Torres News_Edition 168_27 Febuary 2025

Thursday, 27 February 2025

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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Huge night for Ailan railway story

Straight from the Strait creatives, cast and crew with their Matilda’s Judges’ Award in at the Brisbane Powerhouse on Monday night. Pic supplied by Matilda Awards.

Cast and crew of Straight from the Strait, a production by Opera Queensland, Yumpla Nerkep Foundation and QPAC in association with Brisbane Festival, say they are deeply grateful to be recognised with several accolades, including the prestigious judges’ prize, at Monday

night’s Matilda Awards.

They were the night’s biggest winner, taking home four awards from six nominations, including The Judges’ Award for outstanding theatrical endeavour.

Yumpla Nerkep Foundation chair Anthony Ghee said receiving the

Judges Award was the highlight of the night.

“That was so unexpected, we are all still gobsmacked,” he said.

“We ended the night

with everyone singing Baba Waiar and had a standing ovation that seemed like it went on forever.

“I do hope many of our young Torres Strait Island people who have a story to tell, regardless of

how they think it is of little significance – be encouraged by Straight From The Strait and have a go.

“Au Esoau to Torres Strait Regional Authority for believing in this amazing story and providing the

funding to actually assist in bringing this musical to the big stage.”

Writer and CoLibrettist Norah Bagiri said she was honoured to have worked with the production, and colibrettist Rubina Kimiia.

Story continues + more pics on PAGE 10 N

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02 NEWS

Tagai Badge Day Badge Day was celebrated at Tagai State College last week.

We’ll have the full story plus pics in our next issue.

THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2025 TORRES NEWS

2025 seagrass surveys set to go ahead TropWATER researchers will be monitoring seagrass from a boat and using low-level helicopter surveys around Waiben and Ellis Channel from the end of next week.

Surveys have been conducted at Thursday Island since 2002.

The results have helped to establish a clearer picture of

natural variation in seagrass meadows and the relationship between seagrass change and climate.

For more information contact Abbi Scott at TropWATER on 4232 1830 or abbi.scott1@ jcu.edu.au or Adam Fletcher at Ports North on 4052 3820 or adam.fletcher@ portsnorth.com.au

Reflecting on connections This year’s National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.

Reconciliation Australia CEO, Karen

Mundine said the theme showed Australia’s history of reconciliation was not linear but included great strides and disappointing setbacks.

“Twenty-five years ago, Corroboree 2000 brought together

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous leaders in a historic call for reconciliation,” she said.

“Corroboree 2000 and the Sydney Harbour Bridge walk were significant events in our long journey and our determination to continue that journey towards a reconciled Australia and justice for First Nations peoples

is unstoppable.

“We invite all Australians to join us during NRW 2025 27 May – 3 June.”

The #NRW2025 theme was created in collaboration with Little Rocket, a First Nationsowned and operated marketing and creative agency.

For more information see www.reconciliation. org.au

Help protecting the oceans in Your North Queensland airline (whale) song

connecting the islands of the Torres Strait with Cairns and Bamaga

FLY WITH A QUEENSLANDER

William Mabo & Rike Wolf. Pic supplied.

BY VELMA GARA Townsville-based cellist, composer and passionate environmental conservation advocate Rike Wolf has collaborated with William Mabo and the Earth’s gentle giants to release her newest composition, Ocean Song – a musical call to protect our oceans and marine life.

The composition blended the soulful tones of Rike’s cello and the ancient, resonant tones of William’s didgeridoo in an evocative whale song that included humpback sounds recorded in Townsville waters.

The 10-minute track was released on Sunday 16 February to coincide with World Whale Day. “Ocean Song is a moving piece which serves as both a celebration of marine life and a call to action for ocean conservation,” Rike said.

“This track invites listeners on a journey into the depths of the marine world, blending the natural rhythms of the ocean with the soulful resonance of the cello, and the grounding vibrations of the didgeridoo.”

Rike, with the support of friends who volunteered their boat and equipment, recorded the Humpback sounds with a hydrophone in waters between Cape Cleveland and Magnetic Island during whale migration season last August.

“Ocean Song celebrates the beauty of our ocean mammals and the great barrier reef, while also addressing the devastating impacts of human activities on marine life, including seismic blasting,” Rike said.

“This project is a plea to all of us to protect the oceans and the biodiversity we all rely on.”

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NEWS 03

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2025

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Badu dialysis ready for next step

BY CARLI WILLIS The Wakaid Tribal Council have signed an agreement to engage stakeholders, including builders, to build the renal dialysis unit on Badu Island, Wakaid tribal Elder Robert ‘Bongo’ Sagigi says.

He said he felt a sense of urgency as people continued to pass away from kidney disease.

“I talked to Canberra and everything’s looking a-ok,” he said.

“We be take a long time to get this far and yeah, so it’s on!

“April, we gor out to Badu and we gor turn the soil.”

Consultant Barbara Schmidt said she would

be talking to locals at Badu, Mabuyag and Moa to gauge what they needed from the dialysis unit.

“My job is really to bring together the knowledge that everybody else has to tell the story of how it is that they want renal services delivered,” she said.

“So we’ve got a lot of talking to do before we work out exactly what that’s going to look like.”

She said Queensland Health had already sent through some data that there has always been a strong community leadership presence.

“We’ll be starting those conversations on the ground after the wet season,” she said.

Wakaid tribal Elder Robert ‘Bongo’ Sagigi and consultant Barbara Schmidt signing the documents. Pic supplied.

Enter the

GAB TITUI INDIGENOUS

TSIRC launches ‘user friendly’ website The Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) officially launched a new website designed to provide an engaging and user-friendly experience while showcasing the work the council undertakes for the Torres Strait region.

After months of collaboration, the website was the product of a comprehensive effort between TSIRC’s Administration and Communications teams, alongside Cairns-based marketing agency, Forte Marketing, who guided the design and development.

Forte Marketing Director, Juan Ruiz, said they collaborated closely with TSIRC to develop a website that met all Australian Government requirements and placed people and businesses at its core.

TSIRC new website has been launched! Pic supplied by TSIRC. “The result is a secure and inclusive website designed to simplify access to information on the Council’s services and activities,” he said.

TSIRC Chief Executive Officer James William said the refreshed site reflected council’s modern approach and commitment to serving the

Torres Strait community with transparency and efficiency.

“We’re thrilled to present a website that truly embodies who we are and the incredible work we do,” he said.

The new website featured improved navigation, enhanced accessibility, and a modern design to better serve the needs of the community, partners and stakeholders.

TSIRC invited the public to explore the new website and provide feedback to help continuously improve the site’s functionality and user experience.

“This is just the beginning and we look forward to making ongoing improvements to better support the region.” Mr William said.

This new digital platform is now live and can be accessed at www.tsirc.qld.gov.au.

2025 Open to all Torres Strait Islander & Aboriginal artists living in the Torres Strait or Northern Peninsula Area.

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New funds to support critical infrastructure The Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) successfully acquired three major funding agreements that will drive critical infrastructure improvements, biosecurity initiatives, and community economic development.

Mayor Phillemon Mosby said the successful contracts were a testament to Council’s proactive approach in securing resources that directly benefitted communities.

“From critical infrastructure to economic growth and biosecurity, this funding will create lasting positive impacts for our

region,” Mayor Mosby said.

Budget review TSIRC has undertaken a review of its 2024-25 budget to ensure alignment with financial expectations and identify necessary adjustments.

At a budget workshop in November 2024, Council was informed of a $5.2 million improvement in the budgeted operating result excluding depreciation.

The positive outcome was mainly attributed to

increased profits from repairs and maintenance activities, an increase in the Indigenous Councils Financial Program (ICFP) grant and a reduction in insurance costs.

After the workshop, some of these gains

were offset by higher consultant expenses, the temporary construction of a seawall on Mer Island and additional legal costs.

This month Council also approved a $1 million increase to salaries and wages for the financial year to support the finalisation of certified agreement negotiations that have been ongoing since August 2024.

As a result of these budget adjustments, the forecast operating deficit before depreciation now stands at $1.4 million – an improvement of $3.6 million compared to the original budget approved in July 2024.

For more information speak to our Exhibitions & Public Programs Manager.

