Thursday, 11 April 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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Results declared as Councils celebrate Incumbent Torres Strait Island Regional Council Mayor Phillemon Mosby is declared re-elected and all 15 outer island Divisions are finalised as the Council struggles to organise their swearing-in ceremony. Last Friday the Torres Shire Council held their formal swearing-in ceremony for their new Mayor and councillors in an event that was live-streamed and celebrated on the street. See full stories and pics on PAGES 8 & 9 N
MAIN PIC: Group shot outside council office. INSET: Mayor Elsie Seriat with Annie Seriat (left) and her mum May (right). Pics by Carli Willis.
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THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2024 TORRES NEWS
Inquiry looks into doing better business
Senator Jana Stewart. Pic supplied.
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Individuals with an eye for business – or already in business – have an opportunity to tell a Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs (JSCATSIA) what needs to be done to improve economic self-determination and opportunities for First Nations Australians. The University of Melbourne’s 10-year Indigenous Business Snapshot Study has shown a 74 per cent increase in the number of Indigenous businesses, 115 per cent growth in gross income, more than 22,000 jobs created, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses contributing at least $4.88 billion to Australia’s economy. The new JSCATSIA inquiry’s focus was on learning about opportunities and impediments to training, employment and business development, as well as building the economic and social infrastructure to support economic prosperity in the long term. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business sector comprised more than 12,500 businesses, according to First Australians Capital Limited, and it was estimated their revenue was growing significantly faster than the Small and Midsize Enterprise (SME) sector as a whole. Indigenous Business Australia also noted the rise in First Nations business ownership grew to 4.5 per cent in 2021, narrowing the difference to less than half of the rate of non-First Nations people who ran their own businesses.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses have been exceeding all expectations, but unfortunately, their impacts have gone largely unnoticed by past governments,” JSCATSIA Committee chair Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba Senator Jana Stewart, said. “They are creating significant benefits for First Nations Australians; generating and growing economic prosperity as well as contributing to the wider Australian economy. “Blak-owned businesses are at the heart of creating a new generation of business owners who are growing networks, assets and long-term prosperity. “Access to economic opportunities and participation in financial self-determination for First Nations people have far-reaching benefits. “It is fundamentally important that we investigate the opportunities for improved training, employment and business development to support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander industry and create economic, social and cultural benefits.” The Committee was also expected to explore the untapped potential of leveraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander intellectual property, the Indigenous Estate and First Nations skills, and examine the experiences of First Nations communities intergenerationally and around the world in fostering economic independence. Submissions from interested individuals and organisations were due by Friday 24 May.
NEWS 03
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2024
Five days to celebrate Gab Titui’s 20th anniversary
The Gab Titui Cultural Centre will celebrate its milestone 20th anniversary over five days from next Tuesday until Saturday, with a program that promises a vibrant array of events and activities. TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM said the event theme Keeping culture strong aligned with Gab Titui’s consistent efforts in arts and cultural sovereignty. “Since its establishment in 2004, the Gab Titui Cultural Centre has been the region’s key advocate and representation for local First Nations artists, cultural practitioners and linguists,” Mr Stephen said. “This year, we celebrate
Authority Board representing 20 communities in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area. “This milestone anniversary is a testament to the Centre’s enduring legacy and its invaluable contributions to our communities.” The Centre’s week-long celebrations were at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre and were free for all to attend. Complimentary ferry services for Ngurapai, Kirriri and Muralag residents were available throughout the week.
two decades of nurturing a thriving arts industry, here in the Torres Strait; one that was envisioned by our community,
carefully executed by the Culture, Art and Heritage Program and guided by the Torres Strait Regional
For more information see advertisement (right) & Gab Titui 20 Years of Arts & Cultural Sovereignty timeline on Pages 10 & 11 N
Fast facts: • The Gab Titui Cultural Centre is located on the corner of Victoria Parade and Blackall Street, Thursday Island. • The Centre is open Monday – Friday 10am to 3pm and Saturday 9:30am to 1pm (November to March) and Monday – Friday 9am – 4:30pm and Saturday 9:30am – 1pm (April to October). • The Gab Titui Cultural Centre’s 20th anniversary is on 16 April 2024. • The Gab Titui Cultural Centre shop will remain open while the Wabunaw Geth and Ephraim Bani Galleries are closed for exhibition installation from Thursday 8 April to Monday 15 April.
Gab Titui Cultural Centre’s 20th Anniversary Celebration Program
Renee to take lead on Torres & Cape health The recently-completed ‘gold’ standard duplex units at Umagico. Pic supplied.
Two new homes for Umagico
Incoming TCHHS Chair Renee Williams. Pic by Darren Moncrieff. A nine-person board underpinned with experience in health, business and politics has been appointed to govern the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS). Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman announced the newly appointed Board, which will be led by incoming Chair Renee Williams, late last month. Ms Williams, the Chief Executive Officer of the Torres Health Indigenous Corporation, has more than 20 years of experience in community health. Cape York Land Council CEO Dion Creek has also joined the board with Karyn Watson, Darren Thamm and Susan Hadfield, who have renewed their membership for another term along with four continuing members in their current term.
Ms Fentiman said she was pleased they were able to attract and retain the members’ experience, knowledge and respect. “I’d like to pay tribute to outgoing Chair Ella Kris who worked with dedication and commitment to guide the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Board,” she said. “Incoming Chair Renee Williams’ experience in First Nations health matters is wide, deep and unparalleled and will be of enormous benefit for the communities of the Torres Strait, Cape York and Northern Peninsula Area. “Continuing board members are leaders in their respective fields and bring with them key skills, knowledge and experience to Torres and Cape HHS. “I look forward to working with the newly appointed Board to deliver safe and timely healthcare for Queenslanders.”
Families in Umagico will soon have the keys to two new homes thanks to a partnership between the Council and the Queensland government. The Homes for Queenslanders program was part of the government’s pledge to build more than 2000 homes, on average, per year in remote and discrete communities. At Umagico the two duplex units have been built to ‘gold’ standard of the Liveable Housing Design guidelines, meaning they were accessible for people who needed mobility aids and suitable for older people. The new homes were part of a broader construction program partnership between the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council and the state government. The partnership was to deliver five new homes to help increase access to social housing in the region.
“You can’t have opportunity without a safe place to call home,” local MP Cynthia Lui said. “That’s why I’ve fought to make sure our government builds the homes our communities need.” Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the government had locked in funding to build more homes in the Cape because they were determined to close the gap. “Through infrastructure partnerships with councils, we’re building more homes and investing in the infrastructure needed to unlock even more housing supply for our remote communities,” she said. *Anyone who needs housing assistance can contact the Northern Peninsula Area Housing Hub on 4069 3544 or the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.
Artwork by Jimi K Thaiday
Celebrate with Us! Tues 16 Apr 2024
10am Official celebrations & birthday cake 12pm - 2pm Public Programs: Weaving Circle 6pm – 9pm Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai Exhibition Opening| Maluiligal Dance Group Performance
Fri 19 Apr 2024
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6pm – 8pm Family Movie Night under the stars* *Subject to weather
Sat 20 Apr 2024
9am– 3pm Public Programs: Weaving circle, lino/screen printing, beading and carving Traditional Island Dance Performances
For more information please contact 07 4069 0888 | info@gabtitui.gov.au shop.gabtitui.gov.au
04 ANZAC NEWS
THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2024 TORRES NEWS
Tomsana ready to go home BY ALF WILSON After a decade of serving in the Australian Navy proud leading Seaman Edmund Tomsana can’t wait to return to his beloved Moa Island for a well-deserved break. LS Tomsana, 30, was due to start his three-month-long service leave before the end of this month and was counting down the days to a much-anticipated reunion with family and friends. “I love Moa, and during my 10 years of sea service I could not attend a lot of events like family celebrations, weddings, birthdays, and funerals,” he said. “But when I see my family, proud of what I do, I get overwhelmed. “I miss those days when our family ventured into Moa’s bush for hunting, fishing, and swimming in its tranquil creek.” LS Edmund’s entry to the Navy was a story of being torn between a love of
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his ancestral home and the mysterious attraction of city life. Born on the island, north of Waiben of a Kubin family, LS Edmund moved to Townsville to finish high school. After school, he moved even further from home before joining the Navy as a boatswain’s mate. He spent most of his days supervising seamanship activities and keeping watch on the bridge at night, but his thoughts often drifted to his family back home. Leave was not just a break; it was an opportunity to give back, to share the experiences and knowledge gained during his naval service. Now, after 10 years of being away, his desire to return home has become greater than ever. Approaching his decade of service in the Navy, he reflected on the sacrifices he had made. “I discovered that home isn’t just a place,
but the heart of family and community,” LS Edmund said. “Being in the Navy sometimes can be very tough. “Family is everything. I want to reconnect with my roots, engage in bush-hunting with my siblings, and join in crayfishing swims with my dad, just like the old times. “Through the sacrifice of being away, I have learned independence, and I want to share that experience with my community. “Parents can guide you, but true independence comes from venturing beyond your comfort zone, and I can thank the Navy for teaching me that. “Everything comes with sacrifice, and only by stepping out of your comfort zone you can truly discover yourself.” LS Edmund was posted to HMAS Choules, which was recently operating off the coast of Townsville in support of Army Chinook helicopter training.
