14 March

TSRA News Column
14 March - 21 March 2007

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. 

News From TSRA’s Deputy Chair

The Torres Strait Regional Authority’s (TSRA) Chairperson Mr Toshie Kris, is currently away from the region, so as the TSRA Deputy Chairperson, I am delivering this week’s TSRA Column.

New Water Management Initiative for Torres Strait Communities

Community members will soon be able to take part in a $35,000 initiative to help manage water resources on each of our islands.

The project is being supported through the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust, the TSRA’s Land and Sea Management Unit, and the Island Coordinating Council’s Infrastructure Support Unit.

Water usage signs will be installed on each island to keep residents aware of their individual community’s water consumption rate, water restrictions, as well as the details and duration of restrictions enforced by Council.

Water is a very valuable resource and is fundamental to the wellbeing and existence of our families, plant and animal life. Many of our counterparts on the Australian mainland are currently experiencing extreme water shortages, so it is imperative that we do not take our stores for granted.

By taking simple steps such as reporting and fixing leaking taps, and recycling grey water, we can contribute to maintaining this precious resource.

TSRA Staff Member Awarded a Leadership Scholarship

TSRA staff member, Mr Charlie Kaddy, has been awarded a scholarship to study under the guidance of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation.

Mr Kaddy is amongst thirty-one successful applicants from across Australia, to be accepted in to the Foundation’s Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP).

The ARLP aims to assist rural and regional participants by equipping them with the necessary skills to become active and effective leaders.

Charlie has shown strong interest and commitment to developing positive opportunities for our region and has demonstrated this through his employment at the TSRA as a Field Officer and, more recently, through acting in the position of Policy Officer.

On behalf of the TSRA Board, I would like to congratulate Charlie on receiving this scholarship and I wish him well during his studies.

New TSRA Land and Sea Management Unit Dugong and Turtle Project Liaison Officer

I would like to inform you that Mr Frank Loban has recently commenced employment as the Dugong and Turtle Project Liaison Officer for the TSRA’s Land and Sea Management Unit (LSMU).

Mr Loban grew up in the Torres Strait, completing his primary and secondary school years on Thursday Island before going to university and working in Brisbane for the Australian Federal Police. He is also currently studying for a Masters in Indigenous Studies.

In his new role, Frank will be working with the LSMU’s Regional Dugong and Turtle Project Facilitator, Mr Lachlan Sutherland, to assist our communities to develop and implement, approved community based approaches towards sustaining our region’s dugong and turtle resources. 

Any feedback for on this column can be sent to:

Mr. John T. Kris
TSRA Chairperson
PO Box 261
Thursday Island QLD 4875

Alternatively, feedback can also be sent through the TSRA website via the media contact in the ‘contact us’ segment of the site.  Until the next column, may God bless you all and keep you safe.
Fred Gela
TSRA Deputy Chairperson