Torres Strait homeland and Cape York homelands of the Anggamuthi, Atambaya, Wuthathi, Yadhaykenu and Gudang Peoples.
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BY VELMA GARA
As severe wet weather continues to impact Far North Queensland, Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ), Sea Swift, and Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) are working together to ensure food, fuel and other essential supplies reach remote communities.
The extreme weather conditions have caused significant disruptions to supply chains, affecting the ability to fully stock all stores across Cape York and the Torres Strait as well as in urban areas such as Cairns and Townsville.
Despite the weather challenges the three organisations have worked together to manage logistics and ensure deliveries continue wherever possible in remote Far North Queensland.
Residents have been urged to purchase only what they need and avoid panic buying to ensure equitable access to supplies.
CEQ Chief Executive Officer Michael Dykes said their focus was on keeping communities informed and ensuring essential goods were available, even if some specific items were in limited supply.
“While efforts are being made to maintain a steady supply, residents may notice some shortages, particularly in fresh produce,” he said. “Communities are encouraged to consider alternative products where possible, such as long-life milk instead of fresh milk.”
Since 1987, Sea Swift has operated in one of the most environmentally sensitive areas in the world – the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
We focus on:
• Responsible energy conservation
• Environmentally friendly waste management • Hydrocarbon management • Sea safe management.
We take pride in our award-winning recycling initiatives and fully abide by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) rules and regulations.
Check our website for the latest news and updates for your community. Live schedules at www.seaswift.com.au | Connect with us on social media!
The unprecedented and ongoing rain event that has affected North Queensland since the start of the month has disrupted the Torres News from leaving our printing presses and getting on board with freight yet again. It means the Torres News will again not be printed this week. However, to access your free online copy of the Torres News for this week only, simply use the QR code below or enter “tsimatorresnews Publisher Publications” into your search engine. This will direct you to your free copy of the Torres News Edition 166 (dated 13 February 2025).
More weather news on PAGES 8 & 9 N
BY VELMA GARA
Instead of giving chocolates and flowers on Valentine’s Day, how about giving yourself a present by way of a heart check-up?
It’s the real gift – the most important organ that keeps you alive needs a day of love and affection.
Just think of all the stress and anxiety we put on our hearts, therefore it would need some TLC.
Valentine’s Day
is an annual event so maybe use this date as a reminder to regularly get your heart checked.
The Heart Foundation said more First Nations peoples were impacted by cardiovascular disease (CVD) and experienced cardiovascular disease
at a younger age than other Australians.
CVD was the leading cause of avoidable deaths, and death overall, for First Nations peoples and was the main contributor to the gap in life expectancy between First Nations peoples and other Australians.
Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) continued to devastate First Nations communities at one of the highest
rates in the world.
The Heart Foundation recommended First Nations peoples, without existing CVD, should undergo CVD risk factor screening from the age of 18 years at the latest.
Assessment should occur as part of an annual health check, so use Valentine’s Day as a reminder to get your heart check-up.
This is the real Valentine’s Day gift –making sure your heart is healthy.
BY VELMA GARA
Straight from the Strait – a musical – has been nominated for ‘Best Musical or Cabaret’ at the Matilda Awards, which celebrate and promote excellence in southeast Queensland’s theatre industry.
The production held its world premiere in August last year, and told the story of Torres Strait Islander men and women who ventured far from their homes in pursuit of employment on the mainland.
In particular, the musical focused on that remarkable group of Torres Strait Islander workers who were part of the Mount Newman railway construction project that set a world record as they laid down an amazing seven kilometres of track in a single day.
It was an unparalleled feat that still stood unchallenged.
With a contemporary band, the musical was conducted in Meriam Mir, Kala Lagaw Ya, Torres Strait Creole and English languages.
Straight from the Strait was presented by Opera Queensland’s Yumpla Nerkep Foundation and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre in association with the Brisbane Festival.
As well as ‘Best Musical or Cabaret’ they were also nominated for:
• Best performance in a leading role – Mainstage
Production: Vaughan Wapau
• Best performance in a supporting role – Mainstage
Production: Georgia Corowa
• Best Direction: Nadine McDonaldDowd
• Best Lighting Design: Jason Glenwright
• Best Set Design: Kevin O’Brien
The 2024 Matilda Awards will be celebrated on Monday 24 February at Brisbane Powerhouse.
BY CARLI WILLIS
Widespread rain and flooding across Queensland are to blame for a series of outages experienced right up to the Torres Strait, Telstra says.
Already this month
Torres Straits’ outer islands have experienced five days of prolonged and intermittent outages, and ongoing interrupted and slow services.
Bamaga, Seisia and Waiben experienced a prolonged outage on Monday last week, and intermittent outages on either side of that.
Outages intermittently affected fixed line services, ADSL and 4G services.
Telstra has repeatedly turned down interview requests with the Torres News on these issues.
In a written statement Telstra’s Regional General Manager Rachel Cliffe said the telco had sought assistance from the Australian Defence Force to access sites in the region via helicopter.
“We were able to chopper to a region inaccessible by road and restore numerous mobile sites, including in Cardwell, Cooktown
and in the Torres Strait,” she said.
“Our teams across the region are continuing to do all they can to access other affected sites when it’s safe to do so.
“The remaining impact continues to be due to power outages following the intense
rain and flooding in the region.
“We urge everyone to stay safe during this difficult time and thank them for their patience.”
In February 2024, during last year’s wet season, Telstra came under fire from advocates and the
region’s federal body, the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) for a 40-hour outage that meant communities could not make calls to the emergency Triple 0 line.
The Torres News was not aware of any NPA or Zenadth Kes
communities losing access to this service during the current event.
