Waiben (Thursday Island) has come alive with the sounds of song, drumbeats and traditional languages.

The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Ranger Dance Team wowed students, community members, tourists and visitors alike – including basketballer Patty Mills – with performances at Green Hill in partnership with Peddells, at local schools, ANZAC Park and for the Home and Community Care Services (HACC) in September.

Despite the Winds of Zenadth Cultural Festival being postponed, 16 dance team members from 8 islands celebrated language and culture with community performances.

The performances were the team’s first since COVID-19 reached the region in late 2021.

TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM said the TSRA Ranger Dance Team created costumes, composed original songs in language and performed various traditional and new dances.

“The TSRA Ranger Dance Team performances also help preserve and promote Traditional Ecological Knowledge – TEK – which is an important part of our work with and in communities,” Mr Stephen said.

“We have received positive feedback on all of the performances and are proud to play a part in keeping language and culture strong.”

In the spirit of enhancing the cultural week the TSRA Ladies Dance Team complemented the Ranger Dance Team with a joint performance at the TAGAI Secondary Campus Culture Day with TSRA receiving further community accolades.

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