The region’s lead federal government agency, Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), has restarted community visits as COVID-19 restrictions ease across Queensland.

TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM said a recent Kirriri (Hammond Island) visit (9 April) was among TSRA’s first face-to-face community engagement sessions since COVID-19 reached the region in late 2021.

“TSRA Board and staff have been working differently and keeping connected online for the past few months, so it is wonderful to start visiting communities again,” Mr Stephen said.

TSRA Board Member for Hammond Seriako Dorante hosted the community meeting to share updates and information, including about TSRA’s Common Funding Round.

Mr Dorante said the meeting was an opportunity to reconnect on local priorities and aspirations for the year ahead.

“There was significant interest around exploring funding opportunities to support partnerships, community groups and local ideas for engaging our young people in healthy, safe and positive activities,” Mr Dorante said.

“I would like to thank all of the community members who attended and shared ideas.”

TSRA aims to improve the lifestyle and wellbeing for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people living in the region through programs supporting economic development, fisheries, culture, art and heritage, native title, environmental management, governance and leadership towards healthy and safe communities.

For more information about the TSRA visit www.tsra.gov.au