With Torres Strait Regional Authority Chairperson, John Toshie Kris.

I wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of Kaiwalagal, on whose land I am writing from and all other traditional owners and elders throughout our region.  I am receiving pleasing feedback on the role this column has had in keeping our communities informed of the many progressive projects and exciting developments that are occurring within our region. 

Increasing pastoral care in the Torres Strait     

A spiritual awareness and a devotion to God are often quoted as cornerstones to a happy and fulfilling life.  The church regardless of its denomination plays an important role in our society in strengthening our faith and devotion.  I was privileged to have been able to attend some recent holy proceedings that will provide an opportunity for increased fellowship throughout our beautiful region.  These were the recent ordination of Getano Lui to the Holy Order of Priesthood and the consecration of Tolowa Nona as the Diocesan Bishop and Sania Townsend as Assistant Bishop of the Church of the Torres Strait. This was a memorable occasion that was attended by many and one in which I was pleased to see these individuals affirmed to a commendable and higher calling.  I congratulate them on the special pastoral role they will no doubt play in the lives of many.  With respect to another momentous occasion, I would like to congratulate Father Bella on his ordination to priesthood and in doing so offer my thanks and gratitude to the Erub Council and community, Erub Elders and the Church for their hospitality.  A big Esso to Pastor Pensio and Pastor Kiwat for their kindness and generosity.  It is always pleasing when churches and individuals from different denominations attend these celebrations as a unified body.  In doing so we will continue to move our collective faith forward for the betterment of the whole Torres Strait region.

Native Title Developments      

I am pleased with the progress being made that has resulted in the positive developments in native title proceedings in the Torres Strait.  This historic event means that traditional owners from Badu, Boigu, Iama, Erub and Ugar Islands will have cause to rejoice shortly as the State Government has agreed to recognize their exclusive native title rights over their traditional lands.  The TSRA Native Title Office (NTO) will be holding meetings on each of these five islands to update all traditional owners about the Determination Hearings, and to seek authorization from all traditional land owners for agreements to be reached with the State of Queensland, Ergon Energy and Telstra Corporation in relation to the Consent Determinations.  Details of these Authorisation meetings can be obtained from the TSRA NTO office on 1800 079 093. 

In addition, the TSRA Native Title Portfolio Member, Mr. Don Banu and the TSRA NTO staff and representatives from each of the five islands have been working hard in engaging stakeholders on the mainland through a series of recent meetings in Cairns, Townsville Mackay and Brisbane.  These meeting have been designed to consult with interested parties on these proceedings and developments in the impending determination hearings.  Those attending the meetings have been very positive about the progress of native title claims showing enthusiastic support for the upcoming determinations and agreements with the State, Ergon and Telstra.  I along with others, commend the hard work and devotion exhibited by those in driving these claims. Their spirited and passionate stance toward Native Title here and the associated outcome we see today, will no doubt underpin the accomplishment felt by many Torres Strait generations to come.  I look forward to TSRA NTO staff continuing to keep mainland native title holders informed about native title issues on the islands.  Again congratulations to all involved in driving these positive moves forward.

‘Urapun Muinu Garasar’ - congratulations to Billy Missi

Artistic expression is to be encouraged and I am pleased that some recent TSRA initiatives will assist in promoting and developing our traditional art. The first of these was support for the Maulgau Mineral Artists through refurbishing the old IBIS store on Kubin to provide much needed work space.  The second is the recent securing of funding and support from the Queensland Government for the facilitation of workshops, professional development and exhibitions solely for contemporary visual arts and craft in the Torres Strait.  These positive measures will help promote and develop artistic talent in our unique region for all to enjoy and I congratulate all involved in driving these constructive moves forward.

Our proud artistic heritage and unique cultural identity are built on many pillars, not the least to mention our traditional cultural pursuits.  Traditional artistic expression is an important aspect of our society that has a strong role in affirming our identity and historic ties with our past.  One such individual to continue this tradition is Billy Missi.  Billy has long been recognized as an exceptional Torres Strait artist and I would like to congratulate him on his first solo exhibition opened at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Saturday 30th October.  The exhibition entitled ‘Urapun Muinu Garasar’ or ‘Many in One’ is taken from the Kala Lagau Ya language from the western island group and runs until Friday 3rd December.  ‘Urapun Muinu Garasar’ is a fitting reminder of Billy’s artistic contribution and the cultural significance his works play in enhancing and strengthening our proud artistic heritage. Billy has consistently made the Torres Strait and its people proud with his distinctive and expressive art which has been displayed nationally and internationally.  As many would know Billy belongs to the Maulgau Mineral Artist Co-operative from Kubin and this solo exhibition will no doubt compliment the work of the Co-operative.  Congratulations to all involved in bringing to us ‘Urapun Muinu Garasar’.

TSRA supports Indigenous Rugby League Development

It has often been said that the Torres Strait has an abundance of sporting talent and this has long been evidenced by our various sporting teams competing in outstanding carnivals and competitions held locally and interstate.  In the wake of the inaugural Torres Strait Cup, I was delighted that the TSRA was able to support the Torres Strait Youth and Recreational Sporting Association to send a representative team from the Torres Strait to participate in the Ted Mosby Indigenous State Challenge.  This innovate football carnival was recently held on the 6th and 7th of November in Cairns.  The carnival’s primary focus was on the development of indigenous rugby league talent within the State.  It provided an ideal opportunity for players from across the Torres Strait to enhance and potentially develop their football prowess into potential careers.  Both NRL and State League talent scouts were on hand to identify outstanding players and once again these fine competitors have made the Torres Strait proud. I commend the Torres Strait Youth and Recreational Sporting Association for their hard work and for all the players who participated in the Torres Strait Cup and the Ted Mosby Indigenous State Challenge.

Any feedback for my column can be sent to:

Mr. John T. Kris
TSRA Chairperson
PO Box 261
Thursday Island QLD 4875

Alternatively, feedback can be sent to me through the TSRA website via the media contact in the ‘contact us’ segment of the site.  Until my next column, may God bless you all and keep you safe.

John T. Kris
TSRA Chairperson