Thursday 1 August 2013 Issue 134

Looking to their futures with the help of some ‘Former Origin Greats’ in A group of Palm Island students from Bwgcolman State High School were amongst thousands who attended the fifth ‘FOGS’ Careers Expo in Townsville last week. Former Origin Greats who Scott, , Steve work, in hospitality and were there to try and Price, , Steve others. More than 55 inspire students into a Walters, exhibits provided information good career included Gene and . The at the expo, showcasing Miles, , Colin event featured a diverse a variety of prominent range of prominent employment providers. FOGS executive chairman employment, said since the education and inception on FOGS expos training providers in 2008, these events with exhibits presented an array of on mining and employment and training construction, opportunities for attendees business, hospitality across the state. as well as health “(It allows) individuals to and government. talk to real people who are Pictured Top L-R: Josiah James, Renzi Watson, Palm students able to provide guidance Jalun Lowatta-Creed, Luke James, Joseph Murgha, Sarah Dalton, Julie Pearson, Gladys Ayden & Koipe career preferences and fundamentally an Castors; Above Right: Moewaiya Youngblutt; included becoming idea or direction for their Above: Jenny Pryor with her grandson Tremayne Pryor-Murray & Sam Backo, Gene Miles & Colin Scott. a mechanic, office future,” Mr Miles said. Motel expansion welcomed

Palm Island Council has successfully bid for an infrastructure grant to expand the Palm Island Motel to more than double its current size.

Mayor Alf Lacey welcomed Hathaway MP, said more than the funding. $1 million had been set aside. “Palm Island Council “The project includes welcomes this government building 10 additional rooms, investment into the which will increase the total community,” he said. capacity of the motel to 23 “The Council and the State rooms,” Mr Hathaway said. David Crisafulli said the Government are working “These sorts of projects go Local Government Grants together and this shows we to the heart of providing and Subsidies Program was are serious about investing opportunities for economic about building infrastructure in the future of Palm.” development on Palm Island.” in local communities while Member for Townsville, John Local Government Minister also creating jobs. Power and influence list features JT and AL by a nose

Palm Island Mayor Alf Lacey has once again been named amongst North Queensland’s 50 most influential and powerful people by the newspaper.

Champion North Queensland Cr Lacey said he was “Cr Lacey is rated highly by Cowboys honoured to be recognised the State Government for player by mainstream media. his leadership role on the was the only other of two “It is a privilege and Island and amongst other Indigenous people named. recognizes my strong Indigenous Mayors”. He came in at number 14 leadership and forward The newspaper advised while Cr Lacey came in at thinking, it is not only readers the list included number 49. It was the third about me but the positive successful business people, year in a row Cr Lacey has things happening here on ‘strident’ community been listed, he was number Palm,” Cr Lacey said. advocates, ‘passionate’ 46 in 2012 and at 37 the The profile on Cr Lacey by civic leaders and previous year. the Bulletin read in part, ‘beguiling’ politicians.

Palm Island Rugby League STOP PRESS: The outcome (PIRL) Footy Results of Cr Lacey’s court hearing last Friday was a $100 fine Saturday 20th July: + NO recorded conviction Raiders def Skipjack for charges relating to Mundy Bay drew with Butler Bay Bulls the AMP. He said he was Jets def Brothers pleased the matter was over and done with and looking Saturday 27th July: Results unavailable forward to continuing to at time of going to print work with the community. 2 First teachers program earmarked for Palm Palm Island is one of 25 communities selected to be a part of a national program in early 2014 which has already proved to be highly effective in helping parents become their child’s first teachers across 50 other Australian communities including Mt Isa, and Inala.

Early Childhood and Child why we have invested in 2,000 children each year Care Minister Kate Ellis its expansion,” she said. would benefit. She said the and Minister for Families, “All children deserve the Brotherhood of St Laurence Community Services and best possible start to delivered the program. Indigenous Affairs Jenny their education, and the Parents and their children Macklin said the Home expansion of the program enrol in the program in the Interaction Program for means more families will year before the child starts Parents and Youngsters receive help to make this school and participate for (HIPPY) was a smart and possible.” two years. effective program for helping Ms Ellis said since the Together, families work parents improve their child’s program started helping through daily activities readiness for school. an initial 22 communities using role play and “The evidence is clear back in 2009, around 4,000 storybooks designed to that the Home Interaction children had been covered develop and support pre- Program for Parents and by the program and once literacy and pre-numeracy Youngsters works which is fully rolled out more than skills. For more information about HIPPY see: http://deewr.gov.au/home-interaction-program-parents-and-youngsters-hippy Vyneika Out & About is 18!