Last year discussions around resilience work were again revisited and Telstra promised to install new ‘optical’ technology that would ‘bunny-hop’ problem sites.
Ms Cliffe said that redundancy work was completed last year.
“We have layers of redundancy to the Torres Strait but the power outages were so widespread that it affected several parts of our network, and the severe flooding left many areas inaccessible,” she said.
“Our network sites have backup power which kept many services running for as long as possible.
“We were able to chopper in and restore services to the Torres Strait on Wednesday, but a secondary hardware fault unfortunately occurred later which affected some mobile and landline services again.
“Those services were restored Friday afternoon.”
The Torres News has contacted federal and state stakeholders for comment.
Torres Shire Council Mayor Elsie Seriat has called for community advocacy to help make the vision of a modern, efficient Ngurupai Airport a reality for the gateway to the Torres Strait.
Torres Shire Council has unveiled a concept plan for the Ngurupai (Horn Island) Airport Terminal Redevelopment, a transformative project they said would modernise the airport and provide a better travel experience for residents and visitors alike. The project was dependent on securing grant funding with the redevelopment to be
delivered in stages to ensure the airport remained fully operational throughout the construction process.
“Torres Shire Council calls for your support as we enhance connectivity and improve travel experiences in our region through the redevelopment of Ngurupai Airport,” Mayor Elsie Seriat said. “Council will be undertaking Community Engagement Workshops and feedback sessions will ensure community involvement and that community needs are addressed.
“During this phase, it is important to ensure environmental considerations,
sustainable design and energy-efficient initiatives are considered to minimise the environmental impact.
“Due to the cultural significance of Ngurupai Airport, Council will ensure that the redevelopment honours the region’s rich heritage, making the airport a cultural landmark.
“We appreciate your ongoing support in transforming the airport into a community hub.”
How you can help
Community members and stakeholders were invited to support the initiative by writing a letter of support to grants@torres.qld.gov.au
Arrivals Terminal:
• A new, fully air-conditioned terminal featuring modern amenities, including showers, meeting rooms, and a dedicated baggage collection area.
• Expansion and redevelopment of the airside chapel to better serve the community.
Departures Terminal:
• The current terminal will be redeveloped into a dedicated departures terminal with:
o Full air-conditioning for passenger comfort.
o A relocated and expanded kiosk.
o Existing outside eating area and kiosk footprint redeveloped into an internal airconditioned seating area.
o Expanded check-in facilities and additional office spaces for airlines.
External Upgrades:
• Significant improvements to external areas, including:
o A greatly expanded undercover area.
o A covered bus drop-off and collection zone for added convenience.
o A larger sealed parking area to accommodate more vehicles.
Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) is expanding its product range at its new Community Home and Hardware (CHH) store in Bamaga to include a dedicated hardware section.
The inclusion of hardware products came after feedback from local customers who expressed the need for greater access to high-quality battery-operated tools and other items that supported small DIY home improvement projects.
The store also offered boating, fishing, camping and useful 4WD items (rescue gear, oils, off-grid solutions), as well as white goods, furniture, gym equipment, air-conditioning and electrical appliances.
CEQ Chief Executive Officer Michael Dykes said the decision to incorporate a hardware range in the Cape York store highlighted the organisation’s ongoing focus
on serving the needs of the communities it operated in.
“We’re proud our team have responded to community feedback by introducing a basic hardware range at our Bamaga store within weeks of receiving the request,” Mr Dykes said.
“This addition not only enhances the shopping experience for locals and surrounding remote communities but by responding to customer feedback aligns with our
vision of Caring, Every day, Always
“We know how important access to hardware is for supporting local projects and trades.
“By leveraging our partnerships with suppliers and brands such as Mitre 10, King’s, and Makita, we’re ensuring that Bamaga and nearby communities have access to high-quality tools and materials at competitive prices.
“This is yet another way
You can apply for a grant to create new jobs in your community, through the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program.
This is the first stage in replacing the Community Development Program (CDP).
Grants will support eligible employers to hire local people in new jobs by funding wages and equipment.
To apply or find out more –visit www.niaa.gov.au/remote-jobs call 1800 079 098 or visit your local NIAA office.
we are committed to making life in remote Queensland more convenient and affordable.”
Located next to the IBIS Bamaga Supermarket, the Home and Hardware store opened in November 2024 and quickly became popular.
Six new jobs were created with the opening of the CHH store, further supporting local employment and economic development.
“We are proud to support
local trades and businesses, whether that’s through creating jobs, sourcing products, or ensuring they have the tools and materials they need to succeed,” Mr Dykes said.
“From reducing the costs associated with shipping bulky goods to ensuring greater accessibility for our communities, we are always looking for ways to better serve our customers.”
For more information on CEQ see www.ceqld.org.au
After struggling for years with fly-infly-out employees Sea Swift – a local company based across the Northern Territory and Queensland – has been working with Charles Darwin University (CDU) TAFE to ensure there is a skilled local workforce in the face of a world-wide shortage of seafarers’.
The idea was to train up its own workforce to ensure essential services to remote communities were maintained.
Sea Swift General Manager Corporate Services Leanne Hulm said the company had launched its Local Jobs, Local People campaign to combat the skills shortage and ensure communities maintained access to basic goods and services.
She said they hoped to build up the industry with local qualified workers.
“Our barges are one of the only ways completely remote islands and communities have access to fresh food and essential supplies especially when roads can be cut off for long periods of time,” she said.
“We need a local workforce to ensure these services are not cut off.
“Since the launch of the campaign we have had a lot more locals across Northern Australia employed.
“The training provided through CDU TAFE ensures all our staff are trained properly specifically in regulations and safety.”