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When the call went out to help protect Australia’s northern tip against the Japanese, both Lance Corporal Ces Whap’s grandfathers enlisted in what became the Torres Strait Island Light Infantry Battalion. “Not only were both my grandfathers in the battalion, most of the fighting-age males put their hands up to serve,” he said. “That inspired and motivated me to do my job as best I can.” The patrolman from the 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment, didn’t know much about his grandfather’s service
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Lance Corporal Ces Whap. Pic supplied by ADF. other than hearing the odd story growing up. The 51 FNQR Charlie (Sarpeye) Company, partly traces its history back to the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion. Raised in 1943 to protect Australia’s north from the threat of invasion during World War II, the Battalion successfully used deep connections with communities across the region to enhance their surveillance and reconnaissance activities. Huge celebrations to recognise and honour the 80th anniversary of the TSLIB were held on Waiben, in Townsville
and Cairns last year. “They were an inspiration,” he said. “They stood their ground and kept serving to protect the region.” From a population of about 4000, 880 Torres Strait Islander men had enlisted in the battalion by the end of 1942. Soldiers from Mabuiag Island, where Lance Corporal Whap and his family lived, would have served in B Company or C Company, along with men from all but the most remote islands in the Torres Strait. Now a father of five, the soldier said he
would like to see his children enter service, but ultimately it was up to them. “My eldest son is leaning towards a career in the military,” he said. “I’d like to see more put their hands up to follow their father’s and great grandfather’s footsteps and to serve and protect this region. “Because this region is worth fighting for – it’s our home and a vitally important part of Australia’s northern frontier.” We’ll have more ANZAC Day events and stories to come in the next few weeks!J
NEWS 05
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2024
Hopes child protection will move to community-control STORY BY CARLI WILLIS, SYLVIA TABUA & GILMORE JOHNSTON Twelve Queensland community-controlled organisations have been funded to take on Child Safety powers in their communities. On her recent routine visit to the Torres Strait, Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs Director-General Deidre Mulkerin said a further 11 organisations would be funded by the end of the year. She said said over time she hoped more funding would go to community-controlled organisations. “Child Safety particularly has been working really closely with communitycontrolled organisations, so we can begin to move the work that my agency does – statutory child protection work – to communitycontrolled organisations,” she said. “We’ve been working in partnership with communitycontrolled organisations all over the state [including] Mura Kosker, so that they can begin to take on those responsibilities.
“So that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People can make decisions for and on behalf of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.” Ms Mulkerin said community-controlled organisations had Delegated Authority to carry out child safety processes in the past but had failed. Delegated Authority was the ability of the government to transfer powers and functions of the department to individuals or organisations outside the government. She said it had been a long road to bring those functions back to communities but she felt the government had done a lot of work to understand the needs of First Peoples. To ensure that progress could not be easily overthrown by a change of government, she said changes had been legislated. “By the end of this year, we will have state-wide coverage, there’ll be funding and it’s in the it’s in the Act,” she said. “We’ve sort of tried to think of as many different ways as we can to really bake it in.” She said for it to work, the government needed to trust
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Torres News Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs Director-General Deidre Mulkerin. Pic by Carli Willis. the community-controlled organisations and vice versa. “If we can demonstrate these are better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, all governments -regardless of their political persuasion - are interested in that,” she said. “That’s really what we have to show them, this is better.” Ms Mulkerin said Queensland was the first state to recognise exposure to domestic violence as a harm. “What it means is when we are looking at what’s happening inside families,
and when we have those conversations with families about things that are going right, and things that they’re worried about, or things that might be a risk to the safety of children, we will keep strengthening the way in which we talk to families to say this violence impacts on your children,” she said. “It will help us all it will help us be clear with families and about what the problems are and what the risks are. “We can then help them access support and services.” As part of her trip, Ms Mulkerin said she also met with local stakeholders to discuss the need for more
Pacific voices unite on climate
youth services and facilities. “There’s great strength in the community and there are some key players who want to put some ideas together,” she said. “Is there a place, or is there a way in which we can join up some of those services, so young people have somewhere to go and something to do? “I think the most important thing for young people is to [be] strong in their family, and have hope about what’s ahead, whether that’s education, training or a job. “They have to know where their place is in the world.”
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JARDINE RIVER FERRY
BY CARLI WILLIS Scientific researcher and Erub man Torres Webb travelled to Suva, Fiji, to take part in the 2024 Oceania, First Voices Regional Forum, hosted by the World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature last month. Since the inaugural event was held in 2021 at North Queensland’s Mission Beach, nations from across Fiji, Solomon Islands, New Zealand and North Queensland have gathered annually. Their purpose was to strategise for the United Nations Climate Summit (COP31) in 2026. Mr Webb said he was always looking for opportunities to showcase lore, cultural ways, values and strength. “The presentation title (Traditional Knowledge and Climate) was basically around self-determination across the scientific landscape [and] our rights and responsibility to country, land, sea, sky and waterways,” he said. He said he shared
Torres Webb at the 2024 Oceania, First Voices Regional Forum. Pics supplied. insight into the effects of climate change on Zenadth Kes Peoples’ ecological knowledge and seasonal calendars. He said the information was well-received and many shared similar experiences. “Feedback from the people that were attending was they didn’t know about us, the Melanesian and Oceania people, connected as a part of the Australian continent,” he said. “We all have very similar cultural values, systems and ways of being and doing within
our community. “I thought that that was really nice to be connected and embrace and feel a part of the rest of that Oceania community.” Mr Webb said in addition to strategising
for COP31, the group was looking at writing a letter to governments to take urgent action against climate change. “We came together as an alliance to put together some outcomes and our pledge,” he said. “We collectively pledged [to] reaffirm our commitment to undertake robust actions in safeguarding and preserving our traditional knowledge and value systems. “(These) serve as the foundation for halting and reversing major loss and enhancing our resilience.”
Public Notice Jardine River Ferry: Closure 3-24 April 2024 The Jardine River Ferry will be closed for planned major maintenance during April 3rd to 24th, 2024. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this major infrastructure maintenance event. For further information on progress during the maintenance period, please call NPARC Bamaga Office on tel. (07) 4090 4100 or 4090 4120.