3 Elders and visitors go behind bars to share NAIDOC celebrations with women’s prison inmates

More than 100 inmates enjoyed NAIDOC Week celebrations at the Townsville Women’s Correctional Centre last month.

Palm Island elders Cynbell Development Officer the Women’s Centre on a Pryor-Musu and Elizabeth Dean Saunders said the monthly basis for 15 years, Larry were invited guests celebrations were special. Harold Doyle, Jeff “JT” and the Palm Island Voice Entertainment was provided Timor and Lyn Irving were was also given permission to by Aboriginal and Torres also there. attend. Strait Islander dancers, Mr Timor, of Badu Island Auntie Jenny Pryor art work hand crafted by descent, played his guitar welcomed everyone on inmates was on display and and sang for the audience behalf of the Bindal people lunch was provided. which also included and also acknowledged the Elders from the Mackay Custodial Officers Michelle Wulgurukaba tribe. Binga Birry Justice Group, Hegarty and Cultural Centre Cultural who have been visiting Liaison Officer Drue Ross –>

Right: Cultural Liaison Officer Drue Ross

Left: Palm Island elders Cynbell Pryor-Musu & Elizabeth Larry enjoyed talking to inmates

4 Right: Aunty Jenny Pryor welcomes guests to country

Words & Pics by Alf Wilson

–> of Palm and Darnley to complete this program we are developing at this Islands’ descent. and the open display of Centre, and know there are Acting Deputy General respect and love for Aunty good people working hard Manager Barrie Emanuel Jenny and what she gives here to make a positive said the celebrations were personally, spiritually and difference in other people’s one of many positive steps culturally that may just be lives. the Centre was taking. the difference for someone “I would like to finish by “Although it may look like to follow their dreams. acknowledging the huge Mr Gordon and I attend “On behalf of the many amount of effort put in the graduation ceremonies women you have come by our performing women of this program just to into contact with, thank with the support of Jason participate in eating the you Jenny for your Kepper, Dean Saunders and wonderful spread of food kindness, guidance and their team of staff who the women put on, that is most importantly your prepared today’s event. definitely not the case,” friendship. “Thank you for all he said. “I look forward to the attending and I hope you “We attend with great years ahead when we can all enjoy the wonderful pride to see and hear how truly measure the success presentations we have important each participant of such a program, as well on for today’s NAIDOC has valued the opportunity as many other pathways celebration.”

5 Public & Happy 18th Birthday Community Vyneika Haines Notices Love Mum, Dad, Frederick and Munyaney Happy 23rd Birthday Munyaney Robertson Palm Island Aboriginal Love Dad, Aunty Eva, Shire Council has 162 Frederick and Vyneika ‘likes’ on Facebook!!!

