Torres News_Edition 135_20 June 2024

Thursday, 20 June 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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Pic by Evelyn Dau.

Boigu’s Paga Panthers win Origin Paga Panthers are the toast of regional footy after winning the 2024 Island of Origin series at the Joe Mairu Oval at Wakaid on Badu Island last weekend.

The men from Boigu won 36-12 over NPA side, the Cape Stallions, while in the women’s comp, NQ Sistas United won 16-6 over Arkai Sisters.

In the picture Paga Panthers are taking their trophy home.

Full story and more pics on PAGES 24-23 N

Freight subsidy raised to 20 per cent Queensland Premier Steven Miles has lifted the discount on essential goods in remote communities from 5.2 per cent to 20 per cent in a move local MP Cynthia Lui says is fantastic news for residents.

“By increasing the subsidy

to 20 per cent, residents will receive even more cost of living relief at local shops,” she said.

“The cost of freight to these communities means the cost of everyday, essential items is far more than comparable items in larger cities and towns.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish said Ms Lui advocated strongly for the increase.

“This increase to 20 per cent will have a big impact for locals,” he said.

“By applying an increased discount percentage at the

cash register at participating retailers from August this year, the weekly grocery shop will be even more affordable for residents.

“I encourage retailers not participating in the Scheme within the region to go to the website and investigate their

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eligibility to apply.”

About 32 retailers across the Cape York, Torres Strait and Gulf regions have signed up to participate in the scheme.

The 20 per cent discount, which excludes alcohol, tobacco, soft drinks

confectionery, hardware, clothing, fuel, furniture and white goods, will come into effect later this year.

See also https://www. qrida.qld.gov.au/program/ remote-communitiesfreight-assistance-scheme

More in next week’s issue J

02 NEWS THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2024 TORRES NEWS Qld Budget boost to child care – but it’s still not enough, SNAICC says The Queensland government’s $1.274 billion investment in school and early childhood facilities in its latest budget still falls far short of what is needed, the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) says.

The budget included an increase of free kindy to 30 hours per week for four-year-olds in discrete communities and expanding supported playgroups.

But a new report from SNAICC, commissioned by the Early Childhood Care

and Development Policy Partnership – a shared decision-making forum between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and governments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap – recommended a complete overhaul of funding to deliver services better to meet family and community needs.

The report came out before the conclusion of a major Productivity Commission inquiry into early childhood education, which advocates hoped would prompt longoverdue reform of a

broken system.

SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle said early childhood services run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities provided so much more than childcare.

“Our communitycontrolled services aren’t just babysitting children – they provide cultural connections which strengthen self-esteem and identity,” she said.

“They help parents and family members navigate systems like Centrelink, and act as an entry-point for other

services – like family violence support – that aren’t always safe for our people to approach alone.

“They are filling the gaps left by mainstream government services and organisations that don’t have the same levels of cultural competency and trust as our Aboriginal community-controlled services.

“But as far as the Government’s concerned, as far the funding is concerned, they’re just providing childcare.

“That couldn’t be

further from the truth.”

SNAICC’s report was based on extensive community consultation and economic modelling

by Deloitte Access Economics and recommended moving from a funding model based primarily on the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to a dedicated and more sustainable funding model for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islandercontrolled services.

“Under the CCS, funding is attached to the child, and this has created an inequitable system, especially for Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander families,” Ms Liddle said.

“For one thing, many families are eligible for less subsidised hours of care because of the ‘activity test’.

“With all the evidence we now have about how important early years education is for development, the idea that children should be denied education because of their parents’ circumstances is abhorrent.

“It perpetuates inequality and injustice.”

Ms Liddle said the CCS also made early childhood services in remote areas difficult to operate.

“If the service isn’t funded directly, and the funding is only coming with the child, there’s very little financial incentive for services to keep doors open in thinly populated areas,” she said.

“This has created childcare deserts that disadvantage both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous families.

“Not-for-profit early childhood services

are essentially being forced to operate like a business, and what we hear from them again and again is that this completely contradicts their values and pushes out the most vulnerable families.”

SNAICC has called for a new model to provide sustainable funding to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled services, and additional funding based on individual community needs.

“The funding has to provide for the wraparound supports that families need to ensure our children thrive in their early years,” Ms Liddle said.

“We cannot tinker around the edges of such a dysfunctional system and expect that to close the gap in life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led services have the skills, knowledge and trust to close this gap, but the Government must stop short-changing them.”

Talks on the establishment of a federally-funded Climate Resilience Centre have progressed with a meeting of leaders from the Torres Strait, Northern Peninsula Area and Australian Government held on Waiben last week.

The Australian Government committed $15.9 million over four years (2022-23 to 2025-26) to establish the climate resilience centre under the 2022-23 Federal Budget.

The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) hosted the Steering Committee meeting, which was also attended by Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Senator Jenny McAllister.

TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM said local voices, supported by the government, would lead.

“The Torres Strait is on the frontline when it comes to climate change impacts in this

country and solutions require support and innovation from all levels of government,” Mr Stephen said.

“We are working together to ensure lived experiences and traditional knowledge of First Nations people are valued alongside science to develop the best climate strategies for our region.”

Senator McAllister said Australians knew the climate was changing.

“Our government is working hard to limit carbon emissions and further warming,” she said.

“But there are some changes that are locked in that we need to prepare for.

“The Albanese Government is working with Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula communities to establish the Climate Resilience Centre, to strengthen local climate resilience and adaptation.

Your North Queensland airline connecting the islands of the Torres Strait with Waiben hosts Torres Strait Cairns and Bamaga climate centre talks

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Story continued and pic on P3 N

NEWS 03

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2024

Big state budget ‘tick’ for cost-of-living relief The Cook electorate will benefit greatly from the recent Queensland budget which includes cost-of-living relief and big infrastructure investments in health, education, the arts and training throughout the Torres Strait and Cape York, local MP Cynthia Lui says.

“When it comes to health, the government stands firm to deliver world-class service to our communities,” Ms Lui said.

“That is why we are investing millions into health staff accommodation in remote communities such as Hope Vale,

Laura and Bamaga.”

Ms Lui said the budget included a big boost to education and training infrastructure in the Torres Strait with more than $6 million committed to projects across Tagai College’s 15 school campuses for upgrades and repairs to amenities, tuckshops facilities and playgrounds.

“We are also delivering $2.5m to construct a health hub at Thursday Island at the Thursday Island TAFE,” she said.

“We are doing everything to build the local health workforce and we are building the workforce locally.”

Cook residents would also receive cost-of-living relief aimed at helping all Queenslanders including: • $1300 electricity bill support for all Queensland households from July 2024, with a higher $1672 rebate for vulnerable households • 20 per cent reduction in vehicle registration fees for a 12-month period • $200 FairPlay vouchers for sport and active recreation activities for up to 200,000 Queensland children • $15m for the School

and Community Food Relief to provide healthy food for children during school days • Food, emergency and financial relief to support Queensland families in need.

Torres Strait budget investments included: • TAFE Technology Fund at Thursday Island $2.5m in 2024-25 for the

Thursday Island Health Hub. • Tagai College more than $6m committed to projects across 15 school campuses on 13 islands for upgrades and repairs to amenities, tuckshop facilities and playgrounds.

• Thursday Island Hospital redevelopment work $1.3m.

• Moa St Pauls Public Health Community

Centre rectification $8.7m.

• Horn Island passenger jetty and Wharf upgrade $5.1m.

• Torres Strait Community Sport and Recreation project $380,000.

• Horn Island affordable housing project $672,757 to expand the project.

Cape York budget investments included:

• Peninsula Developmental Road upgrades $24.9 million Archer River Bridge construction and $8.9 million for pave and seal between Laura and Coen from the Cape York Region Package Stage 2.

• Bamaga Fire and Emergency Service complex delivery costs of $4.2 million.

National Indigenous Australians Agency

Have your say on the design of the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program A new jobs program is coming to remote communi�es and the Australian Government wants to hear from you about how it should work.

You can have your say at an upcoming mee�ng in your area, or fill out a survey on the NIAA website.

To find out more visit www.niaa.gov.au/rjed-consulta�ons, call 1800 079 098 or visit your local NIAA office.

The Horn Island passenger jetty and wharf, one of the first points of interisland transit for people from the mainland, will receive a long overdue upgrade. Pic by Darren Moncrieff.

M Continued from P2 “Preparing and adapting to climate change will take all of us. In the Torres Strait, First Nations people and their representatives bring unique knowledge to this challenge.

“I am grateful for the willingness of local leaders to share their perspectives with me, as

well as practical ideas about how all levels of government can work together.”

Steering Committee representatives at the meeting included the TSRA, Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Corporation (GBK), local Councils, the

Queensland Government through the Department of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities and the Arts and the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

The committee was expected to meet again in September.

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For more information: 07 4069 0888 info@gabtitui.gov.au Climate talks: TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM and Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister with representatives from TSRA, TSIRC, TSC, NPARC, GBK and DCCEEW. Pic supplied.

Artwork: Gab Titui Indigenous Art Awards 2023 l Best 2D “Garthaw Mineral” by Matilda Nona

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People living in remote communi�es are invited to provide feedback to help design the new program.

