Programme Reports

Table 2-19 Culture, Art and Heritage Programme external funding expenditure, 2016-2017

475

472

3

Arts development programme

The TSRA continued to contribute towards arts development initiatives for the region in 2016-2017, providing operational support to the three regional art centres on Badu, Erub and Moa.

Additionally, arts skills workshops were delivered on Horn Island and Hammond Island.

The TSRA hosted the annual Torres Strait artist meeting on Horn Island, which provided 26 local emerging artists with information on the fundamentals of progressing their careers in the arts industry.

The Gab Titui Cultural Centre (GTCC) delivered masterclasses in printmaking and workshops in jewellery making.

Culture, art and heritage grants

The TSRA Culture, Art and Heritage Programme supported a total of 18 applications in 2016-2017. This included activities funded under a new funding stream, the Torres Strait significant milestone events stream.

Funded activities included support for school arts and cultural tours, music production and artist workshops, and for artists, musicians and traditional dance groups to participate in art and cultural events around and outside the region.

The significant events grant round supported the 25th anniversaries of the raising of the Torres Strait flag, and the Mabo decision.

The TSRA also contributed towards the 2016 Zenadth Kes Cultural Festival on Thursday Island.

The funded activities contributed towards the ongoing promotion and maintenance of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal art and culture in the region.

Cultural maintenance programme

The TSRA continues to observe and practice cultural protocols and Ailan Kastom through all programmes and initiatives delivered in communities. The TSRA also provides guidance on cultural protocols to other Australian and Queensland Government departments and non-Government stakeholders visiting the region.

The 2016-2017 initiatives contributing towards the cultural maintenance programme included: support through grant funding for traditional music and dance groups participation at cultural events; and activities promoting and preserving cultural knowledge and traditions, such as publications and music production.

The GTCC has a changing programme of cultural maintenance exhibitions displayed in the Ephraim Bani Gallery. In 2016-2017 the exhibition programme featured Evolution: Torres Strait Masks, and the Gab Titui Collection.

Dance strategy

In 2016, traditional dance teams were selected through an expression of interest process to participate and showcase Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal cultural performances at nominated 2017 events. The Arpaka Dance Company from Moa Island participated in the Yirramboi First Nations Indigenous Arts Festival in Melbourne, and the Eip Karem Baizam dance team from Thursday Island and Mer will perform at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair in July 2017. Other shortlisted dance teams performed at various TSRA and community events throughout the year.

Arts licensing and IP protection

The GTCC developed licence agreements with 25 artists in 2016-2017 for the use of their images in publications and on art and craft products and products developed by the GTCC.

Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award

The Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2017, receiving 52 entries and attracting 300 people on opening night and more than 3,000 visitors over six weeks. The art award is a flagship event for the GTCC and TSRA and attracts members of the local community, leaders, curators, representatives of collection institutions and tourists, who visit Cairns specifically for this exhibition.

Gab Titui Cultural Centre – exhibition/public programmes

Evolution: Torres Strait Masks opened at the National Museum of Australia on 19 May 2017. It will tour nationally after it closes at the museum in August 2017. Through a partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the museum is reproducing the exhibition as panels, which will tour internationally. An exhibition of contemporary work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Freshwater, Saltwater, was exhibited at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre by UMI Arts. Public programmes held in 2016-2017 included school holiday programmes, jewellery workshops, screen printing classes during the cultural festival, storytelling classes and masterclasses in printmaking.

The Torres Strait language strategy

In 2016-2017, the TSRA continued to work in partnership with the Australian Government Ministry for the Arts and Tagai State College to facilitate the launch of the Torres Strait Traditional Languages Plan 2016-2019 and the Torres Strait Traditional Languages Charter. Those key documents will guide the region on the revitalisation and maintenance of the two traditional languages Meriam Mir and Kala Lagau Ya and their six dialects.

The second Torres Strait Language Symposium was held at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Thursday Island in May 2017. This event showcased language activities being delivered through the region, nationally and internationally. The Torres Strait Language Reference Group dissolved at the end of this event, and a new Torres Strait Traditional Language Advisory Committee was formed to progress the implementation of the Torres Strait Traditional Languages Plan.