07 4069 0888 leitha.assan@tsra.gov.au shop.gabtitui.gov.au

Artwork: “WARUP” by Normie Young 2023 Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award Entrant

04 NEWS

THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2025 TORRES NEWS

TCHHS call for consumer input

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) has an opportunity for a Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) representative to join their team.

The TCHHS Consumer Advisory Committee representatives were to provide feedback on the delivery of health services and consumer, carer or community perspectives about the health and wellbeing of their community, and must have had lived experience as a patient/consumer or carer/community representative within TCHHS. The committee met quarterly to provide advice and feedback about health service delivery.

Although a volunteer position, members were renumerated for attending meetings and participating in activities in line with the Health Consumers Queensland Remuneration and Reimbursement of Consumers.

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Indigenous Knowledge Centre Coordinator Patricia Harry delivers Women’s and Elders’ programs on Warraber. Pic supplied.

Do you make the most of your IKC?

Vicki McDonald AM said one in three Queenslanders was a member of their public library or IKC. “So we know how important they are to communities across the state,” she said.

“As a trusted partner and advocate for public libraries, State Library hopes this campaign will encourage library lovers to share their stories to encourage more Queenslanders to discover the often-unexpected offerings of their local library.

“Libraries are creative and welcoming social hubs where everyone can connect with other people, enjoy dedicated places for learning and play, and feel a sense of belonging.”

Seniors Legal & Social Support Service

How do you library? is a newly launched campaign to encourage Queenslanders to tell their local communities what they love about their local library and to make the most of its free activities and resources.

The statewide initiative was launched earlier this month.

There were more than 325 public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres (IKCs) across Queensland and the State Library of Queensland’s partnership with local government supported thriving cultural, digital and social hubs, responsive to the changing needs of their communities.

Libraries north to Torres Strait and west to Blackall have joined the How do you library?

Do you…

Think someone is humbugging you for your money?

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We can assist with free legal and social support for people 60 years and older, or 50 years and older for First Nations Peoples.

All enquires welcome 4031 7688 or freecall 1800 062 608 www.cclc.org.au

BY VELMA GARA Indigenous Business Australia’s (IBA) capacity to leverage capital to support more First Nations people in achieving their dreams of home ownership, business enterprise and community investment has been boosted by the passing of a historic legislative amendment to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 (Act).

Section 184 of the Act had previously restricted IBA from borrowing or raising capital but the amendment

campaign with local events and promotions throughout 2025.

Some of the great programs on offer include Warraber IKC’s women’s group who were passing on cooking and sewing skills to the next generation; Quilpie Library Makerspace workshops including jewellery making and embroidery; and, Cairns Libraries’ First 5 Forever story walks for paediatric patients at Cairns Hospital.

On Warraber Aunty Patricia Harry has created a space where cultural practices and languages are kept alive.

Her women’s and Elders’ programs have become a valued part of community life and a way to pass down knowledge and traditions through generations.

removed that barrier, providing them with the flexibility to explore new opportunities and expand the range of financial products it could offer to meet market needs.

IBA Chair Darren Godwell said the importance of this change was in furthering IBA’s mission.

“We continually seek new pathways to grow our impact,” he said.

“This is particularly meaningful this year as we celebrate 50 years through the generations.

“Our home ownership program commenced in 1975 and to date we’ve supported more

Community members gather at the IKC for Kulkalgal Ya language activities, puzzles, games, sewing, crocheting, beading, singing and recipe sharing.

State Education and the Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek said local libraries provided enormous value to communities, and said the How do you library? campaign encouraged the community to engage with an impressive range of programs and services on offer.

“In 2023 to 2024, Queenslanders made 17 million visits to their community libraries and borrowed or accessed 42 million items,” he said.

State Librarian and CEO

than 22,000 families into home ownership – an achievement that empowers prosperity, well-being and intergenerational impact.

“Expansion for further investment and business opportunities, as well as our largest, long-standing program of home ownership, means more success for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“As demand for our services continues to grow, this amendment will help us to achieve our vision for Australia’s First Nations people to achieve economic independence – a right

we fully deserve.”

Mr Godwell acknowledged support from the Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy, the Expert Panel, which included Rick Allert AO, Rosemary Addis, Dr Doug McTaggart, Diane Smith-Gander AO, Professor Robynne Quiggin, Dr Helen Szoke AO and Professor Marcia Langton AM) and IBA staff.

Senator McCarthy said modernising the Act would supercharge IBA’s capabilities.

“The measure will provide IBA with

the opportunity to partner with a range of Government entities and private investors, amplifying the positive economic, social and cultural impact it will have on the lives of First Nations people,” she said.

“The ability to participate in more investment opportunities and raise funds to advance the commercial and economic interests of First Nations people will enable IBA to deliver on Government priorities and support its agenda for Closing the Gap.”

NEWS 05

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2025

Olympic torch to start in Torres Strait

Badu entrepreneur Edmund Tamwoy.

Island Stars owner Joey Laifoo.

Tourism Tropical North Qld CEO Mark Olsen.

Strait Experience founder Fraser Nai.

Assistant Minister for Tourism Bree James speaks to a meeting of stakeholders in Waiben on Monday. Pics supplied.

Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic Torch will start its journey in the Torres Strait before making its way around the country Queensland’s Assistant Minister for Tourism Bree James says.

Ms James travelled to the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area this week to meet with tourism stakeholders and gather information to create a 20-year tourism plan.

“This isn’t just about having an Olympics in Brisbane, it’s about the regions benefiting from it and that intergenerational infrastructure that can go across Queensland as well,” Ms James said.

“So people come for the Olympics but the community wins because we get that infrastructure that will be fantastic for our regions for many decades to come.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s CEO Mark Olsen said the event would shine a spotlight on the region “like never before”.

“A lot of people around the world haven’t heard of Torres Strait,” he said.

“They haven’t heard of Winds of Zenadth, they haven’t heard of the experiences on the outer islands and, we heard today, that only about nine per cent of the world’s population have ever heard of Queensland or Brisbane.

“So the opportunity is here for the Torres Strait and for the communities

to imagine what does it look like on the television screen, if the torch relay starts here?”

Mr Olsen said there was a great deal more planning to do.

“Locally, within the community and the industry here, we need to be attracting more international overnight visitors, because that means that our season is extended,” he said.

“It’s just so important to be focused on getting the right customer at the right time.”

Strait Experience tourism entrepreneur Fraser Nai said he was excited about the Olympic Torch starting in Torres Strait.

“There’s opportunities that only present this themselves once, maybe, in a lifetime,” he said.

“It’s going to require all of us, our leaders, our elders, our young people, our entrepreneurs, our NGOs to understand this moment that’s presenting itself.

“That moment can be the stepping stone for the next decade after that, for our region to create opportunities.

“But that one, it could be upon all of us to understand that moment and what we do with it will determine wiskind Zenadth Kes go fly.

“I plead with all leaders, I plead with all communities with influence, people who have career influence, I plead with all young people: we invest our time in the next five years wisely [and] understand the opportunities that coming, that’s presenting

itself, [and] whether we’ll catch it or not.

“It could be upon us in what yumi do, but now is the moment that yumi must act, and act fast.”

However, at the meeting on Waiben on Monday stakeholders brought up questions about infrastructure in the region including health, housing, the Horn Island airport, water infrastructure, the Jardine ferry and more.

Island Stars owner Joey Laifoo said he would love to see more training and education opportunities for young people, and a bigger training facility on the island.

“That’s the next step for us, to find a bigger space or build up and have those things in place for training in all them different areas,” he said.

“And I think that’s the best way, because it’s our facility here, based here and go stay here and train Yumi people in that area, where they come into the workforce with training from our own people.”

Badu Island entrepreneur Edmond Tamwoy said he wanted to see more investment into the region.

“We are resourceful, we got all the resources in the world, but we are capital-poor,” he said.

“It’s a good exposure and opportunity as a platform that we can use so eight million viewers around the world can see where Thursday Island is, where Zenadth Kes is.”

Are you an employer in a remote community or want to become one?

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.

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BY CARLI WILLIS

06 NEWS

THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2025 TORRES NEWS

VOICE shares story of deadly young people doing good A feature-length documentary called VOICE, made with a group of deadly and inspiring First Nations young people, has debuted to students and teachers at ACAP University College campuses across Australia.

