Torres News_Edition 183_12 June 2025

Thursday, 12 June 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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Qantaslink’s Horn Island Ngurupai blessed Kaziw Meta dancers kicking up the tarmac at the naming ceremony and blessing of the Horn Island Ngurgupai Qantaslink plane. Pic by Lewis James.

BY FLORA WARRIA History was made when the Qantaslink plane, Horn Island Ngurupai, made its maiden flight to Horn Island last week.

The Dash 8 Q400 aircraft, which was delivered in 2013 and previously operated in Canada, was welcomed to the community with a naming ceremony and blessing.

Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Deputy Chairperson Elthies Kris said the newly named aircraft would bring national attention to the region.

“It tells the nation that we are seen, we are valued, and we are connected,” she said.

“The naming of this aircraft as Horn Island Ngurupai is deeply meaningful.

“To see this aircraft in our skies will not only make us proud, it sends a message to future generations that our stories matter, our names matter, and our region is moving forward.”

Qantaslink CEO Rachel Yangoyan offered her heartfelt gratitude and deepest respect to the Kaurareg Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (KNTAC), Traditional

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Owners, Elders past, present and future, and the people of the Kaurareg nation for the honour.

Ms Yangoyan said their fleet of turboprop aircraft carried the name of regional Australia or community, and now Horn Island Ngurupai would visit many regional towns and cities.

“It will celebrate the proud history and partnership that we

have with this community and region, and I wish to express my deep gratitude to the Kaurareg people and the Torres Strait regional island communities for trusting us with this name and allowing us to do that,” she said.

KNTAC Chair Elizah Wasaga offered a welcome in return.

Story continued and more pics PAGES 6 & 7 N

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TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025

New CEO for NPA The Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) announced the unanimous appointment of Dalassa Yorkston to the position of Chief Executive Officer at a special Council meeting held last Thursday.

NPARC Mayor Robert Poi Poi said he was very pleased to announce Mrs Yorkston would be the Council’s new CEO from August 4 this year.

“An experienced

senior leader with decades of distinguished service as a Chief Executive Officer, Dalassa Yorkston was the first Indigenous woman to be appointed as CEO of a mainstream Council in Queensland, at Torres Shire Council – and was the first Indigenous woman to be appointed CEO of any Indigenous Council in Australia,” Mayor Poi Poi said.

“I am excited about the future for NPARC

and the great progress we can now make with Mrs Yorkston as our CEO.” Facilitated by an independent recruitment agency, the successful appointment by the Council followed an extensive recruitment process.

Mr Lew Rojahn will continue to act as interim CEO until Mrs Yorkston takes up her new position.

Newly appointed CEO of the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council Dalassa Yorkston.

Pic supplied.

Mystery tail issue vets’ 2000th customer The much-celebrated 2000th patient for the Thursday Island vet clinic was also the clinic’s first bearded dragon – a lizard named Benjamin.

The Thursday Island Animal Support Group Inc, Vets Beyond Borders and the Animal Welfare League Qld have been working towards this moment for nearly four years.

TIASG President, Sonia Einersen said the first vet clinic collaboration between AWLQ, VBB and TIASG was held in September 2021, and since then, the quarterly clinics have been embraced by the community.

“We would not have reached this milestone without the community bringing their pets in for health checks, vaccinations and desexing,” she said.

“It is great to see them using the clinics to ensure their pets stay healthy.

“It is not just cats and dogs that get treated, families have brought in a pig, chickens and guinea pigs – and now lizards.

“We look forward to providing continued vet services to the community and desexing animal number 500 at the next clinic.”

MEANWHILE, Benjamin’s owner, Kathryn Gallagher, said she was glad the vets were on the island to treat her family pet for a mystery issue with his tail.

“I am so grateful the vets were here and so willing to help Benjamin,” she said.

“He is classed as an exotic pet, so it is hard to find reliable information online to diagnose his health issues.”

Vet nurse Sofie McNamara with Benjamin.

ARTWORK CALLOUT

Nageg and Geigi (2023) by Rodney Mabo Snr, Best Cultural Artefact Winner, 2023 Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award.

Photography by George Serras.

11-13 JULY 2025

Promote your artwork in the Art Fair.

CIAF 2025 theme: Pay Attention!

7-10 AUGUST 2025

Promote your artwork in the Art Fair.

Artworks to be received at GTCC

CIAF and DAAF deadline: 16 June 2025

Vets Lauren & Emily, TIASG president Sonia, vet nurse Sophie, Benjamin’s owner Kathryn & vet nurse Louise. Pics courtesy of Thursday Island Animal Support Group Inc.

For more information: 07 4069 0888 info@gabtitui.gov.au

04 NEWS

THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025 TORRES NEWS

Smol Yarn Cowboys launch historic major charity raffle

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Cowboy’s Reuben Cotter holding the keys to the car. Pic Cowboys.

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The Cowboys Community Foundation are giving one lucky winner the chance to win a brand-new car as part of their biggest ever community fundraising campaign.

The winner of the 2025 Cowboys For the North Raffle will drive away in Australia’s best-selling SUV – a 2025 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser 2.5L Hybrid – and a prize pack valued at $60,027.

Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling said the major raffle marked this year’s historic milestones of 30 years for the club and 10 years for the charity arm.

“As a communityowned club, we’re proud of our contribution to the community over the past 30 years,” Fiona said.

“Since the beginning, we’ve been committed to making a difference to as many North Queenslanders as possible, which led to the formation of our dedicated charity in 2015,” she said.

“Now in our 10th year, the Cowboys Community Foundation continues to evolve and expand our life-changing education, employment and social programs, including NRL Cowboys House and its new Graduate Campus we opened earlier this month.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Cowboys

members and fans, club and charity partners, government, philanthropic donors, volunteers and the broader community whose ongoing support has enabled us to reach more people each year.

“It’s exciting that one lucky ticket holder will win this amazing prize, and we invite everyone to get behind us and spread the word to friends and family, as every ticket sold makes a difference.”

Tickets are $25 each and available online – www.raffletix. com.au/cowboys forthenorth2025

Torres News editor Diat Alferink said the competition was an opportunity for everyone to share their favourite Ailan view of life in the region.

“This is a chance for us to showcase the talents of our local photographers and readers,” she said.

“We are very grateful to CEQ for their support.”

To enter the competition, send a photo of your Ailan view of life in the Far North, along with your name, phone number and a 25-word description to ads@ torres.news For more information, visit www.ceqld.org.au

CEQ’s Ailan view of life

TIB fishers deadlines extended

Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) say they are proud to hold the Ailan Life photo competition, in partnership with Torres News, every week.

CEQ General Manager – Stakeholder Engagement Fred Gela said they chose a winner every month from the entries received.

“The lucky winner receives a $150 voucher to use at their local IBIS store, Mitre 10, Col Jones or Mona’s Bazaar,” he said.

“Their photo is also featured in CEQ’s fortnightly promotional adverts, digital notice boards, CEQ website IBIS promotion page and social media channels as a bonus to showcase the photographer’s winning shot across all of our local communities.”

Monday, 16 June 2025, will be the final deadline for Traditional Inhabitant Boat (TIB) fishers and other people with related experience from Zenadth Kes and the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) to apply for the region’s key fisheries advisory committees.

Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Chairperson George Nona said the extended deadline for the Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) Advisory Committees would give even more fishers more time to apply.

