Thursday, 2 May 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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Aus climate case comes to a close
The Federal Court of Australia started hearing closing statements for the final stages of the Australian Climate Case in Cairns on Monday. The week-long hearing began with a public gathering outside of the Cairns Magistrates Court, where plaintiffs Uncle Paul Kabai and Uncle Pabai Pabai were joined by a contingent of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal families who showed their support for the landmark class action climate case.
See story and pics on PAGE 13 N Dancer Nemiah Marama from the Sagerau Poenypan Dance Group. Pic by Talei Elu.
INSIDE
ANZAC DAY 2024... Lest We Forget PAGES 14 – 17 N
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TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 2 MAY 2024
02 NEWS
No clean-up needed – MSQ BY CARLI WILLIS
We’re inviting community members to help guide the development of new stand-alone legislation to recognise and protect Indigenous cultural and intellectual property rights. We want to hear from First Nations people, artists and community members, and anyone who has an interest in safeguarding First Nations culture. Current laws do not fully protect Indigenous cultural and intellectual property rights and this causes harm to First Nations artists, communities and culture. More than half of all purchased merchandise and souvenirs with First Nations art and designs are inauthentic or are made without permission. Help stop the harm caused by fake art, merchandise and souvenirs and share your views online by 15 June 2024. Details on how to make an online submission are available on www.arts.gov.au/ICIP. You can also contact us on 1800 006 992 or via email at icip@arts.gov.au.
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Help protect First Nations traditional knowledge and cultural expressions
An initial assessment of an oil spill that occurred after a helicopter ditched into the ocean off Waiben has determined that no clean-up was needed, Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) says. The helicopter ditched into the sea on Sunday 14 April but has not yet been retrieved. MSQ General Manager Kell Dillon said contractors were still working to locate the sunken aircraft. “The team – with Ports North staff – arrived at the reported site of the ditching within two hours,” he said.
“Upon arrival, officers noticed a light sheen trail which they believed was consistent with jet aviation fuel. “The fuel is a type which disperses and evaporates with limited impact on the environment. “Officers noted this was happening while they searched for the submerged helicopter. “Once found, MSQ will issue a formal direction to the helicopter’s owner to remove it from Queensland waters as soon as possible as it presents a potential obstruction to navigation.” The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) was also investigating the incident.
Murrawah wins international environment prize
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Goldman Environmental Prize winner Murrawah Johnson. Pic thanks to Youth Verdict. First Nations human rights defender Murrawah Johnson has won the Island and Island Nations category of the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize. She joined just seven recipients from across the globe in accepting the world’s foremost award for grassroots environmental activists. Murrawah worked with the Gutchen family to block the development of the Waratah coal mine, which would have accelerated climate change in Queensland and added 1.58 billion tons of CO2 to the atmosphere over its lifetime, threatening Indigenous rights and culture. The case set a precedent that enabled other First Nations people to challenge coal projects by linking climate change to human and Indigenous rights. The Goldman Prize
was founded in 1989 in San Francisco by philanthropists and civic leaders Rhoda and Richard Goldman. Murrawah told Facebook friends she was overwhelmed with the honour. “I’ve been guided in my work every step of the way, and despite the setbacks and hard times throughout the past 10 years, I know I’m blessed to have moments like this – such significant reminders that being committed to this work for Country is the right thing,” she said. Prize winners were celebrated in San Francisco on Monday this week at a ceremony hosted by Outdoor Afro founder Rue Mapp, and musical guest Jazz Mafia. A second ceremony will take place in Washington, DC, on May 1, hosted by science educator Danni Washington.
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TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 2 MAY 2024
New studio opens new opportunities BY DARREN MONCRIEFF The opening of the new Screen Queensland (SQ) studios in Cairns last week has been hailed as a great opportunity for the Torres Strait Island Media Association (TSIMA). CEO Diat Alferink, Digital Content Producer Bonnie Levi and Producer Luke Mosby met a host of industry heavy-weights at the event, from politicians including Minister for Arts Leeanne Enoch to industry professionals from across the state, national and international spectrum including Screen Australia, Arts Queensland, international production companies, directors and producers. The big names also included local actor, producer and SBS board member Aaron Fa’Aoso and Screen Queensland’s Indigenous head Danielle Ah Boo. The fit-out of the SQ Studios in Cairns was part of a $12.6 million
Those at the opening included actor Rob Collins, Aaron Fa’Aoso, Danielle Ah Boo, Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch and TSIMA’s CEO Diat Alferink. Pic by Diat Alferink. investment by the State Government. Beyond mere infrastructure, that investment extended to employment opportunities, growth for small businesses, enhanced cultural tourism and cultivating the diverse range of local screen stories – which was where TSIMA saw the Torres Strait had a place. “Having Danielle and Aaron in those places at this time allows us to
ride this momentum,” Ms Levi said. “From that event alone, NITV/SBS want content from us, ABC Indigenous want content from us, and that content from Torres Strait filmmakers can cover all the genres, like comedy, horror, gaming – content we may have not really tapped into before but where we may now have a chance to explore.” As a new program arm for the media
organisation, TSIMA Films was aimed at creating a platform for Torres Strait Islanders to tell their stories on-screen. “We’re all scattered but we need strategic planning, scoping talent, and a database to find our creatives here and on the mainland,” Ms Levi said. “We’re all included in this Torres Strait film industry, and we’re in a position to do this because we have Danielle and Aaron in
Pic by Colyn Huber.
those positions. The other filmmakers and practitioners from SQ we met are very supportive and want to do whatever they can to support the Torres Strait film industry getting off the ground. As an industry, we’re only just starting. “There are different creatives out there with different levels – emerging artists, those in the middle, and those already established, but we need to consolidate all of that and we’re at the beginning stages. “We’re building our equipment together with a strategic plan and we need training, and in different areas like screenwriting, that needs to be developed.” Locally-made productions supported by SQ in the region included SBS Food cooking and cultural series Strait to the Plate, Stan Original drama Black Snow, ABC documentary series The Black Hand, and feature documentary Beyond The Reef among others.
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Pic by Diat Alferink.
ABOVE: Screen Queensland Board member Aaron Fa’Aoso after Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Member for Mulgrave and Far North Queensland Screen Champion, Curtis Pitt, local Elders Elaine Thomas and Henrietta Marree and Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities and Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch cut the ribbon. LEFT: TSIMA Digital Content Producer Bonnie Levi with actor Rob Collins. BELOW: Danielle Ah Boo, Luke Mosby & Dennis Fay.
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04 NEWS THURSDAY 2 MAY 2024 TORRES NEWS Commemorative service held for seven martyred Melanesian brothers BY NADJA MACK Several ‘goosebump’ moments were experienced by churchgoers when four Melanesian brothers – Charles, Zebedee, Johnstill and Chris – held a commemorative service for seven fellow brothers who lost their lives in 2003, last AdsIN E Tuesday evening. 19x3 monthly ad All Souls & St
Bartholomew’s church was the venue for remembering the lost brothers who were doing what the Brotherhood was known for: trying to keep peace in the Solomons. The Anglican church on Waiben has had a long-standing relationship with the Melanesian Brotherhood, who first came to the Torres Strait in the
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Sian Scott <sian.scott@djarragun.qld.edu.au>
mid-1970s and stayed until the early 1990s. They came back in 2020 as part of a fouryear mission that hoped to establish a permanent mission house as a base for their Australian presence for activities in the Torres Strait and throughout Australia. Those who regularly attended services at the late 19th/early 20th century Gothic Revival-
18/1/24, 8/2, 7/3, 4/4, 2/5 & 6/6/24
style church opposite IBIS would know the brothers for their extraordinary singing. Their harmonies when singing English hymns were described as nothing short of entrancing. Originally formed to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the non-Christian areas of Melanesia, the Brotherhood played a huge role in 1999 and 2000, when there were high ethnic tensions in the Solomon Islands. It participated in peace-making efforts which led to a ceasefire and to the Townsville Peace Agreement of October 2000. They gathered weapons from combatants and discarded them at sea. however, despite their efforts, one rebel
Zebedee, Chris, Priest Ben Paton, Johnstill, Charles. Pic supplied. leader disregarded the agreement. During attempts to negotiate with him, the seven brothers were held hostage, tortured and killed. At last week’s service, the local brothers called out the names of each of the modern-day martyrs. Priest Ben Paton spoke of them as being
blessed by God, to be a blessing to others. In 2008 the seven martyred members of the Anglican Melanesian Brotherhood were honoured at Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, England, by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who visited TI two years ago. Their names were
added to the book of contemporary martyrs and placed, along with a painting on the altar of the Cathedral’s Chapel of Saints of Our Times. Every year on 24 April, the Seven Martyrs of the Melanesian Brotherhood were remembered by the Church of England with a commemoration.
