Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Vale Walter Nona

1/4/1923 - 15/8/2008

Walter Nona was born on April 1, 1923 at Wakaid on Badu Island. He was the 13th and youngest child of Tipoti and Ugarie Nona.

Tipoti Nona was born on May 20, 1852. He came from Apia in Samoa. His village was called Falease'ela (pronounced Pallesea). It is said that Tipoti's lather, Nona Ulania, made him a chief at the age of 16.

Life was very hard in the village when he was growing up, and in search of a better life, he stowed away on a boat not knowing where it would take him. After some considerable time at sea he was discovered by the crew but it was too late to take him back to Samoa.

He explained his reason for doing this as "I looking for life" so when the boat reached its destination in Australia he got off the ship at Mackay and eventually worked his way to the Torres Strait.

Tipoti's arrival in Australia coincided with that of other South Sea Islanders. A number of South Sea Islander men found their way to the Torres Strait to work in the Pearling and Trochus industry. Many of these men married Torres Strait islander women and started families which bear their surnames today.

Descendants of these South Sea Islander men are very proud of their South Sea Islander heritage. It is not known of the exact date that Tipoti Nona originally arrived at Badu Island, but is believed that he arrived at the old village at Koteid where people from the Wakaid Clan were living at the time.

Tipoti met and married a Badu Islander woman named Karut.

They had two children, Michael Benjamin and Philomina. With an outbreak of bad gastritis, many people at Badu fell ill and died from the sickness. Karut and Michael Benjamin both fell victim to the illness and died on Tuin Island. They had gone to live on Tuin Island to flee the sickness. They were both buried on Tuin Island. Their graves are no longer identifiable due to bush fires burning the grave markings. Tipoti found it hard to care for his daughter, Philamina, so he gave her to another countryman Mills who was living on Naghir Island.

Tipoti built a boat and worked the sea near Saibai Island for pearl shell. He met and married a Saibai Islander woman named Ugarie. Ugarie was the eldest child and daughter of Ipad and Kipai. Ugarie's clan was the Dhamuway.

Within this clan there are 3 subclans, these were Karbai Tabu, Burum Tabu and Tabu. Ugarie's subclan was the Tabu (snake). Stories indicate that there were plants that were very significant to the Dhamuway Clan. These were the sugarcane, taro and banana plants. Ugarie's brothers were Usia, Gibia and Bugid and her sister Mary.

Ugarie was related to Alis, the Chief of Saibai at the time. Alis was later killed by an arrow during a war raid by Papuan warriors.

Ugarie was about 18 years old when she witnessed the last war between the Papuans and Saibai people. Around 1903, Tipoti and Ugarie decided to leave Saibai island to live on Badu Island.

Ugarie had relatives at Badu Island through the Sagigi and Wairu family. These families welcomed Tipoti and Ugarie to Badu and made Ugarie a sister to them. Tipoti and Ugarie had 13 children (9 brothers and 4 sisters).

They were in order of birth Solomon, Tanu, Timena, Petta, Manu, Tolowa, Teleai, Talipasa, Benjamin, Louisa, Philip, Tupoa, and Walter. Solomon, Tanu and Timena were bom on Saibai Island. All the other brothers and sisters were bom on Badu Island. When Tipoti and Ugarie got old and found it hard to care for their younger children, they decided that the older children would take care of their younger brothers and sister.

Benjamin went to live with his sister Timena and her husband Peo Tamwoy. Louisa and Tupoa lived with Tanu and his wife Naianga (nee Tamwoy). Philip lived with his brother Manu and his wife Matilda (nee Bowie) and Walter was later reared by Tolowa and his wife May (nee Bowie) when his father died.

Walter Nona will now be referred to as Athe Walter (Grandfather Walter). This is to show respect to such an extraordinary and well loved man. When Athe Walter was a baby, Walter Mairu Mye and his wife Maryanne (nee Savage) took him and reared him until he was about five years old. This was when his parents Tipoti and Ugarie Nona took him back to live with them. Maryanne Mairu's brother Powanga Savage played a significant uncle role in Athe Walter's life. Even though Athe Walter went back to live with his parents, he remained very close to the Mairu family for the rest of his life and referred to Walter and Maryanne as Dad and Mum. Whilst Athe Walter's father Tipoti was Samoan, he insisted that his family practised their Torres Strait culture at home and in their daily lives. Tipoti would also practice Torres Strait Culture.

