Story map.

Community Story2 min readPalm Island

Community Resilience on Palm Island

In the heart of the Palm Island community, resilience and connection weave through the everyday lives of its people, as seen in the experiences shared by members of the Ferdys staf…

Interview5 min read

Nicole Dickenson — Facilitator Interview

Nicole Dickenson's experience underscores the critical need for immediate support mechanisms and culturally inclusive resources within the SMART Recovery Australia facilitator plat…

Nicole Dickenson

Community Story5 min readPalm Island

Patricia Doyle: Palm Is Where the Heart Is

Patricia Doyle: Palm Is Where the Heart Is === [00:00:00] Um, my name's Ben. Hi, Patricia Francis. And your sisters? Yeah. Proper sisters. Yep. I'm gonna record, is that okay? Y…

Patricia Doyle

Interview10 min read

Tony Wales — SMART Recovery Staff Perspective

Tony Wales' story exemplifies the profound impact that visionary funding and leadership can have on the growth and evolution of recovery support services.…

Tony Wales

Interview5 min read

Shaun Fisher — Facilitator Interview

Shaun Fisher's insights highlight the critical role of digital engagement, facilitator restraint, and cultural sensitivity in enhancing the effectiveness of recovery support system…

Shaun Fisher

Community Story11 min readPalm Island

From Exemption Cards to Cyclones: Remembering, Surviving and Rebuilding on Palm

From Exemption Cards to Cyclones: Remembering, Surviving and Rebuilding on Palm === [00:00:00] Fires because it took bad or foot, whatever. Yeah. I didn't get affected by any of…

Community Story7 min readPalm Island

Two Different Judgements in Australia

Christopher - Two Different Judgements in Australia === [00:00:00] Yep. When that thing happened. Yep. I've got time happened. Yep. It just, it was just the whole island. Yeah. …

Community Story9 min readPalm Island

Daycare Workers - Keeping Early Childhood Going After the Storm

Daycare Workers - Keeping Early Childhood Going After the Storm === [00:00:00] Are we gonna talk specific about the building? Uh, and not anything we can do wherever it takes us…

Interview10 min read

Brad Gunders — Facilitator Interview

Brad's insights underscore the critical need for a facilitator support platform that combines immediate practical support with a strong, inclusive community.…

Brad Gunders

Interview10 min read

Louise Kelly — Facilitator Interview

Louise Kelly's experience underscores the critical need for specialized support and resources for facilitators navigating the unique challenges of correctional environments.…

Louise Kelly

Community Story2 min readPalm Island

58 Years on Palm: ‘I’ve Never Seen Rain Like This

58 Years on Palm: ‘I’ve Never Seen Rain Like This === [00:00:00] Oh, easy. Yeah. I'm grabby from kid. I'm 58 this year. Yeah. I never seen this ever. Really? Can you watch that?…

Challenge Overcome2 min readPalm Island

Elder Ethel Robertson: A Journey of Resilience and Heritage

Elder Ethel Robinson, a cherished member of the Palm Island Aboriginal Community, shares a poignant story of her family's journey through adversity and resilience. Ethel's narrativ…

Aunty Ethel Taylor Robertson

Community Story2 min readPalm Island

We Didn’t Need Anything

Thomas - We Didn’t Need Anything === [00:00:00] Your house didn't leak or nothing? No, not, yeah. Good. What was your name? Sorry, brother Thomas. Thomas. Thomas The Tank. Ah, I…

Challenge Overcome2 min readPalm Island

Elder Cyndel Louise Pryor: A Journey of Connection and Healing

In the heart of the Palm Island Aboriginal Community, Elder Del Louise Pryor shares her poignant story, weaving a narrative of connection, loss, and resilience. She begins with her…

Cyndel Louise Pryor

Community Story28 min readPalm Island

From Floods to Forty Tribes: Yarning About Healing, History and Recovery

From Floods to Forty Tribes: Yarning About Healing, History and Recovery === [00:00:00] And, um, oh yeah, yeah, yeah. The more I, the more I talk to people, the more I get to un…

Interview1 min read

Chris Gimpel — SMART Recovery Staff Perspective

Chris Gimpel's journey illuminates the transformative power of combining personal passions with recovery, showcasing the potential of creative expression and online communities in …

Chris Gimpel

Community Story4 min readPalm Island

24 Hours Without Power

Rodney, Daniel, George & Carlos: 24 Hours Without Power === [00:00:00] What was that like for you? Oh, we, that power went off. Yeah. About six at, yeah. One to six dark. Yeah. …

Personal Narrative3 min read

Hamilton's Story

"I was actually signed to the Rabbitohs when I got locked up for armed robbery. It ended up being three years inside...but like Joe Kwon always says it was a part of my life and …

Hamilton

Community Story4 min readPalm Island

Agnes Watton - Riding Out the Storm Alone

Agnes Watton - Riding Out the Storm Alone === [00:00:00] Because like she's the only one on the island that's got an elevator. Oh, really? Yeah. Not because of her health. Yep. …

