and again including incumbent Cr Patricia Yusia, who will be up against Cassandra Sabatino, Michael Solomon, Robert Poi Poi and Dale Salee.

There were five councillor positions on offer, which 13 people have been nominated to contend – and again, four of the five current councillors have put their hand up, including Cr Kitty Gebadi, who was the only nomination for her Division and will keep her position.

Ballot paper order draws were held yesterday morning after the Torres News print deadlines.

We will have more to come from your local candidates in upcoming Torres News editions, before the local government elections, which were set for Saturday 16 March.

If your details have changed or you are not yet enrolled to vote, check here: https://check. aec.gov.au/ Voters who may not be able to vote on the day are urged to apply for a postal vote to avoid possible financial penalties.

See the ECQ website for more information at: www.ecq. qld.gov.au

Torres Shire Council Mayor Nominations: • Yen Loban, Elsie Seriat Councillor Nominations: • John Abednego, Thomas Fujii, Thomas Loban, Allan Ketchell, Liberty Seekee, Pauline Ah Wang, Toshio Nakata, Thomas (Connie) Pedro, Emma Beckley (Doolah), Joseph (Beresford) Passi, Gabriel Bani, Georgina Binjuda.

Torres Strait Island Regional Council Mayor Nominations: • Phillemon Mosby, Regina Turner, Mario Sabatino, John (Toshie) Kris, Jerry Stephen.

Councillor Nominations (Division): • Tanaio Anau (1), Dimas Toby (1), Suzanne Anau (1), Torenzo Elisala (2), Conwell Tabuai (3), Timothy Atu (3), Chelsea Aniba (3), Keith Fell (4), Ranetta Wosomo (5), Timena Nona (5), Solomon Ahmat (5), Iona Manas (6), Danie Savage (6), Lama Trinkoon (6), John Levi (7), Bana Sailor (7), Eugene Dorante (8), Seriako Dorante (8), Aggie Hankin (9), Charles David (9), Kabay Tamu (10), Iris Billy (10), Lui Billy (10), Francis Pearson (11), Ted Mosby (12), Hilda Mosby (12), Rocky Stephen (13), Nixon Mye (14), Jimmy Gela (14), Isaac Ghee (14), Patrick Thaiday (14), Aven Noah (15), Bob Kaigey (15).

Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council Mayor Nominations: • Cassandra Sabatino (Adidi), Michael Solomon, Robert Poipoi, Patricia Yusia, Dale (Mala) Salee.

Councillor Nominations (Division): • Dave Byrne (1), Gina Nona (1), Tapee Salee (1), Dennis Getawan (2), Mary Yoelu (2), Kitty Gebadi (3), Marlene Bond (4), Pauline Lifu (4), Willie Fulton (5), Kawia Sunai (5), Brad Elu (5), Sabrina Mudu (5), Mabelene Whap (5).

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08 NEWS

THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2024 TORRES NEWS

Masks and vaccines best protection from viruses

BY ALF WILSON Moa Island woman Rita Ware has urged people to wear face masks and sanitise their hands following reports of an outbreak of respiratory conditions in the Torres Strait Islands, Cape York and Northern Peninsula Area.

Executive Director of Medical Services at Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Dr Marlow Coates said it was important residents took measures to protect themselves and others as respiratory conditions continued to circulate.

“As always, vaccination remains our best protection against some respiratory conditions, such as influenza and COVID-19,” he said.

“I encourage all residents to ensure their COVID-19 Rita Ware and Jeffrey Kerr are urging First Nation’s people to follow health advice after an outbreak of respiratory vaccinations, including conditions. Pic by Alf Wilson. boosters, are up to date.

“I would urge everybody things is much less.”

“If you wear a mask ensure they are vaccinated These can be accessed in the area to wear a clean and wash your hands then when it becomes available.” through our primary health Jeffrey Kerr, from GORI MARBLE & GRANITE [new] 20/7/23face - 20/6/24 mask when they are out you will have less chance care centres.

Rita, 11x3 who was from St Townsville and Charters and to wash your hands at of picking up one of the Paul’s village, said it was “The 2024 seasonal Towers, with family every opportunity,” she said.

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Enduring resolution for victims of Youpla Group A new support program is expected to help more than 13,000 people who were impacted by the collapse of funeral insurance provider, Youpla Group.

“We understand the importance of Sorry Business and the devastating impact of this company’s failures on the community,” Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial

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has germs,” Jeffrey said.

The pair urged residents from at-risk areas to follow health guidelines as set out by Queensland Health.

Dr Coates said 28 cases of influenza had been recorded across the Torres Strait, Cape York, and Northern Peninsula Area region so far this year, compared with four for the same year-to-date period last year.

For COVID-19, 73 cases were been reported so far this year, compared to 61 for the same period last year.

“We have also recorded 51 cases of RSV so far this year, compared to 13 cases for the same period last year,’’ he said.

“A single Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection does not result in long-lasting protective immunity, and symptomatic illness tends to occur repetitively in children.

“We encourage people to prevent the spread by practising good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette – just like for the flu and COVID-19.”

Services Stephen Jones said.

“We are pleased to be able to support the varying needs of different First Nations peoples and communities through the Youpla Support Program.”

The new program was due to start on 1 July this year for people who held an active policy on or after 1 August 2015, when the Commonwealth removed Youpla policies from Centrepay.

“Losing loved ones can be one of the most traumatic events, made harder still for those First Nations people affected by the collapse of the Youpla funeral fund,” Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney said.

“As soon as we came into government, we responded quickly with an interim support follow us on program. facebook 3X5

“Since then, we’ve ensured the needs of First Nations people, communities and key stakeholders have been front and centre in designing the Youpla Support Program.

“This measure will hopefully bring peace of mind to thousands of families impacted by the collapse of the Youpla Group.”

Under the program, eligible recipients would be offered the choice of a resolution payment – assessed at 60 per cent of the premiums paid up to the value of the insurance.

Eligible recipients would receive a low-risk prudentially-regulated funeral bond or opt-out for a cash payment.

To assist eligible recipients, financial counselling was on offer to help them better understand what was available under the Youpla Support Program.

The $97 million program would accept applications until 30 June 2026.

The initiative followed the interim Youpla Group Funeral Benefits Program, announced by the Government in July 2022, which allowed the families of former members to claim a grant to cover immediate funeral expenses.

The interim program allowed hundreds of families to conduct Sorry Business with dignity and would continue to accept applications until 30 June 2024. *People can register to receive updates and more information about the new Youpla Support Program by visiting niaa.gov.au/youpla or contacting the National Indigenous Australians Agency on 1800 079 098.

Torres News @TSIMAtorresnews

NEWS 09

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2024

Help on hand for business at local support forums

From left: Lewis Weston (QWHS), Bill Courtney (QBCC), Jamie Houldsworth (Ergon Energy), Belinda Crawford (Ergon Energy Procurement), Karen Samoa (DATSIP), Christine Samuelson (Ergon Energy), Audrey Dobell ( LocalBuy), Helen Rameka (QLeave), Sarah Menniti (CSQ), and Andrew Stephenson (QLeave).

BY DARREN MONCRIEFF Building networks and engaging more confidently with contract procurement processes were just two of the issues looked at by local contractors and businesses as part of construction industry forums held in the NPA and on Waiben last week.

A wide range of local businesses attended the forums, which also looked into what was involved in taking on apprentices and a host of other information relevant to the industry.

The events were a locally-driven outcome of last year’s Indigenous Business Month.

Presenters at the forums included the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC), QLeave, Workplace Health and Safety Qld (WHSQ), Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ), and TAFE. Procurement teams from LocalBuy, Ergon and QBuild also provided information to those interested in registering as providers of goods and services.

The general purpose of the forums was for local businesses to build on their capacity – in some instances local operators said they were missing out on securing

contracts because they weren’t understanding the full capacity of their QBCC licences.

Discussions also revealed some local businesses were paying for training out of their own pockets.

Self-employed electrician Diane Sabatino said the Waiben forum had helped her.

“I’ve been operating since June last year by myself and I’m always on the tools so I don’t have much time for things like this, but I went along to get as much information as I could,” she said.

She said she spoke to QLeave and CSQ in particular.

“Now I know,” she said. “So just by being at that event, I was able to get the contacts I needed because there were people there who knew what to do.”

Plans were in place to hold more forums in the region in the future.

“I recommend it to others, for sure,” Ms Sabatino said.

“I think with just how the workflow is up here, you’re busy, so travelling to these things is sometimes hard, but I’m new and I wanted to get as much information as I could.”

CSQ gave an undertaking to maintain a higher presence in the region at the forums.

Torres News

@TSIMAtorresnews

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

APPROVED INSPECTION PROGRAM Animal Management (Cats & Dogs) Act 2008 Local Government Act 2009 Local Law No. 2 (Animal Management) 2013 Torres Shire Council will commence a selective Approved Inspection Program, starting on 1 March 2024 and running through to the 31 August 2024, to monitor residents’ compliance with the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.

Torres Shire Council will commence a selective Approved Inspection Program, starting on 1 March 2024 and running through to the 30 June 2024 under the Local Government Act 2009, to monitor residents’ compliance with the Local Law No. 2 (Animal Management) 2013.

The Approved Inspection Program will be conducted throughout the region selectively inspecting properties meeting the following criteria: a) b) c)

Dogs have been previously registered to the address; or The property appears to have dogs residing or present at the property; and Are residential, commercial or industrial properties located on Thursday Island, Horn Island and Prince of Wales Island.

Property inspections will be conducted by Council’s Compliance Officers to determine the registration status of dogs, compliance with the implanting of Prescribed Permanent Identification Devices (PPID) and compliance with the requirement to ensure a suitable enclosure is provided to prevent an animal wandering at large.

A copy of the program is open to inspection at Council’s Customer Service Centres, or can be downloaded from the link below. Alternatively, a copy of the program can be purchased from Council’s Customer Service Centres, in accordance with Council’s current fees and charges.

Dalassa Yorkston CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 9 February 2024

10

THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2024 TORRES NEWS

Are you 16 – 21 and ready to kickstart your career?

Begin your adventure with us.

GBK are launching their Zenadth Kes Next Gen program aimed at empowering and supporting young people in the Kaiwalagal region with an opportunity to gain a job.

? t u o b A t i s i t a h e: W m will provid ra g ro p e th , le

peop formation, in h it For 10 young w d e ll induction fi • a 2-week preparation; rk o w d n a , s loyers for a p m fun activitie e l a c lo h loyment wit • paid emp ree months; th f o m u im e min rk experienc o w b jo e th training; e • real on iv s n te x e y db , and various complemente ts e k c ti , s te certifica • accredited employers; y b t h g u o s nd skill-sets d support; a n a g n ri to n e m gression in ro p r e • extensive h rt fu upport with • ongoing s r pathway. e re a c n e s o h your c

Can I join?

To be elig ible to ap ply you m • be a c us urrent CD P particip t: Ngalpun ant with M Mab OR n eriba ot be wor 15 hours king for m Ged per week ore than ; • be age d betwee n 16 – 21 Kaiwalag years old al; and living • not be in working f or more t • have a han 15 ho current d urs per w river’s lic learner’s) eek; e n c e (includin o r b e a b g • be willi le to obta in one; ng to und e rtak and/or w orking wit e a national police • be reli check able, willi h children check; a ng to lear nd gaining a n, and co career. mmitted to

So How Do I Apply?

To apply, you must attend one of our Information Sessions.

Refreshments will be provided. Your family and/or other support people are welcome to attend with you, though they cannot do so on your behalf.

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Wednesday 21 February 2023 10am – 11am Meriba Ged Ngalpun Mab Victoria Parade, Thursday Island

Wednesday 21 February 2023 4pm – 5pm Meriba Ged Ngalpun Mab Victoria Parade, Thursday Island

11

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2024

Know your corporation’s

RULEBOOK

Are you a member of a corporation registered with ORIC? It is important that you understand our corporation’s rulebook.

Get a copy of your rulebook Rule books are public documents.

A rule book for a corporation outlines the roles and responsibilities of members, directors, and officers, as well as the structure and operation of the corporation.

All rule books are made up of several parts: RULES SPECIFIC TO THE CORPORATION: These include details such as the corporation’s name, objectives, membership eligibility, and rules addressing specific issues like native title, subcommittees, or charitable status.

It’s a good idea to bring a copy of your rule book to all meetings—it’s very useful to be able to check the rules.

To get a copy, you can either ask your corporation or download one directly from the ORIC website: www.oric.gov.au.

REPLACEABLE RULES: The corporation can replace certain rules in the CATSI Act if they better suit its needs and circumstances (e.g. rules on membership application methods can be changed to accommodate preferences).

SET LAWS: These are non-negotiable rules in the CATSI Act that apply to all corporations and cannot be changed. They cover essential governance matters like holding annual general meetings.

It’s recommended that corporations regularly review and update their rule books to remain relevant and adaptable to changing circumstances and opportunities.

ORIC’s website provides resources and tools to assist in writing or amending a corporation’s rule book, including information on replaceable rules and set laws.

NEED ASSISTANCE? Contact ORIC Phone 1800 622 431 email info@oric.gov.au website oric.gov.au

Use the FIND A CORPORATION search field to enter your corporation’s name (the first couple of letters are often enough) and press search.

The result will bring you to a page where you can access all your corporation’s public documents, including its rule book.

UPDATED GET A COPY OF GBK’s RULEBOOK HERE

GET IN TOUCH WITH US www.gbk.org.au 07 4083 1000 admin@gbk.org.au

12

THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2024 TORRES NEWS

YUMI College News

TA G A I S TAT E C O L L E G E ‘Gardens in Schools’ Masig Sets the Benchmark

Executive Principal - Michael Ward

Head HeadofofSchool School- -Yolanda YolandaMcLean McLean

Greetings community! I can hardly believe we are well into February and have only six weeks left this school term before the Easter break.

The Gardens in Schools project at Masig Campus has truly set the benchmark for 2024 with their dedication and passion for campus beautification and gardening.

Our campus communities are well into the teaching and learning work for the year, which underpins our college improvement agenda. In recent weeks my work has included key partnership meetings with TAFE Queensland, our TSIREC Board and my colleagues across Far North Queensland.

The $170,000 grant, with $10,000 allocated for each of the 17 campuses, has provided a solid foundation for this initiative.

There will be other commitments to come, all of which contribute to promoting and advocating for our work in education across the Torres Strait.

Congratulations to Susan Baira from Badu campus, who has received from Torres Shire Council the prestigious 2024 Australia Day Cultural Recognition Award. Susan is a most deserving recipient for being an inspiration to all generations through her passion for preserving Torres Strait Islander language and culture. We are proud to have Susan as a valued member of our college staff team. Another celebration point was readily found in the feedback from our secondary campus student leaders, who were supported to attend the prestigious Y Lead conference in Townsville last month. 4 School Captains, 4 Prefects, and 1 Cultural leader attended. Listening to their feedback from what was clearly a wonderful experience, made us all proud to see the future leaders of the Torres Strait representing their community with pride and confidence.

There are some exciting projects in our sights. Our college currently has a number of funding applications submitted for significant projects that will improve our assets, including a multi-million dollar Go for Gold grant to improve our secondary campus sporting facilities that can in turn create greater community access. In addition, we are seeking funding for an outer island classroom refurbishment program.

This year will see our partnership with Schools Plus come to fruition with bringing the expertise of international expert, Dr. Tim Lewis to us, in an effort to review and improve community engagement within our Positive Culture for Learning agenda.

Thank you to all of our community supporters, parents, carers and family for the variety of ways you assist our young people to be ready for learning every day.

Our campus leaders, teachers and school staff value these partnerships.

My team here at the Executive offices look forward to seeing you as we travel across beautiful Zenadth Kes and work on campus.

Under the leadership of Emma Moir and the custodianship of Thelma Billy, the Beautification and Gardening project at Masig Campus has not only transformed the physical space but also brought the community together.

The collaborative effort of staff, students, elders, parents, TSRA Rangers, and TSIRC’s Environment and Water Officers has created a vibrant and engaging environment that showcases the power of teamwork and community spirit.

A heartfelt thank you to all the parents and community members who generously contributed plants, cuttings, seeds, and seedlings to our garden. Your support is invaluable in enriching their educational experience.

With such a successful project in 2023, Masig Campus is undoubtedly poised to continue making strides in creating beautiful and sustainable spaces for learning and growth in the upcoming year.

13

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2024

Positive Culture for Learning Week 3 – I am a Proud Learner. I participate in all classroom activities and try my best.

Week 4 – I am Respectful. I listen to the person who is talking.

Mabuygiw Ngurpay Lag Head of Campus Tanya McGaughey Term 4 Attendance - 53 Students Enrolled Current

78% (41 students)

Target Goal

90% (47 students daily)

First School Parade We kicked off the school year on Thursday 1 February, with our first school parade to welcome back everyone and set the tone for the year ahead.

parents to engage in their children’s learning journey and to support our school.

Additionally, the parade served as an opportunity to express gratitude to community organizations for their support in preparing the school grounds for our students.

Special thanks were extended to Mabuygiw Garkarziw Kupay TSI Corporation and our local Mabuiag Rangers for their valuable contributions. We truly appreciate the wonderful support from our community.

Literacy What an amazing start to the new year. Everyone has settled in back and focussed on our priority area of Literacy.

Each class has completed testing students and we are working on improving our spelling and reading. This term we are reading narratives.

We will be learning about text structure, language and visual features. We are also making connections between characters, settings and events.

It was a fantastic turnout, with numerous families and community members joining us. The ceremony began with a special blessing from Fr. Frank Whap for the school, followed by his words of wisdom on the privilege of attending school.

Kadhego

Positive Culture for Learning This fortnight our PCL focus has been I am Responsible: I listen and follow directions.

Ngurpay Lag

Mr. Terrence Whap, our P&C President, encouraged

Mabuygiw Rangers

Mabuygiw Garkarziw Kupay TSI Corporation

Head of Campus Regina Birchley Term 4 Attendance - 75 Students Enrolled Current

86.6% (65 students)

Target Goal

90% (68 students daily)

Literacy Classes at Kadhego Campus have literacy groups four days a week. Students have been tested and put into groups to allow them to work to the best of their ability and grow.

Woerab (Year 5 / 6) have been hard at work in literacy groups. They have demonstrated they can work well independently and in small groups. Well done Woerab! Your stamina is impressive!

Using this focus, Kadhego students have been demonstrating they have what it takes to be a good learner!

School Leaders We celebrated our leadership presentations on Monday 5 February. Congratulations to our 2024 student leaders and class representatives.

Koey Ngurpay Mudh

Ready to Learn process

Head of Campus A/Matthew Tully

85% (148 students)

Target Goal

90% (317 students daily)

Phone Free 2024 Students across Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh, have started off the year Phone Free!

Yonda Pouches support our school’s philosophy of, “high expectation and high support”, helping students to manage personal devices at school.

Our guidelines for Managing Personal Electronic Devices at School for Students detail procedures, including how the school will respond to any violations that may happen.

Session 3 & 4 – J Block Wellbeing space • co-regulation • reflection sheet & • return to teacher for Restorative chat.

Clear Set of Positive Expectations (for all staff and students) New 2024 rules and expectations provide a consistent approach to routines and promote a positive and supportive learning environment for all. Consistency and accountability are important for students and the whole school community to adhere to.

Term 4 Attendance - 352 Students Enrolled Current

2024 Student Representatives are:Manai Aniba, Ciccie Tabuai, Mariza Nona, Hazel Menegi, Genevieve Kabai, Shakyna Dau-Menegi

Your dedication makes us proud and we are confident that you will inspire others as role models in our campus and community.

Au esoau to all families and care providers for your continued support of our school policies and processes.

Waybeni

Our 2024 leaders are: School Captains: Tiyaree and Jehu, Vice Captains: Shan-Tarisha and Javaniah, Baydham Sports Captains: Azriel and Derek, Koedal Sports Captains: Ezra and Latoya

The Whole School Ready to Learn Process gives students opportunities to re-engage into their lessons/ learning experiences using: • • •

Reminders Teacher applied consequences and The reflection processes

Reflection Process Session 1 & 2 - Buddy Class • self-regulation, • reflection sheet & • return to teacher for Restorative chat

Subscribe to the Available online via

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TN0461 • 18-01-24 Head online and get your copy issuu.com/store/publishers/ tsimatorresnews/subscribe

14 NEWS

THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2024 TORRES NEWS

New national alliance to take on fight for Traditional Owners’ Sea Country rights A new Sea Country Alliance made up of Traditional Owners came together in Canberra to speak with one voice for their rights earlier this week.

They were led by inaugural co-chairs Dr Heron Loban (Mabuyag Ki’ ai) and Gareth

Ogilvie (YamatjiNanda).

The formation of the Sea Country Alliance was made at a national meeting of Traditional Owners in November last year, representing a step forward in realising the crucial role that Traditional Owners

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Ph: (07) 4069 1586

THURSDAY ISLAND/HORN ISLAND FERRY TIMETABLE (18/01/2024) J All TI transfers include complimentary bus service on Thursday Island J

played in protecting and managing their offshore rights.

The Alliance was mandated to ensure the complexity of Traditional Owner rights for seas, oceans and coastal areas was recognised, and sought to ensure Sea Country was recognised, not just as a resource but as a cultural place providing sustenance for plants, animals, people and culture in policy and regulation.

Dr Loban said they called on the government to exceed international best practices.

“As Traditional Owners, our voices must be heard, and our rights respected,” she said.

“Australia must not just meet but exceed international best practice in approaching Sea Country as a holistic environment that includes cultural significance, plants and animals and minerals.

“Our Songlines connect the heart of Australia to the Australian coastline as

it once was, now far out at sea.

“Our islands are connected to each other and to the mainland through our dreaming and our stories.

“We understand Sea Country and terrestrial Country as one.

“One entity that includes people, plants and animals.”

Mr Ogilvie said the significance of the Alliance, and the responsibilities of its represented members, was enormous.

“Our connection to Sea Country is as important as it is to land, and yet, the protections that recognise our rights aren’t the same,” he said.

“For over 65,000 years Traditional Owners have cared for Sea Country, ensuring that the ecosystems thrived, and cultural connections remained strong.

“Australia’s bountiful oceans, with diverse species of animals and plants, were sustainably managed by our people for far, far longer than they have been by managed by others.”

Sea Country Alliance inaugural co-chairs Dr Heron Loban (above) and Gareth Ogilvie (below).

Pics supplied.

P J 07 4069 1586 • F J 07 4069 1408 • E J info@rebeltours.com.au • W J www.rebeltours.com.au • Important: Horn Island Bus Pickups must be requested the day before.

• Please note: Please be aware that we will have ferries to meet every Qantas and Skytrans flight from Cairns. If you can not see a ferry that suits your flight please call the office on 4069 1586.

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

• 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 make bookings – our office is not manned outside of these hours and we can not look up bookings or emails. We answer the phone whilst the ferry is running, but please try to book during office hours. Schedule may change without notice.

BOOK ONLINE AT WWW.REBELTOURS.COM.AU

AVOID THE QUEUE!

SCAN ME and Book your ferry now using this QR code, pay online.

NEWS 15

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2024

Climate fight goes underwater Women celebrate IWD and science successes on Country were expected to further increase temperatures.

“Some species can handle some increase in temperature, but when you start pushing that too far, temperature can influence [changes] in reproduction,” Ms Blamey said.

STORY BY CARLI WILLIS AS SEEN ON SBS/NITV

Madeina David and her colleagues monitoring seagrass. Pics supplied.

Scientists, natural resource officers and rangers from the Torres Strait Regional Authority’s (TSRA’s) Land and Sea Management Unit were among local women championing conservation and sustainability on International Day for Women and Girls in Science last weekend.

TSRA Senior Ranger Supervisor – Central Cluster and Masig Laura Pearson said Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) handed down

by Elders was still widely practised alongside modern science.

“I have strong people on both sides of my family, including strong grandmothers who know the seasons and tides,” Ms Pearson said.

“Back then we didn’t have the term ‘climate change’ or an international shipping lane in the Torres Strait, yet our Elders knew to prepare us for the challenges ahead.

“Our strong grandmothers, they knew the seasons, the tides and were prepping us for the future.

“We didn’t understand as children, but now we appreciate what they were showing us.

“I want my great-grandkids to see a Wongai tree, this is why I love being in the TSRA Ranger Program as it sees both worlds – traditional and western – working together for our children’s future.”

Award-winning marine scientist Madeina David, 25, said she worked with communities, universities, scientists and rangers to support a sustainable cultural and ecological future for the region.

Madeina often took on additional

roles to translate scientific terms and concepts into local language and practical information for communities and colleagues.

Each year she has coordinated trips with Traditional Owners and rangers to places including Iama, Poruma, Badu, Moa, Mabuiag and Mer to monitor seagrass, and Maizab Kaur (Bramble Cay) to tag turtles and share findings with remote island communities.

“The Torres Strait is the northernmost part of the Great Barrier Reef,” Ms David said.

“With some of the world’s largest seagrass meadows, it is home to six of the world’s seven marine turtle species and significant dugong populations.

“Our work to combine traditional knowledge and Western science is critical in supporting the survival of these marine species for the next generation, locally and globally.

“Moving away from home for study was hard, but now I am living my dream back home on the islands, caring for our oceans and working with our people.

“I would love to see more girls and women, especially from the islands, explore careers in science to care for our land, sea and culture.

“If you have a passion for the environment, follow your dream as you never know where it can take you and the positive difference you can make.” *For more information about the TSRA visit www.tsra.gov.au or visit Facebook.

Senior Ranger Supervisor – Central Cluster and Masig, Laura Pearson at oil spill response training.

As a fisherman, Harry Nona lives and breathes Malu – the sea.

Harry grew up on Badu Island, he has been diving since he was old enough to swim – and professionally for 30 years.

He has welcomed the Torres Strait’s first climate resilience project focussed on its prized fisheries and said he had seen the effects of climate change with his own eyes.

“Badu is surrounded by sea and sea for my people on Badu [and the] islands around it, is very important,” he said.

“Our people are always travelling across the sea from island to island.”

The CSIRO launched the project with funding and support from the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA).

Research data was to be used to create 3D models that would help map out future impacts of climate change on selected animals.

The project focused on species of great importance to fisheries industries in the region including kaiar (crayfish), aber (sea cucumber), seagrass and fin fish.

For the first time, it would also focus on the culturally significant dugong.

CSIRO Community Engagement Advocate Torres Webb was on board to help set up a steering committee of Torres Strait Islanders and stakeholders.

“Fisheries is very important for our economic livelihood, our sustenance and survival, and continuing our cultural practices of harvesting marine resources sustainably into the future,” Torres said.

CSIRO celebrated 35 years of rock lobster surveys on Waiben earlier this year.

Senior Principle Research Scientist Eva Plaganyi, who has worked in the region for 15 years, said detailed fisheries data was the reason the project was able to go ahead.

She said the fisheries of the Torres Strait were revered as some of the best managed in the world.

“Torres Strait Islanders have very strong custodianship very strong sense of wanting lobsters there for the next generations,” she said.

For Harry, who has spent more of his life beneath the ocean’s surface than above it, the effects of climate change he was bearing witness to were a growing concern.

He said similar to the changing environment above the surface, climate change had also transformed the environment underneath the surface.

“I’m worrying about my sea creatures like dugong and turtle because I’ve seen changes underneath,” he said.

“Where the dugongs are feeding, I can see the sand shifting into the dugong’s seagrass feeding grounds.

Everything has changed

TOP: Diver Harry Nona; MIDDLE: CSIRO’s Laura Blamey & Eva Plaganyi; BOTTOM: Torres Webb. Pics Carli Willis. BELOW: CSIRO has studied kaiar in the region for decades. Pic CSIRO.

“There’s a lot of seaweed I’ve never seen before – a dead black seaweed that’s covering the rocks and stones and lays on the reef.”

CSIRO Senior Research Scientist and Project Team Leader Laura Blamey said with more funding and time, the project could grow to include more species.

She said the waters of the Torres Strait were already warm and El Nino weather patterns

Harry said the shifting environment had changed where some species like the kaiar – who liked to make homes in between rocks – lived.

He said stories and knowledge passed down to him through generations had taught him about the seasons, including how and when to fish.

“Everything has changed because of the climate, it’s no longer there anymore,” he said.

“I’m worried about the sea levels rising and the waters getting warmer.”

He said fish populations didn’t seem to be affected yet, but he was concerned about how much more they could take.

He said he was also increasingly concerned about waru (turtle) populations.

“I don’t see much for two years now, there’s no mating turtles,” he said.

“I’m worried about future generations – if I don’t see any turtles mating, well, we will have problems in the islands.”

Waru was another culturally significant species, one of six of the world’s seven species that lived or migrated to the Torres Strait.

Harry said he was aware the gender of most waru species was determined by the temperature of the environment.

He said he wasn’t sure if this was what was causing the phenomena, but he hoped the climate resilience project would help map out their future as well.

He said in addition to impacting ocean health, climate change meant winds were changing and seas had become rougher.

He said that meant fishermen were taking greater risks more often to make the catch.

“Doesn’t matter whether the wind is blowing, we got to be out there,” he said.

“That’s our life, that’s our income and we got to be out there fishing, diving.

“We need to be very mindful that when we’re out there we can’t go far distance, we can only go with where we think we can be back home safe.”

Torres said traditional knowledge was key to maintaining sustainable fisheries into the future.

“When you’ve had a long history across the region, as saltwater people, as people of these islands, we have a long, deep knowledge and a deep history of this of this region,” he said.

“We want to ensure that our knowledge is valued and acknowledged, as scientists ourselves.”

16 CLASSIFIEDS

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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.

Natural Resources Management Officer (NRMO), Marine Co-Ordinator APS4 SALARY RANGE $69,156 – $75,089 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 Unit (LSMU) is seeking a suitably experienced, enthusiastic, and motivated person to be our new NRMO, Marine Co-Ordinator. This role is being advertised as ongoing/nonongoing and is open to Torres Strait Islander or Aboriginal people only.

The NRMO, Marine Co-Ordinator will assist in providing support for all LSMU logistics, coordinating movement of freight to outer islands, and maintaining the TSRA Thursday Island depot. This role also requires you to assist the Senior NRM Officer (Marine) with fleet and logistic coordination, supporting the operation a fleet of nine (9) vessels within the Torres Straits.

Applications close at 11:30pm AEST, 27 February 2024.

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.

TN0764 1wk: 15/2/24 ____ AdsF E Excel E Dummy E For further information please contact Aaron Bon on Tel: 0427 814 621 or

email15x3 aaron.bon@tsra.gov.au TSC. @ $5.40 rate $243incl. [$220.91ex] Booking app. & proofnote: app. byTSRA 4pm Mon. 12/2/24. /PO: ____________________by Tues. 13/2/24 Please accommodation is not available for 12noon this position.

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

Positions Vacant The Torres Shire Council leadership team is looking to fill the following key positions: N Facilities Coordinator N Events Coordinator N Airport Protection Officer Note: Suitable candidates may be interviewed and appointed before the closing date.

Application package and position description for these positions can be obtained by contacting the Human Resources Manager, Tanya Loban.

Phone: (07) 4069 1336 or email employment@torres.qld.gov.au TSC welcomes and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Applications must address the selection criteria otherwise the application will not be considered. You must email your application to employment@torres.qld.gov.au by 5pm, Friday 1st March 2024.

Dalassa Yorkston CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER EDITORIAL News and events of the Kaurareg homeland of Kaiwalagal, the Torres Strait homeland & Cape York homelands of the Anggamuthi, Atambaya, Wuthathi, Yadhaykenu & Gudang Peoples.

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

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TORRES SHIRE COUNCIL

TN0762 15/2/24. _____

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For more information about how to get your story on board, email: J Diat: editor@torres.news or J Christine: christine@torres.news

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SPORT & CLASSIFIEDS 17

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2024

The not-so-calm before the All Stars storm STORY AND PIC

BY ALF WILSON Tucked away in an office located in a quiet street about 200m from Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank stadium was the “nerve and organisation centre” for tomorrow night’s Indigenous All Stars men’s and women’s clashes with their Maori counterparts.

The Torres News was invited to the demountable building in Perkins Street where NRL Senior Manager for Indigenous Strategy Danny Allende and Noel Gertz were hard at work.

Noel’s economic development and partnerships company On Community Country provided the office.

Former Cowboys star Ray Thompson dropped in while the Torres News was there and said he was looking forward to the big games.

“I am here to conduct some training,” Ray said.

Danny said Torres Strait Islanders would be out in force at the games.

“Our officer Edward Monaei has some tickets to provide for people up in the Torres Strait and has been liaising with people there,” he said.

Danny said the players arrived in Townsville and attended a welcome-to-country

ceremony early on Monday morning.

“Aicey Day and Ashley Saltner performed [as part of] the welcome to country,” he said.

On Tuesday there were team training sessions and Deadly Choices health checks before a team dinner.

Yesterday the players enjoyed most of the day off followed by a jersey

presentation on the Strand and an All Stars dinner at the prestigious Ville.

Today there were to be captains’ runs and a breakfast for all players would be held tomorrow morning.

Noel, who attended a network meeting on Waiben recently, said his organisation was delighted to assist.

“There were four

He said NRL Media Accredited correspondents, including our own Darren

Moncrieff and TSIMA’s Gilmore Johnstone, would also have access to the facilities.

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

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.

Program Manager, Infrastructure 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 Program Manager, Infrastructure. This role is ongoing/non-ongoing and is open to all candidates.

NRL official Danny Allende, former Cowboys player Ray Thompson & Noel Gertz.

All Stars stars ready to shine STORY AND PICS

BY ALF WILSON

ABOVE: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow & BELOW: Dane Gagai.

Kotoni Staggs, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Isaiah Tass and Braydon Trindall. Coach: Ronald Griffiths Māori All-Stars: Jesse Arthars, Kenny Bromwich, Dane Gagai, Jacob Gagai, Jack Howarth, Jahrome Hughes, Royce Hunt, Te Maire Martin, Trey Mooney, Briton Nikora, Kodi Nikorima, Adam Pompey, Joseph Tapine, Jazz Tevaga, Leo Thompson, Matthew Timoko, Brandon Smith, Dylan Walker, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Xavier Willison. Coach: Adam Blair.

Kerehitina Matua, Raecene McGregor, Shanice Parker, Rima Pirini Butler, Ashleigh Quinlan, Tiana Raftstrand-Smith, Jasmin Strange, Chante Temara, Zahara Temara, Botille Vette-Welsh. Coach: Keith Hanley.

Women’s Teams All-Stars, and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Jahrome Hughes and Joseph Tapine in the Māori side.

The women’s game begins at 4.30pm, followed by the men’s at 7pm.

Men’s Teams

Indigenous All-Stars: Josh Addo-Carr, Jacob Alick, Bailey BiondiOdo, Bailey Butler, Josh Curran, Adam Elliott, Jordan Grant, J’maine Hopgood, Nicho Hynes, Josh Kerr, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Latrell Mitchell, Shaquai Mitchell, Kierran Moseley, Hohepa Puru,

Indigenous All-Stars: Shaylee Bent, Jaime Chapman, Kirra Dibb, Quincy Dodd, Monique Donovan, Taliah Fuimaono, Tallisha Harden, Kimberley Hunt, Keilee Joseph, Grace Kemp, Olivia Kernick, Bobbi Law, Mahalia Murphy, Jasmine Peters, Tommaya Kelly-Sines, Taneka Todhunter, Tamika Upton, Janelle Williams. Coach: Jess Skinner.

Māori All-Stars: Brooke Anderson, Corban Baxter, Annessa Biddle, Destiny Brill, Kennedy Cherrington, Zali Fay, Mya HillMoana, Shannon Mato,

As the Program Manager, you will have responsibility for leading your team to achieve the effective implementation of the Infrastructure Program.

You will work collaboratively with other Program Managers and the Chief Financial Officer to ensure integration between projects and programs across the Authority to deliver on the intended outcomes for the Torres Strait Development Plan.

Applications close at 11:30pm, Monday 19 February 2024.

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 James Campbell-Watson at CBC Staff Selection, via email james@cbcstaff.com.au Please note: TSRA accommodation may be available for this position.

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

Saibai Island superstar Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will be a key player for the Indigenous All Stars on Friday night but playing opposite him will be brothers Dane and Jacob Gagai for the Māori All-Stars side.

More than 20,000 fans will converge on Townsville Stadium for the sixth Indigenous vs Māori All-Stars match, with close to a million expected to watch it on TV. Hamiso and Dane Gagai have huge followings in the region as was evident when they against the Cowboys in Townsville during 2023.

Dane was swamped by fans after the Newcastle-Cowboys games and happily signed autographs.

Hamiso was also swamped when his side, the Dolphins, defeated the Cowboys, and later in the year when he played for the Kangaroos Test team, also in Townsville.

The men’s game will also include Josh Addo-Carr, Latrell Mitchell and Nicho Hynes for the Indigenous

to six NRL Logistics support staff utilising our facilities including Danny,” he said.

We want to see your pic showing your Ailan Life!

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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.

18 SPORT

Tagai footy day well supported by locals Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh hosted NPASC for the district rugby league trials last Friday.

Family and community members came to support the players,

all of whom showed excellent sportsmanship.

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the trials.

Pics supplied.

THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2024 TORRES NEWS

Women-only carnival a first STORY BY ALF WILSON Waiben-based rugby league identities Elsie Seriat and EllaFaye Peters have thrown their full support behind the firstever women’s only Indigenous carnival to be held at Petersen Park in the Cairns suburb of Edmonton in October this year.

Comp organiser Erub United’s Elia Ware said hundreds of players were expected to compete.

Ella-Faye said she was sure the carnival would boost the game and growth of women in rugby league in far north Queensland.

“Women’s rugby used to be very big in the Cairns region and then over time that died down,” she said.

“For so long we’ve had so many talented females with limited opportunities to gain growth and aspirations to go pro.

“This carnival will definitely re-ignite the passion for the games for our ladies, and hopefully become one of the many all-female rugby carnivals to come.”

Elsie described news about the carnival as “fantastic”.

“That’s fantastic,” she said. “Recognising women’s participation and achievements in rugby league is a big step forward.

“Thank you to the organisers and sponsors who made it happen.

“Setting a precedence for more women’s competitions and carnivals in rugby league is definitely a positive move towards greater inclusion and recognition.”

Organisers have limited the number of teams to 16, with a warning to those who wanted to nominate to get in quickly – especially with a juicy prize for the winning team of $20,000 and $5000 for the runner-up.

Elia told the Torres News he

Elia & Kristen Ware in Brisbane for the Murri - Koori Knockout in January 2023. Pic by Christine Howes. had been overwhelmed with the response after sending out fliers about it last week.

“I have already had more than 20 enquiries and it will be popular, I haven’t heard of another carnival for women only,” he said.

Women’s rugby league has gone ahead in leaps and bounds in the past few years with strong club competitions in Cairns, Townsville and Mackay.

Carnivals around the north

also attract women’s sides, who produce quality and entertaining football.

It was estimated that about half of the players competing in club women’s comps were Indigenous.

As a bonus, all club comps, the Q Cup and NRLW will have finished by the time the carnival action gets underway.

For more information contact

allstars.carnival@gmail

Wildcats secure their play-off position but 3 spots still up for grabs The Perth Wildcats have secured their playoff spot at the expense of the Cairns Taipans in the leadup to the playoffs in this year’s National Basketball League competition.

Both teams played great basketball in the first two quarters, with the score locked at 57 at half time, but the Cairns Taipans struggled to put points on the board in the second half and the Perth Wildcats shot well to win the game, 117 – 88.

Perth forward, Keanu Pinder, seemed to find his form leading to the business end of the NBL season, finished the game with 18 points, nine rebounds and two steals.

After Round 19 was completed, three teams secured playoff spots –

Melbourne United (1st), Perth (2nd) and Tasmania JackJumpers (3rd).

Four teams were still vying for the remaining three spots – Illawarra Hawks, Brisbane Bullets, New Zealand Breakers and Sydney Kings.

Round 20, and the last one for NBL24, was not a certainty for any of them, with all of them having to their win games – by playing finals-style basketball.

Tonight’s clash between Illawarra and Perth will be tough with the Hawks needing the win so they stay at fourth spot.

In the other big games: on Friday night New Zealand is at home to take on Brisbane Bullets; on Saturday night Tasmania will host Perth; and on Sunday there are two games: Melbourne host the Hawks and Adelaide will host the Breakers.

Ladder (after Round 19): Melb.

Perth Tasmania Illawarra Brisbane New Zealand Sydney Cairns Adelaide SE Melb.

Games

BY VELMA GARA

W L

26 26 27 26 27 26

19 17 15 13 13 12

7 9 12 13 14 14

27 27 27 27

12 11 11 10

15 16 16 17

Keanu Pinder (Perth Wildcats) happy that his team has locked in a finals berth. Photo courtesy of NBL FB page.

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2024

Patty Mills picks up inaugural US/Australia embassy award One of this country’s greatest-ever basketball exports, Patty Mills, has won recognition from the Australian Government in the US for his innovations and achievements.

Mills, whose NBA career began at Portland in 2009, has long sought to further the cause of Indigenous issues and was a strong advocate for youth and culture.

Australia’s Ambassador to the United States, former Prime Minister Dr Kevin Rudd, recognised five outstanding Australians for their innovations and achievements at the inaugural Embassy of Australia Awards late last month.

They shone a light on Australian excellence in areas of bilateral importance, including science, technology, cyber security, sports and culture.

Each of the awardees was a leader in their field and a proud representative of Australia on the international stage.

Ambassador Rudd said the five awardees were all showcasing the best of Australia in the United States.

“Each of these outstanding Australians reaffirms Australia

The Australian Opals have punched their ticket for the Paris Olympics after winning all three games at the Qualifying Tournament in Brazil.

Opals forward Cayla George was happy to represent her country and family, especially her husband and daughters, Kailou and Pearl, and fly the Torres Strait flag, as shown on her Instagram.

Australia defeated Brazil 80 – 75; Germany 85 – 52 and Serbia 75 – 73.

Head Coach Sandy Brondello was delighted with her team’s Brazil campaign.

“I’m super proud of this group,” she said.

“There are areas we can get better at but we’ve ticked off the first step by qualifying for the Olympics, and that’s a credit to the players, now it’s building to Paris.”

The Opals will take part in camps, tours and friendly fixtures against other nations

Kittyhawk tips off 2024 season NPA’s Kittyhawk Basketball Association held their AGM earlier this week and kicked off their 2024 ‘scrimmage’ games last Saturday.

“Scrimmage games are back on,” they said on Facebook.

“And games will be happening on our usual Tuesday and Thursday nights starting [last] Tuesday night [from] 6-8pm.

“We could also be starting our PreSeason Competition as early as next week, so watch this space and get your team ready now to sign up.”

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“Working in one of the most

competitive environments in the world, they’ve made it to the top of their respective fields, and make all of

Australia proud.”

Channel 10 Australia presenter Narelda Jacobs Emcee’d the awards night.

Opals are headed for Paris Olympics

BY VELMA GARA

SPORT 19

THURSDAY ISLAND / SEISIA

FERRY SCHEDULE JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2024

Cayla George (from her Instagram page).

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

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as preparations are fine-tuned for the Games which start on 26 July 2024.

Now the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) break was

complete, the Women’s National Basketball League season was set to recommence with games played tonight and on the weekend.

As previously

reported in Torres News four teams were looking to cement their spots on the top end of the ladder.

Townsville Fire was sitting in first place but still needed to win

games against Bendigo Spirit (Sunday 18 February), Southside Flyers (Wednesday 21 February) and Sydney Flames (Sunday 25 February).

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.

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20

THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2024

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

Queensland Cup shuffle for our best

BY ALF WILSON Three leading rugby league players – Julian Christian, Jon Reuben and Gideon Gela-Mosby – have switched clubs ahead of the 2024 Queensland Cup premiership season.

Julian has left the Cairns-based Northern Pride to join Norths Devils, while Jon, who was with the Devils, has moved to Wynnum-Manly.

Gideon will be looking to play a leading role for Edmonton Storm in the Cairns and District competition.

The trio have been outstanding in the Queensland Cup for several years and were teammates for Erub United, who have also had a run of success in recent years.

They are all speedy backs with great skills and excellent teammen.

Julian, 26, said it was an exciting time.

“I had a great time with the Pride during the past two years but I was always going to return down south where I have a daughter,” he said.

“I played with the Ipswich Jets for five years.

“I had been in the Cowboys NRL squad and I’m looking forward to lining up for Norths Devils.

“I’ve had discussions with the coach and will play fullback, but can be called upon for the halves.”

Jon, 30, was the Q-Cup’s leading try scorer last season, with 20 four-pointers.

He played for St George-Illawarra and also lined up in youth grade for the Canberra Raiders.

Gideon, 27, played 11 NRL games for the Cowboys between 2017 and 2019.

Last season, he played 15 matches for Wynnum-Manly.

Before that, he was at Northern Pride where he played 51 games.

MAIN PIC: Julian Christian in Weipa last year for Northern Pride.

Pic by Christine Howes.

INSET: TOP – Jon Reuben has left Norths Devils to play for Wynnum-Manly.

BELOW – Gideon Gela-Mosby.

Pics thanks to QRL.

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