St George’s celebrates 52 years of service A large crowd attended St George’s at Bamaga last Sunday, to help celebrate the Anglican Church’s 52 years of service to the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) community. Celebrations included confirmation and blessings of newly- and re-elected NPA councillors and the mayor, and communion for about 25 young people. Under clear skies, the alldenomination affair had visitors come in from Waiben, Badu and St Paul’s. There was also a welcome delegation from the Melanesian Brotherhood. Church in the NPA plays a foundational role in most communities there, and the latest gathering and celebration were seen as the start of a new period, as they were for the new councillors and mayor. The community was also pleased with the number of youth presenting for communion. Local ceremonies such as these formalised the church’s place in the community and acted as a marker or indicator of the community’s spiritual life.
Grants news
CONNECTING COOK with Cynthia Lui, MP
May is Small Business Month in Queensland – a time to recognise and celebrate the small businesses and family operations, which are the backbone of our communities here in Cook. Our small businesses don’t just provide us with our morning coffees, our plumbing services, our clothes, our takeaways, and our tourism ventures, they are the bedrock of the local economy. Beyond the ‘business’ side of their operations, they also support our clubs, charities and help to foster community connection. Most of our small businesses proudly display the certificates they receive for contributing to the latest fundraiser for the local school or charity. (07) 42231100
Many are also active in their local tourism and business networks, and are focused on far more than their bottom line. They strongly support the communities that support them. It is important and valuable for us to provide opportunities and promotion in May, but I think every month is really small business month! I’d like to take the time to personally thank the many small businesses in Cook, where I have held my mobile offices recently or dropped in for a chat, like Ma Kai Cafe! Happy Small Business Month everyone!
cook@parliament.qld.gov.au
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Torres Shire Council has received a Queensland Remembers Grant of $35,718 for a project to create a World War II commemorative walk in the Torres Strait. Salty Monkeys Pty Ltd has received a $200,000 grant through the Miles Government’s Advance Queensland Regional Futures program for an exciting research project in the Torres Strait to use the latest drone and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to survey the impact of marine debris and clean-up efforts on the health of Torres Strait Island reefs.
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TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 2 MAY 2024
Ailan doctors on Waiben BY CARLI WILLIS AS SEEN ON SBS/NITV Thirty years ago there were no Ailan doctors but this week the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association (AIDA) brought a group of Torres Strait Islander students and doctors from the mainland to the islands to meet on Waiben for the first time. Today, 127 doctors out of 130,000 in Australia, are Torres Strait Islanders. For many of those who came, it was their first time on Country and a chance to hear first-hand from Elders about the remote health experiences of First Nations People. AIDA CEO Donna Burns said the industry was realising the need for more Indigenous doctors to be able to provide culturally safe care. She said the organisation recently struck a deal with Queensland Health to help provide training on culturally safe practices. “This is really new and Dr Katherine McDougal, who is the Acting Chief Health Officer, was with us this morning here [on Waiben],” she said. “We are trying to actively work with them to understand cultural safety and they’re really engaging in that, so it’s fantastic.” She said the work AIDA did was made possible by communities who were continuously pushing for better participation in their own health. The historic meeting came as Wakaid Tribal Elders were in discussions with Federal Assistant Minister of Indigenous Affairs Malarndirri McCarthy about remote dialysis units going to Badu Island. Elder Bongo Sagigi, a renal patient himself, has
also fought for the 10 chairs on Waiben. “The chairs here are full all the time, and most of our people are down in Cairns [for treatment]… they want to come back home,” he said. “When you leave your Country, you leave your home, your family go with you and everything’s down, cultural protocols… everything’s smashed.” Senator Malarndirri McArthy said applications had closed on the federal government’s promised 30 four-chair dialysis units. However, she said she was working closely with the Badu tribal Elders to secure one four-chair unit for the Torres Strait. “In terms of looking very seriously at the possibility of Badu Island and having four dialysis chairs, clearly we have to be reassured in terms of water quality,” she said. “That is a really big issue for many of our communities across the country, in particular, in the desert country.” Mabuyag Island woman Dr Jaquelyne Hughes – the only Torres Strait Islander nephrologist (kidney specialist) in the country – said the federal funding wouldn’t cover all of the infrastructure needed to set up the facility. She said accommodation needed to be addressed to ensure patients travelling from other islands to Badu would be safe. “Our geography is not our barrier because living on our country is our strength,” she said. “It would help and support our family members living with that level of health care needs [to stay] at home.” She said with the right infrastructure, water quality should also be possible to achieve. “We have an abundance
of saltwater in our saltwater country,” she said. “Making sure there’s the right amount of quality water for dialysis treatment needs without infringing on general community water needs, that’s really important.” Uncle Bongo said once the renal unit was set up, the Torres Strait needed to focus on diabetes prevention. “We don’t want our people to sit on renal,” he said. “You have to add education, you have to have promotion, and you got to get all people to cut out drink soft drink and all them things.” “The change is you, only you can make that change.” University of Newcastle medical student Jade Abernethy said it was overwhelming seeing so many Torres Strait Islander doctors in one place. “It’s been very emotional,” she said. “Having the uncles come forward and speak on behalf of the communities and Dr Jaqueline come forward and share her story was really important. “I think it highlights that historically there was a big deficit in the Torres Strait for access to health care, and it does have implications on community and family members.” She said she was excited as part of the trip to visit schools and talk to young people aspiring to become doctors. “I think it can be very isolating, being an Indigenous person in a very historically non-Indigenous system,” she said. “One thing that’s really helped me through my studies is my friendships with other Indigenous students. “There’s a lot more support than there was 20 years ago.”
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Those at the meetings this week included Wakaid Elders, Federal Senator Malandirri McCarthy, and Ailan doctors and students brought to Waiben by AIDA. Pics by Carli Willis.
Federal senator Malarndirri McCarthy, Wakaid Elder Uncle Robert Sagigi & Dr Jaquelyne Hughes were overwhelmed to join so many Ailan doctors.
TSRA Chair Pedro Stephen joined the doctors gathering to share his many decades of experience advocating for health.
