The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) joined NAIDOC Week celebrations (3 to 10 July 2022) across Australia honouring the achievements, traditions and strength of all Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal peoples.
As part of NAIDOC Week 2022, the TSRA sponsored the Muyngu Koekaper Dance team from Saibai to perform to a crowd of 1400 guests at the 2022 National NAIDOC Week Awards Ceremony in Narrm (Melbourne) on 2 July 2022.
TSRA Acting Chairperson Horace Baira said the sponsorship reflected the TSRA’s commitment to preserve, maintain and promote the unique cultural heritage and histories of the region.
“The TSRA proudly supported this opportunity to showcase the vibrant culture of the Torres Strait with a national audience as part of the country’s premiere NAIDOC Week event,” Mr Baira said.
“The TSRA also congratulates all 2022 National NAIDOC Week Awards nominees and winners on their tremendous contributions and advocacy in their communities and across Australia.”
This year’s theme – Get up! Stand up! Show up! – recognises the efforts of the early leaders within Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal communities who fought relentlessly for change, while challenging us today to work together for true institutional and structural reforms.
Mr Baira said the Torres Strait has a proud history of advocacy and action.
“NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate the many who have driven and led change in our communities over generations, they have been the heroes and champions of change, of equal rights and even basic human rights,” he said.
“This year in particular holds special meaning as it 30 years since the landmark Mabo High Court decision which overturned the myth that Australia was Terra Nullius – a land belonging to no one – at colonisation.
“It is also 30 years since the design of the Torres Strait Islander Flag, which represents a symbol of unity and identity for our people.”
TSRA Chief Executive Officer Vonda Malone said:
“NAIDOC Week is a time for us as Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal peoples to come together and reflect on our journeys, achievements and moments in time that have shifted the positive direction of First Nations peoples’ rights,” Ms Malone said.
“It is also an opportunity for people from all walks of life to look towards a united future.
“Beyond NAIDOC Week, we must continue to amplify the voices and achievements of our people.”
This year, TSRA staff celebrated NAIDOC Week with cultural activities at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre. The TSRA’s Gab Titui Culture Centre also participated in the much-anticipated return of the live Cairns Indigenous Art Fair from 6 to 10 July, at its new venue the Cairns Convention Centre, to feature Torres Strait artists including Goeynaw Isua (Waibene), Abai Ishmael Gibuma (Boigu) and Nickie Mackie (Poruma) and support Boigu dance team, Poeypiyam, to perform throughout the week. TSRA also supported TSIMA (Torres Strait Islanders Media Association) to deliver events and activities for the inner island communities of the Torres Strait.
Learn more about the TSRA at www.tsra.gov.au