Introduction
Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Corporation (GBK) is an Indigenous-controlled, not-for-profit organisation representing Traditional Owners and Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate across the Torres and Endeavour Straits in northern Australia.
GBK is the peak body for Prescribed Bodies Corporate in the region and provides an authoritative, community-led voice on native title, land, sea, cultural heritage, climate change, employment, education and sustainable community development.
The organisation also delivers the GBK Healthy Communities Grants Program, which supports locally led sport, physical activity, health, wellbeing, cultural connection and community-capacity initiatives across the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area.
History and Background
Gur A Baradharaw Kod was established through the collective direction of Traditional Owners seeking stronger regional autonomy, culturally informed governance and direct control over decisions affecting their land, sea and communities.
GBK was registered with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations in 2012. It is also registered as a charitable organisation.
The organisation’s membership includes 21 Prescribed Bodies Corporate across five Traditional Nation groups:
- Kemer Kemer Meriam
- Gudamaluialgal
- Maluilgal
- Kulkalgal
- Kaiwalagal
Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal land trusts can also become members.
A major milestone was reached on 1 July 2022, when GBK became the Native Title Service Provider for the Torres Strait. The transfer moved responsibility for native title legal and support services from the Torres Strait Regional Authority to a fully Indigenous-controlled regional body.
GBK subsequently updated its Rule Book and adopted its current name following approval from the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations in 2024.
The organisation’s full legal name is:
Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Corporation.
Mission and Purpose
GBK’s purpose is to protect, secure and advance the rights and interests of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal peoples in relation to land, sea, culture and heritage.
It uses a strengths-based, community-led approach to create positive change, reduce inequality and build sustainable communities.
Its strategic direction is expressed through:
Keriba Gesep; Ngalpun Mabaygal; Yumi Time — Our Homeland; Our People; Our Time.
Its work is grounded in Ailan Kastom, Aboriginal Lore, kinship, community authority and decision-making on Country.
GBK’s objectives include:
- Providing an authentic voice for Traditional Owners
- Protecting native title rights and interests
- Delivering culturally appropriate native title services
- Building the capacity of Prescribed Bodies Corporate
- Protecting land, sea and cultural resources
- Supporting employment and training
- Strengthening community leadership
- Promoting sustainable economic development
- Taking action on climate change
- Supporting health and wellbeing
- Educating communities and partners about native title
- Developing respectful and enduring partnerships
Values and Guiding Principles
GBK’s organisational values guide its governance, service delivery and partnerships.
Respect
GBK respects Ailan Kastom, Aboriginal Lore, cultural diversity, Traditional Owner authority and the values and beliefs of communities.
Culture
Culture is central to the organisation’s work. Decisions and programmes are guided by the customs, knowledge and laws of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal peoples.
Honesty
The organisation seeks to provide professional and ethical services while demonstrating integrity in its relationships and responsibilities.
Unity
GBK provides a collective and unified voice for Traditional Owners and communities across the region.
Accountability and Transparency
GBK promotes accountable and transparent governance for itself, its members and the Prescribed Bodies Corporate it supports.
Environmental Responsibility
The organisation supports sustainable development and the protection of land, sea, water and natural resources.
Collaboration
GBK works with communities, member organisations, government agencies, service providers and other stakeholders to achieve social, cultural, environmental and economic outcomes.
Truth-Telling
The organisation encourages honest conversations about history, culture and community experience to restore relationships and support justice.
Geographical Coverage
GBK serves Traditional Owners and communities across the Torres and Endeavour Straits and parts of the Northern Peninsula Area.
Its work covers:
- Torres Strait islands
- Sea Country
- Endeavour Strait
- Northern Peninsula Area communities
- Bamaga
- Seisia
- Waiben, or Thursday Island
- Surrounding islands, islets and cays
- Relevant areas of Cape York
The region includes remote island communities with distinct cultural identities, languages, governance structures and service-delivery needs.
GBK reports that the region encompasses:
- 29 native title determinations
- Five Traditional Nation groups
- Three Traditional languages
- Numerous islands, islets and cays
- Extensive areas of culturally important Sea Country
Governance and Structure
GBK is governed by Traditional Owners through representatives of member Prescribed Bodies Corporate and eligible land trusts.
