The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) is pleased to announce the first Fisheries Programme Indigenous Cadet placement, Madeina David from Iama Island.
The Indigenous Cadetship Support is an Australian Government initiative that seeks to support Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal students through higher-level education and improve their professional employment prospects.
Madeina completed her secondary schooling at Tagai Secondary College on Thursday Island and is now based in Townsville studying at James Cook University, where she is undertaking a Bachelor of Science majoring in Marine Biology.
Growing up in the Central Torres Strait, Madeina says she has a deep understanding of the relationship of Torres Strait Islanders with the sea and what it provides.
“I want to help to maintain our marine life to ensure future generations have access to what the sea has to offer,” Madeina says.
Madeina will continue her studies in Townsville while undertaking 12 weeks of work experience each year in the TSRA Fisheries Programme.
TSRA Chairperson, Mr Napau Pedro Stephen AM, said the TSRA Fisheries Programme Cadetship is one of the Programme’s initiatives to encourage more Torres Strait Islanders with relevant qualifications to join the TSRA Fisheries team and gain important experience for a career in the TSRA and in the Public Service. Madeina’s placement demonstrates another TSRA’s growing our own initiative.
“We are excited to have Madeina join the team for her first placement over the 2017-2018 university holiday period and look forward to her future work placements in the Programme,” Mr Stephen said.