06 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY NEWS
THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2024 TORRES NEWS
More than 88,000 women Australia-wide work in the agricultural sector, which was a point of celebration for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for this year’s International Women’s Day. Gikana Mosby, from Yorke Island, was one of those women, who was happy to share her story and celebrate with them. Biosecurity officer Gikana, 35, said her previous experience was in education as a teacher’s aide, retail and administration but she has been with the department since September 2022. “This position came up and I thought I’d give it a go, I’d never had an interest in becoming a biosecurity officer, my passion was always teaching,” she said. “But I learned how biosecurity started up in the Torres Strait, my uncle was the first Indigenous officer of the four officers in TI; another one of my uncles, my dad’s late brother, was the first officer working in the outer islands and I still have family in the department working on TI. “It made me want to learn
Women account for more than a third of the agricultural workforce, making significant yet often unrecognised contributions to businesses and communities across Australia. “International Women’s Day celebrates the contribution women make to society and women are increasingly recognised for their achievements in the agricultural sector,” Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Deputy Secretary, Tess Bishop said. “Women have long played a vital role in agriculture and have often been overlooked. Today is about celebrating and recognising the diversity of our sector and the key role women hold now and for future growth. “An increasing number of women are achieving qualifications in agriculture, including agricultural science, animal husbandry and wool science. “Our department is very proud to have a gender balance on portfolio boards of 48 per cent but we are keen to see more talented women embrace those opportunities.”
Gikana inspired to keep up role in biosecurity
Gikana Mosby is a biosecurity officer with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on Yorke Island. Pic supplied. more and contribute to being a biosecurity officer, and what drives me is learning more about the pests and diseases that could come from Papua New Guinea to the Torres Strait Islands and into the mainland. “I know my work is vital; we’re on the front line, if I don’t do my work then pests and diseases could damage the Australian environment, and we’d suffer as well.” Gikana said words couldn’t explain the support
she had from within the department. “I have young children (and) the department has been very supportive, they always say family comes first, and it’s flexible too,” she said. “I think women bring more organisation, multi-tasking and are more prepared. “But I’m seeing that more from the men as well, it’s good to have a balance of both.
“My experience in the department has been great, I’m being treated fairly, and equally with all my colleagues, getting support, encouragement, and appreciation, it makes me feel good about myself, and makes me strive to do better. “I hope to inspire younger ones, I think we need to raise more public awareness of what I do, and try and get them being interested and involved in becoming a biosecurity officer.”
Fast facts: • From 2016 to 2021, the number of women employed in agriculture grew by 7105 workers, representing almost two-thirds (66 per cent) of the overall expansion in the agricultural industry. • Sheep, beef cattle and grain farming accounted for 42 per cent of women working in the agricultural sector. • According to the latest Australian Census, almost half (48 per cent) of women working in agriculture were employed as managers in 2021, down from 52 per cent in 2016. However, their number still increased between 2016 (37,787 female managers) and 2021 (38,275 female managers). • The department’s gender balance for women on portfolio boards is 48 per cent, with 52 per cent held by men.
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08 NEWS
THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2024 TORRES NEWS
TSIRC Mayor Phillemon Mosby re-elected BY CARLI WILLIS Incumbent Mayor Phillemon Mosby has been declared re-elected for a second term at the helm of the Torres Strait Island Regional Council. All 15 Councillors have been finally declared after the TSIRC region was granted an additional week to vote due to severe weather which hampered the efforts of the Electoral Commission of Queensland to undertake mobile polling. A swearing ceremony proposed for next Tuesday, 16 April, has already presented several challenges. “Between the Queensland Government, [other] local governments, health and current and future funding partners, [they] have locked in [key] dates,” Mr Mosby said. “We’re trying to play catch up at the moment.” He said the latest possible date was 17 April, as he was required to attend an event hosted by the Queensland Premier in Brisbane. He said the timing presented logistical challenges as families would be transporting children back to school at that time. “We don’t have the advantage that many local governments have being in one location,” he said. “We have to bring 15 councillors from 15 island
Incumbent Mayor Phillemon Mosby. Pic supplied. communities together, and it has to happen between now and when the Premier wants to meet with all the mayors for 77 local governments in Queensland.” During the wet weather, he said, the region had also been battling with connectivity issues, but the Council hoped to be able to livestream the swearing-in ceremony. When the results were called, Mayor Mosby said he felt humbled and blessed to have the opportunity to serve again. “A re-election [will] ensure the constituents of my local government area stability and continuity in having visionary and strategic innovative leadership that demonstrates accountability,
transparency, empowerment and nation building,” he said. He said his first term was plagued with unprecedented challenges which included a global pandemic that consumed more than half of his term. “It was quite challenging, let alone understanding the role of the Mayor in local government,” he said. “Although I’d worked for local government for quite some time, it was a different role of leadership, a very challenging and demanding role. “I was very blessed to be surrounded by great men and women around the table [with] the region’s interest at heart when discussing critical issues of the region.”
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He said despite what the council was up against, they managed to shift the region into a better financial position. “[When I started in 2020], we sat over a deficit budget of $9 million before depreciation,” he said. “Four years later, we landed ourselves in a $5 million deficit budget. “It’s still in the red, but it just goes to show the level of determination from the leadership team. “We understand the narrative of us, as a First Nations Indigenous council, who are 100 per cent grant reliant and will have a very, very thin percentage [of] revenue opportunity. “We understand where our strengths are, where our weaknesses are, which business financial model needs to be applied in our business and best practice in moving our counselling region forward.” He said he would continue to pursue the region’s desire for autonomy and selfdetermination. “We’re interweaving the story of this narrative of why our forefathers set us on a path of self-determination,” he said. “We’ve had structures and systems imposed on us that have been developed by government, for government. “One of my key focus areas is to improve the governance for the Torres
Issue: Thursday 9 MAY
Strait through and under the Masig Statement.” He said he was aware there were discussions around de-amalgamation during the campaign period, as there had been in the past. “The conversation of de-amalgamation was looked at last term and when we did raise it with the Minister for Local Government, the response was that we’ve missed the window for de-amalgamation,” he said. “People think unpacking this by bringing back the old structure will address the issues, it would be worse. “Those individual communities don’t have the financial stability to sustain those assets in those individual communities.
DECLARED Results
• Torres Strait Island Regional Council Mayor Phillemon Mosby • Division 1 Councillor Dimas Toby • Division 2 Councillor Torenzo Elisala • Division 3 Councillor Chelsea Aniba • Division 4 Councillor Keith Fell • Division 5 Councillor Ranetta Wosomo • Division 6 Councillor Iona Manas • Division 7 Councillor John Levi • Division 8 Councillor Seriako Dorante • Division 9 Councillor Aggie Hankin • Division 10 Councillor Kabay Tamu • Division 11 Councillor Francis Pearson • Division 12 Councillor Ted Mosby • Division 13 Councillor Rocky Stephen • Division 14 Councillor Nixon Mye • Division 15 Councillor Bob Kaigey
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‘We’re in a better position today, and what we will be working on in the next 12 days, is looking at an investment strategy that this council will be developing. “We understand where money’s coming from, how it’s coming to us, how we need to articulate and how important the work we do is. “Under the Local Government Act, we’re delivering on behalf of the state [and] the funding structure they imposed on us. “I’ve learned that when we come together and put aside our differences and look at what makes us a unique, authentic, driven, passionate team, it’s what gets us through the greatest challenges of life.”
M Continued from P9 ABOVE: The new TSC Council, staff and family in the Council Chambers on Waiben. Pic supplied. BELOW: Community members line up to take photos of & with their new council. Pic Carli Willis.
NEWS 09
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2024
Torres Shire Council councillors celebrated M From from P1 STORY & PICS BY CARLI WILLIS The Torres Shire Council held a formal swearing-in ceremony for their new Mayor and councillors last Friday. Mayor Elsie Seriat was acknowledged as the first Kaurareg Traditional Owner from Waiben and the youngest female Mayor to be elected to the Torres Shire Council in the Shire’s 121-year history. Crs Gabriel Bani and Thomas Loban were sworn in as successfully returned Councillors, joined by new Crs Toshio Nakata and Thomas Fujii (Jnr). Cr Fujii was the youngest councillor to be elected to the Torres Shire Council since it became a mainstream Council in March 1991. Cr Nakata has taken on the role of Deputy Mayor. Cr Seriat said she felt honoured and privileged to be the Mayor of the Torres Shire. “I am humbled, but also I’m excited for the journey that lies ahead for us,” she said. “I’m not alone in this journey, I have a team, so it’s about sitting together and putting our minds together and our aspirations to see where the direction will take us. “We know that we’re not alone on this journey, we have our constituents, our community, our family, our friends out there.” Friends, families, constituents and media waited outside the Council Chambers while the ceremony was livestreamed on social media.
