8th December 2020 | by Torres Strait Islanders Media Association
Last Saturday, Torres Strait Islanders Media Association (TSIMA) celebrated their 35th anniversary in style with a live outdoor broadcast, live music and the launch of language animations through the newly established TSIMA Films.
Members of the Thursday Island community attended the festivities in full cheer, some even brought musical talents of their own and treated guests to surprise performances. The crowd pleaser was the musical debut of Jack Bani; a young member of the talented Bani family, who warmed hearts with a perfect performance of his first EP Rising As One.
Torres Strait Islanders Media Association (TSIMA) Board President Mrs Ivy Trevallion said that TSIMA’s 35thanniversary’s significance was made clear through community attendance and participation.
“We are a community driven organisation, and it was only fitting that we celebrated this anniversary with our community and our people who support us day in, day out,” said Mrs Trevallion.
“As the Voice of the Torres Strait, our organisation strives to amplify Torres Strait messages through media, including Radio4MW, TSIMA Music and now, TSIMA Films,”
“The organisation has made a massive impact over the past 35 years and I acknowledge the hard work and dedication of its previous Board Members and Staff who have paved the way,”
“As the President of the current TSIMA Board, I can ensure our communities that we will continue to uphold TSIMA’s positive reputation, expand our services and amplify our voices,” Mrs Trevallion added.
TSIMA Operations Manager, Diat Alferink said that 2020 was challenging for all Torres Strait communities and families; especially due to COVID-19, Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels.
“This year, our team have worked tirelessly to ensure that our families and communities across the region were well informed, entertained and reassured throughout this unpredictable year,”
“I would like to express my gratitude to the TSIMA Board and to my fellow staff who have been vital to our organisation and our communities,” Ms Alferink shared.
As part of the 35th anniversary proceedings, Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Chairperson Mr Napau Pedro Stephen launched the TSIMA language animations and musical icon Cessa Nakata cut the TSIMA Birthday Cake, alongside Mrs Ivy Trevallion.
“We would like to thank the band, performers, guest speakers and distinguished community members for joining our celebrations and we’d like to acknowledge Shibas for the delicious cake,”
“Finally, we’d also like to recognise and thank Frankies Café and Island Rooster for their hospitality and for allowing our celebrations to be partly hosted on their premises,” Ms Alferink added.
TSIMA wishes to thank all community members who attended and wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.
TSIMA Media Contact, Diat Alferink 07 4069 1524
Image credits: Photography by Jared Noah.