Published Wednesday, 21 November, 2007 at 12:50 PM

Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr

Youth take centre stage on Palm Island

Standing tall at the new home of the Palm Island Community Company are a series of murals being created by young people who are working towards a brighter future.

Supported by Elders and youth workers, the latest in the mural series which takes pride of place at the PCYC is the work of young people as part of their Community Service Orders.

Communities, Youth and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Lindy-Nelson Carr viewed the work-in-progress today during her visit to Palm Island to meet and speak with members of the community and attend celebrations welcoming the new Palm Island Community Company.

“Supported by the local community and the PCYC, this art project is showing young people how bright their future can be when they work together to create art that goes on show for all to see,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

During the visit Ms Nelson-Carr also heard about the success of a recent workshop with Bwgcolman Future, Dilly Art and Larrikin Films which helped budding photographers hone their craft.

Ms Nelson-Carr said Bwgcolman Future is preparing more activities for the upcoming school holidays thanks to a Department of Communities grant of $87,000 to provide arts and sports-based programs for young people.

In another partnership initiative, the PCYC received $12,000 in department funding to support 37 women Elders take part in a cultural exchange to Yarrabah where they visited aged and child care facilities and met local Elders, returning to the island motivated to bring about change in their community.

“These projects are all examples of what can be achieved when governments and communities work together,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“I look forward to hearing about many more achievements as the new Palm Island Community Company goes from strength-to-strength.”

Media contacts: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280, Harry Landman 0407 637 510