When Athe Walter was about 9 years old his father Tipoti passed away. He was about 80-years-old. Ugarie lived a long life to 105-years-old. She is still remembered as an active citizen when she reached a hundred years in age. Athe Walter would spend a lot of his early years talking and interacting with the Elders in the community. He spent time with old Sagigi and Magasu and they imparted local history and cultural knowledge on to him. They taught him to also read information from the stars and how to be a good sailor handling the sailing dinghies.

By the age of 14 he knew the waters between Badu and Tl and Badu and Saibai Island from travelling with his brothers. His brothers taught him how to navigate the reefs and use stars at night to sail a boat. Athe Walter's extensive knowledge of his environment gained him recognition as an expert on this subject in later life.

Athe Walter enrolled in school at the age of 5. He attended school at Badu Island until he was 14 years old. His first teacher was Bakoi Robin and the Head teacher at that time was Mrs Ethel Zahel. When he turned 14 yrs of age he went to work as a trochus diver on the East Coast of Queensland. He earned 2 pounds and 10 shillings a month doing this job.

He was a crew member on his brothers' sailing dinghy and dived for trochus at an area known as Boy Donkey. He later worked on a number of pearling boats firstly as a pearl diver then as skipper. The lugger boats that he worked on as a crew were Wakaidun, Timna and Old Peta (skippered by Tanu Nona, Teleai (skippered by Manu Nona), Deliha and HB (skippered by Tolowa Nona). He was skipper of Old Peta and Mercia. Athe Walter was also the diving instructor for the Nona and Tamwoy pearling luggers. At the outbreak of WW2, Athe Walter was working the East Coast from Cooktown to Mackay for trochus. The boats were called to Palm Island in 1940 where they were informed by the protector Mr Curtis that they had to return to Cairns to enlist in the Army.

Athe Walter who was 17 at the time said he was 18 so he could sign up with the rest of the men. He became a member of the only indigenous battalion Australia has seen in its military history. 880 Torres Strait Islanders volunteered, leaving only ten men of eligible age on the outer islands. The magnitude of his enlistment can be seen in the fact that he and all other Torres Strait islanders were not on the Australian census at the time, they did not have the right to vote and were not considered citizens of Australia. However, Athe Walter volunteered to fight for Australia, this shows his courage, loyalty and dignity. The Army took possession of their boats and equipment. They used the luggers for Army purposes. Because of their excellent seamanship and knowledge of area, the Nona and Mills brothers were assigned to pilot duties for the Water Transport Unit, Royal Australian Engineers.

Athe Walter would pilot boats from Tl to Daru Island in New Guinea, down the Gulf to Normanton and around the East Coast as well as from Thursday Island to Darwin. As Torres Strait was a vital sea lane, connecting the southern mainland with New Guinea thousands of ships traversed the area, and needed expert guidance. This guidance came in the form of men like Athe Walter who were pilots onboard a multitude of Australia and American navy ships. He especially remembered the speed of the American PT boards that he would pilot through Torres Strait, as they could get from Tl to Merauke in one day.

He also worked on the Army boats called Submarine Chasers. He is recorded in World War Two Service as Sapper Walter Nona Q304658. In later years Athe Walter became a strong voice in the Torres Strait Islander Ex Servicemen Association that lobbied the Australian Government for recognition and equal entitlements that they were deprived of when they served in the Army. Athe Walter was proud to join his fellow countrymen to defend the shores of Australia, especially his beloved Torres Strait. In 1995, he travelled to Townsville with other Ex Torres Strait Islander servicemen to participate in the 50 years Victory Day celebrations. He was also one of a group of TS Light Infantry Battalion members who went to attend the Australian War Memorial's Remembrance Day Ceremony in Canberra in 2000 where a special morning tea hosted in their honour by Prime Minister John Howard. Athe Walter met and spoke at length with the Prime Minister during this time. At the time of Athe Walter's passing, he was the last surviving Badu World War 2 veteran living on Badu Island.

