Stories and events of the Kaurareg homeland of Kaiwalagal, the Torres Strait homeland and Cape York homelands of the Anggamuthi, Atambaya, Wuthathi, Yadhaykenu and Gudang Peoples.
Thursday, 9 May 2024
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Career opportunities knock for Tagai students
Community shock at government’s closing in Aus climate hearing STORY BY TALEI ELU & CARLI WILLIS
Tagai State College Year 12 health studies student Jakidda Manuel tries out a stethoscope on Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) delegate Jade Abernathy under the watchful eye of final-year medical student Dr Danielle Arabena at the Careers Market at Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh last Wednesday. Pic supplied by AIDA. For more about Tagai’s Market Day see PAGE 4 N For more about AIDA’s visit to the Torres Strait see PAGE 5 N
Community members present at the closing arguments in the Australian Climate Case in Cairns last week have been left reeling at the Government legal team’s attempts to diminish the importance of Ailan Kastom to the case in their closing arguments. After four long years of legal process, closing statements for the landmark federal court case over climate change were wrapped up last Friday. The court heard powerful testimonies and saw evidence of climate impacts from all corners of the Torres Strait from the legal team representing Uncles Paul Kabai and Pabai Pabai. Justice Michael Wigney was left to deliberate and expected to hand down his decision later this year. His judgment could set a global precedent for climate litigation. The case attracted international attention with the hearings attended by high-profile international lawyers and climate change victims from across the country. But Dr McRose Elu, who travelled with the Case for the four years, said the arguments put forward by the Commonwealth in their closing statement still came as a shock. “What really got to me was the question around Ailan Kastom, our identity, and of course, the weather patterns,” Dr Elu said.
“It was really ignorant in a way.” Arguments by the Commonwealth attempted to diminish the value of Ailan Kastom to Torres Strait Islanders as they argued the loss of culture should not be compensated “for mere sadness”. Grata Fund executive director and climate justice legal expert Isabelle Reinecke said she hoped the judge would disregard that argument. “The thing that was disturbing about it, was this is the legal team for government saying something quite contrary to what they’re saying to us in Australia in other forums,” she said. The government also tried to dismiss evidence given by Torres Strait Islanders. “The lawyers for the government really were urging the court to not take into account Torres Strait Islander eyewitness testimony about climate change impacts in their own lands,” she said. “It stands in quite stark contrast to statements from this government about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices being listened to and heard in Australia by the Prime Minister himself at Garma in 2022. “It was pretty shocking.” Ms Reinecke said during scientific hearings late last year, Western science had backed the eyewitness evidence Torres Strait Islanders had provided of what was occurring on their land. Story continued & pics PAGES 12 & 13 N
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THURSDAY 9 MAY 2024 TORRES NEWS
St Pat’s alumni get together on Waiben Adata Namok, Melissa Pilot, Pelita Pilot, Talisha Harden, LJ Shibasaki, Cameran Triffett, Taum Ahmat, Caroline Bon & Katie de Carteret. Pic supplied.
BY ALF WILSON A meeting on Waiben with past Torres Strait Islander boarding students from Townsville’s St Pat’s College late last month proved to be a great success. The function was held at the Grand Hotel with past students including Adata Namok, Melissa Pilot, Pelista Pilot, Taum Ahmat and Caroline Bon. St Pat’s Director of Boarding and Strategic Projects Katie de Carteret, Deputy Principal Mr Cameran
Triffett and Indigenous Community Engagement Officer Tallisha Harden travelled there to join them. Mayor Elsie Seriat OAM and respected local Aunty LJ Shibasaki also attended. “After the function, Tallisha and Katie travelled to Iama, Mer and Erub islands to visit other families,” St Pat’s spokeswoman Isabel Bowrey told the Torres News. “We were extremely happy to see Mayor Elsie Seriat in attendance.”
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Every second year the Northern Peninsula Area’s (NPA’s) cultural festival torch is lit, signifying peace and unity and the region coming to life with colour, culture, song and dance. Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council will host the 2024 NPA Cultural Festival – a free event for the community and visitors – from 11–13 July. The festival will be celebrated across the five NPA communities with dance, music and cultural activities performed at Yusia Ginau Memorial Oval in Bamaga. Traditional dance troupes from Torres Strait Islands and Cape York, including Lockhart River, Coen, Aurukun, Napranum and Old Mapoon will join this year’s festival under the theme of United Cultures = Strong Future: “Let’s Dance. Cultural food, art exhibitions, traditional workshops, history tours and craft markets
will feature alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers, musicians and performers who will take to the stage to share stories of united cultures. Festival performers include musician Mitch Tambo, a proud Gamilaraay man of northern NSW, celebrated as one of Australia’s most unique and dynamic First Nations entertainers; and Sean Choolburra, a charismatic, vibrant and captivating comedian who has carved a niche as one of Australia’s most popular indigenous entertainers on stage and television. The festival is coordinated with Northern Peninsula communities by the NPA Art Centre, to promote, preserve, empower, harness and capture the artistic creative talents of local artists that showcase the NPA’s rich cultural diversity. For more information, see: www.nparc.qld.gov.
au/cultural-festival
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TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 9 MAY 2024
Dramatic rescue plays out safely in rough seas BY DARREN MONCRIEFF Three men were plucked from the sea in treacherous conditions last week, after spending close to 12 hours clinging to their upturned 5m dinghy when it capsized between islands in the northeastern waters of the Torres Strait. A daring rescue mission began in the fading light of the late afternoon last Thursday before reaching a happy conclusion in the early hours of Friday morning. The men activated their registered emergency distress beacon at around 3pm when their dinghy capsized as they were on their way to Murray Island. Weather conditions in the region were adverse, with 1.5-metre seas and winds at 20 knots. Upon receiving the signal, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) notified the Cairns-based Challenger rescue aircraft, a second Challenger rescue aircraft in the region and the Thursday Island
Water Police aboard the Conroy. After exploring their quickest options, AMSA realised fishing vessel Torres Express was also in the vicinity and they were asked to help in the life-saving rescue of the three men. The second Challenger aircraft found three people clinging to the hull of their upturned dinghy. They dropped a life raft and a communications kit, so the men could directly communicate with them throughout the rescue effort and maintained visual contact until the arrival of the Torres Express at around 3.30am. They found the men tired and wet but with no serious injuries – and greatly relieved. AMSA said the potentially fatal saga highlighted the need for extra precautions and other safety measures when on the water. “Taking a registered emergency distress beacon out on the water can save your life if your vessel is in distress,” they said.
“A registered emergency beacon can allow AMSA to respond immediately to an incident, which could be the difference between life and death.”
