Family to shed light on Torres Strait Islands

Former PNG health minister, Sir Peter Barter has spoken out strongly against any move by Australian authorities to refuse TB treatment to PNG citizens in the Torres Strait.

Australian health workers in the Torres Strait won't have funding to treat sick PNG nationals as from tomorrow... but that won't stop patients turning up daily for treatment for potentially deadly tuberculosis. Australia's financial year ends today, June 30.

Sir Peter Barter, an Australia-born now retired PNG politician, says it would be inhumane and criminal to turn away PNG citizens crossing the border for needed medical treatment in the Torres Strait.

The celebration marks the 140th anniversary of the culturally significant ''Coming of the Light'', which was the name given to the London Missionary Society's arrival in Torres Strait.

Uniting all the arts organisations in the South Bank precinct for the first time, the landmark celebration will feature art collections, performances, lectures and activities for all ages from July 1 to October 23, including:

* An exhibition of archival materials from the State Library of Queensland's collections, Strait Home, from July 1 to October 23;

* Land, Sea and Sky: Contemporary Art from the Torres Strait Islands, an exhibition of work by more than 40 artists at GoMA from July 1 to October 9;

* Awakening: Stories from the Torres Strait, a collection of objects, including ceremonial masks and archaeological findings at the Queensland Museum from current to October 2;

* The 2011 Mabo Oration at QPAC on July 3; and more.

Arts Minister Rachel Nolan said Torres Strait Islands: A Celebration was the most extensive celebration of Torres Strait Islander arts and culture ever mounted.

Jillian and her mother were both born in Torres Strait and her five oldest children, although born in Australia, also spent their early years in Torres Strait.

At sunset tomorrow, they will join other Torres Strait Islander men, women and children in singing contemporary and traditional hymns and music from Torres Strait.

The Voices for the Light choir will perform from 5 to 6pm