Applications for the Certificate II in Maritime Operations are now open for 2025 classes.
BY CARLI WILLIS
After a prolonged water outage in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) last year, the local member for Cook, David Kempton, promised to visit the region to examine aging infrastructure first-hand.
Originally scheduled for earlier this month, the member said he has pushed the visit back to February 24.
He said he would undergo a full inspection of the water treatment plant, which was operating on refurbished critical infrastructure, including two main pumps.
“What I’m hearing is that a lot of infrastructure, especially around the delivery of essential services, does need work,” he said.
“It is just unfortunate that over the last few years, some of the really important maintenance hasn’t been funded and undertaken.
“There’s some catch-up there before we can even start looking at spending money on replacement and new infrastructure projects in the future.
“This is around airstrips, landing facilities, housing, water supply, power supply and so on.”
Mr Kempton said he would like to call for a meeting soon with the Torres & Cape Indigenous Council Alliance (TCICA) to help advocate for funding in the region, as it had done in the past.
“As we move towards the Olympics, there’s going to be a massive amount of expenditure in the south-east,” he said.
“I need to make sure that we aren’t forgotten up here and that we do get a fair and equitable distribution of the available funding.”
Mr Kempton said he was very aware water security was just one of the service complications plaguing the region.
He said experiences worsened in the far north, where communities experienced a lack of funding and maintenance.
“We have several hospitals in the region, one on Thursday Island, Weipa and Cooktown, all of which need a substantial amount of upgrade,” he said.
He said frequent power outages experienced in the region did not make sense.
“That’s something I’d be very interested to understand because they are discrete services that are wholly contained within the community,” he said.
“It must be a maintenance or infrastructure issue because it couldn’t be power lines, you wouldn’t think, or running out of fuel.”
He said he would like to look into the power and telecom outages experienced in the region.
“I don’t want to dodge away from [telecommunication services], [because Telstra is] a federal issue,” he said.
“But in the modern time of Starlink and other communication opportunities, I don’t think that’s acceptable at all.
“We’re more and more reliant on communication for a whole lot of services, including telehealth, it’s just not good enough.”
Housing
He also said housing in the Northern Peninsula Area and Torres Strait was in a state of crisis and needed particular attention.
“We’re having a look at that to see what we can do in terms of community housing,” he said.
“I’ve been talking to the minister, and hope to have something to bring forward soon.”
Mr Kempton said another federal issue he believed would become his business was border security.
He said he felt there were missed employment opportunities in the region.
“It is a federal responsibility, but I have no hesitation in speaking up on behalf of the people that I represent,” he said.
“It’s a two twofold
situation, because not only does it give employment opportunities to Island people, but the Intel and the knowledge that those islanders have that they can put back into the service.
“You can have eyes and ears locally, which will increase greatly the effectiveness of the service.
“I think we’d be silly not to have a really good look at it.”
A Future Made in Australia economic plan is investing in people right across Australia to learn new skills. People can train in new and emerging industries with our New Energy Apprenticeships Program, and improve access to job opportunities for women in clean energy, digital and technology sectors with our Building Women’s Careers Program These are just some of the programs that will help Australians to gain the training and skills they need for the jobs of our future.
Tanya Denning-Orman has been promoted to lead an elevated network-wide strategic approach to Indigenous content across all SBS channels and platforms in her new role as Director, First Nations, for SBS.
SBS said the new role would also be focused on enhancing organisational capability, supporting
national, contemporary public broadcaster for all Australians.
“She will further embed Indigenous cultural perspectives in our strategy, impacting how we meaningfully engage with communities and how we operate and innovate as a network.
“This reflects our ambition as a network to continue to
Ms Denning-Orman was moved into her new role after almost five years on the SBS Executive team as SBS’s Director of Indigenous Content and 12 years of running National Indigenous Television (NITV) as part of the SBS network.
Under her leadership, SBS has significantly increased its Indigenous content output and grown audience
today, and seen the growing influence it has as part of SBS and the wider media sector.
“This has been possible because of the trailblazing work of those who paved the way decades ago for the right for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to have our unique stories, languages, cultures and aspirations accurately reflected and celebrated in the national media landscape, and because of the dedicated NITV team today who are continuing the work, guided by a strengthened leadership team taking the channel to new heights.
“I look forward to working with the NITV team, along with colleagues across SBS, in more exciting work
NITV said they would recruit for a new position of General Manager with editorial and operational responsibility for NITV, a role that recognised the strength of the NITV senior leadership team across
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BY VELMA GARA
“It’s also important to think of others in the community, especially our more vulnerable residents, during difficult times like these,” CEQ CEO Michael Dykes said.
Anticipating this significant weather event, he said CEQ had already switched some of their supply routes from rail to road to increase flexibility where possible, as well as utilising ongoing wet season sea and air freight strategies.
Mr Dykes said CEQ was committed to relieving cost of living pressures by absorbing all additional freight costs.
TSIRC said the council’s mission was to enhance the liveability of communities, and their team was fully committed to working with its valued partners to ensure the seamless delivery of essential services.
TSIRC Chief Executive Officer James William said the council provided a diverse range of services to the communities they served.
“In times of uncertainty, such as extreme weather events, we prioritise strengthening partnerships and communication,” he said.
Mr William said access to the communities by air and sea was critical, not only for transporting people but also for delivering goods and services.
“Adverse conditions can disrupt this access, so we collaborate with our stakeholders to provide updates, advise on impacts, and offer alternative arrangements, when necessary,” he said.
Sea Swift Executive Chairman, Chris Pearce, said the Torres Strait region was “truly unique”, and “so are the challenges that all service providers face”.
“Sea Swift are a resilient service,
committed to the Far North and Torres Strait,” Mr Pearce said.
