A Zenadh Kes student boarding house has joined a small group of Australian boarding schools - and become the first Indigenous provider among them - to be recognised within a national safety and quality framework.
Torres Strait Kaziw Meta in a non-for-profit hostel on Waiben (Thursday Island) providing a 'home away from home' for year 7-12 students from outer islands attending the local Tagai State College.
Following three years of policy and procedural development and alignment, and staff training, TSKM has been certified as meeting AS 5725 Boarding Standard after passing an independent audit.
AS 5725 is recognised as a national boarding benchmark for best practice in Australian schools and residences.
It is not mandated nationally, though is mandatory in the ACT and referenced in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, Australian Boarding Schools Association chief executive Richard Stokes explained, and is currently under consideration in Tasmania and South Australia.
Launched as a scheme in 2022, seven of 204 boarding facilities in Australia have been certified.
TSKM joins the small existing list of independent and private schools.
"This certification reflects our boarders, families, Elders, staff and partners working together for a safe, caring and high performing boarding community," TSKM chief executive Thomas Dunsmore said.
"Meeting the Australian Boarding Standard shows what is possible for remote and Indigenous boarding students when strong culture and strong systems walk side by side.
"We are proud to set a leading example on behalf of Torres Strait Islanders and Indigenous boarding communities."
With 70 boarders in 2025, TSKM is increasing to 88 boarders next year following a extensions due for completion in February helped by funding from the NIAA.
The hostel was established in 1977.
"It builds confidence in families to choose an on-country boarding facility knowing that they have been externally certified in meeting an Australian standard," Mr Dunsmore told National Indigenous Times.
"For us it is about continuous improvement ensuring we have the safest possible environment for our youth and showcase what Torres Strait Islanders and Indigenous Communities can achieve when we put our mind on an important task.
"Our aim is to provide first choice options on Country and this is a critical step towards that goal."
Mr Stokes said it is "imperative" that boarding facilities are meeting a minimum standard", referencing "the health and well-being of the boarders, as well as their academic development, and also mentions how families can be involved in the boarding facility".
It's why ABSA put the process together.
From initiation to certification, the process takes around two-three years.
"We are delighted to see another boarding facility recognised as meeting the Australian Standard," Mr Stokes said.
"The commitment shown to achieving full compliance and to ensuring the highest levels of care and safety for boarders at Torres Strait Kaziw Meta has proven both worthwhile and exemplary,
"On behalf of the Association, ABSA congratulates Torres Strait Kaziw Meta on this significant achievement, and we look forward to continuing our work together to best support their boarders."
