Pictured above at Peppers on Mother's Day were the McCormick family, Naomi, Linda, Lee and Sintra Star
Fashion Parade Magnetic Island Community Care
15th May 2012 Vol 23 Issue 4
Work Begins On Walkway!
Debbie Denison
We have waited nearly 17 years. Last week work began on the 710 metre walkway between Nelly Bay and Arcadia. Hutchinson Builders who are celebrating their centenary year 2012, were awarded the $5.3 million contract have been setting up their site offices, placing barriers blocking off the ocean side lane and shoulder of the Arcadia Road to traffic, temporary traffic lights have been set in place.
Magnetic Island police have urged all motorists to observe all traffic control directions, including signage , they have asked that all pedestrians and cyclists to not use the roadway and use the dedicated corridor separate to the road which has been set into place. Police and emergency services have met with the builders and emergency services access will be maintained during all works. This project is expected to be completed in seven months and there will be total road closures scheduled at night after the ferries cease services. These total closures will be advertised in both the Townsville Bulletin and the Community News.
Police have already received reports of vehicles running red lights and the Community News understands that cameras are to be installed on sections of the road. Police remind all motorists it is an offence to disregard traffic control and tickets will be issued to offenders.
Work will take place on the walkway 6 days a week from 7am to 6pm Monday - Friday and 8am to 2pm Saturday.
The walkway will include two sections Geoffrey Bay towards Nelly Bay section will be 350m long by 2.5m wide and will lead to the first of two viewing platforms. This section is disable access compliant. The second section Nelly Bay towards Geoffrey Bay will be 360m long by 2m wide and mostly elevated, also will include areas to enjoy the views. There will be car parking at the base of the walkway on the Arcadia side and a concrete walkway to Bright Ave .
This is the largest works program to commence on the island since the Nelly Bay Harbour project, motorists are asked to be patient with traffic delays, remember the saying - 'No Pain - No Gain', use your common sense and leave home for the ferry 10 minutes earlier than you normally would. When this project is completed it will become one of 'must do things' on the island a great scenic attraction for the island not to mention the safety aspect for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike.
Above: The Breastscreen Queensland van 'Orchid' at Picnic Bay Photo Debbie Denison
8th May 2012 Vol 23 Issue 3
Have You Made Your Appointment ?
Debbie Denison
The bi-annual breastscreen service provided by Queensland Health is here for 3 weeks, to perform mammograms and clinical nurse support, for the detection and prevention of breast cancer. This is a free service and is open to any lady 40 years of age and over is eligible, all you need to do is make an appointment by phoning 132050 or come to the van which is situated in Granite St across the road from Dunoon Apartments and the girls will make an appointment for you.
Magnetic Island radiographer Liz Phillips told the Community News " We are here until the 24th May and bookings are going well, we are able to perform 25 appointments per day and we are also offering late day appointments till 5.30pm for ladies who commute to town for work."
This year 'Orchid' which is the four wheel drive mobile breastscreen van of the 6 in the fleet which are currently in use all round the Queensland has journeyed to our island. She was launched in 2010 and is equipped with state of the art digital technology and equipment and she services far northern Queensland and the Torres Straits. 'Lilly Pilly' the van who was here in 2010 is currently in the Tully region. 'Orchid' exterior is painted in culturally sensitive way by artist Jordana Angus in March 2010 and is about encouraging women to be screened rather that ending up having to scream for help. The woman represents those we have lost to breast cancer in the past as well as those we can save in the future through screening for early detection of breast cancer. The painter uses the hibiscus flower to portray the breast in an indirect fashion. This is important because it makes coming for screening acceptable, rather than a shameful or clinical experience. The diverse colour palette for this painting reflects the need for the mobile service to be welcoming to all women living in those places with yellow and blue for the islands and green for the rainforest. Pink and purple are used as they are the branding colours of the BreastScreen Queensland Program and pink is the international colour for breast cancer. The painting itself is a beautiful thought provoking mobile artwork.
The mobile breastscreening service began here in 2000 it was here for only 3 days , this trip the service is here for 3 weeks.
Magnetic Island figures are :
2000 screened 136
2002 screened 217
2004 screened 243
2006 screened 276
2008 screened 299
2010 screened 313
2012 TBA
These are great screening numbers considering the size of the population, well done to all the girls on Maggie.
In the Townsville service approx 15,600 mammograms are preformed annually and state wide the total is 235,000.
Liz Phillips went on to say " We have women from the age of 40 and are oldest lady is 93 years of age , we find about 1% of those screened need further treatment and the key is early detection is the best prevention. We are very thankful to the Magnetic Island Health Service who have offered us an admin assistant during our visit here".
So ladies if you haven't already made your appointment phone 132050 or come to the van.
The van will be here till the 24th May and 'Orchid' will move to Palm Island for their bi annual visit before heading to the Gulf Country
4th May 2012
NOTICE OF ROAD WORKS
MAGNETIC ISLAND
Initial Road works to commence 8th May 2012, Nelly Bay to Arcadia Road range, closing of one lane for approximately six (6) months for the purpose of constructing the Magnetic Island Walkway Project.
Further notifications will be advertised when total road closures are required. Total road closures will be undertaken as night works while passenger ferries are not running – emergency services will have access.
A safe walking lane will be provided for pedestrians at all times. Timed traffic lights will be located at either end of the road works. Changes to road works will occur on a daily basis which will be controlled by Stop and Go traffic controllers.
Please take care and follow the directions of Traffic Controllers and obey all changed traffic condition road signs.
Hutchinson Builders do apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the community’s patience during the construction period.