In the Council Chambers prayers were offered by Pastor George Nona, and Kaurareg Elder Uncle Saila Savage performed a Welcome to Country, reminding everyone at the ceremony Mayor Seriat and himself were the original traditional owners of Waiben. Long-serving former Mayor Napau Pedro Stephen AM also addressed the newly elected and sworn local Councillors and the ceremony concluded with the singing of Baba Waian. A large crowd of wellwishers waited outside to congratulate Mayor Seriat and the councillors. Cr Seriat’s mum May said she could not be prouder of her daughter. “She’s always spoken about her goal, even in school when she was a school captain,” she said. “I think it’s all mainly started there and at home, especially with my parents [and] my dad growing up the cultural way in the house. “She’s always been a people person and always encouraged the young ones to come through.” As a single mother, May said she was proud of all three of her children and what they’d accomplished. “They achieved their goal what they wanted like you’ll see, she always wanted to be the young leader and her goal is fulfilled today,” she said. Cr Fujii Jnr’s Aunty Charlotte Nona was one of those waiting outside, ready to adorn him with a Samoan artifact. “It’s a significant event that we’re witnessing here today – we come from
generations of political leaders,” Ms Nona said. “My great-grandfather was a chief from Samoa and my grandfather Tanu was a political leader here in the Torres Strait for a number of years. “Then my father, Joey, was also a political leader. “So, this is going to be the first grandson of my father to be sworn in as a councillor this morning. “I’m here to present to him a Samoan bead, which is significant for our family because symbolises the lineage of the chief, my greatgrandfather from Valencia in Western Samoa. “He was the chief that came with the missionaries to Torres Strait. “We’re so very excited.” The ceremony was followed by a postelection Council meeting between the Mayor, Councillors, CEO and Minute Secretary to determine who would take on the role of Deputy Mayor and a timetable of meetings, as required by legislation. The first of many onboarding sessions to support the new council was held after that, with training provided by Julian Bodenmann of Preston Law who explained the various statutory instruments the councillors had sworn to uphold – notably the Local Government Act 2009 (Qld), the Local Government Regulation 2012, the Code of Conduct for Councillors in Queensland and the Local Government Principles. More pics opposite on P8 N
Island Stars dancers welcome the newly sworn in councillors.
Ella Kris holds the phone to her ear to hear as the councillors were sworn in.
Wigness Seriat waits outside to share ceremony after his mum is sworn in as Mayor.
Elgina Dhillon shows Aunty Betty Auda the live stream of the councillors being sworn in.
Charlotte Nona (right) adorned new councillor Thomas Fujii Jnr with a Samoan bead.
Cr. Elsie’s mum May Seriat yarns with TSIMA senior broadcaster Jennifer Enosa and ABC reporter Soumia Bella.
Monthly Winner MARCH 2024
The winner of the March 2024 Ailan Life photo competition is Ashley Tran – Congratulations Ashley. Ashley’s picture was taken from top of Green Hill Fort. “The most effective remedy for healing most illnesses is to live closely with nature. A perfect combination from Green Hill – beaches and the sun,” Ashley 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
IBIS Assistant Manager Milford Warria with Joy Pam, who was collecting the $150 gift voucher on behalf of this month’s winner Ashley Tran who is on holiday overseas. Pic Flora Warria.
10
THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2024 TORRES NEWS
2010-2014 2010 Bipotaim: Stories from the Torres
Strait opens accompanied by an eclectic mix of stories from the past, on change and on the future.
2004
2011 The Ephraim Bani Commemorative Program honoured Mr Bani’s contribution to the region.
After over two decades of advocacy by dedicated Torres Strait Islanders and supporters, the Gab Titui Cultural Centre finally opened its doors on 16 April 2004 with the aim to enhance and promote Torres Strait cultural, social, and economic revitalisation and the development of contemporary artistic practice across the region.
2012 The Native Title High Court Decision’s 20th anniversary influenced the 5th Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award.
2013 A new-look Gab Titui Cultural Centre
opened, following major renovations.
2014 Major 10th birthday celebrations for
Gab Titui Cultural Centre, while the TSRA celebrated its 20th Anniversary.
2009 2004
2005-2009 2005 After just one year of operations, Gab Titui is honoured to receive its first Queensland Tourism Award for Indigenous Tourism.
2006 The First Pearlers exhibition opens in the
Ephraim Bani Gallery, highlighting the rich pearling history of the Torres Strait.
2007 Gab Titui Cultural Centre is inducted into
the Queensland Tourism Awards Hall of Fame for excellence in Indigenous tourism.
2008 The inaugural Gab Titui Indigenous Art
Award launches to showcase a thorough representation of artwork in the region.
2009 Cultural maintenance exhibition,
Zamiyakal: Torres Strait Dance Machines launches in 2009 and is the first Gab Titui exhibition to tour overseas.
11
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2024
2020-2024 2020 COVID-19 pandemic closures reached the Torres Strait and the Gab Titui responds with a closure from 24 March.
2021 Gab Titui opened the 150ZK Truth Telling:
Coming of the Light Zenadth Kes 150 Years Exhibition, to honour the milestone.
2022 After a COVID-19 induced hiatus, Gab Titui announced the return of the Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award in 2023.
2023 The biennial Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award returned with a new Jewellery Category and rejuvenated the region’s arts sector.
2024 Gab Titui celebrates 20 years of arts and cultural
sovereignty with a week-long program of activities, a touring exhibition and traditional dancing.
2024
2014
2019
2015-2019 2015 The Centre is praised for the curation of the Evolution: Torres Strait Masks exhibition.
2016 Gab Titui launched new branding and logo when the centre reopened after required structural improvements.
2017 The Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award
celebrated its 10th anniversary, with 52 entries received.
2018 The 11th Indigenous Art Award becomes the last annual event after the Centre introduced a biennial schedule.
2019 The Black Bamboo Contemporary
Furniture Designs from Mer opened at the Cairns Art Gallery as part of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.
Artwork provided by Jimi K Thaiday
12
THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2024 TORRES NEWS
PUBLIC NOTICE
INFORMATION SESSION & AUTHORISATION MEETING for Badulgal, Mualgal and Kaurareg Peoples about the Warral and Ului native title claim (QUD 9 of 2019)
W ARRAL AN D ULUI CLAI M G R O U P M EE T ING
Badulgal, Mualgal and Kaurareg Peoples are invited to two important meetings on Thursday Island on 26 April (Information Session) and 27 April 2024 (Authorisation Meeting). Background: The meetings are about the native title claim over Warral and Ului which was filed in 2002 in the Federal Court (as shown in the map below), on behalf of the Badulgal, Mualgal and Kaurareg Peoples (Federal Court number QUD9/2019) (Warral and Ului Claim). In February 2023, a judge of the Federal Court decided that Badulgal and Mualgal People hold native title rights and interests on Warral and Ului. The Warral and Ului claim is now ready to be determined. The meetings are about authorising the determination of the claim, including appointing a Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) which is to manage the native title rights for the Badugal and Mualgal People.
INFORMATION SESSION: 26 April 2024 TIME: Registration from 9.30am for a 10.00am start. VENUE: Port Kennedy Hall, 66 Douglas Street, Thursday Island PURPOSE: To assist the claimants for Warral and Ului to prepare for and to make informed decisions at the Authorisation Meeting.