“The climate and environment are a constant challenge for the communities and can present operational hurdles in logistics, transportation and freight.”
Mr Pearce said they were working to ensure they minimised the impact on their customers.
“We are all actively monitoring the tides and wind warnings to keep our crew, service providers and communities safe and informed of potential impacts,” he said.
“Collaborating with local government as well as the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) is a high priority for Sea Swift.
“We are working together with local councils in the Far North to ensure the regional and remote communities of Queensland are supported.”
BY VELMA GARA
An $8 million Community Relief Fund, jointly supported by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments, is available to councils impacted by flooding and severe weather to allow them to kick off essential and immediate recovery activities.
It has been raining continuously, since Friday 1 February in Northern Queensland, and some towns are still without power.
Funding of up to $1 million per Local Government Area has been made available for Burdekin, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville, Whitsunday and Yarrabah Councils.
Premier David Crisafulli said Queenslanders could be confident all levels of government were working to deliver the support needed this week and in the months ahead.
The package, funded under Category C of the joint Commonwealthstate Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements
(DRFA), would provide timely and immediate support to impacted councils to remove waste and debris, clean up properties, community facilities, playgrounds and parks, and undertake other ‘make safe’ activities as required by councils to progress with local recovery.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his Government would make sure every region got the support they needed to get back on their feet.
The latest funding on offer also included Personal Hardship Assistance payments to eligible residents and counter-disaster assistance funding for councils.
• Essential Services Hardship Assistance – $150 per person, up to $750 for a family of five or more to assist with immediate needs following the loss of essential services at home for more than five consecutive days.
• Essential Household Contents Grants – up to $1765 for individuals and up to
$5300 for couples or families to replace destroyed essential household contents such as bed linen and white goods.
• Structural Assistance Grants – up to $80,000 for uninsured, income-tested owneroccupiers towards the repair or replacement of a disaster damaged dwelling to return it to a safe and habitable condition.
• Income-tested grants to help uninsured residents reconnect damaged services like electricity, gas, water or sewerage. Up to $5000 per household.
• Disaster Assistance Loans and Essential Working Capital Loans for Primary producers, small businesses and not-for profits.
• Disaster Assistance Loans up to $250,000 for eligible primary producers and small businesses and up to $100,000 for eligible not-for-profits will help re-establish operations by covering costs relating to repairing or replacing damaged plant and equipment,
repairing or replacing buildings or resupplying stock or livestock.
• Essential Working Capital Loans up to $100,000 are available to help operators carry on business operations, including paying salaries or wages, creditors, rent or rates
Meanwhile, Transport and Main Roads
Queensland (TMR) has announced the Ollera Creek Bridge, north of Townsville, was opened on Monday evening for freight, supply and emergency vehicles travelling north to Cairns, and general transport the next day, subject to conditions. Priority works to deliver an interim repair solution for Ollera Creek Bridge were completed and, while additional work was required, the opening of the Ollera Creek Bridge was fast-tracked to facilitate freight movement, prior to expected and additional flooding impacts north of Ingham this week.
The Commonwealth’s 2024 Closing the Gap Annual Report and 2025 Implementation Plan were released on Monday this week by the Albanese Government in Canberra.
empowerment for remote communities, easing housing overcrowding and improving safety.
close the gap between indigenous and nonindigenous Australians.
“Australians believe in the fair go.
The 2024 Annual Report outlines the actions the Government has taken over the past year to deliver on the outcomes of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, focused on creating jobs and economic
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said they were working in partnership with States, Territories and peak organisations to Close the Gap.
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“We are delivering record funding in health, education and housing, as well as $842 million to fund essential services in remote communities,” he said.
“Australians want to
“The task before us is to build a future in which all Australians have access to the same opportunities.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy said they were getting on with the job.
“We are focused on creating jobs with decent conditions in remote Australia, addressing
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housing overcrowding, supporting healthy children and safe families, and community-driven responses to address the causes of crime,” she said. “In 2025 we are building on these investments, focused on easing cost of living pressures in remote communities, our long-term economic empowerment agenda and even greater effort to improve living conditions and wellbeing.
Nations Australians, the Coalition of Peaks and State and Territory Governments, to ensure policies and programs are community-led and self-determined to provide the best opportunity for success.”
Coalition of Peaks Lead Convenor Pat Turner said Closing the Gap was not just policy.
“It is the intentional pursuit to make life better for our people and for the generations that come after us,” she said.
of the changes we are making will take time to materialise, the National Agreement has already begun to show results.
“The most recent data from the Productivity Commission’s dashboard highlights progress.
“For the first time, five out of 19 targets are on track.
“For the implementation to be successful, systems, policies, and governance must evolve.
“Government must evolve. It is our responsibility, in partnership with governments, to strengthen the policies that are working and change the ones that are failing – those that continue to exclude the basic needs of our people.”
“Through the Joint Council on Closing the Gap we are creating systemic change to improve the way we work with First
“We will hold governments and ourselves accountable until we achieve real, lasting change.
“While we know that the full impact
“We have seen improvements in critical areas such as the proportion of First Nations babies born at a healthy weight and the increase in the land and sea country under Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander control.
“These are significant achievements that deserve recognition.
Read the Commonwealth Closing the Gap 2024 Annual Report and 2025 Implementation Plan at https://www.niaa.gov. au/our-work/closinggap
In 2024, the Commonwealth Government:
• Commenced the new Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program, which will create up to 3,000 jobs in remote communities over three years.
• Expanded the Indigenous Rangers Program to create 1,000 new jobs, including 770 positions for First Nations women.