After the war, Athe Walter continued to skipper boats and dive for pearl shell. In his later years he always had many interesting stories to share about his pearling days.

Athe Walter was 26 years old when he married Aka Harriet Cowley in 1951 at St Marks Church on Badu Island. Athe Walter and Aka Harriet had 8 children. They are Norah (Rosebud) Mairu - Deceased, Louisa, Rose, Moses Tipoti - Deceased, Alan (Gobidar) - Deceased, Tolowa, Waney and Sophie. They also were parents to Wasam Baira, Mike William (Kray), Edau Asse, Lavina Nona, Ugarie Nona (jnr), James Baira, Harold Baira, Simona Baira, Mariah Yusia and Loretta Bosun.

Athe Walter suffered an injury on the boat when a rope broke and injured his eye. He was advised not to dive anymore, so he worked at the PPL pearling farm at Poid on Moa as supervisor during the day and local policeman at Badu in the evenings. He later took up teaching at the local Badu Island School.

Over the past fifty years, Athe Walter has played a significant role in education on Badu Island. He always encouraged students to study hard and get good knowledge from their teachers. He continually reminded everyone that good education is the key to a good future. Athe Walter came to school every day. He visited every classroom, knew every child and staff member, counselled students, attended all parent meetings and conducted home visits to talk to parents and was a very strong advocate for quality education in the community. If he missed a day not coming to school, the staff and students would ask for his whereabouts.

He was known to all staff and students as Athe Walter and everyone was proud and felt privileged to call him Athe Walter. Many grandparents today have memories of Athe Walter and often share stories of how his presence at school or in their classroom ensured they were focused on their learning and not stepping out of line. Many successful Badu Islanders who completed their senior schooling and tertiary studies have said the constant encouragement from Athe Walter played a major role in their success.

His love for the school and interest in education was demonstrated by the huge amount of personal time he spent at school and attending education meetings and functions.

He had been the president of the Badu Island School P&C for over 30 years. This is a Queensland record and he was recognised and inducted as a life member of the Queensland Parents and Citizens Association.

In 2003, Athe Walter was awarded the Outstanding Service Award by the Peninsula Regional P&C Council for "Outstanding contribution and excellent service to education communities and Parents and Citizens Associations in Peninsula Region". He was also presented with an Area Award in the 2003 Showcase Awards for Excellence in recognition for his significant contribution to improving student educational outcomes. Athe Walter was a founding member of the Torres Strait Islander Regional Education Council (TSIREC) in 1982. He remained an active and valued member and participated in all TSIREC meetings until last year. His presence at these meeting always inspired other members to be strong advocates for quality educational services in the Torres Strait. When he had something to say it was worth listening to. There was always wisdom and passion in what he had to say.

In the early 1900's Athe Walter was elected as a founding member of the local TSIMA radio station and a board member of Kaziw Meta student accommodation on Thursday Island.

Athe Walter was a great story teller. He enjoyed sharing his experiences in gardening, pearling and WW2. He had a wonderful memory for Myths and Legends stories and would always enjoy sharing these stories with children.

Athe Walter also enjoyed exchanging jokes and laughing with others. He had a good sense of humour. Some of his favourite sayings such as "I say Hello", "My What",Go on You", "Get Away You", "Bugger You" and "Humble and Respect" will be something we will all miss hearing him say. Athe Walter would often talk about the good times he enjoyed at his beloved camping area at Graz with his family. He planted many coconut trees and cared for this area until he grew old. He would always offer his area at Graz for teachers to visit and access.

Athe Walter was recognised as a skilful hunter of dugong and turtle. He always ensured his family and extended family were catered for. What he caught, he shared to other showing 'good pasin'. He always said he would never hunt for more than what was needed and would encourage others to do the same so future generations could enjoy the same. He was very conscious of protecting and enforcing the cultural traditions when hunting.

