Torres News_Edition 144_22 August 2024

Thursday, 22 August 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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Leaders reject health inquiry findings O’Rourke said he welcomed the report.

“I welcome taking the strengths [the report] has identified and building on them over time,” he said.

“The TCHHS has been doing a lot of work in the past year to boost staffing, … we’ve made key new clinical appointments across our communities and undertaken key upgrades.

“But I acknowledge the report indicates there is much more to do.”

BY CARLI WILLIS AND STAFF A coalition of Torres Strait leaders has rejected the Queensland Government’s report on an investigation into the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS).

Coalition member, Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) Mayor Phillemon Mosby, said the report lacked proper consultation and detail, and wasn’t what they had asked for when they wrote to then-premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in May last year calling for the investigation.

“We wanted to stop what we strongly felt is culling of our Indigenous people,” he said.

“As far as we’re concerned, it’s an internal review of the hospital and health service.”

The coalition was the Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC), the Torres Shire Council (TSC), the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) and the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA).

The inquiry was commissioned

by Queensland Health and carried out by a team of five investigators who assessed life expectancy, potentially avoidable deaths, chronic disease prevalence, preventable hospitalisations and social determinants across the entire TCHHS region.

Cr Mosby said he also questioned the prevalence of community input in the interviews and the task force integrity.

“The task force is made up

Lifelong battle

Mayors Phillemon Mosby, Elsie Seriat and Robert Poi Poi refused an invitation to attend a briefing on the report held by Health Minister Shannon Fentiman on the day it was published. Pic by TSIRC. of people they’ve hand-picked, [many] are employees of Queensland Health,” he said.

More than 400 documents and records were reviewed, and more than 70 people interviewed to produce eight recommendations out of part one of the report.

Recommendations covered a broad range of issues including improving orientation and induction for new staff, mapping service provision in every community and formally documenting an approach to comprehensive health service delivery that captured the key

strengths of the Torres Model of Care, created in 1994 by Torres Strait Islander health professionals.

Disappointed Cr Mosby said the coalition asked to preview the report before it was published and were insulted they were only invited to be briefed on Friday 9 August – the day the report was released.

They refused the invitation.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Service and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman said she was disappointed the coalition had not welcomed the findings.

She said the TCHHS had worked hard to turn around the region’s health status and had increased First Nations health checks by 20 per cent in 12 months.

“There has been a real lot of hard work done over the last few years to improve health outcomes – we know there’s more work to do,” she said.

“There’s a strong sense in the report that the TCHHS provides quality clinical care to its communities but that we can, and must, do better.”

TCHHS Chief Executive Rex

Wakaid tribal Elder Robert Sagigi said he was interviewed from his renal dialysis chair, via a teleconference for the investigation.

Mr Sagigi said he also requested the investigators come back to him before publication, but they did not.

He said health was a lifelong battle and he was tired of losing family members as he advocated for better infrastructure and services in the region.

“I’m a renal patient – I have one foot in the grave already – I don’t want my next generation to come and sit dialysis, that’s why I’m setting this up,” he said.

“We’ve got health services to look after our people, but it’s not happening, the services don’t reach the grassroots level.”

The report found Government policy changes in 2012 led to funding and job cuts, the effects of which were still felt.

Continued PAGE 2 N

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02 NEWS

THURSDAY 22 AUGUST 2024 TORRES NEWS

Leaders reject health inquiry findings M Continued from P1

BY CARLI WILLIS AND STAFF

Robert ‘Bongo’ Sagigi said health was a lifelong battle. INSET: GBK Chair Ned David commended the report and the investigators. Pics by Carli Willis.

Mr Sagigi called on the health service to consult with communities and re-implement the Torres Model of Care in full.

“All the programs that it ran off [were] being managed at that community level by health workers,” he said.

Mr Sagigi said when the TCHHS moved away from the model

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in 2010, they had also decommissioned a computer system containing critical patient data.

Throughout the report, investigators noted data quality issues due to data collection and record-keeping practices that limited their scope.

Multiple witness accounts in the report cited the importance of that system – called the Ferret System – in the management of chronic disease.

However, investigators found the Ferret System had not been used for a decade and recommended staff were trained better to use new systems.

A spokesperson for Minister Fentiman said clinicians could no longer access the TCHHS Ferret System and the data was archived.

Mr Sagigi said the government must consult with Torres Strait Islanders and that consultation and co-design was crucial to every part of the process.

Cr Mosby said the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Areas were intrinsically different to other regions and needed their own model.

“To take a model of care from the mainland and expect it to work in the Torres Strait is just a nightmare,” he said.

“For a population of 15,000, having three to four [preventable] deaths per week was very alarming [and] traumatising.

“The psychological trauma it was having on families trying to deal with not only the high cost of living but having to manage sorry business.

“Having in the back of our minds, ‘why are people, our families, dying such deaths that could have been prevented?’”