The film’s first screening was at the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) in August last year, an accomplishment that took acclaimed documentary filmmaker Krunal Padhiar and Deadly Inspiring Youth Doing Good (DIYDG) completely by surprise.

More than 200 community members attended the screening, many of whom travelled from far north Queensland.

The film went on to be the joint winner of the Intrepid Audience Award and was screened at the Hawaii International Film Festival, Native Spirit Film Festival and Garifuna Indigenous Film Festival.

UK-born Krunal made the documentary

DIYDG Co-founder Semara Jose & Krunal Padhiar.

Krunal filming with DIYDG youth group. Pics supplied.

after finding himself in Cairns, working with a group of First Nations men on a project highlighting men’s mental health in the state’s far north.

That’s when he came across DIYDG, who were the subjects of the documentary and participated in its production.

An initial plan to include them in

Day Festival, which commemorated the historic civil rights strike led by Vincent Lingiari, and coincided with the Voice to Parliament vote.

Co-director of VOICE and co-founder of DIYDG Semara Jose said it was an “honour and privilege” to share the group’s story through the film, and said Krunal’s relationshipbuilding with DIYDG

the documentary, to highlight their collaborative community work with the men’s group, turned into a project of its own when Krunal heard they were planning a trip across Australia to the Northern Territory and was asked to join them.

The 10-day trip was a pilgrimage across Australia to Kalkaringi for the Gurindji Freedom

u (Boigu (Bo oigu Is) o Boigu

Bamaga B Ba a

was vital to being able to powerfully share their story.

“VOICE is testament of the reclamation of our future as First Nations young people,” Semara said.

“This documentary is a demonstration of the unique role of our First Nation young people.

“They are responsible for ensuring our dynamic and complex

culture thrives and simultaneously meets Western measures of success.

“We understand that it is fundamental that young people have a say in the systems that affect them.”

Krunal, who was one year into studying his Master of Social Work at ACAP University College in Sydney, said he hoped

to develop skills that would allow him to continue to engage with communities in a safe and trauma-informed way.

“Making a feature film can often be a deeply solitary experience, so the classes at ACAP provided valuable opportunities for reflection, processing and discussion,” he said.

“This was especially helpful because filmmaking and social work practice share many similarities.

“However, the key difference is that in documentary work, the stories shared by individuals and families are then made public.

“I think the perspective of DIYDG and their story was important in the context of The Voice referendum which was taking place at the time, because it was grounded in the lived experience of a grassroots organisation who work in crisis and intervention with youth on the ground in regional Australia.”

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Rugapayn (Mapoon)

Wug Wug (St Pauls Is)

Mer (Murray (M Murra ay Is) P (C Coconut Is) Poruma (Coconut

Napranum Lockhart River

A Iss) Arkai (Kubin Is) Rosehill

Warraber Warrab W ber (Sue Islet)

Thursday Island Is sland

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Waibene W aiben ne (Thurs (Thursday sday Is)

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07

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2025

LENT FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE

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08 NEWS

THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2025 TORRES NEWS

Deadly choices for deadly shirts

“Domestic and family violence is never acceptable.”

If you, or someone you know in your community, might be experiencing domestic and family ly violence, please seek help.

Support is available, and you don’t have to face it alone.

Reach out to local services or call ll 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) forr confidential assistance and guidance.

Together, we can create safer communities for everyone.

Pam Wasaga W ellbeing llb i officer ffi Wellbeing Prom m oting the EVP Program Promoting

BY VELMA GARA

Escaping Viole Violence e nce Payment The Escaping g Violence Payment (EVP) offers support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) to have access to financial support and goods / services for their immediate needs to live safely.

For more information contact Pam P| 0456 749 768 E| evpti@raatsicc.org.au W| www.raatsicc.org.au u

Deadly ambassadors wearing Deadly Choices distinctive shirts at the 2025 season launch.

Pic supplied Deadly Choices facebook page.

Leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander preventative health program Deadly Choices officially launched their 2025 season shirt range last week.

A host of sporting stars from Deadly Choices’ partner organisations showed off some of the 2025 shirts, including Kotoni Staggs

What’s On IN TORRES SHIRE To Lead, Provide and Facilitate a sustainable, safe and culturally vibrant community.

Meetings & Events March 2025 Saturday 1 March

Cruise Ship – Viking Venus

Sunday 2 March

Clean Up Australia Day

Tuesday 18 March

Ordinary Council Meeting

Thursday 20 March

Cruise Ship – Scenic Eclipse 2

Sunday 30 March

Cruise Ship – Viking Orion

To view all current public notices and alerts, visit www.torres.qld.gov.au and follow and like us on Facebook All enquiries to Council Office J P (07) 4069 1336 J E admin@torres.qld.gov.au J 68 Douglas St, Thursday Island

and Selwyn Cobbo (Brisbane Broncos), Jamal Shibasaki (North Queensland Cowboys), Josh Kerr (Dolphins NRL), Jayden Campbell (Titans), Cody Walker (Rabbitohs) and Jada Taylor (Cronulla Sharks).

The launch, held at GOMA Maiwar Green – Stanley Place South Brisbane, brought together key sporting figures, community health leaders and government stakeholders who played a pivotal role in Deadly Choices’ preventative health mission through their ongoing support.

Deadly Choices was an initiative of the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH).

IUIH Executive Director of Commercial

Operations Dallas Leon said the proven community-led approach of Deadly Choices worked to “create impactful health behaviour change and build health literacy in communities across Australia”.

The 2025 715 Health Check shirts feature more than 20 sporting partners across NRL, AFL, rugby union, netball, Tennis Australia, the Boomers and Professional Bull Riders.

A 715 Health Check is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderspecific health check which identifies key areas of risk.

“We are proud that the Deadly Choices health check shirt incentive concept, first proposed in 2010, has evolved into one

of Australia’s most successful preventative health promotions,” Mr Leon said.

“Using the vehicle of sport, we effectively get more of our people into our health services, engage them in positive health behaviour and make a significant contribution to closing the health and life expectancy gap for Indigenous Australians.”

Deadly Choices continued to expand its impact across the country, with new CCHSs joining the initiative in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Tasmania over the past year, growing the CCHS network delivering the Deadly Choices health check incentive program to more than 30.

ORIC closes nearly 300 Indigenous corporations

BY VELMA GARA Nearly 300 corporations, including seven from the Torres Strait, have been deregistered by the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) for failing to lodge reports.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations Registrar Tricia Stroud finalised the deregistration of 294 Indigenous corporations earlier this month – which meant they no longer existed.

Ms Stroud said when a corporation was deregistered, it ceased to exist as a legal entity and was no longer able to trade.

In October last year, the Registrar gave notice to 328 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations about her intention to deregister them for failing to lodge reports for the past two years.

The Registrar also focused on the quality of corporation records,

particularly those relating to director appointments, in the Register of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations.

Corporations were responsible for keeping their records with ORIC correct and up to date.

Ms Stroud said out-of-date records could create confusion about who was able to make decisions for the corporation.

The Registrar released a video featuring West Australia’s Wungening Aboriginal Corporation to emphasise the importance of record keeping.

Corporations were required to notify ORIC of changes to directors within 28 days of the change.

ORIC has a range of online training in March which included Governing an Indigenous corporation: Key legal duties of directors and Risk and corporations: current issues for the board agenda.

ORIC’s website is at www.oric.gov.au

09

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2025

FIRST NATIONS OWNED AND OPERATED – PUTTING FAMILIES FIRST

We are starting Ferry and Bus TIMETABLE COMMENCING services on Friday 28 February with FRIDAY Special Rates for all of March 2025!

FEBRUARY 2025 See Timetable below. More services to be added soon.

28

Airport to/ from Thursday ADULTS Island

CHILDREN/ CONCESSION

TI Wharf to Horn Island Wharf

CHILDREN/ CONCESSION

Plus...

ADULTS  

Free pick up on TI at designated locations  Luggage handling Discounted Bus Rates available on board on Horn Island at just $12 Adults

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10 NEWS

THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2025 TORRES NEWS

Big wins for Straight from the Strait at Matilda Awards M Continued from P1

Youmpla Nerkep Foundation’s Ruth Ghee on stage with cast and crew..