04 NEWS

THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2024 TORRES NEWS

Free NBN offer to students in remote community pilot project STORY BY JEN ENOSA & CARLI WILLIS A federally funded initiative offering free broadband to school students – which initially excluded the Torres Strait – will pilot a local project it is hoped could see the offer rolled out in other remote communities initially excluded from the offer.

The School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) was funded in last year’s 2022-2023 budget.

So far 15,000 families had signed up for the free connection, delivered by the Federal government-owned National Broadband Network (NBN), out of an allocated 30,000 connections across the country.

NBN Local Queensland head Kylie Lindsay said remoteness had presented challenges to access in some communities, which was why 200 locations nationally – including the Torres Strait – had been excluded.

“Initially some of the areas around Australia that were a little bit harder to access – we call them Limited Access Areas – were excluded from the program,” she said.

“But the NBN and the

federal government saw there was definitely a very important need there.”

Ms Lindsay said a pilot program would be trialled in Torres Strait communities, and on Palm Island, to see if it was viable to connect them.

She said they hoped people would sign up in bulk to show demand in the region, which would also help make the program more cost-effective to install.

“It means our people who come out and install equipment at people’s homes can do that in batches,” she said.

“It is a pilot and if it goes well I’m sure that there will be a view to rolling it out elsewhere.”

Ms Lindsay said under the offer households would receive a free router and install, free connection and unlimited speeds.

She said eligibility was simple: families must not have an active National Broadband Network (NBN) internet service at home, they must have an enrolled school-aged child (kindy to Year 12) and must be in an NBN area.

“We know how important that is to people with kids

complex region to access and bad weather could impact the project’s timeline.

She said it was expected to be completed by 2026.

“You just never know how many cyclones we’ll be getting between now and 2026,” she said.

Ms Lindsay said a survey and community consultation was due to begin by September.

“On securing the right sites to make sure that we can get a fixed wireless signalled to as many community members as we can, engineers come and have a look at the various sites,” she said. “[They will] meet with the landowners, Elders and Traditional Owners.

“Then we’ve got to go through all the development planning approvals and things like that with council.”

NBN Co has confirmed families in the Torres Strait have until August to apply for the free wifi offer.

If you missed their visit you can call 1800 945 610 or get in touch with their local partner Mura Kosker Sorority Inc. For more information see

Badu community members were mina appreciative of the NBN team helping them to sign up. Pic by Carli Willis. who are attending schools,” she said.

“Children who can access online learning at home [are] more likely to engage in classroom activities.

“With that access at home, families will be able to support their kids to build their digital skills, learn how to safely use the internet and participate in this world that we all know now is way more dependent on digital technology.”

Ms Lindsay said it should take around 30 days for a connection to be made.

She said whilst the services were only funded to run until December 31 this

year, the government was already in discussions about continuing the program.

“We will dispatch our technicians as soon as we can,” she said.

“Once we get enough numbers we can go out there and hit a whole heap of places at once because it’s expensive together and difficult to get around.”

Satellite help on the way Ms Lindsay said the service on offer was satellite but acknowledged some time delay or latency issues.

“There will always be that deep but small latency issue just purely because our satellites are much higher

up in the sky than those low Earth orbit ones like Starlink,” she said.

However, she said the federal government had begun planning to upgrade the region to fixed wireless, which would be faster.

“Through the Regional Connectivity Programme, the state government and federal government have all contributed to look to build fixed wireless into some of the island communities and NPARC as well,” she said.

The funding was announced in November last year to the amount of $10,527,846.

Ms Lindsay said it was a

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NEWS 05

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2024

Good job (training) for Kaziw Meta Waiben’s Torres Strait Kaziw Meta is one of 11 projects to benefit from a new round of Queensland government grants worth $2.8 million, now open again for Indigenous-designed and led projects that support or respond to local training and workforce needs.

Kaziw Meta received $177,800 for their Indigenous-led Learners Program to support up to 20 young people and boarding house parents to gain their learner licence and access driving lessons to obtain their driver’s licence and access employment opportunities.

The project was to help tackle local transport issues for young people and open doors to job opportunities in a wide range of industries.

In addition to obtaining a licence, participants would be exposed to several career paths, have access to training and well-being services, and learn resume writing and interview skills.

Up to 1000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples could benefit from the new Queensland Skills Strategy: Pathways for First Nations Peoples program which recognised skills and training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples was more successful when solutions were designed and developed locally and supported by the community.

Kaziw Meta CEO Thomas Dunsmore thanked the government for their support.

Further information: The Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grant program was extended under the Good Jobs, Great Training: Queensland Skills Strategy and features in Pathways For First Nations Peoples.

The next funding round is open and eligible Indigenous organisations have until Thursday 3 October 2024 to apply.

For a full list of successful projects or to apply for the next round of grants, please visit: https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/communityorgs/iwsdg

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Kaziw Meta’s President Carol David (left) and CEO Thomas Dunsmore (far right) with local MP Cynthia Lui and Minister Lance McCallum in Waiben earlier this month. Pic supplied.

“A huge thanks to the Miles Government for their support of Kaziw Meta in this program – without it we wouldn’t be able to make it happen,” he said.

“One of the big challenges here in the Torres Strait is just simply getting your licence – something that’s very easy for us to attain down south–so for our kids it’s about just making that pathway a bit easier and for them.

“This will just create so many opportunities, open doors to jobs, and really give them the skill set to grow and go on the right pathway and journey in life.”

Local MP Cynthia Lui said she was passionate about economic development in remote communities.

“We are investing in people – in skillbuilding, jobs, and training – because this is the foundation from which we grow business, industry, and economically,” she said.

“Programs like this are already making a difference, changing lives, and building futures, so we are excited to build on these partnerships, working closely with First Nations peoples to achieve their goals in training and employment.

“Together, we’ll continue to see First Nations peoples entering and re-entering the workforce with more skills, greater confidence, and an even deeper connection to their communities while

pursuing careers in construction, community services, land management, security, and automotive.”

“Initiatives like this are skilling up First Nations Queenslanders for the good jobs being created through our Big Build and our region’s growing sectors like health and community services.”

Minister for Training and Skills Development, and Gubbi Gubbi man, Lance McCallum said the Government was committed to the physical, social, and economic well-being of First Nations peoples.

“Labor is proud to back communities and proud to back the organisations that help locals get the skills that

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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.

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06 NEWS

THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2024 TORRES NEWS

Departing firie urges locals to sign up

Call out for art fair works from Gab Titui The Torres Strait Regional Authority’s (TSRA) Gab Titui Cultural Centre have invited local artists to join a showcase of First Nations art from the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) region at two upcoming national art fairs.

First Nations artists were encouraged to submit their works for inclusion in the collections, which were headed for Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) and Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF), by 1 July 2024.

TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM said the TSRA was committed to providing opportunities for local artists on national platforms.

“The TSRA has a longstanding partnership with CIAF and DAAF, and we make every effort to ensure our region is represented every year,” Mr Stephen said.

“We support artists and dance teams to participate and perform at these events to showcase language, art and culture.

“The Gab Titui art fair booth promotes and sells

STORY AND PIC BY CARLI WILLIS

traditional and contemporary artworks made by artists across the region.

“Last year, TSRA sponsored the CIAF People’s Choice Award for the very first time, committing in a greater capacity to the largest First Nations art fair in tropical north Queensland,” he said.

Expressions of Interest (EOI) were now open and Gab Titui staff were available to support artists in delivering their works to the Centre by 1 July 2024.

This year CIAF runs from 25-28 July and DAAF from 9-11 August.

How to submit artwork: • Contact the Gab Titui Cultural Centre on 07 4069 0888 to express your interest and arrange freight.

• Ensure your artwork is securely packaged and suitable for travel from your community to Waiben.

• All artworks must arrive at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre by 1 July 2024.

Outgoing firefighter Luke Smith (pictured right) has encouraged locals to join the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES).

Now-former QFES Officer-InCharge Mr Smith said the knowledge Torres Strait Islanders had of their people, sea and Country was invaluable to the service.

“So please, if you’ve ever thought about becoming a firefighter part-time, it’s paid, it’s not volunteer, it’s a paid part-time position,” he said.

“Please reach out, come down, get involved.”

Interim Office-In-Charge Aaron Cornish has relocated from Brisbane to look after the region until the position was filled.

Mr Smith said the region was the most unique place he’d ever worked in.

“I can honestly say that the last two years that I’ve spent here on TI has been the best two years of my working career, if not my life,” he said.

“The people, the culture and the way of life up here is unparalleled to anything I’ve ever found anywhere in the world and I don’t say that lightly.

“I will be incredibly sad getting on the ferry to Horn Island for the last time and waving goodbye to all the people here on Thursday Island.”

Mr. Smith said prior to moving to Waiben he spent 10 years as a first responder in the military in Afghanistan.

“I came up here after a period of

have quite a lot of emergency incidents attended and I was quite burnt out,” he said.

“The time here on Thursday Island has just been so cathartic to me resetting myself and realigning where I want to go in the next 10 years now.

