Torres News_Edition 138_11 July 2024

Thursday, 11 July 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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BLAK, LOUD AND PROUD Torres Strait Islanders from across the nation have marched, danced, sang and celebrated this year’s NAIDOC theme Blak, Loud and Proud with their Aboriginal brothers, sisters and allies in one of the biggest years ever for the event.

At the National NAIDOC Week Awards ceremony in Adelaide last Saturday night two Torres Strait

Islanders – Dulcie Flower and Alick Tipoti – took out two of the most esteemed national awards against the stunning backdrop of Torres Strait Islander artist Deb Belyea’s winning poster artwork. Events were held in almost every town across the nation, including locally.

See our full NAIDOC wrap on PAGES 5, 6, 7, 10 & 11 N

Marchers in the Cairns NAIDOC Parade. ABOVE: Torres Web. Pic thanks to Cape York Partnerships. LEFT: Peggy Lane. Pic by @jonojames_photography thanks to Cairns NAIDOC.

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02 ARTS NEWS CIAF getting ‘BLAKtivated’ Shields Street will come alive with the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair’s (CIAF’s) BLAKtivation this weekend.

Launched in 2023 to warm up the cultural precinct with First Nations arts and culture ahead of CIAF, BLAKtivation leverages community collaboration and partnerships to showcase the creativity, talent, and cultural ways of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

From 2pm until 5.30pm on Saturday the precinct spanning the Cairns Esplanade and Lake Street, a program of artistic and contemporary dance performances, poets, storytellers, and Mob Markets will inject a colourful vibe into the inner city.

A program of Aboriginal and

THURSDAY 11 JULY 2024 TORRES NEWS

UMI launches 2024 Freshwater Saltwater

Torres Strait Islander cultural dance from Patty Banjo Patterson and Mabuiag, Miriki, Guubaw Goeyga, DIDG troupes, poetry and storytelling from Shaun Creek and Jessica Hart, Mob Markets, and after-dark digital projections of Indigenous art and sculptural illuminations from Jam Pro Lighting and Bonemap will feature.

In an added treat for visitors, sundown will see the area light up with illuminated sculptural installations and digital projections from 6pm to 10pm and every night thereafter until the close of CIAF 2024 (13 July to 28 July).

BLAKtivation: Saturday, 13 July 2024, from 2pm to 5.30pm, and nightly illuminations from 6pm to 10pm, 13 July to CIAF close, Sunday, 28 July 2024.

Anzak Newman and his artwork at UMI’s Freshwater Saltwater exhibition launch on Tuesday.

Pic Colyn Huber, Lovegreen Photography.

Art lovers can take in rich cultural expressions from a range of artists from the Torres Strait and across the country at the 11th annual Freshwater Saltwater, UMI Arts’ most popular, premium exhibition, with a track record for attracting the attention of art lovers and collectors from Cairns and further afield.

The exhibition featured 36 works on canvas and paper, artefacts and jewellery by 14 of the region’s best-known, mid-career to established artists.

UMI Arts’ Artistic Director, and curator of Freshwater Saltwater, Lisa Michl Ko-manggén OAM, said this was the organisation’s much-anticipated group exhibition featuring a distinct and diverse line-up of artists.

She said the exhibition was named to reflect a metaphorical ideology of Far North Queensland’s two very distinct and diverse cultures.

“From a purely artistic perspective, Freshwater Saltwater is a nod to mainland Aboriginal custodians who are mostly connected to ‘freshwater’ while Torres Strait Islanders find a closer association to ‘saltwater’,” she said.

“This year’s beautiful and thought-provoking collection of artwork and jewellery represents the flowing together of our Peoples’ cultures and stories, from rainforest to desert to island.”

This year’s Freshwater Saltwater exhibiting artists included Anzak Newman (Tupmul / Sumu / Wulgurukaba) and Napolean Oui (Djabugay/Cairns).

New legislation passed by parliament last week will work toward the reinvigoration of the arts with the establishment of First Nations Arts and Writing Australia.

The two new parts of the Creative Australia Amendment (Implementation of Revive) Bill 2024 aim to invest in and grow First Nations arts practice and Australia’s literature sector – delivering on commitments in Australia’s national cultural policy Revive.

First Nations Arts was to support and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts practice, enhance sustainable career pathways for young First Nations people in the arts and increase opportunities to grow First Nations audiences overseen by the First Nations Board.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke said the creation of First Nations Arts recognised the crucial place of First Nations stories at the centre of Australia’s arts

and culture.

“Self-determination is important – it means supporting First Nations artists and organisations to tell their stories,” he said.

“First Nations Arts, together with its governing First Nations Board, will allow for autonomy over investment decisions and enhance opportunities for First Nations artists and arts workers.

“Writing Australia will provide greater investment and support to our writers, illustrators and publishers, who have been historically overlooked and underfunded – that changes now.”

Freshwater Saltwater is set to open tomorrow (Friday 12 July) with a welcome to Country and smoking ceremony and public event at the UMI Arts Jensen Plaza Gallery in Manoora.

The exhibition is free to view between Monday and Friday until 13 September.

Your North Queensland airline connecting the islands of the ‘First Nations Arts’ Torres Strait with part of Creative Australia drive Cairns and Bamaga

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First Nations Arts will commence later in 2024.

Expressions of interest for the First Nations Board are now open and can be submitted at Expressions of Interest for Arts portfolio board appointments | Office for the Arts.

Writing Australia will commence on 1 July 2025.

NEWS 03

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 11 JULY 2024

NPA Cultural Festival marks NAIDOC Week

Guest artist Mitch Tambo. Pic supplied.

Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council will proudly host the 2024 NPA Cultural Festival –– a free event starting today, and running through until Saturday, to mark this year’s National NAIDOC Week.