Pics by Matilda Awards.

XTREMECARE AUSTRALIA ‘THE FNQ’S LEADING NDIS PROVIDER’ Xtremecare Australia offers NDIS Support Coordination and Plan Management services in the Torres Straits (including Outer Islands) and NPA communities.

Do you live in the NPA or Torres Strait Region and want Xtremecare to be your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager?

Visit our Thursday Island office or phone us on 07 5514 6500.

07 5514 6500

XTREMECARE THURSDAY ISLAND OFFICE 53 Douglas Street, www.xtremecareaustralia.com.au THURSDAY ISLAND QLD 4875

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LOCAL FARE SUBSIDY SCHEME LFS Fare Class (one way) • Conditions Apply

• See our website for Torres Strait Schedule www.hinterlandaviation.com.au

For LFS bookings J E H LFS@flyhav.com J P H 1300 FLY HAV

“It has definitely been a long journey for me, and others longer,” writer Norah Bagiri said.

“Twenty years in the making and now today, a feeling of achievement not just for me, but for my ancestors who have been with me throughout the whole journey to make sure their story is told.

“Through my writing and vision, I have honoured our history but also ensured it is recognised, celebrated and remembered for generations to come.”

She said she wanted to thank cast and crew, “my Straight from the Strait family, Director Nadine McDonaldDowd, Youmpla Nerkep Foundation’s Ruth and Tony Ghee, Patrick from Opera Queensland, Brisbane Festival, QPAC and more”.

“If it wasn’t for them and making this show a great success, my script would still be just a script,” she said.

“I hope that my Heavenly Father will continue to bless me with a long and fulfilling life so I can keep sharing our Torres Strait stories in such a powerful way.

“My heart is full and so grateful to you all.”

Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek thanked all 2024 Matilda Award winners and nominees for the incredible quality and diversity of their work.

“It is critical that home-grown talent and stories are shared on local and global stages,” Minister Langbroek said.

“The Government is proud to invest in the state’s performing arts sector, including Gold Matilda Winner Flipside Circus and the multi award-winning development and presentation of Straight from the Strait at Brisbane Festival last year.”

Matilda Awards Lead Judge Sue Rider said it was a pleasure and a privilege to be entertained by talented artists and fearless productions staged in Queensland in 2024 .

“This year honours a thrilling mix of award winners, spanning works of scale to solo performances,” she said.

“I am especially moved by the strength of First Nations voices in the creation of compelling theatre:

Straight from the Strait, 37, Blue, Meet Your Maker and Dangerous Goods together claimed 10 of the 20 awards.”

Other winners on the night included Boneta-Marie Mabo with Alethea Beetson, Sasha Parlett and Ken Weston, who won the award for Best Video Design for their work, Meet Your Maker.

BEST SET DESIGN Kevin O’Brien, Straight From The Strait – Opera Queensland, Yumpla Nerkep Foundation & QPAC, in association with Brisbane Festival.

Kevin O’Brien’s beautiful set design guides the audience through the incredible journey three brothers undertake to new places far from home where they meet and conquer the challenge of building a railway from Mt Newman to Port Hedland in Western Australia.

The musical’s central stage piece, a colossal leather suitcase, morphs before our eyes becoming the brothers’ family home, the ship that conveys them so far away, and the railway stores in Western Australia where they achieve their epic feat.

The handle of the suitcase remains visible throughout, jutting upwards ready to be lifted, reminding us that even in moments of joyous music and dance, for the Torres Strait Islander workers home is still another long journey away.

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN Jason Glenwright, Straight From The Strait – Opera Queensland, Yumpla Nerkep Foundation & QPAC, in association with Brisbane Festival.

Jason Glenwright’s lighting works in a myriad of subtle and sensuous ways to bring the audience along on the journey from the brothers’ island home to the 40-degree heat of the Pilbara Region in Opera Queensland’s Straight from the Strait.

Just as the central character and narrator, Pinau, invites the audience to understand more deeply the onstage conflict, heartache, joy, song and dance, so too does Glenwright’s lighting as it accentuates the unfolding narrative with a rich sense of place – from the starlit

Director Nadine McDonald-Dowd on stage. familiarity of home, to the silhouetted looming lugger at sea, to the dust and heat of the railways and the cooler relief of the moonlit night, all the while brilliantly showcasing the songs, dances and stories of the 15 strong cast and onstage live band.

BEST MUSICAL OR CABARET Straight From The Strait – Opera Queensland, Yumpla Nerkep Foundation & QPAC, in association with Brisbane Festival.

On 8 May 1968, Torres Strait Islander workers on the Mount Newman railway set a world record, laying 7km of track in one day – a feat still unmatched.

Their achievement, fuelled by the power of song, inspired a musical

by Norah Bagiri and Rubina Kimiia, rich with heart, laughter and life.

A collaborative production, it highlights the deep connection between performers, audience, and culture, blending traditional Torres Strait music with contemporary melodies and featuring Meriam Mir, Kala Lagaw Ya, Torres Strait Creole, and English. With a modern band, this vibrant story pulses with passion, pride, and cultural heritage.

THE JUDGES’ AWARD Straight From The Strait – Opera Queensland, Yumpla Nerkep Foundation & QPAC, in association with Brisbane Festival.

Straight from the Strait was an ambitious and culturally significant work, several years in the making, the first Torres Strait Island musical and one of the first fully staged Torres Strait Island stories.

As such it carries a weight of responsibility to families and to cultural storytelling, as well as entertaining and informing a broader audience.

The mix of language with limited surtitles

meant that English speaking audience members had to guess at times what was being said, reflecting the experience of Torres Strait Islanders themselves at first contact with English speakers.

The response of the community to the work suggests that it will settle into the culture, being performed over and again, not necessarily in its entirety, but as songs, dances and scenes recording this story, which is already deeply embedded in the local history.

A significant and lasting undertaking for all the producers involved, exemplifying the potential in this form of collaboration.

BEST VIDEO DESIGN Alethea Beetson, Sasha Parlett, Boneta-Marie Mabo & Ken Weston, Meet Your Maker – Alethea Beetson, Blak Social, Brisbane Festival & Brisbane Powerhouse.

Video Design was integral to the genrebusting production of Meet Your Maker.

Dynamic in its integration and execution, the design embodied and navigated multiple styles and genres with expert skill and ease – from pop concerts and music video to science fiction and film parody and more.

It gave agency to a multitude of voices, creating a visual language and form that elevated this one-woman show.

Many hands contributed to its vibrant and transformative aesthetic with exceptional work across the areas of cinematography, production design and editorial.

As a character that was central to the storytelling, Meet Your Maker’s video design continues to demonstrate how the form is changing the language of theatre, film and live performance.

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2025

ART NEWS 11

Matilda’s work elevated by CIAF’s ‘Catapult’

Badu Island artist and inaugural CIAF Catapult recipient Matilda Nona during her two-week artist residency in Cairns working with print collaborator Dian Darmansjah at NorthSite Studios. Pic by Phil Schouteten, Phisch Creative.

The inaugural recipient of Cairns Indigenous Art Fair’s (CIAF) Catapult professional development program, Badu Island artist Matilda Nona, has elevated her art practice through a transformative two-week residency at NorthSite Print Studios in Gimuy/Cairns.

Under the guidance of collaborative printer Dian Darmansjah, Ms Nona merged traditional lino-printing techniques with her innovative ink-making method.

This process involved gathering mangrove bark, orchids, and ochres from her Torres Strait homelands, then cooking, burning, and fermenting these materials to produce organic inks that vividly express her cultural narratives on paper.

Ms Nona was named the inaugural primary recipient of Catapult, created and introduced by CIAF with funding and support from Arts Queensland and the Queensland Government, in February 2024.

Ms Nona, whose art practice observed maternal ceremonies using imagery drawn from land and sea, was thrilled to be announced as the first recipient of CIAF’s accelerator program.

“I’ve been practising art across many mediums for some time now, and I’m ready to explore more,” she said.

“Over the past year, I have been working with arts industry professionals, which is an opportunity I’m grateful for and is a wish for all remote and regional artists.”

She said the two-week residency provided fertile ground for artistic exploration, culminating in a compelling new body of work.

