TSIRC Concludes Five-Day Strategic Workshops in Cairns
Cairns, 10–14 November 2025 — The Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) has successfully concluded a five-day series of strategic workshops in Cairns, bringing together Councillors, Mayor Phillemon Mosby and Chief Executive Officer James William to focus on governance, financial sustainability, regional partnership and long-term planning across the Torres Strait.
Throughout the week, Councillors took part in intensive sessions and discussions to review Council’s financial position and key priorities, strengthen collaboration with government representatives and regional partners, and advocate for continued funding and support.
Financial Planning and SIP Review
Early in the week, Executive Director of Financial Services, Hollie Faithfull, led a comprehensive budget review outlining TSIRC’s financial position and operational priorities. Councillors also revisited the Strategic Investment Plan (SIP), which identifies critical infrastructure needs across the region.
Engagement with State and Federal Representatives
TSIRC welcomed visits from both levels of government during the workshops. On Wednesday, they welcomed Federal Member for Leichhardt, The Hon Matt Smith MP, to discuss long-term investment priorities, including the region’s estimated $617 million infrastructure needs, housing challenges, renewable energy opportunities and climate adaptation.
On Thursday, State Member for Cook, The Hon David Kempton MP, met with Councillors to discuss TSIRC’s need for continued support for essential services, infrastructure and sustainable development.
Strengthening Regional Unity
A key highlight of the workshops was a regional leadership forum with Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) Mayor Robert Poi Poi and Torres Shire Council (TSC) Mayor Elsie Seriat, alongside their deputies and CEOs. Discussions centred on shared challenges and strategies to strengthen regional autonomy and financial sustainability. The session reinforced a united commitment to the Malungu Yangu Wakay, working collaboratively as one region to achieve our goals and aspirations.
Focus on Health Services and Community Safety
On the final day, TSIRC hosted representatives from the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS), including Chief Executive Rex O’Rourke, to discuss health service delivery concerns raised by island communities.
Later in the day, Councillors welcomed Queensland Police Service (QPS) Executive Director Alan Dewis and Principal First Nations Cultural Advisor Peter Pilot. Councillors were able to directly raise issues around safety and security, ask questions and advocate for improvements on behalf of communities.
Community Engagement
On Thursday afternoon, Mayor Mosby hosted a community event that brought Councillors and community members together for meaningful conversations. The event was warmly received and reflects TSIRC’s ongoing commitment to engaging and building strong relationships with community members. This approach reflects Council’s ‘Look, Listen and Adapt’ strategy, ensuring that community insights inform tailored strategies for each island’s unique needs.
Looking Ahead
Mayor Mosby closed the five-day workshops by acknowledging the progress made:
“These workshops allow us to ground our planning in the realities our communities face every day,” Mayor Mosby said. “Guided by the Malangu Yangu Wakay, we work with our stakeholders, capacity partners and other sister councils in unity toward self-determination and regional autonomy. This is the island way: we look, listen and adapt to each community’s unique needs to deliver an autonomous, prosperous and sustainable future for our people across Zenadth Kes.”
