Best of Palm on show at festival

THERE’S no denying Palm Island has had a troubled history in the 100 years since it was first established as a government mission.

Shocking stories of violence, high rates of alcohol and drug abuse, low school attendance and poor health have inevitably dominated the news cycle.

However it is important to acknowledge that many of these problems could be attributed to the decision to forcibly move Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from across Queensland to Palm Island in 1918.

As recently as the 1970s, people on the island were denied resources, opportunities and, importantly, the autonomy to control their own lives.

A century on, and while many on the island will be the first to tell you they have a lot of work to do, it’s clear the future of Palm Island is looking brighter than ever before.

The weekend’s Deadly Didge N Dance festival was the perfect way to highlight just how far the community has come.

With an eye on the future and a foot in the past, the local council and organising team pulled off a hugely successful cultural event, complete with nationally renowned performers and a world record attempt.

The festival was colourful and exciting, with great food, accommodation and camping options, and arguably one of the best views of the sunset over the ocean in Australia.

The first ferry to Palm Island on Saturday morning was “standing room only” with more than 1100 people visiting from Townsville in total over the threeday event.

As Mayor Alf Lacey said, Palm Island residents still had many issues to deal with – but they also had plenty to offer.

The best way to support those efforts is to jump on the ferry and go see for yourself.