The TSRA and Tagai State College formalised a three-year agreement to establish a regional language centre at Yangu Pawaw Ngurpay Mudh, the existing language and culture centre at Tagai State College Thursday Island Secondary Campus.

Music strategy – Music and Dance Audit

The Music and Dance Audit for the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area continued in 2016-2017. Since its commencement in 2007, 14 communities have completed their community CD and DVD productions, highlighting traditional music and dance, and cultural knowledge.

Table 2-20 Native Title Programme expenditure, 2016-2017

4,114

4,365

251

Table 2-21 Native Title Programme external funding expenditure, 2016-2017

500

293

207

Native Title compensation

In 2016-2017, seven ILUAs were successfully negotiated. The value of compensation for the agreements is approximately $865,500.

Since 2005, 65 ILUAs have been registered. The value of compensation is approximately $2.416 million.

The Timber Creek compensation methodology, which is currently under appeal, is expected to be applied to future compensation claims in the region.

Deeds of Grant in Trust (DOGIT) transfer

There were no DOGIT transfers in 2016-2017. The Queensland Government has not scheduled any DOGIT transfers for 2017-2018.

Land Holding Act (Katter Leases)

There are 351 Katter Leases in the region. The TSRA has been working with the Queensland Government and the Torres Strait Island Regional Council to finalise Katter Leases on Badu Island. This work is in progress. While the Queensland Government has also scheduled work on Katter Leases for Boigu, Mabuyag, Hammond and Moa islands, there are significant resource implications for the Native Title Office which are still being negotiated.

Major Infrastructure ILUA

The Native Title Office is working with the Queensland Government and the Torres Strait Island Regional Council to finalise draft 24 of the Major Infrastructure ILUA. There has been agreement to separate social housing infrastructure from other major infrastructure. This should enable the ILUA to be finalised in 2017.

Management of Future Acts and ILUAs

The Native Title Office received 205 Future Acts notices in 2016-2017. Responses have been provided to 178 of these notices.

Native Title claim – Naghir Island

The Native Title Office is overseeing further progress by engaging a consultant anthropologist.

Native Title claim – Sea Claim Part B (QUD6040/2001)

The Native Title Office has been progressing this claim.

The Part B area is wholly overlapped by two claims. The Western Claim is filed on behalf of the Kaurareg people and the Eastern Claim is filed on behalf of the Gudang Yadheykenu people.

The Badulgal, Mualgal and Kaurareg People have agreed that the western overlap is shared sea country. However, a new authorisation meeting is required to clarify the claimants in order for this matter to progress.

Negotiations with the Cape York Land Council about resolving the eastern overlap have commenced. Further anthropological research is required to identify the Traditional Owner group for the claim.

Native Title Conference

The National Native Title Conference was held from 5 to 7 June 2017 in Townsville. This conference coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Mabo decision, which was celebrated throughout the Torres Strait. A Native Title Symposium was held at Mer (Murray Island), attended by the Minister for Indigenous Affairs and about 100 guests.

NTRB legal services

The Native Title Office provides a wide range of legal assistance to the PBCs and Traditional Owners in the region upon request. Table 2-22 provides statistical information on the level of engagement in 2016-2017.

PBC regional workshops

Regional PBC workshops are conducted in conjunction with other Native Title activity that requires PBC directors to assemble. PBC chairs or their representatives had two opportunities in 2016-2017 to meet collectively with the Native Title Office legal team.

Capacity building for the Gur A Baradharaw Kod Sea and Land Council

The Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council has not yet established an office or staffing in the region, and does not yet have capacity to assist Traditional Owners to manage their Native Title. The TSRA has offered to assist the council to develop this capacity.

PBC support and capacity building

The Native Title Office provides support to 21 PBCs in the region to ensure that they maintain legislative compliance and can effectively engage with the Traditional Owners in their communities.

In 2016-2017, representatives of the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations visited the region and delivered training for public officers at Erub (Darnley Island) and Ngarupai (Horn Island).

Number of reported non-compliance matters involving PBCs

There are no reported non-compliance matters for the region.

Number of DOGIT transferred to PBCs with appropriate support mechanisms

There were no DOGIT transfers in 2016-2017. The Queensland Government does not have any DOGIT transfers scheduled for 2017-2018.

