Torres Strait Regional Authority Mura Badhulgau ranger Nabako Laza welcomes Play School presenter Teo Gebert and Kiya to Badu Island. Photo: Supplied.
For the first time since its initial broadcast in 1966, Play School has visited the nation’s northernmost part of the country to share the culture and traditions of the Torres Strait.
Play School presenter Teo Gebert, toys Jemima and Kiya, plus an ABC production crew made the maiden trip to the remote region to film Island Life as part of its My Place, My Home series, which aired on 11 June.
The episode was filmed on Badu Island in partnership with the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Mura Badhulgau rangers.
Ranger supervisor Laurie Nona said the episode highlighted the island’s unique cultural practices, landscapes and animals, including the kawral waleck – the frilled-neck lizard – and its important place in Torres Strait Islander myths and legends.
“To welcome Play School to the Torres Strait for the first time on our island home of Badu was a special experience,” Mr Nona said.
“The filming showcased our island, culture and traditions through the eyes of our children, community and rangers; it shared a look into the life of TSRA rangers and our important work caring for flora and fauna, the animals of the land and sea.
“Play School’s visit to the Torres Strait, what you see both on the screen and behind the scenes, has the power to inspire the next generation of rangers, producers and film makers in our communities.”
TSRA Chairperson George Nona said the iconic ABC show had provided more than entertainment for generations of children, including himself.
“Play School holds a special place in the hearts of Torres Strait Islanders, especially those of us from the islands who learnt to speak English by watching Play School,” he explained.
“In a full-circle moment, we are in return sharing words and language from the Torres Strait with Play School audiences across Australia.
“We also learnt the name of Play School doll Kiya, which means ‘hello’ in Noongar language, sounds similar to the word kaiar, meaning ‘crayfish’ in the Torres Strait.”
