Winnie Oba: A Journey of Roots and Resilience

Winnie Oba, a cultural advisor from the Palm Island Aboriginal Community, shares a heartfelt narrative of her familial roots and the resilience embedded in her heritage. Her story begins with her mother, a WA woman, whose lineage intertwines the histories of Palm Island and Cairns. Winnie speaks of her great-grandfather, Ganji, and her grandfather, Allison Oba, whose lives were shaped by the movements and changes of their time. "When I say WA, I am also WA because Palm is Erman," she explains, highlighting the blend of identities that define her community.

The narrative unfolds further as Winnie recounts how her grandmother, Daisy Bell, and grandfather were part of a journey that not only shaped their lives but also the land they called home. "That's why I am glad I came this way here to you," she shares emotionally, underscoring the significance of place and heritage in her life. Her grandparents' journey from Rabaul to Yuba, and eventually to Palm Island, is marked by challenges and resilience. Her grandmother, taken from her land at a tender age, eventually found love and family in an unexpected place.

Winnie's story is also a testament to the enduring strength and adaptability of her ancestors. She reflects on how her family was sent to Palm Island to help clear the land, a task that her grandfather undertook with determination. "He grew mango trees around and built our house," she recalls, painting a vivid picture of a family's connection to the land. These stories, woven with personal and collective history, echo the resilience of a community that has weathered many storms.

Through her narrative, Winnie emphasizes the importance of remembering and honoring her ancestors' legacy. "It's very emotional, you know," she admits, as she recounts the trials and triumphs of her family. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in cultural identity and the enduring ties that bind a community together.