St Pauls

About St Pauls (Moa)

Location

The St Pauls (Wug) community is located on the north-east side of Moa Island, at the base of Moa Peak. Moa Island is part of the Torres Strait's western island group, and is the second largest island in the Torres Strait. The Kubin community sits on the southern end of Moa Island. 

Languages

Many in the community speak Torres Strait Creole. Kala Lagaw Ya [Ka-la Lug-ow Ya] and English are also spoken. As English is not a first language, assistance may be required for complainants, witnesses, victims and offenders who come before the courts.

History of St Pauls

St Pauls facts and figures

Key social indicators from the 2016 Census for the St Pauls community include:

  • 40.7% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 15 years and over had completed year 12 or equivalent
  • 20.6% of households with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were overcrowded.

The following figures are from the 2011 Census and will be updated later in 2017:

  • 15.5% of dependent children in families with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were from jobless families
  • 8.3% unemployment rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 15 to 64 years
  • 26% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 15 to 64 years worked in the Public administration and safety industry.

For more 2011 and 2016 census information on education, employment, income, housing figures and more for St Pauls, build a statistical profile on Know Your Community.

Native title information

Search for native title information on the National Native Title Tribunal website.

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Visiting St Pauls

St Pauls is part of the Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC). The TSIRC asks all visitors to St Paul's to register their visit before they arrive. It is also recommended that visitors read the TSIRC's information on culture, protocols and heritage.

Getting to St Pauls

St Pauls community is serviced by an airstrip located on the northern perimeter of Kubin village. The airstrip is operated by the TSIRC. Travel to Moa Island is via Horn Island Airport. Helicopter and fixed wing flights are available in this region.

Seasonal considerations

The wet season in the Torres Strait starts around October and ends in April-May. The region is subject to cyclones during the wet season.

Quarantine restrictions

When visiting the Torres Strait you need to observe the quarantine regulations. It is against the law to move plant and animal material, including fruit, from the Torres Strait to the mainland.

For more information visit the Australian interstate quarantine website.   

Alcohol restrictions

There are no alcohol management plans for islands in the Torres Strait. However, please check with the local council as some island communities may have preferred protocols in relation to the consumption of alcohol. 

Local government

Search the local government directory for information about the Torres Strait Island Regional Council. 

Who to contact if you have questions about your visit

Regional Director (Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships)

Phone: 07 4069 1243
Mobile: 0400 769 868 

Torres Strait Island Regional Council

Phone: 07 4034 5700
Fax: 07 4034 5750
Email: info[at]TSIRC.qld.gov.au

Sorry business and sad news

When news of the death of a community member is received in the St Pauls Community Office, the Councillor will close the office. The office will re-open later the same day or the following day.

As a token of respect for the families and relatives of the deceased, the council office will close on the day of the funeral. Meetings, forums, workshops are usually re-scheduled to a more convenient time in consultation with the Councillor and Divisional Manager.

During this time business does not generally take place in the community, however this does not apply to essential services such as policing, child safety, health, education and justice.

For Torres Strait Islander cultures, ‘Tombstone Openings’ are a time for celebration and symbolise the point that brings closure for the family of the deceased through the celebration of the person’s life. There is a lengthy mourning process from the time of the person’s death, culminating with the unveiling of the tombstone ceremony, which is followed by feasting and dancing. This process usually takes place about 1 or 2 years after the funeral; however some families may take longer to prepare for this event. 

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Community justice group

The role of the Community Justice Group (CJG) is to ensure that clients of the service are given appropriate cultural support for court matters. The CJG also provides cultural reports to the courts at sentencing and bail applications, assistance to the courts in managing community-based offences, and networking to implement crime prevention initiatives.

Members of the CJG work closely with a number of justice agencies including the Queensland Magistrates Court, Department of Corrective Services, Queensland Police Service, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service. The CJG works to support the community’s understanding of and access to the justice system by working in conjunction with Shire Council by-laws and victim support agencies.

Key ways the CJG is able to assist the community and the courts include:

  • participation in community consultations relevant to the CJG’s role within the criminal justice sector
  • preparation and presentation of written and oral sentencing submissions to the court
  • defendant support and referral (including court support)
  • victim support and referral (including court support)
  • support for debtors wishing to access the State Penalties and Enforcement Registry.

The local CJG for St Pauls is:

St Pauls Community Justice Group
C/- St Pauls Island Council
St Paul's Community 4875

Coordinator: Petrine Saunders

Phone: 07 4069 4279
Fax: 07 4069 4100
Mobile: 0488 035 901
Email: petrine.saunders[at]gmail.com

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Community services

Use the Queensland Government's one place service directory to find up-to-date contact information for local support services including:

  • legal advice and support services
  • youth justice and support groups
  • domestic and family violence support
  • drug and alcohol services
  • mens' and women's groups
  • accident, emergency and medical services

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More information

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