• Released the First Nations Clean Energy Strategy, to maximise the nation-wide potential for First Nations people to benefit from the clean energy transformation.
• Introduced legislation to expand the role and remit of Indigenous Business Australia to boost First Nations economic empowerment.
• Built more than 200 new homes in remote communities in the Northern Territory as part of our 10-year goal to halve overcrowding.
• Expanded access to affordable PBS medicines for more First Nations people.
• Opened the first of up to 30 dialysis units in regional and remote locations so First Nations people can receive treatment closer to home and on Country.
• Welcomed over 300 enrolments in the First Nations Health Worker Traineeship Program.
• Significantly increased funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services and Family Violence Prevention Legal Services to help more women and children escaping family, domestic and sexual violence.
• Established a dedicated National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, to address the over-representation of First Nations children and youth in out-of-home care and detention.
• Invested in 27 community-led justice reinvestment initiatives in First Nations communities across Australia.
• Expanded the Connected Beginnings program to 50 communities, supporting more First Nations children to thrive in their crucial early years.
• The 2025 Implementation Plan outlines our strategy for the year ahead, focussing on easing cost of living pressures and improving food security in remote communities, delivering the next steps of our economic empowerment agenda, and continuing to improve outcomes for First Nations people.
Sixteen years after the National Apology to the Stolen Generations The Healing Foundation has called for redress for all survivors.
“It has been sixteen years since The National Apology to the Stolen Generations recognised a dark truth of our history,” CEO Shannan Dodson said.
“For many the Apology was about bringing hope that Stolen Generations survivor voices would drive individual, community, and national healing.
“As part of the Apology, former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd promised to deliver a report card each year on the Government’s efforts to close the gap.
“We know that closing the gap is critical work, but we remind Australians that 13 February is about survivors, it
is about their truth; our truth.
“We must honour the original intent of the day, which was to acknowledge the ongoing impact of the policies of the past.
“As the [Closing the Gap] report is handed down today [Monday], we must recognise that Stolen Generations survivors are a ‘gap within the gap’, a statistical indicator of truth not reconciled.
“As Stolen Generations survivors age, urgency grows.
“Many survivors have still not had access to redress schemes, a cornerstone of the Bringing Them Home report
M Continued from PAGE 10
In 2025, the Commonwealth will also invest in a range of new measures to:
• Reduce the costs of 30 essential products in more than 76 remote stores to help ease cost of living pressures and improve food security in remote communities.
• Build a nutrition workforce in remote communities by upskilling up to 120 local First Nations staff in remote stores.
• Roll out new laundries or upgrade existing facilities in 12 remote First Nations communities, to help improve long-term health outcomes.
• Strengthen the Indigenous Procurement Policy to boost opportunities for First Nations businesses to grow and create jobs.
• Increase opportunities for First Nations Australians to buy their own home and build intergenerational wealth through a boost to Indigenous Business Australia’s Home Loan Capital Fund.
• Establish a place-based business coaching and mentoring program for First Nations businesswomen and entrepreneurs.
• Increase the availability of culturally safe and qualified mental health support including scholarships for up to 150 First Nations psychology students.
• Continue to deliver critical prevention, early intervention and response services to address family, domestic and sexual violence in high need First Nations communities.
• Extend the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme for an additional two years to
that was delivered nearly 30 years ago.
“Survivors are ageing and face multiple challenges stemming from histories of forced removal, many will not access aged care services as a result.
“We must ensure consistent and adequate compensation is seen by survivors in their lifetime.
“And with many survivors sadly passing away, there is no time to waste.
“We invite Australians to stand alongside Stolen Generations survivors as we renew our call for the counting of actions, not anniversaries.”
Link-up Qld link to Apology Day event: The live stream for this event will be available below from 10am – 11.15am, Thursday 13 February 2025.
support Stolen Generations survivors.
• Continue digitisation of at-risk audio and video collections held by First Nations broadcasters and community organisations by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies.
These new measures will build on what the Government is already committed to delivering over 2025, including:
• Build an additional 270 new houses across 40 remote Northern Territory communities and Alice Springs town camps to help reduce overcrowding.
• Increase access to culturally safe maternal care through 10 Birthing on Country activities across rural, remote and very remote locations to improve healthy birthweights and reduce pre-term births.
• Remove the Child Care Subsidy Activity Test, guaranteeing 100 hours of subsidised early childhood education and care per fortnight for First Nations children.
• Transition more health programs to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-control, because we know communityled services achieve better results.
• Create up to 210 First Nations health care positions to improve cancer outcomes for First Nations people.
• Provide prison to employment mentoring in up to 15 locations, helping people reconnect with health, housing and other social services, to improve employment outcomes and reduce risk of re-offending.
• Deliver free community wide Wi-Fi to 23 remote First Nations communities, in partnership with NBN Co.
and NPA communities.
The Gab Titui Cultural Centre recently welcomed Matilda Manuel and TarnieRose Newie from Tagai State College Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh for work placements.
The Year 11 students shadowed Gab Titui staff and gained insight into daily operations at the region’s largest cultural keeping place and key tourist attraction.
Both students were emerging young artists who expressed an interest in pathways into Creative Arts.
Matilda participated in her first group exhibition when she entered her canvas piece Hibiscus Flower into the Gab Titui Indigenous Art Awards in 2023.
She was excited and surprised her artwork was sold on opening night to a teacher in Bamaga.
Tarnie-Rose said the placement with Gab Titui taught her how to prepare for a workplace environment.
(Departs
(Departs Engineers Wharf)
3.20pm (Departs Engineers Wharf) SCHOOL FERRY 3.55pm (Departs Engineers Wharf) SCHOOL FERRY
“I learnt how things work at a job like this and it was interesting to see all of the different sections that make up a workplace,” Tarnie-Rose said.