The festival was to celebrate dance, music, culture and comedy with

First Nations guest acts Mitch Tambo and Sean Choolburra live on stage at Yusia Ginau Oval in Bamaga over the three days.

The Pajinka and Northern Cape York’s communities were expected to be joined by traditional dance troupes who travelled far and wide from across the

Injinoo Dancers. Pic thanks to NPARC.

Guest artist Sean Choolburra. Pic supplied.

Laura, Aurukun, Coen, Bamaga, New Mapoon, Injinoo – with a theme of United Cultures = Strong Future: “Let’s Dance”, and sharing stories of united cultures and strong messages of youth empowerment.

Torres Strait Islands, including Mabuiag, Waiben, Mer – and Cape York Peninsula:

JOIN US: NPA Cultural Festival visitors can reach Bamaga by road from Cairns,

Cooktown and Weipa or fly to Bamaga Airport (Skytrans) from Cairns or to Horn Island (Qantas or Skytrans).

In tourist season (May to Oct) a daily ferry travels to the nearby Seisia Wharf from Horn Island and Thursday Island.

For more information, see: www.nparc.qld.gov. au/cultural-festival

QAS awards NPA rangers for bravery

Apudthama Land & Sea Ranger Trevor Nona & IIAC RNTBC Senior Ranger Frankie Cook with their certificates. Pic Shanella Majid.

BY SHANELLA MAJID Ipima Ikaya Aboriginal Corporation (IIAC) RNTBC Senior Ranger Frankie Cook, and Apudthama Land and Sea Ranger Trevor Nona have been formally recognised by the Queensland Ambulance Service for saving a little girl’s life in Somerset Bay, in the Northern Peninsula Area, earlier this year.

The two rangers leapt into action when they were alerted to a one-year-old girl unresponsive in the water.

Both trained in CPR, they put their life-saving training into practice, providing compressions for 8-10 minutes until the child began to cough and show signs of consciousness.

Triple-0 was called and an ambulance from Bamaga, driven by paramedic Karl Visser, one-and-a-half hours away, was on its way, as was a Torres Strait Rescue helicopter

– Rescue 700 – from Ngurupai, with QAS Flight Critical Paramedic Gerard O’Brien on board.

When Karl arrived he continued resuscitation measures and when Gerard landed he stabilised the girl for the airlift to Thursday Island Hospital.

The young child made a full recovery.

Without intervention from Frankie and Trevor, QAS Bamaga Officer-in-Charge Adam Marston said the child’s chance of survival would have been critically low.

“This case highlights the need for bystanders to instigate CPR as soon as possible prior to the ambulance arriving,” he said.

“Given the remoteness of Cape York, an ambulance can often be quite a distance from a scene.

“If the two rangers, Frankie and Trevor, didn’t commence CPR on that day the child’s

chances of survival would have been very slim.

“Their actions undoubtedly saved her life.”

They were presented with Certificates of Appreciation from the QAS’ Deputy Commissioner Operations North, Rural and Remote, Kari Arboiun and the QAS Assistant Commissioner Far North Region Brina Keating at a formal ceremony in Bamaga last Thursday.

Businesses, organisations, family, community and first-line responders witnessed the awards ceremony.

“When tragedy strikes, it is crucial that members in our community know what to do in emergencies,” Brina said.

“We are extremely proud to present Rangers Frankie Cook and Trevor Nona these certificates, and they should also feel a deep sense of pride knowing their early and skilled intervention has resulted in an incredible outcome for this

young child and her family.”

NPARC Chief Executive Officer Kate Gallway said skills training, and especially advanced lifesaving techniques, were the difference between life and death in our region.

“Council is extremely proud of the local rangers, for their dedication and training, and the precious life saved for a thankful local family,” she said.

IIAC Operations Manager Lousia Taylor Ahmat said the recognition was well-deserved.

“Both Frankie and Trevor are Traditional Owners of Gudang Yadhaykenu and this recognition is well-deserved and well-earned,” she said.

“Both these men are role models and true heroes and it takes real courage to do what they did.

“Given the remoteness of Somerset Bay from Bamaga, it could have been a very different outcome if early bystander CPR was not performed.”

04 NEWS

THURSDAY 11 JULY 2024 TORRES NEWS

Vanuatu connections (and reconnections) celebrated STORY BY FLORA WARRIA PIC THANKS TO VONDA MALONE

Vanuatu High Commissioner to Australia His Excellency Samson Vilvil Fare, Councillor (Waskam) for Sydney city Emelda Davies and her children were special guests at a Torres Health and Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) sponsored reconnection event late last month.

The special public community engagement session was facilitated

by Vonda Malone.

“There was a great turnout and support from the community

members who have blood connections and lineage that linked back to the islands of the Pacific, with lots of meaningful and moving stories shared and understanding the connections and history,” Ms Malone said.

The visit was about connecting and reconnecting with Torres Strait Islander countrymen and descendants whose ancestors were part of the blackbirding trade from Tanna and other islands.

New funding for Cape York Disaster Resilience Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council is one of three Cape York communities about to be better prepared for natural disasters with the five-year National Partnership Agreement on Disaster Risk Reduction supporting almost $850,000 in resilience projects for the region.

The $15 million investment, through the Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Fund (QRRRF), was to build better disaster resilience to help get communities back on their feet sooner.

The QRRRF projects on Cape York included more than $529,000 for the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council to secure five back up generators to enhance power resilience and essential services after natural disaster events.

The QRRRF also offered $1 million for Central Queensland University to design mobile, green energy hubs to back-up electricity supply in remote, regional and urban areas after natural disasters.

“This program is backing local initiatives that ensure Far North Queenslanders are prepared and able to get back on their feet sooner after natural disaster events,” local MP Cynthia Lui said.

“The QRRRF’s investment builds the resilience we need now while backing great ideas like mobile green energy hubs that could have many uses in remote communities.

