The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) is pleased to announce the successful candidates selected for sponsorship in the 2017 National Seafood Industry Leadership Program.

The TSRA Chairperson, Mr Napau Pedro Stephen AM, said Ms Flora Warrior and Mr Charles David were chosen to take part in the program; a training initiative that aims to equip participants with the skills, networks and the complete seafood industry perspective to make a contribution at an industry, state or national level in the future.

“Ms Flora Warrior is a community fisheries advocate from Mabuiag Island, participating in the National Seafood Industry Leadership Program to gain skills and networks to bring back to her remote Indigenous community,” Mr Stephen said.

“Her vision is for a direct-export seafood enterprise that is community owned, provides fairer selling prices for local fisherman, is based on community values and is part of the wider seafood industry.

“Mr Charles David, is aspiring to develop his leadership qualities and channel his passion for the seafood industry in the region into an economic and environmentally sustainable fishing industry in the Torres Strait.

“He is passionate about developing the fishing industry in the region and providing for genuine divestment to grass-root level commercial fishing in communities.”

Mr Stephen said it was wonderful to see participants representing the Torres Strait in the only national industry specific leadership program for the Australian Seafood Industry.

“This is a highly sought after program and the TSRA is pleased to be able support the two aspiring leaders from the region,” Mr Stephen said.

“The TSRA wish Flora and Charles all the best for their participation in the program and look forward to hearing from them about their experiences.”

The 2017 program will be delivered over six months through three residential sessions. The first took place over the 21 and 23 March in Darwin.