“TSRA has listened to fishers, the community and the TSRA Board to give fishers extra time to consider and apply for this important opportunity,” Mr Nona said.

“The PZJA Advisory

Committees will be in place for the next three years, so I urge interested fishers across the region to contact their TSRA Board Member to apply as soon as possible.

“If you have ideas, or want to have a say on our fisheries, now is the time to put up your hand and nominate for the PZJA Advisory Committees.”

To be considered for an Advisory Committee position, candidates must notify their local TSRA Board Member before 16 June 2025.

All TIB fishers plus anyone with strong commercial fisheries knowledge and interests are encouraged to apply, including women and young people aged 18 and over.

A total of 40 positions are available across eight PZJA Advisory Committees: • Tropical Rock Lobster Working Group • Tropical Rock Lobster Resource Assessment Group • Finfish Working Group • Finfish Resource Assessment Group • Hand Collectables Working Group • Hand Collectables Resource Assessment Group • Torres Strait Prawn Management Advisory Committee • Torres Strait Scientific Advisory Committee Nomination forms and a list of responsibilities are online at www.tsra. gov.au/fisheries

Drone pic of Traditional Inhabitant Boat (TIB) fishers. Pic supplied.

NEWS 05

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025

Harold Matthew OAM on King’s Honours list

BY VELMA GARA Champion runner Harold Matthew is the recipient of a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

He has been recognised in the King’s Honour List for his service to the community of Thursday Island and Indigenous Health.

His list of achievements included: • Member, Indigenous Marathon Project, since 2014.

• Co-Founder, Torres Strait Island Running Festival, since 2014.

• Co-Founder, Thursday Island Deadly Runners, since 2014.

He was also a NAIDOC award recipient for his community contribution last year.

The Indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF) congratulated him for his achievement on social media, and he

said he was honoured in reply.

“It’s certainly a privilege and an honour to receive this special award,” he said.

“I want to thank IMF for the support throughout my journey and believing in me to keep that fire burning to inspire the next generation.”

Mayor Elsie Seriat received her OAM in 2018.

Both said they were inspired by long-distance running, the positive change and health benefits it produced.

Over the years, many residents have participated and confidently taken the next step and competed in fun runs and marathons on the mainland.

Some have been inspired to follow Harold and Elsie’s footsteps and compete in the NY Marathon themselves – a huge achievement for

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Thursday Islanders and the Torres Strait.

Mayor Seriat offered “massive congratulations to my Bala Harold on your honours recognition” on social media.

“Well deserved, your continued work in community definitely doesn’t go unnoticed,” she said.

Harold competed in the New York Marathon in 2014 and the London Marathon in 2017.

He told Torres News late last year he was still keen to continue at the elite level.

“I got big plans this year and to possibly do some international marathon training and compete,” he said.

Boarders on board with networking

BY KANTESHA WARD & TAMARA DAVID Five Torres Strait Kaziw Meta senior boarders were chosen to go to Townsville for the Queensland ABSA Boarding Leaders Forum during National Boarding Week last month.

They were Year 11 students Zion Guligo, Jake Mooka, Marie Ahmat, Josephine David and Salome David, and they were the first Torres Strait Kaziw Meta cohort to attend the event to network with other boarders from across the state.

Highlights of the two-day event included keynote addresses from Dolphins NRL Captain Tom Gilbert and Queensland Firebirds Head Coach Kiri Wills.

Marie said she liked the experience of seeing kids from other boarding schools and hearing their point of view on leadership.

“I learnt leadership skills and enjoyed the presentations,” Marie said.

Josephine also enjoyed meeting other boarders and hearing about how they operated their boarding life.

“I learnt different points of view on

leadership, and what leadership means to them,” Josephine said.

Salome also enjoyed the experience.

“I enjoyed meeting others from St Pats and Cowboys House,” he said.

Torres Strait Kaziw Meta CEO Thomas Dunsmore said the forum was an important opportunity to empower young voices and nurture their leadership qualities.

“Supporting our boarders to develop confidence and leadership skills is a key priority,” he said.

“Attending this forum has shown our Boarders what’s possible and

reminded them they belong in every room where decisions are made.

“We appreciate NRL Cowboys House and TecNQ for their generous hospitality.

“This experience was a powerful step in nurturing the next generation of Torres Strait Islander leaders.”

The QLD ABSA Boarding Leaders Forum was hosted by TecNQ, livestreamed across Queensland and gathered Boarders from Charters Towers, Townsville and Waiben for a night of connection, storytelling, and shared aspirations.

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Prevention, Intervention & Community Legal Education (PICLE) Services

‘

More information on COERCIVE CONTROL and other changes to the Law A reminder that Coercive control is criminal offence in Queensland from 26 May 2025.

Other changes to the law include another new offence: Using domestic violence to aid (help) a respondent/perpetrator (a person using violence who is named on a domestic violence order).

This means it will also be illegal for any person (including family or friends) to intimidate or to use abusive behaviour towards a person protected by a domestic violence order, if it is done on behalf of a respondent to that order.

This means that you can be punished for abusive behaviours even if you are not named on the domestic violence order. Those found guilty of this offence could face a huge fine or go to jail for 3 years.

Also under this new law, it is illegal to hire third parties, including private investigators, to locate and monitor a person protected by a domestic violence order or police protection notice.

Private investigators who have a conviction recorded for the new offence will be automatically disqualified from holding a security licence and could face an increased maximum penalty of a huge fine or go to jail for 5 years.

DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE Domestic and family violence is when one person in an intimate/romantic relationship or former relationship, or a family or informal carer relationship uses violence or abuse to dominate and control the other person.

COERCIVE CONTROL is a form of domestic & family violence. It’s a pattern of abusive behaviour over time, that can be physical or non-physical, with the intention to hurt, humiliate, isolate, frighten, or threaten another person in order to control, manipulate or dominate them.

Domestic & Family Violence and Coercive Control are serious and can affect anyone regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, ability, or location.

If anyone would like more information, please reach out to the PICLE Services – come see us at the E&H Law Office or contact us on 0461 577 067 or email: projectofficer@lpws.org.au

Join the Office of the Commissioner Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa at our

COMMUNITY MILESTONE C E L E AT I O N

Cultural Recognition Order

WEDNESDAY | 16 JULY 2025 10am to 12pm | Thursday Island Bowls Club

Kai kai, drinks and Traditional Island Dance performances Families, Stakeholders and Community welcomed Torres Strait Kaziw Meta Boarders with Uncle Russell Elkins in Cardwell on their way to Townsville. Pic supplied.

For more information

1800 571 102

office@ocmokk.qld.gov.au

06 NEWS

THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025 TORRES NEWS

All on board for Qantaslink naming ceremony Traditional Owners, Elders, Qantaslink staff and crew, dancers, passengers and special guests celebrate the naming ceremony and blessing of the Horn Island Ngurupai.. Pic by Lewis James.

Ngurupai

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BY FLORA WARRIA “This is a wonderful occasion, an opportunity and a privilege that the airline has given to the community, to the region and the whole of our nation,” KNTAC Chair Elizah Wasaga said.

He thanked Qantaslink and Ms Yangoyan for the recognition.

Torres Shire Mayor Elsie Seriat said it was a significant day.

“So blessed to see this come to fruition,” she said.

Mayor Elsie said it was a great joy for the region to have a Qantaslink aircraft named after an island where Qantaslink flights landed every day.