Table 2-22 Performance statistics – Native Title Office

1. THE CLAIMS EXPERIENCE

Claimant applications

Active claims represented at 30 June 2016

2

0

0

0

0

0

Active claims represented at 30 June 2017

2

Number of active claims registered by National Native Title Tribunal

0

Claims in development

1

Non-claimant applications

0

Compensation claims

0

Future Acts notices received

205

Responses to Future Acts

178

Agreements concluded

0

Agreements in development

0

ILUAs concluded and registered

1

ILUAs in development

20

Complaints and disputes

0

Complaints

0

0

0

Disputes relating to Native Title applications

1

Disputes relating to ILUAs, rights of access and other matters

5

Requests for review of decisions not to assist

Requests received

1

Reviews completed

1

Requests for review of decisions to assist

Requests received

15

Requests approved

15

Table 2-23 Environmental Management Programme expenditure, 2016-2017

4,926

4,531

(395)

Table 2-24 Environmental Management Programme external funding expenditure, 2016-2017

10,636

10,531

105

Invasive species management

The TSRA coordinated the development of the Torres Strait Regional Biosecurity Plan 2017-2022. Queensland Government funding was secured for a 12-month project to manage feral animals and weeds on key islands across the region through a partnership approach with local government. Major weed programmes are underway to control leucaena, lantana and rubber bush on several islands, including Moa, Boigu, Saibai, Mer, Erub, Warraber and Dauan.

Invasive feral cat and rodent surveys have been conducted on 13 uninhabited islands in Torres Strait. Aerial surveys have been conducted for wild horses and deer on three islands. The Torres Shire Council has been contracted to conduct wild dog, feral cat and cane toad control programmes on Thursday Island and Horn Island.

The TSRA also entered a partnership agreement for shared service delivery with the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources for the provision of biosecurity services, which has created fee-for-service opportunities for TSRA rangers. The TSRA also participates in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Biosecurity Working Group.

Sustainable horticulture project

The Environmental Management Programme works closely with the TSRA’s Healthy Communities and Safe Communities programmes to support communities with horticulture activities in the region. A regional landcare facilitator is employed to coordinate project activities, including facilitation of workshops on outer islands to provide practical and technical demonstrations on food gardening, to assist with the re-establishment of family garden plots and backyard gardens, and the development and maintenance of plant nurseries. The regional landcare facilitator provides a monthly garden column in the Torres News, and also supports the Thursday Island Garden Fair with a stall promoting traditional food gardening and sustainable practices.

Ranger project

TSRA employs 49 rangers, as well as support staff, across 14 outer island communities. Working on Country plans, endorsed by Traditional Owners, are in place to guide the local cultural and natural resource management activities of rangers, who participate in a comprehensive training programme to equip them for their scope of works. A large part of the programme is based on maritime operations and it operates nine vessels located across the region. Future prospects include roles in intelligence gathering and compliance activities, within both customary and government regulatory frameworks.

Environmental education project

This project supports the employment of an environmental education coordinator to lead and coordinate the development and delivery of environmental education programmes within Tagai State College campuses. A school camp base has recently been established at Bamaga to support traditional knowledge transfer through teaching arts, crafts, cooking, dancing and hunting.

Dugong and turtle management

Dugong and turtle management plans are in place for each outer island community and are being implemented by communities with the support of the TSRA. The plans integrate traditional use and contemporary science and management approaches to support the sustainable management of dugong and turtle across the region. A dugong and turtle management plan for the Kaiwalagal region has recently been approved by Kaurareg Traditional Owners. The TSRA Environmental Management Programme is now leading annual turtle nesting and hatchling surveys at index rookeries across the Torres Strait for each species that nests in the region.

Biodiversity planning and management

Baseline biodiversity surveys have been carried out on 13 inhabited islands and more than 20 uninhabited islands. A plant and animal book and video have been produced for Badu Island. Mangrove and water quality monitoring projects have been undertaken on Boigu and Saibai. Seasonal calendars are under development for two islands.

