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 on Thursday Island. 

Since my last column, some exciting events have taken place in the Torres Strait.

Bath Sponge Project in Torres Strait
As many people would have read in your paper two weeks ago, the TSRA teamed up with the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and the Cooperate Research Centre Torres Strait to support a project that will explore the potential for bath sponge culture in our region.  I hope all family understand that this project is to look at whether or not it is possible to farm this sponge and not an attempt to start up a new industry overnight.  If after two years of research on Masig, it is determined that the bath sponge can be cultured in the Torres Strait, then I would expect that further research would be needed to develop sustainable bath sponge aquaculture in our region.  It is still early days, so I hope people will keep this in mind. 

Masig Celebrations 23 August 2004
On 23 August, I had the opportunity to attend the Celebrations on Masig Island marking the anniversary of the first councillors’ conference held in 1937.  I wish to extend my sincerest appreciation to the Masig Island Council and the people of that community for their warm hospitality during the celebrations.  The theme of the day “It Is Time” was appropriate in the current political context and I believe that we as the leaders need to plan, as well as, shape the future of our region.  Regional Governance is an important aspiration of our people and I believe that we can achieve a greater form of it if we focus on reaching specific targets.  

Upon reading last week’s newspaper, I found the resolutions from the Kuiku Mabaigal Forum on Badu quite interesting.  In particular, the resolution which calls for the amalgamation of the TSRA, Island Coordinating Council (ICC) and Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy (DATSIP).   Many of your readers will remember that the TSRA also proposed an amalgamation of the region’s peak bodies in 2001, not including DATSIP.   

The TSRA was established through the Australian Government process as a transition arrangement for regional governance and I believe that through this agency we can achieve a form of governance that allows us to have direct representation at a regional level, increase our access to funds for regional services and initiatives, as well as position us as a body constituted under both Australian and Queensland Government legislation. I look forward to meeting with the ICC Chairperson to discuss these resolutions.  The TSRA will also use the upcoming Green Paper process, initiated by DATSIP, to have additional input into our future regional governance framework.  

Senate Select Committee on the Administration of Indigenous Affairs
On 26 August, the TSRA Board had the opportunity to meet with the Senate Select Committee on the Administration of Indigenous Affairs.  This was a very informative session, which gave us an opportunity to provider further information to the Committee relating to our submission.  I thank the Senators on the Committee for meeting with our Board.                       

TSRA 10 Year Anniversary Celebrations
It was pleasing to once again meet up with many of the former members of the TSRA Board as well as staff during the 10th Anniversary celebrations that took place on 27 August at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre.  The event really brought home what had been achieved in the Torres Strait since 1 July 1994, and acknowledged the valuable contributions that our leaders, General Managers and the TSRA staff have made over the years. 

Poruma Airport Opening
The Poruma Community should also be congratulated for hosting the official opening of the recently upgraded Poruma Airport.  The opening ceremony was attended by the Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch, myself and the Poruma community.   The project was jointly funded by the TSRA and Queensland Transport and improves wet weather access to the island.  I thank our families for their hospitality on 28 August and look forward to visiting their community again in the future. 

Gab Titui Café and Restaurant
The Gab Titui Café, located at the Cultural Centre officially opened on Saturday, 14 August 2004.  The Café operates between 10 am – 5 pm Monday – Saturday, while between 6 – 9 pm Wednesday – Saturday it operates as a restaurant.  I encourage members of our communities to visit the Centre and the Café during their next trip to Thursday Island.  Don’t forget that there are a number of exhibitions that will take place at Gab Titui between now and December 2004, so keep listening to the local radio for further information or check out the local newspaper. 

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