Carli Willis

Nov 18, 2024 | sbs.com.au | Carli Willis

Boats line the shores of Friday Island as eager volunteers arrive from surrounding islands to clean up marine debris. Island beats bounce across the beach, lifting the mood of over 80 environmental stewards working to collect rubbish. Others cut up juicy watermelon while some are frying eggs and sausages on a barbeque to feed the masses. READ MOREChildren run and play, laughing and tackling each other playfully into the crystal blue waters. This is how a beach clean-up looks in the Torres Strait.

Nov 1, 2024 | sbs.com.au | Carli Willis

The federal government will contribute $3.5 million dollars towards plans for the first haemodialysis unit on Badu Isand. Government dignitaries, researchers, consultants, builders and other stakeholders descended on Badu by boat or plane last month to discuss how to achieve the build. READ MOREOnce built, the local Wakaid Tribal Council will become the first grassroots organisation in Queensland to own a dialysis unit.

Oct 31, 2024 | sbs.com.au | Carli Willis

Elsie Seriat couldn’t wait to have children of her own to put them through an early childhood program that Elders had fought for on Waiben, Thursday Island. Tagai State College is the only state-owned school in Queensland that offers the Montessori program, which is recognised as aligning with Indigenous pedagogies. But parents are concerned the program is under threat, as the school weighs up state funding options.

Sep 13, 2024 | sbs.com.au | Carli Willis

Treaties, international investment and self-determination were at the heart of the inaugural Intertribal Foreign Affairs Forum, held in Gimuy (Cairns). Gudang and Kaurareg Elders say they want to break free from reliance on the Australian government and take control of their own affairs. READ MOREThey will be one of the first groups to launch a sovereign government structure in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) or Torres Strait, and have already appointed community members to portfolios.

Sep 9, 2024 | sbs.com.au | Carli Willis

Queensland has begun holding educational forums ahead of launching its Truth-telling and healing Inquiry later this month. Some of the first forums were held on Waiben, Thursday Island, in the Torres Strait. It was an emotional day, as tears were shed and voices shook. Elders and community members shared with inquiry members why they want, and even need, to share their truths. READ MOREBetty Tekahika Mabo is the eldest daughter of the late Eddie ‘Koiki’ Mabo.