Rachel Atkinson, the CEO of the Palm Island Community Company, has spent over 17 years dedicated to transforming the community through sustainable models of care. Her journey is one of resilience, empowerment, and a deep-rooted connection to the people and culture of Palm Island. "When I was employed, it was me," she recalls, highlighting the humble beginnings of an organization that now employs over 217 staff, with 87% being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders. Rachel's vision was to build a community-controlled model that could stand the test of time. "Community control's one of the oldest models of services in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities," she explains, emphasizing its significance and longevity. The Palm Island Community Company now offers a range of services, including a safe house for children, a medical center, and early childhood programs. Despite challenges, such as weather conditions that temporarily closed their early childhood program, Rachel remains committed to the cause. "Today's been a fantastic day because it's been closed for a while because the weather destroyed the building," she shares, celebrating the reopening. Rachel's dedication ensures that the children of Palm Island have access to quality early childhood services, paving the way for a brighter future. "They're our ancestors in the future, so we've gotta make it right for them," she says with a sense of hope and responsibility. Her story is a testament to the power of community, the strength of cultural identity, and the promise of a better tomorrow.
Rachel Atkinson
Palm Island, Queensland
Rachel Atkinson is the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of Palm Island Community Company, serving since 2007. A Yorta Yorta woman with a family lineage of activists — her great uncle William Cooper and cousin Sir Douglas Nicholls (first Indigenous Governor of South Australia) — Rachel holds a Bachelor of Social Work and previously led the Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service (1996-2006). She transformed PICC from a single employee to 210+ staff, with 95% local employment generating $5.8M in annual wages. Rachel led the 14-year campaign that achieved full community control on September 30, 2021. She co-chairs the Queensland First Children and Families Board and Family Matters Queensland.
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