Torres News_Edition 131_23 May 2024

Thursday, 23 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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Languages win in budget boost

More than 100 language educators, linguists, cultural practitioners and leaders came together to strengthen traditional language maintenance efforts on Wabien earlier this month. Pictured is Lala Gutchen hosting a breakout session as Terrence Whap speaks at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre. Pics by Lewis Bin Doraho.

The Albanese Government has committed to preserving Torres Strait and Aboriginal languages and dialects with a commitment to $53.8 million in funding over four years to establish two new First Nations language centres, boost funding for existing centres and support language learning initiatives.

The announcement was made by Torres Strait Traditional Languages Association (TSTLA) Kulkalgal Representative and Board Member Phillemon Mosby mid-

way through the 2024 Zenadth Kes Language Symposium and was well-received.

Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM supported the budget decision and said they would continue to advance traditional language conservation.

“We are seeing our government invest in real actions to improve First Nations people’s lives,” Mr Stephen said.

“The funding for language is part of the government’s commitment to the 2024 Closing the Gap

Implementation Plan.

“It also supports UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032).

“TSRA is committed to the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area regions to support language education, culture, and policy to increase the awareness and usage of our traditional languages.

“TSRA’s Traditional Languages Strategy and Torres Strait Dance Strategy are some of the cultural maintenance initiatives delivered by the Culture Art and Heritage Program.”

Torres Strait

Traditional Languages Association (TSTLA) Chairperson Cygnet Repu welcomed the funding announcement as an opportunity to bolster language programs in the region.

“Driven by pillars of resilience, capability and innovation, our shared vision is to ensure our people speak and use traditional languages every day,” Mr Repu said.

“Australia’s Closing the Gap strategy, through Target 16 supports this vision and our objectives, and we hope to see this funding as a boost to existing and future efforts.”

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First Languages Australia (FLA) CEO Beau Williams, who delivered a keynote at the symposium, said they had advocated for national legislative change.

“While this funding is a good start, we need to work towards national legislation to protect our languages and our culture,” he said. “This will not only benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, but it will enrich the broader community.”

The 2024 Zenadth Kes Language Symposium was held from 14-16 May at

TSTLA Kulkalgal Representative and Board member Phillemon Mosby at the 2024 Language Symposium on Waiben. the Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Waiben earlier this month.

Local language representatives from all the five clusters of Zenadth Kes were there to work with delegates from state and national

organisations and government bodies.

For more Language Symposium pics and reports see Pages 14-15 N For more 2024 Budget news see Pages 16-17 N

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THURSDAY 23 MAY 2024 TORRES NEWS

Croc management consultation open The Queensland Government has opened consultations on a revised draft of the Queensland Crocodile Management

Plan (draft plan), which provides the framework for managing estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles in Queensland.

Pic sourced.

The draft plan aimed to balance the highest possible levels of public safety with the conservation of crocodile populations in areas of crocodile habitat (Croc Country).

The draft plan included important local changes that: • provided a consistent approach to crocodile management for Queensland • ensured an evidence-based approach to

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conserving estuarine crocodiles while increasing public safety • defined the crocodile management zones and explained how the Queensland Government managed crocodiles in each zone • outlined the risks posed by crocodiles in Queensland.

The draft plan used a ‘response-based management approach’, which involved taking appropriate action based on the crocodile management zone where an animal was identified.

The revised draft plan included: updates to the • existing crocodile • management zones • clearer information about the risks and management responses for each zone to help improve the community’s understanding about crocodile management in their area

•

clearer information outlining how ‘problem crocodiles’ were identified, targeted for removal and what happens to those that have been removed • the introduction of an annual feedback process for the plan, including the opportunity for members of the public to request changes to the crocodile management zones • information about trials to proactively change crocodile behaviour using conditioning techniques (such as hazing) to increase wariness and drive them away from high-use recreation areas.

Crocodiles that posed a threat to human safety would continue to be targeted for removal in line with the requirements of the different management zones.

How to provide feedback: You can either: 1. Complete an online survey: https:// intheloop.des.qld.gov.au/crocodilemanagement-plan or 2. Lodge a written submission: Email: des.crocodiles@des.qld.gov.au Or post to: Queensland Crocodile Management Plan Consultation Department of Environment and Science GPO Box 2454 Brisbane Qld 4001 Consultation closes Wednesday 5 June 2024 at 11.59pm.

For more information see https:// environment.desi.qld.gov.au/wildlife/ animals/living-with/crocodiles/ management/consultation

Former-Olympic champion jailed International basketballer, and the first Torres Strait Islander to represent Australia at the Olympics, Danny Morseu, has been found guilty of one count of assault occasioning bodily harm to a woman he punched in the head repeatedly in June 2022.

He has been sentenced to 18 months

in prison, suspended after four months.

Mr Morseu was removed from the Australian Olympic Committee’s (AOC’s) Indigenous Advisory Committee after the verdict. AOC Indigenous liaison officer Kyle Vander-Kuyp said he was “blindsided” to learn Mr Morseu had hidden the charges against him for almost two years.

NEWS 03

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 23 MAY 2024

Local docs and midwives up to speed in happy birthdays

BY DARREN MONCRIEFF Families in the Torres Strait experiencing pregnancy-related issues can present at the hospital with confidence after clinicians with the Australian Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance visited Waiben to bring local doctors and midwives up to speed with the latest in pregnancy care and preterm birth prevention earlier this month Visiting physicians

to the Thursday Island Preterm Birth Prevention Workshop included Australian Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance and Collaborative chair, Professor John Newnham, Queensland Alliance lead Dr Chris Lehner and Townsville foetal maternal specialist Dr David Watson working with Thursday Island Hospital’s entire maternity team, among them local GPs and obstetricians Dr Jack Sloss, Dr Tegan Allin and Dr Jake Parker.

Dr Parker said each year there were between 100-150 babies born at Thursday Island Hospital.

A pre-term birth was at around 37 weeks of the 40 weeks generally considered normal.

“Nationally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have pre-term births more frequently than non-Indigenous women,” Dr Parker said.

“It was around seven to eight per cent more for non-Indigenous women,

Jessica and Koeygab Pabai with their eldest daughter Tay, and new arrivals (twins), pictured with Jessica’s parents Tunam and Nick Sabatino and Dr Leigh.

but for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women it was around 10-15 per cent.”

The workshop at Thursday Island Hospital worked towards safely reducing rates of pre-term and early-term birth, and was the latest instalment of the Every Week Counts Preterm Birth Prevention Collaborative.

Included in the workshop was a sonographer’s session with Dr Watson, a hands-on obstetric skills workshop including an emergency drill in the birth suite, and a vaginal breech birth station run

by Professor Newnham.

“We practised scenarios of women having a baby with specific procedures,” Dr Parker said.

“Women go into labour early for a variety of reasons.

“Sometimes babies are born at 36 weeks, and all is fine, but sometimes the baby is small and unwell, so for those reasons workshops like this help.”

The visiting contingent learnt about

Key members of Thursday Island Hospital, the Australian Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance and Every Week Counts Collaborative gather for the inaugural Thursday Island Preterm Birth Prevention Workshop. the work the Thursday Island team did as they faced challenges in resourcing, staffing and retrieving patients from islands like Saibai and Boigu.

Thursday Island Hospital was a foundational partner of the Commonwealth Government-funded Every Week Counts National Preterm Birth Prevention Collaborative which linked more than 60 maternity hospitals across the country, who worked together to safely prevent preterm and early term birth, and to bridge the gap between what was actually happening on the ground and what they knew would improve

outcomes for women and their babies.

The Every Week Counts Collaborative was a collaboration between the Australian Preterm Birth Prevention

Alliance, Women’s Healthcare Australasia, Institute for Healthcare Improvement, Safer Care Victoria, and the Women and Infants Research Foundation.

Dr Jack Sloss and Professor John Newnham oversee a hands-on obstetric skills workshop at Thursday Island Hospital.

W4Q working for Councils

TSIRC CEO James William.

Pic by Christine Howes.

The Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) is positioning the region to benefit from the state Government’s largest-ever round of Works for Queensland (W4Q) funding, CEO James William says.

Last week, Queensland Treasury released $300 million to support hundreds of projects in regional Queensland including housing, critical infrastructure and regional economic development.

Local Government Association of Queensland President Mark Jamieson said Works for Queensland provided vital funding for councils to deliver projects in their local communities, as well as help keep skills, workers and their families in regional communities.

He said while councils welcomed the extension of the program and the top-up to $100 million a year, councils and their communities would continue to advocate for Works for Queensland to be made permanent and indexed.

