The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) this week to improve the lifestyle and wellbeing of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people living in the Torres Strait region.
Under the MoU, IBA aims to assist and enhance the economic development opportunities of the people that reside in the Torres Strait islands.
Representatives from TSRA and IBA met together in the Torres Strait on Thursday Island to review the agreement and next steps to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes for the community.
This agreement will enable further sharing of information, expertise and potential opportunities on economic infrastructure for the region.
The project includes assisting each other with resources as opportunities arise, for example, sharing office space, and providing for staff secondments between both parties, with the MoU also setting out a framework for ongoing discussions.
IBA CEO Kirsty Moore explained that the MoU is about setting up a framework for ongoing discussions between both parties as the first step in aligning resources to support these communities.
“The Torres Strait is full of beautiful people with creative ideas for their own future. Equipping them to make those decisions for themselves is essential,” said Kirsty Moore.
“This MoU means we’re able to maximise our resources to support the TSRA and the Torres Strait communities to achieve greater economic development and social growth.
“TSRA are well established in the region and we’re looking forward to working with them closer for results that benefit their communities.”
“The partnership between our agencies will allow us to share expertise, knowledge, ideas, and learnings to work more efficiently and effectively across our shared investment in the improvement of the lifestyle and wellbeing of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people in the Torres Strait region.”
IBA Chair Eddie Fry noted the relationship with TSRA aligns with the long term strategic objectives for IBA.
“IBA exists to support our First Nations people to buy a home, start or run a business, and invest for their future. The partnership with TSRA builds on those objectives and supports our vision for a nation where our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are economically independent,” Mr Fry said.
TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM welcomed the MoU between the two organisations.
“Productive and innovative partnerships are critical towards a thriving economy in the Torres Strait,” Mr Stephen said.
“The TSRA is proud to partner with organisations who share our priorities to empower local people and help make dreams, such as owning a home or running a business, a reality for individuals and families.”
TSRA CEO Vonda Malone co-signed the MoU and said this signified the start to opening up further opportunities within the region.
“We look forward to working together towards strong economic outcomes across the Torres Strait, including in the Northern Peninsula Area communities of Bamaga and Seisia,” Ms Malone said.
“This agreement between the TSRA and IBA has exciting potential to boost local businesses, create job opportunities and build workforce capacity.”
Learn more about the TSRA at www.tsra.gov.au or IBA at www.iba.gov.au.