“It’s a big esso for me to everyone in the Torres Strait community for helping me find that, thank you very much.”

Mr Smith said he hadn’t learnt much about First Nations people in his youth or education.

“Education on Indigenous Australia was limited [to] Captain Cook and his voyage,” he said.

“Moving up here and getting to be 100 per cent immersed in it has been something I’ve never experienced before, the culture here is absolutely beautiful.

“The way of life is something that I’ll definitely take away, of taking a step back, not being so rushed.

“The family values and the interconnected community values of

the Torres Strait is something I’ve definitely applied to my life and will continue to apply it in my life moving forward.”

Mr Smith said he was proud to say during his tenure staff numbers had risen from a handful to 10.

He said two more were going through the recruitment process and would soon be joining the team.

“I made it one of my priorities to strengthen the numbers and increase their recruiting within the brigade to provide the best response that we can at all times to any emergency incident that comes up,” he said.

“As first responders, we definitely don’t join this job for seeking out praise or, or acknowledgement or anything like that.

“I think people that find themselves in these careers, all have similar personality traits in that they’re looking for adventure, they’re looking for a job that is outside the norm.

“They don’t want to be sitting behind a desk, they want to provide assistance to the community in their time of need.”

Mr Smith commended the local firefighters, who he said worked tirelessly to keep communities safe in times of need.

“We rely upon them to drop what they’re doing in their primary place of employment, and then rely on their bosses as well to be able to release them to them be able to go and provide that first response to the community,” he said.

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08 HEALTH NEWS THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2024 TORRES NEWS Pertussis – whooping cough – cases on the rise, health service warns Three cases of pertussis, more “This will facilitate timely cases for the whole of 2023. treatment of pertussis cases and help commonly known as ‘whooping “Whooping cough is a highly reduce the risk of infecting others.” cough’, have been recorded on infectious illness that is spread by She said the best and Kiriri-Hammond Island over the coughing and sneezing,” TCHHS scientifically-backed protection past four weeks.

Public Health Medical Officer Dr against whooping cough was Allison Hempenstall said.

Torres & Cape Hospital and vaccination.

Health Services (TCHHS) has urged “The illness can affect people of Pertussis vaccination for GORIresidents MARBLE & GRANITE [new] 20/7/23serious - 20/6/24 eligible and children to all11x3 ages but is particularly in pregnant women was recommended ensure they were vaccinated. infants. from 20 weeks gestation and had (1):They TN0568 20/7/23 2023 43yrs - AdsF T Dummy T Excel T been shown to prevent whooping said nine cases of pertussis “It’s very important that people cough in infants during the first six were recorded so far in the TCHHS with coughing illnesses seek early (1): TN0568 18/1/24 44yrsattention.

- AdsF T Dummy T Excel T months of life. region this year, compared to no*2024medical

Vaccination was particularly important for people living with or caring for babies under six months, such as fathers, carers and grandparents.

The vaccine should be given at least two weeks before contact with the infant.

Adults working with infants and young children under four years of age and all health care workers should also receive a dose of

pertussis vaccine.

Symptoms of whooping cough may include: • Coughing, violently and rapidly, until all the air has left the lungs and a person is forced to inhale, causing a “whooping” sound • Sneezing, nasal discharge • Fever • Sore, watery eyes • Lips, tongue, and nailbeds may turn blue during coughing spells.

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Torres Strait, Cape York, and Northern Peninsula Area residents are being urged to test for bowel cancer by the region’s health professionals.

Participation rates for testing kuma in the National Bowel Cancer’s screening program were ‘worryingly low’ in the area and people were missing out on a potentially lifesaving assessment.

Screening under the national program was free to all eligible men and women with a Medicare card and a postal address and those aged between 50 and 74

years old.

Eligible men and women were recommended to take part in the screening every two years.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Services (TCHHS) Public Health Medical Officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said bowel cancer was the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second biggest cancer-related killer in Australia, but many of those deaths could have been prevented.

“However, participation rates in our region are significantly lower than the Queensland average,” Dr Hempenstall said.

“The latest statistics available from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – for 2020-21 – show the participation rate in the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service region is only about 19.6 per cent, compared with the statewide average of about 37.5 per cent and the Australian average of 40.9 per cent.

“Our health service region includes the Torres Strait, Cape York, the Northern Peninsula Area.’’

Dr Hempenstall said all Torres Strait, Cape York and NPA residents who received their free test in the mail should take the opportunity to use it.

“It takes just a few minutes of your time to do the test and mail it away, but it could save your life,’’ she said.

“The aim of the test is to find evidence of cancers early.

“The risk of bowel cancer increases with age, and it can develop without any obvious symptoms.

“The bowel screening test looks for tiny traces of blood in your poo, which can be an indication of common conditions such as polyps or haemorrhoids, but it could be a sign of bowel cancer.

“Importantly, a positive result in the screening kit does not mean you have bowel cancer. Only one in 29 people are found to have bowel cancer after following up on a positive screening result.

“If the test does indicate signs of a potential cancer, you will receive a letter recommending a further test, usually a colonoscopy, to either rule out or confirm a cancer is present.

“If no evidence of cancer is found, you will receive a letter to that effect.’’

Dr Hempenstall said language issues and cultural sensitivities could be affecting the bowel cancer screening program participation rate in the Torres Strait, Cape York and NPA. “There are also issues in that the kits can only be sent to known postal addresses, which can make things difficult to reach eligible people in many of our remote communities,’’ she said.

“The test kit documentation and

material also can seem a little overwhelming when you first receive it.

“But any resident who receives one of these kits is more than welcome to go to their local island primary healthcare centre and our staff will be happy to explain to them what it’s about and how to do the test.

“Once the samples have been taken, they then have to be mailed away.

“If eligible people don’t have a kit and would like one, please visit your local primary healthcare centre and they will be able to help.’’

Dr Hempenstall said primary healthcare staff also could help residents when their test results came back.

“Our staff can explain if the results are positive or negative,’’ she said.

“If positive, we can explain what the recipient has to do next, which is usually a recommendation for a colonoscopy.

“If that’s the case, we can organise for them to have their colonoscopy at Thursday Island or Weipa or assist them to travel to Cairns for the procedure.’’

To find out more about the National Bowel Cancer screening program and the free bowel screening home test kits, visit www.

qld.gov.au/health/ conditions/screening/ cancer/bowel and/or call 1800 627 701.

Also see advertisement on P4 N

ADVERTISE HERE Get your Business Noticed For more information Call 0419 828 639 • Email ads@torres.news

HEALTH NEWS 09 Families urged to protect and vaccinate against respiratory infections TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2024

Influenza So far this year, 81 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza were recorded, compared with 182 for the same period last year.

“As always, vaccination remains our best protection against respiratory conditions like influenza and COVID–19,’’ Dr Hempenstall said.

“It is recommended everyone aged six months and older get a flu vaccine this year – it is the single most important measure many of us can take to protect each other.

“Young people in particular play an important role in getting vaccinated as they are considered superspreaders.

“You need to be vaccinated every year to keep yourself protected because flu strains change annually, and you will not be immune to these new strains which

are covered in this year’s vaccine.

“As well as at GPs and pharmacies, the free vaccines are available through all primary health centres in the Torres Strait, Cape York, and Northern Peninsula Area.”

COVID-19 Dr Hempenstall said she also encouraged residents to ensure their COVID-19 booster vaccinations were up to date, with the free vaccine available through all primary healthcare centres in the region.

“While being vaccinated will not prevent you getting COVID-19, vaccination has been proven to reduce the severity of the illness and help keep you out of hospital and, especially, out of intensive care,’’ she said.

More information about recommended COVID-19 doses was available at: https://www.health. gov.au/our-work/covid19-vaccines

Pneumococcal Dr Hempenstall said the health service was also encouraging everyone who was eligible to have their pneumococcal vaccine, available through all primary health care centres in the region, and free to at-risk groups.

“Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection. It is especially serious for young children and older people,’’ she said.

“It can cause

pneumonia, bloodstream infection and meningitis – inflammation of the membranes around the brain. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect you from pneumococcal disease.’’

More information about recommended pneumococcal doses and eligibility was at: https://www. health.gov.au/topics/ immunisation/vaccines/ pneumococcalimmunisation-service

the island this week to help oversee a mosquito control program and to deliver information to residents about mosquito-borne diseases and how to minimise risk and check for any further cases.

“They will join with Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) representatives on Warraber Island to undertake mosquito control measures,” she said.

However, public mosquito control measures and education campaigns could only do so much, Dr Hempenstall said.

“All residents of the Torres Strait, as well as the Northern Peninsula

Practice hygiene “Good hygiene also is very important in preventing the spread of respiratory conditions like flu, COVID-19 and RSV, as well as other infections,’’ Dr Hempenstall said.

“Always wash your hands with sanitiser,

cover your coughs, put tissues straight in the bin and stay away from other people if you or they are sick.

“Practising social distancing by staying at least 1.5m away – think three big steps as recommended during the COVID-19 pandemic – will mean coughs and sneezes don’t reach another person’s face.