Its leadership structure is designed to ensure that decisions reflect the authority, laws and priorities of the region’s peoples.
Board of Directors
Member corporations nominate or appoint representatives to the GBK Board. The Board provides cultural, strategic and corporate oversight.
Its responsibilities include:
- Protecting Traditional Owner interests
- Setting organisational priorities
- Overseeing native title services
- Approving policies and programmes
- Monitoring financial management
- Maintaining accountability to members
- Supporting regional autonomy
- Reviewing partnerships and funding
- Protecting cultural integrity
The Board normally meets every three months. Community organisations and stakeholders can request an opportunity to present at a Board meeting.
Chairperson
The Chairperson leads the Board and represents GBK in high-level discussions with governments, regional organisations and other stakeholders.
Lui Ned David has served as GBK Chairperson and has played an important role in advancing regional autonomy and Indigenous control over native title services.
Member Organisations
GBK’s governance includes representatives connected to Prescribed Bodies Corporate and land trusts such as:
- Badu Ar Mua Migi Lagal Corporation
- Dauanalgaw Corporation
- Erubam Le Traditional Land and Sea Owners Corporation
- Goemulgaw Corporation
- Kaurareg Native Title Aboriginal Corporation
- Kulkalgal Corporation
- Maluilgal Corporation
- Mualgal Corporation
- Mura Badulgal Corporation
- Saibai Mura Buway Corporation
- Warraberalgal Corporation
- Other regional bodies
This membership model provides a direct connection between Traditional Owners, local corporations and regional decision-making.
Funding Mechanisms
GBK receives funding from government programmes, service agreements, grants, partnerships and other approved sources.
Principal funding partners can include:
- National Indigenous Australians Agency
- Torres Strait Regional Authority
- Australian Government departments
- Queensland Government agencies
- Philanthropic organisations
- Research institutions
- Community and environmental partners
Funding supports:
- Native title legal services
- Prescribed Body Corporate capacity building
- Employment and training
- Community health and wellbeing
- Climate advocacy
- Cultural heritage
- Organisational development
- Community-controlled service delivery
When native title services transferred to GBK in 2022, the organisation secured $8.6 million in native title funding for 2022–23, together with additional multi-year funding for PBC capacity building and economic development.
Funding and Grants
GBK delivers grants and community-support programmes rather than operating solely as a grant-making foundation.
Its most significant open community-funding initiative is the Healthy Communities Grants Program, funded by the Torres Strait Regional Authority and administered by GBK.
The programme provides long-term support through 30 November 2028, giving communities greater stability and funding certainty.
Healthy Communities Grants Program
The Healthy Communities Grants Program supports healthy, active, connected and culturally strong communities across the Torres Strait and the Northern Peninsula Area communities of Bamaga and Seisia.
Its objectives are to:
- Promote healthy lifestyles
- Increase physical activity
- Improve community wellbeing
- Strengthen social and cultural connection
- Build community leadership
- Improve local grant-management capacity
- Encourage inclusive participation
- Support place-based community priorities
- Strengthen collaboration
- Ensure fair access to funding
The programme operates through four complementary funding and support streams.
Stream 1: Sporting and Active Communities Grants
The Sporting and Active Communities Grants support sport, active recreation and physical activities within eligible communities.
The annual funding allocation is $200,000, generally divided across multiple grant rounds.
Funding categories include:
- Small activity grants of up to $5,000
- Larger activity or event grants of up to $10,000
- Regional participation activities above $10,000
Applicants may request up to $50,000, although most grants are expected to be below $10,000.
Supported costs may include:
- Sporting equipment
- Team uniforms
- Protective equipment
- Venue or field hire
- Referees and umpires
- Coaching clinics
- First-aid and safety equipment
- Travel within eligible communities
- Accommodation for eligible regional participation
- Freight
- Local promotion
- Reasonable catering
- Auspicing fees
Projects should increase participation, remove barriers, strengthen sporting clubs and build community pride.
Stream 2: Healthy Projects and Initiatives Grants
The Healthy Projects and Initiatives Grants support locally designed activities addressing health, wellbeing, participation and social connection.
This stream has an annual allocation of $200,000.
Funding categories include:
- Small activity grants of up to $5,000
- Larger activities or events of up to $10,000
Applicants may request up to $50,000, although most grants are expected to be below $10,000.
