Palm Island
Palm Island
Community Renewal began on Palm Island in July 2000. A vision plan was developed by residents, government and other agencies as a blueprint for Community Renewal activities. The key themes in the plan included improved outcomes for young people; self-esteem and community pride; training and employment; health and safety; and economic development.
Community Renewal activities were completed on Palm Island in April 2008. During the program's presence on Palm Island, Community Renewal funded a total of 41 projects with a value of more than $6.3 million. The Palm Island Government Coordination Centre from the Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships will continue to respond to regional issues and work with the people of Palm Island to undertake and manage a range of community projects.
Achievements
Some of the many Community Renewal projects delivered on Palm Island include:
- an apprenticeship project which has seen 12 local Palm Island community apprentices and trainees participate in intensive technical and pastoral support for local Indigenous suppliers.
- a sustainable tenancy project which assisted 21 Palm Island families in accessing support services to enable them to sustain social and private rental housing on the mainland. A case manager continues to work with these individual families and liaises with government and non-government organisations to provide support in areas such as mental health, schooling, employment, budgeting and other skill building activities.
- beautification of the Palm Island Community town centre foreshore and clock tower including landscaping, installation of pathways and a large rock monument to commemorate the men from the 1957 strike over living conditions who were forcibly removed from the island.
- construction of a youth and community centre, providing residents with improved recreation, social, cultural and education opportunities. The centre includes a café, commercial-grade kitchen, training rooms, Elders’ space, radio station, multi-purpose sports hall and undercover spaces for performances, discos, sports and community gatherings.
- an innovative music and mentoring project for Palm Island young people aged 12-17 years, which developed their skills in playing musical instruments, including traditional instruments used for traditional dances and ceremonies.
- funding towards the construction of three two-bedroom units on Palm Island for residents aged 45 years and over. Construction is scheduled to commence in mid to late 2008.
- the provision of equipment and a trailer for storage and transportation to support sporting, social and craft activities for Palm Island community members with a disability and seniors.
- the Technological Enhancement Program which established two technology centres at local schools. Both students and parents are developing their computer skills at the centres, which provide computers, software, internet access, scanning facilities and web-cams.
- the First Aid for the Community project offered accredited first-aid training to households to provide a foundation for healthy lifestyles, improved self-esteem and greater leadership skills.
- a Skillshare program that provides accredited and short courses, together with employment opportunities for young people aged between 15 and 19. This program is targeted at those young people that have dropped out of the education and training system.
- support for the Bwgcolman Warriors Junior Rugby League teams to play in the Townsville and District Junior Rugby League competition.
About Palm Island
The Palm group of islands is the traditional country of the Manbarra and the Bwgcolman tribal people and comprises about 16 islands including Great Palm Island and the other major islands of Fantome and Curacao.
Palm Island became a government reserve in 1918. Until the 1980s, the Queensland Government acted as guardian to Palm Islanders, controlling every aspect of their lives and property. A Deed of Grant in Trust was established in October 1986 giving the community greater self-determination. An elected Aboriginal Council was established to manage the affairs of the community.
Although the Island’s population is known to fluctuate, the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2001 Census figures showed Palm Island had a population of 2,098 with 314 families. Over one third (36 percent) are aged under 15. About one percent speak languages other than English and the Indigenous population is 93 percent.
For more information
Contact us at the Palm Island office for more information.
Last updated 23 July 2008
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