Connecting with local leaders was a priority at the Torres Strait Regional Authority’s (TSRA) first general board meeting in March (11 – 13 March 2025).
TSRA Chairperson and Member for Port Kennedy George Nona said it was an opportunity for the 20-member board – elected by and for communities – to officially meet with two local councils and native title body, Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council (GBK).
“Seasons of change calls for a new era of partnerships for the benefit of our region, families and communities,” Mr Nona said.
“TSRA’s first general board sitting this month was the perfect opportunity to officially bring together lead decisionmakers in the region to recommit to strong partnerships and shared priorities.”
The TSRA Board, led by Chairperson George Nona and TSRA Administration, represented by Chief Executive Officer Charlie Kaddy met with Torres Shire Council and Torres Strait Island Regional Council, along with the region’s peak native title body GBK.
The TSRA Board also launched the Torres Strait Regional Adaptation and Resilience Plan 2025-2030 – Yumi Create our future: Stronger Together – outlining climate change risks, realities and action needed in the remote region.
The March board meeting followed last month’s board induction.
The next TSRA Board meeting is scheduled for 10 – 12 June 2025.
About TSRA
Located in the nation’s far north, TSRA is one of the most remote federal government agencies and supports programs across the region, including for 17 inhabited islands of the Torres Strait and the communities of Bamaga and Seisia on the Northern Peninsula Area of mainland Australia.
It is a statutory body and the lead Commonwealth agency in the Torres Strait for Indigenous Affairs, operating under the direction of a community-elected board.
The Torres Strait stretches 150 kilometres northwards from Cape York Peninsula to Papua New Guinea (PNG) and up to 300 kilometres from east to west. This 48,000 km² area includes more than 270 islands and reefs.
TSRA’s vision is Yumi pasin – yumi Ailan Kastom. Strong in culture, unified partnerships to achieve a sustainable future.