Under the guidance of NorthSite’s collaborative printer, Dian Darmansjah, Ms Nona has honed her traditional lino-printing skills while exploring inks made from natural materials sourced from her Torres Strait homeland.

This unique approach fused traditional techniques with contemporary experimentation, emphasising her deep connection to her culture.

This month, India Collins, CIAF’s Exhibitions and Development Manager, and Phil Schouteten from Phisch Creative visited Ms Nona on Badu Island to observe and document the artist’s creative process, especially her production of vibrant, organic inks that vividly convey the cultural narratives and stories that shape her work.

CIAF’s Artistic Director, Teho Ropeyarn, said Catapult was an essential addition to the organisation’s strategic programming and formed part of an ambitious four-year plan to enrich Queensland’s First Nations arts movement by providing much-needed support to the increasing number of talented, independent artists.

“Catapult is what its name implies, a platform for independent artists to leverage a range of opportunities,” Mr Ropeyarn said.

“Catapult is CIAF’s way of supporting these artists and ensuring their work does not go unnoticed, but rather, is shared with the world.”

Launched in November 2023, Catapult was an annual accelerator and showcase program for Queensland’s First Nations artists.

The program comprises two streams: professional development, of which Matilda Nona is the inaugural recipient, and a showcase program for independent artists to feature work in CIAF’s art fair exhibition.

In April, a small selection of Ms Nona’s work will be showcased at NorthSite Contemporary Arts in Gimuy/Cairns.

In July, a more extensive collection will be presented at CIAF as part of the Pay Attention! themed Art Fair exhibition at Tanks Arts Centre.

ABOVE: Matilda working from her home on Badu Island. Pics by Phil Schouteten, Phisch Creative.

12 NEWS

THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2025 TORRES NEWS

Blayk Coffee brewing business successes Waiben’s first Blayk Coffee for 2025 was a resounding success, bringing together tourism operators, industry stakeholders and government representatives to discuss the future of sustainable business and tourism in the region.

Hosted at First Nations-owned Island Stars Café, the networking event was organised by Kantesha Ward (nee Takai) from Lola Digital.

“Blayk Coffee offers a space for First Nations businesses operating in the Kaiwalagal region to come together, celebrate success and overcome collective challenges together,” Mrs Ward said.

“This event complemented the Destination 2045: Regional Engagement Workshop hosted on Monday, allowing for delegates to yarn over freshly brewed coffee.

“It’s important that as First Nations businesses we provide each other with the support needed to thrive sustainably and economically.”

Assistant Minister for Tourism, Early Learning, Creative Industries and Far North Queensland Bree James MP was also there, accompanied by representatives from Tourism and Events Queensland and Tourism

Island Stars Dance Team perform. Pics supplied.

Tropical North Queensland.

Other local stakeholders included the Torres Strait Regional Authority, Torres Shire Council and the Department of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities & the Arts.

A highlight of the morning was the introduction and launch of Strait Arrow Films, a new Torres Strait Islander-owned film company founded

by Fletcher Glover.

“We’re all about authentically telling our stories, by the region, for the region,” Mr Glover said.

“Strait Arrow Films’ aspirations are to make feature films, but at the moment, helping out in the tourism sector to make short films and advertising pieces for local businesses.”

Formalities finished with a special performance by the Lagaw Titui Dance Team, followed by flowing conversations that further proved the growing strength and vitality of First Nations businesses in the Torres Strait.

All First Nations businesses are invited to check blackcoffee.net.au for upcoming events in the region, and on the mainland.

Strait Arrow Films announcing their launch.

Island Stars Co-Founder Joey Laifoo performing with son Malu.

Assistant Minister Bree James MP congratulating Strait Arrow Films on their launch.

Strait Arrow Films with Many Rivers representatives.

Blayk Coffee networking. Pic by Tari Sagigi.

Lagaw Titui dancer and employee Oshan Shibasaki serving fresh coffee.

Blayk Coffee attendees networking. Pic by Tari Sagigi.

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2025

Saturday, 8 March 2025

Celebrate International Women’s Day at the

LINGU KARAY WOMAN CHOIR ALBUM LISTENING PARTY Saturday, 8 March 2025 6-8pm Bowls Club, Waiben

13

14 ART NEWS

THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2025 TORRES NEWS

Visual arts a favourite for Poruma artist Nazareth Faiud

BY FLORA WARRIA

TN0461 • 28-11-24

Nazareth’s artwork on fabric. Pics supplied by Nazareth Faiud.

Earrings and Kulaps are some of the items as part of her jewellery making.

Beautiful floral piece.

ONLINE: WWW.REBELTOURS.COM.AU BOOKBOOK ONLINE: EFFECTIVE DATE 28/10/2024 WWW.REBELTOURS.COM.AU P: 07 4069 1586

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Nazareth Faiud (right), a Kulkalgal woman from Poruma Island, loves and experiments with different mediums in her artworks, especially visual art as her strength.

She comes from the Samu clan (cassowary), which has been passed down from her grandparents, and her clan’s wind is the Waur/ Sager (the east trades wind) – and she is very passionate about what she does.

“When we are born into this world, and we stay next to our parents as we grow up, especially closer to our mothers, and watch what they did, my mum who was a weaver, and my sister who is also a bead-maker,” Nazareth said.

“We didn’t have much of books, papers or pens so what we did was, when the old people would be yarning, we sat on a mat and we drew on the sand, that’s where we practised our drawings.

“We didn’t have paints, but we used charcoals as paint to do our drawings and sketches.

“My mum was my first teacher because she was a weaver and a dressmaker, she taught me how to crochet, sew, to weave, and my sister, who is also a wellknown artist, is a ghost net weaver.

“She was an inspiration for me.

“When [she] used to come back home from high school, she used to have beads where she used to teach us how to make bead necklaces.

“I used to think that those seed and glass beads fell off the Mekay tree (beach almond tree) that was my thinking as a child when I always walked under the Mekay trees I always hoped that the seed beads would fall, but as I grew older, I understood that it came from somewhere else.

“I’ve always wanted to do dressmaking because I watched my mum sew dresses and crochets Island Pants and calico (lava lava/lap lap).

“I went to TAFE to do Visual Arts, that’s when I had the passion to do lino prints, so what I do now is I put my designs onto fabrics.

“I wanted to extend my interests, knowledge and skills to become a good printer and artist.

“Besides doing Visual arts I also do tie-dyeing and experimenting with

eco-dyeing and baku, I do a bit of carving as well for my jewellery making.

“At the moment I’ am more into printing and designing my own artworks and weaving.

“What I would like to see is for more artists in the Torres Strait, for more young people, older people, and for those who do not work but stay home, and for those who live on the dole for them to get into art.

“I believe when God created us, we came with all the package right?

“We’ve got all the skills, the knowledge and talent in us, and I want to see in the Torres Strait to have more artists getting involved, to make themselves available and practice their art.

“I encourage for them to go to TAFE, to do Cert III and Cert VI or even go further into doing a Diploma in Visual arts, and turn your artwork into business, where you can generate funds, and where you can help others to skill them up.

“Art industries around the world, people lived, survived and made money out of that, whereas with us, with our structure, when we were small, we had never thought about business.

“Being an artist, it’s another avenue for you to create your own business and to make money for yourself, so you can shine, so the world may know that you are an artist, from the Torres Strait.

“When you are creative you explore different things where you can create something out of anything which will make you feel proud about yourself.

“When you were a child, you have all these imaginations it also makes and boosts you more on how to be creative and you will experiment and explore with all the different things, different mediums, different textures and styles that you can make without realising it brings out the artistic ability in you.”

TN1032

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Mura Kosker Sorority Inc. ACN 24 687 087 757

Employment Opportunity 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.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 24 Hour Service for DV CONNECT Ph: 1800 811 811 Lena Passi Women's Shelter ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NPA WOMENS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELP 24 hr Crisis Shelter – Ph: 4212 2200

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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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16 NEWS

THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2025 TORRES NEWS

‘Awesome atmosphere’ for Allstars dancers in Sydney

BY VELMA GARA It was an awesome atmosphere for the Torres Strait Dance Team, Mui Mui Bumer Gedlam, as they performed at the Allstars rugby league games between the Indigenous and Maori teams at Parramatta in New South Wales earlier this month.

