The Wire

While Palm Island residents are keeping a close eye on manslaughter proceedings against Senior Sargeant Chris Hurley, there was some positive distraction over the last few days: the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Palm Island strike. In 1957, seven men led a protest against the treatment of Indigenous people after a petition for improved wages, health, housing and working conditions was ignored. A local stage production of the strike, markets, historic exhibition and a dinner dance tonight will mark the anniversary. The Wire spoke to Robert Blackley from the Bwgcolman Future Group and asked how has Palm Island changed – 50 years on.