Commissioner C’Zarke Maza (Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa) visited Iama last week as part of his ongoing commitment to maintain strong connections across Zenadth Kes and abroad.

The visit formed part of the Commissioner’s regional outreach to ensure Torres Strait Islander community voices are heard, relationships are nurtured, and that child rearing ailan kastoms continue to be recognised and supported.

Whilst the visit was short, Commissioner Maza was able to immerse himself in community and see his Cultural Support Officers in action, helping families apply for a Cultural Recognition Order.

“Mina big eso to the Iama community for allowing myself and my team to visit,” Mr Maza said.

“It’s important for me to be present in our communities and available for conversations that support the recognition of the sacred practice that each community and family group honours differently,” he added.

Listening to community members and supporting his Cultural Support Officers is vital for the Office of the Commissioner Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa.

With offices based in Cairns and Waiben (Thursday Island), Commissioner Maza acknowledged the importance of visiting outer-island communities in person to maintain trust and ensure families feel supported.

The Commissioner’s presence on Iama reaffirmed OCMOKK’s commitment to respecting and upholding the generational ailan kastom while also providing a bridge to government services and support.

“My role is not only to provide legal recognition but to walk alongside community as we continue to celebrate and protect our cultural ways,” Mr Maza said.

“A Cultural Recognition Order permanently transfers parentage to the cultural parents and allows for the child’s or adult’s legal identity to reflect that of their cultural identity and lived experience,”

“It is a responsibility that I do not take lightly, and we are constantly engaging with community to ensure we respect the cultural protocols of each community,” Mr Maza added.

Commissioner Maza confirmed that he will be visiting more island communities in the coming months as part of his commitment to be visible, accessible, and deeply connected to the communities he serves.