Marine ecosystem monitoring

Rangers have been trained in seagrass monitoring techniques and are actively carrying out intertidal monitoring in seven communities. Coral surveys and assessment of the extent of coral bleaching were undertaken in 2016-2017. The TSRA continued to support rangers to conduct biannual surveys of coral reefs. Remote weather stations at four locations across the region continued to be maintained and collect weather and marine data. Research is underway to investigate the impacts of Fly River pollution on the marine resources of Torres Strait. The TSRA also participated in a recent shipping forum to consider the impacts of shipping in the region and risk mitigation options.

Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs) project

Three IPAs have been declared and are being actively managed in the Torres Strait region: Warul Kawa IPA, Pulu Islet IPA and Warraberalgal Porumalgal IPA. The TSRA, including rangers from associated communities, continues to actively support the implementation of management plans for all IPAs in the region. A review of the IPA plan of management for Warul Kawa is currently underway.

Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) project

The TEK project supports participating Torres Strait communities to utilise a TEK database for the collection, protection and controlled sharing of cultural and natural resource information whilst ensuring adherence to cultural protocols. Nine Torres Strait communities on eight islands are participating in the project. A review of the TEK project was undertaken in early 2016 to explore how to increase the uptake of the TEK system, how to better incorporate TEK into land and sea management, and how to best utilise project resources.

Future funding and investment prospectus

The Land and Sea Management Strategy for Torres Strait 2016-2036 was launched in August 2016. The strategy is the guiding framework for environmental management in the region, through a collaborative approach with Traditional Owners, all levels of government and other partners. An investment prospectus is under development to support the TSRA’s efforts to secure ongoing funding, and to guide and inform future management, monitoring and evaluation of the region’s key values.

Climate change adaptation and resilience

Development of the Torres Strait Regional Adaptation and Resilience Plan 2016-2021 (launched in December 2016) was a priority action in 2016-2017. Community workshops were continued in 2016-2017 and local adaptation and resilience plans were drafted for endorsement by 13 Torres Strait communities.

Renewable energy

Ergon Energy has indicated strong interest in working with the TSRA to progress the uptake of renewable energy in the region. Discussions on the development of a regional energy strategy did not progress in the reporting period as the focus was on targeting opportunities to increase the use of regional energy. Ergon is progressing a 35 kW solar farm construction project at Poruma that will be integrated into the island’s isolated system. The TSRA also commissioned a feasibility study for solar power energy to supplement power for local desalination units.

Number of actions in the climate change strategy and associated action plans implemented

26 actions from the regional adaptation plan are now being progressed.

At least two new renewable energy initiatives commenced by 2018

Two renewable energy initiatives were begun in the reporting period.

Number of inhabited islands with active food producing community gardens in place

While community interest in horticulture activities is high, participation in community gardens has been low. In 2017-2018, efforts will be refocused to provide support for the establishment of family gardens and revitalise more sustainable community gardens.

Table 2-25 Governance and Leadership Programme expenditure, 2016-2017

4,909

4,777

(132)

Community consultation and engagement

During 2016-2017, community engagement was conducted in seven Torres Strait communities by the Chairperson and CEO. Further community visits are planned for 2017-2018.

Integrated Service Delivery community booklets

No community booklet refreshes were undertaken in 2016-2017.

Media and communications support

This is a contracted activity through Zakazukha Marketing Communications. In 2016-2017, 45 media releases were produced.

Internal and external audit support

Both the external and internal audit programmes were completed. Audit recommendation tracking and status reports were provided at four Audit Committee meetings.

Assistance with Tertiary Education Scheme

Eleven tertiary scholarships were offered in 2016-2017.

Board and Chairperson support

Four executive meetings, four Audit Committee meetings and four Board meetings were conducted in 2016-2017. Executive assistance was provided to the TSRA Chairperson.

Board Strategic Workshop

All Board Members attended the TSRA’s Board Strategic Workshop in November 2016. The focus of this workshop was to develop the TSRA’s priorities going forward. In May 2017, 18 Board Members attended a further strategic workshop to identify the Board’s priorities for the Torres Strait Development Plan for 2019-2022.

Indigenous leadership

During 2016-2017, one person was supported to undertake the Australian Rural Leadership Programme and three people were supported to undertake the Training Rural Australians in Leadership programme.

Support to regional broadcasting

The Torres Strait Islanders Media Association met their broadcasting hours and local content targets.

Women’s and youth leadership

Six participants were supported in the youth leadership programme and the women’s leadership programme increased to 10 participants.

