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.

MOU Signed between Communities

I am pleased to inform you that the Island Councils of Masig and Warraber have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS).  

Under this MOU, these two Councils will soon receive on behalf of their communities, a refurbished emergency vehicle to assist in the emergency care of injured and sick community members. 

This MOU is part of an initiative endorsed by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Board and the Torres Strait Health Partnership and is the result of a whole of government collaboration that is improving our communities.

These two communities are the first to sign this MOU and I would like to congratulate them and the QAS for taking this step. I look forward to working in partnership with all stakeholders to provide positive health outcomes for our people.

New Lawyer for TSRA’s Native Title Office

I would like to welcome Ms Megan Brayne, who has joined the TSRA as the new Legal Officer for the Native Title Office (NTO).

Ms Brayne is an experienced lawyer from Sydney, with a background in Commercial Law and litigation.

Megan will work with the Principal Legal Officer, Mr David Saylor, to assist our Traditional Owners to progress outstanding Native Title determinations as well as progress the Regional Sea Claim.

May I also take this opportunity to remind clients of the NTO that the office has relocated from the Four Winds Building, to the ground floor of Torres Strait Haus, next to ICC. For information on Native Title, please call the NTO on (07) 4069 0700 or toll free 1800 029 719.

Torres Strait School Receives Grant

Congratulations to Thursday Island’s Our Lady of Sacred Heart School, who was one of eight Far North Queensland schools to be awarded a place in the Australian Government’s Boosting Innovation, Science, Technology and Mathematics Teaching Programme.

Federal Member for Leichhardt Mr Warren Entsch announced that the Sacred Heart School, will take part in a $53,250 project known as “Spaced Out on Measurement,” which will also involve four other schools as well as Griffith and James Cook Universities.

This Program will assist schools to promote and develop innovation and excellence in the areas of science, technology and mathematics in their classrooms.

World Environment Day

World Environment Day was commemorated around the country last week on 5 June to acknowledge the importance of the natural environment and its significance to our communities.

Climate change and human activity have influenced the condition of our environment and it is important that we remember to take care of our beautiful islands and sea.

Here in the Torres Strait we rely on our marine environment for not only playing an important role in our culture but also as a source of food for our families and employment.

Our local economy for example, relies heavily on the seafood industry, and it is important to maintain good practice to ensure our marine ecosystems are maintained and preserved for future use.

I would like to encourage community members to look after our environment by taking simple steps - such as disposing of rubbish and waste appropriately. It is little things such as these that will contribute towards conserving our land and sea for future generations to use and enjoy.

For more information on caring for our natural land and sea environment, please contact the TSRA’s Land and Sea Management Unit on (07) 4069 2957.

Mabo Day Celebrations

I would like to thank the Mer, Bamaga and Tamwoy, Rosehill, Aplin, Waiben and Quarantine (TRAWQ) Community Councils for hosting and coordinating the Mabo Day celebrations in their communities, which were proudly supported by the TSRA.

I attended the festivities hosted by TRAWQ Community Council and it was wonderful to be with friends and families to commemorate this historic day. I extend a big esso to all our communities across the Torres Strait who stopped to remember and pay respect to the five men who fought to achieve Native Title in Australia.

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