Torres News_Edition 121_14 March 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.

Thursday, 14 March 2024

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Big ailan welcome for visiting cruisers Strait Experience staff and Kaziw Meta students and staff have teamed up to offer hundreds of cruising visitors authentic ‘meet and greet’ services on Waiben over the past month.

Three massive ships, one carrying nearly 900 passengers, have dropped anchor off our shores, dwarfing neighbouring islands and unable to dock, but still keen to experience a taste or two of what our Ailan life has to offer.

In the picture is Strait Experience Shoreside Services’ Robert Kaigey working with Kaziw Meta boarders Jarani Kebisu and Tomisha Ahwang, and Career Transition Officer Jimmy O’Cloudy.

More pics and full story on PAGE 6 N Pic thanks to Strait Experience.

INSIDE

SEE LOCAL COUNCIL A look at our Mayoral candidates PAGES 15 ELECTIONS 2024 for TSC, TSIRC & NPARC inside! 14, & 16 N

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THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2024 TORRES NEWS

Wakayama visitors welcomed to Waiben

Deputy Mayor Gabriel Bani, Wakayama Prefectural Government Office Planning Division International Affairs Division Assistant Manager Yuki Nakasuji, Mayor Yen Loban, Kaicho Thursday Island Wakayama Kenjinkai Inc President Rhonda Shibasaki & Cr John Abednego. Pic supplied.

Torres Shire Council was excited to welcome the Wakayama Prefectural Government and Wakayama Assembly to the Shire and region earlier this month.

Kaicho Thursday Island Wakayama Kenjinkai Inc president Rhonda Shibasaki and Wakayama Prefectural Government office Planning Division International Affairs Division assistant manager Yuki Nakasuji met with Mayor Loban, Deputy Mayor Gabriel Bani, Cr John Abednego and CEO Dalassa Yorkston to discuss an official visit planned for May this year.

Mayor Loban said the Torres Shire Council and the Shire itself had a long history of connection with Japanese people, places and celebrations.

“The Japanese pearlers were an essential part of the fabric of our early maritime industry and there is a special part of the Thursday Island

cemetery dedicated to Japanese divers who lost their lives at sea,” he said.

“There are more than 745 Japanese graves on Thursday Island.

“In December 2011 the Friendship City Agreement was signed with the Japanese city of Kushimoto and on 15 August each year we celebrate the Japanese Ancestral Ceremony Obon.”

In May Ms Shibasaki and Ms Nakasuji planned to accompany Wakayama Prefectural Government Executive Director for International Affairs Toshihiko Okazawa and Wakayama Prefectural Assembly members Taishi Hamaguchi (Chairperson) and Fuminari Akiduki, and Secretary to the Chairperson Takahiro Kitadume on their visit.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Council representatives to meet with this distinguished party and to welcome them to our Shire,” Mayor Loban said.

Waybeni Buway principal Rick Cass loves an event and says last year’s Harmony Concert ‘wowed’ audiences with their variety of acts, from kids to staff and community.

This year, he said, had the added benefit of a new school hall to celebrate the Everyone Belongs theme for the week.

“Harmony Week celebrates diversity, culture, language and belonging,” he said.

“No matter where you are from, your heritage, your ethnicity, your culture, we all belong to a community, a family and of course, humanity.

“Here on TI, we have people from all over Australia and the world.

“Indeed, most locals have a diverse family history, with plenty of families with Japanese, Malay, British, Aboriginal, Chinese heritage, and an endless array of other nationalities.

“We are living in an Indigenous community, and regardless of where we are from, we are one

and we are many.”

He said this year’s Harmony Week concert would see Kabi Kabi singer, dancer, artist and culture man Lyndon Davis perform as well as Australian Idol star and Waybeni Buway teacher Jade Bligh.

“In addition to Lyndon and Jade, we have school-based and other local acts performing – we can’t name them all yet, but like last year, expect to be wowed,” he said.

He said it would be his last event as principal before he left TI at the end of term and he wanted to encourage as many people as possible to attend.

“I’m leaving to be closer to my family,” he said.

“I would love as many people as possible to be there and say goodbye in the most celebratory way.”

The Harmony Concert is on Friday 22 March from 1.30–3pm.

It is a free event, but donations are very welcome to support the school.

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NEWS 03

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2024

It’s a long way to the shop if you want a government subsidy STORY AND PIC

BY CARLI WILLIS Residents and remote store operators are still waiting for the $64 million freight subsidy promised by the Queensland Government following the March 2023 Cost of Living Summit held in Waiben over a year ago.

The Remote Communities Freight Assistance Scheme was confirmed in October last year to help reduce the financial burden on households by offering a 5.2 per cent discount on certain items at the cash register.

Across all of the Torres Strait, Northern Peninsula and

No IBIS or ABIS stores have been confirmed as having secured the subsidy.

Gulf only one store – Food Works in Normanton – has activated the discount for its customers.

Eligible retailers had to apply to offer the discount, which was to be used on

essential groceries such as everyday food and household items purchased for basic sustenance and domestic needs.

A spokesperson for Transport and Main Roads

Department said 32 retail outlets expressed an interest in participating.

“All retailers in the Northern Peninsula, Torres Strait and Gulf region selling eligible essential goods are encouraged to apply and participate in the Scheme,” they said.

“The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority is currently assessing applications from eligible retailers.”

Fresh and non-perishable food products, beverages, household cleaning supplies and toiletries were included in the scheme.

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Concern over rise in illegal activities

BY CARLI WILLIS, AS SEEN ON NITV A recent spate of illegal activity in some outer islands has left some residents worried for their safety as well as concerns economic pressures in the region – and across the Papua New Guinea border – are leading to the increase in crime.

They say increased illegal fishing, drug trading, theft and people smuggling have come to a tipping point, prompting communities to renew their calls to the government for help.

Saibai residents, who preferred not to be named, said they had a ‘traumatising’ experience in January this year when they confronted illegal fishers.

“We asked him to move because they can’t be there, we don’t consent for them to be there, they’re not approved,” they said.

“We were attacked with machetes and we [were] in fear for [our] life.”

They said uninvited visitors were becoming brazen and often set up camp on the island.

“We’ve had one boat stolen the day after there was a Joint Border Patrol on Saibai – the very next day – a community member’s boat got stolen right from in front of his beachfront landing,” they said. “We’ve been left in the dark, this has been going on for years where there’s no sign of turtle and dugong on our hunting grounds.

“These activities used to only happen during the night, now no one hides anymore.”

The community member said the incident was reported on the

LEFT: Saibai locals say illegal camps are becoming common on Saibai.

RIGHT: Locals photograph Papua New Guinea people illegally fishing at the back of Saibai. Pics supplied. day but a convoy of Australian Federal Police (AFP), Queensland Police Service (QPS), Australia Border Force (ABF) and officials from PNG attended one week later.

Bilateral Traditional Inhabitants Committee deputy chair Getano Lui Jr AM said he was the last surviving Elder who helped form and establish the Torres Strait Treaty between the two countries that has allowed ‘free movement’ for traditional purposes since 1978. He said he had travelled to the villages of southern Papua New Guinea and witnessed the poverty families experience.

“You can appreciate why people are coming across to Australia,” he said. “If it’s for food for your children and your families, then you will do anything [for] that.”

Mr Lui said it was sad to see free movement had been abused and that such activities were not in the spirit of the Treaty.

“You have this generation coming and doing things that are totally inconsistent with the traditional way of life that we both enjoyed in the past,” he said.

“We need to start

doing something on our side to ensure that what people do within, is in the true spirit of the treaty. It’s getting to the stage that it is putting our safety at risk.”

Mr Lui said he was concerned outsiders, who weren’t from the traditional familial PNG villages, were “infiltrating” communities and instigating crime.

Torres News heard from several sources across the region that criminal activity was increasing and safety for residents was a shared concern.

In November last year, six people were arrested in Mabaduan, Daru and Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea, in relation to a drug syndicate.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) said they worked with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to intercept five kilograms of methamphetamine on its way to Bamaga in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA). There were ongoing enquiries into the syndicate and the potential Australians involved.