AMSA Beacons – beacons.amsa.gov.au RIGHT: The men were found clinging to their dinghy in treacherous conditions. Pic supplied.
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From the AMSA coordinates (9°34’46.8”S 144°06’02.4”E) the men were found here. [Google Maps]
Candlelight vigil remembers those lost A candlelight vigil to remember those who have died because of domestic and family violence was held at Bach Beach on Waiben last Wednesday evening. The event was organised and supported by the Lena Passi Women’s Shelter, Mura Kosker Sorority, CEQ, the Thursday Island Justice Group and the Thursday Island Police. Police said there was a significant turnout for the vigil with a large number of the community gathering to show their support
for the prevention of domestic violence. They said after the vigil, people enjoyed a yarn and a community barbecue. “The turnout and participation of the community, along with different support agencies and stakeholders, demonstrate a collective effort to address this crucial issue,” they said. “Events like these not only increase awareness but also create an opportunity for dialogue and support within the community.”
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Tagai career market day draws keen community interest Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh held their annual Careers Market last Wednesday, with an open invitation to parents and community to attend. The day was a huge success. Pics supplied.
Pic supplied by AIDA
Pic supplied by AIDA
Pic supplied by AIDA
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TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 9 MAY 2024
Finding a way to bring Ailan doctors home
Pics supplied.
BY DARREN MONCRIEFF Northern Territory Senator and Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy (pictured left) has supported the idea of Torres Strait Islander doctors returning home to practise as GPs or within the broader hospital-health system.
“We have over 127 Torres Strait doctors across Australia; 20 of those, who are still in their final years of medicine, went to the Torres Strait (last week), and I was able to join them there,” she said. “I have no doubt many of those doctors will be returning to the Torres Strait.” The trip was hosted by the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association (AIDA)
as an on-Country, community engagement. During the visit, local Elders and other community members spoke of the need for island-based health professionals with shared cultural experiences. “This was actually about the Elders of the Torres Straits calling back Torres Strait doctors to country and to remind them as well of
Tagai to offer safe space support Tagai State College will be one of 34 Queensland schools in which FlexiSpaces – a safe space for challenged students – will be created. FlexiSpaces were designed as a place in a school where students who faced challenges in a normal schooling environment could continue to be supported to stay engaged at school. The aim was for students to remain at school with their friends and eventually reintegrate into their mainstream classes.
Primary state schools were included in the program to provide early intervention where it was most needed. Local MP Cynthia Lui said the 34 new FlexiSpaces were in addition to the existing 52 FlexiSpaces delivered since 2018. “We all know that disengagement from the education system is a big driver in youth crime and community safety and this investment in new FlexiSpaces will be yet another tool delivered by the Miles
government,” Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said. “For many kids, school can be the safest place for them, to have an alternative option at their school where they continue to have lunch and play sports with their friends while getting the support in class to stay engaged and improve their lives. “We don’t want to see kids go down a path where young Queenslanders don’t have the opportunity to fulfil their potential.”
their cultural responsibilities as much as their medical responsibilities to all people that they treat,” Senator McCarthy said. “I think for First Nations people, whether they’re doctors, nurses, paediatricians, it is about the choice to be able to return home should they wish to do so or their ability to go where they feel they are needed.
“And what I’ve found listening to the Elders of the Torres Straits working with these Torres Strait doctors, was they would certainly love to see some of them return to the Torres Strait to work as doctors full time.” She said they were conscious of the need for more resourcing to be able to do that. Pics supplied.
Public Trustee there to help Unclaimed monies, wills and people unable to make financial decisions for themselves can enlist the help of the Public Trustee of Queensland, Regional Manager Laura Harris says. She said the Public Trustee was a socially and fiscally responsive Statutory Authority there to help people make their own decisions. The federal government has estimated there was around $2 billion in lost and unclaimed bank accounts, shares and life insurance waiting to be found by their owners. The Public Trustee website had a
portal into which people could search their names for monies owed. “Funds can be held by a public trustee due to someone unable to be located or identified who may be a beneficiary in an estate, or (money left) by their mother, a refund from a power bill, or shares,” Ms Harris said. She said the use of wills was not as widespread as it should be, despite them being free of charge to produce. Ms Harris said people could either visit the organisation in Sheridan Street in Cairns or go online to https://
www.pt.qld.gov.au
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Deaf trailblazers leading the way in support resources
ABOVE: Sue Frank signs to Lutfi Hady, Sally Smid and Leslie Footscray behind the camera. CENTRE : Joanne Samuel, Nathaniel Fourmile, Amelia Cedric, Khahlil Walker & Sue Frank. RIGHT: Khahlil Walker, Joanne Samuel, Sue Frank, Leslie Footscray, Amelia Cedric & Nathaniel on the ramp at Badu Island. Pics by Sue Frank. BY CARLI WILLIS A trailblazing group of deaf Indigenous people have travelled to the Torres Strait to create educational resources for other deaf people. Led by Wagadagam and Badulgal woman Sue Frank, the project was funded by deaf-owned and operated service provider Signpedia.
Travelling with a translator the group interviewed community members on camera about culture and way of life. Lead sign language expert Sue Frank said the videos would be translated into sign language and packaged into video resources for deaf Indigenous people. She said her goal was to build a community of Indigenous interpreters whom
she hoped to recruit onto Country to help deaf mob access communication. “Focusing on really being able to recruit people to come together and raise the issues and barriers that they’ve experienced,” she said. “I want them to feel heard, I want them to feel like they have a voice, make them feel like we’re working towards creating greater access,
and that there are services available able to help support make that happen. “We really want to work with organisations in making that a reality. “The deaf Indigenous community are a little bit hesitant working with (non-Indigenous) interpreters, they feel a bit guarded.” Ms Frank said Signpedia would help her advocate to
the government for funding to train Indigenous interpreters. “We can develop those skills and access because we would love to see Indigenous interpreters,” she said. “We just don’t have enough interpreters and [connectivity in remote areas] is another barrier as well – we have a right to access information and resources. “When we don’t get that
access, then we start to see the impacts on everyone’s mental health as well, so it is a really serious issue.” Ms Frank said the exposure to culture on the Zenadth Kes trip had been a grounding experience for the Cairns-based deaf Indigenous group. “It’s been great seeing them feel so connected,” she said.