Applications opened earlier this month for councils to propose local

projects, such as housing supply and supporting infrastructure, water infrastructure, community safety, roads and drainage, disaster resilience and community sports facilities.

TSIRC has said it was ready to work with the various state government departments tasked with doling out the funds.

“Our team at TSIRC is actively collaborating to ensure our project proposal is submitted well ahead of the July deadline,” TSIRC chief executive James William said.

“Aligned with our Corporate Plan, our vision is for communities and council to thrive autonomously, prosperously, and sustainably.

“Within our strategic framework, particularly under the pillars of Sustainability and Prosperity, we are dedicated to effective future planning and fostering regional prosperity through enterprise development.”

Under new guidelines, Councils could put part of their allocated funding towards planning for key infrastructure as well as staff training to operate essential assets.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said regional councils were the coalface of delivering critical infrastructure across every region of the state.

“Regional councils are at the coalface of delivering for their growing communities, well above the roads, rates and rubbish they are often tagged with,” he said.

For more information, including funding guidelines, visit www. localgovernment.qld.gov.au/worksfor-queensland

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Free Event

04 NEWS Good turnout for Labour Day PICS BY CARLI WILLIS The Thursday Island Labour Day march was held last Friday evening, starting from Anzac Park and through to the Thursday Island Bowls

Club, where there was a seated Island Feast.

Marchers included members of the Queensland Nurses, Teachers, Independent Education, United Workers and Electrical Trades Unions, the public servants’ union Together and others.

THURSDAY 23 MAY 2024 TORRES NEWS

Speakers reflected on the achievements of union members and supporters in the community and their ability to change the course of history by securing better wages, safer jobs and working conditions.

New palliative care service launched

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A new culturally sensitive service to support people in the final stages of their lives has been launched in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area.

The new palliative care service was part of the Post-Acute Care and Rehabilitation and Aged Care (PARAC) team and was formed after a $171 million funding boost by the State Government in 2022 for end-of-life services across Queensland.

The service included a clinical nurse and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker who have undergone specialist training to support the needs of the communities.

The team was working closely with the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) Pop-Up Palliative Care Service (PUPS) and Cairns Hospital.

PARAC Health

Program Manager Diai Luffman said the team had strong connections to the community and were aware of the cultural sensitivity required when speaking to people and their families about palliative care.

“This service aims to be a part and parcel of how we look after our loved ones when they need care the most,” she said. “The Palliative Care Team can visit at home for nursing care, medication, getting equipment or other support.

“Being near the salt water and with extended family – our people want to come home no matter what the circumstances.”

TCHHS Acting Executive General Manager North Marita Sagigi said the new service was available to people throughout the Torres Strait and NPA. “Being able to offer palliative care services to our communities is a way to provide dignity to people in the final stages

of their lives and to offer support to them and their families,” she said.

“We have seen the success of our PUPS team throughout our health service.

“It is wonderful to keep bringing these types of services closer to home and have people working in the service who understand our communities and have cultural awareness around what can be a very challenging time for people and their families.”

As part of Palliative Care Week this week, the new team held a community information session and morning tea at the Thursday Island Community Centre earlier this week.

A second session will be held on Thursday Island at the Torres Strait Aged Care Centre tomorrow (Friday) 24 May from 10am – 12pm.

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Staff from the new Thursday Island palliative care service: Advanced Health Worker Victor Nona, Program Manager Diai Luffman and Advanced Health Worker Daniel Gela.

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TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 23 MAY 2024

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Family Wellbeing Services help families safely care for and protect their children Addressing your family’s needs Stacie met with a responsive team who wasted no time in addressing her family’s urgent needs. The FWS immediately collaborated with other agencies to secure transitional housing for Stacie and her children.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Wellbeing Services (FWS) are a culturally safe and free service for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families who have children under 18 living in their care.

The service covers the whole of Queensland, including the Torres Strait Islands and Cape York Peninsula.

“When I moved into the transitional property, I didn’t have anything. The FWS were able to assist with the essential stuff that I needed.”

Each year more than 5,000 families attend FWS for support with parenting and family issues. Families receive culturally safe support based on their families’ strengths and local community needs.

The services are delivered

by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations and the services are available for all family members including parents, grandparents, and other kin.

Getting back on track One family who has benefitted from Family Wellbeing Services is Stacie and her children.

When Stacie found herself grappling with self-doubt and uncertainty about her ability

to provide for her children as a single parent, she turned to FWS for guidance and support.

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Reflecting on her journey, Stacie said, “I just felt like I needed to gain some assistance to make sure I was on the right track in doing what I was doing.”

She emphasised the important role FWS played in her family’s transition from crisis to stability. Initially feeling overwhelmed and lost, she felt supported by the fast and comprehensive assistance provided by her wellbeing provider.

“It was a really quick process from when I first linked to my wellbeing provider. They came out at that time when me and my children were homeless, living in a motel.”

Through guidance and practical assistance, the FWS assisted Stacie to establish a stable environment conducive to her children’s ongoing wellbeing and education. From essential household items to educational resources and school uniforms, every step of their journey was met with tailored assistance.

“I do have two children with ADHD, so structure is something that is important for them. My family wellbeing worker was able to help and support me be able to implement that into our house,” said Stacie.

“Everything we accessed was free and really easy, even for further referrals.”

Stacie went on to describe how the FWS facilitated referrals to additional support networks and services, including counselling, ensuring she and her children received comprehensive support to strengthen their future.

Working towards a brighter future Today, Stacie has newfound stability and empowerment. With a secure home environment and employment, she has regained her confidence and is working towards a brighter future.

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THURSDAY 23 MAY 2024 TORRES NEWS

Tagai students create their own book STORY & PIC BY CARLI WILLIS Representatives from the Indigenous Literacy Foundation have travelled to Waiben to work with a group of students from Waybeni Koey Ngurapay Mudh, Tagai State College to create a book.

Since 2013 the ILF Create program has made a new book every year at the Tiwi College on Melville Island in the Northern Territory.

Waybeni Koey Ngurapay Mudh was the second school to take on the program and the first time young men had participated in the program.

ILF’s Program Manager and Tiwi woman Tictac Moore said it was a huge deal.

“Hopefully, we can come back every year, and follow the same group through until they leave school, and they just keep doing a different book every year,” she said.

“The great thing about our community projects, and the Create program is it allows community mob to tell their stories the way that they want to tell it.

“It’s completely their work, it’s their texts, the illustrations and the language that’s used is decided on them.

“We just help them through the process, print it and we give it back to the communities to do what they want with it.”

Back row – Tyrell Viti, Ms Tictac Moore, Shontay Kelly, Lucas Dewis-Ingleby, Mr Ben Kanowski, Ms Leitha Assan, Ms Deb Lui, Mr Patrick Mangan. Middle row – Ms. Cindy Manfong, Kunio Sagigi, Jimmy Luffman, Louisa Mene. Front row – Emily SeeKee, and Sally Gela.

Ms Moore said some communities who worked with ILF only shared the books with their community, while others shared them with the wider Australia.

She said it was important communities had agency over telling their own stories, something that had been denied of First Nations people for generations.

Boigu

Bamaga B

“Growing up, there weren’t kids books about where I come from,” she said.

“All the books to do with my mob were history books.

“I don’t remember ever seeing a book about a Tiwi child, like a fun book or a book that has the Tiwi language through it.”

Ms Moore said over the

generations the books created by the Tiwi students were having a lasting impact.

“One book is called Tiwi Girl and it’s teenage girls writing about a teenage girl, and just life what life was like in real life,” she said.

“They did another book, which was about a buffalo and a dog who were best friends, and they were real

animals that lived in community.

“Just telling their stories and using their language in something that’s relatable.”

She said that the Tiwi books helped to encourage more young people to read.

“They got to two or three pages in and there was a Tiwi word and [the kids] were like, ‘Hey, miss, this is Tiwi’!”

“As soon as they realised it was Tiwi, they just smashed it and then I had to find another book to give them.”

Ms Moore said the impact went further, carrying stories through generations.

“It’s been running about 10 years now, and there are authors from the first book who are now mothers,” she said.

“Their children are starting to see the books that their parents wrote and you’ve also got the younger siblings, from the first few groups.

“The big sisters and little sisters have all come through this program, which I think is pretty special.”

She said next month the project the young people would travel to Sydney to see the finished product after which a book launch would be held on Waiben.

“I can already see the book in my head, I can’t wait,” she said.

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08 ARTS NEWS Poet Meleika wins black&write!

STORY BY FLORA WARRIA. PIC SUPPLIED.