“Wearing a mask also is highly recommended

to avoid transmitting a respiratory illness to others, or to protect yourself from people around you who might have a respiratory illness.

“If you get the flu, you should stay home and rest and drink plenty of fluids until symptoms have resolved, which is usually 5-7 days.

“If you or your family member is getting sicker, they may have fast or

difficult breathing, have chest pains, be sleepy or say they are getting worse, they should go to their doctor or clinic, as [they] may be suitable to receive anti-viral treatment.

“But you should seek care early, especially if you have other chronic conditions, as antivirals are only effective if started early – within the first couple of days of symptoms.’’

RSV “We have also recorded 77 cases of Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) so far this year, compared to 24 cases for the same period last year,’’ Dr Hempenstall said.

“A single RSV infection does not result in long-lasting protective immunity, and symptomatic illness tends to occur repetitively in children.

“While RSV can infect people of all ages, infants and young children are most at risk of contracting the disease and developing serious illness.

“Symptoms may include a runny nose, cough, fever, sore throat, and headache.

“Symptoms in infants and babies also can include irritability or tiredness, refusal to breast or bottle feed, weight loss, and working hard to breathe or fast breathing.’’

About RSV: https://www. qld.gov.au/health/ condition/infections-

Dengue suspected on Warraber The Torres and Cape Hospital Health Service (TCHHS) is managing an outbreak of dengue fever on Warraber Island.

A total of seven cases have been confirmed on Mer, along with 33 possible and 38 probable cases.

TCHHS Public Health Medical Officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said the health service had identified one probable and one suspected case on Warraber so far.

She said a mosquito control team had arrived on the island and a community meeting was held last Wednesday morning.

A public health team was due to arrive on

and-parasites/ viral-infections/ respiratory-syncytialvirus-rsv

Area, and indeed across Cape York, also need to do their part and take action to eliminate mosquito breeding sites on their properties and protect themselves from mosquito bites,’’ she said.

Dr Hempenstall said mosquitoes were active all year round.

“The very best protection against mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes in the first place,” she said.

More information about mosquito-borne diseases is available at:

http://www.qld.gov.au/ health/conditions/all/ prevention/mosquitoborne/index.html

Remaking of Torres Strait Prawn Fishery (Bycatch Reduction Devices) Instrument 2024 The Protected Zone Joint Authority have just remade the Torres Strait Prawn Fishery (Bycatch Reduction Devices) Instrument 2024. The purpose of the Instrument is to require the use of Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRDs) when fishing in the Torres Strait Prawn Fishery, including defining the allowable BRDs. The only change to this instrument is to the allowable list of BRDs which can be used. Four BRDs are being removed and three new BRDs added to the approved list of BRDs in the fishery.

A further three have had their specifications modified to mirror the Queensland East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery BRD legislation, in which many fishers also operate. The instrument and explanatory statement can be found at www.pzja.gov.au.

For more information, call Lisa Cocking at the Australian Fisheries Management Authority on 02 6225 5451 or email lisa.cocking@afma.gov.au.

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Cape York, Torres Strait, and Northern Peninsula Area residents are being urged to ensure they protect themselves and their children against a range of respiratory infections circulating Torres and Cape communities.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) Public Health Medical Officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said cases of various respiratory diseases, including influenza – the flu – and COVID-19 were on the rise.

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10 NEWS

THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2024 TORRES NEWS

School keeps the fire burning, loud and proud far eastern islands and top western time, so our teachers have to facilitate that.” islands.

Ms Lynch-Harlow said local “Our little ones, our preps in Students, teachers and teachers and teacher-aides had year one and two, they did three community members proudly assisted in guiding the huge project. sit-down dances and it makes me shared their culture at a “We’ve got little sound bites NAIDOC event held at Our Lady cry when I see them, they’re so there, which Marie has created,” they’re so cute,” she said. of the Sacred Heart on Waiben she said. last Friday.

“Then our year threes and fours “If you want to hear the jumped up.”

Getting ahead of the school pronunciation of a word, you just holidays, the event included song, Ms Lynch-Harlow said have to click on the button on the dance, cultural activities and kaikai community members Barwoo computer and there’s her beautiful to this year’s theme of ‘keeping the Fisher and his son Jarli – from voice. fire burning’.

Cherbourg/Murgon with “We’ll share the right way to connections to Ewamian, Gunggari, Outgoing principal Majella pronounce a word, so we’ll be Barada Barna and Wakka Wakka Lynch-Harlow said she was Country – also shared some of their continuing with that through the proud to see months of hard work year, following the Australian traditional dances. and practice come to life at the Curriculum on Indigenous celebration.

“He came with his boy and did languages.”

Jolene, Basana, Mrs Majella Lynch-Harlow, Adrienne. Pic by Carli Willis. a series of traditional Aboriginal “Our students have been singing Ms Lynch-Harlow said that dances and played the didgeridoo and dancing, and they have been in the lead-up to the NAIDOC for us as well, so that was pretty showing strength and pride in celebration, students had (with cool,” she said. language and culture, all morning,” permission) worked with local she said.

Ms Lynch-Harlow said the day elders to document their stories had brought tears to the eyes of “It’s been a beautiful morning and turn them into mini-drama teachers and attendees. [and] we’ve been blessed with performances. having a lot of elders with us, She said language was also “We have enjoyed taking that family and community members. important on the day and the out to community [and] visiting the school had also been proactive in “Leroy Pedro and Samuel Bon Elders at HACC,” she said. embedding traditional language into have been cultural teachers with “Our students went to Star of the the curriculum. our children and they’re fantastic Sea yesterday and presented some [dance] teachers.

She said they had focussed dramas they created. on Kalaw Lagaw Ya and Kalaw “Mr Pedro has a really lovely, “It was just beautiful, watching Kawaw Ya, thanks to Myree Sam, joyful way of teaching the children the elders laugh and clap along, who was a first language speaker and helping them to feel pride in and really enjoy seeing their stories involved with the school through presented back to them.” their work, [and] understand the Catholic Education Queensland. song and what they’re what they’re TOMORROW (Friday) there will singing about.”

“She has worked really hard be a celebration at the school to Issue/s: 9/5____ , 16/5____ , 23/5____ , 30/5____ , 6/6____ , 13/6____ , 20/6____ & 27/6/24____ EXCEL DOC E DUMMY E Ad F Eafter Barwoo Fisher and Son Jarli with our staff to create resources She said various dances had see Ms Lynch-Harlow off before dancing at celebrations. Pic Tari and a teaching program,” she said. been choreographedAVIATION. from the she moves closer to family down HINTERLAND *19x7 LFS ad @ $45incl. central islands (Masig in particular), south.

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NEWS 11

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2024

Boil water notice for Mabuyag A ‘boil water until further notice’ has been issued to Mabuyag residents by the Torres Dances brought tears to the eyes of Strait Island Regional the audience. Pic Carli Willis.

Students dance the flag dance. Pic Carli Willis.

Council (TSIRC).

TSIRC said the notice was a precautionary measure whilst they sent samples to Cairns to test for E coli bacteria.

They said no E coli had been detected to date, but low chlorine levels were detected and further testing water notice.” was required.

They also confirmed no Chief Executive Officer Elders from Star of the Sea enjoy residents had reported to James William said the health centres with waterXavier, Lola, Ryan Jayde, Areti, Angelene & Esta- Ann. Pic Tari Sagigi. the day. Pic Carli Willis. community’s health and related illnesses since the wellbeing was the council’s notice was issued. priority.

The WSR tested for the “We are actively E coli bacteria by measuring addressing the issue to ensure faecal contamination in swift resolution,” he said. water.

“TSIRC is collaborating TSIRC urged community closely with the Water members with questions Supply Regulator (WSR) and or concerns to contact Queensland Health to verify the TSIRC Divisional Issue/s: E DUMMY E Ad E Tari Sagigi, Indigenous Liaison9/5____ , 16/5____ , 23/5____ , 30/5____ , 6/6____ , 13/6____ , 20/6____ & 27/6/24____ the safety of the waterEXCEL supply DOC Engineering Officer or Fthe Officer, led organising the Cairns Engineering Team. before rescinding the boil HINTERLAND AVIATION. *21x7 SCHEDULES ad @ $45incl. celebrations.

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12

THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2024 TORRES NEWS

YUMI College News

TA G A I S TAT E C O L L E G E 4 2024, after the tender process, for a Term 1 2025 completion! Pretty exciting. Thanks to all involved as this project is urgent and has been a topic of advocacy from all of us for some time.

Executive Principal - Michael Ward Greetings all as we finalise the program of teaching and learning for term two and commence school holidays this Friday June 21st. I would like to thank all of our staff, students, parents and community partners for working with us this term through a continuing busy program of commitments and activity.

My notes in this edition continue the theme from last time, regarding a range of major facilities improvements that my leaders and I have been working to achieve with the Department for some time. Just last week, we were delighted to hear that the final round of tuckshop and playground upgrades will be delivered on every campus that submitted an application. This includes the secondary campus on Thursday Island where a refurbished tuckshop is urgently needed.

Matt Tully at our secondary campus was able to work with me and our Regional Infrastructure business partners, to make a range of announcements recently – which I have copied to follow here.

