Written by Roberta Mills, TSRA Project Officer – Indigenous Ranger Project
Environmental Management Program
From Tuesday 16 to Friday 19 September, Thursday Island was transformed into a vibrant celebration of Torres Strait Islander culture during the Winds of Zenadth Cultural Festival 2025. The air was filled with song, dance and the spirit of connection reminding us all of the power and beauty of our culture and traditions.
The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) was honoured to bring together nine rangers from Mabuiag, Badu, Warraber, St Pauls and Boigu – each representing the strength of their communities and vital work to care for Country. Their presence was a living statement of cultural pride and environmental management.
Throughout the festival grounds, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) was recorded – capturing the voices of our Elders as they shared songs, dances and stories. These recordings are more than memories, they are cultural treasures that will guide and inspire future generations.
On the Tuesday, our ranger ladies performed at Tagai Secondary Campus Cultural Day, led by Mabuiag Rangers Virginia Harry and Harriet Holland. The dance was a powerful tribute to heritage and identity. Straight after, we joined the festival march from the park to the oval walking proudly alongside community members in a shared celebration of who we are.
Thursday brought another unforgettable moment as our rangers returned to the main stage, this time joined by the very singers and composers of the songs they danced to. The energy was electric, and the connection between movement and music was a beautiful reminder of how culture lives through us.
We were thrilled to win the float parade! Big eso to Hans Ahwang for his stunning woven dhari, which was a standout feature of our float. It symbolised the unity of land, sea, sky and the stories that bind us to them.
Throughout the week, our stall at the park and oval welcomed interested visitors. Rangers shared insights into their work from land and sea management to cultural preservation and answered questions from those eager to learn. It was a space of exchange, education and pride.
As the sun set on Friday, we didn’t just pack up – we carried home renewed purpose, deep pride and a sense of belonging. Winds of Zenadth 2025 reminded us that culture is not just something we celebrate – it’s something we live, protect and will pass on.
Thank you to everyone who made Winds of Zenadth 2025 unforgettable!
