23 October

TSRA News Column
23 – 30 October 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.

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

Passing of the late Mr Jack Ahmat
This week I would like to pay tribute to the late Mr Jack Ahmat, Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Board Member and Chairperson of Badu Island Council.

Mr Ahmat first became a Member of the TSRA in 1997, as the Chairperson and Member for Badu, and during his 10 years of service to the people of his community, emerged as a champion for economic, social and cultural development.

Jack or Bala “Ponnie” as we all knew him, strived to deliver positive outcomes for his community of Badu. His main concerns were to improve his community’s health outcomes, address housing issues, protect the region’s islands and fisheries, promote our unique culture, whilst ensuring that there were opportunities for our people to take part in the region’s economic development growth. He also endeavoured to create opportunities for our youth, and in particular, was a supporter of positive sporting and recreational activities for the youth of Badu Island.

As the representative for Badu, Jack actively worked in partnership with the TSRA Board and Administration, our communities and relevant government agencies to establish social, cultural and economic development initiatives and programs for his people.

This is evident in his home island of Badu, where today, his community enjoys and benefits from a number of projects, including the:

- Badu Island Motel                                    - Weather-proof airstrip
- Takeaway                                                - Hydroponics Nursery
- Badu Island Quarry                                  - Sealed roadways
- Badu Island Water Plant                           - Sports Complex
- Badu Island Mechanical Workshop           - Community Drainage Program

These are only a few examples of Jack’s achievements. His dedication and commitment was instrumental in delivering these outcomes at the community level, and it did not go unnoticed.

He was not only re-elected three times to be Chairperson by his people but he was also recognised for his tireless effort. In 2000, he was awarded the Australian Sports Medal by the then Governor General, Sir William  Deane and Prime Minister, John Howard.

In 2001, he received the Centenary Medal from the Governor General, Peter Hollingsworth and Prime Minister, John Howard.

In 2005 he was acknowledged for his work and was officially recognised for his 15 years of service to his community, by the Queensland Government’s Department of Local Government, Sports and Recreation. 

This followed in April 2007 with his community naming their new Sport Stadium after him in his honour.

Jack’s determination and drive to improve the quality of life for his people resulted in Badu Island becoming a hub of positive social, cultural and economic development activity.

Despite these numerous achievements, Jack was a quite achiever, humble in his approach and despite opportunities to further his own career, he preferred to remain focused on his community.

On behalf of the TSRA Board and Staff, I would like to extend my sincere and deepest sympathy to Mrs Lily Ahmat, her children and grand-children, and all the families mourning the loss of Mr Ahmat.

Mr Ahmat will be sadly missed, however, his memory will remain alive as one of Torres Strait’s most respected leaders of this generation, who made a real and positive difference to his community of Badu and the people of the Torres Strait.

The late Mrs Ellie Gaffney
Last week, I was saddened to hear of the passing of the late Mrs Ellie Gaffney. Mrs Gaffney was instrumental in establishing a number of much needed organisations in the region, including the Torres Strait Islander’s Media Association (TSIMA), the Mura Kosker Sorority and the Star of the Sea Home for the Aged.

Despite facing numerous challenges in her life, including racism, isolation and growing up in an era where women were not seen as equal, Mrs Gaffney surfaced as a prominent and respected spokesperson and advocate for women, families, youth, the elderly, social justice and health.

She was a strong voice for our people, highlighting the disadvantages and inequalities faced by our community members and was not afraid to stand up and take on the responsibility to address these issues for the Torres Strait.

Through her determination and perseverance, many families in the region are today living in a stable and healthy environment and her achievements have inspired and built confidence in women of this generation to also become leaders to continue her good work.

On behalf of the TSRA Board, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the children, grand children and families of the late Mrs Gaffney.

New Staff at TSRA
I wish to advise you that the TSRA has recently welcomed two new staff members to its workforce. Mr Bill Cuthbert has joined the TSRA’s Land and Sea Management Unit as the Coastal Management Officer, and Ms Annabelle Nilsson has commenced employment at the Native Title Office as a Legal Officer.

In his new role, Bill will be working with our communities and relevant government agencies to examine the issues affecting our islands, including coastal erosion, inundation, climate change, adaptive planning, coastal rehabilitation and mitigation issues in the region.

As Legal Officer for the Native Title Office, Ms Nilsson will be working closely with the region’s traditional owners to provide assistance in native title matters.


Any feedback 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.