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06 NEWS
THURSDAY 2 MAY 2024 TORRES NEWS
University re-traces Japanese research – from 50 years ago BY CARLI WILLIS Traditional Owners and Zenadth Kes communities are working with the Australian National University (ANU) to re-trace research done in the region half a century ago. ANU researcher Dr Julie Lahn said 50 years ago 10 Japanese researchers – primarily from Osaka – visited each island in the Torres Strait to record songs and stories. They also took thousands of photos and put together a 700-page book. Ms Lahn said ANU had just completed a translation of the book She said the research needed to come back to communities. “All be come ya Torres Strait three times 1975, 1977 and 1979,” she said. “We be come ya por find out where communities ya, work lo communities por wiskein we go share them thing come by again? “How are we gor make all them new something for communities from them research materials.” Kulkalgal woman and ANU researcher Jacinta Baragud said they were still trying to understand why the Japanese men researched the region. “I think during that period in the Torres Strait, in the mid-70s through to the 80s, it was an interesting time,” she said. “A lot of things e be happen ya like PNG got their independence, and as most of us would know we were going to be included as part of PNG.” Ms Baragud said electricity
Annick Thomassin, Emily Beckley and Will Kepa on Mer. Pics supplied. and airstrips had just been built on the islands and the Japanese were interested in Pacific and maritime cultures. “The pearling industry as well, that happened here around the time and all Japanese divers e been come here,” she said. The team were calling the project the Japan Zenadth Kes (JZK) project and were working with a range of stakeholders to ensure Zenadth Kes Voices told their own stories in those processes. The Torres Strait’s peak body for native title in the region, Gur A Baradhaw Kod was one of those stakeholders, along with the National Museum of Ethnology, families of the researchers in Japan, the Australian-Japan Foundation at DFAT and AIATSIS. In addition to Julie and Jacinta, ANU has offered more talent to the project, including Samantha
Faulkner and Annick Thomassin. ANU music producer Will Kepa joined the team to help re-record the songs in the research material. “There were songs recorded on some of the islands and those islands were Murray Island, Masig, Yam Island and Mabuyag,” Ms Baragud said. “We’ve been to Murray Island and Masig, so what he did was carried all this equipment up. “There were eight singers and two instruments, the warup and thrum. They sung the songs that were recorded 50 years ago and Will recorded them. “We’re very grateful – he’s busy and he’s able to come with us and do this really important work giving the music back to community.” The project employed researchers to represent and work with each nation group where the research was done.
ANU’s community information packs about the project.
JZK Yessie Mosby helps re-record a song in a library.
They included Kulkalgal nation man Yessie Mosby, Kemer Kemer nation man Michael Passi, Neville Johnston would cover the top Western Islands and Emily (Doolah) Beckley would work with Samantha Faulkner to cover the inner islands. “Community researchers will work with us to help us to liaise with communities to organise a good time to return them research materials,” Dr Lahn said. “They will help review all the photos they’ll help us work with elders and knowledge holders there where community.” She said the project was looking for a Maluligal nation person to assist the project. Ms Baraud said that was the most important part of the process. “That’s the ultimate aim of the project is getting community to speak back into research,” she said.
“Because we see a lot of research e come over them years and when then we don’t see them again. “We’ll go around to each island to review the chapters and sit down where families with elders, with the community. Go through them information and wanem e sensitive, we gor take it out. “Wanem community wandeh add into the book, we will be doing that.” She said it would help future projects to bring information back to communities in the right way. “We just want to let families know if anybody remember them Japanese researchers, please get in touch with Julie or myself, or the the community-based researchers.” Anyone interested in connecting the research with Maluligal nation communities should contact Dr Julie Lahn on 0407 609 885.
River to Reef with Sam Thaiday: a new ACU podcast Join NRL great Sam Thaiday as he takes you behind the scenes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples education at Australian Catholic University (ACU). Listen to conversations with students, alumni and staff as they share stories of wins, challenges, support, friendships and memories. Tune in to hear: • how you can remain in community while studying • scholarships and grants • you can succeed at uni • growing communities.
omny.fm/shows/riverto-reef-with-samthaiday/ playlists/podcast CRICOS registered provider: 00004G | PRV12008
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TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 2 MAY 2024
Ailan reps on board for Treaty Council and inquiry
ABOVE: Leon Filewood, Minister Leeanne Enoch, Dr McRose Elu, Mayor Elsie Seriat, MP Cynthia Cook and Danielle Ah Boo at a Queensland Treaty launch event in Brisbane. RIGHT: Leeanne Enoch with traditional dancers. The Torres Strait is well-represented in Queensland’s new Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry and First Nations Treaty Institute announced by the state government last week. Albert Bowie, David Saylor, Ivy Trevallion and Associate Professor Phillip Mills have been appointed to sit on the 10-person First Nations Treaty Institute Council, while Vonda Malone was appointed as one of five to sit on the TruthTelling and Healing Inquiry. Native Title lawyer and Principal at Saylor Legal, Mr Saylor said he was happy to see strong representation of Torres Strait Islanders on both committees. “I’m pleased to have been appointed to the [Treaty] Council and am looking forward to working with the council members,” he said. “I’m equally pleased with the number of Torres Strait Islanders on the council. “The Torres Strait needs to be looked at similar to Aboriginal issues on the mainland, but unquestionably, as a distinct group. “We certainly need representation and [we have] a lot of experience with people like Phillip Mills and Albert Bowie.” Minister for Treaty and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Leeanne Enoch said the Inquiry and the Institute would play important roles in the Queensland Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap. “The announcement
of members of the TruthTelling and Healing Inquiry and First Nations Treaty Institute Council confirms the Queensland Government’s commitment to reframing the relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” she said. “The Path to Treaty will advance the Queensland Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap. “The Inquiry and Institute Council members will play a pivotal role in building community understanding of Queensland’s shared history and support the healing process for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, non-Indigenous peoples and communities.” She said the First Nations Treaty Institute was a statutory body that would operate independently from the Queensland Government.
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Members of the Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry: Joshua Creamer (Chair), Roslyn Atkinson, Cheryl Buchanan, Ivan Ingram and Vonda Malone.
Members of the First Nations Treaty Institute Council: Albert Bowie, Seleena Blackley, Professor Valerie Cooms, Michelle Deshong, Dr Janine Gertz, Dr Tracey Harbour, Associate Professor Phillip Mills, Professor Cindy Shannon, David Saylor and Ivy Trevallion.
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THURSDAY 2 MAY 2024 TORRES NEWS
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ART NEWS 09
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 2 MAY 2024
Lara loves putting her life onto canvas STORY & PIC BY FLORA WARRIA Lara Fuji (pictured), a single mother of six who was born and raised on Waiben and lives on Badu Island, is an inspirational emerging artist who loves to put her life experiences on canvas. Recently Lara did her second workshop in the NPA with local artists from the New Mapoon Art Centre. She has taught them how to use different mediums on canvas, experimenting with different colours of clay, sand and mangrove juice, which has resulted in stunning artistic expression. “When I was in high school, I sparked an interest in art,” she said. “I saved up all the pocket money my mother sent me for three months straight and got myself a bus ticket to Cairns with all the pottery stuff that I had made in school,” she said. “I secretly rang TAFE and did an interview for the art course that came up – to my amazement, I was over the legal age to attend the course. “I got accepted into doing the art course and was one of the first female Torres Strait Islander artists. “The art building was only a tin shed at that time. “Tatipai Barsa, Shane Saunders, Harry Nona, were among the other artists, just to name a few.” After studying Lara specialised in pottery. “When they got to lino printing and screen-printing it did not spark up my interest, so I left the game, so to speak for a while,” Lara said. “After having my first three children, I started getting back into doing jewellery-making as a hobby, then [there was] another three children, so my
Elder Flora Warria translating for a visitor at opening night of the exhibition. Pic by George Serras.
