Back to Mer with jobs
Providing employment for Mer Island residents and attracting community members to return are the principal aims of an ICV project with the Island’s Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC).
PBC Chair Douglas Falen Passi approached ICV to assist with a funding application aimed at creating for a more efficient office
Improvements such as Internet access will allow the organisation to become more involved in industries such as fishing and eco-tourism.
Douglas said the Queensland State Government money would provide the 450 residents with many things which others take for granted.
He says while services such as roads and rubbish collection are the responsibility of the Council, the PBC wants to look at more sustainable options.
“Expertise has been going off the island for years and if we can provide employment then those who have left will come back while those who are living here will choose to remain,” Douglas said.
Volunteer husband and wife team, Terry and Barbara Edge spent time working with the community as they prepared an office provided by the church.
Mer Island is one of three comprising the Murray group in The Torres Strait. It is famous as the home of Eddie Mabo who took the Queensland State Government to the High Court in Canberra on the issue of land rights. The High Court decision led to the recognition of native title and land ownership rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Douglas says the funding would also assist in further work on Native Title.