THURSDAY 23 MAY 2024 TORRES NEWS

UMI Arts showcases young artists UMI Arts showcase for the distinct and diverse talent and storytelling of Far North Queensland’s young and emerging First Nations artists Culture Through Our Eyes will open to the public tomorrow in Cairns.

Featuring the work of 14 talented young artists from Djarragun College, St Mary’s and St Monica’s Catholic Colleges and Trinity Bay High School, Culture Through Our Eyes encompassed a colourful and impressive collection of 27 works in various mediums from oil on

canvas to charcoal, watercolours, and ceramics – all of which were uniquely inspired by the artists’ homelands, culture, and experience.

Those artists included Jasmine Davis (Torres Strait Islands and Aboriginal), Peter Levi (Moa Island), Sienna Loban (Wagadagam, Kulkalgal, Wuthathi) and Penelope Savage (Moa Island).

The youth arts initiative, which was launched in 2022, will run until 30 June.

For more information see umiarts.com.au

Meleika Gesa–Fatefehi is one of the two First Nations poets to win the State Library of Queensland’s to be chosen as one “To be told that this prestigious of two winners of the will possibly be the black&write! black&write! Fellowship first book by a Torres Fellowships. for 2024,” Meleika said.

Strait Islander poet It’s the first time “I’m so thankful and to be published by a both fellowships were grateful to my parents, mainstream publishing awarded to poets. siblings, community, and house is both exciting Meleika’s winning family back home. and shameful; for our entry To Clear Your “Also, so thankful to people have deserved Throat of Fish was Sydney Nan and Nan, described as a powerful opportunities like this both my grandmothers, political personal who aren’t here anymore before me, but I’m poetry collection that grateful to start this and my Papa, Segar examined themes of journey so I can help the Passi, who I have learnt nature, displacement and so much from. next. connection to country.

“I wouldn’t be the “This win is not my “With fire and sovereign storyteller I own, but ours, I always ferocity, the poet am today without my do this for my people beautifully encapsulates everyone’s love, care, and home, to make sure the spirit of the islands,” and strength. our stories continue to the judges said.

“My manuscript is exist.

Meleika, who lived dedicated to them all, “I am so excited to in Acacia Ridge in to remind everyone that know if my work was Brisbane, said it was a I am a product of both 9/5____ , 16/5____ ,published 23/5____ 30/5____ my, people and , 6/6____ , 13/6____ , 20/6____ & 27/6/24____ great opportunity. Issue/s: resilient ancestors and family would be shared “It’s truly an AVIATION. staunch warriors Jasmine Davis Penelope Savage HINTERLAND *19x7 LFSand ad @ $45incl. with the world.” honour and blessing knowledge keepers.

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NEWS 09 Mayo’s referendum handbook wins national Book of the Year award TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 23 MAY 2024

“We did the right moment in the Australian noise for people to find the truth. thing.” political and cultural landscape: “The Voice to “[Opposition leader] Mr Mayo said he was Parliament Handbook Peter Dutton and the proud of the work he is an extraordinary [LNP] purposefully and others did to try to achievement, developed confused people; they improve the lives of First Thomas Mayo has under intense time caused confusion and Nations people. never met a political constraints imposed by it was hazardous to the “I’m writing another setback he hasn’t the referendum, and campaign,” he said. book now to help guide stared down and so, bolstered by strong “I want people to people on what to do in the wake of the support from retailers,” remember who chose next and it will be called defeat of the national the AIBA said. to take a political Always Was, Always Will referendum he helped Despite Mayo’s and opportunity out of this, Be, The Campaign for to lead last year, the the allies’ best efforts, rather than improving Justice and Recognition Kaurareg Aboriginal the referendum failed. the way Indigenous Continues,” he said. and Kalkalgal, people can be heard and “I had been working He said that book Erubamle Torres Strait to improve our lives and on the Uluru Statement would come out in Islander man has the opportunities of our from the Heart for five August or September. emerged to celebrate Thomas Mayo, winner of the AIBA 2024 Book of the Year Award. children. years and something Next week Mr Mayo a major award for a Inset: 2023’s The Voice to Parliament Handbook. Pics by AIBA. “Polling showed a I learnt from that was will be on Waiben book he co-authored 60-40 Yes-No outcome, you can take for granted to launch a book with Kerry O’Brien the AIBA Social Impact “The book had a huge the referendum. but it flipped 40-60 when he worked on with that even our people and cartoonist Cathy and Non-Fiction Book of impact, over 100,000 “I decided to get the LNP decided to go don’t know the full Bernard Namok Jr, or Wilcox. the Year awards. copies sold in less than moving,” he said. against it.” history of us trying to be Bala B; Our Flag, Our six months and people Mayo, who also is “Unfortunately, “I wanted a co-author heard, like with ATSIC Still, Mayo wouldn’t Story; The Torres Strait were buying 10 or 20 the elected Assistant the referendum didn’t and wanted a nonand Congress, then be change how he and Islander Flag. books themselves to give National Secretary of succeed and so when Indigenous author. silenced,” Mayo said.

O’Brien went about it. to friends and family.

“There’s kids all the Maritime Union of I first heard that it was “I sought out “So there was this “There is nothing I’d around Australia that can Australia, was on hand shortlisted for some “I do think it made Kerry because of his need to make something change in regards to the learn about our flag, our at the recent Australian awards, it was a bit an impact and helped experience and calibre of permanent and get writing of the book,” he culture and our place in Industry Book Awards bittersweet, I wasn’t that us get close to half Indigenous affairs. people talking about it.” said. the world,” he said.

(AIBA) where 2023’s excited,” he said. of Australians voting “We had a short The Voice to Parliament ‘Yes’.”

Even then, it wasn’t “Only that with Mr Mayo said he “But then the more amount of time to finish Handbook won the enough to overcome the hindsight it showed we would continue to write that I thought about He said he came up 9/5____ , 16/5____ , with 23/5____ , 30/5____ , 6/6____ , 13/6____ , 20/6____ & 27/6/24____needed that EXCEL DOC E DUMMY E Ad F E coveted AIBA Book Issue/s: of great and massive levels [bipartisan] and advocate for better it, I thought, we did the idea to write the it.” the Year Award. AVIATION. The handbook was of disinformation, he support, from Labor and rights for Indigenous something was book November 2022, HINTERLAND *21x7that SCHEDULES ad @in$45incl. said – there was so much the Coalition.

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THURSDAY 23 MAY 2024 TORRES NEWS

EMPLOYER INCENTIVE FUNDING

Support for our local employers With solutions focused staff available across the Torres Strait Islands MGNM is here to work with local employers to support their specific recruitment, staff training and retention requirements.

Meriba Ged Ngalpun Mab (MGNM) can support employers in the Torres region to access up to $10,000 of Employer Incentive payments, available through the Community Development Program.

By hiring local job seekers through MGNM, employers may be eligible for this funding opportunity.

Employers can use Employer Incentive Funding in any way they choose, including to cover additional training and supervision costs or as a wage subsidy.

The incentive is paid once a job seeker has been employed full time for 26 weeks and is payable through MGNM. An employer is eligible to receive a oneoff payment of up to $10,000 for full time employees or up to $5,000 for part time employees, subject to specific conditions.

We recommend you discuss your planned recruitment with us prior to commencing a job seeker in employment to understand what funding may be available.

$ 10,000

Your Business Sum of Ten thousand dollars only ment For the purpose of Supporting local employ

Pay

For more information

CONTACT US NOW jobs@gbk.org.au ph 07 4212 0000

11

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 23 MAY 2024

|

Robert Charlie & Charlotte Cook |

PEDDELLS FERRY SERVICES

Robert and Charlotte are setting sail on their new careers with Peddells Ferry Services, thanks to the support from GBK MGNM’s Zenadth Kes Next Gen program. Starting in late April, they have been employed as Deckhands, taking on daily responsibilities that include maintenance of vessels and deckhand duties.

were enrolled in First Aid Training at TAFE, equipping them with essential skills for their new roles.

Now in work, MGNM continues to offer ongoing support and mentoring, with daily check-ins and assistance with HR enquiries. Robert and Charlotte expressed their enthusiasm for their new roles, stating, “We enjoy working on the boat and would This hands-on experience gives them a real-world love to further our education and experience as introduction to the workforce and the marine skippers, potentially gaining our masters.” industry.

GBK extends our Au Esoau, Koeyma Eso, Many Before starting these new roles, the GBK MGNM’s Thanks to the team at Peddells Ferry Services for Zenadth Kes Next Gen program assisted Robert their partnership. and Charlotte in getting ready for work, providing If you are a local employer interested in supporting personal protective equipment (PPE), including young individuals like Robert and Charlotte, shoes, raincoats, and uniforms. Additionally, they contact the MGNM team.

