Boigu Island vs Iama (Yam) Island

Boigu Island and Iama (Yam) Island are two distinct Torres Strait communities separated by about 94 km. They differ most sharply in employment and layout; the First Nations unemployment rate is far higher in Boigu Island at 17.5% compared to just 4.1% in Iama (Yam) Island. While Boigu Island has a slightly higher typical First Nations personal income of $417, Iama (Yam) Island is more developed for pedestrians, with 100% of homes within a 15-minute walk of a park and far higher street connectivity.

Both areas are almost identical when it comes to basic accessibility, as neither has any homes within a 15-minute walk of schools, health services, or groceries. They share a strong cultural identity, with the vast majority of residents in both places speaking a First Nations language. This is particularly high in Iama (Yam) Island, where 98.3% of people do so, alongside a higher rate of Year 12 completion at 60.7%.