Community Urged to Share Their Story Ahead of 2026 Housing Summit
Published on 10 December 2025
Torres Shire Council is preparing for a major Housing Summit in February 2026, an event designed to bring government leaders, Traditional Owners, community representatives and housing experts together to address one of the most pressing issues facing the region. The Summit aims to build a shared understanding of the challenges impacting local families and to develop practical, culturally grounded solutions that reflect the realities of living in the Torres Strait.
To ensure this landmark event is grounded in lived experience rather than assumptions or outside perspectives, Council is holding pre-summit community consultations today, Wednesday 11 December, through Friday 12 December. These sessions are a crucial step in gathering the voices, stories and ideas that will shape the priorities presented to ministers and decision-makers in February. Councillors and senior Council executives will be present at all sessions to listen directly to community members and hear firsthand how housing pressures are affecting everyday life.
Mayor Elsie Seriat OAM said these three days of consultations are among the most important steps in shaping a strong, community-led position ahead of February’s Summit.
“Housing touches every part of our lives—our families, our culture, our wellbeing,” Mayor Seriat said. “These sessions today and tomorrow are where we gather your personal stories so that your lived experience shapes the solutions we take forward. Your voice is powerful, and we want to hear it.”
Mayor Seriat said community participation will play a crucial role in demonstrating the urgency and local priorities.
“We want Ministers and decision-makers to see and hear directly from our people—not just from government,” she said. “Your stories, your experiences and your ideas will help shape the actions needed to make real change. This is our moment to speak with one voice, and I encourage every person to attend one of the sessions.”
The Mayor emphasised that while the Summit will bring together government leaders, experts and regional partners, time will be limited for individual community members to speak during the main event.
“The Summit itself will be full and fast-moving, and there simply won’t be enough time for everyone to share their story in that space,” Mayor Seriat said. “That’s why these consultations today and tomorrow are absolutely critical. This is your moment to speak openly, to be heard, and to help us build a united community position that we can present with confidence and clarity.”
Mayor Seriat encouraged all residents—renters, homeowners, families, Elders, young people and anyone experiencing housing pressure—to attend these pre-summit sessions.
“Our community has always stood strong when we come together,” she said. “Every story shared helps create a stronger, more accurate picture of our housing needs. If we can capture all the different and related experiences we can speak with an informed and united voice, we can drive real change for the Torres Strait.”
Session details and venues are available in Thursday's Torres News, on Council’s website and on our Facebook page.
Community members unable to attend can complete an online survey, which remains open until Sunday 11th of January 2026 or request a one-on-one meeting by emailing admin@torres.qld.gov.au.