The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) recently visited Dauan Island to share their Horticulture in Schools program and introduce the community to the Shade Tree Project.

TSRA Chairperson, Mr Napau Pedro Stephen AM, said that it is important for our schools and communities to update their skills in new and traditional gardening and environmental concepts.

“The TSRA’s Environmental Management team have done an excellent job of bringing their knowledge and skills to schools and communities,” Mr Stephen said.

“They were ably assisted by the Dauan Rangers in delivering practical workshops and knowledge to students with four sessions over a two-day period.

“The aim is to present the environmental management aspects of the TSRA Rangers work to the senior classes on Dauan, including: Horticulture, Invasive Species, Biodiversity, Biosecurity, Sea theme with Turtle and Dugong, Sea Grass monitoring, Climate Change as well as TSRA programmes and partnerships.”

Natural Resource Management Officer, Mr George Saveka praised Dauan Islanders for their efforts during school activity for their backyard gardens and introduced the Shade Tree Project.

“The Dauan Islanders are doing some great work in their backyard gardens and we were very pleased with the keen interest the students showed,” Mr Saveka said.

“The Shade Tree Project is about revegetation and beautification, which is great for the environment and provides the benefit of shade for the community, when moving around the island.

“The Dauan Rangers now have many trees to plant and will commence planting at the local school during National Tree Day in July.

“The Rangers have also been exercising aero-layering on particular native trees that will assist them with revegetation on the island and surrounding islands that need further assistance.

Mr Saveka also had the pleasure of visiting backyard gardens in the community to discuss their plans and assist them in cultivation process.

The aim of these visits is to continue to support the gardeners with materials and encourage them to continue their journey.

Dauan has its own unique qualities and vegetation and as they develop their practices, the gardeners of Dauan’s schools and community can make a big difference to the environmental management of their island.