Three boys danced in the war cry, alongside Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Jacob AlickWiencke while the rest

Mui Mui Bumer Gedlam Dance Team spokesperson Toby Cedar. Pics supplied. of the group sang and played warup and lumut.

Dance Team spokesperson Toby Cedar said due to the players’ busy schedule, they only had an hour of practice with the men’s team the night before.

Group member, Beatrice Sailor, had more time and was able to spend a few days with the women’s team; practising with them in between their busy training schedules.

Mui Mui Bumer Gedlam also performed during quarter-time breaks of the games.

ABOVE: Mui Mui Bumer Gedlam Dance Team. Pics by Lewis James Media.

FAR LEFT TOP & BOTTOM: Dancers performing at the Allstars game.

LEFT TOP: Dance Team soaking in the atmosphere at the Allstars game.

LEFT CENTRE: Dancers performing War Cry with Jacob Alick-Wiencke and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (both obscured).

LEFT BOTTOM: Beatrice Sailor.

Photo Competition Each month our proud sponsor CEQ will pick their favourite entry and the winner will receive a $150 Gift Card to use at any of your local CEQ stores!

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

your name, phone number and a 25-word description to ads@torres.news This week’s pic was submitted by Jim Prescott of SmugMug Inc. “The photos were taken from Ngurupai on an

evening when the small cruise ship, Silver Cloud, was anchored in the harbour. The image was made from several photos stitched together,” Jim said.

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

Multiple entries may be submitted, but every entry (or entrant) may not be published. All pics submitted will be considered in the draw for the monthly gift voucher. Winners of the CEQ Ailan Life competition are determined

by CEQ. Entries to the Ailan Life photo competition may be used by the CEQ marketing/promotions team as background images for store promotions such as posters, digital noticeboard specials, counter-facing displays (POS) screens, and/or on their website and social media. Entries may also be used in-store to promote the ‘Ailan Life’ competition.

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2025

SPORT 17

Mooka signs up with Northern Pride

Seb and Xavier to play for Raiders in Las Vegas round

BY ALF WILSON

BY ALF WILSON

In what has been hailed as a major coup, Waiben-born Stephanie Mooka – one of the most gifted female rugby league players in the country – has signed with Cairnsbased Northern Pride for their debut season in the Statewide BMD premiership.

Stephanie, who turns 34 on 5 March, was a Queensland State of Origin Maroons and Indigenous Allstars representative, and an NRLW player.

An injury last season when she played for Ivanhoes Club in the Cairns and District ladies comp forced her to hang up the boots for the year.

But Stephanie recovered well and starred at the recent Cairns ladies Allstars carnival where she was noticed by Pride talent scouts.

“I am excited and over the moon to be signed by the Pride for their first year,” she said.

“This is history and I am happy to be part of it.”

Stephanie said living in Cairns and being in the Pride squad meant she had to travel less than in previous years.

“It will be great to train here and play home matches at Barlow Park,” she said.

Talented Stephanie started her career as a tearaway back with genuine speed and came to notice when playing for Mabuiag side Bau Au Stingers Raiders at the 2008 Island of Origin series on Badu.

But Stephanie said she would probably play in the second row forward pack for the Pride.

“I think that will suit me now,” she said.

Also in the Pride team was her

Proud Torres Strait islanders Sebastian Kris and Xavier Savage will showcase their culture in front of millions of Americans as members of the Canberra Raiders NRL side to meet the New Zealand Warriors in Las Vegas on Sunday.

Late on Tuesday the pair were named in the run-on side.

That match, and another between four times premiers the Penrith Panthers and Cronulla Sharks, begins the 2025 NRL premiership season.

These matches and others between English Super League clubs Wigan and Warrington, and a Test Match pitting the Australian Jillaroos against England will be given unprecedented mass exposure in the United States through the free-to-air FOX broadcast network.

They will also be seen on television in the UK, France and Canada.

Seb and Xavier are amongst the Raiders squad of 25 players who have been in the USA for more than a week.

The 24-year-old Sebastian has played 86 A grade matches for the Raiders since 2019 and is a star centre.

Sebastian is such a strike weapon for the Raiders backline that he has been signed until the end of the 2027 season.

Dynamic speedster Xavier is aged 22 and has played 41 times

Stephanie Mooka. Pic courtesy Northern Pride. niece Samara Luta and her State of Origin teammate from 2019 Jenni-Sue Hoepper, a former Australian Jillaroo.

Gifted sportswoman Stephanie has excelled at rugby league, Australian Rules, basketball, netball, volleyball, running and even shone in rugby union and football (soccer).

Stephanie has played at numerous rugby league carnivals including Waiben’s Zenadth Kes, Badu’s Island of Origin, Townsville’s Bindal Sharks, Redcliffe’s Arthur Beetson Foundation Murri Knockout, the NSW Koori Knockout and at the Mackay and Cairns Allblacks.

Stephanie was in the NRLW women’s comp for St George Dragons in 2019 and later was with the NQ Goldstars in the Statewide ladies rugby league comp.

An undoubted highlight of her celebrated sporting career was being named in the Elite Top 30 rugby league Squad with an opportunity to play in the 2020 World Cup. But she had to withdraw due to injury.

The Pride was expected to announce more new signings in coming weeks.

Sebastian Kris.

Xavier Savage.

for the Raiders since 2021 and has Erub bloodlines.

They will have ample opportunity to showcase their friendly nature, their Torres Strait heritage and the beauty of the region at pre game events.

The Raiders v Warriors game kicks off at 10am on Sunday.

in the centres for the Brisbane Broncos which beat the Sydney Bulldogs 30-14.

Pre-season challenge

He has impressed Broncos coach Michael Maguire in the pre-season games.

The North Queensland Cowboys looked impressive when they defeated last year’s grand finalist the Melbourne Storm 36-24 on Sunday.

It was played at Casey Field in Melbourne and the Cowboys fielded their strongest side from their three pre season matches and led 18-10 at halftime.

Forward Reuben Cotter had a solid match, as did the Cowboys’ new marquee recruit in second rower John Bateman.

A Newcastle Knights side inspired by centre Dane Gagai and fullback Kalyn Ponga belted the Sydney Roosters 48-10 on Sunday.

Dane had shone for the Maori side which beat the Indigenous Allstars a week before.

Gehamat Shibasaki lined up

Gehamat, who has many relatives living on Waiben, was rated a big chance of being included in the Broncos side for round one.

The Gold Coast Titans beat a Dolphins team which included superstar Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 26-18.

Big second rower David Fifita was a reserve for the Titans and will be a key player in the looming NRL season.

Last year’s wooden spooners West Tigers beat the Parramatta Eels 30-18.

An understrength Penrith Panthers defeated Manly Sea Eagles 38-22.

A St George Dragons which included former Cowboys star Valentine Holmes beat the Wayne Bennett coached South Sydney Rabbitohs 46-26.

Roy Baira named as assistant coach for NRL club Manly

BY ALF WILSON Former Kulpiyam player and coach Roy Baira has been appointed by NRL club Manly as assistant coach of their NSW Cup side for the 2025 season.

The NSW Cup is the second tier to the NRL competition and similar to Queensland’s Hostplus Cup. Roy, who has many family connections on Badu Island, moved to Sydney from Townsville seven months ago.

The experienced rugby league identity was also on the support staff for the Indigenous Allstars, who lost 10-6 to the Maori side earlier this month at Sydney’s Commbank Stadium.

“I was invited to assist the Indigenous Allstars and was happy to do so,” Roy said.

Roy was seen on the Fox television

coverage of the Allstars game many times by thousands.

“I moved to Sydney and was assistant coach of the West Tigers NSW Cup team in season 2024,” he said.

“Now I have moved over to Manly and am looking forward to the season.”

A former quality forward before retiring some years ago, Roy has played in more than 50 Allblacks carnivals around North Queensland including on Badu and Waiben.

Highly regarded in north Queensland as a coach, Roy was in charge of the Blackhawks Colts team which took out the Statewide comp in 2023.

His side went into the final as an underdog and beat Brisbane Tigers in the final.

Roy has another good reason to be in Sydney as one of his

sons, Elijah, was on the Parramatta Eels Jersey Flegg team.