2013 Advertising & Subscription Rates ADVERTISE! Palm Island Aboriginal Page Sponsorship: (1cm or 18pt banner ad across nominated page): $120 Shire Council is closed Quarter A4 Page: $250 + GST every 2nd Friday (Council pay Half A4 Page: $350 + GST week) for RDO. Full A4 Page: $550 + GST The next RDO is Ads are to be booked by no later than 5pm on deadline day (see back page) and material Friday 9 August submitted no later than For emergencies on COB the next day. Friday please SUBSCRIBE! call 0458 789 011. Individuals & Families: $65 For more information contact Community & NGOs: $130 Government & Corporate: $195 Council on 4770 1177. (Inclusive from now to end 06/14) Subscription rates will vary according to when the initial subscription is taken out (eg if taken in January 2014 the rate will be half of the full year to take it to July 2014). To book an ad or to inquire about subscriptions please contact the Editor, Christine Howes, on 0419 656 277 or via [email protected] Please support us so we can continue to support you! 6 ‘Horizons’ for students A group of successful Year 9-12 students participating in the Cathy Freeman Foundation (CFF) Horizons Program, have once again been rewarded with a trip to Sydney. “CFF programs recognise and reward Indigenous achievement with the aim of creating positive education outcomes,” Olympic gold medallist and CFF founder/ director Cathy Freeman said. Students: Raymond Charles “These opportunities broaden their Kenny Baira Thomas Baira understanding of the world and we Neil Baira Ngaire Pearson hope the students return home inspired Shirley Curley-Barry Bwgcolman Staff: to continue on a positive education Sharmika Curley Chris Wicks (Vice pathway.” Jona Dabea Principal) & Bwgcolman Deputy Principal Chris Wicks Dehannah Morgan Todd Chatterton said the Horizons program gave students Heath Lacey (Head of Senior an opportunity to see what life was like Kathleen Haines School) off the Island. John Geia CFF: Nazareth “It opens their eyes to ‘what else’ is Peter Reid Youngblutt out there for them and highlights that Alvina Walton (Community Liaison the world is a big place filled with Breeannah Cannon Officer) countless possibilities,” he said. Kawangi debuts to packed theatre Kawangi Pryor received a standing ovation at his first public appearance in Townsville at the Courthouse Theatre last month. The 38-year-old has been at what was my first major playing his keyboards and debut,” he said. “Previously I singing - mostly for family - had done it at nursing homes since he was 13 years of age. and for family gatherings.” “I enjoy playing and It was a packed house He said he was taught music singing,” he said. and after his performance as a boy by his grandmother, “With the support from members of the audience who now lives at a my family and tutors I have stood and clapped him. Townsville Nursing Home. come a long way and I want Palm Island Voice visited “My grandma got me into it to continue to entertain.” Kawangi at his home and a long time ago and I am so His mother, highly found an enthusiastic man, glad,” he said. respected community elder proud of his Aboriginal He sings a collection of Cilla Pryor, is his biggest heritage. Negro Spiritual, Musical supporter. “It was a good sized crowd Comedies and Ballads and “I was so proud of Kawangi, and I was very happy that as well as his performance it took him three months to they liked my performance on the keyboard. 7 prepare,” she said. Rhianon Walsh is well-known to many on Palm Island, he is mostly home- bound with osteoarthritis and a degenerative back condition from an assault he suffered some years ago. “My son was murdered two years ago, I sent my other son away because he was being threatened, and my daughter is here busted up. I’m just sick of it,” he told the Palm Island Voice. He also says he wonders that people walk around blind and ignorant of what they are truly doing. Below is a letter he wrote to the Palm Island Notice Board page on Facebook last weekend, and has agreed to have published here.

Dear Palm Island , When are we going to stop the violence we inflict on each other? I have a daughter here who has three slash wounds from a knife-wielding, petrol- sniffing freak and we have a young woman being flown out from stab wounds… What is the matter with our mob ? This truly saddens me to no end – we are all here on one Island, we all suffer, we all bury our dead in the same ground, we all struggle here on Palm Island, we are all under the same law, and yet we learn to hate each other. Point: We all love our own families, why doesn’t that extend to our neighbours? Oh no, too easy to hate, individual pride is our downfall and we love the one we’re with until we get drunk. As an individual you are not just hurting that person but the whole community. And you wonder why the police do nothing? They want us to kill each other. A house - Palm Island - all Aboriginal people - divided cannot stand. And you wonder why governments walk all over you. Truly consider what is going on. God gave Satan permission to walk upon the earth and he is alive and well on Palm. If you take offence you are being convicted, open your eyes, heart and mind. My name is Rhianon Robert Walsh and I made this my home. Turn a blind eye to all that’s going on around you at your own peril. We can not have pride within ourselves or our community, unless we show respect for our fellow brothers and sisters. By doing nothing, we placate the norm and thereby welcome destruction within … our family and our community. By the way I am not perfect, I have a very dysfunctional family, but they’re my family. I have nothing but a heart, eyes, ears, feelings, of which we all have – to make a choice to do good. You can open up the whole world with your heart, eyes, ears and feelings. It’s the little things that get to you that make everyone suffer. Learn to share. My fear is when I’m dead and gone these young folk will need to be aware of their surroundings, not just living in their safety bubbles here. They are the ones who need to take up the fight when we are all gone – the elders and leaders who are here now will be gone one day. Are they going to be ready to take up the struggle? I truly wonder. There are all the wrongs I’ve been through but we have all shared this loss and heartache – don’t you think that should unite us? Rhianon Robert Walsh Peace Love Respect

PUBLICATION DETAILS: Contact Details + Publisher Details Editor: Christine Howes ([email protected]) DEADLINE ISSUE # PUBLICATION DATE Ph 4770 1177 or 0419 656 277 Thursday 8 August 135 THURSDAY 15 August Fax 4770 1305 With thanks to Alf Wilson & to all the Palm Islanders who have contributed Thursday 22 August 136 THURSDAY 29 August to this issue of the Palm Island Voice. Thursday 5 September 137 THURSDAY 12 September Published by PIASC © 2013 Thursday 19 September 138 THURSDAY 26 September 8