Futsal – or indoor soccer – sees two teams of five people compete in a fast, energetic game. The sport is increasing in popularity in Australia, with around 300,000 children and adults playing futsal around the country.

Bamaga Enterprises Ltd is supporting Torres Strait & Cape York Peninsula Indigenous Futsal Association (TCIFA) to run an ongoing local competition and other activities for all ages.

TCIFA’s founders, Nicky Poi Poi and Eugene Orwell, are aiming to run ‘Come-and-Try’ sessions at Northern Peninsula Area State College and the Community Hall in March 2021.

The school age groupings are:

• Kindy – ages 3–5 (focus is on motor skills and coordination)
• Lower Primary – ages 6–8
• Upper Primary – ages 9–12
• Junior High – ages 12–14
• Senior High – ages 15–17

TCIFA will also create a Bamaga-based adult team.

BEL is assisting TCIFA with promoting and recruiting paid staff to organise Bamaga Futsal Club activities. Mr Orwell says the team will eventually participate in regional, state and national tournaments in Cairns, Brisbane and Sydney.

“It’s fast, energetic and everybody can play it,” said Mr Orwell. “Our aim is to have locals running regular futsal activities in the community for children and adults.”

BEL General Manager, Chris Foord, said the futsal competition was another positive step in promoting good health and fitness in the community.

“This activity falls under the ‘Sporting and Recreational’ category of Bamaga Enterprises’ Socio Support Policy,” Mr Foord said.

“Bamaga-bred Jaylen Poi Poi has previously represented Australia internationally in Futsal and we look forward to seeing more future stars emerge from our community.”

If you would like to be involved in the new club, whether playing or organising, contact Eugene Orwell directly on 0419 688 398 or contact the BEL office.

Kittyhawk Basketball Association ran its inaugural basketball carnival event, Red Dust, over a weekend in late November. The Association has been dedicated to delivering basketball to the community throughout 2020, despite COVID-19 restrictions, in an effort to encourage NPA residents to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Red Dust saw nearly 50 teams across the region, from primary age to open age categories and including teams from the Torres Strait Islands, compete in a special three-on-three format. The style of play is designed to ensure maximum player involvement and enjoyment, with shorter game times meaning more people get to play. Non-players also enjoyed a range of food, music and dance performances.

Andrew Lui, President of Kittyhawk Basketball Association, said the carnival event went even better than expected.

“Because we’ve had a rough year, as soon as the COVID-19 restrictions dropped, our committee decided we needed to get something going that would bring people together, get the juniors involved and promote a healthy lifestyle and positive environment. The event fosters a positive mindset despite the challenges individuals and families may be experiencing.”

BEL was proud to support the event by providing accommodation for two referees from Thursday Island to stay at Cape York Peninsula Lodge so they could oversee the games.

BEL also donated three prizes to the event: a kids’ bike from Bamaga BP Service Station, a $50 meal voucher to enjoy at Bamaga Tavern’s bistro, and a $100 meal voucher for Paperbark Restaurant at Cape York Peninsula Lodge.

“We didn’t expect such a generous donation – words can’t explain how grateful we are to BEL,” said Mr Lui.

Basketball stars Kerry Williams and Nathan Jawai from the Cairns Taipans attended, helping with the junior games, giving advice and mentoring, teaching drills and more.

“It was great to have these basketballers, especially Nathan Jawai who is Bamaga born and bred, engaging with the kids and sharing jokes. We are so grateful for them taking the time to come up so the kids could see an example of what you can achieve. It was also exciting for the spectators to see them on the court,” said Mr Lui.

The event received so much positive feedback from the community that the Association is now planning on making it an annual event.

W: @KittyHawkBasketballAssociation

The community has recycled more than 14,000 cans, bottles and boxes since BEL launched an eco-friendly initiative a little over a year ago, raising more than $1,400 for the local Anglican church.

BEL signed up to the Containers for Change Scheme in late 2019 to provide residents with access to curbside recycling services and help make a positive impact on the environment. As part of the scheme, 1000-litre donation pods were placed at Bamaga BP, Bamaga Tavern and Cape York Peninsula Lodge – properties owned and managed by BEL.

Auswaste Environmental Services collects the full donation pods every two to three weeks, and provides a 10-cent refund to BEL for every container that meets the Scheme’s criteria.

The decision to donate the funds to local churches was inspired by the late Father Brooks, who was known for collecting cans around town for cash and then donating the money to his church.

“To donate that amount to a church in our first year is such a success, and a great way to remember Father Brooks,” said Robert Poipoi, Chairperson of Bamaga Enterprises.

“We’d like to thank the community for getting be

hind this initiative and helping to keep our environment healthy and beautiful – everyone wins.”

Most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liqu

id paperboard beverage containers between 150 mL and three litres are eligible for a refund when returned to a container refund point. Exclusions apply to some items.

BEL is seeking expressions of interest from local churches that would benefit from future donations – for purchases or projects of around $1,000.