2008 Chairs Column

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TSRA News Column

26 February – 02 March 2008
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.

Welcome for 2008
As this is my fist Column for the year, I would like to extend a warm welcome back to friends and families across the Torres Strait. I hope you all had a safe and happy festive season.

This year is shaping up to be another significant year for the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA). TSRA will be focusing on improving quality of life outcomes for our people by working in partnership with our communities and relevant government agencies.

It was through our partnerships and taking a whole of government approach that we saw tangible results throughout our six output areas in 2007. For example we now have approximately 2000 community members participating in Community Development Employment Projects, the Regional Sea Claim has made progress, the Major Infrastructure Program was extended to Stage 4 and our cultural safe keeping place, the Gab Titui Cultural Centre, was named the best Indigenous tourism entity in Queensland for the third consecutive year.

I would like to encourage our Elders, community members, Traditional Owners, Prescribed Bodies Corporate, Community Fisher Group, and partner agencies to maintain this momentum and continue to build on this good work in 2008.

New Legal Service Provider for the Torres Strait
On 1 January 2008, the TSRA introduced new service provider selection and funding arrangements to its Social Justice Program. A comprehensive, open tender process was conducted by the TSRA towards the end of last year and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Legal Service (ATSICLS) North Queensland, was appointed to provide legal services in the region.

Through this new initiative, the TSRA aims to improve legal service outcomes at a community level and ensure that all residents of the region, especially those living on the outer islands and the Northern Peninsula Area communities of Bamaga and Seisia, have access to relevant support and effective, culturally appropriate legal services that are of a high standard.

The new ATSICLS office is located at 2-3, 67 Douglas Street, Thursday Island. Should you need legal advice or assistance please contact the Legal Service either by visiting their offices or telephoning any of the following numbers:

Toll Free number: 1800 074 463
General Appointments/Administration: 0427 589 275
Field Officer: 0427 270 998
Barrister: 0428 783 553

2008 Turtle Symposium in Mexico
From 19-27 January, three Torres Strait Islanders attended the 2008 ‘Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation’ in Loreto, Mexico.

The TSRA’s Land and Sea Management Unit’s (LSMU) Dugong and Turtle Project Liaison Officer Mr Frank Loban, together with Erub Island’s Dugong and Turtle Community Project Officer Mr Kenny Bedford, and Hammond Island Ranger Mr Stephen Ambar, joined over 1000 scientists, conservationists and Indigenous land and sea managers from 60 nations to explore the theme "Native Oceans".

This event was an invaluable opportunity to learn as well as share information about sea turtles. Turtles play a critical role in our culture and way of life, and the more knowledge we have about this important species, the better we can manage them sustainably.

I would like to congratulate these three men for representing their communities and the Torres Strait at this international event and I also would like to acknowledge the support of the TSRA, the North Australian Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA), the United States organisation ‘Ocean Revolution’ and the Christensen Fund for making the Torres Strait delegation’s participation possible.

Acknowledgement of TSRA Board
With the Queensland Local Government Elections being held next month, a new TSRA Board will come into effect afterwards and I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of the 2004-2008 TSRA Board Members and Executive.

Over the last four years, the TSRA Board and Executive faced significant challenges and had to make some difficult decisions. Throughout this term, we were a united team and worked together to the best of our abilities to deliver positive outcomes and opportunities for the Torres Strait.

I would like to commend each Board Member for their encouragement, support and hard work during this term.

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.