SECONDARY CAMPUS ANNOUNCMENTS FACILITIES Regional Infrastructure has confirmed that the full refurbishment of Junior Toilets (F Block) will be funded, and likely commence construction in Term

Our facilities at the high school are showing signs of age. On top of recent completion of the new library, there are many facilities projects happening at the campus at the moment, that begin the WKNM renewal project, supported by the Department of Education.

Massive thanks also to Leon Proud (Tagai School Supervisor), Ms Shirley Gallo (Regional Director) and College Executive for securing WKNM a FlexiSpace for 2025. This is a $600k investment in the high school campus for refurbishment of part of a building to improve engagement for our learners through an intensive support program.

We are putting out the call to parents and citizens to help us with a Working Bee for C Block in Term 3 at the Secondary campus, where we will be doing an internal refurb – painting, new blinds and putting up sound absorbent panelling on the walls. Many hands make light work! This is funded through the College who have released some additional funds to prioritise this work.

We are excited to announce also that we will be partnering with the Meriba Ged (GBK) Work Crew to do a heap of projects around the secondary campus.

This includes painting the rest of the school, erecting shade shelters outside C Block, putting seating on the oval, putting up bag hooks in each classroom, among others.

Additionally, on behalf of our community, we have submitted a Go for Gold Grant worth $4.88m, to enclose our MPC, completely refit and build an air conditioned gym and changeroom facilities on the western (oval) side. Let’s pray that this is successful, as this could be a fantastic facility for our community into the future.

The Department of Education is committed to Equity and Excellence, and this includes having safe, suitable facilities to foster achievement, including remote schools such as ours.

Our Heads of Campus and I will continue to work, with the support of our Region and Department, to improve all our campus sites, because our kids deserve it. There are plenty of projects to still enact, such as a new school fence, further classroom refurbishments, Security Cameras, a new Malu Os facility, to name a few. Many of these can be included in an exciting new program launched by the Department, known at the Discrete Communities Renewal Program.

A Master Planning process will begin in July, which was recently explained to our College’s governing board at their meeting. At this point I would like to thank our TSIREC board members for their tireless advocacy for our school and our students.

As our facilities improve and the departmental investment continues, it is important that we talk with our students about respect of property. As a staff, we are consistently talking with students about how we treat our ‘things’.

See you all next term.

13

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2024

Mer Erwer Uteb Head of Campus Rebekah Hasler Term 1 Attendance - 51 Students Enrolled Current

80% (40 students)

Target Goal

90% (46 students daily)

Mer Eruer Uteb has been actively engaged during Term 2, participating in various school and community events. Students have taken delight in showcasing their cultural heritage to both the local community and visitors.

Shake and Stir We were honored to have special guests, such as the ladies from Shake and Stir, Mal Meninga, and Mr. Jeremy, who demonstrated how storytelling can be intertwined with the arts.

The students were fortunate to receive their own signed football from Mal, while the school received a signed guitar from Shake and Stir and Mr. Jeremy.

Unders 8’s Day Mer Campus celebrated under 8’s day this term.

It was full of fun, laughter and activities with the community.

Students engaged in traditional weaving, face painting, obstacle course and inside activities.

As the day drew to a close, we finished the celebrations with shared kaikai. Families and friends gathered around, enjoying delicious food and sharing stories. It was a perfect end to a day that not only entertained but also fostered a sense of community and connection.

The memories made on this Under 8’s day will be cherished by all who attended.

Celebrating Mabo Day on June 3rd Our students and staff showcased their pride at the community Mabo Day festivities.

Engaging in the community march, they later performed traditional dances for everyone present.

Additionally, students had a great time demonstrating activities from their language and culture classes to the community.

Daura Day On June 14th, Student leaders from the school participated in the Daura Day celebrations by placing wreaths in the ocean to honor the life and accomplishments of Dauareb Plaintiffs.

value of their diligent efforts in teaching and monitoring student progress.

Kubin Ngurpay Lag Head of Campus Jodie Whelan

Positive Culture for Learning We are proud learners who are respectful, responsible and safe.

Term 1 Attendance - 36 Students Enrolled

In our classrooms:

Current

82% (29 students)

Target Goal

90% (33 students daily)

Literacy Mastering the intricate skills of reading and writing is no easy task! Our dedicated students have been putting in tremendous effort to excel in these essential skills that require practice.

Assessments will be conducted shortly to track their progress this term, and we are eager to share their achievements with families and the community.

Students who may need additional support are being provided with targeted interventions to aid their learning. The PLD team at Kubin Ngurpay Lag consistently evaluates the literacy program’s effectiveness and acknowledges the

We are proud learners: I participate in all classroom activities We are respectful: I use whole body listening We are responsible: I listen and follow instructions We are safe: I keep my hands and feet to myself

Growing our Own: Kubin Ngurpay Lag is proud to share that we have several staff undertaking studies to further their knowledge and skill development for best practice working with our students.

Miss Desphina and Miss Hannah are enrolled in Certificate 3: Early Learning and Miss Yuri is enrolled in Certificate 4: Youth Work.

Readers Cup Team The Tagai Readers Cup is a campus-wide reading program where teams analyze assigned texts and work together to answer competition questions.

This term we welcomed new staff member Miss Shae to our Kindy/Prep/One team. Miss Shae is experienced in the early years and has previously worked remote in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

We are thrilled for our students Samuel, Davaniel, Kassiana and Lynae to engage in this enriching literary opportunity.

We warmly welcome Miss Shae to our school and community.

14

THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2024 TORRES NEWS

GBK’s PBC Business

CROSSWORD

As the region’s Native Title Service Provider, GBK provides important support and legal services to PBCs from across the Torres and Endevour Straits.

1.

DOWN

2.

1. A decision made by the court that a claim group holds or does not hold native title over a specific area.

4. A document that explains how the PBC should be run (also known as the PBC constitution).

3.

4.

ACROSS

5.

6.

7.

Answers in next week’s paper.

2. Proposals to do work on land or have plans for the land that may affect native title rights and interests, such as mining, granting pastoral leases or declaring a national park.

3. The name given to the person who puts forward a proposal (a motion) to be voted on by the group during a meeting.

5. The term given to the smallest number of members that must be at a meeting for it to start.

6. The short name given to the special law, based on the Corporations Act 200, created to for the benefit of Indigenous people (The _____ Act).

7. A name given to a member who is attending and voting on behalf of another at a general meeting.

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

15

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2024

CALLING ALL EMPLOYERS

The Zenadth Kes Next Gen program is expanding Following the program’s success on TI and Horn Island, the MGNM Zenadth Kes Next Gen program is now available to employers across the Torres Strait region.

If you have a vacancy that needs to be filled or want to help young people (aged 16-21) kick start their careers, ZK-Next Gen is for you.

Through the program, MGNM can the support you need to find, prepare and support the ideal young person to join your team.

Better still, if you hire a young person through us, we’ll help with costs before they start, offer training while they’re working, and provide wage subsidies and supervision costs for their first three months on the job. If you hire an apprentice, we’ll help you find even more ways to save money.

true. e b o t d o o g It is not too ive a g o t u o y h t wi Let us work t and r a t s t a e r g le a young peop G E R. N O R T S S S USINE B R U O Y E K MA

LIMITED PLACES A Contact VAILABLE the M

GNM te am toda to find o y ut more .

Your next starts noswtep CONTACT US jobs@gbk.org.au

p 07 4212 0000 RIGHT JOB RIGHT PERSON RIGHT FIT

16 ART & CULTURE NEWS

THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2024 TORRES NEWS

Brisbane’s Mabo Day draws South Bank crowd Zom Kolb Kolb Meriam men dancers.

STORY & PICS BY LEWIS BIN DORAHO Brisbane City Council hosted this year’s Mabo Day celebrations at South Bank on Saturday 8 June. The event included cultural performances

by Brisbane based Zom Kolb Kolb Meriam Dance Group to a crowd of around 300 people.

Alimah Davis nee Bin Doraho.

Orepa Davis & Lewa Ambrosia Bin Doraho.

Zom Kolbe Kolbe Meriam Dance Group - Back: Daniel Tapau, Tara Southwood, Neavu Saylor, Samaria Tapau, Tahiyana Tapau, Orepa Davis, Teiya Gallienne & Alimah Davis. Front: Jact Peters, Ashton Canendo, Immanuel, Tapau, Neveah Faamau & Lewa Ambrosia Bin Doraho.

Zom Kolb Kolb Meriam men dancers.

Special Insight exhibition on show in Townsville STORY & PICS BY ALF WILSON More than 20 talented Indigenous artists have their work on display at the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library at Townsville’s James Cook University in an exhibition called Insights, on show until the end of next month.

The artists included James Billy, Michael Cook, Karen Doolan, Gail Mabo, Susan Peters Nampitjin, Tommy Pau, Jeannie Mills Pwerle, Brian Robinson, Teho Ropeyarn, Joel Sam, Bai Tapau, Alick Tipoti and Aicey Zaro.

JCU Library Special Collections Manager Bronwyn McBurnie said the exhibition marked the anniversary of the official naming of the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library at the Bebegu Yumba (Townsville) campus in May 2008.

