Good Life 2019

THE

GOOD LIFE P R E PA R I N G F O R T H E F U T U R E

AC C E S S I N G YO U R S U P E R , K N OW I N G YO U R R I G H T S I N R E T I R E M E N T, H E A LT H Y R E C I P E S A N D M O R E Page 1

THE GOOD LIFE: PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

Contents KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.................................03 NEWS FOR SENIORS .................................04 SECURE YOUR SUPER ...............................05 TRAVEL TIPS AND TRICKS.......................06 GIRLS ON TOUR ...........................................07 KEEPING FIT AND HEALTHY...................08 REASONS TO SMILE ...................................09 HEALTHY EATING .........................................10 RECIPES..............................................................11 KEEPING THE MIND ACTIVE .....................12 STAYING CONNECTED ................................13 NAVIGATING ONLINE DATING .................14 DIRECTORY ....................................................15

THE GOOD LIFE IS PUBLISHED BY THE NORTHERN STAR LTD. THOSE WHO MAKE ADVERTISING PLACEMENT AND/OR SUPPLY COPY MATERIAL OR EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS UNDERTAKE TO ENSURE ALL SUCH MATERIALS DO NOT INFRINGE THE TRADE PRACTICES ACT OR OTHER LAWS, REGULATIONS OR STATUTES. FURTHER TO THE ABOVE MENTIONED, THESE PERSONS AGREE TO INDEMNIFY THE PUBLISHER AND/OR ITS AGENTS AGAINST ANY INVESTIGATIONS, CLAIMS OR JUDGMENTS. PHOTOS BY ISTOCK. Page 2

THE GOOD LIFE: PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

Know your rights THE aged care system can be quite a confusing one to navigate, with older Australians and their families often feeling quite overwhelmed.

It is important that they are empowered to seek information about their rights so they can access the aged care services they need.

Many people would like help in their homes, as this helps them to stay living independently.

However, with old age sometimes come a lack of transport, health issues, mobility restrictions and a range of issues can mean seniors require some assistance.

Government-subsidised services are available for some seniors through a system called My Aged Care; although finding information to determine whether or not you qualify to receive services is not always easy.

This is where Gerard Dunlop from Seniors Rights Service can help.

Seniors Rights Service is a not-for-profit, non-government organisation.

It works at a grassroots level to reach out to seniors who might be quite isolated.

Gerard is an aged care advocate based in the

Northern Rivers region, with a passion for fighting for the rights of people receiving aged care services in New South Wales.

Gerard has been working tirelessly to build connections with agencies, clubs and older people in the region, and often has a stall at cultural events and expos, such as Seniors Week events.

In addition to his community and advocacy roles, Gerard can guide you through the My Aged Care process.

If you live in the Tweed to Grafton region, you can call Gerard or meet with him face-to-face on 6621 1070 or 1800 424 079 Seniors Rights Service also provide free and confidential legal advice from its Sydney office and has aged care advocates based in the city, as well as a number of regional centres.

To inquire about services or to ask for an Education Session in your community, call 1800 424 079.

Your rights.

Your voice.

Seniors Rights Service provides free and confidential aged care advocacy, education and legal advice to older people in NSW. Our Legal service provides free advice on most legal matters.

Our aged care Advocates listen to your concerns and assist seniors to understand their rights.

Our Education forums empower and inform older people on topics such as your rights, planning ahead and accessing services.

Legal | Advocacy | Education Free and confidential

1800 424 079

www.seniorsrightsservice.org.au

Seniors Rights Service Ltd. ABN 98 052 960 862 Page 3

THE GOOD LIFE: PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

Changes make pension scheme more accessible MORE Australians have recently been given the ability to access the Pension Loans Scheme (PLS).

Prior to July 1, 2019, applicants must have had a payment rate above $0 for either the income or assets test, but now a wider variety of applicants approved under asset and income tests will be eligible.

To access the PLS you must qualify for an eligible pension.

Eligible pensions include the Age Pension, Bereavement Allowance, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, Widow B Pension and Wife Pension.

If applicable, the amount you can get per fortnight will increase from 100 per cent to 150 per cent of the maximum fortnightly pension rate meaning there will be an increase of up to 1.5 times the maximum rate of pension each fortnight.

