After three years of sustained improvement across governance, boarder wellbeing, staff development, facilities and community engagement, Torres Strait Kaziw Meta (TSKM) has passed an independent audit for Australian schools and residences, marking a major milestone for safe and high-quality boarding in the Torres Strait.
This milestone leads the way for the Indigenous boarding sector and is a big achievement for a remote Torres Strait boarding facility, made possible by the hard work and commitment of TSKM’s management committee, staff and boarders.
The boarding facility now joins a growing cohort of schools certified against AS 5725, alongside Ascham School, NSW, Brisbane Boys’ College, Qld, Downlands College, Qld, Kincoppal Rose Bay, NSW and St Michael’s Collegiate School, Tas.
TSKM Chief Executive Officer Thomas Dunsmore said the certification has strengthened safeguards for young people in our care, supporting stronger policies and procedures, and giving families and partners greater confidence in how boarding is run each day.
“This certification reflects our boarders, families, Elders, staff and partners working together for a safe, caring and high performing boarding community,” Mr Dunsmore said.
“Meeting the Australian Boarding Standard shows what is possible for remote and Indigenous boarding students when strong culture and strong systems walk side by side,
“We are proud to set a leading example on behalf of Torres Strait Islanders and Indigenous boarding communities,” he added.
The AS 5725 Boarding Standard sets a recognised national framework to guide safe and healthy boarding. It is not mandated by law in most jurisdictions, yet it is widely used as a benchmark for best practice and aligns with the National Child Safe Principles.
Australian Boarding Schools Association Chief Executive Officer Richard Stokes congratulated Torres Strait Kaziw Meta and explained how the certification provides a practical structure for ongoing reviews, staff training, student voice and continuous improvement so that high standards are maintained over time.
“We are delighted to see another boarding facility recognised as meeting the Australian Standard,” Mr Stokes said.
“The commitment shown to achieving full compliance and to ensuring the highest levels of care and safety for boarders at Torres Strait Kaziw Meta has proven both worthwhile and exemplary,
“On behalf of the Association, ABSA congratulates Torres Strait Kaziw Meta on this significant achievement, and we look forward to continuing our work together to best support their boarders,” he added.
The AS 5725 Boarding Standard addresses the systems and culture required for a modern boarding environment, including student safety and health, staff competence and training, strong family partnerships, and facilities that are safe and fit for purpose.
Why this certification matters:
• Safer boarding. Independent verification that policies and daily practice protect young people and support their development
• Stronger outcomes. Clear systems for learning support, health and wellbeing, cultural identity and transitions beyond school
• Community confidence. Families and partners can see tangible, lasting improvements in how boarding is run
• Sector leadership. A practical model other Indigenous boarding providers can adopt and adapt
Media Contact
Thomas Dunsmore, Chief Executive Officer
P 07 4069 1284
M 0423 577 283
E ThomasD@kaziwmeta.org.au
Background information
About the Australian Boarding Standard
AS 5725:2015 is a national benchmark that guides boarding providers to build safe environments and quality systems. It was developed with input from sector stakeholders including the Australian Boarding Schools Association. Certification pathways are available for organisations that can demonstrate compliance through independent audit.
About Torres Strait Kaziw Meta
Kaziw Meta is a not for profit on Thursday Island providing wrap around residential, cultural, academic and wellbeing support for students from the outer islands of the Torres Strait who attend local schools and programs.