“The Exhibition also celebrates the connection between the Mabo story and JCU,” she said.

“This year’s exhibition has been titled Insights and we’re so pleased to once again have endorsement from the exhibition’s patron, Gail Mabo.

“We hope to shine a light on just some of the artworks by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in the University art collection.

“These wonderful works, mostly by artists from the North, form a significant and growing component of our collection.”

She said Insights provided an understanding of the meaning and significance behind each artwork and details about the artists who created them.

“We invite the community to view these pieces so they can gain an appreciation of the breadth and

diversity of artworks produced by Australian Indigenous artists and collected by the University for the benefit of everyone who visits JCU’s campuses and sites,” she said.

“The types of artworks on display include graphic, representational and abstract landscape, animal, plant and human forms in paintings, prints, photography, sculpture and, a connected display or related publications and materials in the cabinets located on level one.”

Mrs McBurnie said when you start looking at the artworks, you saw connections and reconnections with culture which are explored through their imagery and shared through the stories the artworks tell. ‘‘Through the exhibition we recognise and acknowledge Indigenous custodianship of Country and aim to draw attention to their cultural and artistic knowledge and practices,” she said.

Library Director Helen Hooper said each year the Mabo Art Exhibition gave staff, students and visitors time to pause and reflect on the Library’s history and celebrate its naming.

“JCU’s Library has a rich history of supporting Australian Indigenous artists of northern Queensland and celebrating their achievements,’’ Ms Hooper said.

The entire JCU Art Collection was managed by JCU Library Services and included more than 1000 individual works located across JCU’s five campuses at Bebegu Yumba (Townsville), Nguma-bada (Cairns), Murtupuni campus (Mount Isa), Ngulaigau Mudh (Waiben), and Ngudya Yamba (Mackay).

TOP: Outside the Eddie Mabo Library. BOTTOM: Work by Tommy Pau (eastern Torres Strait).

NEWS 17

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2024

CEQ puts healthy food choices on the table Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) says they have stepped up their focus on the health and wellbeing of our communities with the launch of their 2023-2027 Nutrition and Wellbeing Strategy.

The strategy, based on the organisation’s vision of Caring, every day, always, was developed in line with CEQ’s mission to provide essential goods and services through its IBIS and ABIS remote stores and support communities to be healthy and sustainable.

The new strategy focused on five key areas to help achieve healthier, more sustainable communities: • Ensuring the availability of healthy foods and drinks • Addressing the affordability of healthy foods and drinks • Creating and maintaining a supportive store environment that encourages customers to make healthier choices • Investing in nutrition and wellbeing education and promotion within the CEQ team and its communities • Advocating and collaborating to support initiatives that improve nutrition and wellbeing, and celebrate culture and tradition.

CEQ has already delivered several key successes that tied in with the new strategy: • In November 2022, a new Nutrition and Wellbeing Manager position was created to attract a nutrition leader with extensive experience in driving nutrition strategy, building highperforming teams, and working closely with remote First Nations communities.

• Since then a Store Nutritionist was appointed to lead the Gather and Grow Healthy Stores project, a partnership with Health and Wellbeing Queensland to promote healthy purchasing in remote stores.

• Soon to join the Gather + Grow project was a newlyrecruited First Nations Nutrition Cadet to work alongside the Store Nutritionist in a travelling role to promote healthy eating and increase nutrition capacity in CEQ stores.

CEQ Board Member Dr Mark Wenitong said CEQ understood the balance between sustainable remote stores and the commercial determinants of health in a changing higher cost of living environment.

“We want to maximise our influence on chronic disease,” he said.

“We know that policy and strategy are nothing without action, and CEQ is working with communities to ensure we implement this strategy.”

CEQ Chief Executive Officer Michael Dykes said the new strategy focused on education and creating better opportunities to make healthier choices.

“This strategy is definitely not about removing choice,” he said.

“It’s about education and adjusting our store environments to make those healthier choices more convenient and appealing.

“We want to improve food and nutrition environments and deliver healthy lifestyle programs to support better health outcomes in the Torres Strait, Cape York, Gulf of Carpentaria, and on Palm Island, with a particular focus on maternal and child health outcomes.

“This is part of CEQ’s way of Caring, every day, always to partner with community, council and other key stakeholders.”

Mr Dykes said the launch of the organisation’s new nutrition and wellbeing strategy was an important milestone for CEQ. “We have a role to play in supporting the health and wellbeing of our team members and customers, and we’ve got some exciting plans for the future that will demonstrate this new

strategy in action, so stay tuned,” he said.

“This strategy will further position CEQ as a forwardthinking, collaborative organisation, preparing itself for the future, with the wellbeing of our customers and team remaining at the forefront of what we do.”

TN0461 • 11-04-24 Pic supplied by CEQ.

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SPORT 19

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2024

Mistee picked for Woomeras Mistee Sagigi’s football

Queensland regional teams,

Schools Sports Australian

journey will take another big

FNQ representative teams,

National Championships on

step forward after winning

and for Gold Coast Suns

selection for a national youth

Academy, which played

the Gold Coast next month.

team.

Western Australia and South

Mistee was selected to play for the Woomeras, a

Australia in the national girl’s under-16s competition.

national female Indigenous

She took up Aussie rules

development program, which

footy through clinics run by

introduced young footballers

AFL Cape York at her school,

into an elite training

Tagai State College.

environment.

Mistee’s football has come

Mistee earned a spot in the Gold Coast Suns Academy

The Woomeras program was the AFL’s Indigenous talent pathway program for girls aged 16 and under. *The Woomeras program takes its name from the “woomera”, a device added to a spear that adds greater control and speed for the

on in leaps and bounds in

team with her skills, hard

thrower.

recent weeks, after only

tackling and work ethic.

RIGHT: Mistee Sagigi will join the national youth girls’ team, the Woomeras.

Pic supplied.

taking up the game recently.

She won selection for several far north

In May, she was selected in the Queensland under-15 girls team to play in the

Under-12 Crusaders fly high on the Sunshine Coast More pics from the under-12s Crusaders team trip to the Sunshine Coast for the Queensland School Sport Australian Football State Championships, courtesy of AFL Cape York.

Elijah Bon with Dad David Pearson (Thursday Island) .

Staff member with Wilfred Cook (New Mapoon).

Captain Eli & Vice Captain Yarrin.

Crusaders and coaching staff at the beach.

Torres Strait players with Thomas Holland.

Roseanna Warrior.

Rosanna Solomon & Ma’halea.

20 SPORT

Footy, culture, respect

THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2024 TORRES NEWS

Gold Coast rolls up in NBL1

BY VELMA GARA

Lance Corporal Timothy Muhamad before the ANZAC Day rugby league match in Sydney. Pic supplied.

BY ALF WILSON Growing up on Waiben provided Lance Corporal Timothy Muhamad with a wonderful respect for culture, rugby league and the military.

As he stood in the Australian jersey with his ADF teammates as they watched the New Zealand Defence Force rugby league team perform the haka ahead of their ANZAC Day match earlier this year, LCPL Muhamad said he felt connected to his home in the Torres Strait.

“Seeing their passion for Māori warrior heritage is something I really relate to,” he said.

“My fiancée and four children all have Maori heritage and one of my son’s favourite things is watching the haka before big games.”

After facing down the haka LCPL Muhamad reflected on the fact he was in the last stages of his playing career.

He started playing league on Waiben in the under-12s.

He said these days a lot has changed, with more programs provided by the NRL helping grassroots footy.

“Torres Strait Islanders live and breathe rugby league,” he said.

“It’s part of who they are and is woven deep into their community fabric.”

At age 15, LCPL Muhamad attended boarding school at St Augustine’s College in Cairns, which

was when his footy world opened up.

“I got goosebumps from head to toe going into that game against the Kiwis – waiting for that first hit-up, that first touch of the ball and first tackle,” he said.

Playing regular games in a schoolboy competition ignited his passion to keep playing.

He went on to play for the Ivanhoe Knights A-grade side in the Cairns and District competition.

In 2010, he joined the Army after completing a carpenter apprenticeship, spending a short time as a gunner at the 8th/12th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, before transferring to become a sapper at the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment.

Having spent the majority of his career in Darwin, LCPL Muhamad has been involved in re-enactments of the World War II bombing of Darwin.

“Having moved to the Territory and learning about the bombings of the (Darwin) harbour, and finding out it was bombed heavier than Pearl Harbor, really shows how close the war got,” he said.

“It taught me a lot and I want to try to educate others about our history, especially on what happened up north.”

After the game, LCPL Muhamad swapped jerseys with his opposing second-rower, Petty Officer Kauri Harema.

“Getting to swap my jersey (with PO Harema) to give to my fiancé and kids meant a lot,” he said.

TJ Diop’s Gold Coast Rollers have moved up three places on the ladder of the NBL1 North competition, making them an outside threat to the top six.

On the road north, the Rollers defeated Cairns Marlins (92-90) but lost to Townsville Heat (102-83).

The Rollers were sitting at 10th spot on the ladder.

