Iama (Yam) Island vs Masig (Yorke Island)

Iama (Yam) Island and Masig (Yorke Island) are two separate island communities in the Torres Strait. They differ most in their job markets and layouts; First Nations unemployment is far higher in Masig (Yorke Island) at 16.7%, compared to just 4.1% on Iama (Yam) Island. Iama (Yam) Island is also steeper and has more walkable access to parks, with 100% of homes near a park, while Masig (Yorke Island) has 0%. In contrast, Masig (Yorke Island) has far higher street connectivity, with 26 intersections per square kilometre compared to 9 on Iama (Yam) Island.

Both islands have very similar profiles, as the typical age for First Nations residents is 27 years in both places. They also share a strong cultural connection, with around 98% of people speaking a First Nations language. While Masig (Yorke Island) has a a little higher typical personal income for First Nations people at $421, Iama (Yam) Island has a well higher rate of Year 12 completion at 60.7%.