COUCH » News

National Breast Cancer Foundation establishes research register

michael — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:45:11 +0000

The National Breast Cancer Foundation has established a register for researchers to access when they are trying to find a cure for cancer.

Currently it takes three years to put together a group for a trial, the register will take 24 hours.

To begin with the register will be for breast cancer research (female & male) and will later be available for research to find a cure for all cancers.

Please contact me for more information crewair@ozemail.com.au or Google www.register4.org.au to join the register.

Five Trucks of Equipment bring Cancer Care Services One Step Closer

michael — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:32:42 +0000

In a major milestone for the introduction of improved cancer services for the Cairns community, two linear accelerators have arrived at the hospital today.

Minister for Health Geoff Wilson said he was delighted at the arrival of this vital equipment which will provide improved cancer services for North Queensland residents.

“Once assembled, these linear accelerators will form the machines that administer radiation therapy to locals needing treatment,” Mr Wilson said.

“The first patients are expected to receive their radiation oncology treatment when the service commences in mid-2011.

“This is more evidence of the Bligh Government’s commitment to providing cancer services to Queenslanders closer to where they live.”

Member for Cairns Desley Boyle was pleased locals would be able to receive radiation treatment closer to home for the first time ever.

“This will mean an extra 340 patients will no longer need to travel to Townsville or Brisbane to receive their treatment,” Ms Boyle said.

“The arrival of the linear accelerators makes our new radiation oncology centre a reality.”

Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall said the delivery of the machines was a complex process which would be handled by a team of experts.

“The heaviest part of each linear accelerator weighs 6.2 tonnes and after assembly, the total weight of each machine is nine tonnes,” Mr Wettenhall said.

“The linear accelerators will arrive in five trucks and each machine is in four separate parts to enable it to be manoeuvred through the entrance and into the specially constructed concrete bunkers.

“A crane will be used to unload the parts and then around 15 people in the rigging team will use air skates – four mini-hovercrafts that are 45 centimetres in diameter – to lift and manoeuvre the sections through the building.”

Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said each state-of-the-art linear accelerator would be assembled inside its own bunker which has been constructed with up to one metre thick concrete walls and roof.

“One of the incredible features of the linear accelerator is that nine tonnes of machinery is able to rotate 360 degrees around the patient to deliver radiation therapy while maintaining an accuracy of less than one millimetre,” Mr Pitt said.

“It will take four weeks to assemble each machine and then a further eight weeks in calibration, testing and safety assurance to bring them online.”

Member for Cook Jason O’Brien said work is continuing on fitting out the interior of the new Cancer Care Centre at the hospital which will accommodate the new $5.5 million radiation oncology equipment, software and related equipment that was delivered today.

“The radiation oncology service will be fully integrated with other cancer services currently at the hospital including day chemotherapy, specialist outpatient cancer care clinics, surgical and medical services, and palliative care,” Mr O’Brien said.

The Commonwealth Government has contributed $8.3 million to the construction of the new radiation oncology facility.

The radiation oncology service, including the two linear accelerators, will be run by Radiation Oncology Queensland, who was announced as the operator in November 2010 to provide public radiation oncology services in the area.

The new cancer care facility will be an important part of the State Government’s $454.6 million redevelopment of the Cairns Base Hospital, which is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2014.

When complete, the redeveloped hospital will provide new and improved health services, including:

the ambulatory cancer care centre with the new radiation oncology service for those requiring cancer treatment;

additional cardiac care facilities for patients with heart related illnesses;

additional surgical capacity including increased day surgery;

expanded intensive care capacity;

expanded birthing services, special care nursery and a new low risk birth centre;

additional aged care and rehabilitation services; and

additional beds for mental health services.

ENDS

Media contact: 3225 2475

COUCH Public Meeting – 27th October 2010

michael — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 11:25:57 +0000

28 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

info@couch.org.au

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

Newsletter 3 November

admin — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 22:47:00 +0000

Click here for the Nov 3rd 2010 Newsletter

michael — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 03:05:24 +0000

SMALL BUSINESS CONFERENCE RAISES $1,400 FOR COUCH

The 2010 Small Business Development Conference – which was held in Cairns last weekend – has raised $1,400 for COUCH, the charity committed to securing Cairns its own oncology unit.

The CEO’s from the region’s two premier economic development agencies, Advance Cairns and Gulf Savannah Development will present the cheque to COUCH on Wednesday.

“Each year, the conference aims to give back to the hosting community by donating to a local charity. This year, COUCH was chosen as the recipient, for two primary reasons – it assists people to fight and recover from Cancer, and also our network has had many people touched by Cancer,” said Conference Coordinator Paula Beare.

Representatives from Advance Cairns and Gulf Savannah Development attended the conference which was organised by the Business Enterprise Centres of Australia.