“Resilience training for First Nations tourism operators is just as important as we grow our visitor economy to welcome the world ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Details on the latest round of QRRRF project funding are at: www.qra.qld.gov. au/qrrrf

Remote community food security on agenda National consultations, including discussions in the Torres Strait, will begin this week as part of a national strategy for food security in remote First Nations communities.

The strategy was designed to improve the price, quality and availability of food and other essential groceries in remote communities.

“Affordable, fresh and healthy food is important for everyone, especially our children and older people,” Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney said.

“Proper change will take state and territory governments working together with First

Nations health organisations.

“We want people to have their say on what will work to improve the price, quality of food and other essential groceries in remote communities.”

Food and other essential groceries were often more than 50 per cent more expensive in remote communities than in regional supermarkets, not consistently available and can be of poorer quality.

A consultation team was planning visits to remote communities this month and next to hear from residents and community-based organisations.

A discussion paper drafted

around eight focus areas impacting the remote food system encompassed: • Country • Health • Housing • Families and Community Infrastructure • Stores • Supply Chains • Healthy Economies • Policies, Practice and Governance.

The purpose of the discussion paper was to outline the eight focus areas and provide examples of actions to support interested stakeholders in providing their views on the

design of the Strategy.

Improving food security required cross-portfolio action from the Commonwealth and state and territory governments, in partnership with First Nations people.

Feedback can be provided via online submissions.

Information, including opportunities and dates for faceto-face engagements, and how to lodge a submission, is available on the National Indigenous Australians Agency website at: https://www.niaa.gov.au/ our-work/health-and-wellbeing/ national-strategy-foodsecurity-remote-first-nationscommunities

60 years of AIATSIS brought to Waiben STORY AND PICS BY FLORA WARRIA Almost 60 years ago to the day a team of 50 non-indigenous academics came together to form the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) to study, gather and document information and data about Australia’s First Nations people.

“They believed that the history of the First Nations people of this country was on the verge of extinction and felt that they needed to record everything and try to preserve and protect it before it was gone,” chair Jodie Sizer – a Gunditjmara woman from south-western Victoria – told a Waiben audience earlier this month.

She spoke at an event where nine governing members of the board,

AIATSIS Board of Directors chair Jodie Sizer. five of whom were appointed by the Minister and four elected, were on

a visit to Waiben for the first time.

“The strength in

culture and knowledge we have locally, that we are able to be shared and celebrated on national and global platform and was necessary to be preserved and protected,” she said.

“The First Nations people can now have access to the resources to help with whatever assistance they require for their research or their heritage, culture and history.

“There is a collection of over a million artefacts and items we are ensuring is not lost.

“There are recordings of languages for people to hear that may not have been shared, journals from first contacts, and artworks that are incredibly precious, also in their possession are minutes for the first National Advisory Council (NAC).

“AIATSIS has published stories in which they worked with

traditional owners, it also holds records of family history programs of all sorts and got many diverse roles within the organisation.”

Board member Murray Saylor, from the Samsep tribe of Erub, said they would be back.

“In AIATSIS there are a number of services that are available now, from languages to history, from collective items to all the information that you need to know about our family, our history, culture, traditions [which] has now have been made available for all to access it,” he said.

“In the future AIATSIS will be revisiting our region and bringing with them all the information about our archived documentation and records available for us to obtain.”

NAIDOC 05

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 11 JULY 2024

Muyngu Koekaper lights up national NAIDOC fire

BY DARREN MONCRIEFF The Torres Strait was fairly represented on the national stage in Tarntanya (Adelaide) at the 2024 NAIDOC Awards on Saturday night.

Under this year’s theme Keep the Fire Burning: Blak, Loud & Proud the Muyngu Koekaper Dance Team’s stunning performance lit the fire for a night of Blak excellence in which 10 award-winners from across the country were formally recognised.

Among those was Aunty Dulcie Flower from the Meriam people, whose tireless work in the health space has spanned decades and earned her the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ms Flower, who wore a dress from Bamaga, spoke of her work in Redfern upon accepting the award.

“At the Aboriginal Medical Service in Redfern, Laverne nominated me and I said, ‘Please don’t’ but then I thought, ‘No, I owe this to Redfern’ and so I said to the medical service staff, ‘This is your award’,” she said.

“We used to watch people getting awards from all around Australia and we thought when is it Redfern’s turn to get something?

“So this is also for Redfern.

“The best thing I can do is say, ‘Thank You’ to family, to my Torres Strait family here tonight and to the people of Adelaide. Thank you so much for this.”

Alick Tipoti’s work won him the Caring for Country & Culture Award.

“I wanna Esso the finalists, there is so many people to acknowledge,” he said.

“I Esso the NAIDOC Committee for picking me, big Esso for youpla.

“It’s only fitting that I be start with my acknowledgement in the dialect of my motherland simply because the design you see is designed by Saibai lady, my sissy Deb [Belyea] there – congratulations.

“The dance you see (tonight) is a very powerful dance team – 35 years, going strong – Muyngu Koekaper, my mother’s from that island, it is only fitting I started my acknowledgement in that dialect.

ABOVE: Female dancers from Muyngu Koekaper Dance Team: Juliet Kabai, Gidina Waia and Kinau Akiba. Pic by Joseph Mayers.

Register of Pre-qualified Suppliers Pre-event NAIDOC Week luncheon: TSRA’s Sayuri Fujii and Acting CEO Charlie Kaddy, NAIDOC Poster artist Deb Belyea, TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM, Matini and artist Alick Tipoti. Pic supplied.

“Big Esso to my wife, she lives with me on Badu Island.

“She helps me keep the fire going and we teach our language to our children.

“Kapu kubil.”

He said he was passionate about preserving language and reviving cultural traditions through art and dance, and was working on putting together a language book he aimed to have published by early 2025.

