North coast seniors revolution oct 2017

Page 1

NORTH COAST

SENIORS REVOLUT!ON

FREE

0 ’ I ! 5 O L

n October 2017

Inside:

Your community Finance Health Arts & Culture Travel A delicious pudding

Retirement

•made from dedication, quality and love

• How much do you need?

Features: It all began on Portobello Road • Alan Carter, antiques and TV shows.

Where to retire in Australia • What you need to consider


Clarence Village Limited Where we make people the focus of everything we do ACCOMMODATION, LIFESTYLE AND CARE OPTIONS FOR SENIORS H=NAJ?A 3EHH=CA )P@ EO = †† JKP BKN LNKłP†† ?KIIQJEPU based organisation with over 40 years experience in the self-care retirement village sector and over 25 years in PDA /AOE@AJPE=H CA@ =NA OA?PKN ,QN OPNKJC łJ=J?E=H LKOEPEKJ LNKRE@AO NAOE@AJPO SEPD PDA ?KJł@AJ?A PK EJRAOP in our organisation and reassurance that their refundable deposits are secure. As part of our community conscience we provide accommodation for a large number of people who are concessional, in that their sole income is the aged pension. Our aim is to provide good quality affordable residential facilities for all seniors in the community. Our facilities work together and provide a range of services and accommodation types to suit most seniors’ needs. CLARENCE VILLAGE SELF CARE RETIREMENT VILLAGE provides 73 individual one and two bedroom units to accommodate people who wish to live independently yet within close proximity to other residents for security and community activities. Some of our residents have been with us for over 20 years and love the community environment which provides them with friendship, security and independence. CLARENCE VILLAGE RICHARDS CLOSE STAGE 3 - A unique opportunity has presented itself with a couple of one bedroom units becoming available. These units have been upgraded and have solar power installed. They are close to Grafton Base hospital and on a major bus route. To enter these units you will be required to pay an entry contribution which is made up of two parts: • Donation drawn down over 5 years • Interest free loan to the company – this amount is fully refundable within 6 months of you vacating Š ?PQ=H łCQNAO =NA >=OA@ KJ EJ@ERE@Q=H ?EN?QIOP=J?AO and can be provided at the inspection. Our very affordable rental fees are based on the highest single aged pension currently $186.00 per fortnight. Don’t miss out come in and talk to Vicki who can consider your options and arrange a personal inspection of the vacant units.

RICHARDS CLOSE

CLARENCE VILLAGE ON QUEEN 166 Queen Street; provides one and two bedroom rental units for independent seniors. Each unit comprises a lounge, bedroom with ensuite, kitchenette, fridge and microwave, and a private courtyard. Included are breakfast provisions and freshly prepared lunch and Tea, fresh bed linen and towels weekly and free use of laundry facilities. Small pets are also welcome, subject to managers approval . Within the

grounds are a communal Vegetable garden, chickens and other amenities. The fresh vegetables and herbs are used in the kitchen and the fresh eggs shared by the residents. Our long term residents have seen considerable improvements in our level of service, this combined with an active social calendar which includes bus trips, activities and a social club which draws a number of residents who enjoy sharing a drink with friends.

DOUGHERTY VILLA, RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE FACILITY - 54 single rooms with ensuites, including 2 respite rooms, 24 hour care, a wide range of activities and all meals prepared and freshly cooked on site. Our holistic approach to overall wellbeing includes therapies such as foot therapy, massage, aroma therapy, physio and exercise programs. We have 4 sets of inter -connecting rooms for partners =J@ = >A@ OA?QNA SEJC BKN OLA?EĹ‚? ?=NA (dementia) needs. Clarence Village Limited is embarking on another new project which will go a long way to relieving the pressure on waiting lists for residential aged care beds in Grafton. The proposal will include an additional 20 high care beds with private ensuites and a particular emphasis on dementia; taking the total capacity of Dougherty Villa to 74 beds. The boutique nature of our facility will not change, but the addition will provide state of the art facilities for high care, more care staff and other resources to service all the residents. It should be noted that

the construction will be funded from our own capital. We estimate that the construction costs will be approximately IEHHEKJ EJ?HQ@EJC @AOECJ BAAO Ĺ‚P KQP and landscaping. As with our recently completed CV Gardens Retirement Village facility where possible we propose to use HK?=H ?KJPN=?PKNO BKN ?KJOPNQ?PEKJ 1DA ĹƒKS KJ >AJAĹ‚PO PK PDA HK?=H ?KIIQJEPU N=JCA from local construction jobs, additional staff positions and the ongoing purchase of local supplies and services for the long term. Our specialist Aged Care Architects Thomson Adsett are working on the detailed design and documentation in readiness for letting a contract. As we venture down this path we will keep the community informed of progress.