“Advance Cairns and Gulf Savannah Development Corporation are two of the newest members of the BEC Australia network – a network which links around 130 centres around Australia – providing support and assistance to business facilitators and the small and micro businesses that they service,” explained Beare.

“Support to help our local businesses grow and diversify is a critical part of realising opportunities for our region,” said Rob Macalister, CEO of Gulf Savannah Development.

Advance Cairns is in the process of applying to open a BEC to service the Tropical North Coast, according to CEO of Advance Cairns Ross Contarino.

“The Cairns region needs a Business Enterprise Centre,” Mr. Contarino said.

Our economy depends on small to medium size businesses. A BEC would be a one stop shop to support small and medium size enterprises with everything they need whether it’s how to fill out a tax return to workplace health and safety information.”

“Gulf Savannah Development run a BEC which services the Etheridge, Carpentaria, Doomadgee, Mornington and Burke Shires as well as parts of the Tablelands. They offer mentoring, marketing advice, legal and accounting advice and much more for low or no cost.”

“We believe Cairns needs and deserves a similar service. We know the majority of Far North Queenslanders are employed by small and medium size businesses and we see it as our business to provide as much support as we can to this sector.”

michael — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 01:07:51 +0000

New Wellness Centre Announced

CAMPAIGNERS for a better deal for cancer sufferers have urged both major political parties to help fund a $22 million wellness centre in Cairns as part of their federal election pledges. Sign the petition.

Click here to sign the petition

The facility would provide respite, counselling, treatment, accommodation and help alleviate the stress of cancer sufferers currently being forced to travel to Townsville or Brisbane for treatment.

The Committee for Oncology Unit Cairns Hospital says it needs “a couple of million” to start stage one of the project.

The centre would be located on Reservoir Rd, Manoora, with its plans modelled on the leafy environment at Edge Hill’s Collins Avenue.

COUCH founder Charles Woodward, who donated the land that has been in his family for 70 years, said the wellness centre’s goal was to provide treatment for the “mental, not just the physical aspects” of cancer.

He said the centre would have support services for counselling, mind therapies, acupuncture, and a “look- good feel-better” program.

“We want to do this right,” Mr Woodward said.

“It’s not going to be a tin shed. We want it to be of world standard – a spectacular centre.”

“If we can get a decent slab out of the Federal Government, it would be a great start.”

The complex, to be built in three stages, boasts gardens and decks on 2ha of land, donated by the Woodward family.

Two massage rooms, a gym, chapel, children’s play areas, library, beauty and hair salons as well as spaces for hobbies, music and art are planned for the first stage.

Plans also include a $5.4 million two-storey 18-unit patient accommodation centre, with a pool and common room as well as a $5.7 million ancillary centre featuring six medical suites, a pharmacy and a coffee shop.

Cairns Regional Council manager of development assessment Simon Clarke said the submission was expected to go before the council in about eight weeks.

More than 1000 people are diagnosed with cancer in the Far North each year; about 400 will die.

The five most common cancers diagnosed in the region are prostate, bowel, breast, melanoma and lung.

If the centre were built, an estimated 340 Far Northerners would no longer need to travel to Townsville or Brisbane for treatment.

Leichhardt MP Jim Turnour and LNP candidate Warren Entsch have both pledged their support for the centre but neither would commit on a dollar figure.

Mr Turnour said he would push COUCH’s plan to the Labor Party while Mr Entsch said, “If I had my way, I’d give them $22 million”.

Cairns and Hinterland Health Service District CEO Julie Hartley-Jones welcomed the proposal.

“The most pleasing aspect of the proposed COUCH wellness centre is that it will not just provide accommodation,” Ms Hartley-Jones said.

The proposal will complement next year’s completion of the Liz Plummer cancer care centre, a radiotherapy oncology unit at Cairns Base Hospital to be established following a crusade by COUCH.

michael — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 01:01:56 +0000

WELLBEING & ACCOMMODATION UNIT TO GO AHEAD

LNP Candidate for Leichhardt Warren Entsch today announced $5 million to build the COUCH Wellbeing & Accommodation Unit.

“This is a project that is essential for our region and I am delighted to be making this announcement today of $5 million to get this project well underway and give cancer sufferers of the Far North what they deserve. This Wellness and Accommodation Centre is to assist those who have just completed treatment and for relatives and carers of those undergoing treatment. It is the second stage of the COUCH vision and under the Coalition it will be made a reality,” said LNP Candidate for Leichhardt Warren Entsch.

COUCH Founder Charles Woodward applauded Warren Entsch for committing to the vital piece of infrastructure for the community.

The radiology centre has been brought about thanks to strong community support and today we are elated to be announcing the final stage of the dream coming to fruition with the wellness centre thanks to the Coalition.