In April 2023, Roy lined up for North Queensland Indigenous Legends side which drew 42-all with an NRL Allstars side in Townsville.

The match was played in front of a large crowd at Townsville Sports Reserve and featured former Brisbane Broncos, Queensland State of Origin and Test star Sam Thaiday.

Thaiday lined up for the NRL Allstars whilst the NQ legends included Matty Bowen, Scott Prince, Billo Mosby, Roy Baira, Glenn Butler, Phil Daisy, Charles Murgha, Milton Thaiday, Hezron Murgha and Fred Bulsey.

The NQ side was coached by living rugby league legend and former Mount Isa Foley Shield star Vern Daisy.

Dubbed the “legends

of league” clash it attracted a big crowd.

In 2022, Roy cocoached the Townsville Foley Shield side which defeated Mackay 30-8 in the grand final.

Also in 2021, Roy coached Badu team Kulpiyam to win Bamaga’s Dan Ropeyarn Memorial NPA Cup carnival.

Soon after he was appointed to a senior role with the Townsville Blackhawks which contested the Queensland Mal Meninga Cup under 18 rugby league competition.

The 47-year-old Roy had a highly successful coach in season 2021.

He coached Brothers team which won the Townsville and District Rugby League A grade competition.

He also coached Kulpiyam which was runner up in the Mackay Indigenous carnival.

Manly Assistant Coach Roy Baira. Pic Alf Wilson.

18 SPORT

THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2025 TORRES NEWS

Memory-making side continues to make Badu history The outstanding win by the Kulpiyam side to take out the Colts division of the recent Cairns Survival Day Reconciliation rugby league event at Cairns augers well for the continued success of the men’s team which contest selected carnivals.

This week Torres News correspondent Alf Wilson looks at quality Kulpiyam teams who have won the 2008 and Island of Origin carnivals on Badu, providing everlasting memories.

Players from Kulpiyam and Mulga Tigers after the epic 2008 grand final.

Pics by Alf Wilson.

The ground and spectators.

Winning women’s volleyball side Besi Besi Itamar.

Wes Patten interviews carnival legend the late Wayne Guivarra.

The scoreboard.

NRL player Jacob Lillyman with Fay Nona.

The historic 26-16 win by Kulpiyam over another Badu team the Mulga Tigers in the final of the 2008 SeaSwift Island of Origin showcased the skills, commitment, courage and determination by players from both sides.

The carnival at the Joe Mairu Oval was filmed by NITV and replays of the finals games still are broadcast from time to time.

Other participating teams were Zuguwthiyam, Arkai Brothers, Western Bears and Wagadagum Storm.

The crowds were big and spectators were totally enthralled often gasping, at the level of enthusiasm and razzle-dazzle displayed by players and teams, as they represented their communities with the type of pride that only sport can deliver.

Pride was the optimum word to describe the heartfelt emotions of all in attendance as Kulpiyam and the whole Torres Strait were able to

acknowledge and respect the efforts of the late Badu Island Community leader Mr Jack Ahmat.

Mr Ahmat was a well-known Torres Strait leader who is remembered as the driving force to positively impact sporting opportunity across the region.

Kulpiyam lost their round-robin game against Mulga Tigers by 20-18 in ‘golden point’ extra-time and narrowly defeated the combined Top Western team in qualifying matches.

Mulga Tigers remained undefeated throughout the roundrobin series and had their supporters on edge before securing a ‘golden point’ 21-20 semi-final knockout victory over the ever Mabuiag side Wagadagam Storm.

Other games that had supporters in high suspense were Arkai Brothers 22-10 win over Zuguwthiyam, Arkai Brothers 20-10 loss to Western Bears and also their 14-10 loss to Wagadagum Storm.

Western Bears supporters knew from

Memory lane full results Badu Island 2008 Island of Origin Series Rugby League (six islands) Grand Final: Kulpiyam Jack Ahmat Badu Side 26 (Thomas Nona, Jerry Wunuki, Solomon Ahmat, Dale Toby, Charlie Murgha 1 tries, Billo Mosby 2, Solomon Ahmat 1 goals) d Mulga Tigers Badu Island 16 (Matock Tamwoy, Rob Toby, Remus Ishmael 1 tries, Murphy Anau 2 goals).

Semi-Finals - 1st v 4th: Mulga Tigers 21 d Wagadagam Storm Mabuiag island 20 in golden point extra time, 2nd v 3rd: Kulpiyam 26 d Western Bears 12 - Boigu, Duaun, Daru Islands 10 Qualifying Games Day Two: Kulpiyam 16 d Wagadagam Storm 10, Western Bears 20 d Arkai Brothers Kubin 10, Mulga Tigers 32 d Zuguthiam Mabuiag island 8, Wagadagam Storm 14 d Arkai Brothers 10, Mulga Tigers 20 d Kulpiyam 18 (golden point), Western Bears 16 d Zuguthiam 6, Kulpiyam 26 d Arkai Brothers 12, Wagadagam Storm 22 d Zuguthiam 4, Mulga Tigers 28 d Western Bears 12.

Qualifying Games Day One: Kulpiyam 18 d Western Bears 16, Mulga Tigers 28 d Wagadagam Storm 12, Arkai Brothers 22 d Zuguthiam 10, Western Bears 24 d Wagadagam

the start that they had a special team though were nervous in their game against Arkai Brothers (Kubin) and their 16-6 victory over Zuguwthiyam (Mabuiag).

Arkai Brothers celebrated their 10 years of Island of Origin involvement in grand fashion.

Wagadagum Storm had a famous ring-in Wes Patten a former Souths, Balmain, St George, Rabbitohs and Gold Coast Crushers back.

Wes was a Barefoot Footy Show identity who did many interviews throughout the carnival including one with organiser Wayne Guivarra.

Women’s volleyball Women’s volleyball was also a highlight with sides Kulpiyam, Ugul Malu (Boigu), Besi Itamar (Mabuiag) and Saints (St. Pauls) battling it out.

Besi Itamar beat and Saints three sets to one in an action packed grand final as 25-30 knot winds blew over the sand court.

Some of the best Torres Strait dart players were on hand to show their talents with the shortened spears.

Ella Mene (Near Western) beating Abigail Levi (St. Pauls) in a tightly contested women’s final.

William Mosby from Masig enhanced his growing reputation as one of the best in the business when he proved too good for another well known regular and

champion Peter Levi of St. Pauls.

Sprint speed Michael Marama from Boigu kept the flag flying high for the top western region, again producing a scintillating performance to beat a top field of gifted sprinters in the men’s Torres News 100metres ‘Dash for Cash’.

Stephanie Mooka representing Besi Itamar beat a speedy lineup of girls to entering the record books as the 2008 speed queen.

The Cowboys too played a hand in the success of the 2008 SeaSwift Island of Origin series with NQ forward Jacob Lillyman being available as a special guest.

The no-frills, hard hitting ‘State’ of Origin tough man was a popular attraction with local rugby league supporters.

A successful carnival run by the Badu United Sport and Recreation officials with the since deceased Wayne Guivarra leading the way.

There was also a great social side as players, officials and visitors met each morning for a free breakfast at the community hall.

Healthy fruit such as watermelon, honeydew, grapes, bananas, rock melon ensured that the message from the carnival was to eat well and live healthy.

Fay Nona ran the Badu Island Motel and was a gatekeeper, breakfast preparation volunteer and genuine workhorse.

Storm 6, Kulpiyam 34 d Zuguthiam 4, Mulga Tigers 22 d Arkai Brothers 10 Player of the Carnival: Solomon Ahmat (Kulpiyam) Individual Awards • Encouragement Award: Faafetai Nona Nona (WS) & Sario Kusu (WS) • Top Goal Kicker: Solomon Ahmat (K) 36 points • Top Try Scorer: Pinau Blanket (WT) 6 tries • Best Back: Aaron Bani (Z) • Best Forward: Shawn Davidson (K), • Player of the Final: Dale Pablo (K) • Player of the Series: Solomon Ahmat (K) Women’s Volleyball Grand Final: Saints 3 sets def Besi Itamar 1 set.