“I feel proud and honoured that the plane will identify our place for frequent flyers who travel around the country and don’t know where Ngurupai is,” she said.

“They will ask questions [and] through that, we may be having more people, more visitors, more tourists coming to our region to experience one of the longest living indigenous races, to experience our deep culture and our way of everyday lifestyle.”

The naming of the aircraft was led by the Kaurareg Elders.

Willie Wigness represented the Kaurareg

Rev Tom Stephen. Pic by Floria Warria.

Patriarchal Elders and explained the meaning and purpose of the coconut during his call out to ancestors to be present.

He said a young coconut ceremonially broken on the steps of the plane symbolised the traditional method of naming – a practice that had been passed down from generation to generation.

“It is not just done by anybody, but it was and is to be done by a woman,” he said.

“It is our Kernge Lore, because there is a special connection between a woman, the coconut, and the Mother Earth.”

Torres Shire CEO Dalassa Yorkston said that about three years ago the then-Council had been brave enough to put a request in to QantasLink to name one of their aircraft after our region.

Meetings and

discussions followed the initial request, and the agreement was ultimately made.

QantasLink chose the name Horn Island, but the Council wanted the traditional name to be included.

“Our request was a simple one, it was a powerful one,” she said.

“It showed beyond Horn Island, we did and do not only recognise the English name, but we recognise the Kaurareg People, the Kaurareg Nation, the traditional owners of this land we fly in and out of.”

Other guest speakers included Torres Strait Regional Authority Deputy Chair Elthies Kris and Torres Strait Islands Regional Council Deputy Mayor Ranetta Wosomo.

The Blessing was performed by Reverend Tom Stephen, followed by a dance performance by the Kaziw Meta students.

NEWS 07

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025 Qantaslink CEO Rachel Yangoyan also offered a brief history of Qantas airlines’ involvement in the region, which she traced back to the World War II era.

She said the national carrier had a long and proud history of serving the communities of regional Australia, including Horn Island.

“We first operated here to Horn Island back during WWII,” she said.

“We were asked by the Australian Government to help evacuate a large group of military and civilian refugees, who gathered at Mt Hagen in the Papua New Guinea Highlands, where they had to escape the Japanese advance.

“It took us about two weeks with a Dash 8 86 aircraft, which only fitted 10 passengers at a time.”

She said it took 18 flights to evacuate 78 people.

“That was the start of what is our long history serving this great region,” she said.

“Today, we are so proud to continue to be doing that, to be providing a vital lifeline, to connect this region and its communities to the mainland for health, business, families, and education.

“To have an aircraft here being named Horn Island Ngurupai, to recognise that significance and that importance is an absolute honour and privilege for us.”

Mayor Seriat and Elders. Pic by Lewis James.

Waiting for speeches in the waiting room. Pic by Lewis James.

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by Mary on Port Kennedy <portkennedy05@gmail.com> Staff, crew and guests. Pic by Lewis James.

Kaziw Meta Dancers. Pic by Lewis James.

Usual email: Mary Mills-Williams <mary.mills-williams@pka.org.au>

Elder Willie Wigness explained the true meaning and purpose of the young coconut. Pic by Flora Warria.

Cracking of the coconut on the new aircraft by Jeanon Wasaga. Pic by Flora Warria.

Kaurareg Elder Aunty Margaret Luta with daughter Leah (right) & granddaughter & KNTAC Chair Elizah Wasaga. Pic by Flora Warria.

Rev Tom Stephen and Elizah Wasaga. Pic by Flora Warria.

Christine Benjamin & Kaurareg Senior Ranger Enid Tom. Pic by Lewis James.

TSIRC Mayor Phillemon Mosby & Deputy Mayor Ranetta Wosomo.

Pic by Lewis James.

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THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025 TORRES NEWS

TAGAI STATE COLLEGE

YUMI College News Maiem: Sew Ngapa, after more than a year of consultation and discussion across all 17 campuses, we’re thrilled to announce a unified schedule starting Monday, July 14th.

All campuses will now begin the school day at 8:45 am and conclude at 2:45 pm. While this is a change for some campuses, others will see no alteration.

The alignment aims to enhance efficiency, allowing campuses to collaborate and participate in after-school meetings without delay. Previously, staggered end times limited participation and productivity. This new approach promises benefits for every school and student, and we appreciate the community’s

positive mindset in embracing this change.

In another exciting development, our Thursday Island State Delivered Kindy program will expand to a fulltime schedule from semester two. Kindy services will now be available at Paru, Susri, and Tamwoy. The Department of Education is fast-tracking resources to ensure these sites are ready by July. We extend our gratitude to the community for their input in this decision, which will greatly benefit all kindy-aged children on Thursday Island. For more information, please contact the Head of Campus for Thursday Island Primary, Mr Aleks TaylorGough.

Additionally, the College Executive recently met with the TSIREC Board to discuss college

progress this year. TSIREC, through their Board, provides strategic oversight of college performance. Data was shared, and questions were answered as we focus on “creating prapa pathways” for our students.

These meetings are crucial in ensuring Tagai continues to work the Yumi Way, reflecting the needs and aspirations of the Torres Strait community.

The wisdom of Board members is highly valued, and TSIREC’s leadership is now a model for other communities across the state engaging with local community education boards.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to work together for the betterment of our educational community!

Jeff Jones Executive Principal

New Playground Opens at Masig Campus: A Celebration of Community and Collaboration Last week, our Masig Campus marked a very special occasion— the grand opening and prayer of the new campus playground. It was a joyful gathering filled with laughter, smiles, and heartfelt moments, bringing together our students, staff, families, and wider community.

More than just a space to play, this playground stands as a proud symbol of what we can accomplish when we work together with trust, care, and a shared vision for our children.

It reflects our commitment to creating environments that support learning, wellbeing, and cultural pride.

I want to sincerely acknowledge the early work and dedication of former Head of Campus, Emma Moir, and

Executive Principal, Michael Ward, whose leadership helped lay the foundations for this project. A special thanks also goes to Lauren, Jeff, David and our leadership team who helped bring this vision to life.

Our Guidance Officer, Daniela Ballhause—who was on Masig visiting and working alongside the community—described the event as “a moving and inspiring celebration that showcased the strength,

unity and spirit of the Masig community.”

Although I wasn’t able to attend in person, my heart was very much there. Masig is my home, and the strength, spirit and unity of our Yumi Way is something I hold close.

I know the community would have been deeply proud and thankful.

This project is a true reflection of the collaborative spirit that

defines our region and our college. Thank you to everyone who contributed—whether in planning, preparation, prayer, or presence.

May this playground continue to bring joy, connection, and laughter to our children for many years to come.

Head of School, Data & Performance Yolanda McLean

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TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025

TAGAI STATE COLLEGE

Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh Reconciliation Week Reflections: Tuesday 27 May – Tuesday 3 June Reconciliation Week 2025 was a powerful and moving time for our school community, marked by meaningful events, cultural celebrations, and shared reflections on the significance of reconciliation for the Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We began our week on Monday morning with a whole school assembly that reminded us all of the importance of this national week and its deep significance to the Torres Strait Islander community.

We were honoured to welcome Uncle John Abednego, who spoke with warmth and wisdom about the meaning of Reconciliation Week.

Uncle John encouraged our students to remember

and embrace their cultural connections and reminded us of the many significant moments in Torres Strait Islander history that this week commemorates.