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THURSDAY 9 MAY 2024 TORRES NEWS
Service held for patron saint on Hammond BY NADJA MACK
Parishioners at Hammond Island’s St. Joseph’s Catholic Church invited the community to a beautiful celebration of their patron saint St Joseph the Worker last Sunday, before Labour Day on Monday. A large number of visitors came from Thursday Island to be part of the service. Among them were Aunty Maria Mills from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Aunty Pauline Ahwang from All Souls and St Bartholomew Anglican Church. Father Laurie Timms, who travelled to Hammond from Cairns, explained Pope Pius XII the beautifully were treated to an instituted the feast of decorated statue of St Saint Joseph the Worker elaborate feast. Joseph and the tools of in 1955. The enormous labour laid out in front He chose the first spread of tasty food of the statue, which of May as the day was a testament to included fishing rods, of devotion to Saint the generosity of the rakes, shovels and Joseph in response parishioners and the vehicles parked next to importance of work father of Jesus, as an to the “May Day” dedication of Aunties the community hall. example of the holiness celebrations for workers, in giving meaning to 9/5____ , 16/5____ 23/5____ , 30/5____ , 6/6____ , 13/6____ , 20/6____ & 27/6/24____ Rita Dorante, Cecillia human labour. originally sponsored Issue/s: by one’s life, Father Laurie ,of To cap off O’Brien and Tomasina communists. spoke of Saint Joseph, After the service, celebrations the HINTERLAND AVIATION. *19x7 LFS ad @ $45incl. Father Laurie blessed Mam. community and guests Highlighting the the carpenter and foster Andrew Clair <andrew.clair@fl yhav.com>
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Townsville marches for Labour Day STORY AND PICS BY ALF WILSON More than 1000 people took part in Townsville’s Labour Day celebrations on Monday including scores of Torres Strait Islanders. Similar events were held in Cairns and Mackay with Waiben celebrations and a march scheduled for next Friday, 17 May, from 5pm at Waiben’s Anzac Park. Labour Day celebrations were part of an important tradition that reflected the union movement’s commitment to social justice and workers’ rights. Townsville’s event was the biggest outside of Brisbane with members of more than 30 unions participating. Maritime Union of Australia life member Patrick Neliman said he was honoured to hold the lead banner for the MUA. Jimmy Pau also marched and said it was great to be involved. More pics opposite P9 N Tim Phiri at Strand Park.
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TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 9 MAY 2024 M From P8 – PICS BY ALF WILSON
Archbishop on tour this week
The church community Nations community in the Torres members for decades, Strait welcomed particularly during his Queensland’s newest time serving as a priest Anglican Archbishop in the Northern Territory. this week, in a tour that “I have been will include discussions anticipating this trip around the impact of for some time and will climate change. be hearing from Torres The Most Reverend Strait Islander peoples Jeremy Greaves, and seeing the impacts of who was installed as climate change on their Archbishop of Brisbane lives and livelihoods,” and Metropolitan of the he said. Province of Queensland “Climate change Patrick Neliman. in December, will be disproportionately accompanied by senior impacts nations and Saibai elder and 2021 people who are already Queensland Senior most disadvantaged. Australian of the Year Dr Archbishop-elect Jeremy Greaves being greeted by senior Saibai elder “When we think Aunty Dr Rose Elu at the entrance of St John’s Anglican Cathedral in McRose Elu. about climate refugees, Brisbane on Saturday 16 December 2023 when he was installed as the Archbishop Jeremy and those at risk of Metropolitan Archbishop of the Province of Queensland. Pic supplied. arrived on Poruma becoming climate yesterday, and will land refugees in the future, cultures and protocols low-lying islands and of the Australian on Masig tomorrow, asked him early last year we tend to think of Climate Case team of Torres Strait Islander before spending the people from places far if he would accompany and said she looked peoples,” Dr Elu said. weekend on Thursday from Australia. me to the Torres Strait forward to introducing “He cares about us Island. “The Torres Strait Islands so he can see the the Archbishop to and has demonstrated Dr Elu will guide impacts himself.” Islands are part of our people on the islands that he is our friend. the bishop on their so he could hear about own country and it Archbishop Jeremy “I have shared with outer island visits to see climate change’s impacts had a strong background is important that all Issue/s: 9/5____ , 16/5____ , the 23/5____ 30/5____ , 6/6____ & 27/6/24____ EXCELand DOC E DUMMY E Ad F Ejust the Archbishop how impact of, climate firsthand. , 13/6____ , 20/6____ Australians know in social justice Jimmy Pau. rising sea levels are has worked closely how close to home these “Archbishop Jeremy HINTERLAND AVIATION. *21x7 SCHEDULESchange. ad @ $45incl. with refugees and First has a deep sense of the impacts are.” Dr Elu was a member severely impacting our Andrew Clair <andrew.clair@flyhav.com>
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TAKE A CLOSER LOOK culture is at the heart of GBK Our Logo
The GBK logo features two important symbols - a Bu Shell Historically used as a tool for communication, the Bu shell’s sound served to unite villages or warn of and the islands of the Endeavour and Torres Straits. impending dangers. Today, the Bu Shell symbolises The central feature of the GBK logo is the BU SHELL. unity, community, and our ongoing connection to our Also known as the Trumpet Shell, the Bu Shell holds cultural heritage and traditions. profound cultural significance within Torres Strait The logo also depicts the MAP OF BOTH ENDEAVOUR Islander communities. AND TORRES STRAITS – including the islands from Badu in the west to Mer in the east, Ngurupai in the south to Saibai in the north.
Our Name
The GUR A BARADHARAW KOD is a translation of Sea and Land Council, using key words from the two traditional languages of the Torres Strait. GUR - means Sea in Meriam Mir - the traditional language of the eastern islands A - means and in both Kala Lagaw Ya and Meriam Mir BARADHARAW - means land (or island) in Kala Lagaw Ya - the traditional language of the western and central islands KOD - means council in both Kala Lagaw Ya and Meriam Mir. We note that this is a simple translation. In traditional culture, Kod has much more significant meaning GBK’s name was updated in 2024 - changing us from a “Torres Strait Islander Corporation” to a “Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Corporation”. This change recognises that our work covers the sea and land of the Endeavour and Torres Straits - the traditional home of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Australians.
POINT OF INTEREST Just as the sun moves across the sky, we always start our acknowledgement in the east and finish in the west*. That is why our name starts with the eastern word Gur and ends with the western word Baradharaw. * This protocol was established by elders from every nation group in 2006.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US www.gbk.org.au 07 4083 1000 admin@gbk.org.au
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TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 9 MAY 2024
MGNM’s Next gen visit
careers expo GBK Meriba Ged Ngalpun Mab’s Zenadth Kes Next Gen program is helping young individuals in the Kaiwalagal region launch their careers. Recently, four participants attended the Tagai Secondary Career Expo alongside MGNM’s youth Mentor Solanima Mareko and Employment Services Manager Linda Daniel. This event provided essential networking, professional development, and recruitment opportunities, fostering a strong sense of community engagement. The Zenadth Kes Next Gen program is another example of how the MGNM team is committed to providing a range of tailored services and support to assist jobseekers across the Torres and Endevour Straits. From those starting their career, to those re-connecting with employment - MGNM is here to assist.