“Building this Wellness Centre is so important as it not only means cancer sufferers will receive a high level of treatment, but their mind and soul, key elements in the recovery process will be nurtured. Liz Plummer was the catalyst and inspiration for COUCH forming. Our dream was to build a dedicated radiology centre and a wellness centre so cancer sufferers can be treated and cared for in their home town,” said COUCH Founder Charles Woodward.

The centre would be located on Reservoir Rd, Manoora, with its plans modelled on the leafy environment at Edge Hill’s Collins Avenue.

He said the centre would have support services for counselling, mind therapies, acupuncture, and a “look- good feel-better” program.

Warren Entsch said if elected on 21^st August ensuring this project is completed will be one of his top priorities.

michael — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:52:17 +0000

Council vote threatens Cairns cancer centre

PLANS for a cancer wellness centre in Cairns are under threat after a council move to block development on its proposed site.

State and federal politicians and health campaigners are outraged at Cairns Regional Council’s decision to turn the Reservoir Rd site into a conservation zone.

Mayor Val Schier used her casting vote to get the decision through this week’s planning meeting, with the absence of Cr Sno Bonneau leaving the remaining 10 councillors evenly split on the issue.

The site was given to the Cancer Committee for Oncology Unit Cairns Hospital (COUCH) by the Woodward family, and detailed plans for a $22 million wellness centre have been developed.

They include an 18-unit accommodation centre for patients and a medical centre.

About 1ha of the land has been put aside for a conservation zone in the plans.

“This would be a win for everybody – it would preserve the environment and provide this very special place,” COUCH founder Charles Woodward said yesterday.

“The council should be getting behind this.”

Cairns MP Desley Boyle and Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch both said they would put petitions in their offices to allow people to express their opposition to the decision.

“If this is the sort of thing this council is doing, it’s no bloody wonder we are on our knees,” Mr Entsch said.

“I will be doing everything I can to put sanity back into this.”

Ms Boyle said she would “be telling the council that they have got it wrong”. “It’s an excellent project and that is the ideal block of land for it,” she said.

Deputy Mayor Margaret Cochrane said councillors should have held off on the decision before seeing the COUCH plans.

Twenty-six other sites have also been selected for rezoning, based on environmental and hillslope conservation considerations, including Taylor Point at Trinity Beach.

The decision will go to the State Government for sign-off and be subject to public consultation before final approval is given.

Cr Schier said the council would listen to the public’s views before signing-off on the decision.

Parrot Heads come to the Party

michael — Fri, 07 May 2010 06:41:19 +0000

Parrot Head Party Yorkey Knob Boat Club 2010

Couch Directors Charlie and Pip Woodward headed out to the Yorkeys Knob Boat Club to shake the tins for COUCH. As with last year, attendees were very generous and COUCH was pleased to raise $240.00 to aid in Cancer care facilities for Cairns.

michael — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:05:35 +0000

BARBARY COASTERS’ PARROTHEAD PARTY 2010

Magaritaville comes back to Cairns!”

Get set for the return of Cairns’ most colourful tropical party of the year at Yorkey’s Knob Boating Club …

Barbary Coasters’ 7^th Annual Jimmy Buffett Parrothead Party on Sunday 2nd May.

The fun kicks off at 2pm in great Tropical style when Tiki Dancer ‘Terina & the Polynesian showband’ will once again open the show & get hips swinging! From then on, Barbary Coasters take the stage with a full-on show of all the best Jimmy Buffett music that will have fans

“up & partying & singing along” to every song!

Once again we can expect some crazy tropical games, WILD outfits and some great prizes.

Now in it’s 7^th year, the day has become a firm favourite on the YKBC calendar, and once again a full house is expected – bookings are already confirmed from dedicated Parrotheads from Melbourne and Sydney and the fun keeps rolling with shows booked for Townsville, Airlie beach and Bowen in coming months.

Barbary Coasters’ “Parrothead Party” is now officially recognised and sanctioned by Phins Downunder (The Australian Parrothead Club) who are the official arm of “Parrotheads In Paradise Inc” (PHIP) which is the huge Jimmy Buffett fan club/ fundraising movement throughout the USA. This ensures that the show (and band) not only receives recognition throughout Australia but to all associated groups in the US as well!

Again this year the event will be raising funds in support of COUCH – (Cairns Oncology Unit Cairns Hospital) in the form of Gold Coin donations throughout the day.

Joining Barbary Coasters (Nikki Lowmass & Vance Fahey) this year will be the talents of Nasser Selimi on congas, bongos and everything percussion, and everybody is expected to don their WILDEST tropical gear (good taste NOT a requirement) & get ready to have fun, dance, sing and pop a gold coin in the tin for COUCH.