In December last year, three Chinese Nationals arrived on an uninhabited part of Kirriri by banana boat.

Community members

said one tried to force themselves into a resident’s home before they were stopped.

“How they behaved, it was very concerning, it’s scary… [they had] impulsive behaviour,” they said.

Community members said after water police removed the three people, nothing was seen or heard from authorities on the matter again, leaving them living in fear.

The Australian Border Force (ABF) has since confirmed the individuals returned to China voluntarily.

An ABF spokesperson said their officers maintained a ‘strong presence’ in the region.

“ABF’s presence in the region also comprises maritime, land and air surveillance, including ships, fast response boats, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft,” they said. “The ABF conducts Joint Cross Border Patrols (JCBP) with PNG border and law enforcement authorities several times each year.”

Torres News understood there were no full-time AFP, ABF, Defence or Police Officers in the region between Waiben and Daru, in PNG.

A spokesperson for the QPS said there were 27 full-time Torres Strait Island Police Liaison Officers (TSIPLOs) based across the region, who could report crimes but could not make arrests, carry a weapon or confiscate illegal items. They said Police Officers with powers were based on Waiben (34), Ngurupai (2) and in the NPA (10).

“The Top Western Islands is patrolled [by QPS] for seven days on a rotational basis,” they said.

Meanwhile, a $13 million high-tech security post completed in 2020 on Saibai remained largely unstaffed.

The building was intended to be a multiagency facility to bring the AFP and ABF staff closer to the isolated outer islands.

Authorities confirmed visiting the building during patrols but to date, just two TSIPLOs occupy the building on a full-time basis.

Border Monitoring Officers employed by ABF and based on the outer islands could only report crime.

Mr Lui said they had called for local people to have enforcement powers for a long time.

“It’s a bit like when the cat’s away, the mice will play,” he said “If we’re not around, enforcing the laws, then people will use that to their advantage. Give us the proper compliance powers for our men and women who are frontline with Border Force, with biosecurity, with all of the other arrangements that you have. By protecting our communities, we protect Australia.”

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04 NEWS

THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2024 TORRES NEWS

Blessings and badges in Tagai’s new Waybeni Buway Hall

Michael Ward with 2024 School Captains. Pics by Mr Bartlett, WBNM. Tagai State School’s newest leaders were blessed at an induction ceremony at the new Waybeni Buway Hall last week.

Deputy Principal Gary Jones led the acknowledgement ceremony in which school captains, student representatives and sports captains were presented with their leadership badges.

Special guests, families and friends

were on hand to listen to Father Stephen bless the school and the ceremony.

Mr Samson presented the badges to the sports captains, Mr Ward presented the badges to the school captains and Mr Cass presented the student representatives with their badges.

Mr Jones acknowledged the efforts of all involved in making the morning such as success.

Father Stephen.

Mr Peters leading the kids in a song medley.

NEWS 05

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2024

Medical researchers draw students’ interest Students in remote far north communities had access to some of the brightest scientific minds in the state with a visit from researchers from the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, known as QIMR Berghofer, earlier this month.

The QIMR Berghofer Regional Education Program was aimed at delivering science to children, and demonstrating and encouraging pathways to careers in medical research.

Dr Nigel Waterhouse, Dr Ellie Paige and

Andrew Laskary joined the education team on the northern outreach, travelling by plane, bus and boat to reach Thursday Island and Bamaga.

Dr Waterhouse said it was an incredible experience.

“The students were just amazing and they inspired us as much as we hoped to inspire them,” he said.

“They were really engaged and jumped straight on the microscopes and asked in-depth questions about what we were presenting.”

QIMR Berghofer Education Co-ordinator Dr Manuel Serrano Santos said the program was designed specifically for children in regional Queensland in consultation with the Department of Education, and the support has been far-reaching.

“We were received with open arms,” he said.

“It was great to show students that science is possible for them, no matter how remote they are.

“We wanted to make sure that we not only have a footprint in the

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schools but also in the local area and QIMR has had a massive presence with this visit.”

Jude Di Giacomo, from the Northern Peninsula Area State College, said the visit opened the eyes of many students, particularly those with a natural flair for science.

“It’s not often a team of renowned scientists in their field working at an amazing institute in Brisbane travel all this way,” she said.

“How the research was presented to the students was just outstanding.”

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06 NEWS

THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2024 TORRES NEWS

Big ailan welcome for big Viking cruise ships

Pic below thanks to Strait Experience. Pics by Torres Shire Council.

Inclement weather did not deter three huge cruise liners and passengers from visiting our shores and enjoying themselves between raindrops over the past few months.

The Viking Orion was en route to Bali from Sydney, there was also the Viking Sky and the Viking Neptune, all carrying as many as 900 or more passengers.

“Whilst the harbour is not equipped to dock

huge passenger liners, these vessels were visible from the shore and visitors came in large numbers despite the weather,” Mayor Yen Loban said.

“There were many people visiting and experiencing our wonderful island culture; learning about the Shire at the Torres Shire Council information display, enjoying other displays and purchasing local art and craft and

other goods from the various stalls; and if not visiting stalls they were visiting the local businesses, attending local cultural tours and generally experiencing and enjoying life on Thursday Island.

“This is a wonderful economic boom to our shire and an opportunity for people all over the world to experience Torres Strait Island culture.”

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THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2024 TORRES NEWS

Council celebrates International Women’s Day 2024 Torres Shire Council (TSC) celebrated IWD with a wonderful luncheon, the most magical cake ever, and all who attended enjoyed a moment of fame where they each explained what the day meant to them and talked about the important women in their lives.

This year’s International Women’s Day celebrations were inspired by the theme Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate progress.

TSC CEO Dalassa

Pics supplied.

Yorkston said older staff were able to talk about the changes that have occurred over the past five decades and what challenges still lay ahead.

“Participants noted there was a large number of women working in administration but only one in the outdoor workforce,” she said.

“Council is committed to paving the way for even greater advancement, and that means that we must invest in our staff and make opportunities.”

More IWD stories and pics to come J

Monthly Winner

FEBRUARY 2024 The winner of the February 2024 Ailan Life photo competition is Jessica Sabatino – Congratulations Jessica.

Jessica’s winning entry (above) was taken near Goodes Island.

“Fishing in paradise,” Jessica said.

Photo Competition

For your chance to win, email us your pic showing your Ailan Life along with your name, phone number and a 25-word description to ads@torres.news

Assistant Manager Milford Warria presents Jess Sabatino’s husband Antoni with her $150 CEQ voucher.

NEWS 09

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2024

Weaving Our Stories making it personal in cities STORY BY CHRISTINE HOWES PICS BY JAROD WOODS Climate change advocacy organisation Our Islands Our Home hosted Weaving Our Stories events in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne earlier this month.

Our Islands Our Home campaigner Yessie Mosby and Beetaloo Basin Traditional Owner Rikki Dank took the opportunity to share their stories of resistance to fossil fuels and protection of country through culture, dance and art.

Tishiko King, Yaraan Bundle and musician Kee’ahn also joined them.

Our Islands Our Home community organiser Waniki Maulwapi said the events were a success.

“Every single event was sold out,” she said.

“And everyone just said how transformational it was, that the idea for us was to make climate change personal.

“For people to come and listen to these stories of our communities first-hand made that deep connection for them and really impacted them.”

She said the idea behind the storytelling tour was to share stories of communities on the front lines of climate impacts in the Torres Strait and Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory, who were on the front lines of extraction from fracking and mining.

“It also inspired them to support and show solidarity for us in the Torres Strait and in Aboriginal communities who experience mining on their country,” she said.

“We wanted to bring our communities together, share our stories, and also celebrate the resilience of our communities as we fight to protect our lands in solidarity with one another and to share with new audiences this information through First Nations storytelling.

“We also had a Talanoa, which is a Pacific Islander word for a discussion, which means that it’s not just a panel, it’s just people in conversation and weaving their stories together in a conversation.

