The Torres Strait Regional Authority’s (TSRA) commitment to the seafood industry has been recognised by two awards at the 2018 Queensland Seafood Industry Awards on 28 September at Rydges South Bank, Brisbane.

Local ‘Seafood Warrior’ and TSRA sponsorship recipient Ms Flora Warrior, from Mabuiag Island, received the People Development Award in recognition for her work as a volunteer in the sector, while the Torres Strait Marine Safety Programme – a joint initiative between the TSRA, Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ), Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), Queensland Police Service (QPS) and National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) of PNG took home the Safety Award.

The TSRA-funded Maritime Pathway Projects was selected as a finalist as an entity that has demonstrated excellence in developing and undertaking a people development activity which has contributed substantially towards a higher performing workforce for the seafood industry.

The Maritime Pathway projects target Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people in the region from year 10 to year 13 through its Growing Our Own Tagai Transitions Maritime Project and Maritime Traineeships and the Torres Strait Maritime Pathway Project (TSMPP) for adults.

TSRA Chairperson, Mr Napau Pedro Stephen, said the recognition of Ms Warrior and the TSRA-funded Maritime Pathway Projects  at the event was a statement on the Torres Strait’s important position in the seafood industry.

“Through the TSRA’s sponsorship of the National Seafood Industry Leadership Program, we are assisting dedicated people like Ms Warrior to become the leaders of the future, and this award is great proof of her achievements and that she has been a worthy candidate,” Mr Stephen said.

“The Growing Our Own Tagai Transitions Maritime  and TSMPP is fully funded by the TSRA’s Economic Development program, with the aim of developing the skills and capability of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people to operate commercial vessels and create pathways to careers in the industry.

Ms Warrior said she was pleased by the support she had received in order to attend the event and in receiving the award.

“It was so nice to get recognition for my work as a volunteer in the sector,” Ms Warrior said.

“There is still a lot of work to be done to develop the Torres Strait Seafood Sector and I am proud to be part of that journey.”