CONTACT US jobs@gbk.org.au RIGHT JOB RIGHT PERSON RIGHT FIT
p 07 4212 0000
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THURSDAY 9 MAY 2024 TORRES NEWS
Community shock at government’s closing
The legal team with the Uncles, family and community members on the last day of the Australian Climate Case. Pic by Talei Elu.
M Continued from P1 STORY BY TALEI ELU & CARLI WILLIS
Poenypan Dance Troupe from Boigu on the Island Night hosted by Grata Fund. Pic by Phil Schouteten.
“So in fact, there wasn’t a contradiction between what Torres Strait Islander people were saying, and what more Western forms of knowledge we’re saying,” Ms Reinecke said. Dr Elu said these and other arguments from the state had shocked the community members attending. “They’ve never set a foot on my island so how can they define things in [that] way,” she said. “We got to be strong in a way because we know where we belong, and what belongs to us. “Whatever the outcome, we’re going to work through that.” During the week, the community came together in solidarity for an Island Night hosted by Grata Fund and were treated to encore performances from Danny Bani, Christine Anu and Zipporah, as well as the Poenypan Dance Troupe. Australian Climate Case lead counsel Fiona McLeod said the case had changed her life. “There are cases you do as a lawyer that are important, but some that change your life... this is the case I had to do and the welcome that you have made for me in the communities and here, I will take that with me always,” she said. Her words summed up the profound impact the case had on many of those involved. At a community debrief session held immediately after the court case ended, Uncles Paul Kabai and Pabai Pabai expressed their heartfelt thanks to the legal team from Phi Finney McDonald and Grata Fund who supported the case, as well as the communities of Torres Strait and those present throughout the hearings.
Uncle Pabai said it was wonderful to see families and community come together mid-week and show their support. “The families did a marvellous job helping me and Uncle Paul in this journey and we are really proud of the families, not only from Saibai and Boigu but all other families from here in Cairns as well,” he said. Uncle Paul said he was overwhelmed with the show of support over the week. “Mina big esso for youpla support, starting from Monday until today, the final day,” he said. “I was overwhelmed thinking this is the last day.” He said he was positive about the potential outcome. “I have a really good feeling that we will make it, and I have the feeling we will win,” he said Uncle Pabai shared his reflections and thanks, mostly in language, for the families present. “It has been a really big week and I am pleased with the evidence Uncle Paul and I gave…hopefully it will go through,” he said. “I take my hat off to our lawyers, thank you for this four-year journey.” Dr Elu was with the landmark case with the Uncles from the start. “Our arguments from Uncle Paul and Uncle Pabai were really powerful, I could feel the spirit at the end,” she said. “I asked a few aunties and uncles and they said they felt the wisdom of it, they felt that strength in it.” She said they were confident and had “a good vibe”. “So there was some sort of hope there,” she said, adding they had mixed emotions about the process coming to an end. “We will continue to pray and walk together, whatever the outcome of this is.”
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 9 MAY 2024
CLIMATE CHANGE NEWS 13
Uncles Pabai Pabai and Paul Kabai with the legal team from Phi Finney McDonald led by Fiona McLeod SC and Grata Fund representative Isabelle Reineke. Pic by Talei Elu.
ABOVE & BELOW: Poenypan Dance Troupe from Boigu at the Island Night in Cairns hosted by Grata Fund. Pic by Phil Schouteten.
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THURSDAY 9 MAY 2024 TORRES NEWS
State inquiry hears supermarket pricing issues BY CHRISTINE HOWES Torres Shire Council (TSC) took an opportunity to expand on its submission to the Queensland Government’s Supermarket Pricing Select Committee in a public hearing held in Brisbane last Friday. The committee was established to examine the causes and effects of increased supermarket prices and identify opportunities to increase
transparency in the supermarket sector for consumers and producers. Submissions to the inquiry closed last month. TSC said one of its biggest concerns was the failure to materialize a tripartite arrangement between the federal, state, and local governments to establish a freight equalisation scheme. They also advocated for the construction of cold storage and
warehousing facilities at Horn Island and Seisia to improve food quality, reduce costs, and minimise waste. TSC asked the Queensland Government to provide financial assistance to CEQ for the preparation of a business plan aimed at reducing prices in the region. They said the plan should include: • competitive pricing • improved logistical, freight and storage strategies to drive
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down these costs and improve the quality and price of food and other grocery items; and, • identification of either inhibitive regulatory arrangements or the absence of effective regulation; and • consideration of bi-or tri-partisan agreements between the Queensland Government, the Local Governments of the region and the private sector.
“Council has submitted to parliamentary inquiries and to the Queensland Government on this matter over several years,” the TSC submission said. “Council notes that it was instrumental in calling for the Premier of Queensland’s Cost of Living Summit that was held on the 20 March 2023, here in the Torres Shire. “Prior to this Summit, Council called for
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THURSDAY ISLAND/HORN ISLAND FERRY TIMETABLE (03/04/2024)
such a summit and an examination of the cost-of-living pressures in our shire.” They said the region’s supply chain was constrained by monopolisation. “The irony is that these monopolies are creatures of the Queensland Government – either in the form of a whollyowned Government corporation in the case of the shipping company SeaSwift or a statutory authority in the case of CEQ,” TSC said. TSC said they were particularly interested in highlighting the absence of/complete lack of any visibility of the Queensland Government as a regulator in the Shire. “The apparently arbitrary and often opaque pricing practices applied by SeaSwift must be addressed by the Committee if it seeks to ensure increased transparency in the supermarket sector for consumers and producers; and address the variability in supermarket offerings and pricing … particularly in regional Queensland and in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” they said. “Council has numerous examples of price gouging and poor customer service that it is willing to share with the Committee in the interest of drastically improving the supply chain and service in our region. “Prices for basic staples at the
supermarket are 170 per cent higher than for the same goods sold in other regional supermarkets (such as Woolworths in Chinchilla).” The submission included a comparison of prices between Thursday Island IBIS and Woolworths in Chinchilla based on similar products. Examples included: 10kg of SunRice was $19 in Chinchilla, compared to $35 on TI; one litre of Connoisseur ice cream was $6 in Chinchilla, compared to $13.99 on TI and a punnet of strawberries was $2.50 in Chinchilla, compared to $6.99 on TI. “In our Shire and regional context, improved interoperability of freight modes, large storage facilities at Seisia and Horn Island, freight and passenger equalisation through a tripartite agreement between the Commonwealth, Queensland and regional local governments and the breaking down of monopolisation with increased competition will deliver real, exponential and tangible improvements in the short and mid-term, thus positively impacting on supermarket pricing and food security,” TSC said in their submission. “Regulatory changes both in terms of food-related legislation and anti-competitive practices will create the necessary underpinning of the strategy in the region.”