“I do drawings, so I enjoyed being surrounded by all of the art by our people and people from here.”
From framing and installation to customer service and back-ofhouse processing, the young duo took the
opportunity to explore what it was like to work as part of the team responsible for organising nationally acclaimed exhibitions, developing Zenadth Kes artists and supporting the region’s arts industry.
Matilda said her favourite part about the experience was looking at all of the different art in both the gallery and in storage.
“They inspire me,” she said.
Since its establishment in 2004, Gab Titui Cultural Centre has nurtured the artistic and career aspirations of many young people.
The centre has facilitated traineeship opportunities and work placements that have created pathways for students who now – as adults – have successful careers in the Creative Arts industry.
The one-week placement also aligned with work underway by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) towards a Zenadth Kes Youth Strategy, which highlighted the need to enhance employment pathways within the creative and cultural sectors.
Matilda and TarnieRose’s work experience opportunity was made possible by a partnership between TSRA and Tagai State College.
The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) is a Commonwealth statutory body dedicated to delivering programs across the Torres Strait region.
Our vision is Yumi pasin - yumi Ailan Kastom. Strong in culture, unified partnerships to achieve a sustainable future..
APS2
SALARY RANGE
$56,774 – $62,829 LOCATION – SAIBAI ISLAND ONGOING/ NON-ONGOING OPPORTUNITY (AFFIRMATIVE MEASURES – FIRST NATIONS)
Plus 15.4% superannuation, district allowance, housing subsidy, and leave fare allowance (payable after 12 months’ service). LOVE CARING FOR LAND, SEA AND CULTURE? JOIN US AS A RANGER!
The TSRA Environmental Management Program is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic and motivated worker.
This exciting ranger role combines traditional knowledge with science to support local-led land and sea outcomes.
The role requires office-based tasks and reporting, along with strenuous, outdoor work. Work activities include cultural and community engagement, reporting, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) recording and the management of threatened species, along with plants and animals.
Rangers are based on their island, but may need to travel across the region. Applications close at 11:30pm AEST, Friday 21 February 2025.
To Apply:
• View this vacancy and apply online at www.tsra.gov.au/jobs
• If you do not have access to the internet please contact the HR Team on (07) 4069 0700.
The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
For further information please contact Alice Manas on 0457 763 847 or alice.manas@tsra.gov.au
The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) is a Commonwealth statutory body dedicated to delivering programs across the Torres Strait region. Our vision is Yumi pasin - yumi Ailan Kastom. Strong in culture, unified partnerships to achieve a sustainable future..
Senior Natural Resource Management Officer APS6
SALARY RANGE $90,199 – $101,022 LOCATION – THURSDAY ISLAND ONGOING / NON-ONGOING OPPORTUNITY
Plus 15.4% superannuation, district allowance, housing subsidy, and leave fare allowance (payable after 12 months’ service).
LOVE CARING FOR LAND, SEA AND CULTURE? JOIN US!
The TSRA Environmental Management Program is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic and motivated worker.
The Senior Natural Resource Management Officer – Indigenous Protected Areas (IPA) and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) facilitates the implementation of IPA management plans for five Torres Strait IPAs. This role works in partnership with Traditional Owners, rangers, research organisations, management agencies and funding bodies.
In addition, the position will scope and deliver a range of activities through the TEK project to preserve and promote Indigenous culture and language across the region.
It also provides administrative and project support to the Project Manager (Ranger Policy and Planning).
This position requires effective skills and experience in cross-cultural communication and consultation.
Applications close at 11:30pm AEST, Friday 21 February 2025.
To Apply:
• View this vacancy and apply online at www.tsra.gov.au/jobs
• If you do not have access to the internet please contact the HR Team on (07) 4069 0700.
For further information please contact Ilana Foster on 4069 0715 or ilana.foster@tsra.gov.au
TN1026 1 wk: 13/02/25 ____
Lena Passi Women’s Shelter. AdsIn E EXCEL E DUMMY E 10x2 ad $4.90 mono rate $98.00 incl. PO# _______________ Deadline: by 3PM TUES. 11/02/25 Georgina Binjuda <manager@lpws.org.au>
07 February 2025 NOTICE OF 2023/2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Management Committee of Lena Passi Women’s Shelter would like to inform ALL MEMBERS, of the 2023/2024 financial year, Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday Island:
Date: FRIDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2025 Time: 4:00 pm Venue: LENA PASSI WOMEN’S SHELTER Nominations are now being called for Members of the Management Committee.
Nominations forms and Proxy forms can be obtained from the office. Nominations and Proxy Nominations will be accepted up until 5.00pm Thursday, 20 February 2025 ALL MEMBERS AND INTERESTED COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND EITHER IN PERSON OR BY PHONE.
If you are unable to attend in person you can dial in via teleconference: Dail into the teleconference: 1800 151 624 Participants Pin#: 488 494 585
If you would like any clarification, please contact the administration staff on 07 4069 1366.
3 Issues: 13/2 ____, 20/2 ____ & 27/2/25 ____
AdsIn T Excel T Dummy T Mura Kosker (from Kantesha). Disc. rate [$4.25 incl] 17x3 [51] ad $216.75incl. x3 $650.25incl. Booking confirm & Ad app. 11am Tues. 11/2. PO: ______________ by 3pm Tuesday 11/2/25. Lisa Eaton <Lisa.Eaton@murakosker.org.au> & Aletia Twist <Aletia.Twist@murakosker.org.au>
PUBLISHED
Mura Kosker Sorority Inc. (MKS) is looking for a competent, qualified, committed and enthusiastic person to fill the position of Community Connect Worker in our Thursday Island Neighbourhood and Community Centre.