Minister Fentiman said one of the eight recommendations made by the report was to implement the “principles” of the Torres Model of Care, which she said she supported. “[But], what works on Mer Island might be very different to what works on Horn Island,” she said.

Community control

Investigators also determined there were enough people in the Torres Strait to explore the feasibility of a fully-funded, community-controlled, healthcare service for the region.

Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Land & Sea Council (GBK) chair Ned David said it was an opportunity for the region to take back control of its services.

Mr David was part of the investigation’s task force committee, or stakeholder panel, and commended the report.

“To be in control of the investment overall, resources and people that are part of the health, we’d be able to determine where the needs are, more importantly, determine what resources or investments are directed to that particular need,” said Mr David.

Mr David said he was concerned further investigation would be costly and prolong the process of getting much-needed services to the Torres Strait.

“We can’t keep having these exercises where everything has to come to a standstill while we wait,” he said.

“People need to access services, people need to be confident in the fact that we’re trying to do some things to improve those services.”

The Queensland Government announced $1.4 million to implement the findings of the report.

The second part of the investigation was expected to be completed in late 2024 or early 2025 and was to assess the cultural safety of health services provided by TCHHS for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and those receiving care.

The report can be accessed here: https:// www.health.qld.gov. au/research-reports/ reports/reviewinvestigation

Recommendations are here: https://

www.health.qld.gov. au/__data/assets/pdf_ file/0024/1358034/ torres-capeinvestigationrecommendations.pdf

NEWS 03

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 22 AUGUST 2024

Masig Statement moves forward Since the Masig Statement was launched in 2022 on Masig Island, 11 of the Torres Shire Island Regional Council’s (TSIRC’s) 15 Island Divisions have held signing ceremonies across the region.

Mayor Phillemon Mosby said this year – tomorrow – they looked forward to seeing the remaining three Island divisions of Mer, Iama and St Paul’s complete their signing ceremony.

“This week our divisions are gearing up and preparing for the 87th Anniversary of the First Island Councillors Conference and unpacking the Masig Statement through public forums, workshops, meetings and celebrations,” Mayor Mosby said.

“At this year’s 87th Anniversary we are encouraging the establishment of a community-based Masig Statement Taskforce

whose main purpose is to drive, deliver and raise awareness about the aims of the Masig Statement.

“Our Council continues to commit to those early discussions in 1936 leading into the Inaugural First Island Councillors Conference in 1937 particularly the unfinished business in relations to Regional Governance, where bipartisanship of State and Federal Government was reached to transit

the current regional governance arrangement to the proposed Regional Assembly model.

“Our Council is excited and continues to work in partnership with regional stakeholders including our constituents across our region to progress this important priority for our region.”

For more information please talk to your respective TSIRC Division Councillor.

Pic supplied.

Final days for young people to have their say

Youth Research Group Members Maine Tapim, Lani Lewin, Lui David & Kailu George Junior. Pic supplied.

Hundreds of young people are raising their voices for the inner islands as the Zenadth Kes Youth Survey enters its final days this week.

The survey – which was open until this coming Saturday – was for young people aged 12-25 years residing, studying or working on the inner islands (Waiben, Ngurupai, Kirriri, Muralag), and included those living away due to boarding, school, study or work requirements.

As part of International Youth Day on 12 August this year, Youth Research Group member Rubyann Sailor spoke on Radio 4MW about the importance of young people having a say.

“The survey is an opportunity for us to have a say about our future,” Ms Sailor said.

“It is completely anonymous which is a good thing, so young people can feel comfortable

sharing their feedback.”

Since the survey’s launch event in July, efforts have been made to engage young people through posters, postcards and pop-up events across the inner islands.

Ms Sailor said the campaign featured the artwork My Island Home by Zenadth Kes artist Eileen Solomon.

“Eileen’s painting was entered into the 2023 Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award, and we have been honoured to support a young local artist,” she said.

The project, governed through a youth research group, included Tagai State College students and a project steering group of native title, school, community services, health, justice, police and local, state and federal government agency representatives.

The youth research group has shared the survey and hosted survey collection points at various locations.

Maine Tapim and Kailu George Jnr recently collected surveys at CEQ IBIS on Waiben.

TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM said responses would help create the first coordinated, overarching youth strategy for the inner islands.

“The survey will feed into a new youth strategy informed by young people, for young people to target funding towards priorities and essential support services young people have told us matter the most to them,” he said.

“Thank you to the local youth research group for designing the survey and the young people who have stepped up to have their say on issues, concerns, dreams and ideas.

“This work will address a need in our region for a coordinated approach to leverage government investment towards service

gaps and priorities identified by young people.”

TSRA engaged Fieldworx to deliver the project through TSRA’s Safe Communities Program.

The final Inner Island Youth Strategy was anticipated to be launched in late 2024.

Participants can still go into a draw to win one of ten $50 CEQ vouchers, with winners to be announced on Monday 2 September 2024.

For more information or to complete the survey, please visit www.tsra.gov.au/youth or scan the QR code below.

