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.  

Condolences to our Bereaved Families

On behalf of the Board Members of the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), I would like to extend our sympathies to families across the Torres Strait, who are mourning the loss of a loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. 

Fuel Price Increases in the Torres Strait

Being located in a remote part of Australia, our communities like other remote areas, have experienced high living costs, compared to those encountered by our urban counterparts. 

A current issue of major concern is the high fuel costs we are witnessing each time we refuel our cars and dinghies. Since the removal of the Petroleum Products Freight Subsidy Scheme on 1 July, we have seen record prices at local fuel bowsers. The price of unleaded fuel, particularly in our outer islands has come close to $3.00 in the past week. 

I am aware that this is having a significant impact on our people’s daily lifestyle and wellbeing. Family budgets are being strained, not only by the costs at the bowser, but also when shopping for groceries, where the increased freight costs of goods are being passed on to consumers.  

Our fishermen have been affected, with the costs of fuel determining how far out they can travel to harvest tropical rock lobster and fin-fish, as well as influencing the end amount of income they take back to their families. 

I wish to inform you that on behalf of the TSRA Board, I have approached the Queensland Government about the high freight costs and inturn living expenses in the region, and will now call on both the Australian and Queensland Government Departments of Transport to address this matter urgently.  

In particular, I will highlight the cultural, health and economic costs this is having on the Torres Strait, and request that they consider reinstating the fuel subsidy for remote regions such as ours. 

A whole of government approach is needed to develop and implement a solution to ease the burden of these exorbitant costs on Torres Strait residents and other remote communities.  

Congratulations Wasie Tardent

I would like to acknowledge Mrs Wasie Tardent for her 47 years of service in education in the Torres Strait. 

Mrs Tardent has been actively involved in the region’s pre-schooling system and over time, witnessed it evolve into the recent pre-prep education structure.   

She has helped to lay the foundation for many of our children’s early learning years, before they enter the primary school system at grade one. 

On Behalf of the TSRA Board, I would like to extend my congratulations to Wasie, and wish her well on her retirement and future endeavours. 

Two certified Mechanics at Mer

Mer community now has two certified mechanics operating on the island with Mr Bernett Zaro and Mr Jackson Wailu recently awarded Trade Certificates in Mechanics. 

They are a great example of what determination and hard work can achieve, with distance not being a barrier to limit their education. 

I would like to congratulate both Bernett and Jackson on their achievement and also the Mer Island Council, who supported them through their study. 

Arpaka Dance Team members visit Paris

Three local members of the Arpaka Dance Team, recently showcased Torres Strait’s unique and vibrant culture to the people of Paris, France. 

Dance Team Director, Dennis Newie, travelled with two dancers from St Pauls Community, Mr Pedro Solomon, and Mr Eccles Newie, to promote our culture and region at the city’s Indigenous Arts Museum and the Australian Embassy. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dennis, Pedro and Eccles for sharing a piece of Torres Strait’s rich culture with our friends in Paris and congratulate them for promoting and assisting through their Dance Team to maintain and preserve our culture.

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