Mura Kosker Sorority Inc. is a community-based, not-for-profit, non-government organisation that advocates for and provides a range of programs addressing the welfare, health and social and emotional wellbeing of women, men, children, youth, elders and families living in the Torres Strait region.
MKS invites applications for the following position in our Thursday Island Neighbourhood and Community Centre:
• Community Connect Worker
Assist community member who are vulnerable and have complex needs to find support and build social connections
Write information advice and referral that is individualised and integrated with other services and support systems.
Undertake care coordination as required
Develop and maintain close working relationships and networks with service providers and stakeholders across the region.
Other duties as required.
Important Information:
This position is based on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, and accommodation is not provided
This role is fixed term, with a salary based on skills, qualifications and experience
A six month probation period applies.
Salary packaging, meals and entertainment card program available.
For an application package and further details about the application process, please contact Aletia Twist, Chief Executive Officer on 0458 691663 or by emailing Aletia.Twist@murakosker.org.au
Application closes 5pm Monday, 10th March 2025.
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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IN THIS WEEK’S ‘HOOPS’ NEWS...
Great selection
Congratulations to Cataleya SeriatO’Cloudy (pictured)
for being selected in the 2025 Rockhampton Cyclones team. She will be attending junior basketball carnivals for U14 Division from April to June, and play against teams from Bundaberg, Gladstone or Maryborough. Then in July, Cataleya will attend the state champs in Cairns. Her family and the Thursday Island community would be proud!
A national search is on for First Nations young men and women aged 18 – 30 to apply for the 2025 Indigenous Marathon Project Squad (IMP), to train for the TCS New York City marathon.
No prior experience was required, IMP Founder and Director and former world marathon champion Robert de Castella and new IMP Head Coach and Program Manager and IMP Graduate (2023) Jack Stevens said – they were just looking for enthusiastic squad members from remote communities, regional towns and urban cities across Australia.
“Most of our 156 IMP Graduates have had no previous running experience,” Mr de Castella said.
“We’re searching for applicants with a commitment to personal health and wellbeing, an interest in competing in the TCS New York City Marathon and most importantly, they want to become changemakers in their communities.”
IMP is a six-month ‘journey’ – a flagship program of the Indigenous Marathon
Darwin Finals
Imagine my surprise when checking social media to see Nate Jawai, Deba George and Verle Williams Jnr suited up and just played a game. All three are still in Darwin and played alongside Travis Ellis for Ellas Titans. They won their semi-finals, 109-102, last weekend. Ellas Titans will play in grand finals against Eagles on Saturday.
LA Bound
Great news for women’s basketball with talented Shaneice Swain officially signed with LA Sparks. The point guard has signed a rookie-level contract for the 2025 Womens National Basketball Association season. Congratulations to Shaneice and her family would also be proud!
NBL Finals
Well the regular season of competition
Foundation — which involves a rigorous marathon training program, with selected squad members also required to complete the
has finished and it’s now the business end for teams vying to be the NBL24 Champions. Unfortunately, for defending champions Tasmania JackJumpers, Brisbane Bullets, Cairns Taipans and New Zealand Breakers, they are on holidays.
Six teams to play on in the finals are Illawarra Hawks, Melbourne United, Perth Wildcats, South East Phoenix, Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers.
Aussie Clippers
LA Clippers now have two Australians on their roster. Joining Patty Mills is guard-forward Ben Simmons. How awesome is that – Patty will be a great mentor for Ben and hopefully the team has a successful basketball year.
Trans-Tasman Throwdown
In May, Australia takes on New Zealand in
than a free trip to New York,” Mr Stevens said.
“The education component of IMP empowers squad members with the knowledge and skills to create lasting change within their communities, or what we call the ‘Ripple Effect’ here at IMF.
“The squad will access coaching, mentoring, new qualifications - and more.”
More than 85 per cent of IMP Graduates stay actively engaged in IMF and continue to support future IMP squads and other IMF programs, including RAW (Running & Walking within Indigenous Communities, I-CAN (educational health and fitness programs delivered in remote communities) and FrontRunners for IMP Graduates.
The 2025 national try-out tour is about to get underway and will visit communities around Australia.
IMP education program in Indigenous leadership and health promotion, to develop healthy lifestyle leaders.
“IMP is a lot more
IMP Applications are open until the end of this month and available at https:// www.imf.org.au/imp/ imp-applications
the best of three games. The Boomers and Opals will play against the Tall Blacks and Tall Ferns in Adelaide (7 May), Sunshine Coast (9 May) and Hamilton (11 May).
BY ALF WILSON
Talented Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Essay Banu, Tallisha Harden and Jasmine Peters will line up for the men and women’s Indigenous Allstars sides against Maori teams at CommBank Stadium in Sydney this Saturday.
It will be the first top quality rugby league matches of the season in the lead up to the NRL season, which starts in Las Vegas on Saturday 1 March.
It will also be the 14th Allstars games and will be fanatically watched including around the Torres Strait and NPA.
For 23-year-old Cairns-born, Saibaiconnected Hamiso, it will be his third Allstars appearance.
The champion fullback or centre has also played 50 NRL games for the North Queensland Cowboys and 36 for his current club the Dolphins.
He has played six Tests for the Australian Kangaroos and represented the Queensland Stare of Origin side on seven occasions.
One of Hamiso’s rivals will be his friend and Dolphins teammate Jeremy Marshall-King
who will be in the Maori side.
Another opponent will be star Newcastle Knights back Dane Gagai.
The 33-year-old Tallisha will be lining up in her eighth Allstars match, and has played four times for the Australian Jillaroos and five times for the Queensland ladies State of Origin team.
