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Palm Island Voice Issue 301 FREE! Thursday 4 June… 2020 PLEASE note there may be some images of deceased persons within this publication. Staying safe priority for Palm Island - Mayor

Palm Island restrictions will ease but staying safe continues to be a priority, Palm Island Mayor Mislam Sam says.

Mayor Sam said the Local Disaster “We must stay safe, Management Group (LDMG) and Council’s peaceful and healthy.

priority! was to work as quickly as possible to “We can’t afford

! ease restrictions! while there are no cases in the to lose people in our ! local government area. community who are

! ! “Announcements will be made very soon about vulnerable to this the changes I’m working hard to deliver,” he disease,” he said.

said. ! “But while we are well ! He said they were keen to make sure Palm away from any hotspots, ! Mayor Mislam Sam ! Island was treated no differently to the rest of we should be able to

!

! – but safety was first. move while we can – but we have to do the ! !

! right thing individually. Designated Biosecurity Areas - Queensland Amended 24 April 2020 Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire and! Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire “While easing restrictions is important ! ! Torres everyone of us must take responsibility for Strait Island Torres Shire Regional Council Thursday Hope Vale Island ! ! Mapoon Bamaga Cooktown keeping ourselves, our families and others safe. ! ! ! Aboriginal ! ! Shire Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire and Northern Peninsula Palm Island Aboriginal Shire ! Area Regional Wujal Wujal Napranum ! “This means regular hand washing and staying Aboriginal Shire Yarrabah Aboriginal ! Shire Lockhart ! River Weipa ! Lockhart River Weipa physically apart from each other. ! Aurukun Aboriginal Shire Aurukun Shire ! ! Coen ! “Being an Island, Palm Island has logistical ! ! Cook Shire Pormpuraaw Hope Vale Aboriginal Aboriginal Shire Hope Vale Shire ! ! considerations to work on, on top of everything ! ! Kowanyama Laura ! Kowanyama Cooktown Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Aboriginal Shire Mossman ! Shire ! else. Mornington ! Cairns ! Yarrabah Yarrabah Shire Aboriginal ! Karumba Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire “Every day is a new round of meetings and Shire ! Doomadgee ! ! Palm Island Burke Shire Murgon Aboriginal ! things are changing very quickly, we ask that Shire

! Townsville ! everyone be patient and keep an eye on notice

! Mount Isa boards and the Facebook pages. “I intend to make sure residents can get some

! relief from the restrictions now – but everyone Rockhampton ! ! Longreach Woorabinda Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Aboriginal Shire has to be responsible to keep vulnerable

members safe.”

Cherbourg Aboriginal ! Murgon He said if Covid-19 came to Palm Island, the Shire

Brisbane ! community would be locked down immediately to protect residents and pandemic plans for isolation and quarantine, which are all ready in Designated Biosecurity Areas

! Locations Data Policy & Geospatial Analysis Section 0 125 250 500 Policy Analysis & Evaluation Branch km NIAA April 2020, Ref:2020/30 place and ready to go, would be enacted.

!

! A word from... Cr Andrea (Andy) Kyle-Sailor Firstly, I would like to thank all those community people who supported me and had faith in me to represent you, new Councillor Andrea Kyle-Sailor writes... I will try my utmost to help. When I stood for the Election, I wanted to make the community my priority, ensure transparency, increase local employment and

restore the confidence of the community in ABOVE: Cr Andrea Kyle-Sailor (right) with the Council. her deadly Mum Erykah Kyle (RIP) who was Every Council is always faced with an the first Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor for Palm Island from 2004 to 2006. enormous task. When my mum Erykah was Mayor she and her Council were tasked with the sad Death causing frustrations, financial burden and the in Custody in 2004, followed by the uprising pain of missing loved ones. of the community as a consequence of the This with the added burden of some financial treatment of our lost one. and other matters we have inherited. I want to walk in my mother’s shoes, But we will soldier on. however, I cannot fit them. I would like the community to know we are We, the Council now are faced with an trying to be fair and honest to all, and thank enormous task of the pandemic which is you once again. design inspired by local artwork

Sealink recently reached out to Palm Island artist Susan Pryor to create artwork that could be incorporated into the design of our new ferry that is due to arrive in July. “And we are in love with her painting,” they said on their Facebook page. “It tells the story of the islands and food sources, with a guest appearance from the white whale, Migaloo, as he is a special visitor to their sea. “Such a beautiful piece of art with such a strong connection for the people of Palm Island. “Stay tuned for a sneak peek of the new ferry design inspired by this beautiful artwork!”

