Fantome Island - Joe Eggmolesse's story of life after being diagnosed with leprosy (Hansen's Disease)

Joe Eggmolesse researching at the Maryborough Library

Joe Eggmolesse has recently presented the film he directed and featured in called Fantome Island.

Joe tells his story “in 1945, as a seven year-old I was diagnosed with leprosy. I was taken from my family under police escort and transported by rail and sea over a thousand kilometres to Fantome Island”.  Joe remained on the isolated tropical island off the North Queensland coast for ten years, seeing his parents only once a year.

Joe says “The film details how this community of coloured people, as we were known back then, became a community cared for by nuns from the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary”. The fear of the disease and the policies developed by the Queensland government and medical establishment resulted in this segregation and isolation.

Joe Eggmolesse Maryborough Library Local History Room

Joe says, “I returned to the island for Fantome Island Remembrance Day”. As  a South Sea Islander and Elder, Joe reflects thoughtfully on his Fantome years, shedding light on what it was like to be both Indigenous and a ‘leper’ during this period. This is a deeply moving story.

Copies of the film can be purchased from Ronin Films (02) 62480851. They cost $35.95 postage inclusive.

The trailer of the film can be found here.

Patients with leprosy, or Hansen’s disease as it is now known, can be treated in their homes with antibiotics. More health information can be found here 

Published with consent from Joe Eggmolesse.
Tags #leprosy #hansensdisease #fantomeisland #southseaisland #maryboroughlibrary #frasercoastlibrary