Seconds to Give Australia

We are currently working with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of Palm Island, which is situated 65 kilometres northwest of Townsville, in north Queensland. Palm Island has a sad history. From 1918 to the late 1960's, it was used as a penal settlement for Aboriginal people considered to be "disruptive", women pregnant to a "white" man and children born with "mixed blood". It is now considered one of the four most disadvantaged indigenous communities in Australia.

Approximately 3500 people live on Palm Island. There are very few employment opportunities on the island and approximately 90% of the adult population is unemployed. Insufficient housing results in overcrowding and the cost of living is very high due to remoteness and a general lack of private enterprise. Goods cost considerably more than similar products on mainland Queensland.

In May 2010, Seconds to Give, with the support of the Geelong community, the Catherine Freeman Foundation and the Palm Island Community Company (which provides family services on the island), transported and distributed over 600 kilograms of clothing, toys and shoes to the Palm Island community. The donated goods also supported the Men's Diversion Centre and the Maternal Child and Health Centre on the island.

During our second visit, in October 2010, we met with families and service providers and made a short film of people talking of their love for the island and also describing the challenges it faces. Immediate needs within the community were for:

In December 2010, we again returned to Palm Island with donated goods and resources. Working in partnership with the Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council, the Palm Island Community Company and the local landowner Alan Palm Island, a Community Celebration Day was established as part of the distribution. The Mayor, the CEO of the Palm Island Community Company and Alan Palm Island all welcomed us to the community and the land.

The Palm Island Community Company donated a huge marquee, and provided over 1000 sausages for a free BBQ, the Palm Island Retail Store donated the bread, onions and sauces and a fantastic local band provided a musical backdrop. What a wonderful atmosphere!

This was a hugely successful day as many people from diverse groups in the community came together to be part of the event. People were invited to collect for themselves and their families from the 4000 kilos of donated goods. There was clothing, shoes, linen, towels, books and toys to choose from. Unfortunately the much needed linen and towels ran out early but most families were able to gather a selection of other things that gave them great delight.

Also from the donated goods, pamper packs had been made up for the women on the Island and these were gratefully received.

The feedback we got from the day was that this event was gratefully appreciated by the community and had given great joy to many. One of the highlights was observing so many people gathering together to enjoy the festive event.

In addition to the distribution to the Palm Islanders, many other services on the Island were provided with donated goods. These included:

In summary we achieved a lot in 2010, but the need of the Palm Island Community is great and we have committed to at least 5 years involvement.

In 2011, we are planning to conduct research into the needs of the Palm Islanders and look at how we can establish short and long-term initiatives to add to the quality of life that exists for this community. We will be ensuring that we work in partnership with the leaders of the Palm Island Community and that any initiatives are developed in a respectful way and in response to a community need.

Stay tuned for our next exciting update!!!!!!

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending."
- Maria Robinson

Email: Webmaster | 06/03/11