Powerful return to Gab Titui for Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai hobby was pushed to one side for home duties. “For 20 years it has been just me and the kids, with all the children all grown up and moved into adulthood, I got bored and thought that I would give it a try again. “I started painting and jewellery-making, the majority of [what] I make and paint was based on daily life experiences. “I am a strong believer in recording now, what we have presently. “Everyone’s still focused on what we’ve done in the past, the old stories. “It’s good to revive the past but we can’t forget the present. “The inspiration and the drive behind my artworks are my children, nephews, and nieces, the camping adventures we do with the family – the beach is their playground.” Lara said her children loved to play with the shells which gave her ideas for her art. As her boys grew up and started diving, she said was
inspired to paint on canvas. The boys would describe the colours of the sea beneath and she would paint the bright colours on canvas. In her paintings, the use of gold was significant to her. “Gold represents the wealth, the richness I see, as it appears in the Torres Strait,” she said. Lara said she was trying to encourage other local artists to make a connection to their homelands through their art. “I’m trying to find a way where they can implement two cultures together, using colours and mediums,” she said. “It was challenging, but I loved it, and I just love sharing what I know.” She said it was important to share that knowledge with the next generation. “We have parents, grandparents, uncles, aunties to teach our children what we were taught at home, and that has no price on it,” she said.
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APRIL 2024
As part of the Gab Titui Cultural Centre’s 20th-anniversary celebrations, the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) has supported the homecoming of the late Billy Missi’s works in the retrospective touring exhibition – Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai. The return of Billy Missi’s works holds poetic significance, as he was among the Centre’s inaugural exhibitors in 2004 with his debut solo exhibition: Urapun, Muinu Garasar, One in Many. In a moving opening address last week, TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM reflected on his memories of the artist. “I’ve found myself in a privileged place, that I had been able to have known Pal’n very well,” Mr Stephen said. “The cultural knowledge that only our artists can visually interpret extends beyond the canvas, beyond textiles and the wood. “They capture the depth of the messages that our Elders have for us to move forward, persevere and succeed. “I thank Billy Missi for his life-long dedication to sharing culture and knowledge through art, his name will be echoed in the corridors of time.” Fellow Mabuyag man and cultural leader Gabriel Bani shared words of recognition for the impact Billy Missi had
made in his lifetime, referring to Billy as a small brother. “The exhibition Wakain Thamai translated in English means to think and understand,” Mr Bani said. “I am very excited to walk into the exhibition and get a glimpse into Billy Missi’s world – our world. “Through his art, Pal’n will show us that his world was ancient – his works are based on creation stories, philosophies and values carried down from generation to generation.” Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai was co-curated with NorthSite, led by their Contemporary Arts Curator Aven Noah Jr, a former Gallery Officer at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre. Aven reflected on his working relationship and the presence the late Billy Missi had within the community. “I worked with him and got to know his printing style and the importance of the stories behind his works,” Mr Noah Jr said. “He shared so much of himself as an artist and I am honoured to have led the curation of the exhibition and bring it home to the Gab Titui Cultural Centre, where it all started.” The Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai exhibition can be seen in the Wabunaw Geth Gallery at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre until Saturday 8 June 2024.
The winner of the April 2024 Ailan Life photo competition is Francis Ketchell’s pic taken on Erub Island – congratulations Francis. “I live on a hill on Erub Island, and this is a photo of the sun rising taken from my front yard. The foreground is the beach at Isem village where I grew up with my Grandfather and Grandmother,” Francis said. 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
Erub IBIS Store Supervisor Aiden Pensio, left, with Francis Ketchell with his $150 gift voucher. Pic CEQ.
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THURSDAY 2 MAY 2024 TORRES NEWS
Understanding your corporation’s
GENERAL REPORT All corporations set up under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act) must lodge a General Report with the ORIC every year. The purpose of reporting is to improve transparency and accountability. If you are a Director of a PBC, it is important that you understand your reporting obligations.
What is a general report? A general report is an official document that tells the story of a corporation for the financial year from 1 July to 30 June. The general report is the way corporations must share information with the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations. The information then appears on the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) website.
What information is reported? A general report covers three (3) main groups of information about a corporation for the specific financial year: • Corporation details – name, Indigenous corporation number (ICN), Australian Business Number (ABN), size, main place of business, registered office/document access address, contact details and activities. • Its people – its contact person/secretary, directors and members • Basic financial and employee information – income, assets, deductible gift recipient status, number of employees
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TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 2 MAY 2024
When does it need to be filed? General Reports must be lodged with ORIC between 1 July and 31 December each year. Corporations that don’t lodge reports within six months of the end of the reporting period could face prosecution. The maximum penalty for each report not lodged is $27,750.
Where can you find a general report? ORIC keeps a record of all general reports filed by an organisation on its website (www.oric.gov.au).
Differences between
THE CORPORATIONS ACT & CATSI ACT There are two laws which allow people or groups to set up a corporation: the CATSI Act and the Corporations Act 2001. The CATSI Act is a special law for the benefit of Indigenous people. It is based on the Corporations Act but in important ways it is different. It aims to takes the needs and circumstances of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into consideration when running a corporation. PBCs can only be set up under the CATSI Act, not the Corporations Act. The CATSI Act also establishes the role of the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) and the Registrar of ORIC. ORIC supports and regulates the corporations that are incorporated under the CATSI Act. It provides tailored services that responds to the special circumstances of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups and corporations. ORIC offers advice on how to incorporate, delivers training for directors, members and key staff in good corporate governance, makes sure corporations comply with the law, and intervenes when needed.
How can GBK help your PBC? Search the Corporation Register on the ORIC’s website to find your corporation. You can then download copies of all the documents the corporation has lodged with ORIC, including all past general reports.
GBK and the 22 Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate (also known as PBCs – Prescribed Bodies Corporate) are set up under the CATSI Act and therefore have to lodge General Reports. GBK offers all PBCs assistance with the drafting and lodging of their General Reports.`
GET IN TOUCH WITH US www.gbk.org.au 07 4083 1000 admin@gbk.org.au
12 NEWS
THURSDAY 2 MAY 2024 TORRES NEWS
Ailan art features in Olympic collaboration Earlier this year the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) announced an exciting collaboration with artists David Bosun and Paul Fleming. Internationally renowned, David is from Mua Island and tells us what the collaboration meant to him...
Artist David Bosun Pics supplied.
A historic partnership between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and the Australian Olympic Committee
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!
Each week we will publish a pic showing the Ailan way of life in the Torres Strait and the NPA – kids swimming, a BBQ at the beach, fishing, scenic shots, 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 pics were taken on Erub Island and were submitted by Francis Ketchell. PIC 1 ABOVE: “This photo is from my front yard looking westward. The rocky point where ladies used to sit fishing for parsa is now underwater. I made a small canoe from plastic barrels for my wife to fish,” Francis said. PIC 2 LEFT: “Every fortnight we get together with families for lunch. The children were swimming in the morning and are now enjoying playing games on the beach before supper,” he said. Francis is now in the draw to win this month’s $150 gift card! 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.
has highlighted the organisation’s dedication to promoting and celebrating Australia’s rich cultural heritage and artistic brilliance on a global platform. The committee was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with distinguished artists like myself and Paul Fleming to showcase our talent to the world. My artwork, titled Our Way of Life, featured alongside Olympic Boxer Paul Fleming’s work, Walking Together. Athletes who attended the launch event were beaming with pride as they adorned themselves with the stunning Aboriginal and Torres Strait art pieces. The Australian uniform worn by athletes at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics also featured artwork inspired by the rich traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. The AOC said our own renowned Olympian Patty Mills was “thrilled” to discover my art displayed in the Village during his stay in Tokyo. According to the latest updates, the upcoming Paris Olympics will also feature my artwork. The rich and diverse art and culture of the Indigenous peoples from the Torres Strait region is an integral part of our national identity. Despite its significant contributions, this cultural aspect is often overlooked. The upcoming Paris Olympics was to feature a delightful blend of modern and traditional elements of the artwork in the athletes’ attire. Incorporating conventional designs in the latest sports gear was a promising development reflecting the sporting world’s rich cultural heritage. I would like to thank the Australian Olympic Community for the opportunity to showcase my artwork internationally. It brings me immense pride and joy to see my artwork exhibited in a global sporting arena.