Eligible activities can include:
- Healthy cooking classes
- Nutrition education
- Community gardens
- Food-security projects
- Men’s and women’s wellbeing groups
- Youth development
- Elders’ activities
- Family participation
- Peer-support initiatives
- Health-awareness events
- Cultural wellbeing
- Language and arts activities
- On-Country learning
- Preventative health programmes
- Local workshops
Stream 3: Local Community Solutions
The Local Community Solutions stream responds to place-based priorities and seeks to ensure that every eligible community can access appropriate support.
The stream recognises that communities differ in population, geography, infrastructure, cultural priorities and service availability.
Support may be tailored through consultation to address locally identified needs and gaps.
Stream 4: Capacity Building Support
The Capacity Building Support stream helps community groups, clubs, committees and volunteers develop the skills needed to deliver successful projects.
The annual allocation is $50,000.
Support is available throughout the year, subject to available funding and approval.
Activities may include:
- Grant-writing assistance
- Project planning
- Budget preparation
- Financial literacy
- Governance training
- Committee development
- Record keeping
- Grant acquittal
- Risk management
- Child-safety awareness
- Coaching and officiating training
- Sports first aid
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Community storytelling
- One-to-one mentoring
Groups can contact the Healthy Communities Team to discuss an identified capacity-building need.
Healthy Communities Eligibility
Applicants must generally be:
- Torres Strait Islander organisations
- Aboriginal organisations
- Community groups
- Sporting clubs
- Local councils
Applicants must be located in the Torres Strait or eligible Northern Peninsula Area communities.
They must also:
- Demonstrate community support
- Hold an Australian Business Number or work through an eligible auspicing organisation
- Provide clear community benefits
- Agree to GBK’s funding conditions
- Complete reporting and acquittal requirements
- Deliver activities within eligible communities
Applications covering multiple communities must demonstrate support from each location and explain how funding and benefits will be distributed fairly.
From 1 January 2027, the grants will fund eligible activities delivered within the region only.
Ineligible Expenditure
Healthy Communities funding generally cannot support:
- Retrospective expenses
- Commercial profit or private benefit
- Debt or loan repayments
- Purchase of land or vehicles
- General ongoing operating costs
- Permanent wages
- Alcohol, tobacco or gambling
- Cash prizes or personal gifts
- Excessive catering
- Duplicated services
- Activities primarily belonging to another government agency
- Projects without a clear community benefit
- Activities outside eligible communities
Individual programme factsheets should be reviewed because additional conditions may apply.
Application and Assessment Process
Applications are submitted through GBK’s SmartyGrants online portal.
Applicants should prepare:
- A project description
- Evidence of community need
- Details of intended beneficiaries
- A project budget
- Supplier quotations
- Community-support letters
- Delivery timelines
- Partnership information
- Risk-management arrangements
- Evidence of insurance where required
- Child-safety documentation where relevant
Applications are assessed according to three weighted criteria.
Alignment and Community Benefit – 40%
Assessors consider how well the project supports health, wellbeing, sport, cultural connection or community participation.
Capacity to Deliver – 30%
Assessors examine the applicant’s experience, partnerships, resources, delivery plan and risk-management arrangements.
Value for Money and Impact – 30%
Assessment covers the reasonableness of costs, in-kind contributions, expected outcomes and benefits that will continue after the funded activity ends.
Applications are reviewed by an independent panel that includes local members from the Torres Strait, Endeavour Strait and Northern Peninsula Area.
Grant Agreements and Reporting
Successful applicants receive a grant-offer letter explaining:
- Approved activities
- Funding amount
- Conditions
- Changes to the proposed budget or scope
- Next steps
Recipients must sign a legally binding funding agreement before commencing the project.
Payment may be provided through:
- Direct bank deposit
- Milestone payments
- GBK purchasing goods or services
- Reimbursement of approved expenses
Funded organisations must normally provide:
- A mid-project progress report
- A final report
- Receipts and financial evidence
- Photographs
- Participation information
- A summary of results
- Community stories and lessons
Major Programs and Initiatives
Native Title Services
GBK provides culturally appropriate native title legal and support services to Traditional Owners, native title holders and Prescribed Bodies Corporate.