2 The Palm Island Voice is free & online at www.chowes.com.au/newsletters/palmisland Pregnancy/family app on track for Spring launch We at the Palm Island Primary Health Care, Child and Maternal Health, are excited to give you an update on the progress of the Pregnancy on Palm (POP) mobile app, currently being designed for ladies and partners on Palm Island. We are making a lot of progress on the design app which will be used by the ladies and their partners throughout their pregnancy. We are now at the stage of looking and reviewing the prototype application, which has been downloaded for testing and feedback, so we have been consulting with ladies to get their opinions on the app progress and to see if they would have some changes made. We have signed with Agnes Wotton to have her art work for beautification and to signify the cultural importance of the app to the families on Palm Island who will use it. We have found some fantastic links to resources for our new parents to learn all they need to know about their pregnancy and having a newborn at home. At this stage of the development we are hoping to have the app up and fully functional in couple of months.

3 The Palm Island Voice is free & online at www.chowes.com.au/newsletters/palmisland While this year’s ‘Go for Broke’ commemorations were put on hold due to Coronavirus, we thought we might take a look at some of the events which have marked the 1957 Strike in the Palm Island Voice from 2011 to the 60th anniversary in 2017. PLEASE note there may be some images of deceased persons on these pages.

Planning underway for huge NETBALL, darts and pool “This strike story belongs to the whole competitions Island, it is not just my family’s story,” Strike ‘57 planning underway were held in day of Strike 57 celebrations conjunction Dulcie Isaro said. “The younger generation Every year the Palm Island community remembers their fallen heroes and leaders on the with the Strike special anniversary of the 1957 strike, known as “Strike ’57”. of 57 Memorial needs to know what happened.” The day commemorates a Woorabinda and Bamaga. Shire Council has arranged Day, attracting time the whole community “Some of them wrote to an officially declared public males and Left: came together to fight the authorities and tried to holiday for Palm Island. females, young and not so for better wages and go back to Palm Island but “No more in silence, young. centrespread living conditions, Evelyn were refused because they the whole community $1.25 Pool players Lymburner, who is the were branded troublemakers, comes together each Thursday 14 June 2012 Issue 106 battled it out for honours at the daughter of striker Eric never to return again to the year participating Coolgaree Sports Bar and Grill in a hotly Lymburner, said. only home they knew. and remembering the contested competition. coverage “This made the authorities “As a mark of respect for achievements and success Alfred Ryan managed to win the event but angry and knew that they the ‘Magnificent Seven’, we have today because of faced some stiff opposition from Neville needed to do something the Palm Island Aboriginal the Strike of 1957.” Haines, Daniel Langdon, Clay Hunter, his brother Kitchener Ryan and local truck from June to disband the gatherings 57 strike inspires driver Irwin Ambrum. before it got out of hand,” STRIKE ’57 At the same venue was the darts comp she said. contested by eight players with Neville 2012 - part “Because of fear for COMMEMORATION DAY Haines the winner. their family and life, the Monday, 3rd June 2013 Netball teams also battled it out for the community unwillingly gave ‘A TIME TO REMEMBER AND BE PROUD’ Strike of 1957 Commemoration Day Trophy 57 Strike Day 2012 ‘Honouring our Past Leaders of this Community holiday celebrations of several in but seven men stood and the Seven Men who did not stand down ‘Going for Broke’. donated by the Palm Island Shire Council. It was a mixed competition with three strong, holding their ground Albie Geia Strike of 57 celebrations on Palm and not adhering to the sides - Farmers, Stealers and Strikers - Willie Thaiday fighting for honours. pages of authorities - they were Island are in memory of seven heroic Qualifying games were held at the