Individual Awards • Encouragement Award: Nelly Whap (Ugul Malu - Boigu) & Didi Elisala (Ugul Malu) • Best Server: Naomi Kris (Besi Itamar) • Best Spiker: Stephanie Mooka (Besi Itamar), • Best Blocker: Orepa Mene (Saints) • Player of the Final: Toshina Kris (Saints) • Player of the Series: Sarah Whap (Besi Itamar).

2007 carnival: Kulpiyam defeated Mulga Tigers 44-40 in an exciting grand final.

SPORT 19

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2025

Maryke represents on Black Swans netball side

BY ALF WILSON When Mabuiag Islander Maryke Babia represented the Australian First Nations Black Swans team at the PacificAus Sports Netball Series last week, her thoughts were with her mother Margie who has been battling cancer.

Games were held from 17 to 22 February at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena.

Other teams were Fiji Pearls, Papua New Guinea (PNG) Pepes, Samoa Tifa Moana, and the reigning four time champions, the Tonga Tala.

In their matches the Black Swans defeated Tonga 58-56, beat PNG 59-52, lost to Scotland 52-40, lost to Samoa 54-42 and drew with Fiji 56-all.

Maryke lined up as a wing/defender for the Black Swans and her beloved mum Margie and dad Eric were near the court watching all of her games.

She was the only

VELMA

ABOVE: Maryke Babia at the shirt presentation with mum Margie and dad Eric. RIGHT: Maryke Babia on the court. Pics submitted by family.

Torres Strait Islander in the Black Swans squad.

“It was just great to see them there at each game and I did think of mum and her cancer,” Maryke said.

“Also about representing our mob up in the Torres Strait.”

The 20-year-old Maryke spoke to the Torres News soon after the last game on Saturday.

“We won several matches but being an invitational side did not figure in the official placings at the end,” she said.

Proud dad Eric said the side did very well including that “wonderful victory over Tonga”.

“The Tongans are rated eighth in word netball and Maryke had been training hard in the lead up to the series,” Eric said.

The family live in Brisbane and Maryke worked for the ARTIE Academy, which assisted with closing the gap in educational outcomes, providing opportunities to participate in programs that encouraged improvements in school attendance, behaviour, academic achievement, effort and ultimately Year 12 attainment or its equivalent.

Maryke played for the Brisbane Tigers in the Hart Sapphire Series.

“I would really like to be picked for the Queensland Firebirds reserve grade team and maybe down the track get into the Australian Diamonds,” she said.

“But I have to be patient and keep improving.”

Maryke was also a member of the winning Queensland team at Netball Australia’s 2024 inaugural First Nations Tournament in Melbourne, also watched by her parents who travelled to be ther for her.

GARA’S

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OUT! IN THIS WEEK’S ‘HOOPS’ NEWS...

Awards Night There’s been some great news regarding First Nations players in the WNBL and NBL picking up awards for their respective clubs.

Congratulations to Ally Wilson (Perth) and Shaneice Swain (Sydney) for being crowned Most Valuable Player for an outstanding season.

I’m not sure if that’s happened before with two players collecting the MVP awards in the one year, as I only know of former Townsville, Sydney and Perth player, Rohanee Cox, who collected an MVP award for her club.

Other players who received recognition

for a great season, on and off the court, were Monique Bobongie (Canberra Capitals), Will Dave Hickey (Illawarra) and Kian Dennis (Cairns Taipans).

Semi-finals time The Womens National Basketball League (WNBL) started semi-finals game last weekend with Bendigo Spirit (1st) vs Sydney Flames (4th) and Perth Lynx (2nd) vs Townsville Fire (3rd).

The first game in the best-of-three series didn’t disappoint.

Bendigo defeated Sydney 76-67 and didn’t look like they would lose with a great start and strong finish.

Flames forward Cayla George was able to play after missing some games due to injury,

MVP Perth Lynx guard Ally Wilson.

Pic courtesy Perth Lynx.

however, concerns are for guard Shaneice Swain who didn’t finish the game due to a knee injury.

Game Two is in Sydney tonight and hopefully they can level the series and take it to the third game back at Bendigo.

Townsville travelled to Perth and played like it was their home court, defeating Lynx 92-87.

Game Two was played in the Ville last night. No scores as the Torres News had already gone to print.

If needed, Game Three, for both semifinals will be played this weekend.

In the National Basketball League (NBL), its just getting started – tonight the Melbourne United (2nd) vs Perth Wildcats (3rd) and on Friday night

MVP Sydney Flames guard Shaneice Swain. Pic courtesy Sydney Flames.

Illawarra Hawks (1st) vs South East Melbourne (4th).

Game Two games will be played this weekend.

Gems selection Teyahna Bond and Monique Bobongie have been selected in the U19 Australian squad and will attend a camp soon at the AIS in Canberra soon.

A final team will be chosen to represent at the World Cup in July.

Congratulations and best of luck to them both.

Possible Taipans coach Since it was announced a couple of weeks ago that Adam Forde was not coaching the Taipans the next season, some of us got a bit excited and hopeful for Kerry Williams.

Williams, a Cairns

local, is a former representative and Taipans player.

He also coached state teams, the Marlins NBL1 team and was Taipans assistant coach and even an Australian Boomers assistant coach.

As the saying goes – be ready for when an opportunity comes – well I feel that time is now for Williams.

Another far north Queenslander, Joel Khalu, would also be ready to be the leader of an NBL club.

He’s currently an assistant with the Illawarra Hawks and has played and coached at high levels similar to Williams.

Best of luck to them both if they have put their hands up to be Head Coach at an NBL level.

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

Boarding strictly 15 mins prior to departure

PHONE 07 4069 1551 BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL – TICKET ONLINE www.peddellsferry.com.au • Passengers please pre-ticket – online, agents or phone (By phone: booking fee and change of booking fees now apply) Concession fares available, conditions apply OFFICE HOURS – MON–FRI, 9am–12noon & 12.30–2.30pm LUGGAGE – Per passenger (excl. infants) 1 piece up to 15kg, excess charges otherwise apply) FREIGHT – PRE PAID – Items up to 15kg carried, conditions apply.

NO GLASS BOTTLES ALLOWED ONBOARD as Luggage or Freight The Jetty Shop & Office, Engineers Jetty, Thursday Is.

SPORTS CONTRIBUTIONS Please email your sports stories and photos before 5PM on Mondays.

20

THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2025

J EMAIL: chris@torres.news J MOBILE: 0419 656 277

Roosters do well in Cairns’ games

Thursday Island Roosters players and officials on match day. Pic supplied.

BY ALF WILSON

The Thursday Island Roosters rugby league club from Waiben drew 10-all with the Mossman Port Douglas Sharks and lost 22-10 to the Ivanhoes Knights side in Cairns last weekend.

Cairns and District Rugby League competition.

Best players for Roosters were John Mosby, Luke Mario, Terrence Yusia jnr, Stewart Sabatino and Aaron Binawel.

Aaron, a veteran footballer, was still amongst the best club players in North Queensland.

A Roosters spokesman said the boys gained a lot of experience.

“A Big Eso to Noel Underwood

and Jason Fasano from the Mossman Port Douglas Senior Sharks and Aaron Lloyd from the Ivanhoes Rugby League Club for organising the games,” the spokesman said.

The spokesperson said the trip would not have happened without their sponsors.

“A big shout out to our sponsors Torres Strait Youth and Recreational Sporting Association, Mossman

Port Douglas Sharks, JS Glass & Aluminium, TI Bulk Meats, CEQ, Torres Shire Council SRP, Mark Milbourne Constructions, Island Rooster, Uncle Frankies Cafe, TI Bowls Club, DJ Sweet Corner, Lawrence Binawel, MG Kailis Lobster, Ma.Kai, Kaiwalagal Ferries Charters, Godfrey Constructions, Torres Hotel, ATS Services, our community and our Roosters Family for all your support,” they said.

TN0529 10x7 – 7/3/24

Mossman Port Douglas Sharks and Ivanhoes Knights were powerful teams in the strong

Players were also involved in volunteer courses at Jones Park in Cairns throughout the week, and training leading up to the Chairman’s Challenge on Saturday 1 March.

“A big eso must also go out to the NRL Game Development staff in Cairns and Referee coordinator in Townsville to make the courses happen for the boys – and Roosters Family Attitude!” they said.

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