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For those not in the Pension Loans Scheme or unsure as to what it is, the scheme essentially allows you to access a loan from the Australian government provided you meet the following: ● You qualify for or get an eligible payment ● You own real estate in Australia with enough equity to secure the loan ● You have adequate insurance covering the secured real estate ● You’re not bankrupt or subject to a personal insolvency agreement ● You or your partner are Age Pension age or older.

You can apply for the Pension Loans Scheme online with a Centrelink online account through myGov. For more information visit www.humanservices.gov.au.

THE GOOD LIFE: PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

Taking care of super

Another factor to think about is your bevy of insurances that usually come with a super account total and permanent disability (TPD), life insurance, and income protection.

Your premiums may increase as you get older; you will need to assess the cost-benefit analysis yourself and find out if paying weekly fees on these insurances is worth it to you.

More information at moneysmart.gov.au.

Yarrabee aged Care, SpeCialiSing in home Care paCkageS levelS 1-4 phone: 6686 9855 • mobile: 0458 698 550 EMAIL: yarrabee@jailialc.com.au

YARRABEE AGED CARE SERVICE

Self-managed super funds Chances are if you have a SMSF, you might know a thing or two about super and investments, but there are a few tax implications you might not be aware of.

SMSFs pay tax at a rate of 15 per cent, but once you’re retired, there is no tax on super used as an income stream.

More information at ato.gov.au.

Yarrabee aged Care ServiCeS provide Personal Care Yard maintenance Cleaning service Social support Shopping assistance Meals (prep and provision)

KINDNESS, RESPECT, CARE, QUALITY OF LIFE WITH OUR SUPPORT SERVICE

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SO YOU have finally reached retirement; a few rounds of celebratory golf are under your belt, and now you might be thinking of how to handle the boring stuff.

Around retirement can be a good time to take another look at your finances – namely, your super.

Super It’s easy to let super fall by the wayside while you are working full time, juggling career and kids.

But now it’s time to face the music and take an hour or so to assess a few things.

One of the main things is to assess your super’s investment strategy. Generally, the younger you are, the more open to risk you may be.

For retirement, you want to make sure what you have saved up stays reasonably secure.

This may mean changing your super portfolio from an aggressive or balanced one, to a more conservative portfolio.

Conservative portfolios invest in things like bonds, which are lower growth but more secure than trading stocks.

Many super funds have a life cycle strategy that does this for you, but it still pays to have a look.

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THE GOOD LIFE: PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

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Travel tips for seniors

NCR have been servicing the local community for over 35 years.

We offer seven convenient locations with state of the art equipment and comprehensive, innovative services. With specialist radiologists on site and friendly local staff, we provide you and your family with peace of mind when and where you need it. www.ncrg.com.au Page 6

MORE and more Australians are travelling overseas, either for business or leisure.

With a thirst for adventure and cheaper plane tickets, it’s little wonder.

However, there are some things to consider before heading overseas – especially if you are 60 or older.

Check prescription medications What may be legal in Australia may not be overseas. It is a good idea to keep on hand your scripts and even a signed doctor’s note in case your prescriptions raise attention overseas.

Make sure you are immunised Many countries – exotic or not – still have diseases and viruses that Australia managed to eradicate or minimise years ago.

Check with your doctor before you go if you need any particular immunisations for the regions you are visiting.

Review your travel insurance It is a good idea to purchase travel insurance before heading overseas, but make sure it’s the right policy.

Check to make sure your age range is covered and if you have any pre-existing conditions that may exclude you from being covered.

Policies may exclude conditions you’ve had in the past year or so; for example, knee surgery, any heart attacks or diabetes.

Also check the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure

you are aware of activities covered and excesses payable - snow and water sports, car and bike rental and so on.

Read specific advice on Smart Traveller Smart Traveller is a .gov site with mountains of information on the specific countries you are visiting.

The site even has region-specific information, where borders and specific areas may be more prone to issues than others, for example.

Register your travel To make it easy for both loved ones and Australian consulates to contact you in an emergency, you can register your travel on smarttraveller.gov.au.

Keep up to date with news and current affairs While Smart Traveller has some information regarding countries’ current affairs that may affect your travel, it pays to watch what’s happening to assess the general ‘feel’ of the place you are visiting.