Our Way of Life by artist David Bosun.
Patty Mills and boxer Alex Winwood at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Despite encountering numerous obstacles, it was heartening to know Indigenous artists could still achieve remarkable outcomes for themselves and their community, provided they are given a fair chance. I belong to the closely-knit and selfrespecting Wugalgal clan of the Mualgal community. As an admired and esteemed clan member, I am deeply committed to preserving and promoting my tribe’s traditions and way of life. I am involved in various activities, from preserving traditional crafts to organising cultural events and participating in regional politics. I am a champion for my people and represent the spirit of my tribe with distinction. My strong sense of heritage and rich cultural background testify to the enduring legacy of my ancestors, who were integral to the primary clan group of the Mualgal people. As a direct descendant of the Chief of my clan, I take great pride in my roots and
am deeply committed to preserving our cultural traditions for generations to come. From the songs and dances of my forefathers to the stories and legends that have been passed down through the ages, I am a living embodiment of my people’s vibrant and diverse culture. As an artist from an Indigenous community, I play a crucial role in preserving my community’s cultural heritage and national identity, and art is a powerful medium that effectively portrays my people’s unique traditions, values, and ancient beliefs. I aim to keep the cultural legacy alive and thriving for future generations through artistic expression. Our Way of Life reminds us of the unparalleled beauty and profound significance of Indigenous cultures. These cultures have thrived for countless generations and deserve the utmost admiration and respect. These cultures must be celebrated and valued for the invaluable contributions Indigenous
people from different backgrounds have made to the world; we must recognise Indigenous people and communities can thrive culturally and economically if provided with the necessary opportunities and resources. Our Way of Life discusses the importance of creating a fair and inclusive society and supporting our First Nations People. It’s all about empowering Indigenous communities to have a say in the affairs affecting them, which involves overcoming challenges and reaching their full potential. By doing this, we can help them become active contributors to our nation’s growth and development. The AOC said it emphasised promoting and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art across the team and collaborated closely with its Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC) to achieve this goal. The IAC provided valuable advice and input to the AOC, ensuring Indigenous art and culture was celebrated and recognised throughout the Olympic events and activities. The artworks were featured within the organisation’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and the sharing of the art at the Olympics showed the AOC’s commitment to honouring their RAP in practical ways. This was an excellent example of how working collaboratively can create equal opportunities for Indigenous Australians to access critical life resources.
CLIMATE CHANGE NEWS 13
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 2 MAY 2024
Australian Climate Case hearings come to a close BY TALEI ELU The Federal Court of Australia started hearing closing statements for the final stages of the Australian Climate Case in Cairns on Monday. The week-long hearing began with a public gathering outside of the Cairns Magistrates Court, where plaintiffs Uncle Paul Kabai and Uncle Pabai Pabai were joined by a contingent of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal families who showed their support for the landmark class action climate case. Dr McRose Elu and climate change ‘survivors’ from flood- and fire-affected New South Wales and South Australia, alongside Grata Fund’s Isabelle Reinecke and Jen Robinson, also spoke to the crowd and media. Dr Elu said they were “fighting for our very existence”. “And we are not being listened to,” she said. “We want the Government to act with integrity and hear our voices. “The Government has known they are putting our people and the world in danger for decades but they won’t listen. “We know they can be doing so much more to keep us all safe. “Our only chance of survival is to act very quickly to put us on the right path and keep the warming below 1.5 degrees. “But the scientists say that their commitment to reduce the gases [GHG emissions] by 43 per cent by 2030 is not enough to save our homelands from climate change. “We are standing together strong with climate-impacted communities from all around Australia. “If we walk together in one
spirit, one mind, one strength and wisdom, we will find a way forward together. “I’m confident that is how we will get there.” After a Welcome to Country by Yindiji Traditional Owners Mahrun Fourmile and Henrietta Maree, the gathering of supporters was treated to a performance by Boigu’s Sagerau Poenypan Dance Group and a rendition of My Island Home from Christine Anu and daughter Zipporah CorserAnu, accompanied by Danny Bani on guitar. Uncle Paul Kabai said it had been a big journey. “It has been a big journey since our case started and now we are at the final hearings,” he said. “Our message to the Australian Government is that we can’t wait any more years for climate action to stop our islands from going underwater. “Our community is here in Cairns standing together and using our voice to ask the Government to protect our homelands, our communities and our culture from climate change for the future generations to come. “We are fighting to do everything we can to maintain our connection to thousands of years of culture and deep spiritual connection, passed down through our ancestors.” In her opening statement to the Court the lead barrister for the case, Fiona McLeod SC, reinforced the legal argument the Australian Government had a duty of care to protect the people in the Torres Strait from the impacts of climate change. “By 2050, in less than 26 years, the impact of climate change with become greater and more destructive, leading to the loss of land, language and customs,
unless the Commonwealth Government acts now,” she said. Images and videos from across the Torres Strait of cemeteries, coastal sites, community areas, makeshift seawalls and Commonwealth-funded seawalls were shown in the court proceedings as evidence of the ongoing impact of climate change in the region. If successful, this case could support every tenet of climate action in the country and had the potential to force the Australian Government to reduce climate pollution via law. Uncle Pabai Pabai said they had taken the Australian Government to court because they were the people most affected by climate change. “We are witnessing climate change, like erosion and inundation, rapidly getting worse before our eyes. If the Government keeps failing us, we will be forced to leave our homelands, to lose our identity, our culture – everything,” he said. “The message from my community to the Australian Government and everyone listening is that the time for politics must stop, you have a duty of care to take action to urgently protect us from climate harm.” The hearings were held daily this week, including today and tomorrow, from 10am to 4pm at the Cairns Business Hub on McLeod Street. The hearing of Pabai Pabai and Guy Paul Kabai v. Commonwealth of Australia was also available to watch via a live stream link at www.youtube/@ FederalCourtAus/streams. The judge will likely reserve his decision, which may be handed down later this year, at the end of this week’s hearings. LEFT: Danny Bani on guitar. RIGHT: Pabai Pabai speaks to media at the event. BELOW LEFT: Boigu’s Sagerau Poenypan Dance Group. BELOW RIGHT: The Australian Climate Change case team, friends and supporters at the media event and gathering at the Cairns Magistrate Court on Monday. Pics by Talei Elu.
Dr McRose Elu speaking at the community event on Monday morning, watched by Uncles Pabai Pabai & Paul Kabai. Pics by Christine Howes.
Christine Anu & Jensen Warusam.
Friends and family at the media event on Monday.
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ANZAC DAY 2024... Lest We Forget
THURSDAY 2 MAY 2025 TORRES NEWS
PMs take a walk in the ‘footsteps of giants’• 11-04-24 TN0461
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese walked parts of the Kokoda Track with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape. Pic supplied.
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BY CHRISTINE HOWES Australians gathered in all corners of the globe to honour those who have served our nation in wars, conflicts and peace and humanitarian operations on Anzac Day last week – including across the Torres Strait and beyond. It was 109 years since the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli and more than 103,000 Australians have died in military service across those years. Anzac Day services have been held in Australia since 1916, and the day has been formally observed as a day of commemoration in every state and territory since the 1920s. The Dawn Service within the sculpture garden at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra attracted more than 32,000 participants this year. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese enjoyed high praise from Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape for walking the Kokoda Track to Isurava, where a special memorial service was held. “He could have picked a chopper to get him here, retired his obligation to pay respect to the Anzac event and then walked down towards the easier leg of Kokoda,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Instead, he walked the hard way up, and that’s reflective of the inner man he is.” Prime Minister Albanese said it was humbling to walk in the footsteps of giants. “Giants who defended what was then one nation of Australia and the territory of Papua,” he said.