Artist Deb Belyea spoke of her winning art design that provided a kaleidoscopic backdrop on the national stage during the ceremony.

Mrs Belyea confirmed the dance team was the inspiration behind her work.

“My inspiration was the Muyngu Koekaper Dance Team from

Saibai, which is where my family’s lineage is from,” she said.

“Their name literally translates to, ‘being the spark from one fire that jumps to create another fire’, so that fire [is] a metaphor for our First Nations and culture.

“I’m so proud, I can’t believe it.

“I just wanted to put our Torres Strait culture out there, too.”

Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM congratulated the winners.

“On behalf of TSRA, I congratulate everyone recognised during NAIDOC Week for their ongoing advocacy and dedication to our people and communities,” he said.

“The Muyngu Koekaper Dance

Team performances during the NAIDOC Awards, witnessed live and broadcast across Australia, was a proud moment for all of Zenadth Kes. “The winning 2024 NAIDOC Week Poster artwork by Deborah Belyea, inspired by the dance team from Saibai, showcases the enduring strength, spirit and culture as the fire that burns within us all.

“Growing Torres Strait Islander representation alongside our Aboriginal brothers and sisters will keep the fire burning for many generations to come.”

Keep an eye out for more pics of the Muyngu Koekaper Koekaper Dance Team in the next edition of Torres News J

Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) is re-opening the tender submissions from businesses and individuals seeking to be placed on Council’s Register of Pre-qualified Suppliers for:

Supply of Trades Services – Contract No. 2023-03-01 and

Plant Machinery Hire (Civil & Building Works) – Contract No. 2023-03-02 Existing Pre-qualified Suppliers do not need to re-tender for the above tenders.

Interested companies and individuals may complete a Schedule for one, multiple, or all of the listed categories in the supplier registers and return with the completed Tender Response.

Tenderers shall submit their Tender Response via email tenders@nparc.qld.gov.au by close of business, 5pm Friday 2 August 2024.

Tender Specification documents are available to download via Council’s website www.nparc.qld.gov.au\Council Information\ Tenders and Expressions of Interest.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Council’s Operations Department via email tenders@nparc.qld.gov.au.

Kate Gallaway CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

06 NAIDOC

THURSDAY 11 JULY 2024 TORRES NEWS

Aunty Dulcie Flower

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD-WINNER

Aunty Dulcie Flower accepts her award on the Adelaide stage of the National NAIDOC Awards night and ball.

Pics by Jillian Mundy with thanks to Koori Mail.

Aunty Dulcie Flower was born in Cairns in 1938.

Her mother was of the Meriam people.

Her grandfather was born on Mer (Murray Island) with the family later moving to Erub (Darnley Island).

Aunty Dulcie said she had fond memories of growing up as part of the Torres Strait community in Cairns and enjoyed the region’s multicultural atmosphere.

Briggs, Gladys Elphick, Winnie She recalled the vibrant pearl Branson, and with colleagues and trochus shell industries in including Joyce Clague, Evelyn Cairns during her youth and how Scott, Bruce MacGuinness, Ken these industries, and those who Brindle, Isobel Kent, Sally Goold, worked in them, touched the lives Ray Peckham, Naomi Mayers and of her family.

Sol Bellear,” she said.

Aunty Dulcie has made an “My Torres Strait family has also indelible mark on Australian mentored me and I am blessed history through her unwavering to have the privilege of working dedication to activism, advocacy, with Aboriginal People and also and community development. with Torres Strait Islanders to gain She has two children, five justice and equality in this country. grandchildren and five great“An important aspect has grandchildren, who she said she been encouraging non-Aboriginal couldn’t be prouder of. students and professionals to work She acknowledged some of the with our peoples not for them, in people who have impacted her the ongoing struggles to achieve throughout her journey. equality in access to the necessities “I have met the most amazing of life, cultural acknowledgement people, mentoredHinterland by the late,Weekly with 12x3 andCONTRA respect, freedom racism, AD [n/c from 25-04-24] respect, Faith Bandler, Pastor Doug optimum standards of housing, AdsIN E Excel Dummy E Bert Nicholls, JoeEMcGinness, health, education, clean water • Contact Advertising - Andrew Clair, CEO. 0459 026 250 – Groves, Perl Gibbs, Aunt Geraldine supply, and land ownership.”

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ABOVE: Alick Tipoti (right), winner of the Caring for Country & Culture Award.

TOP RIGHT: Hosts Narelda Jacobs, Steph Tisdale and Rob Collins.

RIGHT: Muyngu Koekaper Dance Team.

Pics by Jillian Mundy with thanks to Koori Mail.

LEFT: TSRA Board & staff representatives with Ambassador for First Nations People Justin Mohamed.

CENTRE LEFT: TSRA Acting CEO Charlie Kaddy, Assistant Portfolio Member for Culture, Art & Heritage Bob Kaigey, Aunty Dulcie Flower, TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM, Board Member for Saibai Chelsea Aniba & Douglas Odo. BELOW LEFT: TSRA representatives: Charlie Kaddy, Napau Pedro Stephen AM, Chelsea Aniba & Bob Kaigey. Pics supplied.

ABOVE RIGHT: Ben Mills, Matini and Alick Tipoti, TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM and Yvonne Mills.

LEFT: TSRA’s Douglas Odo, Sayuri Fujii, Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM, Acting CEO Charlie Kaddy and Assistant Portfolio Member for Culture, Art and Heritage Bob Kaigey.

Pics supplied.

NAIDOC 07

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 11 JULY 2024

Waiben community celebrates NAIDOC Week Radio ‘4 Meriba Wakai’ (4MW) - 1260am hosted a live broadcast at the Torres Health NAIDOC community celebrations earlier this week.

The event was part of the health organisation’s commitment to “keep the fire burning” for the week.

“Eso to everyone who came, participated and had a yarn with us about how we can achieve better health, together,” they said.

