Ethel, Frank, Elsa, and other elders gathered to discuss the storm's devastating impacts: severe flooding, power outages lasting days, barge delays cutting off supplies, critical food shortages, and extensive palm tree damage. But their deepest frustration is being excluded from emergency planning and decision-making. "We should have been consulted," they state. Elders possess generations of knowledge about surviving disasters on Palm Island. Their exclusion from emergency planning represents a failure to honor traditional knowledge and community governance structures. They demand meaningful inclusion in future disaster preparedness.
Elders Group
Palm Island, Queensland, Australia
The Elders Group, guided by Ben, serves as a vibrant conduit for preserving and sharing the profound stories of Australia's Indigenous communities. Rooted in the rich tapestry of places like Palm Island, Calcadun country, and beyond, Ben's journey is defined by heartfelt yarning sessions with elders like Ethel and Frank, capturing the essence of life through storms and celebrations. His collaborations with the Elders Justice Group and on projects like Orange Sky weave together narratives that reveal the nuanced, dynamic lives of these communities, aiming to create publications that reflect their resilience and wisdom. Engaged deeply in the art of storytelling, the group is dedicated to illuminating the myriad voices and experiences that shape their world, fostering understanding across Australia.
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