For members
Saturday, 20
The Benson
April 2024 1
Hotel, 50 Gra
2:30pm to 4
fton Street,
:30pm
Cairns
All Badulgal, Mualgal and Kaurareg pe Cairns or are rsons who liv able to com e in e to Cairns, claimant info are invited to rmation mee this ting. The meeting is about the Warral & Ul claim in the ui native tit Federal Cour le t (QUD 9 of Mualgal and 2019 - Badu Kaurareg Pe gal, oples ). It is called by the lawyers for the claim from Gur A Ba with suppor radharaw Ko t d Torres Stra Council (GBK it Sea and La ), the Nativ nd e Title Serv Torres Strait. ice Provider Information for meetings ha held on Moa ve already be , Badu and Ho The lawyers en rn Island. for the claim will be presen t to di sc us s: • What the court has sa id about nativ e title on War • The next steps towar ral and Ului; ds determin ation of the • Nominat claim; ion of a PBC. There are tw the Badu Ar o options: ei Mua Migi La ther create gal TSI RTNB Applicant in a new PBC or tends to nom C (already nominate the shared in at e Ba du islands PBC) Ar Mua Mig • Proposal i for a custom . The Lagal TSI RT NBC; and ary rights ag reement to This meetin also apply on g is planned W ar ral and Ului. to provide in this meeting. formation on However, th ly and no de e claim is ne soon need to cisions will aring determ be made by be made at ination and the claiman as possible. important de ts. Therefor cisions will e, please sh are this notic e as widely To receive mo re infor
The Information Session will explain: • The Federal Court’s decision of February 2023; • The people to be recognised as holding native title rights and interests on Warral and Ului; • The native title rights and interests to be recognised as existing on Warral and Ului; • The nomination of the Badu Ar Mua Migi Lagal (TSI) Corporation RNTBC (the PBC for the shared islands) as also the PBC for Warral and Ului; and The proposal for an agreement to recognise the Kaurareg People’s customary rights over Warral and Ului. The Information Session is open to the same persons who are invited to the Authorisation Meeting.
in Cairns
mation or reg Authorisation ister your int Meeting, ple erest to atten ase contact d the Informa the Native Tit tion Session le Office of the and/or the ring Frank Da GBK via nativ vid on 0408 etitle@gbk.o 711 778. rg.au or
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST To receive more information or register your interest, please contact the GBK Native Title Office via nativetitle@gbk.org.au or ring Frank David on 0408 711 778
AUTHORISATION MEETING: 27 April 2024 TIME: Registration from 9.00am for a 9.30am start. VENUE: Port Kennedy Hall, 66 Douglas Street, Thursday Island This meeting is open to all descendants by birth, or adoption in accordance with traditional laws and customs, of one or more of the following ancestors: • Badulgal: Getawan, Sagul, Uria, Baira, Inor, Zimoia, Newar, Sagigi, Jawa, Wairu, Paipe, Waria, Kamui, Mabua, Laza, Gainab, Walit, Namagoin, Mariget, Bazi, Ugarie, Karud, Dauwadi, Gizu, Aupau and Zarzar; and • Mualgal: Dadu, Gaia (also known as Gai), Goba, Jack Moa, Kanai (son of Bamar), Koia, Kulka, Kupad, Maga (father of Gema, Babun, Dawai, Bapi and Magena), Maiamaia, Nukau, Samukie, Tuku, Waina, • AS WELL AS Kaurareg People
PURPOSE OF THE AUTHORISATION MEETING The Badulgal, Mualgal and Kaurareg People at the Authorisation Meeting will be: • Receiving information and legal advice from the Warral and Ului claim laywers; and • Asked to consider whether to authorise a determination of native title in favour of the native title rights holding group which will: • recognise native title rights and interests over the lands and waters of Warral and Ului above the high-water mark (see map), being: Lot 170 on Plan CP846897 Warral (Hawkesbury) Island, Lot 177 on Plan TS279 Ului (West) Island, Lot 178 on Plan TS279, Lot 179 on Plan TS279, Lot 180 on Plan TS279 and Lot 181 on Plan TS279 • describe how those rights and interests will be held.
13
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2024
GBK celebrates after successful
PBC REGIONAL FORUM
Cairns 8 - 9 April 2024
The GBK PBC Regional Forum, a collaboration between the GBK and National Native Title Council, took place over two days this week. Chairpersons and two Directors from every PBC in the Torres and Endeavour Straits were invited to attend, fostering a comprehensive dialogue aimed at supporting the progress of PBCs. The forum featured presentations and discussions with key agencies integral to advancing PBCs, including the National Native Title Council (NNTC), GBK with an introduction by Ned David, National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) providing the Australian Government perspective, Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC), National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT), Indigenous Land and Sea Council (ILSC), Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), Indigenous Business Australia (IBA), and the Torres Strait Regional Authority. Stay tuned for more information on the significant developments arising from this important gathering.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US www.gbk.org.au 07 4083 1000 admin@gbk.org.au
14 HEALTH NEWS
THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2024 TORRES NEWS
Fluoride saves teeth TN0461 • 11-04-24
Pic supplied.
BOOK ONLINE: WWW.REBELTOURS.COM.AU
THURSDAY ISLAND/HORN ISLAND FERRY TIMETABLE (03/04/2024)
THURSDAY ISLAND/HORN ISLAND FERRY TIMETABLE (03/04/2024)
TIMETABLE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE DUE TO QANTAS SCHEDULING, SOME FERRIES MAY NOT OPERATE.
HAMMOND ISLAND SCHOOL FERRY TIMETABLE Depart Thursday Island • Monday – Friday
Depart Hammond Island • Monday – Friday
6.40am (Departs Rebel Wharf) ***Bookings essential 7.05am (Arrives Engineers Wharf) SCHOOL FERRY 7.25am (Departs Engineers Wharf) 7.45am (Arrives Engineers Wharf) SCHOOL FERRY 3.20pm (Departs Engineers Wharf) SCHOOL FERRY 3.35pm (Arrives Engineers Wharf) 3.55pm (Departs Engineers Wharf) SCHOOL FERRY
• School children have priority – Community members can travel if space permits. Please call or email for any queries. This service does not operate on public holidays, school holidays or weekends.
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.
AVOID THE QUEUE!
SCAN ME and Book your ferry now using this QR code, pay online.
Calls for Far Northern local government authorities to fluoridate their water supplies, if they do not already do so, have been backed by the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS). TCHHS Director of Oral Health Dr Callum Blackhall (pictured left) said fluoride in drinking water supplies was proven to be a safe and efficient way to reduce tooth decay for the whole population. He said he fully supported calls by Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Director of Oral Health Dr Harry Robertson for the fluoridation of municipal water supplies. “The fluoridation of public water supplies is acknowledged as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century,’’ Dr Blackhall said. “More than 150 major health organisations worldwide including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Australian Medical Association (AMA), and the Australian Dental Association (ADA) support water fluoridation.’’ Major water fluoridation legislation was introduced in Queensland in 2008. When the legislation was first introduced, it was mandatory to add fluoride to all water supplies serving over 1000 people. However, in November 2012, the legislation was amended, permitting local governments to decide whether or not to fluoridate their town water supplies. “This situation remained unchanged, Dr Blackhall said. “The decision
remains in the councils’ hands as to whether they fluoridate their water supplies or not. “A few communities in Queensland have naturally-occurring fluoride in the water supply that meets the recommended dosage, like Kowanyama, or already add fluoride to their municipal supply, like Cook Shire. “But in other communities, local governments should be encouraged and provided with support to supply their communities with fluoridated water where possible. “The burden of oral disease across the whole Torres and Cape area is significant. “In communities where fluoridated water is not available, people can improve their oral health by brushing their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, eating a healthy diet, and reducing their intake of sugary foods and drinks. “But by now there is enough evidence that water fluoridation helps prevent tooth decay and strengthens teeth. “The decision to start adding fluoride to water supplies should be based on scientific evidence when local government authorities are considering what is in the best interest of the general health of the people they represent. “Future generations will thank them. “In the meantime, the TCHHS will continue to work closely with local councils on advocating for measures that affect the social determinants of health such as fluoridation of water supplies and supporting councils that want to work towards introducing fluoride into their water.”
WE WANT YOUR NEWS
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2024
Child Development Service staff (from left) Annalise Mundy, Sarah McGuire, Imogen Armstrong and Robyne Bowie have travelled to Thursday Island and the Northern Peninsula Area. Pic supplied.