“Each city had different people for the Talanoa, so we related it also to those that are protecting country and each city and surrounding places.

“Yessie, when he shared his stories of protecting his island home in Masig, was sitting and also weaving a basket to show that visual representation of the stories he’s sharing, and those who were witnessing that were becoming a part of that story as well.”

She said the events were very special.

“It was very, very special, and our team are just so in awe,” she said.

“It was such a team effort of everybody involved and it was everything we could have imagined and more.”

Weaving Our Stories in Magan-Djin (Brisbane).

ABOVE: Talanoa discussion. L-R, Lisa Viliamu, Dr. Jamal Nabulsi, Meleika Gesa-Fatafehi and Boe Spearim. BELOW: Mabuiag Island Dancers.

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THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2024 TORRES NEWS

Meriba Ged Ngalpun Mab GBK’s Directors OUR COMMUNITY HONOUR THE WORKCREWS

MABO LEGACY

In a deeply meaningful gesture, the Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council (GBK) recently presented Mr Malcolm Mabo, son of Eddie Koki Mabo, with a brand-new Whipper Snipper.

THE MABO DECISION

A small island: A huge impact The Mabo Case was one of the most significant legal cases in Australia. It recognised the land rights of the Meriam, the Traditional Owners of Mer, over their island.

This small gift, bestowed by the Board at our February Directors meeting on Maer, is a testament to GBK’s profound respect and recognition of Eddie Mabo’s pivotal role in establishing Native Title in Australia.

Mr Mabo had recently sought assistance from GBK’s MGNM Workcrew to maintain his late father’s gravesite.

The legacy of Eddie Mabo and the landmark Mabo Decision resonate deeply within GBK’s mission and values. Our Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from all Prescribed Body Corporates across the Torres and Endeavour Strait, and our organisation serves as the Torres region’s Native Title Service Provider.

Building Repair (Mer)

The Mabo Case was successful in overturning the myth that at the time of colonisation Australia was ‘terra nullius’ or land belonging to no one.

The High Court recognised the fact that Indigenous peoples had lived in Australia for thousands of years and enjoyed rights to their land according to their own laws and customs. Twelve months later the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) was passed.

MGNM’S HARRY GHEE WITH MALCOLM MABO, SON OF EDDIE KOKI MABO

In addition to the gift, GBK’s MGNM workcrew has pledged to undertake routine clean-up efforts at the gravesite.

Mr. Mabo expressed appreciation for GBK’s generosity, emphasising the significance of this gift in preserving his father’s memory.

GBK’s Board of Directors is committed to providing ongoing MGNM Workcrew Supervisor for support for the Mabo family and Mer, Harry Ghee, presented the the wider Mer community.

Whipper Snipper to Malcolm Mabo on behalf of GBK’s Board.

The five (5) Meriam people who made the claim were Eddie Koiki Mabo, Reverend David Passi, Sam Passi, James Rice and Celuia Mapo Sale. Eddie Koiki Mabo was the first named LEFT: DAVE PASSI, EDDIE plaintiff and therefore FROM MABO, BARRISTER BRYAN the case became known KEON-COHEN AND JAMES RICE OUTSIDE THE QUEENSLAND as the Mabo case.

SUPREME COURT, 1989

WHY IS THE MABO DECISION IMPORTANT? The decision by the High Court led the Australian Government to pass the Native Title Act 1993. Since the law began to operate in 1994, native title has been recognised by the Federal Court over almost 45 % of Australia’s land mass, and in the Torres Strait Region over almost all of our sea country.

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TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2024

Unpacking GBK’s goals

STRATEGIC PLAN 2022-27 Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council (“GBK”) was formed in 2012 to be a unified, representative organisation through which we could more effectively advance our shared goals as Native Title Holders. Our purpose was and continues to be advocating for the best interests and protecting the rights of all First Nations Peoples and securing the future of the region.

Keriba Gesep; Ngalpun Mabaygal; Yumi Time Our Homeland; Our People; Our Time

Following the transition of NTRB responsibilities from the Commonwealth (through the Torres Strait Regional Authority) on July 1, 2022, GBK’s Directors endorsed a new five-year strategic plan.

This strategic plan clearly articulates our vision, Keriba Gesep, Ngalpun Mabaygal, Yumi Time (Our Homeland, Our People, Our Time), and sets out nine measurable goals.

GBK’s first Strategic Plan, published in 2014, confirmed our These goals define our collective mission and outline the organisation’s aspiration of one day becoming the Native necessary actions to further empower the traditional owners Title Service Provider (NTSP) for YUMI region. of the Torres and Endevour Straits.

1. GBK aligns resources with the goals and priorities of this strategic plan and is accountable to members for their performance.

2. Provide an authentic and authoritative voice for traditional owners and the laws of the region’s peoples.

3. Provide an independent, culturally appropriate, and responsive native title service for our region.

4. Build the capacity of Registered Native Title Body Corporations to become self-sufficient to meet native title and community development needs.

5. Protect and promote sustainable management of the environment and resources of the region.

6. Operate traditional owner-led employment and training services, Meriba Ged Ngalpun Mab, to increase economic outcomes for our region.

7. Stronger, respectful, and enduring partnerships for First Nations Peoples with stakeholders to achieve economic, social, and cultural development for our region.

8. Educate our people and our partners about the importance of native title and the Aboriginal Lores and Ailan Kastoms of our peoples.

9. Taking urgent action on climate change to support the needs of the present and future generations.

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

12

THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2024 TORRES NEWS

YUMI College News

TA G A I S TAT E C O L L E G E Improvements Noted in College’s Annual School Evaluation Audit

The four college behaviour expectations are:

At the onset of each academic year, Zoe, Suberia, and I undertake the vital task of conducting the annual School Evaluation Tool (SET) Audit across Torres College’s expansive network of seventeen campuses.

Executive Principal - Michael Ward

Greetings to all in our community this week. I was delighted to attend the school blessing and student leaders’ induction ceremony at Waybeni Buway Ngurpay Mudh (Thursday Island Primary campus) last week in our new Multi Purpose Hall. The new hall was beautifully presented and I am sure this asset will be highly valued by the campus and local community moving forward. A formal opening will be arranged with government in due course.

Student leader selection and presentation ceremonies have been held recently, or will be soon, right across our college community. These positions provide a valuable experience for our young people who are blessed to take up the honour of these roles. I extend my congratulations to all new student leaders this year and look forward to seeing them in action at parades, ceremonies and in being good role models to their campus cohorts.

By the time this message goes to print, we will have only two weeks of school left until the Easter break. The last day of term one will be Thursday 28 March.

School will resume on 15 April.

The end of term is a busy time as teachers finalise assessments and consolidate learning progress. We really appreciate families supporting their children to focus on their learning in these final weeks of term by attending school every day, bringing healthy lunches to school and being ready for learning by getting a good night’s sleep.

This year, we encountered significant turnover in primary leadership roles, with almost half of the college experiencing changes in leadership.

Amidst this backdrop of transition, it gives me great pleasure to report that the initial findings from our audit reveal promising improvements across the majority of the nine campuses audited thus far.

These early results underscore the resilience and effectiveness of our Positive Culture for Learning system, which has evidently weathered the challenges posed by the considerable leadership changes.

As we proceed with the audit process, there remain eight campuses awaiting evaluation, and I eagerly anticipate sharing the comprehensive results with you early next term. It is heartening to note that despite the changes in leadership, our campuses have maintained consistency in upholding the four behaviour expectation, a testament to the enduring commitment of our school community to fostering a positive and conducive learning environment.

Through the collaborative efforts of our dedicated staff, students, and stakeholders, the College continues to uphold its commitment to excellence in education.

Stay tuned for further updates on the College’s ongoing journey of evaluation and improvement.

Together, we strive to nurture an environment that realises the potential of every student.

Head of School - Yolanda McLean

Celebrating International Women’s Day: A Tale of Reconnection and Joy Last week, communities across the country came together to celebrate International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to honouring the achievements and contributions of women worldwide.

