Visit to Torres Strait Islands

On Wednesday 31 July 2013, on Warraber (Sue) Island, the Governor-General the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, accompanied by the Chair of the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), Mr Joseph Elu AO, and the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Wayne See Kee, and as guests of Councillor Ted Billy, signed the registration book at the Warraber Council Office.

Afterwards, at the Warraber Sports Centre, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce attended a Welcome to Country by Elder, Pastor Nelson Billy, and later met with representatives from Warraber community organisations.

Then, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce, as guests of TSRA Member, Mr Willie Lui, viewed the tropical rock lobster cooperation; the waste management pilot program; and as guests of the Medical Superintendent, Dr Oscar Whitehead, met with nursing staff at the Warraber Health Centre.

Afterwards, at Mer (Murray) Island, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce, accompanied by Elders, Mr Alo Tapim and Mrs Lency Tapin and, as guests of the Deputy Chair of the TSRA, Mr Aven Noah, signed the registration book at the Council Office.

Later, the Governor-General, accompanied by Elders, laid a wreath at the gravesite of the late Mr Eddie Mabo.

Then, at Tagai State College, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce, as guests of the Head of Campus, Mr Paul Kuronya, viewed classrooms and met with student leaders and teachers.

Afterwards, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce attended a Welcome to Country and a tree planting ceremony and later viewed a cultural performance by Tagai College students.

Then, on Badu (Mulgrave) Island, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce, as guests of the Torres Strait Island Regional Council Member, Councillor Horace Baira, signed the registration book at the Badu Council Office.

Afterwards, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce, as guests of TSRA member, Mr Maluwup Nona and Councillor Baira, visited Argan Fisheries, Badu Island Art Centre and received a Welcome to Country at a community reception.

Later, at the Jardine Motel, Thursday Island, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce attended a dinner hosted by the Chair of the TSRA, Mr Elu.