Agnes Watton

Challenge Overcome2 min readPalm Island

Elder Frank Anderson: A Journey of Resilience and Community

Elder Frank Daniel Landers shares a poignant story of resilience and community, reflecting on his life journey from Ingham to the Palm Island Aboriginal Community. Born in the 1940…

Uncle Frank Daniel Anderson

Community Story2 min read

Elder's Pride: Welcoming Palm Island's Future

On a day marked by the resilience of the Palm Island Aboriginal Community, families gathered from far and wide, defying the weather, to celebrate a cornerstone event at the Palm Is…

Rachel Atkinson

Community Story4 min readPalm Island

Clay Alfred - Staying Prepared, Staying Sober

Clay Alfred - Staying Prepared, Staying Sober === [00:00:00] Oh yeah. What, what, um, what was it like for yourself? The storm? It was all right. Um, it was alright. And what wa…

Clay Alfred

Community Story8 min readPalm Island

Power out

Ruby - Power out === [00:00:00] About Palm Island, you know? Yeah. So yeah, that's us. Amazing. Thank you. Might might take a few pictures. Yep. Yeah we can we do a picture on …

Community Story8 min readPalm Island

Food, Water and Supply Stress

Food, Water and Supply Stress === [00:00:00] Usually a letter, a letterhead, and it's like, I elder blah, support this program, blah. And then, and then it's got a signature. Bu…

Challenge Overcome2 min readPalm Island

Rebuilding Hope: The Palm Island Child and Family Center

In the close-knit Palm Island community, Hailey Jane Wetzel stands as a pillar of support and resilience. As the manager of the Child and Family Center, Hailey has seen firsthand t…

Haley Wetzel

Personal Narrative1 min readMount Isa, Queensland, Australia

Why I Started BG Fit

Brodie shares the founding story of BG Fit, born from witnessing too many Indigenous young people cycling through the justice system without support.…

Brodie Germaine

Interview10 min read

Mitch Robinson — Facilitator Interview

Mitch Robinson's insights underscore the need for adaptable resources and a supportive, flexible community platform for facilitators.…

Mitch Robinson

Interview5 min read

Nigel Harpley — Facilitator Interview

Nigel Harpley's insights underscore the critical importance of fostering a culturally safe, inclusive, and continuously learning community for SMART Recovery facilitators.…

Nigel Harpley

Interview1 min read

Sonia Butler — Facilitator Interview

Sonia Butler's insights illuminate the critical role of tailored, digitally-engaged recovery support for young people.…

Sonia Butler

Interview5 min read

Jonathan Cornelius — Facilitator Interview

Jonathan Cornelius's insights underscore the critical importance of immediate support, community connection, and cultural safety in enhancing the facilitation experience within SMA…

Jonathan Cornelius

Interview1 min read

Diego Gonzalez — Facilitator Interview

Diego Gonzalez's insights underscore the indispensable role of empathy and cultural sensitivity in shaping effective, inclusive recovery support environments.…

Diego Gonzalez

Challenge Overcome2 min read

Rebuilding Hope on Palm Island: A Community's Resilience

The Palm Island Child and Family Center stands as a beacon of hope and resilience for the community, especially after the devastating storm that left the facility inoperable. Hayle…

Haley Wetzel

Community Story1 min readPalm Island

Bwgcolman Way: Community Control for Our Children

A major change to caring arrangements for vulnerable children is at last coming to Palm Island through delegated authority. PICC has named this approach Bwgcolman Way: Empowered a…

Jeanie Sam

Community Story3 min readPalm Island

Caring for Elders, Kids and Country

Gale Larry - Caring for Elders, Kids and Country === [00:00:00] Yeah. With our power, some dinner with power was, uh, especially, you know, when the little ones Mm. Elderly peop…

Achievement1 min readPalm Island

PICC Shares Our Story at National Conference

In September 2023, PICC presented twice at the biennial SNAICC Conference, which was held in Darwin. "The Storyline of the Palm Island Children and Family Centre" told the history…

Jeanie Sam

Interview6 min read

Jen Webster — SMART Recovery Staff Perspective

Jen Webster's facilitation underscores the transformative power of community and the necessity of flexibility and inclusivity in the recovery process.…

Jen Webster

Traditional Knowledge1 min readPalm Island

Elders Speak: "We Should Have Been Consulted"

Ethel, Frank, Elsa, and other elders gathered to discuss the storm's devastating impacts: severe flooding, power outages lasting days, barge delays cutting off supplies, critical f…

Community Story2 min readPalm Island

Jema Richardson: Dance, Community, and Resilience on Palm Island

Jema Joyce Richardson, a devoted mother and community member of Palm Island, shares her story of resilience and connection. Living near the dam, she recalls the challenges of endur…

Ida Richardson

Service Story1 min readPalm Island

Playgroup Closed for Weeks: Building Flooded

Jane, Sakia, Gary, Talitha, and Alice from the playgroup describe the devastating flooding that closed their early learning services for 2-3 weeks. Water damaged electrical systems…