Australia enjoys relative peace, political stability and lack of violent crime, but many other countries do not so it pays to be aware.

Let loved ones know of your itinerary It is a good idea to register your travel for emergencies, but letting your family and friends know your itinerary can make it easier for them to contact you and vice versa.

For more information visit smarttraveller.org.au.

THE GOOD LIFE: PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

Women taking on the world

By JUDY POLKINGHORNE Founder of Girls On Tour

WHEN I started Girls On Tour in 2004, I had a clear idea of what I wanted to achieve.

I wanted to take every other woman in Australia whose significant other didn’t want to travel and go see the world.

I didn’t have any travel industry experience but I did have small-business experience, so I just went about starting my business intuitively and chipped away learning as I went.

I had travelled before and had been to Egypt in 1998 with our youngest son and yearned to return, so Egypt seemed to be the obvious destination for my first Girls On Tour trip.

I took a leap of faith and resigned from my role as financial controller for an IT company and went for it.

My first trip departed on September 14, 2007, with myself and my first two Girls On Tour.

We had an amazing time and from this trip, I was able to build my business over the years to a place where I now have taken more than 650 ladies to more than 50 countries on all seven continents.

We strive to provide a unique, small-group experience to meet the needs of today’s women, with a combination of the right amount of organised tours and activities, and enough leisure time to do some exploring of your own.

There is something special about being in the company of like-minded, adventurous and spirited women.

Each tour brings with it new experiences to both myself and the wonderful, inspirational ladies that travel with me.

We have seen amazing man-made wonders as

PHOTO: JUDY POLKINGHORNE

well as spectacular scenery and creatures created

by Mother Nature.

I am delighted and humbled that many of the ladies have now travelled more than once with Girls On Tour.

Each year, I endeavour to add new and exciting

destinations to fulfil all of our customers’ travel dreams.

Next stop, the Arctic!

For more information call 0409 057 417, email info@girlsontour.com.au, or visit www.girlson tour.com.au or facebook.com/girlsontouraustralia.

THE REAL TRANSYLVANIA 29 days departing 6th Oct., 2019

THE 5 GOLDEN STANS ENCOMPASSING KAZAKHSTAN, KYRGYZSTAN, TAJIKISTAN, UZBEKISTAN AND TURKMENISTAN Departing 22nd August, 2020

SPLENDID SRI LANKA Departing 14th February, 2020

THE KIMBERLEY Departing 19th May, 2020

Plus: Only one place is left for our “East Coast USA and Canada” tour departing April, 2020.

Check out our website for full details or contact Judy by email on info@girlsontour.com.au

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GIRLS ON TOUR - FULLY ESCORTED, WOMEN-ONLY, SMALL GROUP TOURS IN 2019 and 2020

PHONE: 0409 057 417 EMAIL: info@girlsontour.com.au WEBSITE: girlsontour.com.au PO BOX 5307, MAROOCHYDORE BC. QLD 4558 facebook.com/girlsontouraustralia Page 7

THE GOOD LIFE: PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

Healthy body, healthy mind

in

Membership for the new financial year starts 1 October, enquiries welcome.

1684 Eltham Road, Teven

02 6687 8386

www.tevenvalleygolfcourse.com.au Page 8

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Go G o l f Paradise P arra adise

This boutique nine hole golf course in the beautiful Northern Rivers Hinterland is a hidden gem. Set in a valley surrounded but remnant rainforest and platypus filled creeks, this challenging course is a golfers dream.

KEEPING the mind and body active into your twilight years is more important than ever.

Research suggests that there is no time like the present to kickstart some form of physical exercise.

While the way you exercise may have changed since you were in your 20s and 30s, there are still ways to keep the muscles engaged, the bones healthy and the mind invigorated.

The Northern Rivers is an idyllic place to kickstart a new exercise regimen, and there are plenty of activities available throughout the region.

We have compiled a list of activities and places to help get your health and fitness up and running.

Australian Academy of Tai Chi and Qigong Khor-style tai chi addresses bodily imbalances with equal left and right movements, in line with the tai chi philosophy of the ‘Yin Yang’ principles.

Classes are available at Ballina and Newrybar, and cost $12 for a casual visit ($10 for concessions), or $90 for a ten week course, with one, one-hour class per week.

