THE HUMAN FACTOR

I have lived on Norfolk Island for close to 40 years. I do not envisage myself ever leaving, because it is my adopted home.
In that time, I have learnt to admire the spirit and character of the Norfolk Islander.
I would not presume to describe a "typical" Norfolk Islander, or to patronise them by putting them into a neat little category or box. They cannot be stereotyped like that. The personalities are as diverse as you would find in any community.
There is, however, a set of community values and a culture that a visitor may catch a glimpse of, and a longer term resident may come to come to know a little better. It is a set of values and a character that Canberra may have underestimated, or failed to take into account.
They are very proud of their community and their history, and rightly so. Even in their relative isolation, they have made an excellent job of managing their affairs for the good government of the island and its people. Ever since the days of John Adams, when he sought to teach his people a Godly, just and honest way of living and dealing with one another, this community has been at the forefront of any western nation in developing a sound set of community values. Values such as caring for one's own, taking responsibility for one's own actions and well-being, and working hard for what one needs or wants.
As people who have always known how to cut the coat according to the cloth, they are appalled at the potential waste of money and resources they will see if Canberra tries to provide what they have competently provided for themselves up until now.
I have seen many good leaders in this community, but I have rarely seen one who was at all power hungry and inclined to get up on a soapbox and rally people behind him or her for some cause. But that does not mean that they are not reacting with strength and vigour when they see an injustice such as Norfolk has been threatened with. That is why I believe Canberra has underestimated the will of people here to hang on to what they cherish.
They are not afraid of change, and have seen much of it over the years. It took a fair amount of faith to make the move from Pitcairn to Norfolk in 1856, and the resilient and adaptable spirit is still very much present today. But the change must be productive and beneficial for Norfolk Island.
It is so encouraging to see a strong grass-roots response to the current situation, and much of this is being led by younger people with a strong commitment to keeping Norfolk a place that they and their children can continue to be proud of. They do not want to lose the strong work-ethic, or the resourcefulness or the high level of self-sufficiency that characterises them.
I mentioned the "Have Your Say" forum. Today, there was another forum on Norfolk Radio, with 6 people in varying age groups discussing which way they would like to see Norfolk progress. There was a range of views, but the discussion proceeded with typical Norfolk good humour. There was discussion on Option 1, Option 2, Option 3, and even Option 4. The views were expressed clearly, with intelligence and perceptiveness, and above all with some passion.
I have said it before, but I believe that passion is what we need now.
I did not need any convincing of the fact, but listening to that forum told me that the future of Norfolk Island is in good hands. This situation is actually bringing out the best in the people of the island.
I would like to tell the young people...don't give up and feel it is useless doing anything....we are relying on you.

I know the Canberra machine appears a bit like a juggernaut rolling mercilessly on. Already we have the Grants Commission here, when they think we will have barely had a chance to gather our thoughts together, let alone develop a strategy or plan of action. Whatever your views about the island's future, Canberra's tactics are unjust and undemocratic.

Your fathers and grandfathers made a difference when we were threatened in a similar way thirty years ago when the Nimmo Report suggested solving the Norfolk "problem" by absorbing us into mainstream Australia. It was a grass-roots movement, and gave the Council of the day hope and encouragement. The same thing can happen now.