Kaziw Meta is all smiles after the certification, including from 2025 boarders (standing) Nazareth Fauid, Loretta Trinkoon and Shan Warusam; (sitting) Lucinda Kris and Pele Mene. Photos: Supplied.
A Thursday Island boarding facility has passed an independent audit for Australian schools and residences, marking a major milestone for the Torres Strait region.
After three years of sustained improvement across governance, boarder wellbeing, staff development, facilities and community engagement, Torres Strait Kaziw Meta (TSKM) has been admitted to an exclusive club.
It now joins a growing cohort of certified schools, alongside Ascham School, Kincoppal Rose Bay, NSW; Brisbane Boys’ College, Downlands College, Queensland; and St Michael’s Collegiate School, Tasmania.
The not-for-profit facility provides wrap-around residential, cultural, academic and wellbeing support for students from the outer islands of the Torres Strait who attend local schools and programs.
TSKM chief executive officer Thomas Dunsmore said the certification strengthened safeguards for young people in its care, supporting stronger policies and procedures, and gave families and partners greater confidence in how boarding was run each day.
“This certification reflects our boarders, families, Elders, staff and partners working together for a safe, caring and high-performing boarding community,” Mr Dunsmore said.
“Meeting the Australian Boarding Standard shows what is possible for remote and Indigenous boarding students when strong culture and strong systems walk side by side.
“We are proud to set a leading example on behalf of Torres Strait Islanders and Indigenous boarding communities.”
The AS 5725 Boarding Standard sets a recognised national framework to guide safe and healthy boarding. It is not mandated by law in most jurisdictions, yet it is widely used as a benchmark for best practice and aligns with the National Child Safe Principles.
Australian Boarding Schools Association chief executive officer Richard Stokes congratulated Torres Strait Kaziw Meta and explained how the certification provided a practical structure for ongoing reviews, staff training, student voice and continuous improvement so high standards were maintained.
“We are delighted to see another boarding facility recognised as meeting the Australian Standard,” Mr Stokes said.
“The commitment shown to achieving full compliance and to ensuring the highest levels of care and safety for boarders at Torres Strait Kaziw Meta has proven worthwhile and exemplary.”
The AS 5725 Boarding Standard addresses the systems and culture required for a modern boarding environment, including student safety and health, staff competence and training, strong family partnerships, and facilities that are safe and fit for purpose.
Kaziw Meta boarders enjoy the view on Waiben after a long bike ride to Green Hill.