Those interested are encouraged to visit khorlivingchi.com.au to find out if tai chi is right for them.

Stepping On Fall Prevention Program Designed for the over-65s, the Stepping On program aims to build up the confidence of those who are perhaps a bit shaky on their feet after a fall.

It teaches those who are living independently to build up the confidence to do everyday activities, and for those who are fearful of falling.

The cost per visit is free, and sessions are run regularly throughout towns in the Northern Rivers.

Locations include Evans Head, Casino, Lismore, Alstonville, Ballina, Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, and Kyogle.

Those interested are encouraged to call (02) 8738 6615 for specific locations and times.

CHEGS – Stretch and Strengthen This program includes easy

warm-up, whole body strength and conditioning, balance and relaxation.

The sessions are great for improving muscle strength, balance and joint range movements.

Sessions are $8 each, or $60 for a 10 week term and locations include Lennox Head, Lismore, Ballina, Kyogle and Coraki.

CHEGS – Light Pace CHEGS Light Pace consists of low-impact exercises after a 5-8 minute warm up.

Sessions last an hour, and exercises vary in intensity.

Classes cost $8 each or $60 for a 10 week term, with locations including Lismore, Coraki, Mullumbimby, Casino and Evans Head.

CHEGS – Gentle Exercise This program consists of a warm-up phase followed by walking and movement patterns for 20-30 minutes.

The final segment is performed either on the floor on a mat or on a chair and consists of conditioning work and some slow stretching and relaxation.

There is also an emphasis on strength and flexibility.

CHEGS – Cross Training This program incorporates warm-up, aerobic movements, strength and resistance training using free weights – dumbbells, resistance bands and more – and floor or chair exercises.

This is followed by stretching and relaxation.

Gentle Aqua Fitness – Murwillumbah Designed for over-50s, this exercise program is conducted in an indoor heated pool.

Participants are guided through a gentle routine of movements and stretches designed to improve personal health and well being.

This is completely low-impact, using the resistance of the water.

Classes are $9.80 each and run for approximately 45 minutes; participants are provided morning tea after the program.

More information and classes can be found at www.activeand healthy.nsw.gov.au.

THE GOOD LIFE: PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

AT Evans Head Goonellabah Denture Clinic, all dentures are made on site, which ensures the best quality and efficiency for clients.

Founded by Ben Westerman and his wife Karen in 2005, their clinic operated in Evans Head and Casino until 2009, when they decided to concentrate their efforts on Evans Head only.

Since then, the team have moved premises, relocating from Cashmore St to Woodburn St, and, in 2012, they opened their second clinic in Goonellabah.

Evans Head Goonellabah Denture Clinic now employs four people, who provide a personalised service that gives clients the results they want.

As a locally owned and operated family business, they are committed to providing friendly and efficient service every time.

Their products include: ● Full upper and lower acrylic dentures ● Implant retained over dentures ● Thermo sense virtually unbreakable full and partial dentures ● Custom mouthguards

● Denture adjustments ● Acrylic partial dentures ● Chrome partial dentures ● Same-day repairs and relines ● Full range of denture care products “At Evans Head Goonellabah Denture Clinic, we create custom-made dentures and mouthguards for clients in Lismore and the surrounding areas,” Mr Westerman explained.

“Our family business has been providing quality services for the past 15 years and has the skills and expert knowledge to improve the appearance of your smile.

“Whether you require full dentures to replace all of your teeth or partial dentures to fill in some gaps, we can do whatever you need.”

All dentures are made on site, so the team can work quickly for your added convenience.

Once fitted, clients can enjoy eating, drinking and speaking as normal, and the team will provide you with tips on how best to look after your new dentures.

Quality dentures

from Lismore’s professionaL cLinic If you have missing teeth or are getting teeth extracted and want to restore your smile in a non-invasive way, then dentures are the ideal solution. Available from certified dental prosthetists, dentures are false teeth that will fill in any gaps in your smile, and can be full or partial, depending on how many teeth you need to replace.

Custom-made to match your natural tooth colour as closely as possible, dentures from Evans Head Goonellabah Denture Clinic will allow you to eat, drink and speak as normal, without anyone knowing they’re there.