Forward Diop said they needed to get both wins in order to give ourselves the best chance to make play-offs.

The Rollers were last year’s men’s grand finalists and are the 2022 NBL1 North champions.

“We have struggled a little bit this season, you know, with different things happening, just like any team,” he said.

“We’re figuring it out and hopefully we figure it out sooner rather than later.”

Darwin Salties were on the road, too, this time playing Southern Districts Spartans and Brisbane Capitals, from which they managed

All-Star TJ Diop. Pic supplied.

one win, against the Spartans 106-92, and one loss, against the Capitals 86-81.

Townsville Heat may be sitting at the bottom of the ladder but they played well against Gold Coast to record a win, 102-83.

In the women’s competition, Northside Wizards notched up a 15-point win over North Gold Coast Seahawks, 89-74. It was the Seahawks’ second game in round 10 where they had a loss to Spartans 81-71 last Friday night.

WNBL point-guard

Abby Cubillo suited up for the Salties for the Spartans’ game and starred with 18 points off the bench, even though Darwin lost, 75-97.

The Mackay teams played against Sunshine Coast and both teams recorded wins: the Meteorettes won 88-70, the Meteors 117-77.

Round 11 South West Metro Pirates travel north to play Cairns tomorrow night and Townsville on Saturday night.

Darwin is at home

and will play against the Seahawks and Rockhampton will host Mackay.

The Torres News game of the week will be Rollers at home against Spartans.

As the competition gets closer to the finals, all teams are in mustwin situations.

Meanwhile, TJ Diop said the game he played in between the IBA All-Stars and Sacramento State last week was “amazing”.

The All-Stars won 72-59.

“It was an amazing event showcasing culture and I guess just the talent that we have and being able to showcase that, too,” TJ said.

The visitors couldn’t find their rhythm but that was due to the All-Stars’ style of play.

“We came out and just played with high energy the whole game,” TJ said.

“You know, when guys came off and other players subbed on and that energy was maintained, we were able to just keep that up the whole game and ended up getting a good win.”

TJ Diop is surrounded by love and family who came to support him in the All-Stars game.

WE WANT YOUR NEWS

TJ with grandmother Miliana Davey and Aunty Gladys Bourne.

SPORT 21

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2024

2024 ZKRL season back on track Duo primed for Game II The four-team 2024 Zenadth Kes Rugby League Island Rooster premiership season will pick back up this weekend with a full round of fixtures after two weeks away.

According to the Queensland Rugby League Northern Region fixtures, Mulga Tigers and Pioneer Knights will play the first game, before Suburbs and Roosters square off in the second game.

The scheduled games were to begin at 2pm (first game) and 4pm (second game) at Ken Brown Memorial Oval on Waiben-Thursday Island.

The last round of fixtures two weekends ago was postponed due to referee unavailability, and last weekend there was a scheduled bye due to the annual Island of Origin series, won by Paga Panthers – see back page and page 23 N.

BY ALF WILSON

Saibai Islanders were happy onlookers when Souths Alex Johnston became the secondhighest try-scorer in NRL history, while the Broncos’ Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow crossed for the best fourpointer of the season.

Football followers also saw the great performances of Reuben Cotter, Dane Gagai, Ezra Mam and Tristan Sailor.

Johnston celebrated his 191st career try in Souths’ upset win over the Broncos 22-12.

He passed Queensland State of Origin coach Billy Slater who had scored 190 – the great Ken Irvine, with 212, was the only one ahead of him.

Winger Jacob Gagai had a strong game for the Rabbitohs saving several tries and almost scored himself.

It was a miracle try by The Dolphins’ Hamiso for which he ran 95 metres and

The NSW Blues don’t have any players with ties to Torres Strait.

Classy Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Reuben Cotter have been named in the Queensland side for Game II of the 2024 State of Origin series, to be played in Melbourne next Wednesday.

Newcastle centre, Dane Gagai, who has extensive experience in Origin, has been named as a reserve for the Maroons.

Hamiso was to play in the centres and Reuben as a front-row forward in the run-on side.

Queensland won Game I 38-10 in Sydney and, if they won in Melbourne, would wrap up the series.

Coach Billy Slater found no room for Ezra Mam.

The squad assembled in Brisbane on Monday for a camp.

Queensland team for Game II 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Xavier Coates, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6.

Tom Dearden, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c), 8. Reuben Cotter, 9. Ben Hunt, 10.

Lindsay Collins, 11. Jaydn Su’A, 12.

Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Patrick Carrigan.

Interchange: 14. Harry Grant, 15.

Moeaki Fotuaika, 16. Felise Kaufusi, 17. Kurt Capewell. Reserves: 18. Dane Gagai, 19. Heilum Luki, 20. Trent Loiero.

Dantoray lights up Pride

BY ALF WILSON Pioneer Knights’ Ty Matthew brings down a Suburbs opponent in a solid tackle earlier this season. Pic by Darren Moncrieff.

‘AJ’ second as all-time scorer

ROUND UP

BY ALF WILSON

eluded five defenders which sparked his side to a nail-biting 30-28 win over Cronulla on Thursday night.

The Dolphins had led 22-nil at the 25th minute in the first half but later trailed 24-22 when Hamiso changed the course of the game.

Cronulla had the momentum, but at the 59th minute Hamiso cruised past multiple defenders from near his own line and ran an amazing 98 metres to give his side a four-point lead after a conversion.

Commentators described it as the try of the season.

Hamiso scored nine tries in his last seven NRL games and finished the night with 251-run metres and 10 tackle breaks.

That was on top of his three tries performance for Queensland in Game I of State of Origin Game against NSW. Cronulla went into the game a hot favourite especially as the match was at their home ground.

At the post-match press conference, renowned Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett was glowing in his praise of Hamiso.

“Hammer is a special player, we’re very lucky to have him,” the great coach said.

“Hammer and

Steve Renouf would be the two players I’ve coached that have that absolute magic to get to the try-line and create that special moment.”

The Dolphins sat fourth on the table and host Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium in Round 16.

Classy five eighth Ezra Mam was one of the Broncos best and livewire fullback Tristan Sailor was put under plenty of pressure

by South Sydney who peppered him with high bomb kicks.

Reuben Cotter classy in Cowboys charge North Queensland continued their movement up the ladder with a 34-16 win over the Raiders in Canberra on Friday night.

Forward Reuben Cotter was one of the Cowboys’ best.

The Cowboys had the game in their keeping when leading 22-nil at halftime.

Centre Seb Kris and winger Xavier Savage combined for a try at the 66th minute.

Seb popped a flick pass out to Xavier who scored in the corner.

The victory was the Cowboys’ fifth in a row over the Raiders and third on the trot at GIO Stadium.

Sebastian Kris went on report in the final minute.

The Cowboys have

their first bye of the season next week which will give Todd Payten’s men some much needed time to rest and recover, although several players will again be away with their respective state sides ahead of Origin.

Dane’s limited opportunities Centre Dane Gagai had few attacking opportunities when Newcastle lost 26-18 to the premiers Penrith on Sunday.

He did, however, tackle plenty against the rampaging Panthers.

In one brilliant passage of play, Dane brushed past several defenders and almost scored before being held up over the line.

Tries by PNG backs Two tries by PNG international Justin Olam helped the West Tigers to defeat the Gold Coast Titans 18-10 at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday.

Meanwhile, another PNG Test player, Xavier Coates, scored a try in the Storm’s 38-24 win over the Warriors in New Zealand.

That left the Storm an outright leader on the 17 club comp ladder.

In other games, Manly beat St GeorgeIllawarra 30-14, and the Roosters defeated Parramatta Eels 28-18.

Young Dantoray Lui hit the scoreboard for Northern Pride in their win over Western Clydesdales 42-22 at Toowoomba in round 14 of the Hostplus Cup on Sunday.

The Pride sit comfortably in second place on the 15-club ladder and are one of the premiership favourites.

Dantoray came off the interchange bench at the 20th minute and scored at the 50th which saw the high-rolling Cairns-based Pride bolt to a 28-6 lead.

Speaking to Torres News, 22-year-old Dantoray said he ended up playing on a wing instead of his normal position at 5/8.

“I played the last 60 minutes and was on a wing when one of the boys was injured,” he said.

“There was a lot of spectators cheering for the opposition on their home ground and we didn’t have many.

“Two of our best players were Jake Clifford and Tom Chester.”

Julian Christian and Norths Devils are on top of the table after defeating Tweed Seagulls 42-10 at Bishop Park.

Coming off the interchange bench at the 26th minute, Julian was in good form.

Gehamat classy in Blackhawks victory Gehamat Shibasaki scored a try in Townsville Blackhawks’ 26-14 win over Souths Logan at Davies Park.

Big centre Gehamat proved a handful for

Blackhawks hooker Jayden Hodges. Pic supplied. the Magpies’ defence displaying all of the experience he has gained in his 30 NRL matches.

Hooker Jayden Hodges also played well, while Dudley Dotoi was a reserve.

Edrick scores for the Capras Lanky winger Edrick Lee crossed for a four-pointer in the CQ Capras’ exciting 28-all draw with WynnumManly at Kougari Oval.

