Strengthening Culture, Country, and Community on Mabuyag Island
Mabuygiw Garkaziw Kupay Torres Strait Islander Corporation is making an impact on Mabuyag Island through its commitment to culture, conservation, and community development.
Photo: MGK team members Rim, Wigness and Olandi at the London Missionary Society Memorial site
Mabuygiw Garkaziw Kupay (MGK) are providing valuable services that help protect the environment, monitor wildlife, preserve cultural heritage, support community development projects, and care for local people and culture. They aim to strengthen community resilience by combining traditional knowledge with conservation practices to protect Mabuyag’s land, sea, and cultural heritage.
David Houeix, Olandi Bani and Wigness Sagigi are employees of MGK and have pride in knowing their work is contributing and helping to care for their land, sea and culture, as well as helping future generations.
MGK’s capacity to support this important work has recently expanded through funding for 5 new positions under the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program. The program is helping create new jobs in remote Australia, offering good pay and conditions such as leave and superannuation. The funding means more people caring for their country and culture, as well as greater opportunities for employees to grow their careers.
David is a Land and Sea Officer and shares the daily tasks in his role which give him both purpose and confidence.
“I love the recycling. I love cleaning my island, maintaining cultural sites, gaining more of my cultural knowledge and working outdoors.”
“I get to help my community, and the job really boosts my confidence, and really helps me get out of my shell.”
“I'm looking to build on my past experiences and gain new knowledge around conservation, land and sea management.”
Land and Sea Officer Olandi explains how his role allows him to connect with his culture.
“I love the work that I do because it helps my community and it increases my understanding on my history and cultural background.”
“I really enjoy working on my home and keeping it clean for my people and the future generations.”
For some employees, RJED funding has enabled them to move from part-time work to full time employment, creating career progression opportunities and leadership pathways.
New team leader Wigness shares his experience.
“I feel more confident to speak on behalf of my people and by having this job I can play my role as a team leader and role model to those around.”
He shares one of the projects he is most proud of and what he’s hoping to achieve.
“The Cultural and Natural Resource Management Project, for example, managing the WI Cultural Heritage Site, which is dated 7,200 years old – the oldest site in the Torres Strait.”
“I am hoping to gain better understanding in the use of technology and applying the best traditional management practices.”
MGK supports their employees to think about what skills and capabilities they want to work on going forward.
Photo: MGK team members David, Olandi, Wigness and Rim at the Dugong Mound
The dedication of employees like Wigness, Olandi and David, along with MGK’s commitment to honouring traditional decision‑making processes, empowers the Traditional Owners to actively participate. This approach strengthens collaboration and supports the development of culturally sensitive management arrangements.
“The Mabuyag Land and Sea Management Project is a powerful initiative that not only revitalises our cultural heritage but also fosters a strong sense of community among MGK employees, empowering them to take pride in their roles and contributions,” said MGK Managing Director Abba Babia.
MGK’s story shows how strong community leadership can create meaningful change, while also staying committed to protecting culture and the local environment of the Mabuygilgaw people.
More information
For more information on the RJED program visit: Remote Jobs | NIAA