Hard work was something that Athe Walter never shied away from. At an early age he would wake up at 4 o'clock in the morning and travel by foot with his family to tend to their gardens at Kamat. He would then walk back to attend school and would repeat the work again in the afternoon after school.

He often said "if you lazy, you don't eat". Even in his later years, it was not uncommon to see Athe Walter up early and tending to his gardens before the break of dawn and again late in the afternoons. He continued doing this daily until he fell ill this year. He said his hard upbringing made him have strong work ethics and he enjoyed hard work. He often commented on how easy it is for today's generation and how this type of lifestyle was affecting the health of his people.

The respect Athe Walter gained from all who knew him was unmatched. This included people from the Torres Strait and abroad. Often when people talk about Badu Island they would ask if Walter Nona is still there. He was such an icon and role model for others and because of this he touched many lives. He would shake everybody's hand, say hello to strangers and welcome visitors to his home and Badu Island.

Community members and family members often turned to Athe Walter for advice and he would always take the time to listen and give his advice. Whether it was something you didn't want to hear or not he will tell you. He was a real straight shooter; if he felt strongly about something he would let you know his opinion. He always said "if you are right, don't be scared to speak up" and "If you know what you are going to say isn't true don't say it".

Athe Walter served on the Badu Island Council as Deputy Chairman to Crossfield Ahmat.

In 2000, at the Badu Island Community NAIDOC Day celebrations, he was awarded with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Badu Island Council for his professionalism, commitment, wisdom and advice on Badulgau traditional culture and customs as an Elder.

Whilst Athe Walter had a Christian upbringing, he became a devoted Christian in 1978 after he had a major accident that resulted in him breaking his neck in a fall. The accident saw him in a helmet brace that covered his head down to his arms for an extensive period of his life. Grateful that God had given him a second chance with a remarkable recovery, he turned his life around to be a devoted servant to God for the rest of his life.

Athe Walter would practise the teachings of the bible in his daily life and encourage others to turn to God. He was a dedicated Church Warden and often reminded everyone how you cannot hide from God and that God is everywhere. He would regularly pray for everyone and always said "God Bless You" to those he said goodbye to. Up until he took his last breath, he ensured he carried out the cultural rituals by mimicking his Augud totem, the Tabu. He then said his prayers and managed to sign the cross before leaving us to enter God's Kingdom.

Athe Walter had a great interest in local, state and national politics. He was a very strong advocate and loyal Australian Labour Party Member for decades. On election days you would see Athe Walter at the polling booths all day handing out ALP voting cards. He always capitalised on opportunities to make politicians aware of local issues and continued to lobby them for their support in providing services and resources to help his community. In turn, visiting politicians always took the time to catch up and talk with Athe Walter when they visited the community because they valued his input and advice.

Athe Walter was a quiet achiever, he never went looking for recognition for his efforts, but it was hard not to recognise his commitment and love for helping his people.

In 2000, he was awarded the Centenary Medal by the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Peter Hollingsworth for "Contribution made to Australian Society". He was also awarded a Premier's Award for Queensland Seniors and in 2005 was selected as one of twenty significant Elderly Australians to be interviewed for the book "Inspiring, not retiring". He was the only indigenous Elder chosen for this project.

Athe Walter was a very proud Torres Strait Islander. He continually promoted his culture and traditional language by practising this in his everyday life and he strongly encouraged parents to pass this on to their children.

He demonstrated this as he wore his calico with pride regardless of what function he attended. Athe Walter's childhood dream came true when he travelled to Samoa in December 2002 to visit the birthplace of his father Tipoti. He had always said he wanted to see and meet his relatives. During the visit, his relatives arranged a ceremony to welcome him and bestowed the honour of making him a chief. He was very humbled by their respect for him.

In 2007, Athe Walter entered a competition for selecting a name for the new Torres Strait College. He entered the name 'Tagai' and won the competition. He will always be remembered for this and in recognition for his contribution to education, the college has named their Year 8 scholarship, "The Athe Walter Nona Scholarship". He will never be forgotten.