His message—that reconciliation means walking hand-in-hand in unity and respect— resonated with all in attendance.

Following the assembly, we hosted a morning tea for Elders. It was a privilege for our school leaders and senior students to share this special moment, witnessing firsthand the cultural richness and joy as the Elders celebrated through traditional song.

The morning tea served as a beautiful reminder of the importance of intergenerational

connection and cultural continuity.

behind the flag.

Flag Day – A Celebration of Identity Originally scheduled for Thursday 29 May, our Flag Day celebrations were respectfully postponed to Friday 30 May due to sorry business in the community.

The delay did not dampen the spirit of the event, which turned out to be a highlight of the week.

The Torres Strait Island flag was officially recognised by the Australian Government in 1995, following a period of public consultation. It was proclaimed a “Flag of Australia” under the Flags Act 1953 by then-Governor General William Hayden on 14 July 1995. The flag stands as a proud symbol of Torres Strait Islander identity, heritage, and unity.

A special moment was shared when Betty Namok, (daughter of Bernard Namok the designer of the Torres Strait Island Flag) cut the ceremonial cake upon its arrival. Her presence made the celebration particularly meaningful, as we acknowledged the history and symbolism

Mabo Day and Q&A Forum As Reconciliation Week continued, we also took time to acknowledge Mabo Day, commemorating Eddie Koiki Mabo and the historic 1992 High Court decision that legally recognised Indigenous land rights for the first time in Australia’s history. This

FOR MORE INFORMATION (07) 4030 6333

contact@tagaisc.eq.edu.au

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milestone further deepened our understanding of culture and connection to Country—themes that echoed throughout our week of reflection and celebration.

To conclude the week, our senior students participated in a Q&A session with guest panel members Brian Bero, Sam Bon Wosomo, Moses Nelliman and Vice School Captain Tyrell Viti, offering a platform for open dialogue and learning. This final event reinforced the importance of listening to stories, asking questions, and working together in the spirit of reconciliation.

Tagai State College Navigating YUMI to a successful future

10 NEWS

THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025 TORRES NEWS

Malaria cases on Saibai

A second case of locally acquired malaria has been detected on Saibai Island, in the Torres Strait.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) Acting Public Health Medical Officer Dr Paul Dugdale said their public health staff had visited the island to deliver information to residents about mosquito-borne diseases and how to minimise risk.

“They worked with Torres Strait Island Regional Council representatives to undertake mosquito control measures and check for further cases,” he said.

“Mosquito spraying also was undertaken.

“The second case was detected as a result of community checks undertaken following the detection of the first case last month.

The Saibai cases are being managed appropriately and no further details can be provided due to confidentiality.”

He said the two Saibai cases brought the total number of malaria cases detected in the TCHHS region to seven so far this year.

“Early this year, an overseas acquired case of malaria was detected at Lakeland near Cooktown, along with four further overseas acquired cases detected in the Torres Strait,” he said.

“Previously, there were five cases

Anopheles mosquito stitching and sucking blood. Pic supplied. of locally acquired malaria in the Torres Strait in 2023 – on Saibai and Boigu islands – but prior to that, no cases since 2013.”

He said malaria was a mosquitoborne disease which was not transmitted directly from person to person but via the bite of particular types of mosquitoes.

“The most common symptoms of malaria are high fever, headache, backache, nausea, vomiting and muscle and joint pains,” Dr Dugdale said. “If anyone exhibits any of these symptoms, they should seek advice and support from a healthcare professional.

“Malaria is treatable and there is no cause for community alarm.”

More information about malaria: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/ condition/infections-and-parasites/ parasites/malaria

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

Kondapur Kedarnath Goud.

“Standing tall above Thursday Island, Green Hill Fort whispers stories of the past. With 360° views of turquoise waters and tropical skies, this historic site blends natural beauty with wartime history,” Kedarnath said.

Kedarnath 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.

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ICAN Graduates – Sinead Singe, Elizabeth Carr, Fred Savage and Elise Deemal. Pic supplied.

Graduates celebrate moving forward in financial advice and planning industry It was a proud milestone moment for the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) when its Grow Officers officially graduated in a heartfelt ceremony at The Chambers in Cairns last month.

The event celebrated academic achievement, cultural leadership, and financial empowerment of the next generation of First Nations financial wellbeing advocates.

Graduates Elise Deemal, Sinead Singe, Elizabeth Carr and Fred Savage each brought their unique voices and experiences to the day, as they reflected on the journey that led them to that moment and the powerful future they were helping to build.

“It’s a pretty special moment,” Elise said. “Graduating alongside my colleagues makes it even more meaningful – our hard work has paid off.

“This is for my parents and my Aunty Joyce and Uncle Peter (dec), for all the things they had to forgo raising all of us kids.

“I’ve also followed in the footsteps of my Aunt Susan Cook, who was one of the first First Nations financial counsellors in Australia.

“It’s such an honour to walk the path she helped pave.”

For many, the course provided more than just theory, it brought about real-life transformation.

“Being the youngest in the course, it opened my eyes about making big purchases in the future,” Sinead said.

“It allowed me to see where people with little financial literacy go wrong and what I can look out for to make informed decisions.”

Libby said what she had learned extended beyond the classroom and into her home.

“It’s been great,” she said.

“I have been sharing my knowledge with my son, and he has achieved some awesome goals, like saving and being able to read contracts when he was purchasing his car.”

Each graduate spoke of the doors opened through the ICAN Learn scholarship program – opportunities they used to empower others in their communities.

“It’s opened the door for me to deliver financial counselling services in the local prison,” Elise said. “That’s important to me, especially with the overrepresentation of First

Nations people in custody.

“Many offences are moneyrelated, so getting in there and delivering financial literacy can make a difference.”

Libby said the scholarship enabled her to finish her Cert IV in Community Services CHC42021.

“Now I can study my Diploma of Financial Counselling CHC51122,” she said.

“It also sets a good example for my children, that if you study hard, you can achieve your goals.”

All the graduates echoed the importance of representation in the financial well-being sector.

“Having more First Nations people within this sector means voices can be heard a lot more, especially when advocating on systemic issues that only a First Nations person can understand,” Fred said.

Sinead said shame was an issue.

“But as a First Nations service worker, you can relate to a client’s situation and have a deeper cultural understanding,” she said.

“Having someone you can connect with can knock down some barriers and make engaging other First Nations people easier.”

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NEWS 11

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025

Anchored in healing: how the Wakai Waian healing team is closing the mental health gap in the Torres Strait A powerful shift is underway in Zenadth Kes. At the centre of it stands Shanna Mosby (pictured), a proud Masig woman and the team leader at Wakai Waian Healing – the region’s only 100 per cent Torres Strait Islander-owned and led psychology and counselling service.

Through her leadership of the Four Anchor Program, Shanna is part of a ground-breaking movement to bring culturally embedded, community-led mental

health care to the heart of island life.

“We are the lighthouse keepers,” Shanna said.

“When life gets rough, our job is to help people find their way safely back to themselves.”

Her ancestral ties to Ugar Sam-Sep, Mer, Girrimay and Kuku Yalanji peoples gave Shanna the strength and cultural authority needed to lead this work.

Her nursing and mental health training, matched by deep local knowledge and lived experience, was an essential combination that defined Wakai Waian Healing’s model of culturally safe care.

Urgent challenges The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were 2.4 times more likely to experience high levels of psychological distress, and suicide rates remained more than double those of non-Indigenous Australians.