Achieve a minimum of 20 per cent increase in access to services over the life of the Torres Strait Development Plan 2014-2018 measured from the 2012 baseline regional plan community booklets

The Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Plan (2009-2029) identified 1,608⁽¹⁾ service gaps.⁽²⁾ In 2012-2013, 372 (23 per cent) had been fully addressed. This increased to 773 (48 per cent) in 2013-2014 and 1,034 (64 per cent) in 2014-2015. In 2015-2016, new issues were identified from the refresh of 13 community booklets. The issues that have been fully addressed remain at 1,064 (64 per cent).

Increase in Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Women with the capacity to participate in leadership roles in the region measured from the 2012 baseline

The Torres Strait Women’s Leadership Programme is delivered in partnership with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation.

The 2012 baseline was six. Since then, the following participants have been supported.

• 2013-2014 – 4 women
• 2014-2015 – 4 women
• 2015-2016 – 7 women
• 2016-2017 – 10 women.

Increase in Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal youth (18-25) with the capacity to participate in leadership development activities measured from the 2012 baseline

Training Rural Australians in Leadership:

• 2013-2014 – two male/one female
• 2014-2015 – three male/four female
• 2015-2016 – one male
• 2016-2017 – two male/one female.

Torres Strait Young Leaders Programme:

• 2013-2014 – one male/three female
• 2014-2015 – one male/three female
• 2015-2016 – two male/four female
• 2016-2017 – three male/three female.

Both programmes are delivered in partnership with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation.

1. The service gaps were identified in 2009-2010 as part of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Plan (2009-2029) development process.

2. The community consultations conducted in 2014-2015 identified that some community booklets contained duplicate entries of gaps in services. Five duplications were removed, reducing the baseline from 1,613 reported in 2013-2014 to 1,608 this year.

Table 2-26 Healthy Communities Programme expenditure, 2016-2017

6,218

6,249

31

7,500

7,500

0

Seawalls

The joint Australian Government and Queensland Government initiative to increase coastal protection in low-lying Torres Strait communities continued throughout the financial year.

Construction of the seawall on Saibai Island reached practical completion on Monday 22 May 2017. Seawall construction work on Boigu Island is due for commencement in late 2017.

Major infrastructure projects

Thirteen environmental health infrastructure projects were delivered under the Major Infrastructure Programme Stage 5 (MIP 5). All MIP 5 projects have been completed.

The TSRA successfully secured $30 million from the Australian Government and the Queensland Government for Stage 6 of the Major Infrastructure Programme (MIP 6). The funding will deliver 12 environmental health infrastructure projects.

The TSRA continues to work closely with the three regional councils to implement the MIP 6 projects and associated employment and training outcomes for communities.

The TSRA also secured $6 million in infrastructure funding from the Australian Government for the Prince of Wales Safe Landing Facility project, which will provide safe access for the community.

Regional water operations and support

The TSRA continued its contribution to the Torres Strait Island Regional Council Water and Waste Water Management Programme through 2016-2017 to ensure that services are adequately maintained for outer island communities.

The TSRA provided funding to enable the council to purchase five emergency desalination units to mitigate critical water shortages, due to a poor wet season, in Torres Strait communities. The desalination units have been purchased and are used to supplement fresh water supplies.

Major Infrastructure Program trust and other infrastructure projects

The TSRA continues to work with the Torres Strait Island Regional Council to identify infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions to allow for all-tide safe access to Ugar community.

The TSRA provided funding for a Ugar infrastructure project, environmental assessment, and fuel bowser and helicopter pad upgrade.

Healthy fresh food and horticulture

The Healthy Communities Programme continued to support the Environmental Management Programme’s delivery of horticulture initiatives through the provision of grant funding to community organisations to support market garden activities.

Sport and recreation activities (grant funding)

The TSRA funded several local council minor sporting infrastructure projects, including upgrades to Erub Stadium and Masig Stadium.

The Torres Strait Youth and Recreational Sporting Association continued to administer sports subsidy funding on behalf of the TSRA throughout the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area region.

The TSRA also provided support to the association to build its organisational capacity to improve service delivery. This included training and development of staff and committee members in areas of administration and accounting.

Six major local sporting carnival events were supported.

