With over 170 Islanders filling the Magnetic Island Country Club for a big night of trivia and the chance to rub shoulders with friends, neighbours and wider members of the community, the simplest way to describe Friday's Maggie Quiz Night, sponsored by Queensland Health and organised by the Community Development Association, was, a great big fun night out with the community.

This was the second Trivia Quiz night sponsored by Queensland Health's Tropical Health Population Unit on Magnetic. Although it may seem unusual that Qld Health would get involved in a trivia night the strategy seems both creative and responsive to the rapidly growing problems of social isolation leading to depression which is becoming an extremely widespread health issue. That strategy is about understanding that friendships and closer connectedness to others is at the core of a happier, healthier and more resilient community.

Bus Co brains trust

The result: an evening which saw Islanders from the widest range of backgrounds and social circles rubbing shoulders, laughing, competing, brain storming and getting to know each other better - if they didn't already.

A brain storm is brewing

The competitiveness of the teams was intense as questions ranged from broad scale general knowledge to Island-specific teasers. But by night's end there was a winning table team and they were the Binge Thinkers while the doyens of Gustav Creek in Nelly Bay came up with the winning team name: The Little Creek Band. There were many individual competition winners too.

In recognition of the many individuals who contributed their time and efforts to make the night the great success it was, the Magnetic Island Community Development Association have asked Magnetic Times to pass on their thanks to the following people, businesses and organisations:


Questions: Verne Jack (and for 2007 Questions as well!) Zanita Davies, Eric Vanderduys, Peter Le Grand, Daina Clark and anonymous.

Prizes: Barefoot Art Food Wine; MI Pharmacy; New Townsville City Council, Sustainable Development Unit; Pernod-Ricard; Queensland Country Credit Union; The Athlete's Foot. Solar Cities- Ergon Energy.

Registration: Barbara and Don Kinsey

Masters of Ceremonies: Peter Morrison Conway and Ken Douglas

Organisation: Heike Von Mellenthin

Catering: Bell's Bakery

Stand-by Chairs: MI Pool Shop - Nelly Bay

Set up: Martin Gibson & Kai Von Mellenthin and Don & Barbara Kinsey

Host Venue: Magnetic Island Golf Club

Major Sponsor:Tropical Health Population Unit

One problem which has arisen following the event was that, in her rush to make it from the ferry to the Quiz night, the ever-busy Community Development Association President, Lorna Hempstead, accidentally left the pile of questionnaires from which Queensland Health can evaluate the impact of the night, in her car at the ferry terminal.

To help, Magnetic Times has reproduced the quiz about the quiz night below and we urge all who attended to either copy the survey and answer the questions in an email or print out the page and return them to Lorna so they can be passed on the Queensland Health.

Anonymity is respected and putting one's name to the survey is optional. Lorna is simply hoping that readers return the survey to her email address: gibhemp@bigpond.net.au

or, if you prefer, print off your own copy and mail it to:

Quiz Night Survey,
Magnetic Island Community Development Association,
PO Box 133,
Magnetic Island Qld 4819.

Following is the Survey.

Maggie Quiz Night Feedback Form

Thank you for taking a minute to fill in this form - we appreciate any feedback you can give us about these events. If you don't feel comfortable in answering any of the questions just leave it blank.

1. How did you find out about Maggie Quiz Night? (please tick)

Flyer in mail box

Word of mouth

Local Newsletter newspaper

Noticeboard / local shops

Other


2. Did you enjoy today's event?

Yes, it was great

Was okay

Neutral

No, did not enjoy it

Hated it!


3.What did you like most and least about this event?


Most



Least



4. What do you think would improve these types of events?

5. Did you meet or speak to people that you did not know at all, or did not know very well before?

Yes

No


6.Would you recommend similar events to friends or family?

Yes

No

Any other comments or suggestions:






7. How long have you lived in the neighbourhood?


8. In the past 3 months how may times have you visited or neighbours had them visit you? (please tick)


None Once 2-3 times 4-10 times >10 times


9. Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements (please tick)

* Neighbourhood = street living in and surrounding streets


a. I recognise most people in my neighbourhood

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree



b. I regularly stop and talk to people in my neighbourhood


Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree


c. I like living in my neighbourhood


Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree


d. I feel there is a strong sense of community in my neighbourhood


Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree



e. would feel comfortable to borrow things and exchange favours with my neighbours

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree


f. I like living in Magnetic Island


Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree


g. There is a strong sense of community in Magnetic Island

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree


h. I feel I belong in Townsville / Magnetic Island


Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree


i. I am proud to tell people I am from Townsville / Magnetic Island


Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree



j. I regularly run into friends and acquaintances while shopping


Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree


k. I can get help from friends when I need it


Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree


l. I attended a community event within last 12 months


Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree


m. There are people I can count on in an emergency


Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree


Do you agree to a follow up survey in 3 months time?


If yes, could you please write down your name & phone number:


Name:

Phone:

Photos: Penelope Sheridan

To see more photos of the night (Click here)

To add your comment, see below but please do not use our comments box to answer the survey