The Deadly Didge n Dance Festival was the largest of three centenary events across 2018, focusing on the community's past, present and future.
The festival was officially opened on Friday with a smoking ceremony, traditional dances and a strong message from the community: we’ve survived.
In 1918, Palm Island was a place of exile for those who disobeyed the strict government legislation that controlled the lives of Indigenous people in Queensland for much of the 20th century.
Young Bwgcolman dancers delighted the crowd. Source: NITV
Often for trivial offences, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from more than 40 different clan groups were forcibly removed from their land and transported to the island.
Many can still remember the prison-like living conditions, including the town bell — which dictated meal times, roll calls and curfew. Men, women and children lived in separate dormitories. They did hard labour for low wages and lived off rations.
A century on, the community is celebrating its resilience and showing off the beauty of the island and its people.
On Saturday night, a replica of the infamous town bell was burned in an emotional fire ceremony — as the community looks to break free from its past and move towards a better future.
The festival also saw more than 250 dancers take the stage for a huge corroboree in a bid to break the record for the world's largest Aboriginal dance.
The crowd cheers at the burning of a replica of the town bell, which formerly dictated meal times, roll call and curfew. Source: NITV
Young and old Palm Islanders, together with Deputy Premier Jackie Trad, link arms to watch the ceremonial burning of the town bell. Source: NITV
Organisers are hopeful that the world record attempt was successful, with the official verdict to be delivered in the coming weeks.
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More than 250 Palm Island dancers attempt to break a world record for the largest Aboriginal dance. Source: NITV
Spurred on by the crowd, the corroboree continued for more than five minutes. Source: NITV
Dancers celebrate following what's believed to be a successful world record attempt. Source: NITV
