Skip to content
An autonomous, prosperous and sustainable community and council

Warraber

Warraber (Sue) Island is the middle island of The Three Sisters, 100km north east of Thursday Island.

Warraber Island boasts an abundance of traditional foods such as wongai and coconuts and is positioned on a beautiful coral cay. Numerous fish, turtles and dugongs enjoy the warm waters and coral reefs surrounding the island.

Life on the Island remains traditional with hunting, dancing and ki ki (feasts) being vital to contemporary life. Many Warraber Islanders have kept strong links to their traditional primal religion, focusing on ancestor worship and respect to the spirits.

The residents of Warraber Island observe the "Coming of the Light" annually on 1 July. On this day in 1871, the Reverend Samuel MacFarlane of the London Missionary Society bought major social and spiritual change to the Torres Strait in the form of Christianity.

Language group

The language of Warraber is the Kulkalgau Ya dialect of Kala Lagaw Ya.

Population

Approx. 250 residents

Facilities

  • Airport
  • Regional council office
  • State school (years pre-prep to year 7)
  • Health centre with permanent nurse
  • IBIS grocery stores
  • SES shed
  • Water plant reservoirs / filtration collection wells
  • Power station
  • Sewerage treatment plant
  • Barge ramp
  • Pier (small craft and passengers only)
  • Accommodation facilities at resort
  • Guest house facilities

Transportation

TSIRC operational hours

Monday to Friday, 9am – 12noon; 1pm - 4pm

Contact: Mrs Olive Lui

Email: olive.lui@tsirc.qld.gov.au

Phone: 07 4083 2550

Visitor approval

Accommodation

Council Accommodation

Guest House

4 x single rooms, shared kitchen amd amenities

Airport

3 x single rooms, includes kitchen and bathroom amenities

Warraber Resort

2 x single rooms, 2 x family rooms

Accommodation keys are to be collected and dropped off at the Council Office prior to departure from Warraber Community.

Bookings can be made by contacting the Warraber Office. 
 

Shops

IBIS Shop

Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 9am – 5:30pm

Saturday, 9am - 12noon

Urab Palm Corner Shop

Operating hours: Monday to Saturday, 9am - 12noon; 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Contact: Mr Nelson Billy

Community social groups

  • Church groups
  • Youth groups
  • Fishermen association
  • Sporting groups
  • Zogo Tudi Corporation
  • Warraber Native Title Group

Religions

St Andrews Church, Anglican

Fr Newman Mari

ACC Assembly of God Church

Pst Nelson Billy

Pst May Pearson

Pst Phyllis Pearson

Tehillah Ministry

Pst James Billy

Gazetted holidays

Gazetted holidays for Warraber Island Community includes:

  • 29 June - Church Day
  • 7 July - Native Title Determination – Aureed Island Claim Warraber, Masig, Poruma
  • 11 July - Coming of the Light
  • 20 July - Indigenous Protected Area Celebration Poruma and Warraber Islands
  • 24 August - Native Title Determination

Public access facilities

Facilities include:

  • Sports stadium
  • IKC
  • Public hall
  • Outdoor basketball courts
  • Gazebos at the Esplanade.

Contact our TSIRC Office for more information.