Services can include:
- Native title claims
- Legal representation
- Agreement-making
- Dispute resolution
- Cultural heritage advice
- Native title governance
- Community consultation
- Protection of rights and interests
- Support for Prescribed Bodies Corporate
The transfer of this function to GBK marked an important development in regional self-determination.
Prescribed Body Corporate Capacity Building
GBK helps member corporations strengthen their governance and organisational sustainability.
Support may include:
- Rule Book guidance
- Governance training
- Meeting procedures
- Financial management
- Strategic planning
- Regulatory compliance
- Economic-development planning
- Native title decision-making
- Organisational administration
Employment and Training
GBK supports Traditional Owner-led employment and training through initiatives designed to improve economic outcomes.
Its employment and training priorities include:
- Job readiness
- Skills development
- Community-based employment
- Workplace literacy
- Digital inclusion
- Local service delivery
- Career pathways
- Indigenous workforce development
Community-Led Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Skills
GBK secured Australian Government funding through the Skills for Education and Employment First Nations Delivery Grant Program.
The Torres and Endeavour Straits Community-Led Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Project provides culturally safe, locally relevant foundational training.
The project includes:
- English-language support
- Literacy and numeracy
- Digital literacy
- Workplace-based learning
- Community Tutors
- Local mentoring
- Mobile service delivery
- Community-designed learning resources
- Wraparound participant support
Climate Change and Our Islands Our Home
GBK advocates for urgent climate action because low-lying Torres Strait communities face significant threats from rising sea levels, coastal erosion, extreme weather and saltwater intrusion.
Through the Our Islands Our Home partnership, GBK supports Torres Strait Islander-led climate justice and community advocacy.
The initiative promotes:
- Protection of island homes
- Indigenous climate leadership
- Government accountability
- Cultural survival
- Adaptation
- Community storytelling
- Intergenerational justice
Land, Sea and Cultural Heritage
GBK works to protect culturally significant land and Sea Country.
Its work recognises that environmental protection, native title, cultural identity and community wellbeing are inseparable.
Priorities include:
- Sustainable resource management
- Protection of sacred and significant places
- Traditional knowledge
- Cultural heritage
- Sea Country governance
- Climate resilience
- Community-led development
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Indigenous Control of Native Title Services
The 2022 transfer of native title services placed decision-making and service delivery under a fully Indigenous-controlled organisation with cultural authority across the region.
This strengthened:
- Self-determination
- Community accountability
- Cultural safety
- Regional employment
- Traditional Owner leadership
- Local control over legal priorities
Supporting 21 Prescribed Bodies Corporate
GBK provides a unified regional structure for 21 Prescribed Bodies Corporate and eligible land trusts. It helps these organisations manage native title rights and strengthen governance.
Improving Access to Healthy Activities
Healthy Communities Grants enable local organisations to deliver sporting, recreational, nutritional, cultural and wellbeing activities in remote communities.
This support can reduce participation barriers caused by:
- Distance
- Transport costs
- Freight expenses
- Limited equipment
- Small organisational budgets
- Lack of specialist training
Building Local Leadership
Capacity-building assistance develops the skills of local volunteers, committees, sporting clubs and community organisations.
Better governance, budgeting and reporting can help groups qualify for future funding and operate more sustainably.
Strengthening Cultural Wellbeing
The programme recognises that community health is connected to culture, language, Country, family and identity.
Cultural activities can improve social and emotional wellbeing while supporting intergenerational knowledge transfer.
Creating Education and Employment Pathways
The community-led literacy and digital-skills project removes barriers to education, employment and training. Employing local Community Tutors also builds regional capacity and employment.
Conclusion
Gur A Baradharaw Kod is a Traditional Owner-led organisation advancing native title, regional autonomy, cultural authority and sustainable community development across the Torres and Endeavour Straits.
Since its registration in 2012, GBK has become the peak body for regional Prescribed Bodies Corporate and the Indigenous-controlled provider of native title services. Its governance model places Ailan Kastom, Aboriginal Lore and community authority at the centre of decision-making.
Through the TSRA-funded Healthy Communities Grants Program, GBK provides direct support for sport, physical activity, healthy eating, cultural wellbeing, social connection and community capacity. The programme’s long-term framework through November 2028 provides communities with greater funding stability.
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