The event featured a NAIDOC banner for painting and lots of yarns.

Pics supplied.

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08

THURSDAY 11 JULY 2024 TORRES NEWS

GBK’s Native Title

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 1. What does PBC stand for? (10,4,9) 4. What does Gur stand for in GBK’s name?

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Answers in next week’s paper.

11.

ACROSS 1. Location of 1788 Dispossession Act

by Captain Cook (10, 6) 2. What report does have to be submitted by PBCs to ORIG between 1 July and 31 December each year? (7, 6) 3. What kind of rights about the sea was first recognised by the High Court in its Akiba decision? (10, 6) 5. What is the address of GBK’s website, which has information about Native Title in the Torres Strait?

6. Who is invited to Annual General Meetings?

7. What does Baradharaw stand for in GBK’s name?

8. Which building in Cairns is GBK located? (Cairns 9,5) 9. Birthplace of native title (6,6) 10. What is the name of the PBC that represents the native title holders for the sea country in the Torres Strait? (4,5,5) 11. What is the book that explains who can become a member and who is a director for a PBC? (4,4)

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

09

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 11 JULY 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

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10 NAIDOC THURSDAY 11 JULY 2024 TORRES NEWS Nintringanyi Cultural Centre hosts Cairns Elders’ lunch for NAIDOC STORY AND PICS BY BEL LUI NAIDOC Week was celebrated and acknowledged at the Nintringanyi Cultural Training Centre with an Elders luncheon last Saturday.

A lovely lunch was provided and entertainment by performers and some karaoke tunes which led to some traditional dance.

MCs Eliana Richardson and Josh Rolland.

Elders’ table.

Dancer Norah Saveka.

Elders Esther Lampton, Amagel Baker and Jack Maros Baker.

Bernie Singleton’s Welcome to Country.

Community Elders.

Elders from St Paul’s, Moa Island.

Elder Karen Reyes.

A ‘Deadly Day Out’ to close Townsville NAIDOC celebrations this week Hundreds of men, women and children attended the Townsville NAIDOC opening event at the Jezzine Barracks Precinct near the Strand last Sunday.

A breakfast was followed by entertainment by the Aboriginal Wulgurukaba Dance Group, the Komet Torres Strait Art and Cultural Dancers and music and singing by the Trevor Prior and Sons Next Generation Band.

Topsy Mola said there was a generous amount of bacon, sausages, fresh fruit and other delicacies on offer.

Wulgurukaba Walkabouts members did the smoking ceremony with William Mabo, a grandson of the late and great Eddie “Koiki” Mabo, starting the fire.

Guest speakers highlighted what the theme of Keep the

Fire Burning Blak Loud and Proud meant to them.

Elder Aunty Dorothy Savage, who was a member of the hard-working organising committee, gave an emotional speech.

“Our children must keep the fire burning and it is up to families to educate them, the voice of our people has never been bigger,” Aunty Dorothy said.

Ashley Saltner jnr raised the Aboriginal flag, Rick Phineasa the Torres Strait flag and Kristian Price the Australian flag.

It was the first of many events in Townsville with an art display at Willows Shopping Centre over the week, a corporate breakfast today and a huge Deadly Day Out planned for tomorrow at Riverway.

William Mabo a grandson of Eddie Mabo during the smoking ceremony. Pics by Alf Wilson.

Komet TSI Art and Culture Group perform.

NAIDOC 11 Cairns NAIDOC march celebrates rich cultural heritage with pride TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 11 JULY 2024

BY BEL LUI A miserable, cold winter morning gave way to a lovely day of sunshine for the Cairns 2024 NAIDOC Day celebration.

Following its usual route, the NAIDOC march started at 9.30am at Munro Martin Park and made its way through the city and into Fogarty Park alongside the Esplanade.

Acknowledgements of the VIPs were

followed by a day-long celebration ending late in the afternoon.

Cairns NAIDOC organisers said they were thrilled to share the success of the day.

“Together, we walked proudly, celebrating our rich culture and heritage,” they said.

“Thank you to everyone who participated and made this event unforgettable.

“Your spirit and unity continue to inspire and strengthen us.”

Pic by @ jonojames_ photography thanks to Cairns NAIDOC.

Pic by @jonojames_photography thanks to Cairns NAIDOC.

ABOVE & BELOW: Pics by @jonojames_photography thanks to Cairns NAIDOC.

Pic thanks to Cape York Partnerships.

Pic by @jonojames_photography thanks to Cairns NAIDOC.

LEFT & ABOVE: Pics by Cape York Partnerships.

Topsy Mola serves up breakfast. Pics Alf Wilson.

Rick Phineasa about to raise the TS flag.

Tekele Mene and Emily Day enjoy breakfast.

12 NEWS

THURSDAY 11 JULY 2024 TORRES NEWS

Katherine kicks off annual story telling competition

BY FLORA WARRIA The Zenadth Kes writing competition is up and running again for the second year after kicking off this week and running to Friday 9 August.

Local children’s book author Katherine Robinson, who writes under her pen name Lynelle Kendall, said she was excited to be running this year’s competition at Tagai Primary School and the Sacred Heart Primary School over the month.

“My aim is to inspire the next generation of writers, to help them see that the power of their words can help shape the future and enable them

TN0461 • 11-04-24

Childrens book Author Katherine Robinson.

Pic supplied.

to have an impact in their school, community and the wider world,” she said. “It is also to celebrate the fun of creative writing, where there are no limits to where their imaginations can take them and what their characters can do.

“In the upcoming weeks, my plan is for some of the stories to be published from last year’s writing competition.”

Awarding winning entries from last year’s writing competition will be published in the coming weeks leading up to the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s (CBCA’s) Book Week with the winners due to be announced between August 17 – 23.