Youth were particularly at risk and access to timely,

culturally safe services was limited, especially on the outer islands.

That’s where Wakai Waian Healing has come in.

Founded by clinical psychologist Ed Mosby, a Torres Strait man from Masig, Wakai Waian Healing was created to offer a truly local response to complex issues of trauma, grief, and disconnection.

Under Ed’s clinical guidance, and with Aunty Ivy Trevallion providing cultural governance, the Four Anchor Program was developed to bring healing back into community hands.

“The mainstream system is overloaded and often culturally unsafe,” Ed said.

“Our people need services that reflect our stories, our kinship systems, our strengths.

“That’s what the Four Anchors does.”

Culture as Clinical Practice The Four Anchor Program was based on four cultural pillars: • Ngulpun Wakai – We Are Healing Together • Upasin – Walking with Respect • Waybem – Keep the Fire Burning • Mura Kosker – Caring for Family Systems Each anchor was a cultural tool – not just for healing individuals,

but for restoring relational strength across families and communities.

The Four Anchor Program combined clinical methods with cultural protocols, yarning circles, family mapping and traumainformed counselling.

It’s local, scalable and has already made an impact across Thursday Island and neighbouring communities.

“Healing doesn’t just happen in clinics,” Shanna said.

“It happens in kitchens, on verandahs, under mango trees.

“Our program meets people where they are, with respect, listening and cultural truth.”

“We just need to be trusted, resourced, and backed to do it properly.”

Her call was echoed across the region, where demand for Wakai Waian Healing’s culturally safe services continued to grow.

But she said sustained support was still needed to keep programs like the Four Anchors expanding into schools, outer islands, and regional partnerships.

“We’re here for the long haul,” Shanna said.

“But to keep our fire burning, we need the right fuel: funding, trust, and recognition.”

We are the solution

Looking ahead, Shanna envisioned Wakai Waian Healing becoming a true beacon of hope across the Torres Strait.

With the Four Anchor Program lighting the path and with leaders like Shanna, Ed, and Aunty Ivy at the helm, the model was clear: healing was rooted in culture, led by community and powered by love.

“This is our home, our responsibility, and our future,” Shanna said.

“When people are lost at sea, they look for the light.

“That’s who we are — the lighthouse keepers of mental health in the Torres Strait.”

At a time when government Closing the Gap reports showed limited progress on mental health, Wakai Waian Healing was doing what big systems haven’t: placing community in control.

Their staff were all Torres Strait Islander people — trained, supported, and working on Country.

They were not just delivering services; they were changing the conversation about what healing looked like.

“We don’t need outside fixes,” Shanna said.

“We already have the solutions for our own people.

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12 MABO DAY CELEBRATIONS

MABO DAY 3 JUNE

Mabo Day, which commemorates the life of Eddie Koiki Mabo and marks the anniversary of the historic 1992 Mabo decision, is celebrated every year in communities across Australia on 3 June.

Mr Mabo was one of five Torres Strait Islanders – the others were Celuia Mapo Salee, James Rice, Sam Passi and David Passi – who challenged the claim

THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025 TORRES NEWS their family’s traditional land was owned by the Crown.

The High Court’s decision in Mabo v Queensland (No 2) overturned that claim and set a precedent in Australian law for the recognition of Indigenous custodianship over their traditional land.

The decision also overturned the colonial concept of terra nullius, Latin for ‘nobody’s land’, which was used to

justify the British Crown’s claim on the land.

The Mabo decision was a watershed moment in Australian history.

In addition to overturning a long-held colonial myth, it paved the way for subsequent native title claims.

The Australian Parliament passed the Native Title Act 1993 the following year.

Historic day for families

BY DODIE EGGMOLESSE FIRST NATIONS BROADCASTER

Gail Mabo speaks to the audience at the Mabo Day Concert, 3 June 2025, The Edge, Fed Square.

Pics by James Henry.

Proud ailan performances in Narrm

Candice Lorrae performing at the concert.

The Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT), in partnership with the City of Melbourne and Fed Square, presented a Mabo Day Celebration Concert on 3 June.

The evening brought together Torres Strait Islander performers and speakers based in Narrm, including Torres Green, Johnny Harding, Kiwat Kennell, Candice Lorrae and randals dad.

Drag performer, Cerulean, was the MC and there was a small selection of market stalls and authentic Island food available.

KHT CEO Tom Mosby said he was a proud Torres Strait Islander.

“Eddie Mabo has been an inspiration to me and my community,” he said.

“He was a man of strength and unwavering resolve, who fought tirelessly for this victory of First Peoples’ rights.

“It is an honour to celebrate his legacy and share in his spirit.”

Performer Kiwat Kennell with the audience for the My Island Home singalong.

Torres Green performing at the concert.

Kiwat Kennell performing.

Mana Dreaming, came along and sold their exquisite range of handmade skin and hair care.

It was beautiful weather for the Mabo Day Reconciliation Celebrations event presented by Feros Care at Jezzine Barracks in Townsville last Saturday.

Crowds of about 200-250 people gathered over the day with festivities from 3pm to 8pm.

It was a great event for our children, who enjoyed the huge jumping castle, free fairy floss and touch football until sunset.

There were food and drink stalls and creative stallholders including Island Friends by Nancy Waffi, Earth RIGHT: Komet Dancers.

CENTRE: Stalls at Mabo Day event.

BOTTOM: Shalom School Dancers.

Pics by Cas Mitchell.

and Aqua Design by Sanna Bourne, Manu Scrunchys by Amelia and Aunty Mary Horope.

Deadly performances were from Wulgurukaba Dancers, TSI Komets, Shalom School dancers and Big Eye Theatre.

Uncle Trevor Prior and sons band played until the end of the day.

Grandson of the late Uncle Eddie Koiki Mabo, Joel Mabo has taken on his mother Gail Mabo’s role in the community.

“2025 marks the 34th anniversary of the Mabo Case,” he said.

“This is a very historic and proud day, not only [for] my family but all Indigenous people within Australia and around the world.”

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025

MABO DAY CELEBRATIONS 13

Townsville Elders honoured at Mabo Day luncheon STORY AND PICS

BY ALF WILSON More than 100 men, women and youths celebrated Mabo Day at an Elders Luncheon in Townsville on Tuesday, 3 June.

They came to honour and commemorate the late and great Eddie Mabo and his successful efforts to overturn terra nullius, which meant ‘land belonging to no one’.

The luncheon was held at the Anastasia Maria Ross Hall in Aitkenvale and was

supported by the Feros Foundation and NDIS. Food was prepared

by Evelyn Billy and her team from Bina’s Kitchen.

Guests were welcomed to country by Ashley Saltner for the Wulgurukaba people and guests enjoyed singing by a Torres Strait Islander group.

A group including Pastor Victor Wailu sung a hymn and that was well received by the audience.

Male and female dancers from Big Eye Theatre also performed.

Guests enjoyed celebratory singing.

Evelyn Billy prepares the food in the kitchen.

Gebbie Banu, Evelyn Billy and Jean Andersen.

Alma Pilot.

Patrick and Loretta Zaro.

TOP: Michael and Mary Horope.

ABOVE: Sisters Patricia and Ellie Joe. BELOW: Francis and Agnes Tapim.

Dulcie Isaro.

Pastor Victor Wailu and co-pastor Lilly Wailu.

