Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

I’m writing to update the Magnetic Island community on the important changes underway at Magnetic Island Community Care Association Inc. (MI Care), and to ensure our members and neighbours have clear, consistent information about our direction for 2026.

Over the past 18 months, MI Care has transitioned from a government‑funded service provider to a fully volunteer‑led, community‑run incorporated association. This shift has strengthened our connection to the island, centred our work on belonging and wellbeing, and ensured that MI Care remains a place shaped by the people who use it.

A key part of this transition is the introduction of a clearer membership structure. To support good governance and to meet Queensland Transport requirements for community transport, MI Care now recognises three operational membership pathways:

• Ordinary Members (Voting Members) – the members of the incorporated association who participate in governance, vote at meetings, and may nominate for the Management Committee.

• Service Members (Non‑Voting) – people aged 50+, carers, volunteers, and people with disability who wish to access MI Care activities, member priced activities and community transport.

• Dual Members – individuals who choose to be both, giving them full governance participation and full access to services.

This structure does not remove anyone’s voting rights. Instead, it provides a clear and fair pathway for people who want to access MI Care services without needing to join the incorporated association. It also gives us the “specific group” required under Queensland Transport rules so that we can legally operate community transport for eligible members.

With this in place, MI Care is now able to offer community transport for Service Members, including pickups and return trips for activities held at the MI Care Community Hub. This is a volunteer‑run, community‑based service—not a commercial transport operation—and bookings can be made through our Administrative Assistant, Eliska.

We continue to offer a full weekly program of activities including art, Zumba, strength and stretch, and two Thursday exercise classes. “Tuesday Club on a Friday” begins on 20 February at 10 am, honouring Vicky, our longest‑serving member. We’re also excited to soon launch Lissy Loushay’s Intergenerational Poetry Slam.

Looking ahead, we’re exploring new community spaces inside the Hub, including an internet café‑style area with PCs and printing, a carers’ respite space, and a simple take‑a‑book, leave‑a‑book exchange. These additions support social connection, digital inclusion, and carer wellbeing.

As we no longer receive Federal Government funding, MI Care’s sustainability now relies on membership, community support, and fundraising. We are exploring Queensland Government grants designed for community centres, and we will keep members updated as this progresses.

Finally, we invite all members to help shape MI Care’s 2026 activities. Suggestion Forms are available at the Hub, and we welcome ideas about activities, volunteering, transport needs, and community priorities.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support MI Care and contribute to our shared vision of a connected, caring, community‑led Magnetic Island.

With care and community,

Phill Stephenson

President

Volunteer Management Committee

Magnetic Island Community Care

E: president@micare.org.au