In his later life Athe Walter attended all local Magistrate court hearings that were held at Badu Island. He was the community Elder representative who gave advice to the Magistrate. He also was a member of the Mura Badulgal Council of Elders and represented community Elders on the local Interagency Committee. In 2007, Athe Walter played a significant role as witness for the Federal Court of Australia in determining Sea Rights Claim for Torres Strait Islanders. His exceptional knowledge about local history and culture was so important in putting forward a strong convincing case for supporting the Torres Strait Islanders Claim. As the footsteps, the walking stick noise and the distinct coughs in the distance are no longer heard, we will be thinking of you Athe Walter. You will always be with us in our hearts and thoughts.

We thank you Athe Walter for being part of our lives. We have been blessed to have known you and learnt from you. The love you displayed and the strong commitment you showed for creating a better life for your people will never be forgotten. You have been an excellent role model for all who knew you.

You have shown the way for us to have strength and pride in our culture and language. You have set a benchmark that will be challenging for everyone to aspire to. You will always be the brightest star we find in the Tagai constellation of stars. Your star will be watching over us and guiding us as you have always done.

You have been the best husband, the greatest brother, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, and friend.

Athe Walter is survived by his loving wife Aka Harriet, his children Louisa, Rose, Tolowa, Wanie and Sophie, his 54 grandchildren, 68 great grandchildren and extended family.

May He Rest in Peace in God's loving care.

Thank You: Nona, Tamwoy, Yusia, Gibia, Bowie, Ketchell, Mene, Lui, Mills, Savage, Baira, Mairu, Sagigi, William and Jackonia families, wish to thank all relatives and friends, CDEP of Badu, Executive Principal of Tagai College, Tagai Campus Badu Principal, students and staff, TSIREC, Debra Rose Funeral Directors, Diocese of Torres Strait, for the love and respect shown in your attendance, messages of condolence, floral tributes and contributions of donations, seafood and things.

A very special thanks to Mr Steve Foster, Mr Richard Bowie, Paiwan Nona and Lizzie Hudson, Mrs Dulcie Baira, Mrs Relsie Rosengren, Fay Nona, Mrs May Laifoo, Victor Nona, Susan Baira and Richard Nona, Mr & Mrs Alfred Bowie, Mr & Mrs Horace Baira, for your constant encouragement and all Marigeths, for your outstanding effort and hard work you have put in to help the D-Range family over the last 2 weeks. With your strong leadership and support you offered to us, especially in dealing with sensitive issues, the D-Range family are forever in debt to you.

As part of Torres Strait tradition, an event such as Tombstone unveilings take a lot of time, money and effort to prepare. But with the support of brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, CDEP and the community of Badu, first time ever, a tombstone unveiling & feasting was planned and prepared for, within 4 days for the unveiling of the Tombstone of Late Allan Raymond Walter Nona, eldest son of Late Walter Nona, on Saturday 13th September 2008. Donations of money, kai kai and seafood were contributed by everyone. Your action of Love have met his wish allowing him one more day to be with his family, then he left us to be with the Lord on Monday 15 September.

Being the last father of the prominent Nona family, he took on voluntarily the responsibility for caring for the children of his 8 brothers and 4 sisters and extended families, with his advice, words of wisdom, and nurturing. The unity we the family experienced, the strength displayed when the children of all his brothers and sisters had come together to fulfil his last prayer at dawn. Dhamuway Urapun! His last words were that was we sit lor one mat, kai kai from one plate, drink from one cup, just like he and his brothers and sisters had done in the past. Kerkak Berdalnga Meigepa Singial Pudiz.

For someone who has given his life completely to his family, community in the local, regional and national level, his main values of life was "Be humble and respect others" and this has definitely paid off as it was displayed in the last 2 weeks.

Once again, please accept our humble apologies if we have failed to mention your name.

Adhapudhay Koema Esso nithamunika mura buwai apakuik

God Bless

Torres News, 8 October 2008