14 MABO DAY CELEBRATIONS

THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025 TORRES NEWS

NPA comes together to mark Mabo Day 2025

Mabo Day in the NPA was celebrated with a public holiday, a march, speeches, dance, art and lunch.

Thanks to Amy McKeown for sharing her pics with us.

TN0461 • 08-05-25

BOOK ONLINE: WWW.REBELTOURS.COM.AU

DATE 30/03/2025 BOOKEFFECTIVE ONLINE: P: 07 4069 1586 WWW.REBELTOURS.COM.AU

THURSDAY ISLAND/HORN ISLAND FERRY TIMETABLE (30/03/2025) FROM TI HIW

MON 06:15 06:25

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TIMETABLE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE DUE TO QANTAS SCHEDULING, SOME FERRIES MAY NOT OPERATE. Sunday 13.45/14.00/15.15/15.30 ferry only operates when Qantas operates that Flight• School children have HAMMOND ISLAND SCHOOL FERRY TIMETABLE priority – Community

Depart Thursday Island • Monday – Friday

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members can travel if space permits.

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6.40am (Depart REBEL Wharf)***Bookings ESSENTIAL*** 7.05am (Arrive Engineers Wharf) SCHOOL FERRY 7.25am (Dept Engineers Wharf) 7.45am (Arrive Engineers Wharf) SCHOOL FERRY

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• Please note: Please be aware that we will have ferries to meet every Qantas and THE QUEUE! 3.20pm (Depart Engineers Wharf) SCHOOL FERRY 3.35pm (ArrivesAVOID Engineers Wharf) Skytrans flight from Cairns. If you can not see a ferry that suits your flight please 3.55pm (Depart Engineers Wharf) SCHOOL FERRY SCAN ME and call the office on 4069 1586.

Book your ferry • Sunday ferry 13.45/14.00/15.15/15.30 ONLY operates when Qantas operates now using this QR that flight. code, pay online.

• Office hours are 7 days a week: Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm.

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TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025

MABO DAY CELEBRATIONS 15

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TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025

Jasmin Schubert <jschubert@cylc.org.au> Parky Wirrick <PWirrick@cylc.org.au> ADVERTISING J M: 0419 828 639--J cc’d E: ads@torres.news • Book confirm 12noon Mon 9/6/25 • PO: ________________ by 12noon TUES 10/6/25

Buai Mudh Thursday Island Neighbourhood and Community Centre ICN 1163 | ABN 22 965 382 705

PRE-AUTHORISATION INFORMATION MEETING ABOUT NATIVE TITLE DETERMINATION AGREEMENTS

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Wuthathi Native Title Group Cape York United # 1 Native Title Claim (QUD673/2014)

Come to us if you need help

Friday 4 July 2025 Colonial Club, Cairns This notice is to advise that Cape York Land Council (CYLC) will hold a pre-authorisation information meeting on Friday 4 July 2025 in Cairns to discuss the proposed authorisation process for the Wuthathi Native Title Group to authorise proposed native title agreements for determinations of native title over the areas shown on the map below.

A determination of native title involves a decision of the Federal Court. A determination of native title means that the Federal Court determines (1) who holds native title; (2) what the native title rights are; (3) the area to which the native title rights apply after any determination is made; and (4) which corporation will represent the members of the determined native title group.

Following the pre-authorisation meeting on Friday 4 July 2025, there will be a meeting to authorise the native title agreements on Tuesday 15 July 2025, where the Wuthathi Native Title Group will consider whether to authorise the proposed agreements for determinations of native title. If the Native Title Group decide to authorise the proposed agreements, the determinations will then be sought in the Federal Court.

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Job Description: Job Description: Want to learn some media skills? Interested in Will be working in your local community radio station telling stories, music and happy to talk about and provide information to your community and/or issues, and information about news and events in the region community?

You will be offered: You will Certificate be offered:3 in Radio Training Training Free training in Remote Broadcasting (Training Certifi cate 3 in Radio Training).

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Broadcaster Broadca Who is invited to attend the meetings?

The meeting is open to all descendants by birth, or adoption in accordance with traditional law and custom, of one or more of the following apical ancestors: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Johnson Moreton Frank Wilson Ida “Waterbag” Temple Moe Rie Warren Annie (Athanamu) Punda Pintharra

7. Innis Pascoe 8. Dinah 9. Ada Lancaster 10. Nara Jira Para 11. Ela (Illa) 12. Eliza (wife of Tom Ware) Willie Daphney

Any person who is a descendant of one or more of the apical ancestors listed above is invited to attend this meeting.

Please contact CYLC if you would like to confirm whether you are a descendant of one or more of the apical ancestors listed above and so entitled to attend the meeting.

The meeting will be held as follows: Date: Venue: Time:

Warraber Erub

Job Description: Job Description: Want to learn some media skills? Interested in Will be working in your local community radio station telling stories, music and happy to talk about and provide information to your community and/or issues, and information about news and events in the region community?

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Can work immediately

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For more info

Friday 4 July 2025 Cairns Colonial Club Resort, 18-26 Cannon Street, Manunda QLD 4870 10:00am - 1:00pm

JEN ENOSA Senior Content Producer (RIBS) jen@tsima4mw.org.au (07) 40691524

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The location and time of the authorisation meeting on Tuesday 15 July 2025 will be publicly notified and notices will be sent out to all members of the Wuthathi Native Title Group. Please contact us on free call number 1800 623 548 or by email jschubert@cylc.org.au to update your details.

PUBLISHERS Published every Thursday E editor@torres.news

For travel assistance or to confirm attendance or for any other questions about this notice, please contact Jasmin Schubert before Friday 27 June 2025 on free call number 1800 623 548 or by mobile phone on 0437 460 550 or by email at jschubert@cylc.org.au Please note that there is limited funding available for travel assistance.

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SPORT 17

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025

AFL Crusaders make their communities proud

BY CHRISTINE HOWES AFL Cape York’s U12 Crusaders made their communities proud as they played the Queensland schools state championships on the Sunshine Coast last week.

The girls’ team did not lose a game and won the grand final by a mere point over Peninsula. Best on ground were Lucinda Kris, Taye Sagigi and Lala Sue-Bowie.

Lucinda was selected to represent Queensland at the National Schools Championships – a massive achievement since the AFL Gala Day on Moa Island.

It’s more than just footy, it’s everything in between – some of our U12 Crusaders girls told us what they liked about the trip: #1 Emma Bindoraho (Badu Primary): The Aqua park and playing AFL! #3 Taye Sagigi (Sacred Heart TI): Making new friends, enjoying watching and playing games. #4 Ella-Rose Mooka (Injinoo Primary): Spending time with the girls in the middle of the field. #5 May-Esther Nona (Thursday Island, Tagai Primary): The AFL games and playing with my team and making new friends. #6 Frances Mosby (Thursday Island, Tagai Primary): Playing against other teams and meeting new girls. #8 Makayla Mudu (Seisia, Northern Peninsula Area State College): Finding new friends and playing teams down south. #10 Ryh-Quanie Ahmat (Badu

Pic by Nikita Barba.