3/22 Woodburn Street, Evans Head

02 6682 6704

Shop 6/29 Rous Road, Goonellabah

02 6624 4442

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Something to smile about

evansheadgoonellabahdentures.com Page 9

THE GOOD LIFE: PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

A FOODIES Eat healthy

MECCA

to stay active

With its expansive variety of foods, there is no doubt the Northern Rivers is recognised as a foodies mecca – from growers to the table, the diversity is unique.

To be included in the October edition of Northern Rivers Taste Magazine call us on 66 200500 Page 10

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Taste of Northern Rivers will offer our readers an insight into the local industry, from the cottage growers to the emerging and quickly flourishing brewing and distilling companies.

A LOT of things change as we age.

Our hair might grow grey (that’s if we have any), our hips might ache, our hearing might go and our diets also require fewer kilojoules as we’re a bit less active than our early years.

Another thing that changes is the nutrients we require.

For example, as we get older, our need for calcium increases and we need extra serves of low-fat milk, yoghurt and cheese – however, the amounts vary depending on the individual.

This means our choices must be nutrient-dense but not energy-dense, according to www.eatforhealth.gov.au.

To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, the website encourages people to be physically active and to choose amounts of nutritious food and drinks to meet our individual energy needs.

Older people should eat nutritious foods and keep physically active to help maintain

❝

The website encourages people to be physically active and to choose amounts of nutritious food and drinks to meet our individual energy needs. muscle strength and a healthy weight, with achieving and maintaining a healthy weight able to help older people keep more active, manage their health problems better and live life more.

The best way to do this is to try to follow the recommended number of serves from the five food groups and avoid extra serves and discretionary foods and drinks, the website states.

Enjoying a wide variety of nutritious foods from these five groups every day ensures we get the nutrients we need.

THE GOOD LIFE: PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

Don’t dodge tough stuff, put it in pot

SLOW-COOKED POT ROAST Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp olive oil

Say hello to haloumi ‘bacon’ HALOUMI ‘BACON’ AND BROCCOLINI WITH SWEET POTATO NOODLES Serves: 4 INGREDIENTS 250g tomato medley mix, halved 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp nutritional yeast 180g salt-reduced haloumi, cut into 1.5cm pieces 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 2 tsp finely grated lemon rind 2 bunches broccolini, cut into 4cm lengths 500g sweet potato noodles (see tip) 1 ⁄2 cup fresh basil leaves Lemon wedges, to serve METHOD Preheat the oven to 170C/150C fan-forced. Grease a large baking tray and line with baking paper.

Spread tomato over the prepared tray and spray lightly with oil. Bake for 12 minutes or until just wilted.

Combine paprika and yeast.

Sprinkle mixture evenly over haloumi and set aside.

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook garlic and lemon rind, stirring, for 30 seconds or until aromatic. Add broccolini and 2 tbsp water and cook, stirring, for 3

Delicious, low cost meals

right to your door We are committed to helping the elderly, disabled & housebound people in the community. By providing healthy & tasty meals to help people live independently in their own homes.

Flexible daily or weekly deliveries Wide variety of meals delivered hot, chilled or frozen

minutes or until just tender.

Meanwhile, place the noodles in a large microwave-safe bowl.

Microwave, covered, on high for 6 minutes or until tender. Drain.

Add the noodles and tomato to the frying pan and gently toss to combine. Stir through the basil and season. Cover to keep warm.

Heat a separate frying pan over high heat and spray lightly with oil.

Cook haloumi for 30 seconds each side or until golden.

Divide noodle mixture among serving bowls and top with haloumi.

Serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over the haloumi.

TIP: Also called sweet potato spaghetti, look for the noodles in the fresh produce section of supermarkets. Or, use a spiraliser to cut noodles from 500g raw peeled sweet potato.

S ASKOU T U AB ING A M BECLOUNTEER VO ODAY! T

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I’M still in a slightly kitchen-free zone at home; a long-needed remodel is in progress and my backyard studio has basic – read one step up from camping – cooking facilities.

One of those is my treasured slow cooker, used this week for a great big ol’ helping of comfort food in the form of a beef pot roast.

This can be another one-pot wonder – useful in my current circumstances – but I do prefer to brown the meat and vegetables in a frying pan first. You get caramelisation happening, which improves the flavour and also the appearance.

