TSIRC Councillors Gather in Cairns for Strategic Workshops and Regional Collaboration
All Councillors of the Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC), along with Mayor Phillemon Mosby and Chief Executive Officer, James William, are meeting in Cairns this week for a five-day series of workshops focused on strengthening governance, financial planning and regional collaboration.
The workshops, running from Monday 10 to Friday 14 November, provide an opportunity for Councillors to share common challenges, discuss innovative solutions, and learn from each other’s experiences in serving their communities across the Torres Strait.
A key highlight of the week will be Wednesday’s session, which will welcome two guest Ministers — the Hon Matt Smith, Member for Leichhardt, and the Hon David Kempton, Member for Cook. The Ministers will engage in discussions on regional priorities, long-term strategies, and the ongoing funding and support required to deliver essential services and infrastructure across the outer islands.
Throughout the week, Councillors will also participate in a finance review, including a detailed recap of TSIRC’s Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) — a framework guiding the building, replacement and improvement of critical community assets across the region.
Other key sessions will include a presentation from Queensland Police Service (QPS) Executive Director Alan Dewis, as well as a visit from Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) Executive General Manager Marita Sagigi and Chief Executive Rex O’Rourke, who will discuss community concerns regarding health service delivery across the region.
On Thursday, Councillors will engage in a regional leadership discussion featuring North Peninsula Area Regional Council Mayor Robert Poi Poi and Torres Shire Council Mayor Elsie Seriat. This collaborative session aims to strengthen relationships and align priorities between neighbouring councils across the Torres Strait and Cape York regions.
Mayor Mosby said the workshops are a valuable opportunity for Councillors to focus on strategic planning and shared vision: “By coming together, we continue to build strong, capable local leadership that reflects the needs and aspirations of our people across Zenadth Kes.”