For more information

CONTACT US NOW

RIGHT JOB RIGHT PERSON RIGHT FIT

jobs@gbk.org.au ph 07 4212 0000

12 NEWS ‘Crash’ headed for different Ailan dream Acting Inspector Anthony Moynihan of the Torres Strait Patrol Group has spoken fondly of his time here as he left the region last Sunday with his family to take up a post in the Whitsunday Islands, north of Mackay along the Queensland coast.

Insp Moynihan said he was leaving the Torres Strait with a head full of memories and a heart overflowing with gratitude.

The man they called ‘Crash’ said the five years he spent here had affected him at a personal level.

“It’s completely changed who I am, and as a police officer,” he said. “I used to watch A Country Practice with Mum and Dad, and I wanted to be that police officer (in the show) so for me to be able to do that, and here, has been wonderful.

“I have evolved into this culture. I was a hardened detective but this has been a wonderful experience for me and my family.

“I have learnt so

much in my time here, sharing and caring, and doing things a lot slower.”

He acknowledged the close-knit community and inter-related social issues played a huge role in how local police approached their work here on the islands.

However, he said the scourge of domestic violence was no different to anywhere else in the country.

“We work with Wakai Waian, the women’s shelter, Mura Kosker; we did the vigil at Bach Beach, and Thursday Island is no different to the country in how we react to domestic violence,” he said.

“Culturally, we have law, and then there is cultural lore.

“Torres Strait Islanders would have a different understanding of domestic violence legislation, like coercive control, for example, so it’s really important if lawmakers want to make a blanket approach in regards to domestic violence legislation, then First Nations people

SERVICES NETWORK

must be involved in that.”

Insp Moynihan said border issues were also unique to the region.

“The border (with PNG) is a big issue; the Treaty is a difficulty to police,” he said.

“We work with the Australian Border Force, DFAT – it’s a challenge to protect the border, the challenge is trying to have police everywhere.”

He also wanted to remind people to remember the basics of personal safety and property security. He said in recent weeks, police have reported several car thefts, mostly as opportunistic crimes.

“I just want to remind people to lock up because there have been a few break-ins, people sneaking in and around verandas, and a few cars going missing, with keys left inside,” he said.

He said they were more than happy to report a happy outcome in a recent search-andrescue where a dinghy capsized in rough conditions near Mer.

AN INITIATIVE OF THE QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT THROUGH ARTS QUEENSLAND

The three men on board survived the ordeal and were rescued.

“That could have ended badly,” he said.

“But it was a fantastic result because they had their safety issues covered – an EPIRB and life jackets, which are so important.”

Perhaps one of his proudest moments here came in his role of President of the nationally awardwinning Zenadth Kes Junior Rugby League organisation.

“That little club is dynamite [with] Marita Sagigi, Reece Davies, Caitlin and Georgey Nona and Uncle Terry Abdedengo,” he said.

“I just showed up to coach, which I had never done before.

“I was in line getting a coffee at Dan’s and Reece was there and he encouraged me to do that.

“I’ve got real relationships with the kids now, I put my heart and soul into it, and my wife Cara has given her heart and soul into it, too.

THURSDAY 23 MAY 2024 TORRES NEWS

ABOVE: Acting Inspector Anthony Moynihan and his family Cara, Tilly & Gus. RIGHT: Crash with TSIMA presenter Jen Enosa.

“I was just lucky that when we won those awards, I was privileged to be part of that tiny club, and to accept the awards.”

Insp Moynihan’s senior position has been advertised and a panel appointed to decide who would fill his role.

TORRES STRAIT ISLANDERS MEDIA ASSOCIATION INC.

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

CREATIVE’S CATCH UP

30

Thursday May 2024

5pm – 6:30pm l TSIMA Radio Station 69 Douglas Street, Thursday Island Everyone welcome. Snacks provided.

Meet and connect with other Artists and Creatives Join a Creative Practice Accountability Group Provide feedback on plans for the Business Skills Development Groups

RSVP: Anthea Patrick

RASN Arts Officer / TSIMA Project Support

0408 787 824

projects@tsima4mw.org.au

The Regional Arts Services Network is an initiative of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. RASNTN is collaboratively executed by Regional Development Australia Tropical North in partnership with Cook Shire Council and Torres Strait Islanders’ Media Association.

CLIMATE CHANGE NEWS 13

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 23 MAY 2024

New Archbishop supports climate change calls

Masig community leaders and their families, including Yessie Mosby (third from right, standing) welcomed Dr McRose Elu, Archbishop Jeremy Greaves and his wife Josie Greaves at a dinner at Masig Community Hall. Pics supplied.

Queensland’s new Anglican Archbishop has echoed the urgent call of local Traditional Owners to limit global average surface warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial temperatures following his recent visit to Poruma and Masig Islands.

The Most Reverend Jeremy Greaves, whose seven-day Torres Strait Islands tour ended last week, said he was struck by the enormity and complexity of climate change’s impacts on low-lying islands.

“While sandbags and seawalls protect villages and communities, these are only a temporary fix,” Archbishop Greaves said.

“It is also a ‘fix’ that has other impacts — a seawall that protects a village also prevents turtles from nesting, a boat ramp substantial enough to withstand the higher tides changes [and causes] the movement of sand so it covers seagrass and impacts dugong habitats.

“There is a sense of urgency that we miss ‘down south’ — along one Masig coastline, three metres of beach have been lost in the last couple of years.

“Local people hold much wisdom about the tides, seas and changes to the seasons and say that this wisdom is often not taken into account when ‘solutions’ are developed and implemented.

“They feel forgotten by the rest of Australia and by government and ask that funding of amelioration projects involves greater consultation and that federal MPs visit.”

He said the government had been quick to support Pacific nations.

“They see

government money being spent in Kiribati and Tuvalu and, while not arguing about the urgency and necessity of supporting these island nations, they say they are not getting the same level of support from their government,” he said.

“After witnessing the complexity of the impacts first-hand, I echo the call for further commitments to reducing the burning of fossil fuels to limit warming to 1.5 degrees in line with the Paris Agreement, which Australia is party to.”

TSIRC Councillor Francis Pearson showed the Archbishop around Poruma, with his wife Josie Greaves (a qualified midwife), senior Saibai elder Dr McRose Elu and Anglican Church Southern Queensland justice unit coordinator Peter Branjerdporn.

The Brisbane-based visitors witnessed the hightide lapping the edges of Poruma’s town and the alarming levels of land erosion, as well as the ways committed locals were actively reducing their environmental footprint.

On Masig the visitors met with the Reverend Ned Mosby from St John the Evangelist Anglican Church, newly elected councillor Ted Mosby and climate advocate Yessie Mosby.

Mr Mosby said he invited other mainland leaders to follow the Archbishop’s example and visit the Torres Strait’s low-lying islands.

“Watching Archbishop Jeremy jump out of one of the Torres Strait Island’s smallest planes with Josie, Aunty McRose and Peter gave me hope and inspired me to fight more,” Mr Mosby said.

“The Archbishop made it his own business to come and stay on Masig and witness and face what we live every day.

“And he came with such humbleness, sitting with us and eating with us — I hold a deep respect for a person who will come and share a meal.

“We invite Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen and Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek to come and visit our islands, as Archbishop Jeremy did, and listen to us and witness the impacts of climate change.”

Dr Elu said she was shocked by the level of shoreline erosion she witnessed during her visit.

“It’s been ages since I’ve been to Poruma and Masig, and it was distressing looking at how the islands have shrunk, where the shorelines have eroded, and how ancestral resting places have been washed away,” Dr Elu said.

“I observed in my spiritual and cultural way the Archbishop and Josie listening deeply and engaging in conversation with people and seeing them walking on the beach connecting with the ocean and the land.

“People were uplifted by his visit — I had a beautiful message from a senior elder from Masig that the Archbishop’s visit was a blessing for the island, and that his presence and walks on the shores strengthened the island.

“And, one of the aunties on Poruma made a beautiful remark about Josie [Mrs Greaves] saying that spending time sharing a meal with

Josie is something they will never forget because of her humility and strength.”

Mrs Greaves said her understanding of the connection that Torres Strait Islander peoples had with the land and sea was deepened during her visit.

“Meeting Yessie and listening to the stories of his island home that reach back many generations — ‘before time’ — changed my understanding of First Nations peoples’ connection to their Country,” she said.

“He could point to coconut and oak trees, which have been uprooted and are now lying on the beach, that only a year ago his kids were playing under.

“Most confronting was the desecration of his ancestors’ resting places by climate change’s impacts.

