2008 Press Release

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Gab Titui Cultural Centre Celebrates Fourth Birthday
For Immediate Release 16/04/2008

It is four years today since the establishment of the Gab Titui Cultural Centre and tradition will be upheld next week with birthday celebrations to take place at the Centre from Monday 21 April through to Friday 25 April.

Since its inception, Gab Titui has gone from strength to strength, becoming a major drawcard for the region’s tourism industry as well as earning a place in the heart of the Torres Strait people whose art and heritage it was created to preserve.

The Centre’s outstanding achievements as keeper and promoter of Torres Strait culture continue to be acknowledged at award ceremonies across the country, its successes comprising:

• A High Commendation Award at the 2005 Australian Tourism Awards;

• Runner up at the 2006 Tropical North Queensland Tourism Awards;

• Winner of the Queensland Tourism Awards for Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism from 2005 – 2007, gaining entry into the Award’s Hall of Fame; and

• Finalist in the 2008 Australian Indigenous Tourism Awards.

TSRA Chairperson Mr. Toshie Kris, said that due to its authentic and varied array of exhibits, the Gab Titui Cultural Centre continues to attract both domestic and international visitors to the region, having hosted in excess of 17,000 paying visitors in the last four years.

“Gab Titui has championed the cause of many local artists and crafts-people, some of whom now enjoy national and international acclaim”, said Mr. Kris.

“The Centre is also establishing itself as an educator and a bridge from one generation to the next by holding workshops for students to help instil an appreciation for their Torres Strait culture.

“In an age of concern about the loss of cultural knowledge among the younger generation, the Cultural Centre plays an integral role in the revitalisation of Torres Strait heritage.

“On the evening of Wednesday 23 April, Gab Titui’s fourth birthday celebrations will include the opening of the “Bipotaim: Stories of the Torres Strait” exhibition, the display of “Goeyga Thithuy” Sailing Canoe, the official opening of the expanded Gift Shop and traditional island dancing, all of which the public is invited to attend.

“The birthday celebrations have become a significant event on Gab Titui’s calendar as well as an invaluable opportunity for the community to participate in the festivities while learning about the culture and perusing some of the finest art to emerge from the Torres Strait”, Mr. Kris said.

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

ENDS
TSRA Media Contact: Ana Talko. Ph: 07 4069 0700