Isao (Bill) Shibasaki Citizen of the Year

Sunday, 07 February 2010 12:18

By VELMA GARA

Wet weather didn’t dampen the spirits of those attending Australia Day activities and presentation of awards on Thursday Island.

LEFT: Torres Shire Citizen of the Year Isao (Bill) Shibasaki. RIGHT: Mishalia Birch, Young Citizen of the Year, receives her award from Australia Day Ambassador Tim Page.

Many were patriotic and turned up in their Australian shirts, hats and shorts, at the Sports Complex to see Isao (Bill) Shibasaki named as the Citizen of the Year for 2010.

The proceedings began to the sounds of the didgeridoo followed by the Bu Shell. Then the Ariw Poenipan Cultural Dance Group did a short performance of three dances.

Mayor, Pedro Stephen, of the Torres Shire Council spoke of the significance of this year’s Australia Day as one that the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, would like to have representing a reconciliation theme.

He said: “We can reflect on our own journey, our journey as a nation and where are we going.

“The didgeridoo and bu shell have been played for many years same as when the kookaburra and Torres Strait pigeons have been flying around; they have both been used by our ancestors during war and in celebrations.”

According to the Torres Shire Council, Mr Shibasaki is an Elder and a Councillor of the community whose tireless community efforts had often gon unnoticed.

His first community commitment began as founding Board Member of the Port Kennedy Association Incorporated where he played an instrumental part in its initial stages of establishment.

Mr Shibasaki takes a very active role as the Chair of the Torres Shire Tourism Steering Committee and has personally attended the Queensland Country Expo in Brisbane in the last couple of years and he volunteers to assist with Council’s ‘Meet & Greet’ campaign for tourists who come ashore off cruise ships.

His leadership role continues into Local Government having served a number of terms as Councillor and relieving Mayor of Torres Shire Council.

Mr Shibasaki was happy to receive the Citizen of the Year Award.

He said: “The main thing is that I’d like to set a good example to the younger generation.

“Appreciate what the older generation is trying to do as we have to learn to walk and work together, unity is our strength.”

Mishalia Birch was awarded the Young Citizen of the Year for being an advocate for the young people and she has demonstrated leadership skills and is an active member of the Torres Shire Youth Council.

Last year, the Youth Council in partnership with other government agencies facilitated the Community Partnership Forum and Mishalia held various roles including the planning and delivery of services and taking a lead role as MC.

This year, Mishalia is a school captain at the Tagai State College, Thursday Island Secondary Campus.

Community Event of the Year was awarded to the colourful and energetic Ariw Poenipan Cultural Dance Group who has been showing the unique Torres Strait culture at local, regional, national and international arena.

Many were able to witness their unique style of dancing, last year, locally at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre’s birthday celebrations, at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and then over in Hawaii to launch the Zamiyakal Exhibition as well as attend workshops and information sessions whilst overseas.

Australia Day Ambassador, Tim Page, donated his latest book, The Mindful Moment, to the Library of the Torres Shire Council.

Mr Page, who is a freelance press and war photographer, spoke of his visit to the Torres Strait in 2000 and was awed by the clear sky and many stars.

“It’s an incredible privilege to be here and an honour to serve this country (as an Ambassador).

All recipients of Australia Day Awards, except Toshie Nakata, Marge Bon and Adrian Bon who were not present, received their certificates and medallions from Torres Shire Council Mayor, Pedro Stephen.

Achievement Medallions

Cultural – Gabriel Bani

Sport – Elsie Belphina Seriat

Achievement – Dolli Bin Tahal

Competition – Uncle Seaman Dan
Achievement Certificates

Participation – Sue Holland, Elder Joseph Wasaga

Achievement – Toshie Nakata, Michael Higgins

Appreciation – Nola Ward Page, Peter Chapman

Sponsor – Marge & Adrian Bon (BA-KED Tamwoy Store), Danny O’Brien (South Pacific Store)

After the presentations of awards had concluded everyone enjoyed the sausage sizzle, coconut bowls and lamington eating contest.

With the sun out it was nice for dip in the pool or take a ride in the children’s ambulance.

Meantime, Jardine Motel organised a barbeque in the pool area with the ABC youth radio, Triple J, blearing in the background.

It continued until the evening with many island residents supporting the event and was busy from afternoon onwards.