The TSRA provided 73 sport and recreation grants to encourage participation in a range of sporting and recreational activities, including sporting events at state and national levels.

Of a total of 3,134 participants in sport and recreation during the period:

• 1,026 were in the 0-12 age group
• 818 were in the 13-25 age group
• 1,159 were in the 26-54 age group
• 131 were 55 years or older.

Waste and landfill projects

The Healthy Communities Programme continues to work with key stakeholders in local and state government and Australian Government agencies to address waste management issues in the region.

The Torres Shire Council received funding from the TSRA’s Community Minor Infrastructure Fund that will enable the council to commence a recycling initiative in 2017-2018.

Horn Island affordable housing project

Construction of subdivision works is yet to commence at the proposed site on Horn Island. This project was delayed due to Native Title matters. Those matters have been resolved and the Torres Shire Council is finalising the land tenure.

Works on the subdivision are expected to commence in 2018.

Health promotion and community education projects

The TSRA provides operational funding to the Torres Strait Youth and Recreation Sporting Association. The association provided support to sporting events in the region and worked closely with event organisers and stakeholders, such as Queensland Health, to deliver health and nutrition education initiatives.

The TSRA funded a community waste education programme as part of the Torres Shire Council’s Waste Management project.

The TSRA also influences policy for health programmes across all tiers of government, through participation in the:

• Torres Strait Cross Border Health Issues Committee
• Department of Health: Implementation Plan Advisory Group
• Department of Health: Aged Care Master Plan
• James Cook University Torres Strait Island Health Sciences Consultative Committee
• National Health and Medical Research Council
• Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Partnership.

Increased access to fresh and affordable foods in Torres Strait communities

The Environmental Management Programme’s Mekem Garden Sustainable Horticulture Project delivers food garden initiatives and workshops to increase knowledge and practice of traditional gardening activities and promote the growing of fresh foods in Torres Strait communities.

The Healthy Communities Programme complements the project by providing grant education sessions in conjunction with the Mekem Garden workshops conducted by the regional Landcare facilitator, to encourage communities to access TSRA grant funding opportunities for gardening and horticulture activities.

Increase in participation in structured sport, recreation and healthy lifestyle activities

Six major local sporting events were supported and 73 grants for sporting and recreational activities were approved. A total of 3,134 participants were supported in 2016-2017.

Increase in serviced land and infrastructure to support housing for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people

The TSRA continues to support the Torres Shire Council to deliver a subdivision on Horn Island. The TSRA has contributed funding to establish the subdivision and in-ground services for 24 housing lots. Issues with Native Title previously delayed this project; works are now expected to commence later in 2017.

Table 2-28 Safe Communities Programme expenditure, 2016-2017

4,519

4,822

303

School attendance and learning initiatives (grants)

The TSRA provides funding support for projects that improve the delivery of social services in the Torres Strait and the Northern Peninsula Area.

In 2016-2017, the TSRA continued supporting Ensuring a Strait Start, a project developed by the Torres Strait Islanders Regional Education Council to improve access to early education support in the Torres Strait communities.

Ensuring a Strait Start is currently being delivered in Thursday Island, Badu, Poruma, Boigu, Iama, Erub, Kubin, Masig, Mer, Saibai, Dauan and Horn Island communities. The council is working towards implementing the project on Warraber and Mabuyag.

Community safety partnerships

The TSRA has a range of key partnerships related to community safety, with relevant local and state government and Australian Government agencies. The TSRA is a member of the Torres Strait Child and Family Committee, the Social Justice Interagency Group and the Torres Strait Maritime Safety Programme.

Community safety projects (grants)

The TSRA provided two community safety grants through its common funding rounds in 2016-2017.

Funding supported the inaugural Torres Strait domestic and family violence conference and an early intervention project through the Thursday Island Community Justice Group.

Law enforcement partnerships

The TSRA provides funding support for the delivery of legal services for residents in the region through a partnership with the Attorney-General’s Department. The service is provided by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service.

The TSRA and the Attorney-General’s Department have partnership arrangements in place until 2019-2020, which will ensure that key legal services support continues to be provided for the region.

