Elsa Watson, a Cultural Advisor from the Palm Island Aboriginal Community, shared her family's poignant history and her own experiences growing up on Palm Island. Her journey is one of resilience and connection, deeply rooted in the stories passed down from her family. Elsa's mother, Doreen Morton, was sent to Palm Island as a child, along with her parents, amidst the forced relocations of Aboriginal people from the Tablelands area. "Lucky for mum, she came down with their parents," Elsa reflected, acknowledging the trauma of many children who were separated from their families.
Though her mother was deaf and taught Elsa and her siblings sign language, the family’s history was largely communicated through Elsa's uncle, John, who filled in the gaps about their origins. Elsa described her understanding of Palm Island's history as a place where different tribes were sent for various reasons, including minor infractions or simply residing on their ancestral lands. "There was different tribes that were sent to Palm Island for any little reasons," she explained.
Growing up, Elsa learned about the island's past as a leprosy settlement. She recalled how her auntie's partner's family had ties to Fantome Island, a place that housed those affected by leprosy until the 1970s. "They used to come over by the boat and every Sunday was their day," Elsa reminisced.
Her memories of school life include walking to the old school by the airport, escorted by police. "We used to line up there under a tree... and walk right around to the case man at the end of the airport," she recounted, painting a vivid picture of her childhood.
Elsa's story is a testament to the resilience of the Palm Island community, the importance of family, and the enduring legacy of cultural identity.
Elsa Watson
Palm Island (Bwgcolman Country)
Cultural Advisor with PICC. Maternal lineage from the Mamu people of Millaa Millaa (Atherton Tablelands). Mother Doreen Morton (Mamu) was sent to Palm Island as a child during the forced relocations of the 1920s-1930s — same era and origin as the documented Paddy Brooks removal. Doreen was deaf and used sign language to teach the family. Worked in retail for over 20 years; now focused on sharing history with younger generations. POSSIBLE FAMILY CONNECTION (Tuesday 2026-04-28): George Watson was one of the seven 1957 Palm Island strike leaders ("the Magnificent Seven"), forcibly exiled to Woorabinda/Cherbourg/Bamaga. Watson is an uncommon-enough surname on Palm Island to make this worth asking — could be a relation on Elsa's paternal side (Mortoa = mother's side; Watson = father's side per Elsa's self-naming). Source: SBS NITV. POSSIBLE ANCESTOR LEAD (archive-grounded): Queensland Removals 1912-1939 documents "Tommy Watson, Winnie Watson, Longreach → Palm Island, 1922". Tommy + Winnie Watson forcibly relocated to Palm Island 1922 — possible direct paternal-side ancestor for Elsa (she names herself Watson; this Tommy + Winnie Watson pre-date her). Combined with George Watson from the 1957 strike, the Watson surname has documented Palm Island depth. Worth asking Elsa.
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