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Holidays and Celebrations

Learn more about the gazetted holidays and celebrations we recognise

Home > Our Work > Community > Holidays and Celebrations

Celebrations Overview

In addition to national or state public holidays, we also acknowledge special holidays. Visitors to the region are encouraged to consider all recognised holidays and how it may impact travel plans and visitation.

Region wide gazetted special holidays: 4

Council divisions: 15

Island communities: 14

Useful information

Some islands celebrate unique holidays that are specific to their locations and not observed region-wide. For a detailed overview of all these special holidays, please click here.

Whole of Region Holidays

Mabo Day – 3 June

Mabo Day - Australia’s first successful native title claim. On 3 June 1992, the High Court of Australia handed down its decision in the case known as Mabo (No. 2), recognising traditional land rights (Native Title) on Mer (Murray Island). The case was led by Eddie ‘Koiki’ Mabo.

Coming of the Light Festival – 1 July

This festival marks the day the London Missionary Society first arrived in Torres Strait. The missionaries landed at Erub (Darnley Island) on 1 July 1871, introducing Christianity to the region. This is a significant day for Torres Strait Islanders, who are predominantly of Christian faith. Religious and cultural ceremonies across Torres Strait and mainland Australia are held annually on 1 July.

Island-specific public holidays mark the arrival of the London Missionary Society, however, 1 July is the whole-of-region holiday recognising the original Coming of the Light.

Anniversary of the First Councillors Meeting, Masig - 23 August

Torres Strait Islanders gathered for the first formal council meeting at Masig (Yorke Island) on 23 August 1937. This day is recognised annually as a gazetted holiday across the Torres Strait Island Regional Council area.

Torres Strait Flag Day – 29 May

The Torres Strait Islander flag was designed by the late Bernard Namok Senior from Thursday Island.

In 1992, Mr Namok won the Torres Strait Islander flag design competition, and the flag was officially presented to the people of the Torres Strait at the sixth Torres Strait Cultural Festival on 29 May 1992.

29 May is Torres Strait Islander Flag Day, a time to honour the cultural heritage, resilience, and contributions of Torres Strait Islander people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are council offices open on public and special holidays?

Council offices are closed on all public and gazetted special holidays. Operations resume the following business day. Some special holidays are region-wide and others are specific to certain locations. Find more information here.

Are other significant and cultural days celebrated by Council?

Council recognises and celebrates other significant days across our footprint. Council offices remain operational on these days if they fall on a business day with staff often celebrating these events either during breaks or after hours. Examples of events include; NAIDOC week, Close The Gap Day and National Reconciliation Week.