Chairman of the Torres Strait Regional Authority, Pedro Stephen AM, said the journey of the Elders would eventually lead to the establishment of one of the nations leading arts and cultural centres on the islands – GAB Titui. Gab Titui recently celebrated its 20 birthday, marking 20 years of cultural sovereignty. Mr Stephen said he was one of the centres first committee members.
“It has the spiritual significance, but also it’s the symbol of progress and the start of a brand new story,” he said. Mr Bani said at the opening of the centre in 2004, the Kuarareg People would receive a formal acknowledgement, which was extraordinary at the time. “We’d come through that time when weren't really aware of, culture, our connection,” he said.