COUCH Public Meeting – 27th October 2010
Wednesday, November 3rd, 201028 October 2010
Last night COUCH, The Committee for Oncology Unit Cairns Hospital, held a public meeting to update interested people on the progress of the installation of Radiation Oncology in the Liz Plummer Cancer Care Centre at the Cairns Base Hospital and to call for volunteers to help progress the Cancer Wellness Centre proposed for 100 Reservoir Road.
A very positive response is that many Cairns and district citizens have come forward to offer their advice and expertise and to join specialist sub-committees to help with planning and construction and with the eventual operation of the facility.
Dr Alice Crabtree of Conservation Volunteers Australia expressed their interest in operating the Green Gym Programme which was developed in the UK and has been trialled in Victoria. This programme allies the Health of the People with the Health of the Environment. An example of this is the propagating of plants by cancer sufferers at the Wellness Centre to be used to rehabilitate and regenerate creek banks and degraded areas throughout the North.
Also, Geoff Mann, a bush poet and cancer survivor spoke of how writing and reciting poetry helped him through his bout with cancer. This is an fantastic example of what will happen at the Wellness Centre where activities, counselling and advice will engender a positive attitude and equip people to better fight the effects of cancer. Geoff also gave a humorous rendition of his poem “The Randy Rooster” and presented a cheque to COUCH for over $2000 from the proceeds of his CD sales.
COUCH is progressing the Wellness Centre as quickly as possible and will welcome on-board any volunteers to assist with the planning and construction phase.
Please contact COUCH for further information 4041 9474 or
The COUCH Committee would like to sincerely thank Brothers Leagues Club for the use of the auditorium and Mr Nick Trompf for donating his time to MC on the night.
Charles Woodward
Chairman