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04 NEWS

THURSDAY 22 AUGUST 2024 TORRES NEWS

Commercial vessels in AMSA’s reporting sights

BY DARREN MONCRIEFF The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has spelled out its procedures for reporting incidents on Torres Strait waters and has clarified its position on a number of previous incidents.

They said they only dealt with incidents regarding commercial vessels (CV) while Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) dealt with incidents between domestic vessels (DV), or those that were privately owned.

In response to a close call reported to the organisation between two commercial vessels (CV) in July, a spokesperson at AMSA said: “The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is not able to provide comment on the incidents you have referred to.

“In order to do so, we would require more detailed information about the nature of the incidents, vessel name(s), dates, times and location.”

To clarify, Torres News provided AMSA-specific ‘dates, times and locations’ of the incident between two CVs in July.

AMSA also revealed several other incidents on Torres Strait waters had crossed its desk, including: ● To date in 2024 there were 17 incidents were reported in the Torres Strait, only three of which were categorised as ‘serious’. ● Of those, four incidents were reported since 1 July 2024, one of which was categorised as ‘serious’ and three as ‘less serious’: o Serious: Vessel lost forward propulsion when outboard motor gear broke whilst underway. The vessel required a tow back to shore. o Less serious: Vessel made contact with submerged wreck during anchoring. The vessel was assisted off the wreckage, and no damage was reported. o Less serious: Close-quarters event between two DCVs while approaching the wharf. o Less serious: Barge door made contact with fender pylon whilst trying to berth against tidal flow.

No damage was reported to the vessel.

A spokesperson from AMSA said reporting of incidents on Torres Strait waters was improving.

“This is evident through the higher rate of less serious incidents being reported,” the spokesperson said.

“This is a positive sign and demonstrates operators understand the importance of reporting, especially less serious incidents which present limited or no consequence but can provide a learning opportunity.

“This can be attributed partly to AMSA’s ongoing engagement and

education in the region.”

They said ‘marine incident reporting’ was a collective effort by owners, operators and crew “to help make commercial vessels safer places to work”.

AMSA initiated the Torres Strait Marine Safety Program (TSMSP), a joint agreement between MSQ and the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), in 2006.

The agreement recently expanded to include the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) of Papua New Guinea.

They said the TSMSP provided a “management structure and funding arrangements” to address priority actions within the Torres Strait Marine Safety Strategy which included “improving and promoting boating safety, reducing the number of search and rescue operations and increasing the survivability of people lost at sea”. “(We) strive to further (our) work in the Torres Strait by conducting safety management system workshops for vessel owners and crew, including providing guidance and advice on how to ensure their operations are safe and comply with the national law requirements, including incident reporting,” AMSA said.

The organisation also cited work by the recently formed Torres Strait Indigenous Commercial Fishers Working Group in developing what they said was an “effective communication strategy to directly target safe travel between communities”.

“AMSA will soon conduct an education campaign, specifically targeted at the Torres Strait community, with a focus on safe vessel operations,” the spokesperson said.

“This campaign will look to increase awareness of the importance of safety on DCVs and will include local people and vessels. “(We) have a full-time presence in the Torres Strait with a Marine Inspector based on Thursday Island (Waiben).

“The role of the Marine Inspector is to ensure vessels and crew are appropriately certified and safe to operate.

“They can also provide assistance where vessel owners and crew are unsure of their obligations under the law.”

AMSA directed watercraft operators to the following: ● Information about reporting of incidents can be found here: https://www.amsa.gov.au/marineincident-reporting-0 ● Information about how to report an incident can be found here: https://www.amsa.gov.au/ marine-incident-reporting/howreport-incident

TSRA Fisheries Senior Project Officer Robbie Corrie presenting one of the three Life Cell safety kits to Maluwap Ali Nona. Pics supplied by TSRA.

Safety priority for fishers Three “life cell” kits from the Torres Strait Regional Authority’s (TSRA’s) Wapil 2 Project have been provided to Mer-based fisherman Maluwap Ali Nona after his son, Kulia, and companions Warren Ghee and Kaba Noah came dangerously close to being lost at sea in late April this year.

The three young men were swamped in heavy seas after their five-metre dory capsized while fishing on the last day of the lucrative but short Beche de Mer (black teat fish) three-day season.

“Like my father before me, I’ve taught all my family the importance of having safety equipment on board and how to use an EPIRB,” Mr Nona Snr said.

“Luckily, my son, Kulia, activated the EPIRB before scrambling onto the upturned hull.”

The young men spent an anxious 90 minutes in the ocean, battered by waves, until they were rescued by officers from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

“Their wait was mercifully short because the EPIRB pinpointed their position,” Mr Nona Snr said.

While grateful no lives were lost, the incident was a significant financial blow to the east Torres Strait fishing family who lost their boat, a new motor and 300 kilograms of black teat fish in the incident.

Mr Nona Snr contacted the

One of the Trailer Boat Life Cell kits.