Island, AFLCYHG Redlynch SC): Looking forward to making it to the finals and enjoyed making new friends. #17 Tevarn-ya Ketchell (TI Primary): Playing AFL and the Aqua Park. #19 Eleighara Dau (Western Cape College High School): Enjoyed playing AFL but looking forward to going home for some rest. #24 LaLa-Sue Bowie (St Joseph’s Parish School, Weipa): Helping to design the New Jerseys for next year and meeting and playing with girls from all over the Cape and Islands. #25 Lucinda Kris (St Paul’s, Torres Strait Kaziw Meta, Tagai State College): Making new friends in my team and other teams, getting the opportunity to come to the Sunshine Coast and represent the Crusaders and having fun! Also, being a part of history for the first U12 Crusaders and for the next generations to come.

Boys Awards • Crusader Medalist – Wilfred Cook (Northern Peninsula Area State College, Bamaga Junior Campus).

• MVP – Leviticus Elisala (Tagai State College, Dauan Island Campus).

Girls Awards • Ivana Gibson Medalist – Lucinda Kris (Tagai State College, TI Secondary Campus).

• MVP – Frances Mosby (Tagai State College, TI Primary Campus).

Pics supplied.

Pic by Nikita Barba.

18 SPORT Local comp ready for kick off

THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025 TORRES NEWS

Brisbane Broncos gallop over GC Titans

BY ALF WILSON Rugby league makes a welcome return to the Rock on Saturday when four sides, Mulga Tigers, Suburbs, TI Roosters and new club Seisia Sharks from the NPA, to compete in round one of the Island Roosters Challenge.

There will be six matches to whet the appetite of footy fans and at noon premiers Mulga Tigers will play Suburbs in a replay of the 2024 grand final at noon.

Debutants Seisia will play Roosters at 1pm and a large number of supporters from the NPA will be there supporting the Sharks.

Each side will play each other once with Suburbs and Seisia to meet at 3pm followed

by Mulga Tigers and Roosters facing off an hour later.

Under lights at 6pm Seisia Sharks will meet Mulga Tigers and in the final match at 7pm Roosters will take on Suburbs.

Round two is scheduled for July 19, with semi-finals and grand final to be held at the oval on August 23.

It has taken a lot of hard work by volunteers from the Zenadth Kes Rugby League to get the competition up and running.

Gehamat Shibasaki about to score for the Broncos. Pic courtesy of the NRL.

BY ALF WILSON Rampaging centre Gehamat Shibasaki scored in the 1st and 20th minutes when the Broncos thrashed the Gold Coast Titans 44-14 on Saturday night.

Gehamat and quality five-eighth Ezra Mam were amongst the best for the Broncos, who led 28-nil at halftime.

The “dancing feet” of Ezra mesmerised the Titans’ defence and the return after injury of champion fullback Reece Walsh also played a role in the dominance.

It was the 300th NRL game for Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds who formed a lethal combination with Ezra.

Dragons ‘hammered’ Champion fullback

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scored two of the Dolphins’ 10 tries in their 56-6 ambush of a tame St George Dragons at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

The Dolphins led 28-2 at halftime, after which the Hammer crossed for his tries at the 45th and 58th minutes.

To top off a superb performance, Hammer spoiled a certain Dragons try at the 20th minute when he tackled an opponent over the line.

Cowboys couldn’t weather storm A North Queensland Cowboys side, including forward Reuben Cotter, travelled to AAMI Park in Melbourne and lost 38-14 to the home side, the Storm.

Former Cowboys player and current Dally M medal winner Jarome Hughes scored two tries for the Storm.

More than 19,000 fans packed into the ground, with the majority being Storm supporters.

The Storm led 18-4 at halftime.

Cowboys try scorers were Jaxson Paulo, Scott Drinkwater and PNG flier Robert Derby.

Cowboys sit sixth on the ladder and meet the Dolphins next Saturday night in Townsville.

Dane’s second-half dazzler A stunning secondhalf comeback led by veteran centre Dane Gagai enabled the Newcastle Knights to beat hot favourites Manly Sea Eagles 26-22

on Thursday night.

The victory was sealed in golden point extra time after scores were deadlocked 22-all at the end of 80 minutes.

At half time, the Knights were down 16-nil and were even booed by their normally parochial home crowd at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium.

Dane was dazzling after halftime, and his total stats for the match were 19 runs for 192 metres and 10 tackle busts.

In the 75th minute, Dane fired out a pass to James Schiller and the following conversion equalled the scores.

To add to his great performance, Dane also booted three goals.

Battle of wingers Flying wingers Alex

“AJ” Johnston (South Sydney Rabbitohs) and Xavier Savage (Canberra Raiders) faced off on Sunday afternoon.

The second-placed Raiders trailed 12-nil early and were six points down at halftime but won 36-12 after an avalanche of tries.

AJ scored his 201st NRL try at the 14th minute mark whilst Xavier never troubled the scoreboard.

Centre Seb Kris played his usual consistent game and made a break just before halftime.

He bolted down the left sideline before passing back inside for Ethan Strange, but the next pass was dropped

by Simi Sasagito with the line wide open.

Now an established

Raiders player, Seb moved onto the wing at one stage after a teammate was injured.

He was praised by commentators for his “tap backs” to his players after high kicks from halfback Jamal Fogarty.

There was plenty of emotion as Raiders veteran forward Josh “Papa” Papalii scored a double and kicked a goal in his 319th game for the Raiders, eclipsing Jason Croker’s old club record of 318 appearances.

Other games Warriors beat the Cronulla Sharks 40-10.

Penrith Panthers d West Tigers 18-14.

Bulldogs d Parramatta Eels 30-12 in the last game of the round on Monday afternoon.

Dantoray’s double for Dolphins in PNG Hunters walkover

BY ALF WILSON Young Dolphins five-eighth Dantoray Lui scored two tries for the Dolphins, who beat the PNG Hunters 50-16 at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday.

There was a big parochial crowd barracking for the Hunters, and the visiting Dolphins led 18-12 at halftime.

Former Northern Pride star Dantoray has been a regular number six for the Dolphins since moving to Redcliffe before the season.

Quietly spoken off the field, Dantoray, who has Iama

and Erub family connections, crossed in the 1st and 58th minutes.

Jamal swoops Second rower Jamal Shibasaki scored a try in the fifth minute when the Northern Pride beat the Magpies 30-24 at Barlow Park in Cairns on Saturday.

Scores were 12-all at halftime, and the Pride ended up scoring five tries to four.

The Pride were boosted by the return of a posse of Cowboys players, including Thomas Duffy and Jake Clifford.

Young Torres Strait Islander Braithan Robertson-

Ketchell was a reserve for the Pride.

The match finished an hour before Jamal’s elder brother, Gehamat Shibasaki, scored two tries for the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL clash with the Gold Coast Titans at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

Deadly Dudley Elusive winger Deadly Dudley Dotoi scored one of the Blackhawks’ seven tries when they beat the Wynnum Manly Seagulls 34-24 in the game at BMD Kougari Oval in Brisbane.

Blackhawks which also included Torres Strait

Islander and hooker Jayden Hodges, had led 22-4 at halftime and withstood a major Seagulls comeback.

The Blackhawks sit second on the 15 club ladder and meet the Bears on the Gold Coast next round.

Cutters rise above Jets Flying centre Brenton Baira displayed his best form of the season when his Mackay Cutters beat the favoured Ipswich Jets 26-18 on Saturday.

In the match at BB Print Stadium in Mackay, Brenton scored tries in the seventh and 18th minutes.

The other Torres Strait

Islander, Jets five-eighth Julian Christian crossed at the 26th minute.

