National NAIDOC 2004 Award Winner

Steve Mam - Elder of the Year (Male)

Steve was born on Moa Island in the Western group of the Torres Strait Islands at a place called St Paul’s Village. He now lives with his wife and family in Brisbane.

Over the last 3 decades he’s helped establish some of the key services in and around Brisbane for mainland Torres Strait Islander people. This includes the WAAGGA dance company to ensure Islanders maintain their cultural connection with their homeland.

Steve was instrumental in developing the Torres Strait Islander Advisory Board.

He’s worked with his wife to ensure TSI adoption rights are recognised by the QLD government.

He’s worked towards having traditional hunting rights recognised and helped establish the Born Free Club for the homeless.

And what Torres Strait Islander would he be if he didn’t have a personal love of fishing.