Australia’s northernmost mainland community, Seisia, has been without its only supermarket and service station for nearly two months, leaving its 260 residents with limited access to food, fuel, and vital services.
Located at the tip of Cape York, roughly 1,000 kilometres north of Cairns, the town’s essential services abruptly shut down in early March. The local campground is also closed, and residents are now travelling 6km to Bamaga to meet their basic needs.
The businesses were operated by Seisia Enterprises, a community-owned organisation established in 1996 to create local employment and economic independence. However, amid financial uncertainty and unpaid staff, the company’s future is now under investigation.
Long-standing Vision at Risk
Seisia Enterprises was formed with the goal of reducing reliance on government support by generating income through community-run services. One of its founders, Joseph Elu, said the closures undermined years of progress and effort, expressing deep concern for the town’s future.
Leadership Change and Closures
The shutdown came shortly after five new directors joined the Seisia Enterprises board. Among them is actor Aaron Fa’aoso, who has appeared in several ABC television series, and board chair Jeffrey Aniba.
In a public statement, the new board members denied responsibility for the closures, stating they are currently assessing the organisation’s financial status and will not comment on operations until they have a full understanding of the situation.
Unpaid Staff and Spoiled Stock
Long-time employee Gregory Bond continues reporting for work, despite not being paid, hoping the situation will improve. He said the closures have impacted the entire community, particularly those needing fuel for transport and fishing. Bond also reported significant food spoilage after a freezer failure at the shuttered supermarket, including bread, chicken, and frozen goods.
Police Investigation into Resignation
The board reshuffle followed the resignation of former director Francis Elu, who has since made a formal complaint to Queensland Police. Elu alleges he was pressured to step down during meetings with Aaron Fa’aoso and his brother James, citing discussions of the organisation’s financial instability and possible legal risks.
Fa’aoso has strongly denied any wrongdoing, and no charges have been laid. James Fa’aoso, who is not on the board, has not commented.
Financial Problems and Governance Issues
Seisia Enterprises operates under the Seisia Community Torres Strait Islander Corporation, a not-for-profit body. The corporation’s most recent financial report listed $4.4 million in assets and $485,000 in cash. However, it’s believed Seisia Enterprises had only around $30,000 in its accounts when the new directors assumed control.
Former acting CEO and finance director Moses Tabuai said the company was in a critical financial state, but a turnaround plan was underway. This included selling assets and using grant funding to reopen a meatworks and butcher shop to increase revenue. Tabuai claims he was locked out of the company’s bank accounts by the new board in March, prompting his resignation.
The board has not responded to questions regarding unpaid wages or Tabuai’s access being revoked.
Concerns Over Governance and Sustainability
Former grants officer Talei Elu, daughter of founder Joseph Elu, believes earlier poor management decisions contributed to the financial issues. She also pointed to ongoing fees paid to the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council—who still owns the properties housing the businesses—as a strain on viability.
She warned the continued closure could harm relationships with key suppliers and called for improved corporate governance training in remote communities to protect against exploitation and intimidation.
The Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) has launched a full financial examination and may appoint a special administrator to oversee Seisia Enterprises and its parent body.
Community Support and Uncertainty
The Australian Workers’ Union is assisting unpaid staff members, while local MP David Kempton described the situation as devastating, noting the lack of clear information has caused widespread confusion.
Meanwhile, Francis Elu has been helping residents by driving them to Bamaga for food and fuel. He likened the hardship to living conditions from his grandfather’s era, lamenting the loss of progress the community had made.
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