outdoor ‘going for broke’. Eric Lymburner courts next to the Barracudas football oval. “The seven – Albie Sonny Sibley The grand final was played at the Palm men and is, at times, a very emotional Geia, Willie Thaiday, Eric Island PCYC where Strikers defeated pics; Right: Bill Congoo Lymburner, Sonny Sibley, Stealers 22-20 in a cliff-hanger in front of George Watson event. As a mark of respect for the Bill Congoo, George a cheering crowd. Gordon Tapau ‘Magnificent Seven’, the Palm Island Results: Planning Watson and Gordon Tapau Game 1: Strikers 16 def Stealers 13 – were rounded up in an Aboriginal Shire Council gazettes a Game 2: Strikers 20 def Farmers 15 early hour dawn raid and Game 3: Stealers def Farmers 16 underway for forcibly removed from Palm GRAND FINAL: Island on 14th June 1957, day every year for the Island’s own STRIKERS 22 DEF STEALERS 20 along with their wives and This was a very close match with Stealers “As usual it was a pleasure to cook for our elders and Strike 57 Commemoration holiday. catching up and leading by four goals in community here on Palm,” head chef Danielle Sinn said. 2013 events. children. the third quarter. Strikers came back to “I found it very humbling being in company with some of the “They were taken in For more pics and a full wrap win by just two points. survivors of such a horrible time in their lives. Coming from a white handcuffs onto a boat upbringing, I had never even heard of ‘the Strike’ or even dormitory Deadly 7 Best Players were Eva Pearson, in rough seas to the up of the day see pages 4-7... Thomasina Morgan, Sam Coutts, Ben days or Phantom Island. It saddens me, how those people were treated, and I hope we are on our way to bettering our relations mainland Townsville and Castors jnr, Shannon Morgan, Alinah Geia sent to other missions & John Sibley. with Indigenous Australia. But a wonderful day was had by all!” such as Cherbourg, 6 7 3 Above: Dulcie Isaro with Mayor Alf Lacey, Ernestine Lacey, aged 12 and Lisa- It is 60 years since the Strike Shay Pryor, 12; Right: Erica Fulford Snr, Veronica of 57, during which Willie Indigenous Workers Noble Snr, Irene Paula Thaiday, Albert Geia, Eric Watson Snr, Dulcie Isaro, Issue 206 Lymburner, Sonny Sibley, Milton Thaiday Thursday 16 June 2016 strikes a chord Bill Congoo, George Watson WARNING! Some images in this Issue may contain deceased persons that may cause distress to some people. and Gordon Tapau, all of whom have passed on, fought Local MP’s maiden speech draws on Palm Island issues for justice, better conditions Townsville MP John Hathaway opportunities for indigenous “They are tired of the failed, 8 and rights for their people. - the first conservative communities. demeaning and paternalistic candidate to win the largest “There are many amongst policies of the last two decades. The seven men were branded as Above & Below are from Issue 79 (19 May 2011) share of votes on Palm Island the Townsville and northern “We need to work with this troublemakers and were removed - has delivered his maiden indigenous community who community of First Australians, from Palm Island on June 14 of speech to the QueenslandIssue see 205 the change in government rather than do things to or for A day of celebrations and activities to commemorate Thursday 2 June 2016 1957. Parliament. as providing a new level of them.” As part of this year’s the 1957 Palm Island Strike is being organised by the The TownsvilleWARNING! Bulletin Some images has in this Issue may contain indigenousdeceased persons that may opportunity,” cause distress to some people. he said. http://www.townsvillebulletin.com. grandchildren of Palm Island’s strikers. reported a key theme of his “The residents of Palm want to au/article/2012/06/01/334621_ commemorations, a special Friday 3 June has been Most of them were never to living as slaves and living by speech was on improving be masters of their own destiny. news.html Indigenous Workers’ Conference declared a public holiday return until decades later. the bell to wake up for work was held in Townsville last Friday. on the Island as a day to Mrs Dulcie Isaro, daughter of and down for sleep at night. Speakers, facilitated by Jeff remember the Strike of 1957 the Late Willie Thaiday will “They had no say in what they when the people of Palm be a special guest this year, can do or where they can go. McMullen, included Federal Island met in silence to fight and will be visiting the local “They could not meet in Member for Herbert Cathy for better wages and living schools to talk to students crowds, segregation and O’Toole, Deputy Premier Jackie conditions. and teachers. boundaries, children were Trad and State Member for As a result of these meetings It is also hoped the last separated from families and seven men were branded as surviving widow, Mrs Alma put into dormitories. Townsville Scott Stewart. leaders and troublemakers. Geia, will also be able to visit “All were from different tribal MC for the event was striker While they may have all Palm Island for this special backgrounds, and were descendant Aaron Thaiday. passed on now, the families Day of Commemoration. taught and told to speak of Willie Thaiday, Albert Geia, “We should all stop and English and not their own Irene Watson’s grandson Scott Maloney, 6 Pic by Christine Howes Several respected elders, who Eric Lymburner, Sonny Sibley, remember that day back in traditional language. are sons and daughters of the Bill Congoo, George Watson 1957 when these seven men “We have this freedom now strikers, gave the audience first and Gordon Tapau, are and Palm Island people stood of choosing our own path in We should all remember hand accounts of the hardship working to ensure they will up for their rights and said life. not be forgotten. no more to the Government “To acknowledge this day Mixed emotions marked this year’s Strike ’57 Day for organiser Delphine Geia. “Mixed emotions – they faced living on Palm Island in These men and their families people who controlled their every year is our way of healing excitement, pride, sadness, grieving, victory, triumph, inspiration, beauty, scenic beauty in people as well, 1957. were rounded up by police in life,” co-organiser Evelyn and helping the reconciliation the beauty of meeting people of different backgrounds and coloured skin, coloured hair, shape, sizes, They had to eat food with the early hours of the morning Lymburner said. process between all races of A MESSAGE FROM JOE GEIA TO PALM height, kids, old people and still knowing what the drill is because you believe in the same thing,” she said. weevils and endure terrible living and forcibly removed from “This was the time when our people. “That’s what this weekend was about.” Townsville. I could see that in the union through Dulcie Isaro because she was an their homes and banished parents and grandparents “We are proud Bwgcolman ISLANDERS COMMEMORATING THE 1957 STRIKE conditions, their money was She said guests on the Friday included guys; they’re not Christians I don’t eye witness to now. Everybody else that from the Island. were living under ‘The Act’ people of Palm Island.” I am sending my love and best My brother Cedric was young (Uncle Willie Thaiday) as a withheld and subsequently stolen, the wife of East Timorese Ambassador think, and people might wonder what was there might have been able to say: wishes to the families of the seven then but remembers the night the dedication to him and my father FULL PROGRAM to Australia, Anna Guterres, in the true do Christians have to do with, what do ‘Well, I wasn’t involved in this Strike’, and they had no rights to improve 1. At the old oval opposite Council Chambers leaders who stood up to the cruelty police came over from Townsville and the other leaders after reading spirit of reaching out to people. union guys have to do with old ladies. but you don’t apologise for yourself their conditions, borne out by first of people discussed a wide organised a three-day 60th we have: and injustice of daily life “Under to break the strike, bashed down Uncle Willie’s book ‘Protected: “What will keep us going is that spirit “But that’s that beauty right there. because you’ve come from somewhere else 9am to 10am (Formalities) - Traditional Owner 2. At the PCYC hand accounts of seeing weapons range of issues. anniversary event on Palm the Act” and I’m sorry I am unable the door, with guns in their hands Under the Act’. – and the spirit, from my point of view “And when I see how this