Torres Strait Regional Authority

Embedding cultural knowledge and practises into how we look after Country is at the heart of TSRA's Land and Sea Management Unit. Earlier this year TSRA representatives from Masig and Mer had the chance to share this vital work on a national platform at the AIATSIS Summit in Naarm (Melbourne). Speaking with passion, and a deep understanding of responsibility they shared two key cultural frameworks: 🌿 The Gasi Process – Warraber Island Warraberalgal Ranger Laura Pearson shared the sacred “Gasi Process,” an essential tradition handed down through generations. This ritual ensures that the wisdom of our ancestors continues to guide future caretakers of country. 🐚 Meriam Areriba Tonar Mer Seasonal Calendar Meriam Gesep Ranger Aaron Bon, together with Mer Ged Kem Le Deputy Chair John Tabo and Director Ben Depoma, presented the “Mer Seasonal Calendar,” which tracks seasonal changes to guide land and sea management—a testament to centuries of environmental insight. Each presentation honoured our communities’ resilience and adaptability. By sharing these stories, we reinforce the value of Ailan Kastom and Aboriginal Lore and our commitment to preserving cultural heritage across generations. Want to know more about TSRA's Enviromental Management? Visit our new website here: https://lnkd.in/gUSNfjrW

TSRA is proud to be part of the WAITOC Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference in Naarm (Melbourne)! We’re here with a strong delegation of local Torres Strait Islander businesses to champion Indigenous tourism, focusing on youth, environment, culture, and the growth of our tourism sector. This conference is a fantastic opportunity for our local businesses to build connections, learn from industry leaders, and form new partnerships with wholesalers, retailers, and media to bring the unique stories of the Torres Strait and Zendath Kes to audiences far and wide. Our businesses are truly making their mark – at home, across Zendath Kes, and on the national stage! #IndigenousBusinessMonth #MakingOurMark #IndigenousTourism #TorresStrait

“My goal is to create employment opportunities to keep the next generation here lor ples (at home), because without them we have no future." - Diane Sabatino, owner Torres Strait Electrical Diane is the first Torres Strait Islander woman to start her own electrical contracting business in the region offering electrical installations, repairs, maintenance, and test and tag services. While juggling family responsibilities, Diane completed TSRA’s three-part You Sabe Business workshop series before successfully applying for a TSRA Growth Package to kick start her business in 2023. One year on, Diane now has aspirations to employ an Indigenous apprentice creating both economic and social impact outcomes for her community. She is making her mark as both a businesswoman and young leader! Are you thinking about starting your own business? TSRA’s free You Sabe Business program connects local Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people with business advice, loan options and mentoring to explore upla business ideas.   Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know about new workshop dates! www.tsra.gov.au #Indigenousbusinessmonth #makingourmark #womeninbusiness

Bringing health care closer to home 🌴 Many families in the Torres Strait living with chronic kidney conditions face long journeys to access essential care. But for some, this is about to change. The Kikirriu Dan Walmai (KDW) project is a community-led initiative to restore health to Maluilgal living on Badu, Moa, Mabuiag, Waiben and Gimuy. Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, and Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health the Hon. Ged Kearney and Senator for Queensland Nita Green visited Badu Island this week to discuss the development of a four-chair renal dialysis unit that will serve the near west region of the Torres Strait. Lead by the Kuiku Mabaigal with support from Flinders University, the unit will allow people to receive dialysis closer to home. This means more time with family, better health outcomes, and the comfort of staying on country. TSRA is proud to collaborate with KWD to progress this important project for our community. “If you operate by yourself, there is always a risk of duplication. Aspiration blo yumi people is to get services out to the outer islands. If we can work together to make it happen, it’s sets a precedent for other services,” said TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM. Want to read the progress report? You can! It's available here: http://bit.ly/4fikzSt

TSRA is proud to have supported the Boigu community in launching their incredible Bio-Cultural Landscape Profiles last month. Unveiled by the Malu Kiai Rangers and the Malu Ki’ai RNTBC at a vibrant cultural celebration, these profiles showcase the traditional language, ecological wisdom, with stunning artwork from Boigu artist Barry Maitie, with help from environmental expert David Fell. 🌿🎨 TSRA Acting CEO Charles Kaddy and TSRA representatives joined elders, Traditional Owners, and community members to celebrate this remarkable achievement. Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM commended the Boigu community for the breadth of cultural and scientific knowledge captured. “These profiles highlight the deep connection between the people of Boigu Island and their environment,” Mr Stephen shared. What a proud moment for the Boigu community! Read the media release here: https://lnkd.in/e49BC7Ep

