Blue Water Empire

The Torres Strait Islands are a largely unknown part of Australia. Torres Strait Islanders are Melanesian with a distinct culture from mainland Aboriginal peoples. The majority of Australians are unaware of the amazing history of the Torres Strait Islands. Blue Water Empire tells a history that values and explores the cause of social justice in Australia. The Series is an important national documentary for both broadcast and the Educational sector.

We want the series to open a nationwide conversation including at all levels of government, about policies, funding and governance, to acknowledge Torres Strait Islanders as a separate first nations group of Indigenous Australians.

To tell a largely unknown Indigenous history that aims to rebalance our sense of national identity.

To create a high quality series that will have a wide Educational release.

To engender a sense of pride in Torres Strait Islanders about their history and culture.

We will create a significant Educational strategy for schools and tertiary institutions across the nation. This will include enhanced curriculum materials and digital elements. There is huge potential for Outreach partners on Blue Water Empire.

We have already built ongoing relationships with key stakeholders such as the Torres Strait Regional Authority and the Torres Strait Island Regional Council. We are seeking additional partners for impact and outreach.

• Understand that Torres Strait Islanders have an entirely different cultural identity to mainland Aboriginal Australians although both are Indigenous to Australia.

• Understand, recognise and acknowledge the economic contributions of Torres Strait Island labour to both physically and financially build major infrastructure (particularly in Queensland).

• Understand the resource contribution of the Torres Strait region: pearls, trochus, trepang and other maritime industries.

• Recognise the ongoing commitment that Torres Strait Islanders have made to protect Australia’s security and military interests and activities, particularly during WW2.

• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity: Whilst Indigenous Australians want mainstream Australia to understand and appreciate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture, it is important that Indigenous voices are front and centre of Indigenous story-telling and re-telling.

We will measure the impact of the series by its television ratings, critical response and educational take up.