Artists and creatives from across the Torres Strait region, including Northern Peninsula Area communities, have had their say in a regionwide creative industry survey by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA).

To thank participants for their contributions, TSRA Chairperson George Nona and CEO Charlie Kaddy held a recent prize draw with 10 lucky winners – selected at random – awarded $60 Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) vouchers.

Mr Nona said the survey feedback would help TSRA boost funding, strengthen arts business support, and unlock national and international opportunities First Nations creatives.

“Over a two-month period TSRA received 179 responses in one on the most extensive art industry surveys ever undertaken in the region,” Mr Nona said.

“The landmark Zenadth Kes Creative Arts Survey has helped capture the economic impact of the region’s creative arts industry.

“Congratulations to the ten lucky prize draw winners and thank you to everyone who participated in the survey,” he said.

The CEQ voucher winners are Moilang (Rosie) Ware, Margaret Mara, Eddie Nona, James Levi, Christine Connor, Kirsty Young, Amanda Mosby, Nazareth Fauid, Nadiah Uta and Irene Robinson.

The data will help TSRA’s Culture Arts & Heritage (CAH) and Economic Development (ED) programs tailor services to offer meaningful programs that reflect the needs and aspirations of arts businesses.

It will also inform the development of a regionally tailored strategy to guide TSRA’s support for First Nations artists, creative businesses and sole traders.

The TSRA Creative Arts Blueprint is expected to launch in late 2025.

Prize winners will be contacted directly by TSRA to collect their CEQ vouchers.