From inspiring events to heartfelt gatherings, the spirit of camaraderie and empowerment filled the air, reminding us of the resilience and strength inherent in womanhood.

Here at Executive Site, amidst the nationwide celebrations, our remarkable ladies marked the occasion with a delightful afternoon tea on Friday 8 March.

As we gathered to commemorate the accomplishments of women past and present, little did we know that the day would unfold into a heart-warming tale of reconnection and nostalgia.

One of the most memorable moments of the afternoon occurred when I found myself seated alongside Aunty Bertha and Paula, engaged in lively conversation and laughter.

Little did we know, fate had woven a beautiful thread of connection between them, waiting to be unveiled.

As we indulged in sweet treats and shared stories, a revelation emerged—Aunty Bertha and Paula, had attended school together in Cairns and were once inseparable childhood

Every day counts towards assisting our young people to thrive in their learning and become everything our college staff and their families aspire to for their future. A strong partnership between school and home is a wonderful thing for all kids.

friends. The realisation dawned upon them in a moment of sheer serendipity, igniting an outpouring of emotions that reverberated throughout the room.

Tears of joy glistened in their eyes as they reminisced about their cherished memories of yesteryears, recalling the innocence and laughter of their shared childhood. The room was filled with a palpable sense of warmth, as we bore witness to the rekindling of a cherished friendship that transcended time and distance.

In that fleeting moment, amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we were reminded of the profound connections that bind us together—connections that endure the test of time and enrich our lives in ways we could never anticipate.

As we celebrated International Women’s Day, we were reminded of the transformative power of unity and sisterhood. In the stories we share and the bonds we forge, we find solace and strength, empowering us to embrace the journey ahead with courage and resilience.

To Aunty Bertha and Paula, and to all the remarkable women who grace our lives with their presence, may your stories inspire us, your laughter uplift us, and your friendship illuminate our path.

Here’s to celebrating the extraordinary women who shape our world, one moment of connection at a time.

Celebrating International Women’s Day

Thank you to all who value and support education across our community.

Making connections - Paula & Aunty Bertha

13

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2024

are excited to continue along this journey of improving student outcomes through literacy development.

Iama

weekly parades.

Dive into safety On Wednesday 14 February, the maritime authority, local police, and park rangers visited Iama Ngurpay Lag and engaged with students in discussions about the importance of staying safe while enjoying water activities.

Ngurpay Lag Head of Campus Sam Eldridge

Through interactive presentations and demonstrations, students learned about essential safety practices, including the importance of wearing life jackets, understanding water currents and how to signal for help.

Term 1 Attendance - 43 Students Enrolled Current

65% (27 students)

Target Goal

90% (38 students daily)

Literacy Iama Ngurpay Lag has seen notable progress in literacy thanks to the concerted efforts of teachers and teacher aides.

Embracing Structured Synthetic Phonics and diligently implementing the Promoting Literacy Development Program, we have observed high engagement among students with literacy activities.

Through focused instruction and support, students are making strides in their reading and writing skills while developing a stronger foundation in literacy.

This dedication to literacy is shared among staff and we

Positive Culture for Learning Behaviour focus: I am a proud learner – I come prepared for school Each week, our dedicated team meets to identify the specific needs of our students and discuss the behaviour focus for the upcoming week. This ensures that we are proactive in addressing any challenges and providing targeted support where necessary.

During our weekly parade, we highlight the behaviour focus for the week, setting clear expectations for all students. Our students play an active role in promoting our behaviour focus, with classes taking turns in performing the behaviour focus through role play on our

Throughout the school, students have been actively engaged in crafting responses to texts, showcasing their growth in each classroom.

Warraber Ngurpay Lag

These sessions provided valuable insights and equipped our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions and stay safe in and around water environments. Big eso to our visitors for helping the students learn how to stay safe.

Head of Campus Natalie Van Zyl

leaders set for Friday 15 March.

Warraber Ngurpay Lag will observe Harmony Day by donning cultural attire on Thursday 21 March.

This year, the Campus offers guitar lessons on Friday afternoons and a running club on Wednesday afternoons.

Term 1 Attendance - 57 Students Enrolled Current

77% (44 students)

Target Goal

90% (52 students daily) The impact of our Strait Start initiative, which commenced in early 2023, is evident in the seamless integration of our 2024 Kindergarten class.

Literacy Warraber Ngurpay Lag students are now following a structured routine that is yielding positive student outcomes. In the Prep class, students are beginning to compose basic sentences, thanks to our effective implementation of the Literacy system.

Positive Culture for Learning Focus of the fortnight: I am safe: I move promptly and in an orderly way I am safe: I keep my hands and feet to myself I am safe: I sit properly on my chair Campus Events The Year 6 Leadership speeches are scheduled for Wednesday 13 March with the announcement of

Erub

engaging activities to show their understanding.

Erwer Uteb

Positive Culture for Learning At Erub campus the students are proud learners who work together every Monday afternoon in their tribes, taking part in activities like gardening with the Erub Rangers, or singing and dancing to traditional songs from around the Torres Strait.

Acting Head of Campus Karen Browne Term 1 Attendance - 55 Students Enrolled Current

80% (43 students)

Target Goal

90% (49 students)

Literacy

Our new Preps have been working on letter sounds in their PLD lessons every morning during literacy block. They have been working on the sounds the letters make and taking part in fun and

Transition Visit On the 29th of February we had a visit from some of the staff at Tagai High School and Mr Coates taught a small science lesson to the Kus class. The students enjoyed learning about water density and creating traffic lights in test tubes.

14 LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS 2024 ELECTION 2024...

A look at our Mayoral candidates for Torres Shire Council (TSC – on a blue background), Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC – on a pink background) and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC – on a green background).

The Torres News had a list of three set questions asked of each candidate, either in an interview setting and/or they provided written responses, which had to be received by our deadline and were edited where necessary to fit within our pre-set word limit.

YEN LOBAN

TSC Candidate (as interviewed for radio) What makes you the best person for the job?

I’m transparent.

I always consult with communities, on

TN0461 • 18-01-24 Here is what they had to say ...

THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2024 TORRES NEWS issues that happen in the community.

I always follow up on any issues that community put to me and get back to the community.

I can talk to people and relate to people and do things that need to get done in the community.

What will be the first thing you do if you win?

The community want to see changes, which I have listened to and will be the first things I give attention to as Mayor.

What will your three top priorities be as Mayor?

I went to the community and asked the community, ‘what would they want?’

‘What would they?’

‘How do they see me as a leader?’

Or ‘what will they want as a leader in the community?’

And I got comments from the community.

I think there needs to be a lot of changes in the community.

And I’m willing to make changes in the community as necessary.

The three things that most of the community asked for was, for one, we’ve got housing shortage.

We’ve got a high cost of living and we need more employment in the community.

So I take that on board as the three that I’ll be working at doing for the community when I get in.

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 (18/01/2024) J All TI transfers include complimentary bus service on Thursday Island J

JERRY (DIXIE) STEPHEN TSIRC Candidate (as interviewed for radio)

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.

What makes you the best person for the job?

I’ve been exposed to the issues and I know the mechanics of how the government work.

My last term in office, I was the deputy chair of TSRA, and I held a fisheries portfolio.

I grew up with 50 plus years of tradition and culture.

When I take the government system into the community, the government system will become humbled underneath the traditional system – the traditional system will take the priority.

What will be the first thing you do if you win?

I will be on the radio and on social media and expressing my deepest gratitude.

Once the formalities are over, we will review everything for the last four years, from all our major infrastructure to all our budgetary requirements.

After the review [we] will put those things in front the 15 communities and provide the information on where your community is at and where we’re going to go in the next four years.

What will your three top priorities be as Mayor?

We face housing issues within our communities.

After the last load of funding that came in four years ago, to build social housing in the communities there has been no new funds.

We need to open the dialogue with government to bring funds in.

When you fix infrastructure, renovate housing, or build new housing, you run training programs for apprentices and lobby for the funds over the next four years.