Don’t waste money on tender cuts for this dish; the tough stuff comes into its own for slow-cooked dishes.

2kg piece chuck, brisket or oyster blade 6 potatoes, scrubbed and quartered 4 carrots, peeled and quartered 1 brown onion, peeled and sliced 1 tbsp plain flour 4 sprigs fresh thyme 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 500ml beef stock (home-made, if possible) Salt and pepper, to taste (see note) METHOD Heat the oil in a frypan over medium-high heat. Brown meat on all sides and remove to a plate; add vegetables and cook for 2–3 minutes, turning once or twice. Sprinkle with flour and cook for a further minute or two.

Place vegetables on the bottom of the slow cooker, then place the beef on top with the herbs. Add the stock and season to taste. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours. Serve with steamed broccoli or green beans.

NOTE: If you buy packaged stock, taste before adding extra salt.

s.

By MAGGIE COOPER

Meals on Wheels Lismore 27 Oliver Ave Goonellabah

P. 6624 8215

E. lismore@mealsonwheels.net.au Page 11

THE GOOD LIFE: PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

Five ways to stay mentally active

PATIENT STORY

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In 2015 I suffered badly from back pain, it was causing excruciating pain down my left leg. As a result I had to reduce my work day from 10-12 hours per day to only 1 hour per day, and was unable to continue to manage my 250 head of Charolais cattle and maintain my farm. Morphine injections didn’t work and I was booked in for back surgery until a shop assistant recommended Norman Smith Bowen Therapy. I was amazed at the immediate results from my initial Bowen therapy treatment and now I have no pain, needless to say I cancelled my surgery and the pain hasn’t returned.

Pamela Busite (73 years of age) Mongogarie Road via Casino

(Every Tuesday) Norm Smith Mem. B.T.A.A; Cert IV Bowen Therapy 25 yrs Exp.

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DEMENTIA is the second leading cause of death in Australia, after heart disease.

In 2016, it became the leading cause of death in women; two thirds of dementia cases are women.

Although there is no cure for dementia, there are a few things you can do to remain mentally active in retirement.

Challenge your brain with games Playing card games with friends, completing the daily crosswords in the newspaper or even a video game with grandkids can be a great way to keep the brain active.

You’ll be forced to think on your feet, and many of these activities are also highly social.

Learn something new Learning doesn’t stop just because you’ve hit your twilight years. It doesn’t even need to be complex.

There are many smartphone apps that help you learn a new language; YouTube can also show you how to learn the guitar, a new craft or even how to computer program.

Get out and go for a walk Simply getting out in the fresh air can help stimulate the brain.

The Australian Government’s health department recommends 30 minutes of activity a day – this can include light exercises such as walking or gardening.

The department also recommends limiting extended sitting times and to build up gradually with new forms of exercise.

Eat healthily It’s tempting to reach for the packet of biscuits but the effects of a good diet can extend to mental health as well.

Studies have shown that a Mediterranean diet may protect against cognitive decline and dementia.

A Mediterranean diet consists of raw, unprocessed foods, plenty of healthy oils and fats, vegetables and fruit, while limiting red meat intake, processed sugar and carbs.

Consult your doctor before embarking on any dietary changes.

Renew a love for an old hobby With more time to spare post-retirement, rekindling a love for an old hobby you used to have can be a great way to stay mentally active.

Chances are you still have muscle memory of playing the guitar, knowing photography or playing chess – you just have to unearth it.

THE GOOD LIFE: PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

Kyogle Evening Branch CWA members Odette Nettleton and Debbie Shields getting ready for Kyogle’s vintage and antiques fair.

Staying connected community activities.

More information can be found at mensshed.org/find-a-shed.

Country Women’s Association The NSW CWA comprises more than 8000 women across 370 branches.

The CWA is more than a place to bake biscuits – specific aims of the organisation include to provide a forum of voice for all women, to improve conditions and welfare of all women, and to fundraise and support schemes that enhance the value of country living.

Across the Northern Rivers there are quite a few branches, spanning from Mullumbimby to Tabulam, Lismore and Ballina.

More information can be found at cwaofnsw.org.au/branchesgroups.

Meetup.com From bird watching to book club, Meetup.com is the number one place to see what’s happening in your neck of the woods.

