'In November 2004, Mulrunji Doomadgee's tragic death triggered civil unrest within the Indigenous community of Palm Island. This led to the first prosecution of a Queensland police officer in relation to a death in custody.
Despite prolonged media attention, much of it negative and full of stereotypes, few Australians know the turbulent history of' Australia's Alcatraz', a political prison set up to exile Queensland's 'troublesome blacks'.
The repressive regimes were under the guise of protectionism. But the police control continues, and there is a continuing failure to address the cause of on-going Indigenous disadvantage.
Palm Island, often heart-wrenching and at times uplifting, is a study in the dynamics of power and privilege, and how these are resisted.' Source: Publisher's Blurb
Author's note: The Manbarra are traditional owners of Palm Island The Bwgcolman (pronounced Bwook-a-mun and meaning Palm Island) are the historical residents. They and their ancestors were deported to Palm Island reserve from across Queensland.
The terms Palm Island and Palms are also used on the Island in reference to both the land and the Indigenous community, reflecting the strength of the connection between the two.
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