New child services a success in reaching out An outreach service launched in mid-February that supports families across the Torres Strait, Cape York and Northern Peninsula Area has already received more than 80 referrals. The Child Development Service was launched after the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) successfully obtained more than $3.6 million last year through the State Government’s Connected Community Pathways funding program for the initiative. After recent visits to WaibenThursday Island, Bamaga, and Injinoo, families have seen the benefits of the family-centred service that provided a speech pathologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, and psychologist. These service providers worked in collaboration with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker staff. Primarily, it was designed to assess and support children with complex developmental delays and disabilities and link them with ongoing therapy and support for children aged between 0-18 years of age. Torres and Cape HHS Allied Health Manager Child Development Service Natalie Bellew said the team would travel to communities twice per month and across 34 communities within the health service region. She said the Torres Strait and NPA were identified as the initial priority with a higher recorded incidence of children with developmental delays, but the team was focused on delivering services to all communities. “The team will work very closely with local allied health teams and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers, along with our Maternal and Child Health Nurses and paediatricians,” she said. “The team currently includes a First Nations Community Engagement Officer who will travel with our clinicians and help liaise with local families and our education partners. “We are dedicated to providing an integrated and culturally safe service and really listening to what families are wanting to ensure the best support for their children.
“The new service is developing culturally safe resources to use with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to support our clients to feel comfortable and empowered to share their hopes and concerns for their child in culturally and therapeutically safe ways. “This includes a visual storytelling resource. “It is so exciting that we have begun delivering this service and such a benefit that we are able to see these children in their home communities where they can be supported by their whole family.” Ms Bellew said the team also incorporated visits to local schools into their support for the communities, which had also resulted in referrals. Children can be referred to the service by childcare educators, school guidance officers, allied health clinicians, Health Workers, Maternal and Child Health Nurses, doctors and health partners including Apunipima. TCHHS Acting Executive Director Allied Health Fiona Hall said the team would be provided with ongoing training opportunities to further enhance the services being delivered to communities. She said the health service was also dedicated to providing opportunities to grow the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce, particularly via Health Worker roles. “We are passionate about delivering a family-centred, culturally safe service with the appropriate social, cultural and family supports that are traumainformed, in community, and working in partnership with community leaders and other service providers in health, education and disability sectors,” she said. “We will also have an external working group in place, made up of key stakeholders, to oversee the service and help ensure we are providing the best care possible to children in the Torres Strait, Cape York and Northern Peninsula Area.” Referrals can be made to the service via: TCHHS-Referral-Intake@health.
qld.gov.au
General enquiries can be made to the CDS Team at: TCHHS-AH-CDS@
health.qld.gov.au
HEALTH NEWS 15
Cowboys launch Deadly Choices health promo shirts
Deadly people Willie Tonga, Zac Laybutt, Bree Chester, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown & Matty Bowen wearing the Deadly Choices shirts. Pic supplied by Deadly Choices. STORY AND PICS BY VELMA GARA North Queensland Cowboys players were on hand for the TAIHS community day to launch 2024’s Deadly Choices shirts in Townsville last week. It was also an opportunity to highlight the partnership between Deadly Choices, TAIHS and the Cowboys. About 60 community members, including students, attended the launch and barbecue lunch that has become an annual event, to see the new shirts unveiled, which included Renee Wilson’s Mundarlbi design. The task of engaging with our communities right across North Queensland was made easier with the support of the Cowboys and former player, legend and Deadly Choices ambassador, Matty Bowen, who thought it was a great initiative. “The Cowboys have a wide range of supporters and getting a 715 health check is about keeping healthy,” he said. Although Matty would have loved to be part of this concept when he was playing, he said he was happy to be an ambassador promoting healthy living, healthy eating and saying ‘no’ to tobacco and alcohol. Deadly Choices was a health promotion initiative of the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH). IUIH Commercial Operations Director Dallas Leon said the Deadly Choices initiative was about getting health checks
Leo Akee Jnr & Alana Purcell (Deadly Choices Health Promotion Officers) with the community tobacco survey. which included weight, blood tests, blood pressure and sugar, and asking general questions. “It’s a preventive health program where we’re trying to encourage our people to be involved in primary health care,” he said. “It’s awesome that 8000 shirts were ordered through TAIHS and other services to support communities to go and get their health check. “Cowboys are a popular team but it’s a big footprint across Townsville and other Queensland regions.” Deadly Choices/IUIH had started the year with the Indigenous All Stars rugby league match versus New Zealand Maori Kiwis. They said they were planning on working with Cowboys and several other clubs with their Indigenous Round activities scheduled for May later this year. TAIHS offered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a
free health check every year. Primary Health Services Director Dr Sean Taylor said he wanted to encourage our mob to complete an adult health check (715) to look at early detection of chronic disease. “Because as we all know and the evidence has shown, most of our mob have a high prevalence of chronic disease which is diabetes, renal disease, which is kidney failure and heart disease,” he said. Dr Taylor was concerned members of the Indigenous communities left it way too late and then it became too hard to manage the chronic disease or whatever issues the client might have. He said the partnership was a great initiative, particularly to have the very popular Cowboys on board. “I’d like to encourage everybody to really make Deadly Choices in life and to really look and take control of your health care,” he said.
Official Party: Back row – Willie Tonga (Deadly Choices Ambassador), Zac Laybutt & Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (Cowboys Players). Front row – Fabian Parsons (MC/Deadly Choices), Dr Sean Taylor (TAIHS), Jeff Reibel (Cowboys CEO), Dallas Leon (Deadly Choices/IUIH), Matty Bowen (Deadly Choices Ambassador), Bree Chester (Cowboys Player) & Brenton Creed (Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba Traditional Owner).
16 NEWS
THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2024 TORRES NEWS
Unique Ailan fellowship on offer from AIATSIS BY CARLI WILLIS For the first time in its 60-year history, the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) has teamed up with an external Indigenous organisation to host a fellowship for Torres Strait Islanders. Successful applicants for the pilot Ilan Style Fellowship project were eligible for a $10,000 grant towards travel, accommodation and living expenses to enable access to the AIATSIS collections for a project of their choice. Professor Kerry Arabena said she sponsored the fellowship through her business Ilan Style in the hope the opportunity would help keep language alive and accessible. “I personally believe that Meriam Mer is one of the most important languages in Australia, and also internationally,” she said. “It was that language and all the philosophy embedded in that language that was able to disrupt the idea of Terra Nullius. “It’s also now being used in international law. “I really want the opportunity for my children and grandchildren to have access to that language.” AIATSIS has long-held fellowships and Ms Arabena said she felt lucky to have had access to it She said AIATSIS was one of the biggest holders of Torres Strait Islander language. “Our videos of old people, of our masks, of our totems and other collections that I would love for someone else to have a look in in the same way that I did,” she said. Interim AIATSIS CEO Leonard Hill said the successful applicant would also have access to the Family History Unit and expert mentoring at AIATSIS. He said the relationship
MAIN PIC: Professor Kerry Arabena. INSET: Kerry’s Ilan Style logo. Pics supplied. recognised the importance of Torres Strait Islanders having access to their cultural heritage. “There are significant barriers for community members to be able to make their way to Canberra, to be able to come to AIATSIS and to see collection material and access collection material,” he said. Mr Hill said it would also benefit AIATSIS to have more oversight by Torres Strait Islanders. “Sometimes the description of that material is not complete, so having someone from the Torres Strait come down, undertake the fellowship, spend some time looking at the collection material, not only does it help them and in the communities in the Torres Strait but it also helps us.” Ms Arabena said she went on to study environmental science and
human ecology after her fellowship. “I ended up writing a doctoral piece that ended up winning awards,” she said. “It was because I had access to not only the beautiful experiences of those archives, and all of the information held there, but to go back up to community and sit with the information holders, on those from those islands. It was a profound experience and so to give that opportunity to someone else is something that is behind the brand Ilan Style because we’ve got our own way of doing things.” Ms Arabena said her PhD work led her to hold a symposium in the Torres Strait. “When you’re doing your doctoral work, you end up having to be assessed by peers and collaborators who understand the
science and try to understand what your contribution to that science is,” she said. “We ended up having to sit with elders, and explain to elders, what it was that we were talking about, and how we wanted to express this kind of way of knowing being and doing. There’s a particular way of carrying knowledge that has, you’ve got that giz ged, it’s really deep in the soil and it’s deep in that ocean experience.” Ms Arabena said since then, her work had taken her around the world. She said that was why the fellowship included a responsibility to give information back to its community “It can be a video, it can be children’s storybooks, it can be songs, you can go back and have a look at some of the language that
was important to explore or explain different points in time,” she said. “To really highlight that and to celebrate that language is the point of the actual scholarship.” “It’s a long-held dream for me to see our languages in all early childhood centres around Australia.” Mr Hill said AIATSIS also recognised the need for repatriation of cultural heritage to communities. “We work with overseas collecting institutions to hold material from First Nation communities around Australia,” he said. “Under that program to date in the last six years, we have been able to return over 2200 cultural heritage items back to a number of different communities as that program progresses. “As we roll that out even further, there may be opportunities where material that might be held in overseas institutions that are from the Torres Strait Islands could be returned.” Ms Arabena encouraged students to apply for the fellowship. “For Torres Strait Islander women, we have an entrepreneurial spirit,” she said. “To start to recognise that through thinking through business ideas would be really, really powerful. “I took a chance and realised that everything that I ever wanted was on the other side of fear. “I had to overcome that fear and just really trust and believe in myself and seek support along the way. “I had some wonderful mentors, but now run big companies that support at least 10 families. “[I’m] doing that off country but it’s doing some really really wonderful things.” Round 1 submissions closed at midnight on 1 April 2024, watch this space for news on further rounds.