thing was and you met up with this person to drive Welcoming; Traditional Aboriginal & Torres Strait 10am to 2pm - Netball matches battling it out for because it’s the way I can explain it evolved, it was really DIY. That’s fine that even further wherever you’re going to pointed at the strikers when they Members of the Congoo, Island this week, we’ll have Islander dancing; Mrs Dulcie Isaro speaking on the Strike of 1957 Commemoration Day Trophy to make it this year. and took the strike leaders down to It was written from the many as a Christian, is the spirit that drives by me because you know you’ve got go, and I believe that’s what’s happening attempted to change things for behalf of the Strikers’ families; Mayor Lacey and for 2011 donated by the Palm Island Council I am very proud that my father, Albie the waterfront and tied the men’s stories I and my brothers and sisters Geia, Lymburner, Sibley, full coverage in our next you to look for the truth and to live the genuine people there to help you here, it’s gathering momentum.” blessing of the day. 3. At the Coolgaree Sports & Bar Bistro Geia, was one of those courageous hands to the mast. grew up with about the strike. the better. Tapau, Thaiday and Watson edition of the Palm Island 10am to 2pm - OzTag and Netball Matches and a 10am to 12noon - Showing of old slides of Palm by it,” she said. “It was lovely to have and that’s the only way you can build A strong theme of speakers for the day men who stood in solidarity and said, They and their families were I am a proud Palm Islander and After the speeches, four panels families, as a collective, Voice. Pool and Dart Competition playing for the Strike Island. Anna here, because we need to reach something solid that’s going to last. was that Strike Day was not just for ‘we will not work any longer for banished from the Island and sent through music try to let the world of 1957 Commemoration Trophy which will be 10am to 12noon - Elders and community - Morning out to people. I could see that in “And I believe that’s why the drive the families of those involved, but for all 4 The Palm Island Voice is free & online at www.chowes.com.au/newsletters/palmisland used yearly for the competition and kept in the tea provided and Community lunch provided @ rations but real wages’. to other missions and punished know about its beauty, its amazing Scott Stewart; the local Member for and the spirit has lasted from the Strike Bwgcolman. FULL STORY INSIDE!!! Councl Chambers. Donated by Elizabeth Seibel 12.30pm. My father told us he was the first as ‘troublemakers’. It took great community and the continuing CPA. 12.30pm to 2pm - Pool and Dart Comp finals battling baby born in the Palm Island hospital. courage to stand up to the oppressive hardships. 2pm – Finalist of the Junior Dance Competition it out for the Strike of 1957 Commemoration Day Dad was also a sportsman, a regime of the time but it is only in The words of my song still ring Issue 206 of the Palm Island Voice in 2016 (above left) featured no less than six pages of photographs and performs Trophy for 2011, donated by Day & Day Shipping. 2.30pm - Presentations of Trophies for the winners 4. At the Mall: bowler, a footballer, a guitarist, unity that things can change. true today, of the OzTag, Netball, Pool and Dart Comp, Junior 10am to 2pm - Children’s activities (games and brass band bass player, a My father continued to stand up “We have got to fight, interviews with the direct descendents of the Palm Island strikers, while the next year the 60th anniversary Art and Dance Competition. face painting etc) organised by Deniece Geia and conductor, pearl diver, and a leader for human rights throughout his life. fight for our rights 3.30pm - Closing the Red Cross of the 1957 Palm Island strike! I wrote my song ‘Uncle Willie’ Every day and every night” FOOD AND DRINKS WILL BE ON SALE - 10am to 2pm – Junior Art display and Dance (Palm Island Voice 230 & 231 - 2017 - above right) was marked by the intro yarn above along with a three- TRADITIONAL AND HAMBURGER STALL. Competitions. 9 INSIDE: Our own recyclers; netball pics from Townsville and MORE! page spread. Full issues of all of the above can be downloaded for free from http://www.chowes.com.au

