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.  

Desalination Plant Test Successful

Testing of the new mobile desalination unit at Palm Cove jetty in Cairns was a success. 

The unit operated without any major faults, converting seawater to clean drinking water and generating its capacity of 100,000 litres per day.  

Should our island communities experience water shortages this year, they can be assured as we will now have two units on hand for emergency water production, and as they are mounted on trailers it will be easy and fast to transport each unit from island to island. 

The unit is now being prepared for its transportation to the Torres Strait, and should be here ready to be put into use by the end of the month. 

This innovative project was funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, under the Major Infrastructure Program (Stage 3), which is delivered by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA). 

I would like to thank in particular, the TSRA, the Island Coordinating Council’s Infrastructure Support Unit, and the Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation for working in partnership to complete this much needed project. 

Native Title Office has moved

I wish to inform you that the TSRA’s Native Title Office (NTO) has moved from the Four Winds building behind the Gab Titui Cultural Centre, and can now be found on the ground floor of Torres Haus, Victoria Parade – which is below TSRA’s main office. 

You can still contact the NTO by its existing phone number 4069 2581 and toll free 1800 029 719, or alternatively, you can also contact the NTO through the TSRA’s main office phone number 4069 0700.  

International Women’s Day

I was delighted to see women from around our community gathering to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March. 

IWD is a significant occasion. It is a day which places the spotlight on the challenges as well as the achievements that women have experienced over the last century. 

Celebrating such a day highlights the important role women play in our region. The TSRA recognises this and is actively working in partnership with a number of organisations in the region, to maintain the interests of women living in our communities. 

I wish to congratulate and thank the women and men involved in this year’s festivities and would like to acknowledge the immense contribution Torres Strait Women make to our families and society. 

Japanese Consul Visit to TSRA

The Japanese Consul, a representative of the Government of Japan, recently visited the TSRA main office
on Thursday Island to gain first hand information on the role of TSRA in the region. 

A presentation was delivered to the Consul Mr Koichi Ibara, by the TSRA’s Board Executive Officer Ms Vonda Moar. Mr Ibara was briefed on the TSRA, its functions and its work in improving the living standards of our people.  

I am pleased to report that the Consul, was pleased with his visit to the TSRA and said he now understands the role of the TSRA and its important part in building the future for the people of the Torres Strait. 

Having foreign dignitaries visit our remote islands is a rare event, and the TSRA was proud to share the Torres Strait with the Consul.

Goodbye and good luck Karen Ryan

Last week, the TSRA farewelled its Payroll Officer Ms Karen Ryan. 

Karen has been with the TSRA for the last 12 months and in that short period, proved herself to be a very competent and valuable member of the TSRA team. 

I would like to thank Ms Ryan for her commitment and professionalism whilst employed at the TSRA and would like to wish her and her family well as they move south to Cairns. 

Condolences to the Pearson Family

I would like to send my sympathies to the Pearson Family who are mourning the loss of their Grandfather and Father, former Coconut Island Council Chairperson and TSRA Board member, the late Mr Yessie Gibson Pearson. 

Mr Pearson was one of the founding members of the TSRA Board in 1994, and valuably contributed towards the TSRA’s direction in its early years. 

On behalf of the TSRA Board, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the Late Mr Yessie Gibson Pearson. May he rest in peace. 

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