Palm Island in Queensland moves to transform image from crime hotspot to tropical paradise
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Residents of Queensland's infamous Palm Island are hoping a new tourism initiative will transform its image from crime hotspot to tropical paradise.
The island was once described as one of the most violent places in the world, but residents say that is far from the current state of the community.
They have now invited paying members of the public to experience the island for themselves through public open days.
More than 200 tourists took the opportunity to travel to the island on Sunday to experience Indigenous culture, including traditional food, and lessons in dot painting and basket weaving.
Mayor Alf Lacey said he hoped positive feedback would start to spread through the wider community.
"We can't do anything about history but I think what we can do in terms of the future is create a new level of feeling for our community," he said.
"And I think it's really, really important that we understand that for the future, anything is possible."
Sunday's public open day was the first for the island following a trial last year.
Organisers hope to hold another four this year.
Residents welcome tourists to 'lovely, beautiful' island
Palm Island resident Agnes Fave said it was a great opportunity for the community.
"It's good for the island, for people to come and see it, because of the talks that have gone on outside of Palm, that Palm's not a good place," she said.
"Well now they see it's a lovely place, beautiful place, lovely people, families that love each other.
"And it's really exciting to see new faces, new friends, folks you haven't met before."
Cr Lacey said the tourism open days were also a chance to start a new industry on the island, hopefully creating more jobs.
"We've got a very high unemployment rate here on Palm Island," he said.
"So developing some industries here on the Island like tourism or aquaculture or things like that brings really very good opportunities for our community.
"Our job is to lead and create and economy by also job."
Cr Lacey said he planned to speak with private businesses about attracting more development investment to the island.
"I think we need to think right outside the square, not in the government box," he said
"We've always been thinking in the government box or the government telling us what's good for us.
"We're doing the reverse now, we're saying we can think for ourselves and we want to go outside the square."
This year's first open day was sold out and the council has already started planning for more throughout the year.
Topics: tourism, crime, aboriginal, palm-island-4815