He said in just a couple of days they had gained an insight into the courage and resilience of the Australian and Papuan soldiers, the people who provided them assistance and the local citizens. “It is quite extraordinary, the achievement [of what] they did to defend this nation and to defend Australia,” he said. He said it was a “solemn privilege” to have joined the PNG commemoration. MEANWHILE, the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria took the opportunity to call on governments – state and federal – to recognise Indigenous soldiers who were denied access to land packages provided to their non-Indigenous counterparts upon returning from the world wars. The Soldier Settlement Scheme was a coordinated effort between State and Federal Governments to build farming communities by making parcels of crown land readily available to returned soldiers after the First and Second World Wars. The Assembly’s Co-chair, proud Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dhudhuroa and Dja Dja Wurrung woman, Ngarra Murray said her grandfather, Stewart Murray, was one of the many Aboriginal soldiers who served in World War II and should have been able to access the scheme. Ms Murray said while the past couldn’t be changed, it was never too late to acknowledge an injustice and try to address the disadvantage it caused.
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 2 MAY 2024
Lest We Forget..ANZAC DAY 2024
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Waiben warriors march to the beat of a warup in unity BY CARLI WILLIS Torres Strait Islanders march in their traditional warrior garments to the beat of a warup to honour their long warrior history on ANZAC Day. In Waiben they march alongside Australian Army uniformed soldiers, to mark the unity and comradery required to protect country and culture. Sergeant Jamahl Tamwoy’s grandfather fought in the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion (TSLIB). He said he was proud to walk in the footsteps of his ancestors. “My ancestors fought in the war [for generations], not just World Wars I and II, but before that as well,” he said. “I joined Defence so I can get a better career kick-off myself, be a role model to the Indigenous youth and lead by example with other upcoming soldiers. “Seeing all the cadets come out today makes me proud.” Retired Leading Seaman for Safety Equipment, Beimop Tapim, joined the Navy in 1966, a year before the referendum that would abolish the Act and see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders recognised as citizens. He said he met his wife of decades in the Navy and had fond memories of mateship during that time. Hailing from Mer, travelling with
the Navy was a first for the remote island man. “When I first joined the outfit that was my first ever trip down south… and I moved from the very top to the bottom,” he said. “When we stopped at Brisbane me and my mate, we got out and we stood up and saw those tall buildings. “Both of us said to ourselves, ‘we’ve only seen that in books’.” These days Mr Tapim said he was keen to encourage youth to join the forces, but it was equally important not to forget how his ancestors were treated. He said during World War II, islanders were not evacuated from the outer islands, where he lived. “They were only evacuating the school principals and the nurses,” he said. “Whoever was there as a government party, they were evacuated. “People on the outer islands, they were left… people on TI were evacuated to the mainland.” He said while many of the soldiers enlisted voluntarily, he’d heard some had been ‘caught’ and forced to enlist. “They were more or less caught and didn’t go home to say goodbye to their families or wives, they just got chucked straight on that lugger boat, straight to [Thursday Island],” he said.
Major Michael Kiting, Mayor Elsie Seriat, TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen, Pastor Nathan Seden, MC Marasat Ketchell, WO2 Sebasio Jim and WO2 Andrew Rimmer. Pics by Carli Willis.
ABOVE LEFT: Pte Jerry Aniba leads a march down Douglas Street on Waiben in his traditional warrior uniform. ABOVE RIGHT: Some family’s made their own wreaths to commemorate the fallen. LEFT: Elizabeth and Rosie Ware celebrate their father and grandfathers service to their people and country.
ABOVE: Sgt Aaron Bon, Cpl Christal Ware, Pte Jerry Aniba, Sgt Jamahl Tamwoy and WO2 Sebasio Jim. LEFT: Pamela Tapim and Beimop Tapim both joined the Navy and said they never looked back. BELOW: Navy cadets join the march and the days events.
Jikidda Manuel and Louise Johnson.
Elder John Adidi lays a wreath at the ceremony.
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ANZAC DAY 2024... Lest We Forget
THURSDAY 2 MAY 2025 TORRES NEWS
NPARC marks day with dawn service, brekkie and march Dawn Service J Breakfast J Memorial Service
• 5.45am – Dawn Service, ANZAC Park • 7am – Breakfast at Cape York Peninsula Lodge • 8.45am – Assemble at Bamaga Bakery • 9am – March to ANZAC Park, laying of wreaths, guest speakers • Lunch at Reginald Sebasio Hall
TSLIB acknowledged in biggest-ever Townsville event STORY AND PICS BY ALF WILSON
Kevin Zaro holds a pic of his late father Enemarki.
Madeliene Philpot & Patrick Neliman.
Garbutt State School TS students: Rachel Stanley, Jazariah Phineasa, Zackius Phineasa, Mia-Leigh Phineasa & Josephine Stanley.
Joseph Blanco, left, & Matthew Pearson hold the banner at the lead of the marchers honoring the TSLIB.
Boigu‘s Smithy Matthew & Sere Anau.
Florie Uiduldam & Gagee Kudub.
Captain Pilot enjoyed it.
Hundreds of Torres Strait Islander men, women and children attended the biggest ANZAC Day event in Townsville’s history to remember and honour their forebears who were members of the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion (TSLIB). Relatives of those who were amongst 880 TSLIB soldiers between 1942-46 who were there included Madeleine Philpot, Patrick Neliman and Kevin Zaro. An estimated 40,000 people lined up along the Strand to see the 1.5km march which included soldiers, veterans, students from 32 schools, military and SES trucks and many other groups. “My father Sabau Dau was in the Battalion, and he passed away aged 58,” Madeleine said. “I thought of him and all the others who served.” Patrick said his grandfather Corporal Mataika Maza was also in the TSLIB.
Kevin, whose muchloved father Enemarki Matthew Zaro served, was among many who marched proudly behind a TSLIB banner. “I think of him always, we attended so many ANZAC Days together with family,” Kevin said. Enemarki, who was known as ‘Papa Zaro’, was born on 22 November 1917 and passed away in 2014, aged 96. The late Enemarki was a proud Dauareb elder from the Dauareb Tribe, Dauar Island (part of the Meriam Group) and a Meriam Elder from Mer. After the march, people gathered around the ANZAC Park cenotaph including a contingent from Garbutt State. These included Rachel Stanley, 10, Jazariah Phineasa, 10, Zackius Phineasa, 12, Mia-Leigh Phineasa, 7, and Josephine Stanley, 11. Across town at Thuringowa, about 5000 either marched or were spectators and had been at the dawn service.
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 2 MAY 2024
Lest We Forget ...ANZAC DAY 2024
Outer Islands mark ANZAC Day
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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Contact us J M: 0419 828 639 J E: ads@torres.news HOW YOU CAN HELP FAMILIES IN NEED
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ABOVE LEFT: ANZAC Ceremony at Erub Island. Pic courtesy of Cr Nixon Mye. ABOVE RIGHT: ANZAC Ceremony at Saibai Island. Pic courtesy of Cr Chelsea Aniba. LEFT: ANZAC Ceremony at Warraber Island. Pic courtesy of TSIRC.
BELOW LEFT: ANZAC Ceremony at Mer Island in partnership with TSIRC, IBIS, Mer PBC, Mer Campus and MGNM. Picture Courtesy Isaac Manai.
ANZAC Ceremony at Masig Island. Pic courtesy Cr Ted Mosby.
BELOW RIGHT: Students from Poruma Campus played a big role in Poruma’s ANZAC Day commemoration. Pic thanks to Mayor Phillemon Mosby.