TSRA Fisheries program for help to replace and upgrade his safety equipment.

The fisheries team immediately set to work to source the $2500 kits, which contain EPIRBs, flares and life jackets.

These were presented to Mr Nona Snr in early July.

TSRA Chair Napau Pedro Stephen said the $7500 for the Life Cells was a small investment for a potentially huge benefit.

“I would encourage all fishers to ensure their marine safety equipment is up to date and on board your boat before you head

out to sea,” Mr Stephen said.

The safety kits provided through TSRA’s Wapil 2 Project were funded by the National Indigenous Australian Agency.

The Wapil 2 Project aimed to help Torres Strait Islander fishers grow a world-class, financially sustainable and safe fishing industry by providing infrastructure, assets and training for Traditional Inhabitants Boating (TIB), commercial full-time fishers.

The training component was to be delivered through partnerships with training and maritime safety agencies.

NEWS 05

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 22 AUGUST 2024

Obon ceremony to cherish and remember Last week’s Obon ceremony was attended by Torres Shire Council Mayor Elsie Seriat OAM alongside Consul-General of Japan Yoshito Katagiri and Buddhist priest Reverend Tetsuyu (Jim) Wilson, who also visited the Years 7 and 8 at WKNM. A Buddhist festival, Obon, was celebrated to remember and cherish one’s ancestors and was honoured annually within the Torres Shire under a friendship agreement signed with the town of Kushimoto in the Wakayama Prefecture in Japan.

Pic TSC.

Pic TSC.

Pic TSC.

Pic WKNM.

Pic TSC.

Pic WKNM.

Pic WKNM.

Pic WKNM.

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06 NEWS

THURSDAY 22 AUGUST 2024 TORRES NEWS

Blindingly bright future in store for TSIRC trainees “Overwhelmingly positive” was the feedback from Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSRIC) building services and engineering staff who have undertaken training in Cairns over the past two months.

Delivered by TAFE Queensland, with funding support from Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ), a wide range of courses – from specialised machinery training to workplace health and safety awareness – were covered.

CEO James William said CSQ had played a pivotal role in making the courses accessible to their workers.

“By investing in this training, we’re not only meeting our obligations to ensure our staff are suitably qualified and

trained, but we’re also equipping them with new skills,” he said.

“This opens up opportunities for our officers to be utilised across different work areas, enhancing our operational efficiency and flexibility.”

He said feedback from the trainer and trainees was “overwhelmingly positive”.

“A big thank you to TAFE Queensland in Cairns and CSQ for their support, and to our dedicated team for their hard work and commitment to continuous improvement,” he said.

“Together, we’re building a stronger, more skilled workforce for the benefit of our communities.”

Alfred Passi – Mer.

Pics supplied.

Lafia Kaitap, Rick Houeix, Belford Pearson, Andrew Carson – Trainer, Alfred Passi & Jimmy Pearson.

Belford Pearson – Masig.

Aken Baragud – Warraber.

Lafia Kaitap – Iama.

Francis Filewood – Iama.

Jimmy Pearson – Poruma.

Josaiah Saylor – Mabuiag.

Wilford Anau – Boigu.

Rick Houeix – Mabuiag.

Ray Nona – Badu.

NEWS 07

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 22 AUGUST 2024

Reconstruction Authority inspects recovery work

Pics supplied.

Connector Hub draws services More than a dozen State and Commonwealth service providers conducted a one-day community event to assist Torres Strait Islanders with career opportunities and obtaining essential documents

such as birth certificates last Friday.

The Community Connector Forum, also known as the ‘muster’, was a Queensland Government initiative to ensure essential services – some of which

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s recent visit to the Torres Strait took in several worksites at Erub (Darnley), Saibai, and Mabuiag Islands.

The visit was coordinated by the Torres Strait Island Regional Council.

TSIRC showed QRA chief executive Jake Ellwood first-hand

the progress being made on the many DRFA projects supporting disaster recovery and resilience building in the region.

Some of the work undertaken included road repairs, stronger causeways and improved drainage infrastructure which helped communities stay functional and connected, especially to culturally significant sites.

LEFT: The QRA engaged with TSIRC in their recent visit to the Torres Strait.

were only available in Cairns or Brisbane – were accessible on Waiben through 19 government and two non-government ‘pop up’ stalls.

Thursday Island TAFE Campus hosted the event.

BELOW: The QRA gets a first-hand look at the repair work being done in several locations in the Torres Strait.

Pics supplied.

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08 ART NEWS

THURSDAY 22 AUGUST 2024 TORRES NEWS

Ailan dance included in TO’s ‘special moment’

BY ALF WILSON

Award-winning choreographer and performer Ghenoa Gela presents her landmark work, Gurr Era Op, a culmination of many years of creative association with Force Majeure, at Brisbane Festival next month. Pic supplied.

The Komet Torres Strait Island Art and Cultural Group was one of the opening performances for what was described as a ‘special moment’ for the Traditional Owners of Townsville, the Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba people.

