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.  

Major Infrastructure Program Providing Vital Works

This week I would like to inform you of the Australian and Queensland Government's $100M Major Infrastructure Program (MIP). 

The program is managed locally by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and has completed a number of vital and life changing projects around the region which are contributing to the improved health and wellbeing of our people. 

Since it began in 1998, MIP has delivered much needed infrastructure to our communities, for example installing sewerage treatment plants and upgrading and supplying clean drinking water, and more recently as you may recall, it has provided a new mobile desalination unit for the region. 

By upgrading and installing  essential infrastructure, MIP has begun the process of improving our living standards as well as establishing economic opportunities for our communities, including training, skill development and employment. 

MIP is an example of what a whole of government approach can achieve, integrating all levels of government from Australian, Queensland and Local Island Councils to produce positive outcomes for our people. 

I would like to thank all stakeholders, including community members involved in MIP, for your commitment and I seek your continued support for future MIP projects, as we work together to make living standards in the Torres Strait comparable to mainstream Australia. 

Gab Titui Birthday Dinner

The Gab Titui Cultural Centre will this week (Friday, 21 April) be hosting a celebratory dinner in honour of its second birthday, in which families and friends are invited to take part in. 

Festivities planned for the night will include a $30 buffet dinner, a performance and launch of Uncle Seaman Dan's new music CD and Island dancing. To take part in the celebration, please call the staff at Gab Titui on 4090 2130 for more information and to book your table. 

Since the Centre's opening in 2004, we have seen our public safekeeping place grow from strength to strength, preserving our traditions for future generations and also allowing visitors to enjoy Torres Strait culture. 

I would like to congratulate the staff of Gab Titui for maintaining the high standards of the Centre and more importantly, a big esso to the community for supporting Gab Titui and sharing our unique and rich traditions with visitors. 

Water Saving Measures for Torres Strait

Congratulations to two Torres Strait communities who have received funding from the Australian Government's $2 billion Water Fund. 

Federal Member for Leichhardt Mr Warren Entsch, recently announced that Torres Shire Council will receive $86 518 and Yam Island Council $44 993. 

This funding will allow these councils to implement water saving projects and together it is estimated that the funds will help to save thousands of litres of water per year. 

Water is a valuable resource, and often we can forget just how precious it is. With our unpredictable wet and dry seasons, we all need to be water-wise in our communities.  

Anzac Day

Next Tuesday 25 April is ANZAC Day, a national day dedicated to remembering past conflicts and to show respect to the Australian and New Zealander soldiers who have fought in and who have sacrificed their lives in war.  

In particular, ANZAC day commemorates the 1915 landing of Gallipoli, where our soldiers endured tremendous casualties and hardships. 

We too have a number of courageous Torres Strait Islander soldiers who have performed their duties in wartime and I invite community members on this ANZAC Day to commemorate and honour all our soldiers by reflecting on their brave sacrifice to protect our way of life.

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