PALM ISLAND LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
THOUSANDS OF VISITORS FLOCKED TO PALM ISLAND ON THE WEEKEND FOR THE THREE- DAY DEADLY DIDGE N DANCE FESTIVAL WHICH WAS HELD TO COMMEMORATE THE ISLAND’S CENTENARY AND SHOWCASE THE CREATIVE TALENTS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. CLARE ARMSTRONG REPORTS
PALM Island has made its strongest case yet for becoming a tourism hotspot after successfully hosting a huge weekend of art and cultural celebration.
More than 1100 visitors attended the three- day Deadly Didge n Dance festival commemorating the island’s centenary.
In 1918 the first group of indigenous people were forcibly sent to a government mission on Palm Island.
It is now home to descendants of more than 40 different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, who adopted the name “Bwgcolman” meaning “many tribes — one people”.
The festival program featured performances from artists including Isaiah Firebrace, the famous Bamaga Dancers and the local Bwgcolman Dancers.
On Saturday more than 250 children and adults, including locals and visitors, unofficially broke the Guinness World Record for the “largest Aboriginal dance.”
The record adjudicator said it appeared the attempt was successful but residents would have to wait for an official decision from London.
Palm Island Mayor Alf Lacey said the event had been a “great success” that showed visitors what the community was capable of.
“We don’t need other people to tell our story, we would love people to come and visit us and as you can see from the numbers at this festival we have much to offer,” he said.
“We’re just like anywhere else, we have our issues, but there is also good stuff.”
Cr Lacey said he hoped the festival would show younger residents they had a lot to be proud of.
One of the most emotional moments of the festival was the “Burning of the Bell” on Friday night.
A number of community leaders joined Deputy Premier Jackie Trad in setting a large wooden sculpture of a bell alight.
Until the mid 1970s a large bell tower sounded every day to alert Palm residents to morning roll call, the end of the working day, night curfew and finally “lights out” at 10pm.
The bell was seen as a symbol of the oppression locals were forced to live under, and when it finally burst into flames many elders in the crowd cried.
As the bell was destroyed the fire travelled up the sculpture, which then opened up into the shape of a palm tree.
Lismore artist Jyllie Jackson worked with Palm locals to construct the bell. “The unveiling of the tree was a positive symbol for the future,” Ms Jackson said.
Ms Trad said it was an honour to participate.
She said it was “critical” members of the wider community got to see a “different side” to the island.
“It’s a real moment in history for Palm Island and for the community to reflect on everything that’s happened, but to also take pride in what they’ve done.”
Herbert MP Cathy O’Toole also attended the festival and participated in the world- record breaking dance.
Ms O’Toole said it was an “emotional day” and “an honour and a privilege to join the dance. “I think we should congratulate the mayor, councillors and team that backed him, they’ve done an excellent job.”
The final major event for the centenary is a “Future Forum” which is expected to take place on June 7- 8.