Published Friday, 05 September, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Palm Island babies rule the day
Babies ruled the day on Palm Island today when the arrival of almost 50 babies born within the last 12 months was celebrated at the community’s first-ever welcoming ceremony, marking the start of the island’s annual Spring Fair Festival.
Speaking at the event, Communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said that being surrounded by so many smiling babies and parents made for a momentous and joyous occasion.
“Welcoming babies ceremonies have taken place on the mainland for quite a few years now and it’s really a pleasure to welcome on the island for the first time, a whole new generation of Palm Islanders,” Ms Nelson Carr-said.
“The event typifies the community’s determination to secure a strong community life for future generations through enhanced social cohesion, family and community connectivity and the promotion of healthy lifestyles,” she said.
“Children born from September last year to August this year were registered this morning, providing a fitting start to the island’s Spring Fair Festival public holiday which promotes strong community and family values.
“In addition to registration and certificate presentations, the event featured a traditional smoking ceremony, cultural dance, traditional Welcome to Country addresses and the cutting of a Welcoming Babies cake by Mayor Alfred Lacey and Elders, culminating in a performance by well-known Aboriginal artist Archie Roach.
“The welcoming celebration is an initiative of Queensland Health’s Tropical Population Health Unit, as part of its Be Kind to Your Mind campaign, and is supported by numerous local community groups.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the activities also reinforced the message to parents and family members of their vital role in protecting and caring for their children.
“The Bligh Government and the Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council have resolved to encourage the well-being of local residents, particularly children, through community awareness of health and the negative impacts of excessive alcohol use.”
Media contacts: Harry Landman 0407 637 510 or if no-reception try 0427 800 892, Minister’s office – 3224 450.
Speaking at the event, Communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said that being surrounded by so many smiling babies and parents made for a momentous and joyous occasion.
“Welcoming babies ceremonies have taken place on the mainland for quite a few years now and it’s really a pleasure to welcome on the island for the first time, a whole new generation of Palm Islanders,” Ms Nelson Carr-said.
“The event typifies the community’s determination to secure a strong community life for future generations through enhanced social cohesion, family and community connectivity and the promotion of healthy lifestyles,” she said.
“Children born from September last year to August this year were registered this morning, providing a fitting start to the island’s Spring Fair Festival public holiday which promotes strong community and family values.
“In addition to registration and certificate presentations, the event featured a traditional smoking ceremony, cultural dance, traditional Welcome to Country addresses and the cutting of a Welcoming Babies cake by Mayor Alfred Lacey and Elders, culminating in a performance by well-known Aboriginal artist Archie Roach.
“The welcoming celebration is an initiative of Queensland Health’s Tropical Population Health Unit, as part of its Be Kind to Your Mind campaign, and is supported by numerous local community groups.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the activities also reinforced the message to parents and family members of their vital role in protecting and caring for their children.
“The Bligh Government and the Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council have resolved to encourage the well-being of local residents, particularly children, through community awareness of health and the negative impacts of excessive alcohol use.”
Media contacts: Harry Landman 0407 637 510 or if no-reception try 0427 800 892, Minister’s office – 3224 450.