Rachel Atkinson, the dedicated CEO of the Palm Island Community Company (PICC), has spent nearly 18 years nurturing a model of community-driven empowerment. Reflecting on her journey, Rachel shares how the vision began with a concept to create a sustainable partnership between government, community, and the Shire Council. 'When I was employed, it was me. And we, when I say it was just me, I had a good board behind me, a skill-based, you know, board,' she recalls, emphasizing the collective strength that supported her efforts.
The transformation towards community control was not immediate; it required years of advocacy and trust-building. 'Government had to be confident. We were secure, we were safe,' Rachel explains. Today, the PICC stands as a testament to this vision, with over 217 staff members, 87% of whom are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, with a significant portion based on Palm Island.
Under Rachel's leadership, the PICC has developed a wide array of services, including a safe house for children, a medical center, and men's and women's groups. Reflecting on the early childhood program, she notes, 'Today's been a fantastic day because it's been closed for a while because the weather destroyed the building, the rain, and we finally got it fixed.' Her commitment to the community shines through as she speaks of the positive impact these services have on the island's future generations.
Rachel's dedication is fueled by her love for Palm Island. 'It's like everyone, you fall in love with Palm,' she says, highlighting the deep connection she feels with the community. Her ultimate goal is to ensure that the children of today, the future ancestors, have access to quality services that pave the way for better opportunities. The success of the community control model is not just about services but about creating a legacy. 'Their legacy will keep telling our story,' Rachel asserts, underscoring the enduring impact of their work.
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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