A new long-term game plan to support local ideas and projects for healthy, active communities is now in play. Photo: File.
Sport in the Torres Strait region will deliver a new pro-active approach to showcase its growing commitment to communities in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The targeted strategy will increase sport and recreation activities and ignite health opportunities, according to key players in the plan.
On November 1, the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) announced Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Corporation (GBK) as its new Healthy Communities grants facilitator.
The partnership comes into effect immediately.
It means schools, community groups and organisations across the Torres Strait region – including Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) communities of Bamaga and Seisia – can apply for TSRA funding for sport, health and recreation activities directly through GBK.
TSRA chairperson George Nona said the three-year appointment marked a new chapter for community-led health and wellbeing opportunities across the region.
“We’re excited to work with GBK to kickstart more sport and recreation activities, strengthen local leadership and support healthier, more active communities,” Mr Nona said.
“As part of Seasons of Change at TSRA, this long-term game plan supports local ideas and projects for healthy, active communities from the outer islands to Bamaga and Seisia on the mainland.
“We are doing things differently. This new approach respects and responds to community feedback, including at TSRA’s 2023 regional healthy communities forum, for all islands to have better access to funding to support happy, healthy and active communities.
“With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games less than a decade away, now is the time to promote our region and showcase our sporting talent, cultural strength and community leadership.”
GBK will facilitate TSRA’s funding for healthy lifestyle initiatives including sporting grants, targeted physical activity projects, capacity building supports for local organisations and volunteer groups, plus develop best-practice processes to expand community access to grant funding.
The contract runs until 30 November 2028, aligning with the TSRA’s Development Plan 2023-2028.
GBK chairperson Ned David said the partnership reflected the shared commitment to community-led health, wellbeing and cultural strength across the Torres and Endeavour Straits.
“We welcome this partnership with TSRA as another step in supporting our communities to design and lead their own pathways to health and wellbeing,” Mr David said.
“GBK will draw on our deep relationships with Traditional Owners, Elders, families, schools and community organisations to strengthen local leadership, capability and governance in this space.
“As the Healthy Communities grants facilitator, we are focused on supporting community-driven initiatives that honour culture, build local capacity, and keep our people connected, active and well in ways that reflect who we are as First Nations peoples.”
Visit: healthycommunities.gbk.org.au
Torres Strait Regional Authority chairperson George Nona is congratulated by predecessor, Pedro Stephen, in March this year. Photo: File.