In 2016-2017, 584 cases relating to duty lawyer, criminal, family and civil casework were supported, and 1,091 cases were supported for advice and minor assistance. The Community Legal Education Officer role continues to assist clients to understand the legal process.

Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme

The TSRA continued to work with the Queensland Government Department of Transport and Main Roads through a memorandum of understanding to deliver the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS). In 2016-2017, TIDS delivered a schedule of works covering land, sea and air transport infrastructure on Torres Strait outer island communities.

The works included:

• barge ramp repairs on Kubin, Dauan, Masig and Hammond islands
• construction of road signage and safety barriers on Moa and Hammond islands.

In addition to the TIDS schedule of works, the TSRA and the department contributed funding in 2016-2017 towards the upgrade of the wharf infrastructure on Hammond Island. Works are set to commence in 2017-2018.

Social services delivered by non-government organisations (NGOs) – Port Kennedy Association and Mura Kosker Sorority

Core operational and service support funding was provided to the Mura Kosker Sorority and the Port Kennedy Association to continue to deliver important community social support services. With this support, the organisations deliver programmes such as child and family support services, after school and holiday care programmes, and domestic and family counselling. Both organisations act as auspicing bodies for individuals and unincorporated bodies that apply for community grants.

PKA currently employs 20 Indigenous staff and MKS currently employs 12 Indigenous staff in roles including administration, counsellors, outreach workers and programme coordinators.

Coordination of infrastructure planning

The TSRA works in partnership with key Commonwealth and state government agencies to secure and maintain funding relationships that contribute to key regional infrastructure projects.

In 2016-2017, the TSRA rolled out the Community Minor Infrastructure Fund. The first round of funding provided joint funding for 11 projects.

The TSRA worked closely with the three local government councils and the Queensland Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning to coordinate the delivery of Stage 6 of the Major Infrastructure Programme.

The TSRA is also a member of two local council technical working groups which facilitate information sharing on regional infrastructure planning and coordination.

Community capacity building (grants)

Four grants were provided to individuals and community organisations to encourage community safety awareness and capacity building in the current social services providers to improve the wellbeing of communities.

Social and economic engagement partnerships

In 2016-2017, the TSRA worked with key partners to improve social and economic community engagement. The Safe Communities Programme contributed to integrated service delivery forums as well as interagency social service forums.

Social services delivered by NGOs (grants)

The capacity building implementation project undertaken by the Mura Kosker Sorority and the Port Kennedy Association has been completed. This project built governance and administrative capacity in the two organisations and improved the delivery of social support services in the Torres Strait region.

The Port Kennedy Association received funding to continue its community after school care programme in 2016-2017.

All Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people employed in the TSRA-supported social services sector in the region have appropriate accreditation

The TSRA provides the Mura Kosker Sorority and the Port Kennedy Association with an annual operational budget that includes appropriations for training and accreditation. The organisations have appropriate accreditation to effectively perform their duties within the social services sector. These include certificates in Aged Care and Disability Services, Children’s Services, Community Services, and Business Administration; the Associate Degree in Indigenous Community Management and Development; and the Diploma in Financial Counselling.

All TSRA funded service delivery organisations in the region provide quality services and operate in accordance with relevant standards

Social support services are effectively delivered in the region by the Mura Kosker Sorority and the Port Kennedy Association and are operated in accordance with relevant standards under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 (Qld), and within the TSRA funding guidelines. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service delivers legal services in the region in accordance with relevant standards and guidelines under the Indigenous Legal Assistance and Policy Reform Programme of the Attorney-General’s Department.

Reduction in service referrals, response timeframes and waiting lists for social service providers

The amount of service referrals varies depending on clients’ individual circumstances. The programmes delivered by the Mura Kosker Sorority and the Port Kennedy Association include child and family services, the Disability/Flexi-Respite Programme and the Old People’s Action Programme.

All responses to clients and waiting lists are managed in line with the service provisions of those organisations.

Increased participation in TSRA-supported community events by residents and TSRA-funded service organisations

The number of residents and TSRA funded organisations participating in various community events has increased to 400 participants, compared to an average of 300 participants in previous years.

Community events coordinated by the Mura Kosker Sorority and the Port Kennedy Association include events related to International Women’s Day, Domestic Violence Prevention Month, White Ribbon Awareness Day, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day, and Child Protection Week.