The Cancer House committee is holding an open day timed with World Cancer Day on February 4. 

“We want to show the community that Cancer House is still up and running, and that the Mount Isa Men’s Shed is still here as well,” said committee treasurer Trish Olsen. 

The three local cancer support groups that initially formed the ‘umbrella’ committee were the Mount Isa and North West Breast Cancer Support Group, Relay for Life, and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. 

They are based at the brightly coloured building in Alma Street.

The Mount Isa Men’s Shed also became part of the “umbrella group” when it was installed underneath the building about a year ago. 

“We would like to encourage the community to not feel scared or anxious about coming out because it’s a family environment,” Ms Olsen said. 

“It doesn’t matter what cancer you have got, you are welcome to go to the Cancer House.” 

Local musician David Whitehead will entertain at the open day, who has donated his time and talent for the cause, said secretary Yvonne McCoy.

There will also be balloons and a jumping castle. The Men’s Shed will display wares that have been made, while other groups will sell merchandise. 

The open day will be held from 8.30am to 1pm on Saturday, February 4. 

Mrs McCoy said that the committee was also seeking volunteers.

The Cancer House committee was also hosting its annual general meeting on February 23. 

The council handed the building’s keys to the Cancer House committee in April, 2014, during the McGrady term.

During the formal handover of the keys the mayor at the time, Tony McGrady, said the building had been unused for some time.

He observed that the cancer groups had been doing good work in the community but needed a place to work from. 

Previously committee members from the separate support groups worked from their own homes.