There’s been calls made for de-amalgamation by community leaders, for the councils to be brought back into their community.

As your Mayor, I will have to conduct that process in a sensitive manner.

We live in a very high cost of living area, we are paying double price for everything.

I’ve already made contact with high profile people in that arena.

We will work together to address those issues of our high cost of living, high freight costs and the high cost of groceries in the shops.

2024 LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS 15

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2024

PATRICIA YUSIA NPARC Candidate (written response) What makes you the best person for the job?

Over the past four years, despite COVID, I have shown I can lead a strong council to empower community and locals, while being a strong advocate working in partnership with all stakeholders together to build a strong NPA. This has seen outcomes for

governance, accountability, honesty, integrity, and moving forward to a brighter future.

What will be the first thing you do if you win?

To ensure Council and communities are working together towards excellence.

What will your three top priorities be as Mayor?

• Economic Development • Healthy Communities/Wellbeing • Education Exodus 3:17 And I said, I will bring you out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.

community, including additional community and government housing for teachers, nurses, police, securing additional services community needs, such as the youth hub and advocating for increased funding for community, such as the freight subsidy and replacing the street lights within community, just to name a few things.

What will be the first thing you do if you win?

The first thing I will do if I win is to build a strong team with my newly elected councillors.

My experience shows that the whole council needs to work in unity as a strong team to achieve the outcomes community needs.

Having a strong foundation as a team will mean that we can advocate strongly and make the difficult decisions needed to see the change for community.

What will your three top priorities be as Mayor?

During my time on local government, for my community of Hammond, I delivered over $30-million of infrastructure.

Whilst I was there I also got the community engaged in regular meetings and an annual business event.

What will be the first thing you do if you win?

I think the first thing I would need to do is get a good grasp of the financials.

Why are we $31-million in debt currently?

The biggest worry for me is with figures like that, we could end up with a Financial Controller.

This council is grant-dependent,

there’s very little revenue so we have to tighten that up.

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

What will your three top priorities be as Mayor?

ADVERTISING

These qualities are based on my successful track record and professional career in leadership positions across government and community sectors, where I continue to fiercely advocate for the social, economic, and cultural improvement of my peoples and communities.

I am also a former NPARC Councillor and Chair of the NPARC Audit Committee which provided me with in-depth knowledge and experience working with local government legislation including other laws affecting council.

Examples: DOGIT lease, native title, and local laws.

If elected, I am committed to building a solid NPARC team and putting in place a clear plan to address our short/medium/ long-term challenges for the benefit of NPA peoples.

What will be the first thing you do if you win?

I will meet with our team of elected officials followed by the council’s executive team and staff.

I will also organise meetings with all five communities to

present an update on the status of council business and priorities moving forward.

My three top priorities will be firstly to listen to community and ensure that their ambitions are reflected within the Corporate Plan of council.

This will ensure these ambitions are implemented and reported back to council through the operational plan.

Secondly, I will ensure strong financial management practices to monitor the financial performance of council to ensure it is sustainable into the future.

Lastly, I will continue advocating for community to address the disadvantages caused by amalgamation and ensure we are adequately funded for the number of people and differences in our communities.

DALE SALEE NPARC Candidate (written response) What makes you the best person for the job?

Show interest to be a voice for the people of the NPA with good

Continued on PAGE 16 N 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

MARIO SABATINO TSIRC Candidate (as interviewed for radio) What makes you the best person for the job?

I have prior experience as councillor for Hammond and I’ve been on boards as well.

CASANDRA SABATINO (ADIDI) NPARC Candidate (written response) What makes you the best person for the job?

I am grounded by deep community, cultural, and spiritual values instilled in me by my families over generations growing up in the NPA. These values are my beacons of light and moral compass to guide my behaviours and practices when interacting and advocating for the good of the peoples of NPA. I offer to the peoples of NPA the refreshed and updated leadership skills required to effectively lead today’s modern council.

Re-establish communication and community, and that’s something that we need to get back.

Second is have a look at the strategic infrastructure and housing agenda - reviewing council’s approach to the community infrastructures that they have, which is currently costing them huge amounts of money.

Economic opportunities for local communities is another big one.

MICHAEL SOLOMON

NPARC Candidate No response received.

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

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – DIAT ALFERINK E editor@torres.news NEWS DIRECTOR DARREN MONCRIEFF M 0431 148 881 • E darren@torres.news NEWS & CHIEF SUB EDITOR CHRISTINE HOWES M 0419 656 277 • E christine@torres.news TSIMA JOURNALIST – CARLI WILLIS M 0415 705 160 • E carli@tsima4mw.org.au TSIMA CORRESPONDENTS Jen Enosa, Sylvia Tabua & Gilmore Johnston.

CADET JOURNALIST – FLORA WARRIA M 0473 231 367 • E flora@torres.news Ad bookings 12 NOON TUESDAYS Ad copy (ad to be set) 12 NOON TUESDAYS NEWS & PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS Supplied Ad material 2PM TUESDAYS Kantesha Takai, Jillian Bowie, Talei Elu, Classifieds 3PM TUESDAYS Shanella Majid, Bel Lui, Alf Wilson and Velma Gara.

Published every Thursday. Circulation 1000.

Readership average: Print readership 4000 + NEWS & PHOTOS DEADLINE online subscriptions + 8.4k followers on our @ All news, sports and photo contributions TSIMAtorresnews Facebook page 5PM MONDAYS

ADVERTISING DEADLINES

Photo Competition Each month our proud sponsor CEQ will pick their favourite entry and the winner will receive a $150 Gift Card to use at any of your local CEQ stores!

What will your three top priorities be as Mayor?

The following three ‘r’s are the blueprint upon which will build a successful Mayoral tenure.

Realigning • cultural governance.

• fiscal accountability.

• corporate governance.

Restoring • trust with community, staff, and stakeholders.

• economic prosperity.

• human rights, equal opportunity, and access for all peoples in our region.

Rebuilding • health, education, law, justice, and social housing agendas.

• public confidence and integrity within the democratic system of local government.

• relationships with native title entities and community NGOs in line with each community’s aspirations.

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

Just email us your pic of Ailan Life along with your name, phone number and a 25-word description to ads@torres.news

This week’s pic, taken off Booby Island, was submitted by Chicka Turner.

“Wet season at Booby Island, beautiful birdlife, spectacular reef and the post office cave,” Chicka said.

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

Multiple entries may be submitted, but every entry (or entrant) may not be published.

All pics submitted will be considered in the draw for the monthly gift voucher. Winners of the CEQ Ailan Life competition are determined by CEQ. Entries to the Ailan Life photo competition may be used by the CEQ marketing/promotions team as background images for store promotions such as posters, digital noticeboard specials, counter-facing displays (POS) screens, and/or on their website and social media. Entries may also be used in-store to promote the ‘Ailan Life’ competition.

JOHN TOSHIE KRIS TSIRC Candidate (as interviewed for radio) What makes you the best person for the job?

A vote for John Toshie Kris guarantees approval, knowledge, experience, and leadership.

In my previous role they can acknowledge the knowledge that I have, how the process works, the experience that I have, and the leadership.

What will be the first thing you do if you win?

One of the first things I would like to do is review all the policies for services throughout our communities, I believe we haven’t had one for a while.

And to look to see if those policies are the same or have changed, as per the growth in our community.

ELSIE SERIAT TSC Candidate (written reponse) What makes you the best person for the job?

I’m a next generation leader, I am a people’s person, I am approachable and have always had an open door policy.

I love my community and I know my community will benefit from what I have to offer.

I love bringing people together and I know I can unite our community and bring the feeling of togetherness back.

PHILLEMON MOSBY TSIRC Candidate (as interviewed) What makes you the best person for the job?

I have demonstrated leadership skills, knowledge, experience and ability to ensure the preservation, maintenance and practice of our region’s identity, culture and Ailan Kastom.

I have achieved this collectively with my leadership team through Council’s decisions, commitment and endorsement continue to uphold the values and principles blo youmi way of life (Ngalpun Mina Lagaw Lawa).