Katie Kiss appointed new Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss is Australia’s new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner. Ms Kiss, a proud Kaanju and Birri/Widi woman who grew up on the lands of the Darumbal People in Central Queensland, was the Executive Director of the Interim Truth and Treaty Body supporting Queensland’s Path to Treaty. Her appointment was lauded by the Australian Human Rights Commission. “This is a wonderful appointment,” Commission President, Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher said. “On the behalf of Commissioners and staff, I warmly welcome Katie Kiss to the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social
Justice Commissioner. “At the heart of Ms Kiss’s impressive career is an unwavering commitment to promote and protect the rights of First Nations Peoples. “She brings decades of experience in public policy and international human rights law and has served First Nations communities, including her own, with high distinction. “Her integrity, and the respect and trust she has garnered across Australia and globally will be hugely beneficial in this role.” Before her role at the Interim Truth and Treaty Body, Ms Kiss held senior positions in the Queensland Government, including Chief of Staff to the Minister for Seniors, Disability
New Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Katie Kiss. Pic supplied. Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, and Senior Advisor to the Deputy Premier.
She previously worked for eight years at the Australian Human Rights Commission, where she was the Director of the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Team. Ms Kiss was the Director of Strategic Projects at the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples and was a Senior Manager at PwC’s Indigenous Consulting. The incoming Commissioner has also served as a Board Member and Chamber Three Delegate of the National Congress, a Board Member of Ngroo Education Inc, and participated at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. “The depth of knowledge and expertise the Commissioner brings cannot be overstated,
whether that be in social justice, constitutional reform, cultural heritage and protection, community development, or addressing structural inequality,” Prof Croucher said. “This is a delicate and critical time. “Following the disappointment of last year’s Voice referendum, it has become even more imperative for Australia to heal and find solutions to support and empower its First Nations communities. “We are delighted Commissioner Kiss can return to the Commission, to both carry on the important work of outgoing Commissioner June Oscar and help chart a new course forward for First Nations’ rights.”
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THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2024 TORRES NEWS
Mam/Sailor deadly combo Feldt fells Bowen record BY VELMA GARA “Records are there to be broken” – former North Queensland Cowboys player and legend, Matty Bowen, when asked about his try-scoring feat being overtaken by winger Kyle Feldt. At last Sunday’s game, the Cowboys hosted Gold Coast Titans in an entertaining game in which the home team won, 35-22. In the 68th minute of the game, Feldt intercepted a pass and sprinted to score the try and became the outright first on the club’s all-time leading try scorers list with 131 tries. More than 18,000 spectators witnessed the record-breaking try at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville. Bowen’s 130 tries was the record for the Cowboys since 2013. Torres News caught up with Bowen, who is a Deadly Choices Ambassador, at the Deadly Choices t-shirt launch
Cowboys player Kyle Feldt. held in late March (see page 15). Bowen said he was glad it was a local boy who got it. In Week 2 of the National Rugby League competition for 2024, Feldt equalled the record and hadn’t scored a try until last Sunday (three weeks later). This weekend, the Cowboys will travel away to play against Parramatta Eels on Saturday afternoon.
Jamal battles Gehamat BY ALF WILSON
Gold Coast Titans second-rower David Fifita. Pic supplied. PNG outside back Xavier Coates scored a Storm try in front of more than 20,000 fans.
Solid Cotter/Fifita
ROUND UP BY ALF WILSON
Ezra Mam scored two tries in Brisbane’s narrow loss to Melbourne Storm, 3432, in round 5 of the NRL at the weekend. The Broncos led 1816 at halftime and Ezra showed why he is one of the genuine superstars of the competition with tries in the 26th and 49th minutes – his first four-pointer came after a kick infield from teammate Jesse Arthars; his second he sprinted onto a Billy Walters kick with a perfect bounce, racing up the middle of the field to go in under the posts to score. Broncos fullback Tristan Sailor played a solid game under pressure at times.
Workhorse forwards Reuben Cotter and David Fifita (above) were amongst the best for their sides when the Cowboys beat the Gold Coast Titans 35-22 in front of 18,789 fans at Townsville on Sunday. Once again Cowboys lock Reuben made plenty of metres in attack and defended solidly, whilst Titans second-rower David was in good form. David ran for more than 150 metres in his second game back after an extended injury.
Fins up Excitement machine Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scored a try and ran up more than 100 metres in the Dolphins’ 26-16 win over Wests Tigers at Lang Park on Saturday. In the 25th minute, Hamiso was passed the ball by a rampaging but exhausted Felise Kaufusi and sprinted away to score.
TN0104 [S/K] 3x4 7/3/23
He also was very strong in defence and under high balls as the attacking Tigers closed in on him. Tigers centre Justin Olam was one of the side’s best; he had a try disallowed after a forward pass.
Xavier best Sebastian Kris and Xavier Savage scored tries for Canberra in the Raiders’ handsome 41-8 win over Parramatta at the weekend. Sebastian scored in the 13th minute and Xavier in the 28th in the seven-tries-to-one win. Elusive Xavier was best on ground.
Rain no barrier The Newcastle home ground was described as a ‘swimming pool’ but in this pool is where Knights centre Dane Gagai came to the fore in his team’s 30-10 victory over the St George-Illawarra. Many of the 9884 spectators who braved torrential rain at Newcastle Stadium wore raincoats and some even had goggles and
snorkels on their faces. Dane who has Badu and Iama as well as Maori connections was one of the stars in both defence and attack. He Dane made numerous tackles and was one of the best on the water-logged field in difficult conditions.
In other games The Warriors thrashed South Sydney, 34-4, who were without injured Alex Johnston; Manly upset premiers Penrith Panthers 32-18; and underdogs the Bulldogs beat the Roosters 30-26.
Battle of Brisbane? It may be dubbed the ‘Battle of Brisbane’ but, for people in the Torres Straits, but this weekend’s clash between the Brisbane Broncos and the Dolphins could be renamed the ‘Battle of the Torres Straits’. The game will pit two of the genuine superstars of the NRL – Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam against Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
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Brotherly love was on hold when brothers Gehamat and Jamal Shibasaki lined up against each other in a Hostplus Queensland Cup round 4 match last weekend, whilst their Waiben-based grandmother, LJ Shibasaki remained “neutral”. Gehamat lined up for the Townsville Blackhawks, who beat the Mackay Cutters for whom his younger brother Jamal played in Saturday’s clash at Townsville’s Jack Manski Oval. The Blackhawks, for whom Gehamat lined up at centre beat the Cutters side, where Jamal was a forward, 19-18 in a cliffhanger. Both played a full 80 minutes. LJ, a respected Waiben resident and former long-time secretary of the Kaiwalagal Rugby League (now Zenadth Kes), was at the game. “My brother Wally and I were there,” LJ said. “They call me Nene and I am their grandmother. “I cheered for both of them because they are both very close to my heart. “I hoped the game was a draw.” She said most of their families had been in Cairns for one of her older brother’s 70th birthday dinner on Thursday 4 April. Another Blackhawks player was back Bernard Lewis.
