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Corporal M E Logan of Brisbane, Australian Comforts Fund and YMCA Rest Home, Magnetic Island

Queensland State Archives posted a photo:

Tropical island an ideal setting for Service personnel on leave

At Arcadia Beach on Magnetic Island, just off the Queensland coast at Townsville, is what has been voted by servicemen and servicewomen the most beautiful recreation and rest centre they have known.
Most suitably named, the island has been a magnet for all troops on leave, and at Arcadia, perhaps the loveliest of all the island’s many beaches, the YMCA and YWCA, under the direction of the ACF, have established a leave centre.
A line of huts near a grove of tall coconut palms offer a holiday such as many “southerners” have never before known.
The centre, which has taken the name Arcadia, is staffed by the Army and members of any branch of the Services are entitled to spend from one to four days’ leave there.
During the past month, 467 Waaafs, Awas, Wrans, Aamws and Aans, and 1193

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Mr J S Reed of the YMCA welcomes the troops to the Australian Comforts Fund and YMCA Rest Centre on Magnetic Island

Queensland State Archives posted a photo:

Soldier’s Visit to Magnetic Island

Driver Albert Dodds, writing to his father, Mr L. C. Dodds, of “Glen Anne,” Bulga, is enthusiastic about three days spent on Magnetic Island in a rest home run by the Y.M.C.A. and A.C.F. He says it only costs 2/- for a return ticket, and was the most enjoyable time he had spent in his life. Food was served out at tables, there being plenty of fruit, milk and sugar. Girls were also present, so there was plenty of company. A dance was conducted on one night.
The island, Driver Dodds says, grips one. It affords a good rest away from everything. It is very beautiful and just what one would expect a tropical island to be. “There are no dusky maidens in grass skirts leaning against palm trees,” he adds. “The palms are there, but one has to close his eyes

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