It was the first event for the Pop Up North Queensland Festival (PUNQ) at which the Gundil Released dance was performed for the first time in 100 years on a site of major cultural significance.

Production was put together by Big Eye Theatre working in collaboration with Traditional Owners.

Big Eye Theatre’s Aunty Ros Sailor gave an emotional speech and described the performance of the Gundil dance as a special moment.

“This used to be a place where

many trees were and after the white settlers came they cut them down and used them for the first houses around here or firewood,” she said.

“For this dance to be danced here tonight is a special moment for the Wulgurukaba people, that is bringing their stories to the forefront to share with the whole of Townsville.”

Vicki Saylor also spoke about her Waymaker exhibition that celebrated North Queensland Elders.

There were also several Black Arts Market stalls and food stalls and food

by Big Edie’s Kai Kai and Bina’s Kitchen.

The Torres News also noticed Gail Mabo, Vicki Saylor, Angie Akee, Francis Tapim, Gibson Billy (Masig), Aicey Day, Tyler Tapim and many others in the 1000-strong crowd.

PUNQ ran over two weeks until last Sunday.

What would you do if you could never go home?

A celebratory sharing of culture and a call to action in the face of climate devastation is behind next month’s Gurr Era Op (‘face of the sea’ in Meriam Mir) performance at the Brisbane Cultural Festival next month.

Presented by award-winning choreographer and performer Ghenoa Gela, the production interweaves hybrid Torres Strait Islander contemporary storytelling, movement and

spoken word, and was described as a “vivid imagining of loss and a call to action for a better future”.

What would you do if you could never go home?

Is your culture bound by place or by self?

What happens to your identity when the physical place that holds your ancestral foundations disappears?

These were some of the

questions the four mainland Torres Strait Islander storytellers grapple with daily as they watched their motherland, family and communities suffer the onslaught of climate change.

Torres Strait Komet Dance, Art & Cultural Group performed. Pics supplied.

11 — 14 Sep GURR ERA OP Produced by Force Majeure in association with ILBIJERRI Theatre Company and presented by Brisbane Festival, Brisbane Powerhouse and The University of Queensland.

Gail Mabo.

Aunty Ros Sailor & Charmaine Koroi.

At Big Edie’s Kai Kai food van are Zoe Ladyman, Annaloni Ngatuakana, Latifah Evennett & Anabelle Ladyman.

Vicki Saylor gave an emotional speech about elders.

At the Bina’s Kitchen food stall are Evelyn Billy, Zillah Billy & Charmaine Thompson.

NEWS 09

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 22 AUGUST 2024

Free community bike hospital draws a crowd A community-led initiative dedicated to making mobility on Waiben easier, more affordable and enjoyable for everyone put the focus on bicycles last Saturday at a ‘bike hospital’.

Mobilise TI rolled out the bike check-up at Ken Brown Oval to get more people riding bikes.

Last Saturday was Mobilise TI’s third bike hospital event in as many months.

Community members were invited to bring their bikes down for a check-up and offered an opportunity to learn or share their skills in bike maintenance and repair.

Two bikes were given away, seven were repaired and 25 attendees were there with eight volunteers on hand to assist.

Participants of all ages got involved, from pumping tyres to changing tubes for the first time, or cleaning and oiling chains.

The bike hospital worked on the community’s collective knowledge, with people of all ages and skill levels coming together to exchange what they knew.

The hands-on approach allowed everyone, regardless of experience, to learn new skills and maximise community resilience.

The next bike hospital is on Saturday 31 August from 2pm-5pm at Ken Brown Oval beachside. For more information and future events info sign up at www.bit.ly/mobiliseti

Little Bella learns the art of pumping up a bike tyre.

The bike hospital team (back, from left) Kelisha, Dean, Muriel, Caitlin, Sister Boogie, Sarah, Sister Connelly, Randy, Cedrick, Paton; (front) Zadie, Lena, Brigid and Lila. Pics supplied.

Sebastian and his sister.

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10

THURSDAY 22 AUGUST 2024 TORRES NEWS

Understanding your corporation’s

MONEY STORY As a director of a corporation under the CATSI Act, understanding your financial management responsibilities is crucial. Good financial governance is the backbone of your corporation’s success, and as a director, you play a crucial role in ensuring that your corporation is both transparent and accountable.

This guide will help you understand the key aspects of managing your corporation’s money story, so you can fulfill your duties effectively and keep your corporation on the right track.

Set Policies and Procedures

Make a Budget

Set policies and procedures for handling money to minimise risks.

Plan how much money your corporation has and what it can spend.

All corporations should have agreed financial procedures to avoid overspending and to prevent errors and fraud.

For example: • Approving Purchases: At least two people should approve any purchases.

• Approving Payments: You might need at least two people to approve payments from the bank account.

A budget is a plan that lists all the money the corporation expects to receive and spend.

