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.  

Well it’s hard to believe it is July and we are now into the next financial year.  It’s a busy time for the TSRA as we consolidate what we have achieved in the past 12 months and prepare for the next.  We have also had a busy fortnight and no doubt that will continue with the Croc Fest beginning this week. 

New Chief Initiated at Mabuiag

What a tremendous privilege it was to witness the initiation of a new chief at Mabuiag Island recently.  On behalf of the TSRA Board and the Torres Strait community I wish to congratulate Mr Dimple Bani and wish him, his wife and family well in holding this culturally important position within his community.

The Mabuiag community have upheld a time-honoured and cultural tradition to hand down the chieftain from one generation to the next and I was honoured to share this event with the Goemulgal people.

Over centuries Mabuiag, like all communities, has experienced a cultural evolution and has adapted to meet the challenges of the modern world, as has some of its traditions.

Yet they have bestowed the greatest honour to their community and their new chief by retaining cultural practices of such high importance and for the first time in modern history sharing them with the entire Torres Strait and visitors.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mabuiag’s Chairlady, Louise Guise and her Council, and especially their community for opening their doors to all visitors to witness this historic cultural event.

Dennis Nona & the Badu Dance Team

Last Sunday, as part of Griffith University’s Open Day and NAIDOC Week, the Badu Island Dance Team performed in the grass courtyard, outside the DELL Gallery at the Queensland College of Art campus at Southbank in Brisbane, to celebrate the launch of “Sessarae: The works of Dennis Nona”.

Congratulations to both Dennis, as one of our leading artists, and the Badu Dance Team for representing our region’s talent as ambassadors for the Torres Strait.  The TSRA is proud to have supported the dance team’s contribution to this cultural event.

Protected Zone Joint Authority Meeting 5-6 July, 2005

The 18th PZJA meeting was held at the TSRA between 5 and 6 July.  I wish to thank the Australian and Queensland Ministers for Fisheries and in particular, the Community Fisher Group, which represent the views of all community fishers.  It is through this representation that issues are being consulted and resolved and we thank them and all stakeholders for their contribution to this meeting.

100% in Control Croc Festival

The 2005 Croc Festival Production team is gearing up for Thursday Island’s biggest event yet.

Our children have been practising their performances for many weeks in anticipation of this week’s concerts, which is being held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings at Thursday Island State High School.

The TSRA is again proud to sponsor the Croc Festival.  We acknowledge the immense contribution it is making to our children’s self esteem, social and cultural education and the important economic boost it provides to Thursday Island and neighbouring communities.

Our children’s participation in performances and activities is enabling our youth to exercise their communication skills and develop self-confidence in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Their energetic program, while designed for fun, also helps to reinforce important messages such as health awareness, social issues and career opportunities and for our younger generation we hope this will be a positive influence over their future choices.

Among the many distinguished guests that will be attending this year are their Excellencies the Governor-General, Major General Michael Jeffery and Mrs Jeffery who will be visiting Thursday Island and the Torres Strait for the first time.  If you are on TI for this event I hope you will join me in warmly welcoming them.

I would also like to welcome all students from across our region, as well as the many schools travelling here from Far North Queensland to take part in this highly anticipated and inspiring Festival.

Doctor Holt

Our well-respected Doctor Peter Holt retired earlier this month after a full career devoted to improving the health of Torres Strait people.

For over three decades of service as a doctor to the Torres Strait, we are forever grateful.  He has gained our faith and respect through his committed care.  He has helped bring many of us into this world and restored us to good health.

Perhaps the biggest compliment we have been able to pay him over the years is with our trust.  Dr Holt, your ongoing medical care and understanding will be missed by the people of the Torres Strait.  We wish you a worry-free and happy retirement and hope on all your travels the fish are always biting! 

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