Island photographer, Vandhana today donated the works of her photographic exhibition and calender titled, "Magnetic Island Character", featuring the people, architecture and natural features of Magnetic Island, to the Magnetic Island History and Craft Centre.

The Centre's President Zanita Davies told MT, "The works will be stored in a special container used by the Centre for preserving important and valuable, documents and photographs of the Island's history and culture."

Vandhana said of the project, "This community project gave me the opportunity to mark a year in our history and to validate the natural and cultural heritage values on our World Heritage Island. Since these photographs were taken, much has already taken place." She went on to say, "It was a very gentle but direct way of inviting people to think about what the local environment means to them, how it is altering and what they might be losing or going as the years go by."

In 2002 Townsville City Council, assisted by the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) , Vandhana to produce and exhibit the works. "This was an excellent example of the quality of artistic work that the RADF assists in our local community" said Cr David Mather, Chair of the Townsville RADF Committee. "The end result is a series of very striking and thought provoking photographs capturing the uniqueness of Island life".

As part of her project Vandhana exhibited a selection of her photographs under the trees in Queens Gardens during the 2002 Eco Fiesta. Throughout the Festival the public were invited to wander around the display and enter comments on the value of the Magnetic Island environment in a visitors' book. The comments indicated overwhelming public interest and support.