A careers workshop on Warraber Island has helped young people take steps towards brighter futures.
The recent three-day session for young people aged 18 to 25 years was delivered by Shooting Star Youth Career Services with grant funding from the Torres Strait Regional Authority’s (TSRA) Economic Development (ED) Program.
Owner and workshop facilitator James A. Mosby said the workshop was designed to inspire the next generation.
“The workshop is not only about building skills but also unlocking the potential of our young people to be changemakers in Torres Strait communities,” Mr Mosby said.
Delivering the workshop content in Torres Strait Island Creole also made it easier for the group to understand the career-related topics.
The workshop covered industry career yarns with Deadly Inspiring Youth Doing Good (DIYDG), Defence Force Careers, Meriba Ged Ngalpun Mab (MGNM) and Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) as well as group activities in resume building, effective interview practices and leadership skills.
Youth participants, combined with local community members, shared their future career interests in various industries including marine, health, leadership, construction, art and small business.
Mr Mosby said he appreciated the support and attendance from the youth, local councillor Kabay Tamu, Elders and community members.
He hopes to deliver more workshops to other communities in the Torres Strait that will “Build, Prepare and Empower” the next generation.
Positive feedback demonstrated the benefits and importance of hosting face-to-face workshops – particularly for a small community.
Participant feedback:
“This workshop has helped me to open my mindset for career opportunities.”
“Thank you for bringing this workshop to Warraber.”
“I never knew what a career plan and goal was until you explained it in creole.”
“The way you explained in creole made me understand what we were talking about in the resume and interview sessions.”
TSRA Chairperson George Nona said the workshop reflected TSRA’s commitment to empower local young people, boost youth employment, and support community-led solutions.
“TSRA is proud to support Indigenous-owned businesses that invest in our young people and help build strong, skilled futures,” Mr Nona said.
“It is about giving our next generation the tools and confidence to chase their career dreams.”
TSRA’s ED Program aims to enhance the region’s wealth by creating sustainable industries and increasing employment opportunities for our people equivalent to the wider Australian community.
What that means is ED’s goal is to ensure that our people get the same opportunities as the rest of Australia.
Are you an aspiring or established local First Nations business owner in the Torres Strait region – including Bamaga and Seisia on the mainland?
TSRA’s ED Program may be able to help with funding, support and mentoring.
Contact 4069 0700 or email economic@tsra.gov.au
In the 2024-25 financial year, TSRA’s ED Program achievements include:
- Delivering 12 You Sabe Business workshops with 85 You Sabe Business graduates.
- Supporting 10 local First Nations businesses to attend external business events including Supply Nation Connect in Brisbane and the Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference in Melbourne.
Learn more at www.tsra.gov.au or follow us on Facebook.