A Zenadth Kes aftercare report has been finalised after months of consultation with communities across the Torres Strait.
The Wakai Waian Healing Aftercare Steering Committee met on Monday to finalise the report, which was developed through listening, learning and work alongside communities.
Consultations are continuing on Badu, with discussions focused on Zenadth Kes ways of knowing, being and doing in relation to mental wellbeing sovereignty, healing and community-led solutions.
Wakai Waian Healing said the report marked a moment to acknowledge the work completed so far.
Masig man, CEO and founder, Ed Mosby, said the work had been built on long-standing community leadership and cultural guidance.
"This work stands on the shoulders of those who came before us," Mr Mosby said.
"We acknowledge the leadership and vision of Uncle Phillip Mills the architect of the Torres Model of Care, and the ongoing cultural guidance and wisdom of Uncle Gabriel Bani, Uncle Marsat Ketchell, Pastor Pedro Stephen, Elders, Traditional Owners, community leaders and the many people from the Outer Islands who have shared their stories, experiences and hopes for the future."
The Torres Strait Islander-owned and operated organisation has been working in partnership with Torres Health, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, and Northern Queensland Primary Health Network.
Wakai Waian Healing also acknowledged Northern Queensland PHN for its support of a community-led approach in Zenadth Kes, saying the investment had created space for communities to speak, local voices to lead and culturally grounded solutions to emerge from communities.
The consultation process found mental wellbeing could not be separated from broader pressures facing Torres Strait Islander communities.
Those issues include housing and overcrowding, food security, the rising cost of living, climate change, transport and fuel costs, employment opportunities, access to healthcare, family, culture, identity and connection to sea Country.
Wakai Waian Healing said the completion of the report was not the end of the process, with conversations, relationships and healing work to continue.
The organisation said there was still work ahead, but the project had made progress towards a future where mental wellbeing in Zenadth Kes is increasingly shaped by local knowledge, cultural authority and community leadership.