Search for literacy ambassadors open TIMETABLE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE DUE TO QANTAS SCHEDULING, SOME FERRIES MAY NOT OPERATE. School children have HAMMOND ISLAND SCHOOL FERRY TIMETABLE •priority – Community
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
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.
Torres Strait youth are invited to apply to become Youth Ambassadors as part of a World Literacy Foundation (WLF) initiative to help address high rates of illiteracy. The WLF has created the roles for those aged 15-25 years as a platform for talking about falling rates of reading skills and helping to increase community education and awareness about the importance of foundational literacy skills. The four-month development initiative provided training and support, plus connection to 600 other young people around the world. “Conscious of the impact of illiteracy, we want to train young people around the world to become change-makers in their own country or region,” global coordinator for the World Literacy Foundation Youth Ambassador Program Lorena Torres said. “When we help someone to acquire literacy skills, we are empowering them with access to better opportunities in life and breaking the poverty cycle We train young ambassadors to help us eradicate illiteracy.” Registration deadline: 24 May 2024. For more information: worldliteracyfoundation.org/ ambassador-program/#INI
TN0810 CLASSIFIEDS 15 AdsIN E Excel E Dummy E
x6: 2/5 , 9/5 , 16/5 , 23/5TORRES , 30/5 &NEWS 6/6/24 9 MAY 2024 TSIMA - 11x2THURSDAY FOC AD. AUTH. DIAT ALFERINK
Proposed Development Make a submission from 09 May 2024 to 31 May 2024
Emailed proof 24/4/24: Diat.
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
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR DWELLING UNIT & UNDEFINED LAND USE (CULTURAL ACTIVITIES) Where: 42 Douglas Street, Thursday Island On: Lot 1 on RP716988 Approval sought: Development Permit for a Material Change of Use Application ref: IDAS 24/02
You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to: Torres Shire Council PO Box 171 Thursday Island QLD 4875 admin@torres.qld.gov.au (07) 4069 1336 https://www.torres.qld.gov.au/ Public notification requirements are in accordance with the Planning Act 2016
EVERY THURSDAY
CAIRNS Earlville Newsagency Stockland Cairns Shopping Centre, Earlville
Various Positions Project Managers – Environmental Management – EL1 Ongoing, Non-ongoing SALARY RANGE $111,074 – $135, 147 LOCATION – THURSDAY ISLAND
Marketplace Newsagency 2/96 McLaughlan Rd, Bentley Park
The TSRA is seeking a suitably experienced, enthusiastic and motivated employees to fill the following Identified, Ongoing / Non-ongoing EL1 Project Manager Opportunities. Project Managers for the Environmental Management Program are responsible for the operational and financial management of the projects and have a critical role in ensuring that program activities align with the Torres Strait Development Plan. Having the overall management responsibility to deliver outcomes across a range of projects, it is expected you will be using a holistic approach to compile and interpret information and relate this back to the strategic direction of the Environmental Management Program and the TSRA as a whole.
Raintrees Newsagency Raintrees Shopping Centre Alfred Street, Manunda
This recruitment process may be used to fill existing vacancies and a merit pool will be established to fill future vacancies across the TSRA over the next 18 months.
Tobacco Stop Woree Southside Shopping Village, Woree
Applications close at 11:30pm AEST, Sunday, 19 May 2024.
MOSSMAN News Extra Mossman 35 Front Street
PALM ISLAND
To Apply: • View this vacancy on our website at https://tsra.nga.net.au/ and apply online. • If you do not have access to the internet please contact the HR Team on (07) 4069 0700.
For further information please contact Billie Roberts on Tel: 07 40690 764 or email billie.roberts@tsra.gov.au Please note: TSRA accommodation may be available for these positions.
ABIS Palm Island Bwgcolman Supermarket, 67 Beach Road
TOWNSVILLE Mooney Street News 72-86 Mooney Street, Gulliver NewsXpress Garbutt Central 1/221 Ingham Road, Garbutt NewsXpress Sun City 307 Flinders Mall
The TSRA Land & Sea Management Unit is seeking a suitably experienced, enthusiastic and motivated employee to fill this Identified, Ongoing / Non-ongoing Opportunity. The GIS & IM Officer is responsible for developing and maintaining systems (including both GIS and non-spatial databases) that record, analyse and interpret information relating to the condition and management of natural resources. As well as advising project management staff on GIS systems and capabilities including design of data collection systems and providing them with training on GIS and Knowledge management. This recruitment process may be used to fill existing vacancies and a merit pool will be established to fill future vacancies across the TSRA over the next 18 months. Applications close at 11:30pm AEST, Sunday, 19 May 2024 . To Apply: • View this vacancy on our website at https://tsra.nga.net.au/ and apply online. • If you do not have access to the internet please contact the HR Team on (07) 4069 0700.
The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) is a Commonwealth statutory body located on Thursday Island, delivering a wide range of services to Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people living in the Torres Strait region.
Plus 15.4% superannuation, district allowance, housing subsidy, and leave fare allowance (payable after 12 months’ service).
Railway Newsagency 48 McLeod Street, Cairns
Plus 15.4% superannuation, district allowance, housing subsidy, and leave fare allowance (payable after 12 months’ service).
Please note: TSRA accommodation is not available for this position.
Enmore News 5 Reservoir Rd, Manoora
NewsXpressCairns Central Cairns Central Shopping Centre, 126 McLeod Street
GIS & IM Officer APS6 SALARY RANGE $90,199 – $101,022 LOCATION – THURSDAY ISLAND OR CAIRNS
For further information please contact Billie Roberts on Tel: 07 4069 0764 or email billie.roberts@tsra.gov.au
PUBLISHED Available at various outlets in the Torres Strait and NPA and also at these newsagencies and stores
The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) is a Commonwealth statutory body located on Thursday Island, delivering a wide range of services to Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people living in the Torres Strait region.
News and events of the Kaurareg homeland of Kaiwalagal, the Torres Strait homeland & Cape York homelands of the Anggamuthi, Atambaya, Wuthathi, Yadhaykenu & Gudang Peoples.
PUBLISHERS TORRES NEWS PTY LTD Diat Alferink – Chief Executive Officer E editor@torres.news 69 Douglas Street, Thursday Island Q 4875
ADVERTISING ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION MANAGER – SHARON GALLERY M 0419 828 639 • E ads@torres.news
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Ad bookings 12 NOON TUESDAYS Ad copy (ad to be set) 12 NOON TUESDAYS Supplied Ad material 2PM TUESDAYS Classifieds 3PM TUESDAYS
Moores Newspower 332 Shakespeare Street
Published every Thursday. Circulation 1000. Readership average: Print readership 4000 + online subscriptions + 8.8k followers on our @ TSIMAtorresnews Facebook page
The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) is a Commonwealth statutory body located on Thursday Island, delivering a wide range of services to Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people living in the Torres Strait region.