Pride down to Falcons Cairns-based Northern Pride went down 32-10 to the Sunshine Coast Falcons. Edrick Lee scored a try for the CQ Capras which rolled the Burleigh Bears 30-24. The PNG Hunters went down 36-28 to the Tweed Seagulls and their try scorers were Brandon Nima (two), Judah Rimbu, Sanny Wabo and Sakias Komati whilst Clent Lama booted four goals. The Capras lead the 15-club points table from the Mackay Cutters with the Pride in third. In the Cyril Connell Cup semi-final, the Townsville Blackhawks beat the Western Clydesdales 26-18.
ABOVE: Jamal Shibasaki. BELOW: Gehamat Shibasaki. Pics supplied QRL.
And in round eight of the Mal Meninga Cup, Northern Pride defeated the Falcons 32-6 and the Blackhawks lost 36-20 to the Magpies.
Tahlulah and Jasmine shine In round four of the women’s BMD Premiership Tahlulah Tillett and Jasmine Peters each scored tries in the Mackay Cutters 26-16 win over Souths Logan Magpies. The Cutters are outright leaders on the 10 club points table. CQ Capras had a 26-12 win over the Burleigh Bears 12.
Grand finalists The Mackay Cutters side qualified for the grand final of the Harvey Norman women’s under-19 comp with an 18-10 victory over the Western Clydesdales. In next Saturday’s decider, the Cutters take on the Brisbane Tigers at Totally Workwear Stadium with kickoff at 3.40pm.
SPORT 19
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 11 APRIL 2024
Warraber sees some volleyball action
Zenadth Kes junior league sign on M Continued from P20 BY DARREN MONCRIEFF Last year, the ZKJRL was a worthy winner of the NRL’s Community Rugby League Club of the Year award. The organisation hoped to build on that success in 2024. “With the prizemoney from the NRL and QRL, we’ve bought new equipment, jerseys, hats and have gotten sponsors on board,” Anthony said. A bonus for youngsters this year was TI Dental Clinic’s open offer to provide mouthguards, custom-made, and for free.
Men’s grand final winners Eaglez. Pic by Danny Billy.
Ladies grand final winners Opals. Pic supplied.
Parents needed to book their kids in for an appointment there. Registration costs were $50 and, if eligible, there were FairPlay vouchers available. A birth certificate was also needed to complete registrations, which could be accessed at playrugbyleague.com The 2024 ZKJRL committee members for 2024: Anthony Moynihan (President), Marita Sagigi (VicePresident), Jess Jeffrey (Secretary), Cara Moynihan (Treasurer), Ursula Nai (Vice-Treasurer) and Lazariah Nona (Registrar).
Jamaican Pirates. Pic supplied.
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TI Thunders. Pic supplied. Opening Mawan A and Tudi. Pic supplied.
COMMENCING MONDAY 15 APRIL 2024 The PM ferry departure time from SEISIA will change to 3.50PM
Zenadth Kes Volleyball Carnival Awards: Best Servers – Men: Joseph Andrew Kaddy. Ladies: Lottie Misick. Encouragement Awards – Men: Christopher Hans (TI Thunder). Ladies: Sylvia Harry (Mawan A). Best Setters – Men: Andrew Samson (Eaglez). Ladies: Azie Bowie (Opals). Best Spikers – Men: Tyler David (Eaglez). Ladies: Lottie Misick (Opals). Rookies of the Carnival – Men: Meshack David (Urab B). Ladies: Sadia Pearson (Opals). Best Blockers – Men: Anthony Nakata (Eaglez). Ladies: Suannah Billy (Opals). Players of the Finals – Men: Anthony Nakata (Eaglez). Ladies: Sadia Pitt (Opals).
MON, WED, FRI DAILY DEPARTURES: • THURSDAY IS: 6.30AM & 2.30PM • SEISIA: 8AM & 4PM
MONDAY 15 – MONDAY 29 APRIL MON, WED, FRI DAILY DEPARTURES: • THURSDAY IS: 6.30AM & 2.30PM • SEISIA: 8AM & 3.50PM Block Party. Pic supplied.
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Urab. Pic by Danny Billy.
www.peddellsferry.com.au • Passengers please pre-ticket – online, agents or phone (By phone: booking fee and change of booking fees now apply) Concession fares available, conditions apply OFFICE HOURS – MON–FRI, 9am–12noon & 12.30–2.30pm LUGGAGE – Per passenger (excl. infants) 1 piece up to 15kg, excess charges otherwise apply) FREIGHT – PRE PAID – Items up to 15kg carried, conditions apply. NO GLASS BOTTLES ALLOWED ONBOARD as Luggage or Freight The Jetty Shop & Office, Engineers Jetty, Thursday Is.
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Warraber sees some volleyball action BY ALF WILSON
Players and their families travelled to Warraber Island, mostly by outboard motorpowered dinghy, to compete in the Zenadth Kes volleyball carnival last week. It was held at the Aka Gingin Multi Purpose Sports Stadium from 4 to 7 April, and 13 sides competed in both the Open Men and Open Women’s divisions. It was a friendly invasion of Warraber as they came from Poruma, Masig, Darnley, Murray, Saibai, Yam, Hammond islands and Waiben. Eaglez won the men’s grand final with local players and others from Hammond Island beating TI Thunder three sets to one. In the ladies’ final Opals defeated Mawan (A) also three sets to one. Both deciders were hotly contested and entertaining. The carnival was organised by the Warraber Island Sporting Association on behalf of the Torres Strait Youth Sports and Recreation Association (TSYSRA. Seven hard-working volunteers ensured the carnival ran smoothly and some referees came from Cairns.
Mawan A (winners) action on court. It was much more than just a gala sporting event as supporters from other islands got to catch up with family and friends in an atmosphere of goodwill. Association vice president Patricia Harry told the Torres News more than 400 visitors arrived on Warraber as early as the day before the carnival commenced. “Everybody enjoyed a big welcome feast on Wednesday at the local sporting oval, and another which was a farewell feast
after the games on Saturday,” Patricia said. “Lots of good food and family time.” She said all available accommodation on Warraber was booked out. “Many visitors were billeted on Warraber with family and friends and it was very busy here during the carnival,” she said. Patricia said conditions were perfect for small boat travel. “The weather was calm and great and the trips on the water were comfortable,” Patricia said. Association President Lui Billy, who left Warraber by dinghy to take visitors back to Erub early on Tuesday morning, said it was smooth sailing after a successful event. “It is really smooth on the water today, I have seven people in my dinghy,” he said. Lui and Patricia described the carnival as a wonderful success which locals and visitors much enjoyed. They said it was great to see supporters on the sideline cheering for their island teams and then catching up afterwards for yarning and reminiscing. Awards & more pics on Page 19 N
Players of the Carnival Ella-Faye Peters and Roman Harry. Pics supplied.
Zenadth Kes Junior Rugby League ready for sign on BY DARREN MONCRIEFF The call is out for youngsters keen on footy to sign on ahead of the 2024 Zenadth Kes Junior Rugby League season. The national award-winning ZKJRL organisation will kickstart
the local junior football season with its first training sessions next Thursday at the Ken Brown Oval, where a registrar would be available so parents can sign up their kids. The first training sessions coincided with the first week
of Term 2 with the new season expected to kick-off in early May. Youngsters got an early look-in on the football field in March when they were put through various tackle techniques with locally accredited coaches. Last year, the ZKJRL ran
weekly games for the 7, 8, 10 and 12-year-old age groups. This year, they hoped to add to that with 9s, 13s and 14s, but that was yet to be determined. “Hopefully, we can get more participants,” ZKJRL president Anthony Moynihan said.
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“We’d love to see kids who may have been reluctant before to come and play, and for people to volunteer as coaches, or refs, or even for cooking barbecues.” Story continued on Page 19 N
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