“Yessie also shared with us the practice of burying the placentas of the baby boys born to families who live on Masig.

“Women must leave the island to birth their babies, travelling to Thursday Island, but return with their baby to Masig, burying the placenta and planting a coconut tree on top.

“As the coconut tree grows and bears fruit this signals a time for ceremony for the boy the placenta belonged to.

“As a midwife I am aware of the significance of the placenta — the work it does to support the growing baby — and I have some understanding that for First Nations people it is important, especially if birthing on Country is not available to them, as they can bring the placenta back to connect the child to Country.”

During his visit, the

Yessie Mosby, Archbishop Jeremy Greaves, the Reverend Ned Mosby and Councillor Ted Mosby at the Masig Jetty.

Archbishop Jeremy Greaves, Cr Francis Pearson, Dr McRose Elu and Josie Greaves on Poruma.

Archbishop Jeremy Greaves and Uncle Don Whap at the TSRA Offices on Thursday Island.

The group being shown the impact of Climate Change on Masig.

Archbishop also went to Waiben where he presided over a Sunday service, confirmed a parishioner at All Souls and St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church and met with the Reverend Ben Paton, parish councillors, Mothers Union members and the Melanesian Brothers.

On Thursday Island

the Archbishop spoke with Aunty Jen Enosa at Radio 4MW and met with Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Ranger Mentor Uncle Don Whap, who said that climate change was causing extra stress for local young people who already faced enough challenges.

The Archbishop’s

tour, from 8-14 May, was funded with the assistance of an Anglican Board of Mission grant in support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander priorities.

Follow the Anglican Church Southern Queensland on Facebook or at www. anglicanchurchsq.org.au

14 NEWS

THURSDAY 23 MAY 2024 TORRES NEWS

Local language groups enjoy TSRA symposium STORY & PICS BY BY FLORA WARRIA Our local language representatives from all five clusters of the Zenadth Kes region were on Waiben for the third Zenadth Kes Traditional Language Symposium 2024, held over three days earlier this month.

The theme was Language Matters: Ngalpun Ney (Kala lagaw ya) Keriba Mirgiz Ermeili (Meriam Mir).

Guests were treated to a welcome dinner followed by ailan dancing from the Kaziw Meta College dance troupe.

Delegates from state and national organisations and government bodies were there to hear directly from representatives of our island communities, funded and organised by TSRA (Culture, Arts and Heritage Program).

Those involved included representatives from First Languages Australia;

Keriba Erub Mir; Poruma Indigenous Knowledge Centre, Kaurareg Ya Community Projects, Tagai State College, TSIMA, Mura Boeygulgau Babaya ah, Balaya ah, Kaziew Kubar Thoeridhay Kod (BBK-KTK).

TSRA Rangers (TEK/ Importance of traditional language in the Caring for Country program), University of Queensland, Miromaa, Gathang Language Group, Kala Lagaw Ya (songs project)

TN0461 • 11-04-24

and Zenadth Kes Youth representatives were also there, as was the newly formed Torres Strait Traditional Language Association (TSTLA).

TSRA member for Mer and Assistant Portfolio Member for the Culture, Art and Heritage Program Bobby Kaigey was the MC. TSTLA deputy chair Aunty Maria Tapim welcomed everyone in her opening statement.

“We unite together to reflect, to share, to teach,

to learn, to listen and to move forward together in this our journey to revive and maintain our unique and beautiful traditional languages throughout this, our God-given nation of Zenadth Kes,” she said.

“I would respectfully acknowledge our elders who are here today in this room, our elders who had gone by, our elders throughout Zenadth Kes and throughout mainland Australia, because it is them who are our language

keepers, our knowledge holders, our library.

“And I would like to acknowledge our young people, our youth, it is them that we will pass the tamer (the responsibility, the baton) for them to carry on. “[This is the] work that our ancestors have gone through until now, here today, that we may pass it on so that they may carry it on towards the future.”

Gab Titui staff and management worked hard to ensure everything ran well.

BOOK ONLINE: WWW.REBELTOURS.COM.AU

THURSDAY ISLAND/HORN ISLAND FERRY TIMETABLE (03/04/2024)

THURSDAY ISLAND/HORN ISLAND FERRY TIMETABLE (03/04/2024) Kaurareg Ya Community Projects Representative Waubin Richard Aken.

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

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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 Traditional Language Association (TSTLA) deputy chair Maria Tapim.

NEWS 15 Empowering Voices symposium advances language conservation TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 23 MAY 2024

Group photo of the delegates, staff and partners involved with the 2024 Zenadth Kes Language Symposium. Pics by Lewis Bin Doraho.

More than 100 language educators, linguists, cultural practitioners and leaders came together to strengthen traditional language maintenance efforts at the 2024 Zenadth Kes Language Symposium on Waiben earlier this month.

The event was hosted by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre and featured breakout sessions and panel discussions focused on traditional

language initiatives, language education and linguistics.

Keynote speakers included Torres Strait Traditional Languages Association (TSTLA) Kulkagal representative board member Phillemon Mosby and Tagai State College Principal Project Manager Suberia Bowie and others.

Local and national language leaders in attendance included Gulwanyang Moran from the Aboriginal Gathang

Language Group and First Languages Australia CEO Beau Williams.

TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM highlighted the pledge made by the Australian government to preserve and increase global awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, in support of UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032).

“Part of Australia’s broader Closing the Gap

strategy, through Target 16 is to see a sustained increase in the number and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages being spoken by 2031,” Mr Stephen said.

“The recent federal budget decision was a welcoming announcement, proving Australia’s commitment to preserving traditional languages and improving the lives of First Nations peoples.

“The outcomes of this symposium will further

reinforce our strategies and strengthen policies to support Zenadth Kes linguists and language educators and families in continuing their teaching and sharing of traditional languages.”

The 2024 Zenadth Kes Language Symposium built upon the initiatives set in motion at the inaugural 2015 symposium, including the release of the Torres Strait Traditional Languages Plan, the establishment of the community-driven Torres

Strait Language Reference Group, and its transition into the official TSTLA. “We have come a long way since the inaugural symposium, executing all actions in the Torres Strait Traditional Languages Plan,” Mr Stephen said.

“Moving forward, TSRA will continue to support and empower the region’s Indigenous communities, and language leaders, in preserving the verbal expression of our cultures.”

Group photo of Zenadth Kes elders and language educators.

ABOVE: Facilitators and Workshop Presenters: Back row – Annalee Little, Richard Matthew, Nelson Gibuma, Arthur Gibuma, Alice Manas & Niki Mackie. Front row – Lala Gutchen, Diat Alferink, Leonora Adidi, Louise Manas & Jessie Lloyd. BELOW LEFT: Language educator Lala Gutchen.

BELOW RIGHT: Keynote speaker First Languages Australia CEO Beau Williams.

Niki Mackie and Daniel Lui teach language in song.

Left: Delegates from Mer perform during the Language Symposium.

Susan Baira presenting.

ABOVE: Bobby Kaigey, the Language Symposium Emcee (TSRA) & Leitha Assan (TSRA).

LEFT: Kaurareg Elder and Traditional Owner Enid Tom speaks at the Language Symposium.

16 BUDGET NEWS

THURSDAY 23 MAY 2024 TORRES NEWS

Budget ignores longstanding concerns – TSRA

BY CARLI WILLIS Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen says he is concerned about the lack of funding making its way to the Torres Strait in the 2024 Federal Budget.

In a blanket approach to tackling cost of living pressures, the recently announced Federal Budget offered tax cuts for every Australian, power bill relief of $300 for every household, support for renters, debt relief for students and increased Medicare for the very-low income thresholds.

But Mr Stephen said no further funding was apparent in the Budget for climate adaptation measures, infrastructure, housing, connectivity or services in the Torres Strait – needs that have been long called for.

He acknowledged a significant boost in funding to address border security issues, Closing the Gap and the injection of billions of dollars into struggling communities in remote Northern Territory.

Impact Mr Stephen called on the Federal Government

to work with Zenadth Kes communities to ensure funding had meaningful impact in the communities it was meant to serve.

“Whilst I’m grateful the Budget talks about the international border issue and it talks about climate change – how does it happen on ground?” he said.

“Our job is to continue to lobby government and to make our community aware of that action on ground.”

In the Budget $31.4 million dollars was allocated over four years to continue programs to prevent and control communicable diseases – up more than $10 million dollars on the previous four-year allocation.

Within that, $23.1 million would continue to fund health facilities, $4.5 million would continue to fund healthcare staff and $3.8 million was allocated to continue funding for exotic mosquito control activities.

