Advertisment

Community

7 February, 2022

Moa women creating bright futures

MOA Arts in the Kubin community of the Torres Strait has provided a creative space for community members to connect and learn about the steps and support available to launch into business.


Self-taught artist Mabel Kanai with daughter Jamie
Self-taught artist Mabel Kanai with daughter Jamie

In preparation for the New Year and pre-COVID, the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) visited the arts centre with business development organisation, Many Rivers to deliver a two-day workshop (December 13 and 14) aimed at helping local people start and succeed in business. 

Participants Louise Manas and Mabel Kanai are aspiring business owners with diverse and exciting ideas to support culture and solid economic futures for their families and community. 

58-year-old Louise Manas’ business idea is to write and publish a children’s book in traditional language. 

As the cultural advisor and coordinator for the Indigenous Knowledge Centre, home to the island’s library service, it is a natural next step for her to go into publishing. 

“I am a speaker of Kala Lagaw Ya, which is spoken by more than 100 people, including my two children,” Ms Manas said. 

“Writing and publishing a children’s book in the traditional language would help preserve and share our language during the important early years of child development.” 

Self-taught artist Mabel Kanai, 52, dreams of starting a textile and sewing business to support and inspire future generations, including her three-year-old daughter, Jamie. 

Workshop participant Louise Manas hopes to write a children’s book in traditional language
Workshop participant Louise Manas hopes to write a children’s book in traditional language

“I am at the very start of my journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet the TSRA and Many Rivers and learn about starting my own business,” Ms Kanai said. 

TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM said the December workshop – held weeks before the first reported COVID-19 case in the Torres Strait – proceeded thanks to the community’s strong vaccination uptake. 

“Kubin is one of the highest-vaccinated communities across the Torres Strait and Cape York region,” Mr Stephen said. 

“Staff were able to safely visit the community before COVID-19 reached the region and start working with aspiring local business owners. 

“TSRA is continuing to connect with communities in COVID-safe ways, including virtual options to keep conversations and priorities moving while vaccination rates increase across the region,” he said. 

For more information about Moa Arts, visit the Facebook page or https://moaart.com.au.

Advertisment

Most Popular