Masig (Yorke Island) vs Mer (Murray) Island

Masig (Yorke Island) and Mer (Murray) Island are two distinct island communities in the Torres Strait. Masig (Yorke Island) has a far higher rate of First Nations Year 12 completion at 52.3%, and a well higher unemployment rate of 16.7%. In contrast, Mer (Murray) Island is home to more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with 368 residents, and has a well higher typical First Nations household income of $1,262. While Masig (Yorke Island) has more street intersections per square kilometre, Mer (Murray) Island is defined by much steeper terrain.

Both islands sit near the national figure for First Nations household income, though they land on opposite sides of it. They share a very similar typical First Nations age of 27 and a high proportion of people who speak a First Nations language. Life in both places is car-dependent, with no homes within a 15-minute walk of shops, health services, or schools.