Murray Island, Queensland
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Murray Island (known by the local Torres Strait Islanders as Mer) is a small island of volcanic origin, populated by the Melanesian Meriam people and situated in the eastern section of Torres Strait, near the Great Barrier Reef. The island has a population of around 450.
This island is one of the Torres Strait Islands. The Murray Group comprises three islands - Mer, Dauar and Waier. There are eight Meriam tribes - Komet, Zagareb, Meuram, Magaram, Geuram, Peibre, Meriam-Samsep, Piadram and Dauer Meriam. The organization of the island is based on the traditional laws of boundary and ownership.
The people of Mer (Meriam) maintain their traditional culture. Modern influences such as consumer goods, television, travel and radio are having an impact on traditional practices and culture. Despite this, song and dance remains an integral part of island life and is demonstrated through celebrations such as Mabo Day, Coming of the Light, Tombstone openings and other cultural events.
The people of Murray Island speak Torres Strait Creole and Meriam. English is a second language.
Murray Island is governed by the Community Council, which is responsible for roads, water, housing and community events. The Community Council has a major influence on community life. The elders of the community hold a position of respect and also have a major influence on island life.
[edit] Geography
Murray Island is a basaltic island formed from an extinct volcano, which was last active million years ago. It formed as a result when the Indo-Australian Plate slid over the East Australia hotspot. The island rises to a plateau 80m above sea level. The highest point of the island is the 230 metre Gelam Paser, the western end of the volcano crater. The island has red fertile soil and is covered in dense vegetation. The island has a tropical climate with a wet and dry season.
[edit] History
Murray Island has been inhabited by the Meriam people for thousands of years prior to European exploration and settlement of Australia. Westerners began to settle on the island in 1872 when the London Missionary Society founded a missionary school there. The Queensland Government annexed the islands in 1879.
In 1936, a maritime strike fueled by Islander dissatisfaction with the fact that their wages and boats were managed by the Protector of Aborigines allowed islanders to assert control and reject government controls.
In 1937 the inaugural meeeting of Island Councillors on Yorke Island resulted in the "Torres Strait Islander Act" (1939), giving Islanders more authority in their own affairs and established local governments on each island.
After the outbreak of the Pacific War in 1941, over 700 Islanders volunteered to defend the Torres Strait. This group was organised into the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion.
The migration of Islanders to mainland Australia as jobs disappeared in the pearling industry.
The call for independence from Australia in the 1980s due to the government failing to provide basic infrastructure on the island.
Murray Island's most famous resident was trade unionist Eddie Mabo, whose decision to sue the Queensland government in order to secure ownership of his land, which had been removed from his ancestors by the English colonial powers using the terra nullius legal concept, ultimately led to the High Court of Australia, on appeal from the Supreme Court of the State of Queensland, issue the "Mabo decision" to finally recognise Mabo's rights on his land on 3 June 1992. This decision continues to have ramifications for Australia. Mabo himself died a few months before the decision.
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