Contributing to the Indigenous Advancement Strategy

News & Resources

TSRA Chairperson takes a look at an erosion site on Masig

TSRA Chairperson takes a look at an erosion site on Masig.

The Australian Government is committed to achieving better results for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in three priority areas - getting children to school, adults into work and building safe communities.

The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) contributes to these priorities by:

Getting children to school
  • Regional school attendance increased from 84 per cent in 2013 - 2014 to 88 percent in 2014 - 2015.
  • While the Torres Strait is not one of the regions targeted by the Remote Attendance Strategy, the TSRA, through its Healthy Communities and Safe Communities programmes provides funding to non-government organisations in the region to promote school attendance. This includes after school care programmes, school holiday care programmes and the ‘Straight Start’ project which improves access to early education on outer islands.
  • The TSRA’s Economic Development programme is developing a continuum from year 10 to work with the TAGAI High School and the Jobs Services Provider. This project will work with students throughout years 10, 11 and 12 to prepare them to enter the workforce.
  • The TSRA’s Environmental Management programme in partnership with TAGAI College support a ‘Junior Ranger’ project to educate students in land and sea management. This popular activity is an incentive for school attendance.
Getting people to work
  • The TSRA is the agreement manager for the former Remote Jobs in Communities Programme (RJCP) and the current Community Development Programme (CDP) for the Torres Strait region.
  • In 2014 - 2015, 45 participants have moved into full time employment. An additional 196 participants have found part-time employment.
  • The TSRA’s Economic Development programme works with communities to identify infrastructure projects which will deliver both skills enhancement and employment opportunities. The TSRA provides funding to the CDP provider to deliver employment outcome focussed projects.
  • The Torres Strait Maritime Pathways Project (TSMPP) facilitates employment in commercial fishing, seafood handling and commercial vessel operations. Since it commenced in 2013, the TSMPP had enabled 83 persons to find full time employment in this industry sector.
Building safer communities
  • The TSRA’s Safe Communities programme works with communities and funds non-government organisations to deliver a range of social services and safety programmes within the region.
  • The Port Kennedy Association and Mura Kosker Sorority are the key recipients of grant funding for these services which include child and family support services, financial counselling and adult literacy.
  • The TSRA’s contribution towards the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme has enhanced remote airport safety and jetties / landing areas safety.
  • The Torres Strait Marine Safety Programme has provided over 1,400 life jackets to children in the region. The TSRA sponsors activities during domestic violence prevention month.
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