Edrick was marked closely but still was one of the Capras’ best and his try at the 66th minute was vital.

Mackay registered a 30-16 victory over Ipswich Jets at BP Print Stadium scoring six tries to four.

Included in the Jets

backline was flying centre Dominic Macumboy from Lockhart River on Cape York.

The Capras sit seventh, the Cutters eighth, the Blackhawks ninth and the Hunters are in 11th.

Blockbuster clashes next round In what is looming as a genuine game not to be missed, the Pride will be at home at Cairns against archrivals the Blackhawks.

Described as a North Queensland derby, a large crowd was expected, including many from the Torres Strait and NPA. Kick-off will be at 2pm on Saturday.

In another juicy encounter, the Cutters will meet the Capras.

22 SPORT

THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2024 TORRES NEWS

Classy IBA All-Stars defeat Sacramento State

IBA All-Stars team.

STORY BY DARREN MONCRIEFF & PICS BY LEWIS BIN DORAHO

Tidjane ‘TJ’ Diop.

Nate Jawai.

A selection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander basketball’s best players stood tall in an international exhibition match against top-ranked NCAA Division 1 side Sacramento College, from the United States, in Brisbane last week.

The Indigenous Basketball Australia (IBA) All-Stars team, coached

by Kerry Williams (Cairns Taipans assistant coach), saw off the Hornets 72-59 at Shailer Park in Brisbane.

The All-Stars featured Tidjane ‘TJ’ Diop and Verle Williams and Bamaga-born Nate Jawai.

IBA dominated from the outset, piling on 20-points to 9 in the first period to set up the win, from which they were never in doubt.

The Hornets had their best period in the third when they dropped 25 pts to 21.

The NBL’s Will Hickey (Illawarra Hawks) and Kian

Dennis (Cairns Taipans, free-agent) were stars for the All-Stars, each netting 17pts, while Biwali Bayles (Illawarra Hawks, free-agent) stepped up with 10pt – 10 rebound doubledouble. Dennis shot at an impressive 85 per cent from the field and Hickey pulled down eight rebounds for the game.

The pair hit 17 points apiece, with Dennis shooting at an impressive 85 per cent from the field, and Hickey pulling down eight rebounds for the game.

IBA All-Stars Starting five Biwali Bayles, Kobe McDowell-White, Will Hickey, Kian Dennis and Nate Jawai (c).

From the bench Jaylen Pitman, Nevarda Higgins, Amarco Doyle, Verle Williams, Johnny Narkle, Jackson Harding and Tidjane Diop.

Coaches Kerry Williams (head coach), Claude Williams (assistant coach) and Joel Khalu (assistant coach).

The IBA All-Stars and Sacramento State teams.

SPORT 23

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2024

Origin winners Paga Panthers + NQ Sistas United M Continued from P24 It became a procession when, nine minutes before half-time, Paga fullback Stanley Anau found himself free to score his side’s fourth.

There was reprieve when a handling error

by Paga at four-minutes before half-time led the Stallions’ Joe Bond to score their first and, with Bradley Magala’s deadly kicking game that saw him score 34 total points over the weekend, the men from the Cape had a whiff of a chance.

But any hope of a comeback had the biggest setback when, at the kick-off to begin the second half, a Stallions player was in front of the kicker, which led to the turnover and a try to the Panthers’ Celestino Nona moments later and, from that point, the game.

Tamanah Bond got one back for the Stallions at the 10min mark but when Ben Barba executed some individual brilliance to score his team’s seventh try it was all over.

Making the defeat in the final harder to swallow was Cape Stallions’ stellar weekend that saw them undefeated right up until the final.

In their only other game, played in round 2, the Cape Stallions ran all over Paga to win 24-8.

In round 1, the Stallions also knocked off pre-tournament favourite Roxin Eagles 12-10.

Round 3 saw the Stallions take care of Argun Warriors 28-4, and hometown team Wakaid Warriors 11-10 in a round 4 thriller.

That win saw the Stallions advance to the semi-final stage where they again met Wakaid but, unlike the previous match-up, this was all one-way traffic, 27-0 the Stallions’ way and a ticket to the final.

The team’s spectacular entrance to the field for the final saw them led into the oval by an actual stallion, with a horserider carrying the team flag.

In contrast to their

opponents in the final, it took Paga until round 4 to record a win.

In round 1, Paga drew with hosts Wakaid Warriors 10-10.

Their round 2 loss to the Stallions was followed by a 10-6 defeat by Roxin Eagles in round 3.

But the Panthers recovered to record back-to-back wins, first over Argun Warriors in round 4 (20-8), and then in the semi-final (16-4) to book a spot in the final.

The final line-up in the men’s division of the 2024 Island of Origin series was Paga Panthers, Cape Stallions, Argun Warriors, Roxin Eagles and Wakaid Warriors.

Women’s division The women’s division of the 2024 Island of Origin series saw Arkai Sisters, NQ Sistas United and Bammuu Kew play out an exciting abbreviated series of a game each, a semi-final, and final.

NQ Sistas United stood out as the best

team from the start, defeating Arkai Sisters, 16-10, and Bammua Kew, also 16-10, in round 1. Arkai Sisters defeated Bammua Kew 10-8 in round 1 and in the semi-final 12-8.

In the final, NQ Sistas United scored four tries to Arkai’s one, to win 16-6.

Among the try-scorers for NQ Sistas United were Maiama Hull, with two to Ebony Tamwoy and Mikasa Badham.

Tanee Fauid weas the sole try-scorer for Arkai with Ruth Neliman converting the try.

Committee’s Big Esso Dhadhin Geai Warriors vice-presient George Morseu said he wanted to thank everyone involved.

“From the organising perspective, a Big Esso for our committee and the volunteers that made the carnival happen from Friday to Sunday,” he said. “To all our sponsors that contribute to the carnival and to the security people in this alcohol- and drug-free event, a Big Esso.

“To the TSIRC for their support and for the venue and facilities, and on behalf of Dhadhin Geai Warriors, Esso!

“Thanks, too, to all those who participated in all the divisions.

“A big Esso to our local spooinsors that contributed to the event, too; the list is too big.

“And Esso to the QRL and to Terry Abednego for his administration and hard-work leading up to the carnival, and also to all of the officials.

“Hopefully, we are looking forward to 2025 and to see what transpires there.”

Award-winners Rookies of the Carnival Men – Tye Ahmat, Cape Stallions Women – Calista Boyd, NQ Sistas United Highest Point-Scorers Men – Brendan Magala, Cape Stallions Women – Anita Manas, Arkai Sisters Top Try-Scorers Men – Charles Baira, Cape Stallions

Women – Anita Manas, Arkai Sisters Golden Boot Men – Brendan Magala, Cape Stallions Women – Calista Boyd, NQ Sistas United Most Improved Forwards Men – Samukie Gaidan, Roxin Eagles Women – Alanah Phineasa, Bammua Kew

NQ Sistas United Most Improved Backs Men – Daniel Mairu, Wakaid Warriors Women – Calista Boyd, NQ Sistas United Best Backs Men – Stanly Anau, Paga Panthers Women – Retemoi Satrick, NQ Sistas United Player of Carnival Men – Charles Bairu, Cape Stallions Women – Anita Manas, Arkai Sisters

TN0230 8x2 local sports Best forwards Men – Zengrey Nona, Argun Warriors Women – Malama Hull,

Looking for more local sport?

We’re happy to run it if we have it!

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 JUN – SEP 2024

Monday to Saturday

THURSDAY ISLAND to SEISIA Depart 6.30AM & 2.30PM SEISIA to THURSDAY ISLAND Depart 8AM & 3.50PM “Linking the Cape with the Torres Strait”

Women’s Division Winners NQ Sistas United. Pic by Danuta’s Photography.

Boarding strictly 15 mins prior to departure

PHONE 07 4069 1551 BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL – TICKET ONLINE

ABOVE: Arkai Sisters. Pic by Danuta’s Photography.

RIGHT: Cape Stallions supporter leads the team. Pic supplied.

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.

24

THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2024

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

Paga Panthers win Island of Origin

Paga Panthers are the toast of regional footy after winning the 2024 Island of Origin series at Joe Mairu Oval at Wakaid on Badu Island last weekend. Pic by Danuta’s Photography.

BY DARREN MONCRIEFF

Paga Panthers are the toast of regional representative football after winning the 2024 Island of Origin three-day series at Wakaid at the Joe Mairu

Memorial Oval on Badu Island last weekend.

The men from Boigu put on a dominant display in their 36-12 win over NPA side, Cape Stallions, after getting the best start possible in their grand final.

A Stallions fumble from Panthers’ first kick-off, by former NRL player and regional football star Ben Barba, saw a scrum feed near the Paga line, from which Panthers playing-coach Gedi Dau bustled through the Stallions’

defence to score.

It was a nervous start for the undefeated team from the Cape and it got a whole lot worse when, not five minutes later, Rahkeem Auda found a gap in the Stallions’ defence near the uprights.

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The Panthers’ quick play-the-ball had the Stallions’ defence on the hop. And in just their fifth push forward, Devontay Auda broke through some strong defence to score the Panthers’ third try.

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