A hard running key forward Tallisha, has played 18 NRLW matches for her current club the Cowboys, 15 for the Brisbane Broncos and three for the Sydney Roosters.
One of the rising stars of the NRLW, Jasmine will play her fifth Allstars game.
A quality centre 22-year-old Jasmine has
played 18 NRLW games for the Cowboys and eight for the Gold Coast Titans.
For rampaging front row forward Essay, it will be her second Allstars match.
Essay, aged 22, has played eight NRLW matches for the Cowboys and represented PNG on eight occasions.
Both Essay and Jasmine were in the 2023 Indigenous Allstars team which played in New Zealand.
Their Cowboys teammates Tahlulah Tillett and Sareka Mooka were also in that side and an official was now Torres Shire Council Mayor Elsie Seriat.
People from the Torres Strait have booked flights to travel to Sydney for the much
anticipated clashes.
The event will also include a clash between the Indigenous and Māori Touch Football teams.
NRL round matches at Las Vegas are Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors and Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla SutherlandSharks.
Other matches will be Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves and Australian Jillaroos v England Women’s team. The teams are: Indigenous All Stars Men
Jacob Alick-Wiencke, Jayden Campbell, Joshua Curran, Tallis Duncan, Brian Kelly, Josh Kerr, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Dylan Lucas, Shaquai Mitchell, Tyrone Munro, Brent Naden, Hohepa Puru, Niwhai Puru, Ethan Roberts, Blake Steep, Jayden Sullivan, Jacob Sykes, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Connor Watson, Jack Wighton and Coach Ronald Griffiths.
Māori All Stars Men Jesse Arthars, Zach Dockar-Clay, James Fisher-Harris, Dane Gagai, Mawene Hiroti, Royce Hunt, Keano Kini, Jacob Laban, Jeremy Marshall-King, Jesse McLean, Kurtis Morrin, Charnze
Nicoll-Klokstad, Adam Pompey, Kalyn Ponga, Jordan Riki, Jazz Tevaga, Leo Thompson, Taine Tuaupiki, William Warbrick, Xavier Willison and Coach Adam Blair.
Indigenous All Stars Women
Essay Banu, Jaime Chapman, Bree Chester, Nakia Davis-Welsh, Kirra Dibb, Quincy Dodd, Monique Donovan, Taliah Fuimaono, Tallisha Harden, Keilee Joseph, Tommaya Kelly-Sines, Grace Kemp, Olivia Kernick, Ella Koster, Bobbi Law, Evah McEwen, Lailani Montgomery, Mahalia Murphy, Jasmine Peters, Taneka Todhunter and Coach Jess Skinner.
Māori All Stars Women
Lilly-Ann White, Annessa Biddle, Harata Butler, Kennedy Cherrington, Rueben Cherrington, Laikha Clarke, Zali Fay, Najvada George, Taneisha Gray, Tyla King, Shannon Mato, Kerehitina Matua, Raecene McGregor, Shanice Parker, Rima Pirini Butler, Ashleigh Quinlan, Tiana Raftstrand-Smith, Jasmin Strange, Pauline Suli-Ruka, Chante Temara and Coach Keith Hanley.
J
BY ALF WILSON
The Thursday Island Roosters rugby league team will travel to Cairns this month to play a couple of trial games and also to compete in the Chairman’s Challenge.
The Mossman Port Douglas Sharks will be the Roosters opponents in the trial on Saturday 22 February at Mossman, which is 80km north of Cairns along the Captain Cook Highway.
On Friday 28 February they will meet another
Cairns and District comp side, Ivanhoes Knights, at Smithfield.
The Chairmans Challenge will be on Saturday 1 March in Cairns.
A small but hard working committee has organised the trip and fundraising.
The club said they would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to sponsors TSYRSA, TSCSRP, Island Rooster, Mark Milbourne Constructions, Makai, CEQ, ATS services, TI Bowls, Mossman Port Douglas Sharks, TI Roosters Family, JS Glass and TI Bulk meats.
The Roosters RLFC are holding a ‘Lovers and Friends Valentine’s Night’ fundraiser at the Thursday Island Bowls club on Friday 14 February from 6pm onwards
Challenge cancelled
In other news, the annual Interstate Challenge match between the winners of the Queensland Arthur Beetson Foundation Murri Carnival and the NSW Koori Knockout has been cancelled.
Torres Strait side Urapun Thayak took out the final of
the 2024 Queensland Murri Carnival and was scheduled to meet Koori Knockout champions Walgett Aboriginal Connection to decide the best Allblacks carnival team in the country.
It is understood the game was planned to be held as a curtain raiser to the Indigenous Allstars matches at Parramatta on Saturday.
However the high cost for the Murri Carnival of sending a team to Sydney was the reason for the cancellation.
Urapun Thayak had a
hard fought 20-16 win over Darkies Connection in the grand final of the Queensland Murri Carnival.
They were referred to as “The Pride of the Torres Strait” after winning the carnival which was much sought after and a blue ribbon rugby league event.
Down 16-nil at halftime in the decider, Urapun Thayak, which means 1Arrow, fought hard after the break to triumph.
The cancellation will be a major disappointment for football fans around the Torres Strait.
Torres Strait sides have a successful record in previous Interstate Challenges.
In 2013 Argun Warriors defeated Newcastle Yowies 28-24.
Two years later in 2015 Badu side Kulpiyam beat Walgett Aboriginal Connection 30-22 in their match.
Then in 2018 Dhadhin Geai Warriors lost 38-26 to the Newcastle Yowies.
In 2023 Erub United lost the Interstate Challenge final, beaten 18-8 by Newcastle Allblacks.