Highlights from March Council Meeting
Strengthening Community, Honouring Veterans, and Building a Healthier Future
The Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) held its March Council meeting in the picturesque Division 11, Poruma, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and community engagement. The Council extends its gratitude to the community members who attended, providing valuable insights and reaffirming our shared dedication to positive change.
 Honouring Veterans: Badu War Memorial Grant Success
In a significant win for the community, TSIRC has successfully secured a $49,145 grant from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet through the Queensland Remembers Grants Program (Round Four). These funds will go towards a new Badu War Memorial, ensuring the sacrifices of our veterans continue to be honoured with dignity and respect. This investment underscores our commitment to preserving local history and paying tribute to those who served.
Strengthening Governance: New Policy Adoptions
Council has adopted two key policies aimed at improving governance and operational efficiency:
·        Entertainment and Hospitality Policy – This policy establishes clear guidelines to ensure that all entertainment and hospitality expenditures are reasonable, appropriate, and compliant with Section 196 of the Local Government Regulation 2012.
·        Records Management Policy – Developed to ensure that all Council records are managed in compliance with legislative requirements, this policy enhances transparency, accountability, and effective decision-making. It aligns with the Queensland State Archives Records Governance Policy and upholds the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld), ensuring ethical and responsible information management.
Investing in Our People: Animal Management Training
TSIRC’s Environmental Health Workers (EHWs) are making strides in animal management. Since 2023, a dedicated group of EHWs has been undertaking a Certificate IV in Animal Management, travelling to Cherbourg and Bamaga to enhance their skills. This training has provided invaluable experience in Local vs. State Laws, Animal Welfare, and Animal Behaviour, equipping our team with the knowledge to support responsible pet ownership. In February 2025, the cohort successfully completed their final face-to-face training, applying their skills through community initiatives such as microchipping, awareness campaigns, and pet treatments.
Eyez on Ice Initiative: Supporting Health and Wellbeing
TSIRC’s Healthy Lifestyle Officers have been actively participating in the Eyez on Ice program, working with young people impacted by substance use. This initiative includes mediation training, equipping officers with tools to provide vital support and intervention strategies to strengthen community resilience and wellbeing.
Looking Ahead
TSIRC remains dedicated to fostering sustainable growth, supporting our communities, and ensuring that governance remains strong and transparent. We thank our residents for their continued engagement and look forward to further progress in the coming months.