Project Officer – Indigenous Protected Areas & Traditional Ecological Knowledge APS 5 ($80,341 – $87,572) APS 4 ($71,923 – $78,093) NRM Officer – Land APS 5 ($80,341 – $87,572) Community Liaison Officer APS 4 ($71,923 – $78,093) LOCATION: TORRES STRAIT REGION Plus 15.4% superannuation, district allowance, housing subsidy, and leave fare allowance (payable after 12 months’ service). These roles are ongoing/non-ongoing and are open to Torres Strait Islander or Aboriginal people only. This recruitment process may be used to fill existing vacancies and a merit pool will be established to fill future vacancies across the TSRA over the next 18 months. Applications close at 11:30pm AEST, Sunday 19 May 2024. To Apply: • View this vacancy on our website at https://tsra.nga.net.au/ and apply online. • If you do not have access to the internet please contact the HR Team on (07) 4069 0700.
EDITORIAL
For further information please contact Jessica Sabatino on Tel: 0408 214 372 or email jessica.sabatino@tsra.gov.au
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – DIAT ALFERINK E editor@torres.news
Please note: TSRA accommodation is not available for the position.
NEWS DIRECTOR DARREN MONCRIEFF M 0431 148 881 • E darren@torres.news NEWS & CHIEF SUB EDITOR CHRISTINE HOWES M 0419 656 277 • E christine@torres.news TSIMA JOURNALIST – CARLI WILLIS M 0415 705 160 • E carli@tsima4mw.org.au TSIMA CORRESPONDENTS Jen Enosa, Sylvia Tabua & Gilmore Johnston. CADET JOURNALIST – FLORA WARRIA M 0473 231 367 • E flora@torres.news NEWS & PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS Kantesha Takai, Jillian Bowie, Talei Elu, Shanella Majid, Bel Lui, Alf Wilson and Velma Gara.
NEWS & PHOTOS DEADLINE All news, sports and photo contributions 5PM MONDAYS
16 BATTLE OF THE ISLANDS CHAMPIONSHIPS
THURSDAY 9 MAY 2024 TORRES NEWS
Clean sweep of Islands’ touch championships
M Continued from P20 BY DARREN MONCRIEFF
Winning Men’s team: Jokers A. Pic by Rosalie Jensen Photography.
Winning Women’s team: Jokers. Pics by Rosalie Jensen Photography.
Men’s team: Balas. Team pics supplied.
Women’s team: Black Pearls.
Balas’ next match, the semi-final match, pitted them against the Hornets, whose buzz and energy saw them put 7pts on the Balas, but the Balas scored 10 of their own, to book a play-date with Jokers A in the grand final. In the women’s division, the Jokers got to the decider via strong wins over Black Pearls in the qualifying final, 13-0, and Wantok, 9-2, in the semi-final. Their grand-final opponents, Stormz won through with victories over Style Flawa, 13-1, in the qualifying final, and 9-2 over One Speed in the semi-final.
RESULTS – MEN’S DIVISION Round 5 Pointerz 13 def. Buccaneers 0; Balas 8 def. Stormz 2; Bayside Stallions 7 def. Jokers B 5. Qualifying finals
Men’s team: Bayside Stallions.
Women’s team: One Speed.
Game 1 – Jokers 9 def. Pointerz 2. Game 2 – Balas 6 def. Mui Kuzi 4 Game 3 – Hornets 9 def. Stormz 8 Game 4 – Chiefs 6 def. Bayside Stallions 3 Semi-finals Game 1 – Jokers A 6 def. Chiefs 4
Men’s team: Bucaneers.
Women’s team: Solwata Sirens.
Game 2 – Balas 10 def. Hornets 7 Grand Final Jokers A def. Balas (scores unavailable)
RESULTS – WOMEN’S DIVISION Qualifying finals Game 1 – Jokers 13 def. Black Pearls 0
Men’s team: Chiefs.
Women’s team: Stormz.
Game 2 – Stormz 13 def. Style Flawa 1 Game 3 – One Speed def. Solwata Sirens (scores unavailable) Game 4 – Wantoks 3 def. Strait Sistaz 2 Semi-finals Game 1 – Jokers 9 def. Wantok 2 Game 2 – Stormz 9 def. One Speed 2 Grand Final
Men’s team: Hornets.
Women’s team: Strait Sistaz.
Jokers def. Stormz (scores unavailable)
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 9 MAY 2024
BATTLE OF THE ISLANDS CHAMPIONSHIPS 17
Men’s team: Iama Kurrs. Team pics supplied.
Women’s team: Style Flawa.
Men’s team: Jokers B.
Women’s team: Wantoks.
Men’s team: Mui Kuzi.
Men’s team: Pointerz.
Sarah-May Nona with Kelera O’Cloudy, Zaleah Nona, Tanaya Blanco-Burns & Selina Sailor provided atmosphere while enjoying the games. Pic Darren Moncrieff.
Hiroshi Sabatino from the Jokers turns on the jets in the game against the Buccaneers. Pic Darren Moncrieff.
ABOVE: The Stormz’ Manu Nona fires a pass away. BELOW: The Stormz team manager. Pics by Darren Moncrieff.
The Stormz and Pointerz men’s game waz entertaining. Pic Darren Moncrieff.
The Pointerz men scored this impressive try despite the close attention from Bayside Stallions players. Pic by Rosalie Jensen Photography.
ABOVE & RIGHT: The action on the field was fast and furious, and way better than that movie. Pics by Rosalie Jensen Photography.
