Ten young people have been announced as winners of the Zenadth Kes Youth Survey Prize Draw, following the completion of the comprehensive survey targeting young people aged 12 to 25 residing, studying, or working in the inner islands, including those temporarily living away for study or work.

The survey was open from 20 July to 24 August 2024 and was supported by a Youth Research Group and steering committee of local stakeholders, traditional owners, and community organisations.

Torres Strait Regional Authority’s Chairperson Mr Napau Pedro Stephen and Acting CEO Mr Charlie Kaddy drew the winners in early September.

“We received 156 completed surveys, and 42 young people entered the draw to win 1 of 10 $50 CEQ Vouchers,” Mr Stephen said.

“Congratulations to the ten lucky winners and thank you to all the young people who participated in the survey,

“Your invaluable feedback will shape a new Inner Island Youth Strategy to ensure future funding, and initiatives are aligned with the essential support services that young people need,” he said.

The ten $50 CEQ Voucher prize-winners are:

Catherine Paton, Masepah Akee, Lui David, Charli Jones, Layla Drummond-Viti, Leilani Lewin, Thomas Barron, Carmelo Whap, Anima Dorante-Garnier and Zion Nye-See Kee.

On receiving their prizes from TSRA Chairperson, some of the winners shared their thoughts on the needs of young people in the region. Leilani Lewin said “One of my main hopes, even though we must leave the island to pursue our careers, “I hope that Thursday Island is a place that we can come back to” Ms Lewin said.

Prize winner Thomas Barron said “I feel like there is not very many opportunities for young people to get jobs, That seems to be one of the biggest problems in the region,” he added.

Catherine Paton said, “I’m so glad to see a federal government agency do something for young people; especially in the Torres Strait.”

Zion Nye-See Kee said “the survey was nice, it was easy to answer the questions.”

The Inner Island Youth Strategy consultations reached a total of 601 engagement touchpoints with 34 engagement events across the Kaiwalagal region, including Waibene (Thursday Island), Ngurapai (Horn Island) and Kirriri (Hammond Island).

Community members will be invited to comment and provide feedback on the final strategy before it is launched in late 2024.

For more information, visit the TSRA website or follow updates on social media.