Bwgcolman Way: Community Control for Our Children

A major change to caring arrangements for vulnerable children is at last coming to Palm Island through delegated authority.

PICC has named this approach Bwgcolman Way: Empowered and Resilient. "Bwgcolman" means "many tribes, one people."

Our vision is that all Manbarra and Bwgcolman children are safe and cared for by family, nurtured by strong and enduring connections to their community, culture and Country. Palm Island mob leading and creating change for Palm Island children, young people and families.

This change has been decades in the making. At last, the community will decide the care arrangements for children who cannot stay at home. We are empowered by our grandparents, the struggles and hardships they faced, and we continue to be resilient because we're still here, fighting for a better future for our kids.

Bwgcolman Way provides opportunity for Elders, traditional owner groups and community to have genuine participation in the implementation and development of service delivery, ensuring it is strongly place based and community led.