18 SPORT
THURSDAY 9 MAY 2024 TORRES NEWS
Townsville teams dominate Foley Shield results
ABOVE: Townsville Men’s and Women’s winning sides. Pic by Marty Strecker/QRL. RIGHT: Cairns player Jordan Biondi-Odo. Pic by Jacob Grams/QRL. BY ALF WILSON Townsville has taken out the men’s and women’s divisions of the prestigious Foley Shield rugby league competition against Mackay and Cairns, played in Mackay over the long weekend. In the women’s
games, Townsville thrashed Cairns 40-nil on Sunday before the Rothana Baira-coached team won on Monday against Mackay, 24-8 to be crowned 2024 champions. Three of the best for Townsville were Gagie Mackie-Namok Jariel Martin-Savage and
Aggie Solomon. The men’s division result was not as clear cut. After each team scored their wins by a margin of four points, it came down to who had crossed for the most tries. That was Townsville, in what was described
as an unusual set of circumstances. The countback saw Townsville finish with nine tries, and Cairns and Mackay eight each. Player of the carnival went to Mackay’s Marmin Barba. His champion elder brother Ben Barba, a former NRL Dally M
Seb’s leading role in amazing comeback BY ALF WILSON Mabuiag islander Sebastian “Seb” Kris played a vital role in the Canberra Raiders’ outstanding comeback to beat Manly 26-24 on Friday night in round 9 of the NRL. Manly went into the game as hot favourites at their Brookvale Oval fortress. They led 20-6 at halftime. But the undermanned Raiders fought back in the last 40 minutes to snare an unlikely win. Seb started at centre but was moved by coach Ricky Stuart to fullback where he tackled his heart out and ran the ball strongly. Raiders’ winger Xavier Savage had a quiet night. Cowboys fall short Reuben Cotter scored a try in the sixth minute for North Queensland Cowboys but they couldn’t get over the line, losing a thriller 28-26 to The Dolphins in Townsville on Saturday. Queensland Country Bank Stadium was packed with more than 20,000 fans. The Cowboys had led 22-18 at halftime. Reuben was again one of the Cowboys’ best. Each side scored five tries but the Dolphins booted one more goal to get the win. The Dolphins were without stars Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Herbie Farnworth, Tom Flegler, Tom Gilbert and Kenny Bromwich, while the Cowboys were also without injured halfback Chad Townsend. The Cowboys travel to the Gold Coast for another Queensland derby this Sunday. Ezra best for Broncos Ezra Mam scored a try and set up two others for the Brisbane Broncos in their 40-18 loss to a
Medal winner, also lined up for Mackay. Torres/Cape in the competition The Foley Shield commenced in 1948 with just six teams and over the years sides from many towns have competed. Results Men: Cairns 28 d Mackay
rampaging Roosters at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night. Ezra, at 5/8, fired a precision short pass to Jordan Riki for the Broncos’ first try at the seventh minute. In the 46th minute, Ezra shot out a long pass to Kotoni Staggs who scored in the corner. Speedy Ezra’s try two minutes later was a classic after fullback Reece Walsh passed to Kotoni, who sent the classy Torres Strait Islander on his way to the four-pointer. However, Ezra left the field for a concussion check with 21 minutes remaining. The Roosters led 18-6 at halftime but scored were level at 18-all just after halftime then a Chooks blitz paved the way for victory. The Broncos have serious injury concerns with champion halfback Adam Reynolds and winger Jesse Arthars looking to be out of action for some time. On Friday night the Broncos,
travel to CommBank Stadium to play the Eels. David’s tireless game Courageous Gold Coast forward David Fifita made 11 tackle-breaks and ran 108 metres in his side’s narrow 22-20 loss to Melbourne on Saturday night. A big crowd watched the game at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast and David played his usual strong game. Dane stars in upset win Veteran centre Dane Gagai showed all of his 275-game experience when he shone for Newcastle in their 14-8 defeat of the Warriors 14-8 on Sunday. Dane tackled his heart out and made lots of metres in attack in the Knights home game. In a low-scoring encounter on a wet ground after lots of rain, Dane also kicked two goals. Other games Premiers Penrith thrashed South Sydney 40-12, the Bulldogs defeated Wests Tigers 22-14, and Cronulla defeated St George-Illawarra 20-10.
Results Women: Mackay 28 (Melody Tass 3 tries) d Cairns 0. Townsville 40 (Gagie Mackie Namok, Jordii Mahendrarajah 2 tries each) d Cairns 0. Townsville 24 def Mackay 8. (Champion side Townsville).
Try-time for Cutters duo BY ALF WILSON
Ezra Mam on the burst against the Sydney Roosters at the weekend. Pic NRL Photos.
24 (Marmin Barba 3 tries). Townsville 22 d Cairns 18. Mackay 22 d Townsville 18. (Townsville was awarded the 2024 XXXX Foley Shield on a try countback (Townsville 9, Cairns 8, Mackay 8).
Torres Strait Islanders Jasmine Peters and Lyrech Mara scored three tries for Mackay Cutters in an exciting 22-all draw with Brisbane Tigers in round 8 of the Statewide BMD women’s competition in Mackay on Saturday. Jasmine, at centre, scored two tries (in the 37th and 40th minutes) while teammate Lyrech, as a forward, crossed for her four-pointer at the 61st minute. Jasmine and Lyrech, both with ties to Badu, were in the run-on side while Mabuiag’s Sareka Mooka came on from the interchange bench. Regulars Tahluilah Tillett and Essay Banu didn’t line up in this game. Mackay effected an impressive comeback. The Tigers led 12-0 at halftime and it was a great fightback by the Cutters. The draw kept Cutters’ unbeaten record intact and they sit at the top of the table on 13 points, three clear of the Norths Devils in the hotly contested 10-club league. This game also saw Jasmine named captain for the first time in the absence of Tahlulah She said she had a responsibility as part of
the leadership group. “Being captain, it is exciting, especially when it’s a home game and I am a local girl from Mackay,” she said, post-match. “I wear it as a badge of honour, but I want to do my job first and captaincy comes second. “If I do my job, that’s leading the group. “Lyrech came in, did her job and stopped them in their tracks, brought energy going forward, brought metres and post-contact metres.” Dantoray Lui shines for Pride Erub United regular Dantoray Lui shone for the Northern Pride in their percentageboosting 56-12 win over the Ipswich Jets in round 8 of the men’s Hostplus Cup. Lining up at 5/8, the classy youngster scored a four-pointer in the 10-tries-to-two victory. Dantoray has speed to burn and is a clever footballer who looks to have a bright future in the code. The win was more meritorious in that it was at the Jets’ home ground in Ipswich. For the Jets, Dominic Macumboy, from Cape York, carnivals scored a try. Hunters overcome Blackhawks PNG Hunters scored one of their biggest wins
when they thrashed the Townsville Blackhawks, 52-16, at Townsville’s Jack Manski Oval on Sunday. Hunters try-scorers were Alex Max (three), Anthony Worot, Whallan Tau-Loi, Judah Rimbu, Elijah Roltinga, Finley Glare and Sanny Wabo, while sharp-shooter Jamie Mavoko kicked eight goals. The Blackhawks side included former NRL players James Tamou who was a member of the North Queensland Cowboys 2015 premiership side, and Kalifa Faifai-Loa and Matthew Wright. Quality centre Dudley Dotoi was also in the Blackhawks team. Meanwhile, Mackay, which included Jamal Shibasaki, lost 24-12 to the Brisbane Tigers at Mackay. The CQ Capras, for which Edrick Lee played on a wing, lost 22-10 to the Souths Logan Magpies for whom Tristan Sailor booted three goals. The Northern Pride are top of the table with the Cutters sixth, Hunters 10th, Capras 12th and Blackhawks 13th. Meanwhile, in the elimination final of the Mal Meninga Cup, Mackay Cutters lost 38-32 to the Ipswich Jets.