BOOK ONLINE: WWW.REBELTOURS.COM.AU

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The Lolycons and the Villagers STORY BY ESTA ANN STUART Once upon a time there was a harmonious world full of humans and Lolycons. The Lolycons were sea creatures that had mermaid tails, devilish horns with deep blue hair and dog paws at the end of the arms.

At night when the sun went down their mermaid tail transformed into legs.

The people and the Lolycons were friends and lived in a beautiful forest next to the ocean.

Each night the humans and the Lolycons had dinner together, sharing their delicious meals while the children all played happily.

But one night it all changed! The magical village emerald was stolen! The chief banished the Lolycons from the forest to never return.

A year had passed. The Lolycon tribe had become miserable. A brave nine-year-old girl called Estrella was eager to get her tribe to reunite.

In the early hours of the morning, before the sun rose, Estrella set out to the forest to try and meet with the King in secret to tell him what happened to the emerald. She was caught by the chief’s guards, silenced and banished back to the ocean.

One stormy night a Chief’s guard ran to the seashore where the Lolycons stayed and yelled out to Estrella.

“Help! We need help! The Chief’s daughter has been captured by some mystical creatures!” Estrella heard the cry.

The guard explained that if she helped to find the Chief’s daughter, he promised that they could reunite again.

Estrella and her brothers Koan and Rukas gathered their weapons and headed towards the river where Estrella knew the princess would be. The same place where the emerald was! The trio swam up the river and saw the guards that were half-beast, half-human.

Nervous, Estrella asked bravely, “Have you seen the forest princess?” The beast replied, “Oh yeah, we have. She’ll be a nice treat for us, and you’ll be too!”

The Lolycons jumped in the river and swam fast with the beasts close behind. They found a little secret hole that led them to an underground cave.

They entered and saw the princess in a hanging cage. When they tried to get her free, the beasts smashed in and surrounded them, and threw them in the cage with the princess.

The Lolycons and the princess were getting worried as time went on. Just then the keys caught Estrella’s eyes and they swung the cage to reach them. The only way out was back through the secret hole in the river. Rakus put a breathing mask on the princess and they escaped.

The guards realised they had gone and swam after them. As they were about to reach the secret hole a beast grabbed the princess by the leg.

Estrella and her brothers pulled and pulled but she was taken. Estrella swam back in, shot an arrow at the beast and pulled her free.

Estrella and her brothers saved the princess and the chief kept his promise, so the Lolycons and the humans were reunited.

13

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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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Each week we will publish a pic showing the Ailan way of life in the Torres Strait and the NPA – the kids swimming, a BBQ at the beach, fishing, scenic shot, etc – from local photographers and readers across our region.

Just email us your pic of Ailan Life along with your name, phone number and a 25-word description to ads@ torres.news This week’s pics, taken on Thursday Island, were submitted by Quy Trong.

“How beautiful is the sunrise on Thursday Island? Just one word – breathtaking! If you have a chance, try to listen to the sound of the sea waves, wind, and birds.

It is a peaceful moment which is difficult to get in another place,” Quy said.

Quy is now in the draw to win this month’s $150 gift card! Good luck!

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Multiple entries may be submitted, but every entry (or entrant) may not be published.

All pics submitted will be considered in the draw for the monthly gift voucher. Winners of the CEQ Ailan Life competition are determined by CEQ. Entries to the Ailan Life photo competition may be used by the CEQ marketing/promotions team as background images for store promotions such as posters, digital noticeboard specials, counter-facing displays (POS) screens, and/or on their website and social media. Entries may also be used in-store to promote the ‘Ailan Life’ competition.

14 SPORT

Brothers score x 2 for teams

ROUND UP

BY ALF WILSON

Brothers Jacob and Dane Gagai each scored two tries in NRL round 18, but for different winning clubs.

Jacob scored his double for South Sydney while Dane bagged two for Newcastle.

The brothers put their hands up every year for the family club GH United at the end of each season.

Speedy winger Jacob’s two tries (of six) for Souths saw them defeat Parramatta 32-16 for their fifth-straight victory last week on Thursday night. Jacob crossed at the eighth and 68th minutes in a great all-round performance.

Alex ‘AJ’ Johnston had few opportunities from the other wing.

Jacob made his NRL

debut for the Rabbitohs in round 1 in Las Vegas and has established himself as a valuable outside back.

Rabbitohs interim coach Ben Hornby praised Jacob at the post-match press conference.

“Jacob Gagai – another big game from him,” he said.

“I could name the whole team to be fair, they’re all playing well.

“The effort was great, they got the rewards for it and I couldn’t be happier.”

This round, the Rabbitohs meet the Dolphins.

Dane’s Knights hold Dane’s two tries for Newcastle came in at the ninth and 43rd minutes against Canberra in the Knights’ 16-12 win in the national capital.

Xavier Savage played on a wing for the Raiders and Seb Kris was a reserve.

Xavier almost scored a try but was unable to ground the ball.

The Knights travel to Brookvale to take on Manly on Sunday afternoon while the Raiders have the bye.

Reuben scores, Cowboys short

A try by Cowboys lock Reuben Cotter at the 51st minute briefly changed momentum but not enough in the home side’s 21-20 loss to Manly in Townsville on Saturday.

Manly was leading 18-6 when Reuben crossed, and another Cowboys try soon after saw the scores deadlocked at 18-all.

Those tries looked to turn the tide in the Cowboys’ favour.

However, in goldenpoint extra-time, a field goal by Manly number 7 Daly Cherry-Evans saw the visitors win.

The Cowboys, eighth on the table, will have the week off with their second bye of the season.

Ezra classy in loss Five-eighth Ezra Mam was one of the Broncos’ best in their 14-6 loss to premiers Penrith before a crowd of 42,433 at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

Ezra was the Broncos’ backline leader in wet conditions in a replay of last year’s grand final in which he scored three tries.