Using Meetup.com is as simple as registering on the website and exploring what’s going on in your location and when.

As such, there are no central branches or meeting locations; one day you could decide to meet with a group for book club, and the next you could meet up at the park for pilates – the opportunities are endless.

Sign-up is free, but there may be fees associated with activities.

I X A T 24 hours

Friendly local service

For all your personal transportation needs, choose the friendly professionals at Lismore Taxis.

ServiceS include:

• Airport pickups • Pre-bookings • Clean, air conditioned taxis, friendly & caring drivers • Wheel chair accessible taxis • Approved NDIS service provider • DVA bookings • TTS Subsidy vouchers accepted • Maxi Taxis for group outings • Pickup & delivery services (parcels, food etc.)

Lismore Taxis

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THESE days, with everyone on social media, it can ironically seem like it’s harder to connect with people on a meaningful level.

After retirement, and after the kids move out, staying connected to other like-minded folk in the community is more important than ever.

Luckily, there are several organisations out there to help, with many locations in the Northern Rivers.

University for the Third Age (U3A) U3A first began in Australia 35 years ago and is a way for people aged 50-plus to gain skills, socialise in an informal setting and make vital connections in the community.

Courses include art, classical studies, computers, craft and more – there are no formal qualifications needed.

There are U3A locations in Ballina, Brunswick Heads and Goonellabah.

More information can be found at nsw.u3anet.org.au/far-north-coast.

Men’s Sheds Founded in 2007, the Australian Men’s Sheds Association is a way for blokes to get together, work on meaningful projects and avoid isolation.

On the North Coast there are locations in Lismore, Bangalow, Dunoon, Evans Head, Casino, Kyogle, Mullumbimby and many others.

Some locations include facilities for wood and metal work, while others are focussed on social and

PHOTO: SUSANNA FREYMARK

6621 2618 Wheelchair Taxis 6622 6085 Lismore Admin 6621 2619

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THE GOOD LIFE: PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

Be aware of these common online dating scams

The Good Life PreParinG for The fuTure

We will focus on health, travel, financial planning, retirement, technology and look at services and products available in the Northern Rivers.

To be parT of This special magazine call your sales represenTaTive or our sales Team on 6620 0500

published ThursDay 27Th february 2020 Page 14

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This special publication is going to promote ideas and options for preparing for your future whether you are in the middle or later years.

LOVE is a battlefield, as the old adage goes, and that can also apply to online dating.

It can be fun and fulfilling to set up a profile on a popular dating site in anticipation of meeting the one, but unfortunately a lot of people take advantage of our vulnerabilities.

In July 2019 alone, the ACCC’s Scamwatch site reported that there was $2.3 million lost to dating and love scams.

There were 339 reported scams, with 35 per cent resulting in financial losses.

It is important to be wary of scams, and if it’s too good to be true, it probably is, so it is important to not let emotions get in the way of logic.

A large proportion of reported scams came from those aged 55 and over.

Common online dating scams ● Scammers are quick to display strong emotions in a short period of time and will attempt to get you to send money to them for a plane ticket to visit you. ● They will also be quick to try to move chatting to outside the online dating site to less secure platforms such as email, but they may refuse phone or video calls citing bad English as an excuse. ● They may also ask you to send intimate photos of yourself, and then use those against you to blackmail money from you. ● Some scammers may lead you to believe they will share wealth or gold with you and that you need to send

them money for administration fees. ● If you refuse to pay, they may become increasingly persistent or aggressive. ● If you pay up, they will likely keep asking for more money, and claim that they need more money for visas, accommodation or other make-believe scenarios. ● Other scams involve you transferring money for money launderers – do not get caught up in crime.

How to combat online dating scammers ● Never send money to someone you have not met in person. ● Never hand over any credit card details. ● Avoid sending explicit pictures, especially to those you haven’t met in person yet. ● Do not transfer money on behalf of someone else – it could be a form of money laundering. ● Do an image search of your supposed online lover. Sites such as Google allow you do click and drag their profile photo into the search bar to determine its true origin. ● Be wary of the information you post online.

Have you been scammed?

If you think you have been scammed, report it to the website, app or social media site where the scammer first approached you.

For more information visit https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/ types-of-scams/dating-romance.

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