This Indigenous Business Month, we proudly celebrate the theme "Making Our Mark" and the incredible impact of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal businesses. From the unique cultural knowledge embedded in every venture to the resilient entrepreneurial spirit driving our communities forward, our people are making their mark in industries that matter locally and globally.   This year TSRA celebrated 30 years of supporting economic development in the Torres Strait.   ‘The Perfect Pearl’ artwork for the 30-year anniversary was designed by award-winning Samuawgadhalgal artist and this year’s NAIDOC Week poster winner, Deborah Belyea.   As well as being a talented artist, Deb is also ‘making her mark’ as business owner and educator!   Zeyawgub Consultancy provides educational consultative services that are reflective of First Nations perspectives, assisting teachers to become culturally responsive educators.   Zeyawgub services include: 🟢 Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal content, curriculum writing, lesson activities, and recorded presentations utilising First Nations people’s perspective 🟠 Proofing of First Nations Content 🔵 Facilitating workshops   #MakingOurMark #IndigenousBusinessMonth #BlaykBusiness

🌏 Today on World Ranger Day, we give thanks to our TSRA Rangers. 💙 For caring for land and sea across the region. 💚 For supporting our communities through good days and tough times. 🖤 For keeping language, culture and traditional ecological knowledge strong. 💙 For everything you do, we say Au Esoau, Koeyma Eso, thank you. From humble beginnings the TSRA Rangers started in 2009 with one ranger group on Mabuiag. It has grown to 13 Ranger groups across 14 Torres Strait communities (13 islands) – supporting 55 ranger roles, including 18 female rangers. The Torres Strait region’s beautiful natural environment – home to dugongs, sea turtles, coral reefs, seagrass and more – spreads across 48,000 square kilometres between the tip of Cape York and Papua New Guinea (PNG). Thank you to all rangers for protecting and preserving our environment for current and future generations. #RealStoriesRealRangers #WorldRangerDay #TorresStrait Learn more at www.tsra.gov.au

Our region is on the frontline when it comes to climate change impacts. As part of a Steering Committee on Climate Change in the Torres Strait, TSRA hosted a meeting with all levels of government last week. We are working together to ensure lived experiences and traditional knowledge of First Nations people are valued alongside science to develop local climate strategies, including by helping to establish a Climate Resilience Centre focussed on the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area. Thank you to the Steering Committee representatives who attended: Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Corporation (GBK), local government including Torres Strait Island Regional Council, Torres Shire Council and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council, Queensland Government through the Department of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities and the Arts and the Australian Government's Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Learn more on the TSRA website https://lnkd.in/g3CDpJ5H

Yesterday we farewelled TSRA CEO Vonda Malone, who has resigned to accept a new appointment as Inquiry Member to the Queensland Government’s newly announced Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry. Recruitment for a new CEO will commence as soon as possible, with Mr Charlie Kaddy appointed as interim Acting CEO by the TSRA Board and Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney MP. Ms Malone said it had been a privilege to lead the TSRA Administration over the past two years to manage programs and activities progressing towards Closing the Gap Priority Reforms and socio-economic outcomes across the region. “I am extremely proud that as a team we have achieved considerable milestones and refreshed the TSRA foundation to better serve the Torres Strait region, including Bamaga and Seisia communities in the Northern Peninsula Area, well past 30 years of TSRA’s operations,” Ms Malone said. “I would like to thank the TSRA Board, Executive Program Management Team, rangers and staff across all program areas and corporate services for their commitment, professionalism and support. “It has been an honour to serve our people and region, and I am looking forward to continuing that in the capacity of my new role,” she said. Ms Malone commences her new appointment on 1 July 2024. Read more at www.tsra.gov.au

In case you missed it, TSRA Rangers are playing a big part to protect outer islands, culture and animals in the Torres Strait from cane toads. Read the NITV story https://shorturl.at/jwzZ3 #TSRARangers #EnvironmentalManagement #LandandSeaManagementUnit #TorresStrait