The Broncos led 6-4 at halftime and Ezra fired out a pass to his fullback Reece Walsh

who scored the home side’s only try in the 26th minute.

The Broncos were without injured halfback Adam Reynolds, and Ezra took on further responsibility when his number 7 partner Jock Madden left the field with a hamstring strain early in the second half.

The Broncos have dropped to 11th on the ladder and face the possibility of missing the finals series unless they string together a couple more wins in the remaining nine rounds.

In Round 19, the Broncos will host St George-Illawarra at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

Titans win Second-rower David Fifita was solid for Gold Coast which rolled Cronulla 20-16 at Coffs Harbour on Friday.

David was strong in attack and made numerous telling tackles for the much-improved Titans.

Other games The Bulldogs beat the Warriors 13-12 and ladder-leaders Melbourne Storm defeated a gallant West Tigers 40-28, while the Roosters rolled the St George 42-12.

Pride run riot over Capras

BY ALF WILSON The Northern Pride have charged to an outright lead on the 15-club statewide Hostplus Cup men’s premiership after thrashing the CQ Capras 34-6 at Barlow Park in Cairns on Saturday.

And the PNG Hunters did the Pride an enormous favour by upsetting former table-topping Norths Devils 20-18.

It was Indigenous Round, too, and sides wore impressive jumpers with First Nations art.

The Pride were based on Gimuy Walubara Yidinji land and the Capras from Darumbal.

Dantotay Lui came off the interchange bench for the Pride who led 24-nil at half-time.

Pride winger, and PNG international, Robert Derby and centre Tom Chester both scored doubles.

The Capras included experienced NRL player Edrick Lee who lined up on a wing.

Pride have emerged as genuine premiership contenders with 28 competition points against the Devils on 26.

Blackhawks score Centre Gehamat Shibasaki and

Redcliffe’s Brenton Baira. Pic QRL.

winger Dudley Dotoi scored tries in the Townsville Blackhawks’ 44-12 win over the Clydesdales in Tully.

Gehamat scored in the fourth minute and Dudley crossed at the 41st.

The Blackhawks now sit 11th on the ladder.

Brenton blitz For the third week in a row, classy winger Brenton Baira scored heavily when his Redcliffe Dolphins beat the Brisbane Tigers 40-26 in a high-scoring game.

Brenton scored two tries and booted six goals for a personal tally of 20 points.

That follows his 26 points

last week and 18 in the previous round.

The Dolphins sit fourth and scoring machine Brenton will be a key player in their finals campaign.

Cutters slice through Seagulls The Mackay Cutters which included Jamal Shibasaki defeated the Tweed Seagulls 20-14 and are 10th on the ladder.

Hunters win away from home The PNG Hunters have moved to seventh on the table after an amazing 20-18 win at Bishop Park against the North Devils.

Hunters try scorers were Alex Max, Finley Glare, Client Lama and Solo Wane.

Sharpshooter Jamie Mavoko booted two goals.

Tristan sails in Magpies win Quality fullback Tristan Sailor played well for the Magpies who beat the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls 40-10.

Tristan has played several matches for the Brisbane Broncos this season to fill in for champion fullback Reece Walsh who was either injured or on State of Origin duties, or both.

There is strong interest in the competition with six rounds remaining before the finals series.

THURSDAY 11 JULY 2024 TORRES NEWS

Suburbs on top of ZKRL

BY DARREN MONCRIEFF Suburbs has continued on their winning ways in round 3 of the 2024 Zenadth Kes Rugby League Island Rooster Cup premiership season with a win over a plucky Pioneer Knights at Ken Brown Memorial Oval on Waiben-Thursday Island on Saturday.

The deadly boot of Suburbs’ Maniufu Nona converted all the tries of teammates Barwoo Fisher, Cedric Valentine and Jarrod Laifoo that saw the ‘Green Machine’ from Tamwoy Town win by a converted try, 32-26, over the Knights.

The vastly improved Pioneer side put it up to their more fancied opponents, in which William Neliman, Benjamin Neliman, Nabil Warrior and David Pearson crossed the line to score. They shared goalkicking duties,

too, with Nabil, William Benjamin and Kermaira Matasia kicking true.

In the earlier game, Roosters-Mulga Tigers, the laser-like focus of Roosters kicker Terence Yusia that saw him land five from five – for a season total of 28 points – just wasn’t enough to get his side over the line in a high-scoring, highly entertaining match with the men from Badu.

The Tigers team shared the load, in the packs and on the scoreboard, with nine scorers in their 42-34 win, which included Mauga Nona, Zengrey Nona, Jerry Ahmat, Darua Laza and Celestino Nona. The Nona boys, Zengrey and Mauga, shared the goalkicking duties as they landed three each.

The action on the field continues this weekend with Mulga Tigers and Suburbs kicking off in the first game (1.30pm) and Pioneer and Roosters the second game (3.30pm).

Origin decider shapes up Experienced Origin player Dane Gagai will join Reuben Cotter and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in the Queensland Maroons run-on side in the deciding State of Origin clash against NSW in Brisbane next Wednesday.

But tackle-busting Gold Coast forward David Fifita has again been snubbed by selectors, despite his outstanding club form.

Centre Dane has been rushed into the Maroons side after being a reserve for Game II. Cowboys lock

Reuben has been named as a front-row forward.

Hamiso will partner Dane in the centres.

Dane’s Knights teammate, superstar Kalyn Ponga, was named on the bench after shining for his club on Sunday.

Queensland team: 1 Reece Walsh, 2 Selwyn Cobbo, 3 Dane Gagai, 4 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5 Valentine Holmes, 6 Tom Dearden, 7 Daly CherryEvans (c), 8 Reuben Cotter, 9 Ben Hunt, 10 Lindsay Collins, 11 Kurt Capewell, 12 Jeremiah

Nanai, 13 Pat Carrigan.

