Day 1 - Island Calling!

In the early hours of Monday morning we dragged ourselves to Rockhampton airport to embark on the long journey north to the Torres Strait with a quick detour in Brisbane.  A chance to visit the St Brendan's College boys in their home community and finally get to meet the parents and community members we frequently talk to via phone and email. 

After nine hours, three plane flights and one smooth ferry ride we arrived at the picturesque Thursday Island. A balmy 29 degrees, cool island breeze and friendly locals made this place feel every bit warm and welcoming.  After setting our bags down it was off to explore the Thursday Island township.  

Perhaps, the most striking aspect of this bustling remote metropolis was the unique mix of ex-pat and Torres Strait Island culture. Sure there was the laid back feel of the island lifestyle but there was the place was busy. Council workers, tradies, office workers and executives all moving about their business but making sure to stop and enjoy life at the appropriate times, with long lunches and sociable afternoon gatherings. 

The Torres Strait lifestyle was not hard to miss and the prominence of culture throughout the community was amazing to see.  The main boardwalk was littered with a historical timeline and cultural knowledge. From Luis Vaz De Torres in 1606, the arrival of Christianity, pearling industry beginnings in 1885, World War II, the Mabo decision right up until today it provided a visual showing the rich and steeped history of Thursday Island and the Torres Strait.