At halftime, the Cutters led 20-6 and withstood a Jets fightback after the break.

It was an upset win by the Cutters, who were 13th in the 15-club comp going into the round, whilst Jets had been in fifth.

Other games The Bears and Clydesdales played a 32-all draw, Falcons d CQ Capras 24-10, Devils d Tigers 42-26.

BMD ladies premiership The Cairns Northern Pride will make their debut in the expanded BMD Statewide

Ladies premiership when they meet the Brisbane Tigers on Saturday in round one.

This side includes talented Torres Strait girls, and the game is at Totally Workwear Stadium in Brisbane.

A season launch for the side, when the jersey was unveiled, was held in Cairns on Friday.

Premiers Mackay Cutters will take on the Tweed Seagulls, the Capras meet the Ipswich Jets, the Clydesdales clash with the Bears, and the Devils v the Falcons all on Saturday.

On Sunday, the Magpies and Wynnum Manly Seagulls face off.

SPORT 19

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025

Ezra up for Origin game 2

BY ALF WILSON Star Brisbane Broncos back Ezra Mam has been rushed into the 20-man Queensland Maroons squad for State of Origin game two.

NSW won the first match of the series 18-6 at Brisbane’s Lang Park and Queensland will be looking to hit back in the June 18 clash in Perth.

Dolphins champion Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Cowboys forward

VELMA

Reuben Cotter were also named by selectors on Monday.

The full squad is: Kurt Capewell (New Zealand Warriors), Patrick Carrigan (Brisbane Broncos), Xavier Coates (Melbourne Storm), Lindsay Collins (Sydney Roosters), Reuben Cotter (North Queensland Cowboys), Tom Dearden (North Queensland Cowboys), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans),

Moeaki Fotuaika (Gold Coast Titans), Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm), Valentine Holmes (St George Illawarra Dragons), Corey Horsburgh (Canberra Raiders), Jack Howarth (Melbourne Storm), Trent Loiero (Melbourne Storm), Ezra Mam (Brisbane Broncos), Kurt Mann (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm), Jeremiah Nanai (North Queensland Cowboys), Kalyn Ponga

(Newcastle Knights), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (The Dolphins), Robert Toia (Sydney Roosters).

Notable omissions were veteran Manly Sea Eagles halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, along with Gold Coast Titans forward Beau Fermor, who were on the Game One side.

Under head coach Billy Slater, the squad entered camp on the Sunshine Coast on Monday this week to prepare for the important match.

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Ezra on field for the Broncos last year. Pic coutesy of NRL.

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OUT! IN THIS WEEK’S ‘HOOPS’ NEWS...

Last Hoorah The All-Star game last night could be Nate Jawai’s last one at an elite level.

Indigenous Basketball Australia (IBA) hosted the men’s and women’s games against the Poitukohu Maori Aotearoa teams in Melbourne.

Nate is probably the last of the ‘big man’ from the Indigenous communities to play in the centre position.

Standing at 6’10” or 2.09m has allowed Nate to play at the highest levels of the National Basketball Association, Euroleague, NBL and Australian Boomers.

I’ll talk more about the games and Nate’s possible retirement in next week’s column.

All Stars men’s coach Kerry Williams said they were excited to play the game in front of family and friends.

Heat guard Chris Cedar was Williams’ assistant, said he was lucky to be an assistant with Kerry and he had gone through the NBL pathways, so it was fun to learn from him as well.

Williams leaves Taipans It was announced

late last week that Kerry would be leaving the Cairns Taipans coaching staff and would be an assistant coach with the Adelaide 36ers.

He had applied for the Taipans head coach role but was unsuccessful.

Kerry said he was forever grateful for Taipans and the opportunities they gave him.

“But for me to grow and continue my journey as a coach, I thought it was just for me to go to Adelaide,” he said.

Kerry and his family will be relocating to Adelaide after the NBL1 North season is finished.

NBL1 North Round 6 Sunshine Coast Phoenix men’s team got the double last weekend when they travelled north to play Cairns and Townsville.

Guard Deshawn Ross-Paiwan played well against the Heat with 18 points, including four 3-pointers. He came off the bench and only played 19 minutes in that game.

Deshawn was well supported by family and friends at both games, including his dad, Michael, and younger brother, Darelle, who travelled from southeast Queensland.

In other North games

Send us your pic of the week, fixtures or finals results by noon on Monday!

All Stars centre Nate Jawai chats with Toni Gabelish (second from right) and her family. Pics supplied.

 EMAIL: editor@torres.news

THURSDAY ISLAND / SEISIA

FERRY SCHEDULE

6 DAYS PER WEEK: MONDAY TO SATURDAY Deshawn Ross-Paiwan with his dad Michael (first left), Grandmother Gertie and other family members who came out to support him in Townsville.

– the Bond sisters, Teyahna and Taryn, were outstanding, and centre LJ Williams was great coming off the bench to score 17 points.

Down in the south east corner, South West Metro tried their best to get the win and guard Alana Fraser had seven points and seven assists.

Next weekend’s games Townsville to play Southern Districts Spartans tomorrow night, followed by games in Cairns.

My pick for the week is the Dolphins versus the Spartans.

It will be a big weekend for the Spartans men’s team to get the wins on the road and move up the ladder.

Mackay had a bye

last weekend but will be hosting South West Metro Pirates at home.

Results Women Northside Wizards v Rockhampton Cyclons 67-81.

Cairns Dolphins v Sunshine Coast Phoenix 93-69 (Teyahna Bond 22 points, Taryn Bond 19 points, LJ Williams 17 points).

South West Metro Pirates v Ipswich Force 82-92.

Southern Districts Spartans v Rockhampton Cyclones 96-45 (Jess McDowell-White 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists, Hayley McDowell-White 16 points).

Logan Thunder v Gold Coast Rollers 94-69.

Townsville Flames v

Sunshine Coast Phoenix 55-68.

Brisbane Capitals v Rockhampton Cyclones 81-50.

Results Men Northside Wizards v Rockhampton Rockets 90-81.

Cairns Marlins v Sunshine Coast Phoenix 63-79.

South West Metro Pirates v Ipswich Force 91-96.

Southern Districts Spartans v Rockhampton Rockets 96-117 (Tamuri Wigness 20 points, seven rebounds).

Logan Thunder v Gold Coast Rollers 110-98.

Townsville Heat v Sunshine Coast Phoenix 77-98.

Brisbane Capitals v Rockhampton Rockets 99-90.

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THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025

Patty says ‘aloha’ to Hawai’i Basketball

BY VELMA GARA Champion basketballer Patty Mills will officially take up a position as General Manager with Hawai’i Basketball, according to social media announcements made earlier this week.

The Pick and Roll socials said Patty was to be GM of the University of Hawai’i men’s basketball team, where he would support studentathlete mentorship and development,

recruitment, fundraising and community engagement.

Patty has represented Australia with the Boomers at five Olympics and has played at an elite level in the United States for more than 15 years.

In 2015, he played for the NBA championship winners, the San Antonio Spurs.

In another lifechanging highlight, Patty and Alyssa are expecting their first child in August this year.

MAIN PIC: Patty Mills in a quiet moment of reflection at the launch of Indigenous Basketball Australia in Cairns in August 2023.

TOP: Dancing at the launch of the IBA in Cairns in 2023.

ABOVE: With his parents in Cairns in 2023.

Pics by Christine Howes.

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