Movement Building

OIOH is growing a Torres Strait-led climate movement across both the Torres Strait and mainland Australia through the ailan pawa (island power) program and strategic solidarity actions, building collective power for climate justice.

Protecting Country

OIOH are campaigning with other Traditional Owners to actively oppose destructive fossil fuel projects.

Advocacy

OIOH directly engages the Federal Government to ensure that Torres Strait Islander voices and lived experiences shape climate policy. Their aim is to secure a significant increase in federal budget funding for critical seawalls and adaptation infrastructure.

Solutions for the Torres Strait

Working directly with community, OIOH is piloting a renewable energy transition on Masig, replacing expensive, polluting diesel generation with clean energy.

Storytelling

They are shifting the narrative on climate change in Australia by elevating the voices of Traditional Owners in the media, online, and through events, telling the story of the urgency of the climate crisis and the impacts in Zenadh Kes.

• The precedent-setting win at the UN against the Australian Government spearheaded by the Torres Strait 8 
• Delivering 48,000 petition signatures to the government calling for urgent action to protect the Torres Strait Islands
• Securing campaign support across the political spectrum, with numerous MPs pledging backing and powerful grassroots actions held nationwide. In 2022, newly sworn-in Minister for Climate Change Chris Bowen and a government delegation traveled to Zenadh Kes to discuss climate impacts firsthand. Advocacy to the Federal Government is ongoing.
• Generating extensive international and national coverage across First Nations, local, and mainstream media—including 7.30 Report, Harper’s Bazaar, Sydney Morning Herald, New York Times, The Economist, The Guardian, NITV, SBS, Cairns Post, Torres News, and many more. Through the campaign’s media engagement, Torres Strait Islander spokespeople are now front and centre in media reporting of climate impacts in Australia and frequently contacted by international press.
• Creating powerful collaborations that center Torres Strait Islander art and culture in climate action, including exhibitions at Sydney Biennale, the Institute of Modern Art, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and joining with First Nations Fashion and Design for the closing show of Australia Fashion Week.

• We are grounded in culture and tradition
• We are led by our communities and elders
• We care for and trust one another as pamleh (family)
• We are transparent and accountable
• We are stronger when we collaborate
• We are bold, creative and strategic
• We work for justice

Our Islands Our Home operates as part of 350 Australia, a national registered charity working towards climate justice. Consultation forms a central pillar of the campaign's approach and decision-making. The team maintains regular engagement with the Torres Strait 8 (Yessie Mosby, Nazareth Fauid, Stanley Marama, Kabay Tamu, Keith Pabai, Nazareth Warria, Daniel Billy, and Ted Billy) and the Torres Strait land and sea council, Gur A Baradharaw Kod (GBK), ensuring campaign directions remain grounded in community leadership and authority.