In bigger corporations with lots of activities and staff, it’s not practical for directors to approve every payment. Instead, the board might decide which directors or staff members can approve spending and how much they can approve. These are called financial delegations. Once approved, these people can manage the corporation’s money within the set limits.

Making a budget helps you: • See what the corporation can afford to do.

• Make sure there’s enough money to pay for important things.

• Decide what’s most important to spend money on.

When making a budget, think about: • Will there be new or less funding or extra costs next year?

• Do you need to buy big items like buildings, vehicles, or equipment?

• Can you cut costs or find ways to make more money?

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TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 22 AUGUST 2024

Keep good records Keep accurate records of all financial transactions.

INCOME: All the money the corporation receives should go into its bank account. It’s a good idea to give receipts for all money received.

BANK ACCOUNT: Avoid using cash as much as possible. It’s best to handle all payments and receipts through the corporation’s bank account.

RESERVES: It’s smart to save some money for unexpected expenses in the future.

EXPENSES: Spend money according to the rules (financial delegations) and the budget. Directors should get regular financial reports and approve any big or unexpected expenses.

Directors are Responsible

Directors are in charge of a corporation’s money and are responsible for making major financial decisions.

Even if staff handle daily finances, directors are accountable if something goes wrong. Directors must ensure the corporation always has enough money to pay its bills on time. If a director allows the corporation to run out of money and can’t pay its debts (become “insolvent”), they have failed their duty and could be held responsible.

If your corporation’s directors lack the necessary skills or experience, consider hiring an experienced bookkeeper or engaging an accountant to help manage finances. Arranging financial training for directors is also essential.

NEED HELP? GBK’s team can help corporations and small business manage their money story. Contract us at BUSINESSHUB@GBK.ORG.AU

Monitor and Report Regularly review your finances to ensure your corporation stays on track and can pay its bills.

DAY-TO-DAY: The corporation needs to make sure every transaction is correct and approved. Someone who isn’t involved in spending or receiving money should check the bank statements.

AT DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS: Directors need to take time to read and understand the financial reports. If anything is unclear, they should ask someone who understands finances to explain it.

AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM): Share financial reports with members. Big corporations need to show audited financial statements, which are checked by an auditor to make sure they’re correct.

If audited financial reports are needed, members must choose an auditor for the next year and agree on how much to pay them at the AGM. FINANCIAL REPORTS: Profit and Loss Statement (P&L): This report shows how much money the corporation made (income) and how much it spent (expenses) during a specific time.

The difference between income and expenses is the profit or loss.

Balance Sheet: This report shows what the corporation owns (assets) and what it owes (liabilities) at a specific time. The difference between assets and liabilities tells if the corporation has more money than it owes.

Warning Signs in Financial Management

• Big expenses that weren’t expected or approved by directors.

• Bills that haven’t been paid on time.

• People asking when they’ll be paid.

• The accountant, bookkeeper, or treasurer can’t provide financial reports on request.

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12 NEWS

THURSDAY 22 AUGUST 2024 TORRES NEWS

Stories of Imagination launches from Island Stars Cafe

TN0461 • 11-04-24 BOOK ONLINE: WWW.REBELTOURS.COM.AU

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Children’s book writer Katherine Robinson (pictured below) launched her book last Wednesday afternoon at the Island Stars Cafe.

Around 70 community children and their families joined in the launch by taking part in activities and buying a copy of the book Stories of Imagination.

Ms Robinson, who writes under the ‘pen name’ of Lynelle Kendall, said she was grateful to everyone who came.

“A huge shout out to everyone who came to

my book launch,” she said on Facebook.

“It was an amazing afternoon [with] unicorns, dinosaurs, glitter, cupcakes, dressups, free coffee from amazing trainee baristas at Island Stars, bubbles, books, kids, fun and big smiles.”

She said there was also an island reggae vibe thanks to Lonnie Pedro from Black Paradise, two photographers and many volunteers who helped her set up.

“I am so grateful,” she said.

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 22 AUGUST 2024

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Interested parties should obtain a copy of the tender documents by contacting Catherine George on (07) 4083 1200 or by email to admin@torres.qld.gov.au Tenders must be lodged in the tender box at the Council office, 68 Douglas Street, Thursday Island, or mailed to arrive by close of business Tuesday 17th September 2024.

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14 SPORT

THURSDAY 22 AUGUST 2024 TORRES NEWS

‘Battle of the Heavyweights’ in ZKRL season decider

Saturday’s 2024 Zenadth Kes Rugby League Island Rooster Cup grand final will be a ‘Battle of the Heavyweights’ when Suburbs and Mulga Tigers square off in the season-decider at the Ken Brown Memorial Oval.

The two teams emerged above the small but strong four-team league to reach the grand final.

Over the season teams who looked to be contenders experienced a dip in form to leave the two most consistent their well-deserved spots in the main game of the year.

Last Saturday, Mulga Tigers produced a workmanlike performance to snuff out a vastly improved Pioneer Knights outfit to advance to the big game.