Does it meet the challenges of our community?

Does it meet the needs of our community?

Is the policy that’s set for the delivery of service and the wellbeing of our community, or is it just since the amalgamation started?

So that’s one of the key points that I would drive.

The second one is to have a relationship with our community to ensure that there’s open communication with the council and community and in particular the mayor’s position.

The third is also about partnership with key organisations in our region.

To establish that relationship with the key organisations such as the TSRA, PBCs and GBK, and ensure that we are all operating from the same page.

What will your three top priorities be as Mayor?

One of the most important things about community is ensuring we support local organisations to look at employment opportunities throughout our region.

Become more aggressive in trying to establish employment opportunities for our people, especially on the outer islands, and having opportunities for all the people to move into that space.

Working closely with organisations such as fisheries, we’ve got to create options and opportunities for our communities and as the main service provider for our region, we should be leading from the front and establishing these partnerships to create those opportunities.

I am a leader that leads by example, I have demonstrated my ability to create collaborations within my community, and I love to challenge the status quo.

I approach all matters impartial and support cultural diversity in the Shire.

I will use our history of resilience, innovative thinking and energy to restore faith, confidence and prosperity in our community.

What will be the first thing you do if you win?

My first act has Mayor will be to unify our community, bringing the people and council together.

As part of our cultural protocol we will work with the Kaurareg Nation to co-host a Welcome feasting.

This event will be open to all community members from the inner islands including community members from the Kaiwalagal community of Kiriri.

We will also extend a formal invitation to our sister councils, their elected mayors and councillors from Torres Strait Island Regional Council and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council.

What will your three top priorities be as Mayor? #1 – Review all internal and external council policies & procedures, and advise community of outcomes, and confirm council’s current financial position. #2 – Enhance the council’s economic base and develop, support & empower local families, community groups and small businesses. #3 – Lobby for the continued lowering of the cost of food, fuel, freight and for a permanent local air fare scheme, and to lobby for upgrades to current and new council infrastructure and assets.

What will be the first thing you do if you win?

I am committed to continue building our team of One. As your Mayor I continue to work in collaboration with our 15 Councillors in partnership with regional elders and leaders toward redefining Council’s identity and controlling our narrative, a journey that started with the first Councillors Conference in 1937 as are result of the 1936 Maritime strike.

What will your three top priorities be as Mayor?

I’ve got three strategic focus areas: wealth creation, service delivery and infrastructure.

These three key strategic focuses demonstrated key themes currently achieved and progressed during this term under my leadership as Mayor.

I’m committed to investing in our families and communities, and in our region’s cultural heritage histories of place through art song dance ceremonies to ensure our

culture continues to thrive and be accessible to current and future Torres Strait Islanders.

My leadership team will be focused on wealth creation in environmental protection and renewable energy.

I am committed to advocating in partnership with community groups and regional bodies to the government for investment in environmental projects to ensure community remains resilient to the effects of climate change and natural disasters, as well as investigating partnerships with the private sector to increase regional renewable energy production.

I’m committed to advocate an across the region partnership with both government and the private sector to retain and attract the much needed investment to economically develop and sustain industries within the region to create more jobs and provide more training opportunities.

16 LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS 2024

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2024 M Continued from PAGES 14 & 15 What will your three top priorities be as Mayor?

Most importantly, as mayor would be communication, and making sure that I reach every single corner, every house, every constituent in the community.

And I want to make sure that the Councillors do that as well.

REGINA TURNER TSIRC Candidate (as interviewed for radio) What makes you the best person for the job?

Being a woman, it’s an important change.

The statistics tell you enough now there are more women running for council than what it was before.

It’s my duty of care, because I’m a mother, I’m a grandmother.

I have three beautiful kids, aka two seven adorable children, and of course many more, because we got extended family.

I think it’s our time to stand and shine.

What will be the first thing you do if you win?

Like in any other job that you walk into, you need to know what’s going on, the decisions that have been made previously.

Our youth, making sure that they are being built up and strong, and have the capacity to have their own place, their own belonging.

We’ve got overcrowding, we all want to stop with our own place and there’s overcrowding in homes, they want to be able to live independently.

There’s nothing available for them.

But these are our young ones, we need to make sure that they are looked after.

Getting services to the ground, we’ve got families out there that are falling through the gaps, whether it be domestic violence, homelessness, child support, family support, those sorts of issues.

Those agencies that are responsible for delivering the services, I want to make sure that they are in their community, letting them know what they do.

What will be the first thing you do if you win?

If I get elected, I will Esso our Heavenly Father for filling his plan and also Esso the outgoing Mayor and councillors.

ROBERT POIPOI NPARC Candidate (as interviewed for radio) What makes you the best person for the job?

I believe what makes me the best person for the job is my leadership background.

I have run my own civil construction earthmoving business for over 20 years in the NPA. I’m also in the Army Reserves and was recently promoted into a leadership role as a patrol master in my unit.

For Bamaga Enterprise Limited, I’m one of the co-founders, since from the late 1990s, and holding the chairperson role for the past 15 years.

I have a proven track-record that we built the enterprise to a current turnover of just over $18m per year and, with a great social supportpolicy of putting profits back into the NPA community.

So all my leadership roles come with a level of efficiency, effectiveness and accountability.

If I get a comprehensive handover from the previous mayor I won’t reinvent the wheel but changes will need to be made to improve certain areas that need strengthening, such as financial administration and governance, and also listening to the people and the needs of people of the NPA. With a good team of councillors together with an open mind and good teamwork skills we would be able to collectively achieve great outcomes.

What will your three top priorities be as Mayor?

I’ll try to continue to address some key issues, for example, housing, water-system capacity and transportation, airport, airline and marine infrastructure.

I believe with my strong leadership I will be building strong partnerships and relationships with relevant stakeholders, progressing community and economic development and pathways to advocate and influence strongly to different level of government for the overall social, cultural, economic and commercial determinants within the scope of NPA Regional Council.

NEWS 17

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2024

SERVICES NETWORK

AN INITIATIVE OF THE QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT THROUGH ARTS QUEENSLAND

Employment Opportunity

TORRES STRAIT ISLANDERS MEDIA ASSOCIATION INC.

RASNTN & Torres Strait Islander’s Media Association invite you to an:

Torres Health Indigenous Corporation Inc. invites applications from qualified health workers looking to secure employment with an Indigenous health service who delivers innovative, culturally appropriate and quality primary health care services and programs to support the health and wellbeing of First Nations people in the Torres Strait region.

21

Tackling Indigenous Smoking Team Leader

ARTIST & CREATIVES NETWORKING CATCH UP Thursday March 2024

(Full Time Contract – until 30 June 2026) We are looking for someone to lead the Tackling Indigenous Smoking team, activities and to provide operational, logistical and administrative oversight of the program activities in accordance with the organisational requirements.

5pm – 6:30pm l Island Stars Cafe 42 Douglas Street, Thursday Island Meet and connect with other Artists and Creatives

Qualifications: Relevant demonstrated experience in similar position with minimum of 3 years and/or tertiary degree in Health Promotion or a relevant Post Graduate Diploma or Masters Qualification in Health Promotion, or Communications qualification with significant experience in behaviour change communications for health promotion.

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Regional Development Australia Tropical North in collaboration with Cook Shire council is the RASN Provider for Far North QLD Region.

RSVP: projects@tsima4mw.org.au For more information, contact Anthea Patrick, RASN/Project Support TSIMA 07 4069 1524

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

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Tackling Indigenous Smoking Worker (Full Time Contract – until 30 June 2026)

We are looking for someone to be part of the program implementation team for the Tackling Indigenous Smoking program. This position will support the implementation of the Tackling Indigenous Smoking program across Torres Strait communities using a variety of strategies including social marketing, community engagement and health promotion activities that support culturally appropriate best practice tackling smoking initiatives to address tobacco smoking in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Qualifications: Relevant qualifications in health, community development, community services and/or relevant experience.