Clothes 156 Douglas Street (next to Meriba Mudh) Non-perishables Dry goods For more information, please contact: AdsIN E Excel E Dummy E Lazariah Nona Toiletries Buai Mudh Community Centre Coordinator x6: 2/5 Diaper , 9/5 and , 16/5wipes , 23/5 , 30/5 & 6/6/24 07 4069 1663 (“Press 2” for Buai Mudh) tincc@murakosker.org.au TSIMAToys - 11x2 FOC AD. AUTH. DIAT ALFERINK Emailed proof 24/4/24: Diat.
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Notice is given to financial members of the Torres Strait Islanders Media Association Inc. that the Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday, 8 June, 2024, at the TSIMA OFFICE (UPSTAIRS), Thursday Island. The meeting will commence at 1-3pm. All members of the Torres Strait Islanders Media Association are invited to attend. AGENDA (a) The receiving of the Annual Report 2022/2023 (b) The receiving of the Auditor’s report 2022/2023 (c) The appointment of Auditor (d) Appointment of Board of Directors (e) Special Resolutions For more information please contact: Diat Alferink (CEO) on 4069 1524, 0497 618 738 or email: ceo@tsima4mw.org.au
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18 SPORT
THURSDAY 2 MAY 2024 TORRES NEWS
Six Star Medal surprise to IMP graduate #7 BY DARREN MONCRIEFF When Bianca Graham crossed the finish line at the 2024 London Marathon last week, she created her own little slice of history – becoming the first Torres Strait woman to complete the entire six World Marathon Majors – in the world of long-distance running, and marathons, these are the most challenging. It was also one of several firsts for the mum-of-one, originally from Weipa, now based in Townsville. The 41-year-old was a graduate of the famed Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP), the running, health and lifestyle program from which our new Mayor Elsie Seriat also graduated, more than a decade ago. In London, Bianca said she relished the chance to test herself against others and, more importantly, herself. While there were more than 800 marathons organised and officially sanctioned by World Athletics (formerly the International Amateur Athletic Federation – IAAF), just six of those were designated as ‘World Marathon Major’ – these are the Tokyo, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, New York City and London marathons. The Six Star Medal, now held by Bianca, was presented only to those who completed the six iconic marathons. “I started my marathon journey with the IMP 13 years ago, which seems like yesterday,” she said. “The overall thing (Six Major Marathons) has never been the goal but it’s just turned out that way and it’s made me proud.” Bianca had finished her third marathon when a friend told her about the six World Marathon Majors – she said she had to Google what that was. Way before then she said she had
Bianca Graham at the finish line of the 2024 London Marathon (April 21), as seen in last week’s Torres News.
IMP founder and director, former Australian Olympian Rob de Castella and Bianca Graham at the 2019 Melbourne Marathon. Pic supplied. thought marathons were only for elite sportspeople. “When I was living at Weipa, a friend showed me this (IMP) flyer for people to apply to run the New York City Marathon,” she said. “I was like, ‘Do I want to run a marathon?’ I thought marathons were just for Olympians, not for people from Weipa. “I applied and was selected for a try-out, and that was a 3km run. “Then there was an interview, and then I got selected in the 2011 program, and I was the first female in that contingent.” In 2011, Bianca was among just the second intake of IMP hopefuls. Back then, the program was largely unknown. Among that year’s 10 prospects,
Bianca was the first female from the Class of ’11. And of the IMP’s 142 graduates overall (2010-2023), she is IMP graduate No.7. In 2010, the IMP’s first year, just four runners – Charlie Maher (No.1), Joseph Davies (No.2), Juan Darwin (No.3) and Caleb Hart (No.4) – completed the New York City Marathon. Charlie, from Alice Springs, and fellow IMP graduate Allira Jennings (2014), from Darwin, were also holders of the Six Star Medal. “I was originally to do London in 2020 with Bala Charlie but COVID happened,” Bianca said. “Then again in 2022, but then I became pregnant. “Now I’m finally able to join him.”
She said it was at around the 30km mark of the 42km route in London last month, where the enormity of it all began to sink in. “It was amazing, I am so proud I persevered through it all,” Bianca said. “But I remember the whole time I was doing it, it was for my community, and my family, and I was proud of myself. “It taught me I had more capacity than I thought I had. “I needed that life lesson. “It’s been the whole ‘village’ helping me – my parents John and Chana Graham, my partner Brad Woods… that’s what went through my head as inspiration. “In the last 10km, down to single digit numbers, it just felt so surreal
at that moment, like an out-of-body experience.” It was a doubly proud moment for Bianca, who crossed the line in London wearing her original IMP top from 2011 and into the arms of her happy parents. “My parents were there; they were my ‘village’,” she said. “In some ways, they got a Six Star Medal as well.” Bianca said she would run for as long as she was able. She said next on the list was a trip to the Gold Coast, but not for the golden beaches and water you can swim in. “I definitely won’t stop,” she said. “But I will have a little break, then I will run the Gold Coast Half-Marathon. “My Sundays are never the same. “My original purpose was to demonstrate good values. “One of them is being active, running is a very visual activity, for me, it’s a way to show and demonstrate my values.”
‘Top-class’ Ella-Faye takes on mentoring with a passion BY ALF WILSON Multi-talented Waiben sportswoman Ella-Faye Peters is well known for her ability in women’s rugby league but more recently has been excelling at her favourite childhood game – volleyball. Ella-Faye was named the top women’s player at the Zenadth Kes volleyball carnival on Warraber earlier this month, where she lined up for team Block Party. “My position was setter and team captain,” she said. “Volleyball was my main sport in high school, while I’ve been playing rugby a lot more recently, I always enjoy playing my favourite childhood game. “I always played the game with my sister Moira. “I was always renowned for the game throughout high school and today, we still enjoy playing at 36 years of age.” Ella-Faye has been seen in
action at various rugby league Allblacks carnivals, including the Island of Origin on Badu. She was a top-class player and these days has been passing on her extensive knowledge to youngsters. “I’ve been mostly involved in school girls rugby now as coach or mentor,” she said. “But I’m more passionate now about mentoring and developing our youth and other people in sports in whatever way I can. “I’ve always had a passion for developing others, mostly because our people, especially children, are always shy and often lack confidence to participate. “And they don’t know their true potential until they give it a try.” Experienced mentors like Ella Faye were vital, especially with the many opportunities talented players have these days. Rugby league was a passion
for many of those who loved lining up at local and regional Allblacks carnivals, such as the Zenadth Kes on Waiben and the Origin on Badu. They also had opportunities to play in strong women’s club comps in Cairns and Townsville. The Statewide BMD Women’s comp, for which five Torres Strait players lined up for leading side the Mackay Cutters, was also there to be had. In coming years the Townsville Blackhawks and Cairns Northern Pride hope to field women’s teams, or there was also a chance for skilful players to be snapped up by a NRLW team such as the Cowboys. A sporting ‘Jill of all trades’ would be a fair description of Ella-Faye who also enjoys other sports on her beloved Waiben. “I like playing other sports locally such as touch and basketball,” she said.
Ella Faye, left, with her sister Moira. Pic supplied.
SPORT 19
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 2 MAY 2024
Mixed bag in a mixed weekend of NRL footy The only other NRL match for the younger Gagai, brother of NRL champion centre Dane Gagai, was in round 1 at Las Vegas. Dane and Jacob played together for the family side GH United which won the Mackay Indigenous carnival last October.
M Continued from P20 BY ALF WILSON A veteran of 276 NRL matches, Dane Gagai was also solid in defence, pulling off several tackles to deny the Dolphins scoring opportunities. The Wayne Bennettcoached Dolphins went into the match a hot favourite at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. They were without injured fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow who looked on from the sideline. The Dolphins have an uphill task to beat the Cowboys in Townsville next round.
