Torres Strait Regional Leadership Forum
Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) recently hosted the Regional Leadership Forum (RLF) in collaboration with sister councils Torres Shire Council (TSC) and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) in Cairns, alongside partners Gur Berdardaw Kod (GBK) and Ipima Ikaya Aboriginal Corporation.
With the theme “Legacy of Paradigms”, the Forum provided a platform to reflect on past regional challenges while fostering open dialogue about the current paradigms shaping the region today. It offered a valuable opportunity for councils to unite, discuss key issues, and collaboratively develop strategies to strengthen the region. The Forum aims to promote collective leadership and co-design a shared path toward achieving the region’s social, cultural, political and economic aspirations.
During the Forum, leaders and partners engaged in meaningful dialogue on a range of regional strategic priorities. Key topics included regional autonomy; safe, accessible and affordable transportation; biosecurity and regional safety; health reform and nation building; land tenure and Native Title; and economic independence and participation.
Discussions also focused on the establishment of a Torrgraziees Strait and Northern Peninsula Area (TS&NPA) Registered Organisation of Councils (ROC) to strengthen regional collaboration and advocacy.
TSIRC Mayor Phillemon Mosby highlighted the cultural and strategic significance of the Forum. “Malungu Yangu Wakay, meaning ‘Voice from the deep’, underpins our united cultural pathway for the people of Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Regional to pursue and achieve self-determination and regional autonomy,” he said.
Torres Shire Council Mayor Elsie Seriat commended the unity shown at the Forum: “Coming together in this way shows the strength of our leadership and our people. We are building a future grounded in respect for our cultures and the determination to lead our own destiny.”
The Forum marks a pivotal step forward in regional cooperation, demonstrating a powerful message of solidarity and leadership. The Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area celebrate the open discussions and strong support between councils, recognising that advice, partnerships and shared wisdom are essential to shaping our future and addressing our common challenges.