Care Coordinator - Integrated Team Care

(Full Time Contract - until 30 June 2024 with extension possibility) The Care Coordinator is a health professional who provides care and support to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people who have chronic disease.

As a care coordinator you will be required to understand treatment, medication and care plans, manage medical appointments including transport to and from, liaise with other treating health care professionals and link clients to other community support services.

Qualifications: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Practitioner, Allied Provider or Registered/Enrolled Nurse.

Closing date for ALL applications is Monday 8th April at 12pm AEST All inquiries to contact CEO Renee Williams via email renee.williams@torreshealth.com or mobile: 0400 548 913.

Dalassa Yorkston CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER March 2024

Torres News @TSIMAtorresnews

Phone: (07) 4090 3380 Admin Office 61-63 Douglas St, Thursday Island Program Office 102 Douglas St, Thursday Island Postal Address PO Box 557, Thursday Island Q 4875

18 SPORT

THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2024 TORRES NEWS

Tagai students get behind the coach/umpire whistles Grade 11 students from Tagai State College – Secondary campus have been trying their hand at AFL coaching and umpiring over the past two weeks as they completed their Certificate II in Sport and Recreation.

“The young students absolutely love having the high-school students teaching them their AFL skills,” AFL Cape York Development Coordinator Keiran Sciberras said. “The instant buy-in from some of the kids has been amazing, and our new junior coaches are doing a great job at engaging with the primary school students.”

On top of their busy work experience schedule, several of the students volunteered to umpire during our Social AFL sessions where they officiated from the under-12 age group through to the adults’ matches.

“They’ve worked out a roster where they’ll alternate with each other between umpiring for a half and playing for a half,” he said.

“There’s no better way to appreciate and learn the game of AFL than by being both an umpire and a player.

“Israel Billy is one of the Torres Strait’s newest AFL Foundations Coaches, having completed her accreditation at school earlier last week.

“We expect the rest

of the students studying Sport and Rec to complete their courses over the school term.”

Social AFL kicks off Last Wednesday the Ken Brown Oval turned into the new home of social AFL, which kicked off with 86 people taking to the field across our three divisions: 10-12 year olds, 13-15 year olds and 16+ year olds and adults.

“The event is completely free to sign up for and anyone can play, from seasoned AFL veterans to first-timers – all games are social and played in good spirits,” Kieran said.

“All of the events are touch AFL only, so it’s a great opportunity for all skill and age groups to come together and enjoy our great game.”

The action continued with social AFL on again last night, he said new players looking to attend the next matches - on Wednesday 27 March were welcome.

“All you need is a water bottle and a pair of running shoes and you can be involved – sign up via the QR codes on flyers around Waiben or keep an eye out for the sign-up link on our AFL Cape York Facebook and Instagram pages or come down to Ken Brown Oval on Wednesday,” he said.

School clinics are back Over the past week, free AFL sessions have been delivered across all Tagai State College

(Horn Island Primary, Tagai Primary, Tagai Secondary) and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School (Thursday Island, Kirriri) campuses.

“We’ve also had interest from young people at Cannon Boggo Hostel and Kaziw Meta boarding in our social football nights,” Keiran said. “With a few more weeks of our free in-school AFL sessions on the cards, students should make sure they’re coming to school every day to be involved.”

60+ Auskickers After just the first week of AFL Auskick, 63 students have signed up for the program across Horn Island, Kirriri & Thursday Island. The AFL Auskick program was tailored for students from prep through to grade 6 and teaches the fundamental skills of AFL in a safe and welcoming environment.

As part of their registration, participants receive after-school AFL sessions and an AFL backpack, football, pump and water bottle.

“It’s not too late to join in on the fun – talk to your school office for more information,” Kieran said.

AFL Auskick was delivered through our partner schools at Tagai State College – Thursday Island Primary, Horn Island Primary, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart – Thursday Island and Kirriri Campuses.

Social AFL 16+ and adults group. Pics supplied.

Kirriri.

Tagai.

Kirriri.

Israel Billy.

Tagai.

Sacred Heart.

Kick off for statewide men’s and women’s rugby league

BY ALF WILSON Torres Strait Islanders shone in round one of the Statewide men’s Hostplus Cup and Women’s BMD premiership last weekend.

Jasmine Peters scored two tries with singles to Essay Banu and Sareka Mooka for home side Mackay Cutters which defeated the Seagulls 29-10 on Saturday.

The trio along with Cutters player Tahlulah Tillet were all members of the Cowboys NRLW side who contest the national competition.

Speedy Jasmine and Tahlulah lined up in the backline whilst Sareka and Essay were hard-running forwards used well off the interchange bench.

Centre Jasmine scored

Jasmine Peters on the burst. Pic QRL.

Cousin Edrick Lee, who is with the Capras & Brenko Lee who has signed with the Tigers. Pic Alf Wilson.

her tries in the seventh and 11th minutes, Essay in the 58th and Sareka in the 66th.

The four will be key members of the Cutters premiership bid in the expanded 10-team competition.

Pride & Blackhawks win Both the Northern Pride and Townsville Blackhawks scored wins in the men’s

season opener.

Under new coach Terry Campese the Blackhawks which included Dudley “Deadly” Dotoi, Gehamat Shibasaki and Jayden Hodges defeated the Jets 20-16 at North Ipswich Oval.

In the Jets’ back line was speedy back Dominic Macumboy from Cape York.

Cairns-based Northern Pride who included Dantoray Lui and Seamus King-Smith beat the Tweed Seagulls 32-16 in a home match at Barlow Park.

Brenton Baira kicked four goals for the Dolphins in their 28-16 win over the Magpies at Kayo Stadium Redcliffe.

The Magpies had the

services of quality fullback Tristan Sailor who is a member of the Brisbane Broncos 30-man NRL squad.

Erub United back Julian Christian lined up at fullback for his new club the Norths Devils which defeated the Bears 25-12 on the Gold Coast.

A CQ Capras side which includes NRL back Edrick Lee rolled the Clydesdales 28-10 in Toowoomba.

At Port Moresby, the PNG Hunters started their campaign well defeating Wynnum Manly which included flier Jon Reuben, 36-22 before a massive parochial home crowd.

Hunters try scorers were Clent Lama (three) Brandon Nima, Sanny Wabo, Weiyah Koi and Jordan Pat. Conversions were kicked

by Clent Lama (three) and Trevor Solu.

Key signing for Tigers Experienced NRL player Brenko Lee has signed with the Brisbane Tigers.

The 28-year-old Brenko has played with six NRL clubs – the Dolphins, Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders, CanterburyBankstown Bulldogs, Melbourne Storm and the Gold Coast Titans.

A tough centre, Brenko has also played State of Origin for Queensland and was a member of a Storm NRL premiership team.

Proud of his Torres Strait heritage, Brenko has also been a member of Kulpiyam and Malu Kiwai at Allblacks carnivals in our region.

Brenko is a cousin of Edrick Lee.

SPORT 19

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2024

Close games in WNBL semi-finals series

BY VELMA GARA Perth Lynx swept aside the minor premiers and reigning champions, Townsville Fire, to advance to the grand finals of the Women’s National Basketball League this season.

Momentum continued for the West Australian team and in Game 1 of the series against Southside Flyers, which the Lynx won 101 – 79; leading by 23 points at the half time break (60-37).

Perth had a good week of preparations, defeating

Townsville in two straight games, whereas Southside went to the third game against Melbourne Boomers in their semi-finals.

That game was played on Thursday 7 March.

Flyers had two days to recover before the first game of the grand finals on Sunday 10 March which was played at the Melbourne Sports Centre and in front of 2356 fans.

They have travelled to Perth for the second game, which was to be played tonight.

Wearing their Indigenous Round jersey, designed by Jaelan

Scott, the Lynx shot the lights out – making 22 from 38 attempts beyond the 3-pointer arc.

It’s been more than 30 years since Perth had won the WNBL title, with Southside only recently lifting the championship trophy in 2020.

Game 2 is on tonight in Perth and Game 3, if required, is back in Melbourne on Sunday 17 March.

