THE AUSTRALIAN Maritime Safety Authority’s Challenger rescue aircraft will soon feature traditional artwork from a remote island in the Torres Strait.
AMSA’s Challenger aircraft have been involved in several rescues off the Australian coast recently, alongside the Australian Defence force and nearby merchant vessels on some occasions.
The rescue aircraft will soon be adorned with unique indigenous artwork by artist Michael Nona, from Badu Island in the strait.
The design will be wrapped around the front section of a Challenger 604 rescue aircraft, operated for AMSA by aviation service Cobham Special Mission, which is part of AMSA’s search and rescue fleet in Australia.
The design concept features a shark, known as Baydham in Kala Lagaw Ya language, which is an important symbol in the Torres Strait region.
Sharks are known as protectors of the reef and for playing a role in maintaining balance in the seas.
AMSA CEO Mick Kinley said the traditional artwork aligns with AMSA’s role of keeping the seas safe and clean as well as safe navigation.
“The design to appear on AMSA’s aircraft will include the stars of Zugubaw Baydham, also known as the Big Dipper, which was used to determine if it was safe to travel at night by looking at how bright it was in the sky,” Mr Kinley said.
“This addition to the rescue aircraft reflects the connection AMSA has with the people of the Torres Strait and the safe navigation of its waters.”
Napau Pedro Stephen, chairperson of the Torres Strait Regional Authority (which ran an expression of interest process for the artwork) said several artists from the Torres Strait region submitted their expressions of interest for the opportunity.
“The Torres Strait’s unique art and culture is a regional asset,” Mr Stephen said.
“The selected piece will promote the Torres Strait region through its maritime theme, and reinforce AMSA’s vision; safe and clean seas, saving lives.
“Our partnership with AMSA shows the sky’s the limit and the TSRA will continue seeking opportunities for our artists.”
And Cobham Special Mission managing director James Woodhams said the aviation service is honoured an indigenous artwork with connection to its role would be flying with the team as they undertake missions to save lives.
“This aircraft, VH-XNE, will be the most recognisable national search-and-rescue asset in the country and I hope the story behind the artwork will promote deeper understanding about how the Torres Strait Islander people regard the shark as a protector of the reef,” he said.
The design will be launched at a special ceremony to be jointly hosted by AMSA, the Torres Strait Regional Authority and Cobham early next year.
