BEL announced more than $50,000 worth of support for the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) in March for special education students, medical assistance, university and TAFE studies, and fitness training courses.

Some of these projects are now on hold due to COVID-19 including:

• sending five NPA College students and three staff members to the Challenge Games in Townsville; and
• vision screening for local students.

BEL approved sponsorship under the Sporting & Recreational Activities category for Celestina Poi Poi and Leandra Newman from Steel Fitness Bamaga to complete a Les Mills Instructor three-day training course.

Celestina says the gym wants to offer the community a different approach for fitness. “Our feedback, especially from women, is that they’re interested in Les Mills group exercise classes and we want to make training as enjoyable as possible.”

In the Medical Assistance category, BEL approved the installation of air conditioners in the houses of Bamaga community members, Rex Adidi and Monica Amey, to assist with their medical conditions. The air conditioners will enable the proper operation of Rex’s dialysis machine, while Monica will benefit from a healthier breathing environment.

As part of its Socio Support Policy, BEL can provide financial support across numerous categories. The organisation has re-invested more than $2.5 million of its profits in sponsorships, donations and community infrastructure.

Guidelines around sponsorship criteria and dollar amounts are available at www.bament.com.au/sponsorships-donations or phone 07 4069 3533 for further information.

BEL provided $5,000 to send 25 children from NPA College Bamaga Senior campus to the Peninsula Regional Rugby League Championships in March.

The trials at Jones Park in Cairns enabled the girls and boys to compete against other students from seven districts, according to teacher Stuart Jones.

“All our Cape and Torres teams were competitive throughout the carnival. Although they didn’t come away with many wins, they were very structured in attack and committed in defence,” says Mr Jones.

“Our students only get the opportunity to play in competitive competition intermittently due to limited access to Junior Rugby League in the NPA.

“Being able to travel on this trip allowed our students the opportunity to communicate with others outside of a normal community setting; to become familiar with the feelings of success and defeat; to build resilience as some were travelling or were without direct family for the first time; and make independent decisions – fundamental skills to becoming confident and capable young men and women.

“I know the students and their families truly appreciated the financial assistance from BEL. As a teacher this made it a much easier process and gave our students an opportunity to excel in a platform outside of the classroom. We appreciate the assistance and hope that we can work together again in the future.”

The students were vying for selection for the Peninsula Region team (under 15 and under 18 boys and girls) and to subsequently compete in the State Championships 23 to 26 May (which are now on hold). Two of the NPA College students – one girl and one boy – were selected as shadow/alternate players.

BEL recently awarded scholarships to three local students as part of its Socio Support Policy work.

Sylvia Satrick and Yanetta Nadredre will receive $5,000 per year for their university studies.

Thirty-one-year-old Sylvia is studying a Bachelor of Public Health at Charles Darwin University, and currently works at NPA Family and Community Services. “I want to be able to educate our people regarding health issues so everyone can take care of themselves and we can lower mortality rates,” Sylvia says.

Sylvia will be studying online while working and raising her three children. “This scholarship means I can concentrate more on studying rather than financial support, and when I finish my studies, I can give back to the community.”

Yanetta is undertaking a Bachelor of Business Administration at the University of Technology in Sydney, while also establishing her own business – Strait Success – to mentor and coach individuals and organisations.

“I’d like to thank Bamaga Enterprises for providing this financial assistance to ensure my success,” says Yanetta.

Additionally, Danielle Atu will receive $1,000 to complete her Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care this year. She is studying at the TAFE Queensland Cairns Campus.

Danielle Atu will receive $1,000 to complete her Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care

Like Sylvia, Danielle works at NPA Family and Community Services and wants to support her community.“ Here in the NPA, everyone is family and many people get sick. Sometimes access to doctors and nurses isn’t consistent and we need more of those types of people,” Danielle says.

BEL Chairperson, Robert Poi Poi, says that as part of its Socio Support Policy, BEL provides financial support across numerous categories.

“This includes ‘Educational Purposes’, which is why are we able to support these three impressive women to develop their skills, which in turn can benefit our community,” Mr Poi Poi says.

“It’s essential that we have well educated and qualified community members to take on senior management and leadership positions in the NPA, or wherever life leads them in the future.”

BEL has approved further sponsorship support for Naygayiw Gigi Indigenous Corporation to develop a new performance. The funds will cover travel expenses to Saibai to connect with the group’s traditional homeland, an important and necessary step in the development of the project. The award-winning, traditional dance troupe has previously represented Torres Strait culture at national and international events.

Jo-Anne Adidi-Williams, who looks after sales and marketing for the Bamaga organisation, says, “We’ve turned a corner now and have gone up a level with our theatrical production.”

Naygayiw Gigi has temporarily put its new plans on hold due to COVID-19 but will progress its new special project as soon as travel restrictions are eased and weather conditions are suitable. The project is also receiving support from Arts Queensland and Tourism Tropical North Queensland.

The troupe, formed in 2015, is also known as “Northern Thunder” and performs traditional Saibai dance, singing and percussion music with participants ranging from 15 years old to early 50s.

President Francis Williams says, “Naygayiw Gigi is a proud cultural ambassador of the NPA and Torres Strait, having performed in Sydney and Canberra, as far away as Borneo, and at events such as the National NAIDOC Awards.”

Since 2016, BEL has engaged the Naygayiw Gigi troupe to perform on a regular basis for guests of Cape York Peninsula Lodge.

“BEL takes great pride in helping groups showcase and preserve their culture,” says BEL Chairperson, Robert Poi Poi.

“Bamaga Nominees Pty Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BEL and Trustee for the Bamaga Foundation, currently provides an annual donation of $10,000 to Cape York Peninsula Lodge. This enables it to engage local dance groups such as Naygayiw Gigi to perform for visiting tour groups and in-house guests.

“They absolutely love the performances and participate freely, fostering greater respect and appreciation for Torres Strait culture.”

Naygayiw Gigi Manager Leonora Adidi says BEL provides the biggest source of income for the organisation, which is used for travel-related expenses, costumes and paraphernalia, marketing and professional services.

“Our organisation boasts extensive experience among its seven directors. It’s been a big learning curve for us, but we have set goals in order to advance ourselves – we work hard and do whatever it takes to make them happen,” Ms Adidi says.

“We are very thankful to BEL for this assistance and will continue to work cooperatively with them entertaining and informing visitors to the region of our rich culture and heritage.”