Mulga, who drew players primarily from Badu, scored six tries to four in their 32-20 preliminary-final win over the plucky Knights.

Multiple tries to trio Mauga Nona, Zengrey Nona and Ronald Whap ensured the Tigers’ safe passage to the grand final; Zengrey again showed how deadly accurate he was at the conversions.

Waiting for Mulga was Suburbs, who defeated the Knights in the qualifying final 26-12 to book their spot in the decider.

Last week’s preliminary final referees Andrew Edmonds (centre), Samson Zitha (left) and Robbie Gaidan.

The grand final kicks off at 3pm on Saturday.

Cotter shines in Cowboys win Gehamat scores but Blackhawks short overall

ROUND UP

BY ALF WILSON

Forward Reuben Cotter was solid in defence and attack when the Cowboys thrashed Canberra 42-4 at Townsville in round 24 of the NRL on Saturday.

However, Reuben was placed on report for alleged high contact on opponent Morgan Smithies.

Centre Val Holmes scored three tries and tallied 26 points just days after telling teammates he was leaving to join the Dragons next year.

The Cowboys are in seventh place and have a bye this weekend before matches against the Storm and Bulldogs.

Halfback Jake Clifford was drafted into the Cowboys side from the Queensland Cup team the Northern Pride and he starred.

Winger Seb Kris Seb crossed out wide for the ‘Green Machine’s’ only try when he crashed over several defenders in the 30th minute.

Xavier Savage had limited scoring opportunities but had to do plenty of defending.

‘Hammer’ outruns the ‘Fox’ While his Dolphins side went down 30-10 to the Bulldogs,

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow pulled off the try-saving tackle of the season when he ran down Bulldogs speedster Josh Addo-Carr, who had sprinted 80 metres, to pull off a spectacular tackle and take him over the sideline.

Josh, nicknamed the ‘Fox’, and Hamiso, ‘Hammer’, were rated the two fastest players in the NRL. “The ‘Hammer’ has run down the ‘Fox’ ... that is the best try-saver of the season,” a commentator said.

The Bulldogs scored five tries to three to lead 14-10 at halftime and the Dolphins now sit ninth on the ladder with three rounds remaining.

Veteran Dane among the best In his 286th NRL game, centre Dane Gagai was the Newcastle Knights best back in his team’s 19-18 loss to the Cronulla Sharks on Sunday in golden point extra time.

Up against a quality opposing centre in Siosifa Talakai, Dane tackled well and made telling runs.

At the 49th minute, Dane showed strength to score a try which pushed the Knights out to an 18-10 lead.

Strong second half by Fifita Rampaging second rower David Fifita was quiet in the first half but rebounded after the break to shine in his Gold Coast Titans 32-16 loss to the St George Dragons on Sunday at Wollongong.

The Dragons led 26-6 at halftime and David was dangerous in attack.

The Titans are 13th and have no chance of a finals appearance.

Tigers roar over Jacob’s Rabbits The Wests Tigers registered their fifth win of the season when they beat a South Sydney Rabbitohs team including winger Jacob Gagai 18-16 on Saturday night.

Jacob was well-marked by the Tigers’ defence but still made some good runs.

Other games The Melbourne Storm wrapped up the minor premiership by defeating second-placed and reigning premiers the Penrith Panthers 24-22 on Thursday night.

Sydney Roosters defeated the Parramatta Eels 38-14, the Manly Sea Eagles rolled the Warriors 24-10.

NRLW Cowboys cliff-hanger win North Queensland scored their second win in the first three NRLW rounds when they beat the Titans 11-10 on Saturday.

A Kirra Dibb field goal with six minutes remaining at the 64th minute got the Cowboys home, and their two wins have both been in Townsville.

The Cowboys led 10-4 at halftime and the five Torres Strait players – forwards Tallisha Harden, Essay Banu, Sareka Mooka, Tahlulah Tillett and Jasmine Peters – were solid contributors.

Co-captain Tallisha, Essay and Sareka made lots of ground up the centre of the ruck.

Centre Jasmine was dangerous when she received the ball and five-eighth Tahlulah was an on-field general with her ball distribution.

BY ALF WILSON Centre Gehamat Shibasaki scored a try for Townsville Blackhawks in his side’s loss 36-12 to Wynnum-Manly in round 22 of the Hostplus Cup in Brisbane on Saturday.

That loss places the Blackhawks in danger of missing the semi-finals series with one round remaining.

The Townsville side sits ninth on the ladder and has the bye this weekend.

They will have to rely on other results to go their way if they are to take part in the finals.

Gehamat scored his try in the 27th minute.

The Seagulls scored six tries to two and led 20-nill at halftime.

Deadly Dudley Dotoi was scoreless this round but he received praise from Blackhawks skipper Kyle Laybutt after the match.

“These boys played 80 minutes through the guts there and Dudley on the wing there, he’s a freak player... but the ball didn’t bounce our way today,” Laybutt said.

