The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh proudly celebrates the exceptional achievements of the 2024 graduating cohort from Tagai State College, who have completed the Growing Our Own Project – an initiative equipping young Torres Strait Islanders with critical maritime qualifications since 2019.
This year’s graduates represent a historic milestone: ten students have become the first in the program’s history to attain their full Coxswains Certificate of Competency upon graduation. Their accomplishments showcase the program’s success in opening pathways to careers in fishing, tourism, coastal trading, and offshore shipping.
Among the standout graduates:
- Isabella Binjuda plans to pursue a Master V certification in Cairns, with ambitions to work in the marine or mining industries.
- Parimah Daniel, a student leader and academic award recipient, will take her maritime skills to Weipa as a skipper and deckhand.
- Tamara David aims to leverage her qualifications on Iama (Yam) Island and will undertake a business traineeship in Brisbane.
- Shontay Kelly, a QATSIF Indigenous Scholarship leader, will continue her maritime training at the International Marine College in Cairns, supported by Torres Pilots and UAV Industries.
- Keanu Pearson, an award-winning ICT and maritime student, envisions a career in the Defence Force or marine industry.
Other graduates, including Zahdein Pearson-Bowie, Alfred Rattler, Lormont Rattler, Sean Seriat, and Tai Thurgate, are set to contribute to industries ranging from crayfishing and marine charters to mechanical and construction apprenticeships, with some eyeing further studies in marine biology.
Sean Seriat, a Growing Our Own Project graduate, reflected on his experience with gratitude.
“This program has taught me so much over the last three years. Learning on real training vessels and getting my qualifications has given me confidence to think about all the different jobs I can go for now. It’s opened up so many future pathways for me,” he said.
Amara Horgan, Senior Deputy Principal of Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh commended the program’s impact.
“Nowhere else is there a program like this – the largest secondary school student Indigenous maritime program in Australia, and perhaps the world. We’re proud to see our young leaders stepping into the maritime world with confidence and skill. Mina big eso to TSRA and UAV Industries for making this possible.”
Nancy Cook, representing the TSRA Economic Development Team at the graduation ceremony, expressed pride in the students’ accomplishments.
“It’s inspiring to see these graduates make history. Their achievements demonstrate the power of local talent and the TSRA’s commitment to building a strong maritime future for the Torres Strait,” she said.
Since 2019, TSRA has funded the Growing Our Own Project, a vital part of its mission to foster sustainable economic opportunities and preserve the region’s proud maritime heritage.