Bench: 14 Harry Grant, 16 Felise Kaufusi, 15 Mo Fotuaika,17 Kalyn Ponga. Reserves: Trent Loiero, Brendan Piakura, Reed Mahoney.

NSW team: 1 Dylan Edwards, 2 Brian To’o, 3 Stephen Crichton, 4 Bradman Best, 5 Zac Lomax, 6 Jarome Luai, 7 Mitch Moses, 8 Jake Trbojevic, 9 Reece Robson, 10 Payne Haas, 11 Liam Martin, 12 Angus Crichton, 13 Cameron Murray, 14 Connor Watson, 15 Isaah Yeo, 16 Mitch Barnett, 17 Spencer Leniu.

NBL1 celebrates culture

BY VELMA GARA First Nations Round of the NBL1 competition didn’t disappoint with teams proudly supporting Indigenous people, their heritage, culture and identity.

NBL1 said more than 100 First Nations people were involved in the competition across the country, including players, coaches, referees, technical officials and volunteers.

Some games had First Nations performances and Welcomes to Country before tip-off.

On the court, there were no upsets, but those who played the top of the ladder teams earned their wins.

The end result was no change to team positions on the competition ladder.

In the women’s division, Cairns

Dolphins recorded their second win of the season when they defeated Mackay Meteorettes 96-85.

But in the men’s division, Mackay Meteors got the win against Cairns Marlins with a big score of 129-75.

This weekend (round 14) was the final round of games before the playoffs so all the teams were making sure they were at their best.

Southern Districts Spartans, Ipswich Force and South West Metro Pirates travel north to play Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Darwin.

Both Spartans teams were on winning streaks so their games against Rockhampton and Mackay were likely to test their skills before the finals play-offs.

The teams locked in for play-off spots were: Men: Mackay Meteors, Darwin Salties and Logan Thunder.

Women: Northside Wizards and Townsville Flames.

Last week a statement was released from NBL1 North in response to the Instant Review System (IRS) process used at the conclusion of the men’s game between Logan Thunder and South West Metro Pirates on Saturday, 6 July.

Officials determined the time displayed in the stadium as a shot was being released was incorrect.

Using the IRS, officials were able to determine the shot would not have been released within the allotted time.

The NBL1 North rules stated the decision of an official following an IRS process was final.

In addition, Basketball Queensland reviewed the process and supported the actions taken and decisions made by the officials.

Logan defeated South West Metro, 95-93.

SPORT 15

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 11 JULY 2024

Stingers impress at Laurie Spina Shield games Mercure Inn near the lakes.”

A highlight of the trip was when the players and officials went to Queensland Bank Stadium on Saturday night to watch the NRL match between the Cowboys and Manly Sea Eagles.

“They really enjoyed that,” Ursula said.

In an exciting game, the Cowboys lost 21-20 in golden point extra time.

It was the 27th Laurie Spina carnival and NRL players who have lined

M Continued from P16 STORY AND PICS

BY ALF WILSON The Zenadth Kes Stingers tent was impressive and stood out with its green colours and it also provided shade in the sun.

In the second game on Saturday the Stingers were preparing for their clash against North Mackay and the players were being put through their drills by astute coach George Nona and sports trainer Kiwat Abednego.

George was a former quality player and Kiwat a younger brother of Torres Strait and Waiben-based rugby league legend Terry Abednego.

The players were enthusiastic and couldn’t wait to get onto the field

up for teams as juniors include TS Islanders Reuben Cotter and Gehamat Shibasaki.

Other NRL players who have competed at carnivals include Kyle Feldt (Norths Thuringowa), Tom Dearden (Mackay Brothers), Valentine Holmes (Western Lions), Tom Chester (Townsville Brothers), Robert Derby (Cairns Brothers), Tom Duffy (Centrals ASA Rugby League) and Jake Clifford (Tully Tigers).

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Stingers team and officials before the game. which was lush green after rain the day before and it was drizzling during the match.

Among the youngest there in the crowd was

16-month-old Kirra Geesu from Waiben who was with Casey Cherry.

Stingers team manager Ursula Nai said they had worked hard.

“We played eight games and won five and were really happy with our effort,” she said.

“Ten were boys and five were girls

and we came down to Townsville on Thursday and returned to the Torres Strait the day after.

“We stayed at the

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Stingers vs North Mackay – Alex Aitken, Telava Nai and Cyril Pau in action.

Casey Cherry with 16-month-old Waiben baby Kirra Geesu.

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Oscar Mawn, Noa Taumafai, Telava Nai tackle an opponent.

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THURSDAY 11 JULY 2024

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Stingers impress at Laurie Spina games

Te’Varnya Ketchell in action in the Zenadth Kes Stingers vs North Mackay game.

STORY AND PICS

BY ALF WILSON Many future stars were in the Zenadth Kes Stingers team who were one of 67 junior rugby league sides from across Queensland to participate in the popular Laurie Spina Shield

in Townsville last Friday and Saturday.

The side played eight games with 15 players from Waiben and Hammond Island.

Best players from the eight games were: Telava Nai, Samson Warria, Cyril Pau jnr, May-Esther Nona Zayda Pearson-Garnier and

Hunter Fujii.

Team officials were: George Nona (coach), John-Paul Jeffrey (assistant coach), Ursula Nai (manager), Kiwat Abednego (sports trainer), Emily Nona (League Safe) and Hezekiah Nona (League Safe).

The carnival was coordinated by the North Queensland Toyota

Cowboys and open to male and female players under 11 years of age, with a focus on participation, fair play and enjoying the game.

Around 1080 players participated in 224 games of rugby league at the new venue of Queen’s Park in the North Ward suburb.

There were eight pools and the

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Stingers contested pool four and played eight matches.

The Torres News was there, and the venue was a sea of tents with players, officials, parents and relatives out in force.

Story continued and more pics on PAGE 15 N