The Indigenous Health Research Priorities Study Report for Palm Island 2024

The current study engaged informally with the community using culturally safe and responsive methods such as yarning to gather input on local health priorities identified by community members. Key concerns identified by those who participated included worries about chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, the impacts of alcohol and substance abuse, family and domestic violence, mental health, and issues related to youth crime. The community participants also highlighted the importance of addressing children's health, especially developmental delays and ear health, and emphasised the need for culturally responsive health programs that honour traditional practices as well as focus on healing and well-being.

The study's strengths-based approach highlighted the resilience, cultural knowledge, and strong kinship ties that form the foundation of Palm Island’s community. By building on these strengths, the study aims to inform health initiatives that are informed and led by the community and grounded in cultural practices central to health and well-being. The research placed a spotlight on the need for mental health services to be more responsive to trauma and grief, especially among men, as well as the importance of youth engagement programs to tackle rising crime and social disconnection. Community-led solutions focusing on reconnecting youth with their culture and providing spaces for men to reflect and heal were identified as critical for long-term improvements in community health and well-being.

This study underscores the importance of empowering the Palm Island community to lead the development of health services and programs that are culturally responsive and address both the immediate and underlying causes of poor health and well-being while noting the many social determinants and other factors which contribute to poorer health status of residents on Palm Island. The recommendations from this study emphasize the need for holistic, community-driven solutions that embed traditional healing with modern healthcare practices. By prioritising community involvement and cultural reflectiveness, future health initiatives can more effectively address health and well-being on Palm Island and contribute to long-term improvement and sustainability of health and well-being programs on the island. The study also highlights the need for additional investment in local community engagement to support local planning and development led by local government, local people and community-controlled organisations with financial investment from Commonwealth and State Government to address key concerns.

Full report can be found here: https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:e2f5589

Authors: Wheeler, Kai, Weatherall, Loretta, Smith, Davina, Massi, Luciana, Thorogood, Mieka, Ahmed, Salma M, Friday, Rhiannon, Dorey, Emily, Fredericks, Bronwyn, Toombs, Maree, and Rae, Kym M