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 9 MAY 2024
Girls rise: top-three finish for our team
SPORT 19
Mistee Sagigi in action in Cairns. Long-time AFLQ football administrator in far north Queensland Rick Hanlon with some of the team. Pics supplied. The Aussie Rules football girls’ team made up of students from the NPA and the Torres Strait scored a top-three finish in the girl’s AFLQ Schools Cup in Cairns last week. The AFLQ Schools Cup competition for girls was held in Cairns and was for players in Years 7, 8 and 9. The team was made up primarily of students from Bamaga and Thursday Island. Despite only playing together for the first time on game day, the team put in thrilling displays against some of the best schools in Cairns and finished third – a fantastic effort. The junior high school players were selected on school attendance, positive behaviour and sporting talent. As the most remote northern team, they made a 2000km return trip to play. The event also put Torres Strait Islander Mistee Sagigi, 15, on the radar for selection in the under-16s Gold
Coast Suns Academy team. Mistee’s trademark ferocity at the ball and hard tackling style continued to impress over the week. The young gun was a standout in recent matches for the Suns Academy side against Brisbane Lions, Western Australia and Sydney Swans Academies. Mistee’s teammates included Kate YorkstonSoki (Year 9) and Diwadi Newman (Year 7). “If there were more opportunities to play AFL, I’d love it!” Kate said. “It’s a fun game where you can run all over the field and show off your speed.” “I feel lucky,” Diwadi said. “It was good to get the opportunity to make new friends, try something different and learn new skills.” AFL Cape York will support teams in the primary-school boys AFLQ Schools Cup at the end of next week and a second girls AFLQ Schools Cup the week after, both in
Cairns, before the annual Chris Johnson and Angie Nadredre Cup in Bamaga in August. AFL Cape York Development Coordinator Kieran Sciberras said the competition was a rare chance for the young footballers to test their skills and catch the eye of selectors. “AFL carnivals are a critical pathway to representative football for players from remote communities,” he said. “Living in a remote region, players don’t have the same sporting facilities or opportunities to train together every week and play for a club, but the natural talent still shines.” In 2023, AFL Cape York delivered more than 931 football clinics to over 13,500 young people in 58 schools across 44 communities – including across Cape York and the Torres Strait. “Some communities are only accessible by four-wheel drive or boat, plane and even helicopter, so we rely heavily on sponsorship to make it happen,”
Kieran said. “Last year AFL Cape York was the only organisation to run school-sport clinics at every school campus across the Northern Peninsula Area and the Torres Strait, including all outer islands.” The extra effort was paying off, with participation rates growing across the region and more representative teams than ever before. The shift has taken decades of dedication and generous sponsorship to grow the code in the far north. AFL Cape York General Manager Rick Hanlon said the organisation had a proud history of using football to create positive opportunities and outcomes. “Over more than 20 years, AFL Cape York has connected thousands of young people with football, including from Bamaga and Seisia on the mainland to the outer islands of the Torres Strait,” Rick said. “Since early visits in 2000, the program
has grown from not just encouraging AFL participation, but using AFL to create pathways and nurture young leaders and role models on and off the field. “Schools and teachers tell us there is a noticeable improvement in school attendance and classroom behaviour when students can play in our AFL clinics or get picked for representative teams. “Now we’re backing more girls and young women to have a go at AFL and access the opportunities it creates. “The day a player from Cape York and the Torres Strait makes it to the AFL will be a game changer. “With the amount of talent up north, it’s just a matter of time.” The team was proudly sponsored by Bamaga Enterprises Limited (BEL), AFL Queensland, (AFLQ), AFL National Indigenous Pathways, Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ), Hinterland Aviation and Torres Shire Council with accommodation provided by AFL Cape York House for Girls.
Island Rooster comp BY ALF WILSON The much anticipated Zenadth Kes Rugby League Island Rooster competition starts at Waiben on Saturday, with four teams competing. In round one at the Ken Brown Oval at 2pm, Badu side Mulga Tigers will meet arch-rivals and reigning premiers Roosters. At 4pm Pioneer Knights take on Suburbs who will field a strong team.
THURSDAY ISLAND / SEISIA
FERRY SCHEDULE MAY 2024
PLEASE NOTE: The PM ferry departure time from SEISIA is now 3.50PM
MONDAY / WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY DAILY DEPARTURES: THURSDAY ISLAND to SEISIA Depart 6.30AM & 2.30PM SEISIA to THURSDAY ISLAND Depart 8AM & 3.50PM Boarding strictly 15 mins prior to departure
PHONE 07 4069 1551 BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL – TICKET ONLINE
Action from the team’s games in Cairns.
The girls were ready to play.
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.
SPORTS CONTRIBUTIONS Please email your sports stories and photos before 5PM on Mondays. 20
THURSDAY 9 MAY 2024
J EMAIL: darren@torres.news J MOBILE: 0431 148 881
Jokers win Battle of the Islands
The action on the field was fast and furious, and way better than that movie. Pics by Rosalie Jensen Photography. BY DARREN MONCRIEFF The Battle of the Islands Touch Championships held on Waiben last weekend may have been a relaxed and happy sporting event but there wasn’t much joking around late on Sunday afternoon when the
Jokers A bested their island brothers, the Balas, to win the men’s division of the annual tournament at Ken Brown Memorial Park. To add to that success, the Jokers women’s team made it two from two when they won their division grand final over Stormz.
The event, organised by the Torres Strait Youth and Recreational Sporting Association, had a motto that was happily followed by those who played: Respect for the game, the rules, the people you’re playing against and the officials – it’s a standing tradition of sportsmanship.
And that’s how it was. It was a well-organised and well-played event, attracting sizable local crowds over the four days of competition (Thursday through to Sunday). On the field, and in the men’s division first quarterfinal game, Jokers A made
their intentions clear. The men in aqua-blue were too slick for the brave Pointerz and they won 9-2 to book a semi-final berth with the Chiefs. Here, the Chiefs put up a solid showing in which they kept Jokers A to just 6 points, however they themselves
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could only manage 4; the win elevating the Jokers A men to the decider. Meeting them there were the classy Balas who, in the second quarter-final game, had a heart-stopper of a win over Mui Kuzi, 6-4. Story continued & more pics PAGES 16 & 17 N