Top scorers for Game 1 of the grand final: Flyers – the GOAT, Lauren Jackson, had 21 points; Mercedes Russell had 12p and eight rebounds.

NBL semis down to the deciders

Cotter’s ‘bragging rights’ intact

BY VELMA GARA

BY ALF WILSON

It was down to four teams fighting it out in the semi-finals of the National Basketball League and it went to the decider and third games – Melbourne United versus Illawarra Hawks and Perth Wildcats versus Tasmania JackJumpers.

Top teams, Melbourne and Perth, could have put their opposition away in Game 2 of the series but they had other ideas.

JackJumpers defeated the Wildcats, 102-94, in a very physical game last Monday night.

So many fouls were called by the referees which totalled 46; Tassie took 30 free throws and Perth 22.

Perth’s forward, Keanu Pinder, played limited minutes after feeling unwell in the second quarter.

But Pinder also got fouled out and had only played over 13 minutes.

He finished with seven points, five rebounds and two assists.

However, in Game 1, Pinder was on fire – scoring 25 points including five 3-pointers and seven rebounds, and had fouled out. Perth won, 89-81.

Both teams travelled to West Australia for the third game.

In the other semi-finals, both teams travelled to Melbourne for the decider.

Hawks guard, Will Hickey, shot the most important basket to keep Illawarra’s hopes alive in their second clash.

United was up by two points, 97-95, and looked to seal the game but in the dying seconds didn’t box out the Hawks and Hickey got an offensive board and putback to take the game to overtime.

It was the second time these two teams’ games went into overtime. In Game 1, Melbourne outplayed Hawks in extra time to win 115-106.

Hickey had been a starter in the last three games and has played an important role.

Reuben Cotter gained early season bragging rights over star Hamiso “Hammer” Tabuai-Fidow when the Cowboys thrashed the Dolphins 43-18 in the last game of NRL round one on Sunday.

Reuben lined up at lock for the Cowboys, who were strong in the handsome victory over the Dolphins.

The Cowboys scored seven tries to three and had the game safely wrapped up at halftime when they led 31-12.

At the completion of round one the Cowboys were sitting top of the table, courtesy of their percentage-boosting victory.

A huge crowd will converge on Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday when the Cowboys take on last year’s semifinalists Newcastle Knights with kick-off at 4.30pm.

The Dolphins will meet the Dragons on Sunday at Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium commencing at 5.30pm.

Gagai strong in shock loss Dane Gagai had a strong game when his Newcastle Knights lost 28-12 to the Canberra Raiders last Thursday. Centre Dane was solid in defence and made some strong tuns with limited opportunities.

One of the star players for the Raiders was Xavier Savage, 22, who scored one of the Knights’ five tries.

The Raiders were without the services of Mabuiag Islander Sebastian Kris who is still serving a suspension from last season and will return in coming rounds.

A Gold Coast Titans side which was without champion forward David Fifita lost 28-4 to the St George Dragons at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday night.

David is recovering from an injury and is expected to return for the Titans round three game.

Will Hickey (Illawarra Hawks). Pic NBL. In the game against New Zealand Breakers, he scored nine points, three rebounds and two assists.

In Game 1 of the semifinals, he scored six points, six rebounds and three assists. In Game 2, he doubled his points with 18, five rebounds and three assists.

He played a career-high 33 minutes and scored a careerhigh 18 points.

Since being elevated to the starting five for the Hawks, Hickey has revelled in the role.

Hawks head coach, Justin Tatum, spoke of Hickey’s patience, resilience and toughness in the post-game media conference.

“It’s tough to be as talented as he is and have to wait your turn.”

Both deciders were played last night, 13 March, and it wasn’t easy to pick the winners (as Torres News goes to print), but if home-court advantage plays a role it’s likely that the grand final series will be played between Melbourne and Perth.

But then again, Tasmania and Illawarra, have also fought hard and won’t be easy beats.

Playing in the NBL grand finals and crowned champions is what all the teams have been striving for.

Results: Breakers defeated Sydney Kings, 83-76, (Will McDowell-White had 11 points, five assists and three rebounds). Elimination – Illawarra defeated NZ, 88-85, Hickey had nine points, three rebounds and two assists.

Meanwhile, PNG star Xavier Coates had a steady game when his Melbourne Storm defeated three times reigning premiers the Penrith Panthers 8-nil on Friday night.

In other round one games, the Cronulla Sharks upset home side the Warriors 16-12 in New Zealand and the Parramatta Eels rolled the Bulldogs 26-8.

The previous weekend in the first two matches of the split round the Roosters defeated the Broncos 20-10 and the Manly Sea Eagles beat South Sydney Rabbitohs 36-24 with both games in Las Vegas.

Racial slur penalty Roosters forward Spencer Leniu entered an early guilty plea to the contrary conduct charge he received after being accused of a racial slur against Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam. Leniu was referred straight to the NRL Judiciary over the incident with the Roosters releasing a statement on Thursday saying that Leniu would plead guilty to the charge.

“I want to apologise to Ezra and his family for using the word I did and I am sincerely sorry to cause him such distress. I’ve put my hand up and want to take ownership of this. I said the word but I didn’t mean it in a racist way,” Leniu said.

“Anyone who knows knows that’s not who I am.”

The incident occurred in the 69th minute of the clash at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, with referee Adam Gee placing Leniu on report after Mam made the allegation against the Roosters prop.

Leniu was subsequently charged with Contrary Conduct.

His case was heard at the NRL Judiciary at 6.15pm on Monday night where, in a unanimous decision, he was banned for eight games after they rejected his claim he “did not know” his remarks were racial vilification.

Lynx – Amy Atwell had 30p; shot 9-14 3pointers; Aari Mcdonald had 15p and 10assists.

Semi-finals results: Flyers defeated Boomers – Game 1: 90-86, Game 3: 93-77.

Boomers defeated Flyers – Game 2: 88-67 Lynx defeated Fire – Game 1: 88-87; Game 2: 108-102.

Perth’s Anneli Maley and her team were honoured to wear their Indigenous jersey for Game 1 of the grand finals.

Pic courtesy of Perth Lynx (FB page).

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FERRY SCHEDULE MARCH & APRIL 2024

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”

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

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THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2024

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Belief in sport a ‘state of mind’

STORY BY ALF WILSON PICS SUPPLIED “Believe in yourselves and chase your dreams” is the message from former NRL star Joel Thompson brought to Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) students as part of a recent five-day visit to the area.

The tour was part of an NRL State of Mind training program where former players hold football clinics and speak to primary and high school students.

State of Mind was an initiative that aimed to increase mental health literacy, reduce the stigma around mental illness, and facilitate positive conversations within communities.

The program was focused on promoting mental well-being, fostering understanding, and encouraged open dialogue about mental health issues.

“If they go away for football they can suffer from homesickness and if that occurs they have to seek advice on their mental health and well-being,” Joel said.

Talented young footballers with unlimited potential often found it difficult to leave their communities when the opportunity arose to play in quality competitions down south.

Now retired, Joel, 35, was in the top bracket of NRL footballers and played

237 matches for Canberra, St George-Illawarra and Manly between 2008-20.

In 2021, he played 19 matches for St Helens in the English Super League that brought an end to a magnificent career.

Joel also played seven times for the Indigenous All-Stars and occasionally has a run at Indigenous carnivals.

He was an integral member of the Walgett Aboriginal Connection side who defeated the Michael Purcell Memorial team in the recent Koori vs Murri Interstate Challenge, the early-year match which pits the winners of the NSW Koori Knockout with the winners of the Queensland Murri Carnival from the previous year.

Now employed outside of football by Yakka Training and based on the Gold Coast, Joel has great knowledge and can offer advice about careers as well as sporting pathways for youngsters.

The trip to the NPA and Waiben was his first and Joel said he fell in love with the area.

“I didn’t get to go fishing but hope to get back up there soon to do some,” Joel said.

“I really enjoyed my trip up there and was so impressed with the talent and potential they have.

“What was also positive was that I saw so many smiles and much enthusiasm.”

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