Palm Island: A New Chapter for Financial Wellbeing

A new chapter is beginning for financial wellbeing support on Palm Island.

ICAN is establishing the Palm Island Financial Wellbeing Hub, creating a permanent local presence that builds on years of financial counselling and financial capability outreach in the community. The Hub has been designed to provide early intervention and prevention support, delivered by Palm Island residents, for Palm Island residents.

Local Leadership at the Heart

More than simply bringing services into community, the Hub is about creating support that is locally informed, culturally relevant and shaped by the people who know Palm Island best.

By having local Grow Officers at the centre of service delivery, ICAN aims to strengthen trust, improve accessibility and ensure support is responsive to community needs.

Aimee Williams, ICAN Yarnin’ Money Team Leader, said:

“The best part about the new and improved Palm Island Hub is that ICAN has employed two amazing staff members from the Island. They come with an enormous amount of cultural knowledge and understand what it’s like to come from, and live on, Palm Island. We aren’t just sending in people from Cairns or Townsville to try and support the local mob from Palm.

“Through this opportunity, the staff will become great role models for their community and will be able to empower their people by sharing skills and knowledge around financial literacy.”

For Bradley Brown, the role is a chance to help build on the support already happening in his community.

“As a new ICAN Grow Officer, I’m excited to help further the support what’s already being delivered to our people. We think the Palm Island Hub will thrive,” Bradley said.

Like Bradley, fellow ICAN Grow Officer Conell Bonner is looking forward to the opportunity ahead.

“I’m excited to be part of the ICAN team to build my skills and support our great Palm Island community,” she said.

The Hub will offer a range of services including one-on-one financial counselling, financial capability support, consumer education and advocacy, and culturally relevant financial literacy training programs such as Yarnin’ Money. Community members will also be connected to a network of partner services that can provide additional support when needed.

Like many remote communities, Palm Island can face challenges when services are limited or not easily accessible. As financial systems become increasingly complex, the Hub will help community members understand their options, navigate services, and make informed decisions with confidence.

Free Tax Support on Palm Island

An important part of the Hub’s vision is connecting community members with specialist services that can provide extra support when needed. One of those partnerships is with the JCU Tax Clinic, which provides free assistance with personal tax matters that fall outside the scope of ICAN’s financial wellbeing services.

Kerry Orro, from the JCU Tax Clinic, who recently spoke to The Yarn, says she’s looking forward to visiting Palm Island and connecting directly with community members.

“We know dealing with tax can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. We’d love to see you while we’re on Palm Island. Come down, have a yarn and let us know how we can help.”

Looking to the Future

ICAN’s vision is for the Palm Island Financial Wellbeing Hub to become a trusted, welcoming, and locally led service where people can access practical support early before financial challenges become more serious. Staffed by Palm Island residents and guided by local needs, the Hub will provide culturally relevant financial counselling, financial capability support and consumer education while strengthening local partnerships and supporting community economic development.

Through local leadership, strong partnerships and culturally relevant support, the Hub aims to strengthen financial wellbeing and contribute to a stronger future for the Palm Island community.

Reflecting on the impact of the new Palm Island Hub, ICAN General Manager Marcus McDonald said:

“That’s really what ICAN is all about – helping and supporting people and communities. It’s inspiring to see positive change.”

Need help with your tax?

Visit Kerry at the ICAN Palm Island Hub:  19 August | 2 September | 9 September

JCU Tax Clinics are also happening at: