Finding peace on Fantome Island: Mark Pearson’s reunion story
My name is Mark Pearson, and my Link-Up (Qld) journey began in 2019 when I met with Link-Up (Qld) staff members at an event in Mareeba, Qld. When I heard of the information that Link-Up (Qld) provide on family history, I completed an intake kit and became a client.
My mother, Katherine Alma Thomas (also Smith), and father, Charlie Pearson, had eight children together, and my father had other children from another relationship.
When I received my Research Letter from Link-Up (Qld), there was so much information in there on my family. Trying to find some of my siblings has been difficult, and I hope my story helps us be connected.
I had many reunion options, and one of them was to go to Fantome Island, where my grandfather Jack Thomas was laid to rest along with other family members.
My partner Marlene and I travelled with Jack Webster and Joshua Thompson from Cairns to Townsville on QantasLink. It was a beautiful day to travel by air, seeing the lovely reefs, and before our arrival in Townsville, a clear view of Fantome Island and Great Palm Island. On our arrival in Townsville, we met with Link-Up (Qld)’s Research Manager, Ruth Loli, and Link-Up (Qld)’s Digital Content Officer, Gilberto Roque. We shared stories and laughter all afternoon and over dinner. With such a big day, we had a good sleep in Townsville before our journey to Fantome Island.
Above: Mark Pearson (centre) visiting Fantome Island on his Link-Up (Qld) reunion trip.
It was a 20-minute flight from Townsville to Palm Island with great views all the way. On our arrival in Palm Island, we met with Mia from the Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council, who took us to the jetty where we met with Clint. Clint explained that we chose the perfect day to go to Fantome Island, as previous days and weeks the seas were very rough and not good conditions to be in a boat. The trip to Fantome Island was beautiful, with flat, clear waters.
Clint’s knowledge of the land and sea was unmatched by years of hunting, passion, and studying the patterns of the weather and seas, but Clint’s knowledge didn’t stop there. Clint gave us a tour and history of Fantome Island, showing us the burial site where my grandfather Jack Thomas is resting peacefully.
“Walking towards the burial site, I felt mixed emotions and heard a few voices but couldn’t tell where they were coming from, but felt like it was my old people talking to me, along with a didgeridoo playing, which made me feel peaceful and happy.” – Mark Pearson, Link-Up (Qld) client
I was the only one amongst the group that heard this. The burial site had no wind, but the leaves were still moving, which told me my people were there with me. Clint mentioned that no one comes to clean this site, but it still remains very clean. It made me sad leaving. From there, we ventured around to another part of Fantome Island where Clint showed us the old nuns’ quarters, streetway, street posts and old access onto Fantome, along with many old items and furniture.
Above: Mark Pearson visiting Fantome Island on his Link-Up (Qld) reunion trip.
We then proceeded to visit another part of the island where one of the nuns’ resting places was. After leaving Fantome Island, Clint showed and explained another island called Curacoa Island, where families have camping shelters. Because of the calm weather, we were also able to be shown the WWII-era aircraft crash near Palm Island and parts of Palm Island itself by boat. As we returned to Palm Island, Clint introduced me to one of my family members, cousin-brother Young Bob (Hans) Pearson, who I haven’t seen for many years since we laid his mother to rest. It was very special to see him again. Clint was able to have the library opened so that he could show us historical photos and information of both Fantome Island and Palm Island. I couldn’t thank Clint enough for what he had done for me, and I am truly grateful. Soon after, we were transported by Mia back to the airport on Palm Island and were flying back to Townsville and onto Cairns.
Going over to Palm and Fantome itself was a wonderful experience that brought back memories of the nuns coming to the dorm on Palm from Fantome Island. The nuns treated me well, and I wished they had stayed as I was very young at the time. Being on Palm itself brought back feelings of the dorm that weren’t good memories that I did not like. I’ll always be traumatised from my past on Palm Island in the dormitories.
Overall, it was a fantastic trip – exhilarating, with both happy and sad emotions going through me. I was happy I could share this with my partner, Marlene. Link-Up (Qld) has given me a wonderful journey that I can’t describe, and the Link-Up (Qld) staff were excellent with their support.
I would like to thank Link-Up (Qld) for their help and support right throughout in providing me with my family history, and I am looking forward to continuing attending Link-Up (Qld) events in the community. I would also like to thank the Palm Island Council for the support provided to us while we were at Palm.
Mark Pearson
Published December 2025.