Additional funding of $71.2 million was allocated over two years to bolster the Australian Border Force’s response and surveillance capabilities and $52.6 million was allocated

TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM. Pic supplied. over two years to address illegal fishing.

Local lobbying Mr Stephen said the allocations were a result of lobbying by local leaders.

He said an independent investigation into local health systems was still underway.

“When there’s a movement of people between two countries, which the treaty allows, there’s always going to be risk high risk of any sort of disease,” he said.

“Whether you talk about viral disease, disease from plants or animal, that affects us directly [and] that’s why the urgency.

“We need to actually know, or we should be part of how that money is rolled out to our region.”

Infrastructure issues The Budget also had a strong focus on road and rail infrastructure investment but lacked a focus on marine infrastructure.

In March 2022 the Albanese Government committed $40 million to deliver aging marine infrastructure across the Torres Strait, a sum that was matched by the Queensland Government in March 2023.

Work was underway, but Mr Stephen said the sum fell short of a 1996-7 study which

found $318 million was needed to fund basic essential infrastructure upgrades.

“The marine infrastructure we have in the Torres Strait is a liability,” he said.

Mr Stephen said he would be calling on the government to reconsider the allocation of its climate change funding after there appeared to be no direct funding for climate adaptation funding for projects such as sea walls in the Torres Strait.

“It’s been a thorn in the side of the Australian government, especially at the international forum of the United Nations,” he said.

In September 2022 the United Nations Human Rights Committee found Australia guilty of failure to adequately project Torres Strait Islanders against climate change.

“I recognise the advocacy by young people that have carried that banner to actually make sure that that conviction is turned into action,” he said.

Minister’s visit He said he would be asking the government to change that as the

federal Minister for the Environment, Tanya Plibersek was due to visit the Torres Strait in the coming week.

“They’re doing so much with the Pacific, but they should do more in their backyard,” he said.

“In the world perspective, I think that it’s been identified that, the ocean gap between Papua New Guinea, and Australia is one of the only pristine marine environments that we have.

“There’s a balance in actually protecting that environment.

“When I talk about the balance, it’s looking at the community that’s been there for over 46,000 years.”

Mr Stephen said the TSRA welcomed the easing of cost of living pressures in the Budget but was disappointed in the lack of a targeted approach to assist isolated First Nations communities in northern Queensland.

“For the last 40 or 50 years, we have been out of sight, out of mind, the too-hard basket stuff,” he said.

“Costs are continuing to rise, it’s not actually going down.

“I think one of the most concerning discussion, for me in leadership, was around freight.

“We talk about the freight subsidy [and] they mentioned the word ‘equalisation’.”

Black spots Mr Stephen said although the start of a First Nations Digital Inclusion Hub was welcomed, there was much needed infrastructure that should be funded.

“In the Torres Strait, we still have more black spots than ever,” he said.

“On TI, as a five square kilometre island, you have access problems on the back of the island, which is different to what is actually being afforded at the front of the island.”

He said the TSRA would work with the local councils to strengthen the case to upgrade infrastructure in the region.

“There needs to be a strong focus on one voice approach from the Straits.”

Mixed response to gaps in Budget The Federal Government’s budget handed down last week was met with a mixed response from leading Indigenous organisations.

Coalition of Peaks’ acting lead convenor Catherine Liddle said the budget’s investments in housing, education and health were good for Indigenous people, but more would be needed to bridge the ever-widening gap.

The Coalition of Peaks organisation represented more than 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled peak organisations and independent statutory authorities responsible for Closing the Gap policies, programs and services.

“Not surprisingly, this was a cost-of-living budget (and) our mob are feeling the cost-of-living crisis acutely,” Ms Liddle said.

“This budget’s investments in housing, education and health will be good for our People, but more will be needed.

“We cannot close the gap unless governments change the way they work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“We need genuine partnerships, not tick-a-box consultation.

“Following the budget,

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are looking forward to realising these genuine partnerships.

“We need funding for Aboriginal community-controlled organisations because they know how best to deliver services to their communities and get results.”

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Association (NATSIHA) expressed its “profound disappointment at the government’s failure to uphold commitments crucial to strengthening the housing sector”.

While acknowledging the housing investments made in the budget, NATSIHA said the federal government’s commitment to its own Housing Sector Strengthening Plan remains unfulfilled.

The Albanese Government reaffirmed its commitment to the plan when the Prime Minister handed down the 2024 Closing the Gap Implementation Plans earlier this year.

NATSIHA, entrusted with delivering on this pivotal plan, said they had yet to receive the necessary funding to deliver it.

“It is profoundly disappointing to witness that despite our concerted

efforts and commitment to our sector, our pleas have again fallen on deaf ears,” acting chief executive Zachariah Matysek said.

“The government’s failure to allocate the necessary resources jeopardises the progress toward addressing the critical housing needs within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.”

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation (NATSIEC), however, welcomed the Australian Government’s budget announcement of core funding for the Aboriginal community-controlled education sector, the First Nations Teacher Strategy and the First Nations Education Policy.

NATSIEC Co-Chair Aunty Geraldine Atkinson said the importance of the funding commitment, along with the need for Government accountability towards Closing the Gap. “This funding boost will deliver much-needed capacity for the community-controlled education sector,” she said.

“With it we also need ongoing Government commitment and action, otherwise, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

will continue to face the systemic and institutional barriers that perpetuate the ‘Gap’ in education outcomes.”

NATSIEC Co-Chair Professor Peter Buckskin also welcomed the Government’s commitment to providing core funding for NATSIEC. “This announcement marks an important step towards achieving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ long called-for commitment to forging genuine partnership and shared decisionmaking for improving education outcomes for our people,” he said.

“NATSIEC is also pleased to see government investment in a new First Nations Education Policy and the development of a First Nations Teacher Strategy.

“We will need to build on the work already undertaken through MATSITI (More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teachers Initiative) to deliver what is needed around a First Nations Workforce.

“There is much unfinished business to achieve genuine equality of education outcomes for our people, so we look forward to working in genuine partnership to develop these initiatives.”

MEANWHILE, a Federal Coalition of representatives from north Queensland has claimed regional areas were “being punished for not voting Labor”.

Shadow Minister for Resources and for Northern Australia Senator Susan McDonald, Member for Herbert Phil Thompson, Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch and Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said they had closely examined the Budget papers after the document was released last week.

“Every year Labor has been in government they have cancelled region-building water projects in the North and ignored community leaders’ advice on road spending and major infrastructure,” Senator McDonald said.

“North Queensland has the space, climate, resources, people and natural assets so important to all of Australia, but it’s been treated like an afterthought as Labor chases votes in the south.

“This is a bad Budget that ignores regional and remote Australia.

“It treats the symptoms of the issues this country is facing, but not the causes.”

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 23 MAY 2024

Dental link to general health day and flossing daily risks gum disease which when left untreated, can harm the rest of the body. One in three Australian adults has gum disease and research across a range of studies has shown that people with advanced gum disease have a much higher risk of a heart attack.”

In addition, research collected over decades shows the main conditions that link poor oral health (including untreated periodontitis, tooth decay and tooth loss) with the rest of the body in addition to cardiovascular issues, include low birthweight and premature babies, stroke, kidney disease, dementia, Type 2 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

The stakes were high, something the general public needed further education on.

Dr Liew said that for the public, spotting untreated severe gum disease (periodontitis) can be difficult as often there’s no pain.

Signs to look out for include extended gum bleeding, receding gums and loose teeth.

While periodontitis can’t be reversed, it can be stopped in its tracks and managed with dental treatment.

“It’s never too late to start putting a little more oomph into your daily oral hygiene routine,” said Dr Liew.

“Brush twice a day and clean between the teeth at least once a day.

“These are really quick and easy measures that all Aussies should be doing.

“If you think you have a problem or you’re overdue for a check-up, see your dentist and get them to assess your mouth health early rather than leaving it.

“The earlier we detect issues, the easier they are to resolve.

“Just six minutes a day of brushing and flossing helps avoid the negative effects of poor oral hygiene on the rest of your body.

“Not only will your mouth thank you, your whole body will, too.”

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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.

Dr Stephen Liew says just six minutes a day caring for your mouth, teeth and gums can help toward better oral health. Pics supplied.

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

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

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

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Tuesday, 18 June 2024

Careers with Queensland Health Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer - Identified (Thursday Island)

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Thursday Island Hospital .

Base comprising salary between $72,700.00- $91,305.00 p.a., employer contribution to superannuation (up to 12.75%) and annual leave loading (17.5%) (HWF3)) (Applications will remain current for the duration of the vacancy).

Job Ad Reference: TC563425.

Duties/Abilities: The Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer provides culturally appropriate support, advocacy, and practical assistance for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients, their families / carers and the community to receive coordinated care across the health continuum of care.

The Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer will collaborate with the multidisciplinary teams to ensure the provision of appropriate and culturally sensitive services to contribute to improved health outcomes and the reduction of health inequalities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Enquiries: Jane Davies - 0436 665 969.

Application Kit:www.health.qld.gov.au/workforus Closing Date: Wednesday, 12 June 2024.

You can apply online at www.smartjobs.qld.gov.au A criminal history check may be conducted on the recommended person for the job.

A non-smoking policy applies to Queensland Government buildings, offices and motor vehicles.

M12466

Nearly three-quarters (70 per cent) of Australian adults consider looking after their mouth an important part of their overall health – yet around two-thirds of us (65 per cent) aren’t aware of the close link between mouth health and some serious medical conditions.

A recent Australian Dental Association’s (ADA) consumer survey has uncovered confusion about people’s understanding of neglected oral health and its knock-on effect of possible serious health issues like Type 2 diabetes, asthma and cardiovascular disease.

With three in four of us (seven per cent) rarely or never flossing daily, and almost one in five of us (18 per cent) brushing only once a day, both of which were essential and easy elements of any healthy mouth routine, most people had a way to go to get these basics right.

Thankfully six simple minutes a day brushing and flossing helped avoid the negative effects of poor oral hygiene on the rest of your body.

Another contradiction between what’s known and what’s actually practised relates to dental visits: while nine per cent fewer people delayed seeing their dentist in the last year (58 per cent compared to 67 per cent in 2021), visiting patterns remained poor with 64 per cent of respondents only visiting when they had a problem.

Little wonder then that 57 per cent of people rated their dental health as ‘poor’, ‘very poor’ or only ‘fair’. The majority of those with one of these ratings said it’s because they ‘don’t visit their dentist often enough’.

Only 14 per cent gave their dental health top marks.

“These results show that just because we know what’s good for us, doesn’t always mean we follow through by doing the right thing by our mouth,” ADA president and Melbourne dentist Dr Stephen Liew said.

“The knock-on effect of not brushing twice a

NEWS & CLASSIFIEDS 17

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18 SPORT

THURSDAY 23 MAY 2024 TORRES NEWS

AFL first-timers make top three finish in Cairns comp Our Northern Peninsula Area and Torres Strait primary school boys’ team scored a top-three finish in the AFLQ Schools Cup in Cairns last Friday - it was their first time in the competition.

With a quick training session and a rules-refresher course the day before, the Grade 4, 5 and 6 students quickly mastered the speed and physicality of competition-level football on game day.

The team won four of five games with their only loss being a narrow defeat to St Andrew’s Catholic College in the preliminary final.

AFL Cape York Development Coordinator Kieran Sciberras said the players selected showcased the natural sporting talent up north.

“To make finals and finish third is an outstanding result for a team who before this trip, had never trained or played together,” Kieran said.

“As the northernmost team, our players made a 2000km return trip to play against the best school sides in Cairns.

“These opportunities are a big step for young people from remote communities to experience competition-level football on AFL ovals for the first time.

“To compete strongly with limited training and only a few hours together as a team goes to show the natural sporting talent

across the remote region.”

The players were picked by schools based on school attendance and positive behaviour, followed by sporting ability.

On Monday this week, the first-ever primary schoolgirls’ side from the region played in the AFLQ Schools Cup in Cairns.

It followed a big month of football for AFL Cape York, which also supported the region’s high school sides to compete in the AFLQ Schools Cup in late April.

In mid-August, AFL Cape York will host its flagship event in Bamaga – the annual Chris Johnson and Angie Nadredre Cup – which last year attracted more than 250 participants.

AFL juniors ready to play AFL Cape York is helping remove barriers so more young people from remote communities can experience competitive sports down south.

This month the two teams from the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area played in the AFLQ Schools Cup in Cairns for the first time.

The teams were the most remote, northern sides in the competition.

Through AFL Cape York, 33 primary school students in grades 5 and 6 made the 2000 km return trip to play against the best school teams in Cairns.

For many, it was a trip of firsts: their first time playing together as a team to the first time playing on an AFL oval, as there were none back home.

The competition was a stepping stone to representative AFL pathways remote students may otherwise miss out on.

Schools selected students based on school attendance and positive behaviour, followed by sporting talent.

These new representative opportunities followed AFL Cape York’s record number of football clinics.

In 2023, AFL Cape York was the only sporting organisation to deliver sports clinics at all school campuses in the Northern Peninsula Area and Torres Strait, including all outer islands.

That year, 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.

The effort was paying off, with participation rates growing across the remote region.

There were also more representative teams from the region than ever before, made possible by generous sponsors – Hinterland Aviation, AFL Queensland, AFL National, CEQ – IBIS, AFL Cape York House for Boys, Bamaga Enterprises Ltd (BEL) and Torres Shire Council.

High NRL impact STORY AND PICS

BY ALF WILSON Torres Strait Islanders had a big impact on the results of last weekend’s NRL Magic Round, when all eight games were played between Friday and Sunday at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

The biggest return, and with the most impact, was Saibai Islander Hamiso TabuaiFidow who scored two tries for the Dolphins in his comeback after injury, as they beat the West Tigers 24-12 on Sunday.

Hamiso scored tries at the 49th and 69th minute as the Dolphins finished the round in fourth place after their win.

Tabuai-Fidow ran 80 metres for one of his tries and tested those hamstrings by running 234m in total.

It was his first game since round 6 when he suffered a hamstring injury.

Cowboys break losing streak A Cowboys side which included lock

Reuben Cotter defeated South Sydney 28-22 with Alex Johnston and Jacob Gagai on their side on Saturday.

Johnston made a comeback after several weeks out due to injury and scored a try for the Rabbits, his 189th in the NRL. Townsville’s Gehamat Shibasaki had been named as an 18th-man reserve after playing for the Rabbitohs last week, however, he was not required and he played for the Blackhawks in the QRL instead.

Cotter was strong in attack and defended well for the Cowboys.

Both sides return home in round 12 with the Rabbitohs hosting the Eels while the Cowboys come up against the Wests Tigers at home.

Mam’s precision A long precision pass by 5/8 Ezra Mam at the 11th minute which resulted in a try was pivotal in the Brisbane Broncos’ nail-biting 13-12 win over Manly on Friday night.

Mam fired out the pass in the right corner for winger Deine Mariner to score and after a Kotoni Staggs conversion, the Broncos had raced to a 12-0 lead.

Manly fought back and it was a field goal

by Mam’s halves partner Jock Madden five minutes before full-time which sealed the victory.

Next Sunday, Broncos take on Gold Coast in a Queensland derby.

Xavier and Seb tries the difference Early tries by Torres Strait Islanders Xavier Savage and Seb Kris proved vital for Canberra in their upset 24-20 win over the Bulldogs in the first game of Magic Round on Friday.

In the second minute, speedy winger Savage crossed and 17 minutes later centre Kris also scored a four-pointer.

Canberra fought back from being down 20-12 with 30 minutes remaining.

Next round the Raiders host the Roosters in Canberra on Saturday.

Boys at the Indigenous South Pacific AFL Cairns Representative match.

The junior boy’s team with AFL Cape York staff.

AFL boss watches girls’ championship win!

The first-ever primary school girls side from the Torres Strait region has taken out the AFLQ Schools Cup in Cairns in front of friends, families, supporters and the nation’s big AFL boss, Chief Executive Officer Andrew Dillon (back row - second from right) and AFL Cape York General Manager Rick Hanlon OAM (back row - first on right).

Photos and full story in next edition J Dane and David amongst best Dane Gagai was one of the best for Newcastle which beat a David Fifita-inspired Gold Coast 28-24 on Saturday.

Both men yarned on the field after the final siren in what was a tense game.

Tenacious Gagai made several strong runs and was solid in defence.

Fifita was a danger

to the Knights’ defence whenever he got the ball.

In the other games, the top-of-the-table Cronulla Sharks beat hot favourites Sydney Roosters 38-30, the Warriors upset reigning premiers Penrith 22-20, and the Storm beat Eels 48-16.

It was the seventh time he has scored two tries in an NRL match.

The Dolphins head to New Zealand to take on the Warriors in round 12.

Hamiso Tabua-Fidow celebrates a try for the Dolphins at the weekend.

Picture: NRL

SPORT 19

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 23 MAY 2024

Second round wins for Suburbs and Knights in ZKRL

BY ALF WILSON A well-drilled Suburbs outfit defeated Mulga Tigers 24-20 in a close and action-packed rugby league match at Waiben on Saturday.