“It is mathematically possible but it’s pretty hard now; we’ve got to get back to training for the last week and see what happens. “Whatever happens, we’ll be back next year, bigger and better.”

Pride minor premiers – and ready for last round The Cairns-based Northern Pride are a runaway leader on the 15-club ladder and meet sixth-placed Burleigh Bears this weekend in a good test before the finals.

That match is at UAA Park on the Gold Coast at 3pm on Saturday and Pride supporters can watch the game on Qplus.

Cutters blitz led by Jamal A second-half scoring blitz led

Mackay to a 54-18 win over the Clydesdales on Saturday.

Scores were deadlocked at 18-all at halftime at Mackay, led by second-rower Jamal Shibasaki, who dominated after the break.

In the final analysis, the Cutters scored nine tries to three, but couldn’t make the finals series and sit 11th.

Christian back for Devils Erub United star Julian Christian made a welcome return for the secondplaced Norths Devils when they beat the CQ Capras 40-22 on Saturday.

Julian came off the bench in the 32nd minute and will be a vital player for the Devils in the finals.

Winger Edrick Lee was in the Capras backline but was well-marked and failed to score.

Dominic flies for Jets Cape York speedster Dominic Macumboy scored a try for the Ipswich Jets when they beat the Bears 32-20 on Saturday.

Dominic came from the bench in the 64th minute and scored his four-pointer four minutes before full-time.

The classy back is expected to line up at Bamaga’s Dan Ropeyarn carnival.

No Tristan but Magpies win Without champion fullback Tristan Sailor, the Magpies beat the Falcons 30-18.

Hunters trap Tigers Before a parochial home crowd at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday, the PNG Hunters rolled the Tigers 46-24.

Hunters try scorers were Sanny Wabo (two), Judah Rimbu (two), Solo Wane, Ila Alu, Brandon Nima and Finley Glare Jamie Mavoko kicked seven goals for the fifth-placed Hunters.

SPORT 15

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 22 AUGUST 2024

More than healthy: fun runners keep fire burning M Continued from P16 Torres Shire Council Mayor and IMP Graduate No 39 Elsie Seriat expressed her joy at the unity of the event and reflected on her own running journey.

“It’s been 10 years since Harold and I lined up to race the New York City Marathon and so this event is fitting particularly in line with the NAIDOC theme Keep the Fire Burning,” Elsie said.

“I’m very overwhelmed

to see the amount of people who have come out to participate, and that’s what we’re about; bringing the community together from all walks of life as in the Reconciliation Week theme Now More Than Ever.

“Thank you to our visitors who helped support the event: Uncle Rob, Tim Crosbie (Athletics Australia), the IMF team, and all of the IMF Run Leaders.”

IMF Founder and fourtime Olympian Robert de

Castella also commended the event reflecting on the powerful ripple effect of Thursday Island’s IMP Graduates.

“Every marathon starts with one step, and it is the same with our health,” he said.

“It was a privilege to visit Thursday Island and see the massive impact the first two Thursday Island IMP graduates, Elsie and Harold, have had 10 years on.

“In addition to the inspiration they provided

by running the New York City Marathon in 2014, now there is a 5km bike path around the Island making running and walking safe and accessible for all with regular training sessions each week, and events through the year for all to get active and healthy.

“We talk about ripples, and this is exactly what IMP’s impact has been on Thursday Island, with six amazing local IMP Graduates, and improved health for all.”

TN0230 8x2 local sports

IMP Director Rob de Castella. Pics supplied.

The Colour Fun Run runners.

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THURSDAY 22 AUGUST 2024

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More than healthy: Thursday Island fun runners keeping the fire burning

There was a strong turn out at the IMP Fun Run and mini-marathon event on Waiben last Friday. Pic supplied.

More than 150 people from Waiben, including the Thursday Island Deadly Runners and Walkers (DRaW), joined the Indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF) to participate in fun runs last Friday and Saturday.

The TI NAIDOC Fun Run events offered race distances for all ages and fitness abilities.

Although labelled as a ‘fun run’, the event carried a much deeper significance as it served to highlight the courageous and lasting impact of the first two Indigenous Marathon Project (IMP) graduates from Waiben: Elsie Seriat and Harold Matthew.

Day one of the event kicked off with an exciting 2km and 3km

Colour Fun Run, where the island’s youth took to the course with enthusiasm and determination.

The atmosphere was fuelled by support from the community as the young participants marched their way to the finish line to collect their medals.

The event was a fun and engaging way for children to

embrace the power of physical fitness and healthy lifestyles.

The Colour Fun Run was followed by a community barbecue supported by the Torres Shire Council.

On Saturday morning, the main event took place with a half-marathon, a 10km run, and a 5km run.

TN0529 10x7 – 7/3/24

Participants ranged from seasoned runners to first-timers, who were joined by IMF run leaders, who travelled from the northern parts of Australia to participate in run coaching and social and emotional well-being upskilling activities.

Story continued & pics PAGE 15 N

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