Palm Island group, Island group administrative region in Queensland, Australia
Palm Island group comprises 16 islands split between the Shire of Hinchinbrook and Aboriginal Shire of Palm Island jurisdictions. Great Palm Island serves as the main population and administrative hub, with the smaller islands scattered throughout the surrounding waters off Queensland's coast.
Great Palm Island became an Aboriginal settlement in 1914 when the government relocated people from different regions of Queensland to the island. This forced relocation shaped the island's development and created a community from previously separate peoples.
The name Bwgcolman represents the Palm Island community, drawn from 43 different tribal groups who were brought together on the main island. Visitors can see how these diverse peoples have maintained their own traditions while building a shared life here.
Regular ferry services from Townsville and Lucinda plus flights at Palm Island Airport connect the islands to the mainland. Getting to the archipelago by water or air shapes how residents and visitors experience life on the islands.
Fantome Island, one of the smaller islands in the group, housed medical facilities and an isolation center until 1973. The island was abandoned after all patients and staff were relocated to the main island.
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