It was game one of a three-match series the sides play during the regular season for the Yaza Stephen Shield.

A large crowd were on hand at Ken Brown Oval last Saturday to watch round 2 of the 2024 Zenadth Kes Rugby League Island season.

Suburbs scored five tries to four and each team landed two goals in a thrilling match.

George Gabey, John Mosby, Malachi Songoro and Susami Ketchell combined to score for Suburbs.

Mulga Tigers’ Thomas Holland and Bill Joseph also go on the board for their team.

Kicker Zengrey Nona booted two goals.

In the other match, Pioneer Knights defeated three-time reigning premiers Roosters 30-16.

It was a five-tries-tothree performance for Knights, who went into the game as an underdog after losing last week to Suburbs.

Yawa Asera scored

two tries for Knights with one each to Edwin Aniba, Nabainia Sailor and Ernst Sailor tries.

Asera also booted five goals for a wonderful personal points tally of 18.

Pioneer Knights coach Olsen Sailor said they had shown great heart.

“Roosters showed great heart to complete the game with just 11 players,” he said.

“We will be back at training this week working hard.”

For Roosters, Terence Yusia jnr and Kongasau Nona scored tries and Yusia jnr kicked two goals.

Brothers Vincent and Lincoln Mau made the trek from Dauan Island to play for the Roosters - Vincent lined up at fullback and Lincoln Mau on a wing.

“I was getting updates on the scores from somebody at the game and Roosters didn’t have many reserves,” proud dad Wrench Mau (pictured) said.

The Mau brothers were members of the Duaun team Roxin Eagles who were to compete in June at the Island of Origin carnival on Badu.

“My other son Naiama is coming down from Darwin for the

Origin to play for Roxin Eagles,” Wrench said.

After two weeks of entertaining football in the ZKRL, Suburbs leads the ladder with two wins as the only undefeated side.

Mulga and Knights have one win apiece with Roosters yet to register a win.

ZKRL President Samson Zitha told the Torres News it was a good start to the new season.

The ZKRL Respect Round, initially due to run on 25 May, was now due to play out on 29 June.

“As part of National Volunteer Week, I really would like to acknowledge all the wonderful volunteers who have volunteered their time to help get the senior footy back in community,” Zitha said.

“From the league admin team to the line-marking crew, all club volunteers, the team in the kiosk, commentary team and match officials, including ball boys and girls, they have all contributed to providing a positive game day experience.

“The foundation of the ‘greatest game of all’ is built on all the efforts of our volunteers in the past and today.”

TN0230 8x2 local sports

Terence Yusia Jnr, William McKeown, Fred Peters, Thomas Loban, Jure Biondic from Island Rooster, Lewis Bani, Zengrey Nona, Olsen Sailor, Edwin Aniba and ZKRL President Samson Zitha.

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We’re happy to run it if we have it!

Brothers in league Vincent and Lincoln Mau.

ZKRL Round 2 BEST PLAYERS Mulga: Ty Ahmat, Zengrey Nona, Thomas Holland.

Suburbs: George Gabey, Barwoo Fisher, Fred Peters.

Roosters: Laurie Elisala, Kongasau Nona, Terrence Yusia jnr.

Knights: William Neliman, Yawa Asera, Nabainia Sailor.

THIS SATURDAY Roosters vs. Suburbs at 4pm Mulga vs. Pioneer at 6.10pm

Essay scores as Mackay Cutters prepare for big dance

BY ALF WILSON Blockbusting forward Essay Banu scored a try in last weekend’s preliminary final that saw her side Mackay Cutters defeat the Clydesdales 22-4 to earn a spot in next Saturday’s BMD Statewide women’s premiership grand final.

Minor premiers the Cutters will meet Norths Devils at Redcliffe’s Stadium on Saturday with a 2pm kickoff.

Norths Devils qualified for the decider after rolling Burleigh Bears in the other semi-final.

The Cutters, Peters, Lyrech Mara and Sareka Mooka, led 6-4 at half-time after which they scored three tries to nil in a second-half blitz.

Centre Jasmine and front rower Lyrech were in the run-on side while Essay and Sareka came off the interchange bench.

Hard-running Essay scored her try at the 64th minute.

Lui shone Star five eight Dantoray Lui scored a try at the 15th minute for the Cairns-based Northern Pride which thrashed the Mackay Cutters 52-6 in Saturday’s Hostplus Cup men’s match.

The Pride led 26-6 at halftime in the game at Mackay and scored 10 tries to one.

Seamus King-Smith also scored a fourpointer, while Rashaun Denny (two), Terrence Casey-Douglas, Jensen Taumoepeau, Ewan Moore, Dane Aukafolau, Lachlan West and Dane Aukafolau were the other try scorers.

Jamal Shibasaki lined up in the second row for the Cutters.

Julian mesmerises Fullback Julian Christian scored a try for Norths when the Devils beat Townsville

Blackhawks 26-16 at Bishop Park.

Julian crossed at the 76th minute against a Blackhawks team which included centre Gehamat Shibasaki and Dudley Dotoi who came off the bench.

Gehamat had played for South Sydney last weekend but after being named as a number 18 reserve in the lead-up to their Cowboys match, he was not required.

Speedster Jon Two early tries by flyer Jon Reuben set up

an impressive 30-22 win

by Wynnum-Manly over Sunshine Coast Falcons on Sunday.

Displaying great speed, the winger scored at the 6th and 9th minutes and the Seagulls scored five tries to four and led 12-10 at half time.

It was not until the 17th minute that the Falcons scored first and Jon’s effort put scoreboard pressure on their opponents.

Hunters fly Enjoying a parochial home ground crowd in

Port Moresby, the PNG Hunters defeated the Ipswich jets 36-18 on Saturday.

Hunters try scorers Judah Rimbu (three), Elijah Roltinga, Jamie Mavoko, Finley Glare and Benji Kot. Jamie booted four goals.

Pride third In the 15-club comp, Wynnum-Manly sit second, Northern Pride third, Norths Devils fourth, PNG Hunters sixth, Capras eighth, Cutters 11th and Blackhawks 13th.

Darts, ballgames, water sports, athletics ... whatever your game is, we’re keen!

Send us your pic of the week, fixtures or finals results by noon on Monday!  EMAIL: editor@torres.news

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

Badu Islander Jasmine Peters will be key for Mackay Cutters’ chances in Saturday’s grand final. Pic QRL.

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 23 MAY 2024

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

Boomers fired up!

Meteors / Wizards NBL1’s undefeated

BY VELMA GARA

Patty Mills is fired up! as the experienced guard announced on social media earlier this week.

In preparation for his fifth Olympics, Mills will be sharing with everyone on his Insta account the training tips that have made him a truly professional athlete.

Five players were dropped from the Australian Boomers squad last week, including Keanu Pinder and Will McDowell-White.

17 players remain in the squad, including Mills, ready to attend a training camp in late June in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Boomers will play in the Ford

Ballin’24, a major international series featuring Australia’s top teams against China and Japan in Melbourne from 2-5 July.

The Opals, Rollers, Gliders and 3x3 will also take part in the series.

The Boomers have added to their schedule to play the USA and Serbia in Abu Dhabi on 16-17 July.

Mills, a 15-year veteran of the National Basketball Association who has an NBA championship ring (with San Antonio Spurs) and an Olympic medal, wants everyone to get into the Olympic spirit and train with him.

“We’re on the chase for the vibe and the vibe awaits us in Paris,” he said.

He ended his Insta reel with, “Green and gold baby – let’s get it.”

Deshawn Ross-Paiwan attempts a shot with Nighael Ceaser.

Photo courtesy of Northside Wizards FB page

BY VELMA GARA After Round 6 of the NBL1 North 2024 competition, only two teams – Mackay Meteors (Men) and Northside Wizards (Women) – remain undefeated.

Northside Wizards Men were on a road trip and lost both their games against Mackay (83-109) and Rockhampton (94-110).

Northside Guard, Deshawn RossPaiwan, came off the bench and had 10 points against the Meteors but started in

the Rockets game and finished with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals.

Chris Cedar’s Logan Thunder had a win and will want to continue that form on the road north to play Townsville tomorrow night and Cairns on Saturday night.

Darwin Salties will host Rockhampton.

Both teams had wins and will be playing confidently this weekend.

Mackay Meteors was undefeated with 5-0 and will be on the road trip to play North Gold Coast Seahawks and Gold Coast Rollers.

TN0529 10x7 – 7/3/24

Patty Mills at the World Championships in 2023.

Photo courtesy of Basketball Australia

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