For the most up-to-date information re COVID-19 see the Council’s website at http://www.palmcouncil.qld.gov.au The Palm Island Voice is free & online at www.chowes.com.au/newsletters/palmisland Ads & Community Notices

POSITION VACANT COMMUNITY NOTICE FISHING ALLOWED Human Resource SAT 6 & SUN 7 JUNE 2020 AT 7AM – 5PM

Manager APPLY NOW Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council is looking for an experienced Human MON 1 TO THUR 4 JUNE 2020 Applications close 4 June 2020 at 5pm

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Candidates will have relevant work experience as a Human Resource MAKE SURE YOU COMPLETE AND SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION. Manager, preferably in remote areas and/or aboriginal communities. A IMPORTANT degree in human resources management, industrial relations or other • LAUNCH: JETTY ONLY • LANDING: JETTY ONLY relevant field would be highly regarded. The Human Resource Manager is responsible for the effective and efficient management and coordination of all human resource management activities and functions including; • Providing advice, information and support to the Chief Executive Officer, senior management team, and staff regarding human resource management matters • Working with management and staff to identify ways to improve and enhance job satisfaction, professional development and training, and workplace health and safety. • Manage payroll, staff recruitment, on-boarding, retention and performance review programs in accordance with sound practices and in a consistent manner. To be successful in this role you will have: • Solid experience in a HR Management role, with experience in remote areas and/or aboriginal communities an advantage • High level of knowledge and understanding of the Industrial Relations ADVERTISING legislation and framework applicable to Queensland local government, IN THE PALM including the ability to interpret and apply legislation, awards, and ISLAND VOICE industrial agreements • Knowledge of, and experience in, managing a broad range of HR issues Advertising in the Palm Island including performance management, workforce planning, employee Voice is free for birthdays, relations, recruitment, strategic HR planning and change management anniversaries and other • Highly developed interpersonal, organisational and written community celebrations, communication skills with the ability to deal with sensitive and and notices from local organisations. confidential information; Paid advertising rates are • Strong ethical, analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to as follows: think strategically; Quarter (A4) Page: $300+GST • Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Half (A4) Page: $400+GST and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and Full (A4) Page: $500+GST sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Happy to consider other sizes Please contact Ron Fenner, Director Corporate Services, on 4770 0251 or and requirements. Dennis McLeod on 47 700 248 if you would like to find out more about this The Palm Island Voice is role. published every second Thursday, the deadline is How to Apply: every other Thursday - see If this role sounds of interest to you, please forward your resume, together the back page for details, with a cover letter explaining how you believe you meet the requirements including contact details for of the position to [email protected] the Editor. Your support is always Application will close 5pm on Monday 15 June 2020 appreciated, thank you.

6 The Palm Island Voice is free & online at www.chowes.com.au/newsletters/palmisland Now hiring support workers!

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Remains put to rest Elders' Counsel

Manbarra Bundle Burial Restoration Ceremony .

June 3, 2020 OUR STORY Manbarra Elders Counsel is made up of senior Traditional Close inspection by Manbarra Traditional Owners Owner knowledge and lore keepers whose story is particular to the Palm Island group of Islands and surrounding sea country. Our Creation story of the Carpet Snake Dreaming that links Naiwaigi Country (Ingham to Rolling Stone) to Ross River in Bindal Country ( Townsville region.) It’s both story and our shared language has revealed the human remains discovered dialects “Wulkurukaba” that links to (). That ’s where we get Wulguru name as a Townsville suburb today.

OUR ROLE under Beach Road roadworks showed physical The Elders Counsel are establishing a strong presence with organisations like Australian Institute for Marine Science , and more recently Marine Park Authori ty to give advice and direction when working in homeland waters areas of common interest and evidence consistent with traditional ceremonial . Previously elders were active in establishing the Indigenous Land Used Agr Local Councils and are eement for Great Palm Isla currently working in furthering in Native nd with pervious Palm Title land and sea process. Recent Events. Firstly, our eldership wishes to express its thanks and appreciation for the practices. swift Police Forensic Branch, Palm Island Police and Gulf Civil in the ceasing of roadworksactions activity of Palm Island Council Mayo r, Mislam Sam, council works dept, The forensic advice given by police estimated remains with the recent discovery to be human remains. later discussion over 100 years. Additional Police photographic were identified by Elder Walter Palm Island as a advice of remains were viewed and in a Confirmation came possible “bundle burial” on Thursday yesterday when a further May 28 last week. physical onsite inspection by Elder Walter traditional ceremonial practice and shell fra PalmIsland showed physical evidence gments. Further historical photographic evidence of Elder Allan Palm Island of Manbarraof consistent with Dugout Canoes that The Manbarra Elders Counsel being Police, Palm dates back to between 1908-1912. Looking towards descendants in adjacent to the old stone jetty Wallaby Point with Curacao Island on foreshore. in background. Our camping grounds were