Cotter strong again A courageous Cowboys went down 2620 to three-time premiers Penrith in Townsville on Saturday night. Four minutes after halftime the Panthers led 24-4 before a quality Cowboys comeback in
overtime in defence when their side lost 40-0 to the table-leading Cronulla Sharks on Sunday. Centre Kris and winger Savage tackled their hearts out as the Sharks’ back five were rampant in attack. In other games, the Sydney Roosters defeated the St GeorgeIllawarra 60-18, and Manly Sea Eagles beat Parramatta Eels 32-18.
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Canberra backs Sebastian Kris and Xavier Savage worked
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Gold Coast Titan’s David Fifita digging deep for his team. Pic courtesy NRL. front of a 20,000-plus parochial crowd at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Cowboys lock Reuben Cotter produced his trademark strong performance in both attack and defence. Cotter came close to scoring tries several times and for the Cowboys it was a great
turnaround from their 36-point thrashing by Cronulla the previous week. The Cowboys will take on the Dolphins at home next Saturday night.
Broncos win Brisbane scored a 34-10 victory over the West Tigers at Sydney’s Campbelltown Stadium
on Saturday and they did it without star 5/8 Ezra Mam.
Five tries Two tries each by South Sydney’s Jacob Gagai and three fourpointers by Melbourne Storm star Xavier Coates were among the highlights in a one-sided match between the clubs. Winger Xavier
Coates shone for the Storm which thrashed the Rabbitohs 54-20 on Anzac Day. Coates scored at the ninth, 27th and 32nd minutes for the Storm which sits second on the table. Gagai also lined up on a wing in just his second NRL match and scored his four-pointers at the 18th and 50th minutes.
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Gehamat stars in Blackhawks upset
first loss of the BMD Statewide cup going down 22-10 to the Bears at the Gold Coast in round 7 on Saturday. Blockbusting front rower Banu scored one of the Cutters’ only two tries and they trailed 12-4 at halftime. Despite the loss, the Cutters were top of the table, two wins clear of the second-placed side.
BY ALF WILSON Speedy centre Gehamat Shibasaki scored a clever try for the Townsville Blackhawks when they beat favourites the Redcliffe Dolphins 28-20 in round 7 of the Statewide Hostplus men’s premiership on Saturday. Fellow Torres Strait Islander Dudley Dotoi also crossed for a try for the winners at Townsville’s Jack Manski Oval.
Mal Meninga Cup
Tristan’s goals Tristan Sailor shone for the Souths Logan Magpies which defeated Mackay Cutters 46-32 at Logan on Saturday. A son of dual international Wendell Sailor, Tristan booted six goals and was inspirational from fullback. Classy Sailor lines up for the Brisbane Broncos when Reece Walsh is injured or on representative duties. Second-rower Jamal Shibasaki had a steady game for the Cutters. Many keen judges are tipping that Shibasaki will receive a call-up for the Cowboys soon.
Christian scores Erub United back Julian Christian scored a try for the Norths Devils which defeated the Western Clydesdales 38-12 on Saturday. The elusive Christian played at fullback and was strong in defence and classy in attack.
Souths Logan Magpies Tristan Sailor. Pic by QRL.
Kokoda Cup
Capras go down
The PNG Hunters lost 48-24 to the high-rolling Burleigh Bears in Saturday’s match on the Gold Coast. Players from both sides honoured the wonderful links between Australia and PNG during the ANZAC Round. Included in the big crowd was Melbourne Storm champion Xavier Coates who is a PNG international. Hunters try-scorers were Brandon Nima, Judah Rimbu, Solo Wane, Jordan Pat and Sanny Wabo, and Jamie Mavoko booted the two goals.
The CQ Capras, for which winger Edrick Lee plays, lost 22-14 to the Sunshine Coast Falcons. Cairns-based Northern Pride had the bye. After seven rounds in the 15-club comp, the Cutters were second, Northern Pride fourth, Capras 10th, Blackhawks 11th and Hunters 12th.
Ladies’ first loss Mackay Cutters, which included Jasmine Peters, Tahlulah Tillett, Essay Banu and Lyrech Mara, suffered their
In round 11 of the statewide Mal Meninga Cup Souths Logan Magpies defeated Mackay Cutters 20-16. For the Cutters, Tavite Penaia-Te’o, Xavier Kerrisk and Jack Thorburn scored tries while Rory Woodall kicked two goals. Cairns’ Northern Pride went down 24-14 to Wynnum-Manly Seagulls at Logan Metro Sports Complex. For the Pride Liam O’Brien, Assariah Lenoy-Sam and Gabriel Tunimakubu scored tries and Noah Blooranta kicked a goal. Redcliffe Dolphins rolled the Blackhawks 48-14 in Townsville. Blackhawks try-scorers were Hayde Munro, Nelson Kennedy and Logan Deininger while Anthony Iorangi snapped the goal. Fifteen clubs were competing and Cutters were fifth, the Pride seventh.
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FERRY SCHEDULE MAY 2024
REVISED DEPARTURE TIME FROM SEISIA The PM ferry departure time from SEISIA is now 3.50PM
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Fifita stars in Gold Coast Titan’s first 2024 win BY ALF WILSON Led by impact forward David Fifita, a drought was broken for Gold Coast Titans when they beat hot favourites the Warriors 27-24 in round 8 of the NRL on ANZAC Day. It was the first win of the season for the Titans and secondrower Fifita came off the interchange bench early and scored a try at the 36th minute. The unlucky Titans had lost their previous two matches narrowly against Canberra and Manly, and they fought hard to hold off the Warriors to record a much-needed win. Away team underdogs, the Titans, had to overcome a parochial Warriors home crowd of 23,212
and a 12-0 deficit at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium. Fifita produced his great try from close to the line and also set up another four-pointer for quality fullback AJ Brimson. The Warriors travel to Newcastle this week to face the Knights while the Titans host the Storm at Cbus Super Stadium.
Knight in shining armour A best-on-ground effort by champion centre Dane Gagai led Newcastle to an 18-14 win over The Dolphins on Sunday. Gagai scored a try at the 17th minute and also booted two goals for a personal tally of eight points in the low-scoring game. Continued P19 N
David Fifita with teammates after scoring a try in the win over the Warriors. Pic courtesy of NRL.
Waiben celebrates Battle of the Islands BY DARREN MONCRIEFF More than 20 teams converged on Ken Brown Memorial Playing Field at Waiben this week for the 20th edition of the Battle of the Islands Touch Championships. The big event got underway today and will run
through until Sunday. The championships were pulled together by the Torres Strait Youth & Recreational Sporting Association (TSYRSA). The 22 teams played across two separate Men’s Open divisions – Pool A (5 teams) and Pool B (6 teams), a Women’s Open division
(8 teams), and an Over 40s Mixed division (3 teams). Last year, Jokers took out the title in the Men’s division, while Storm were winners of the Women’s division. A few teams came from Cairns, and there were reports of players from as far as Brisbane who joined local teams.
Locally Waiben had about six teams, and the Outer Islands also had teams. The event was hugely popular, particularly with social touch the only other outlet on Waiben for the sport. Organisers had to knock back a few teams, such was the popularity of the event.
Entry at the venue was free to all. Sponsors included Torres Health, KCD, Murtupuni Centre for Rural and Remote Health, and James Cook University.
Women’s Teams
Storms, Jokers, Strait Sistaz, Wantoks, Black Pearls, One Speed, Solwata Sirens and Style Flawa.
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Men’s Teams
Pool A: Jokers A, Chiefs, Iama Kurrs, Hornets and Mui Kuzi. Pool B: Balas, Bayside Stallions, Storms, Jokers B, Buccaneers and Pointers.
Over 40s Teams
One Speed, Stars and Community. Results & pics next issue J