Service Success1 min readPalm Island

Palm Island Digital Service Centre: A New Industry for Our Community

The Palm Island Digital Service Centre opened in 2023, marking a significant milestone for our community. This centre provides sales and customer service for Telstra products to Ab…

Rachel Atkinson

Community Story2 min readPalm Island

Keeping the Stories Alive: A Yarn at the Knowledge Centre

Keeping the Stories Alive: A Yarn at the Knowledge Centre === [00:00:00] I didn't need to go anywhere, so it really didn't matter to me. Yeah. And that, but yeah. Yeah. That's a…

Service Success1 min readPalm Island

Bwgcolman Healing Service: A Name That Reflects Our Community

In early 2024, PICC officially changed the name of the Primary Health Centre to the Bwgcolman Healing Service, with new signage installed. This name change occurred after extensive…

Rachel Atkinson

Community Story2 min readPalm Island

Elder Winifred: A Journey Back to Mission Beach

Elder Winifred Obar, a cultural advisor and a secretary for the elders advisory on Palm Island, shares a heartfelt story of community effort and personal connection as she reflects…

Winifred Obah

Community Story5 min readPalm Island

No One Will Do It for You: Purpose, Painting and Men’s Business

No One Will Do It for You: Purpose, Painting and Men’s Business === [00:00:00] Michael, there's two mic. Yeah. One is two or And one is my grandad. One. One. Follow this one, eh…

Service Success1 min readPalm Island

Women's Healing Service: Restructured for Better Support

PICC has remodelled its Women's Healing Service to provide better services to women resident, or at risk of being resident, in the Townsville Women's Correctional Centre. For 2024…

Rachel Atkinson

Community Story2 min readPalm Island

I Was Safe, But Others Went Under

Craig: ‘I Was Safe, But Others Went Under === [00:00:00] That's good point. Yeah. They're flood. Yep. Did it, did your house get flooded? No. No, no, no. Oh, do you? That's coo…

Community Story3 min readPalm Island

We Look After Each Other: Palm Island Stories From the Flood

We Look After Each Other: Palm Island Stories From the Flood === [00:00:00] That rain. Yeah. Power. Yeah. Lot of family, lot of households went out with power and food. Food, ye…

Personal Narrative17 min read

The Fire and the Road

Some roads are laid down in bitumen and policy. Others begin as a track in red earth, beside a fire, when somebody finally listens. In the East Kimberley, Jeremy Donovan is walking…

Jeremy Donovan

Personal Narrative2 min readAtnarpa Station, Arrernte Country

Bringing Kids Back to Country

Last month we took eight young people out to Atnarpa for three days on Country. Some of them hadn't been out bush since they were little kids. You could see it in their faces when …

Kristy Bloomfield

Written7 min read

The Cure Already Exists

There is a room I want you to sit in. It is small. The light is fluorescent. We spend $1.3 million a year per child to put them there. And 85 percent go straight back in. The cure …

Benjamin Knight

Advocacy8 min read

Why Australia's Youth Justice System Is Failing — And What Community-Led Solutions Are Already Proving Works

It costs AUD 2,355 per day to detain a child in Brisbane Youth Detention — AUD 859,575 per year — for an 84% reoffending rate. Meanwhile, community-led programs achieve 88% success…

Personal Narrative3 min readPalm Island, Queensland, Australia

Just Be There for Them

Henry Doyle, a young Aboriginal man born and raised on Palm Island, works in youth services helping kids who've fallen through the cracks. From organising footy teams to converting…

Henry Doyle

Personal Narrative4 min readMount Isa, Queensland, Australia

When You're at Bush, You Can Be Yourself

Brodie Germaine, a young Pita Pita Wayaka man from Mount Isa, reflects on taking young people out to the Junction on Kalkadoon country through his BG Fit program.…

Brodie Germaine

Personal Narrative3 min readAlice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia

Coming Home to Love's Creek

Henry Bloomfield, a 67-year-old Elder, shares the multi-generational story of the Bloomfield family's deep connection to Love's Creek station in Central Australia.…

Henry Bloomfield

Personal Narrative3 min readAlice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia

Creating Our Own History

Kylie Bloomfield speaks powerfully about creating new history on ancestral land. Welcoming school groups, building intergenerational enterprise, and watching her father see the fam…

Kylie Bloomfield

Personal Narrative5 min readPalm Island, Queensland, Australia

Finding a Reason to Get Out of Bed

In a raw men's group session on Palm Island, an Elder facilitator challenges the men to examine what gets them out of bed each morning. confronting the cycle of addiction, dependen…

Personal Narrative4 min readTennant Creek, Northern Territory, Australia

Where the Country Calls Me Home

Dianne Stokes, a traditional owner in Tennant Creek, has spent twenty-four years transforming bare country into a home, starting with nothing but her car for shelter.…

Dianne Stokes

Personal Narrative4 min readPalm Island, Queensland, Australia

The Little Boat Called Ivy May

Iris, a sixty-five-year-old Elder on Palm Island, tells the story of her father building a small boat called the Ivy May to row to Possum Island and feed the family on turtle, fish…

Aunty Iris May Whitey