Ceremonial Response. A Manbarra Ceremon has distributed a statement Island Council y, (peacemaking/safe passage or smoking ceremony As part of the ceremony ) to restore our elders remains was the restoration of relationships to rightful place was held rd with representatives of the various stakeholders on Tuesday 3 . and Gulf Civil Contractors and those workers who were active in and around the site these being Police, Palm Island Council workplace disturbance. This environment. A ceremony for the whole community will follow “safe passage” will to now cover this specific once work is completed confirming the remains were and Gulf Civil and travel restrictions life to a A sign of fresh understa nding from beyond. A meeting was also held to update with the Mayor Mislam Sam yesterday and Elders Allan and Walter Palm Island Elders Counsel will seek to have area . At an appropriate identified as an area of cultural significance time, the Manbarra estimated by police forensics Contractors, and respectful way to symbolise this . with keen interest to work the Palm Island Mayors office as a united community. The Elders believe our ancestors to find a a community to strengthen relationship chose this cultural find as a moment to s with each other so that good blessings reach out to us all as be it those who visit and social wellbeing will come to benefit or those who share and live together all of Palm Island Community in his Island home. to be more than 100 years old. those workers who Photographs. Manbarra Elders have also requested that if any unauthorised photos of ceremony used in social media. or the uncovered burial site could be The laying to rest of our ancestors should be viewed as a similar to funeral respectfully deleted and not for those who have passed. service where photos are not taken to show respect “Additional Police were active in and Sent on behalf of Manbarra Elders Counsel By Richard Cassady W.O.C. On Country Enterprises photographic advice of remains around the site Palm Island were viewed and in a later disturbance. discussion were identified by “This ‘safe passage’ Elder Walter Palm Island as a will to now cover this specific “The Elders believe our possible ‘bundle burial’,” the workplace environment. ancestors chose this cultural statement said. “A Manbarra “A ceremony for the whole find as a moment to reach Ceremony, (peacemaking/safe community [*Covid-19 out to us all as a community passage or smoking ceremony) permitting] will follow once to strengthen relationships to restore our elders remains work is completed.” with each other so that good to rightful place was held on Elders have met with the new blessings and social wellbeing Thursday May 28 last week. Council to request to have will come to benefit all of “Part of the ceremony was the area identified as an ‘area Palm Island Community be it the restoration of relationships of cultural significance’ to those who visit or those who with representatives of the respectfully symbolise a newly share and live together in his various stakeholders, these united community. Island home,” they said.

OUR NEXT DEADLINE (Issue 302) will be Thursday 11 June for publication on Thursday 18 June! The Palm Island Voice is published fortnightly by the Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council and edited by Christine Howes. Members of the Palm Island community and local organisations are welcome to submit birthdays, community information, pics, yarns and letters to the Editor. You can follow us on Facebook! We have 2,608 ‘likes’! The Palm Island Voice accepts paid advertising. For rates and/or more information contact the Editor on 0419 656 277 or at [email protected] The Palm Island Voice is free and online at http://www.chowes.com.au Operating Hours for Palm Island Council are Monday–Friday 8am – 5pm If you have any questions please contact Reception on 4770 1177 or 4770 0200 Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council has 3,790 ‘likes’ on Facebook!!! 8 The Palm Island Voice is free & online at www.chowes.com.au/newsletters/palmisland