2007 Press Release

Gab Titui Cultural Centre Turns 3!

16/04/2007

A week of community festivities will begin this week to mark the third birthday of Torres Strait’s award winning cultural safe keeping place, the Gab Titui Cultural Centre.

Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Chairperson, Mr Toshie Kris, said the Centre, which turns three today, has excelled in its field, maintaining its status as a must see attraction, as well as contributing to the maintenance, revitalisation and preservation of the region’s culture.

“Over the last three years, the Centre has earned a reputation of being an exceptional Indigenous facility, delivering a high standard of service in conjunction with an authentic, Torres Strait experience,” said Mr Kris.

“Gab Titui’s work towards supporting, conserving and promoting Indigenous culture has been officially recognised, with a High Commendation Award at the 2005 Australian Tourism Awards, being runner up at the 2006 Tropical North Queensland Tourism Awards and named as the best in Queensland for the last two years in a row – an outstanding achievement for such a young entity.

“The Centre has become an icon for the region and was even selected to represent Australia in the international documentary titled, “4”, filmed in November last year and to be released globally.

 “It has continued to draw visitors to the region from across Australia and overseas, with close to 10,000 paying visitors walking through its doors over the last three years.

“Cruise ship visits to the region have also increased since its opening, from an average of nine visits in 2004 to seventeen in 2006, contributing to local business and enhancing the region’s economy.

“To coincide with Gab Titui’s third birthday, the Centre will host a number of events this week, including children’s activities and traditional island dancing, in which the public is invited to attend.

In addition, a ceremony will be held this Friday evening to launch a month-long Regional Visual Arts and Crafts Exhibition, showcasing the unique products and creations of artists and crafts people from across the islands of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area.

“As part of this celebration, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) will be unveiling a historic Chinese Temple Bell in the Ephraim Bani Gallery which was originally presented to the RAN in 1916 by the Chinese residents of Thursday Island.

“I would like to encourage the public to take part in Gab Titui’s birthday festivities – for those who have not been to the Centre recently, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn of as well as celebrate Torres Strait’s unique history and culture,” said Mr Kris.

For more information about the about the program of events planned this week, contact the Gab Titui Cultural Centre, Thursday Island, on telephone (07) 4090 2130 or fax (07) 4090 2145.

ENDS

TSRA Media Contact: Susan Reilly. Ph: 07 4069 0700