CLARENCE VILLAGE GARDENS - 299 Queen Street - New Development: 21 Two Bedroom Duplex units, including 5 units which have two bedrooms plus a study. Stage 1 of our new Retirement Village - Clarence Village Gardens was completed on the 9th September 2016 and Stage 2 was completed on 31st March 2017. All Stage 1 & 2 residents are happily living in their new units and the general consensus is that they should have done this a long time ago.

GET IN EARLY AND PUT YOUR NAME ON A, NO OBLIGATIONS, WAITING LIST OR JUST ARRANGE A TIME TO VIEW ANY OF OUR FACILITIES. ,JA KB PDA IKOP OECJEĹ‚?=JP @A?EOEKJO UKQ SEHH I=GA EO when to downsize and move into homes that are affordable, age appropriate and still have all the trappings of a quality unit. The opportunity exists to do this locally and we encourage everyone to check out their options early, rather than at the last minute which can be quite stressful.

RICHARDS CLOSE

The lifestyle and care choices we offer at all our facilities shouldn’t be left until the last minute. Our residents have found that the social atmosphere, security, quality facilities

with the daily maintenance and upkeep done for you, leaves you time to enjoy life. Check our website www.clarencevillage.com.au for more information on all the facilities. Come and talk with the CEO Phil Belletty or our Village Manager Vicki Valja on 02 66425991 at the Joan Muir Community Centre 194 Turf Street Grafton, weekdays between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm to look at the options that are available.

NO COMPLICATED CONTRACTS! NO EXIT FEES! NO HIDDEN COSTS! We can be contacted by email on: clarencevillage@bigpond.com if you require more details on our facilities and rates.


THAT’S LIFE

Hello! Isn’t it great to see some rain at last? It seems to be the only thing that everyone is talking about at the moment. Even though it has been so dry, there are those already complaining about too much rain. With summer well and truly on its way, you can bet there will be those complaining about the heat - are we never happy? Talking about complaining, I am going to have a little whinge. I have an asthmatic rooster - one that hasn’t worked out the crow needs to come from the belly to be of any significance - and he always crows (or trys to) at 3am. Every morning it’s the same thing - 3am and he’s off. I would like to know why? It’s dark, the sun is not rising, the other animals are asleep - except for him - although once he starts he wakes the other rooster, who wakes the ducks, who get cranky, which in turn wakes the goats, who feel the need to bleet louder to be heard amongst the din - needless to say it’s not happy days in my bedroom I can tell you. Can anyone tell me why he crows at 3am. If we don’t come up with a good reason, his days are numbered. Hope you are all getting restful nights, and if not, there is some great reading in this issue to keep you occupied during those wee small hours. Take care.

Lynda JANUARY EDITION Our next edition will be coming out at the end of January, so make sure you take plenty of Christmas party pics for us to publish. The deadlines for editorial and advertising is January 4, 2018.

Little girls love Ballerina So many little girls want to be a Ballerina. But who will dance with them? Ballerina & Me is a cuteas-a-button girl-size doll that can be strapped to any child’s hands and feet so they can dance and play together. Victorian mother of three Rini Lombard invented Ballerina & Me to inspire a child’s creativity and imagination. The doll can pirouette and prance all day long with her child partner. The tutu and headband are removable. If you’re looking for something unique to give this Christmas then Ballerina is the present to put a smile on your little loved one’s face.

WIN ONE OF TWO DOLLS If you would like to win a Ballerina and Me doll, all you have to do is email: contributions@cvreview. com.au or post: Ballerina and Me Doll, C/- PO Box 367, Yamba, NSW, 2464 and tell us the name of the state where Rini Lombard lives. Please include all your contact details and address. Two lucky readers will win themselves a Ballerina and Me doll. Entries close 30 November. Winners will be notified by phone. Ballerina and Me Doll can be purchased online for $79.95 at www.ballerinaandmedoll.com.au

Attention: Publicity Officers A huge thank-you to all those who contribute their news to Revolution. We welcome your community group’s news and photos. To submit an article please email the article and photos to::

contributions@cvreview.com.au Articles are to be no longer than 250 words and pics must be at least 400kb in size. If you do not wish to have contact details included with your news, please let us know. If you require a reminder, please send an email to the address above requesting an email. If you have any queries, please contact Lynda Davidson on 6646 9466.

YOUR SAY 100% of our future Ed, I was delighted to read Geoff Helisma’ feature story “If I were a carpenter” in July’s “Revolution”. Despite the facts that so many grandparents value their children and grandchildren as much as they value themselves and realise that children and grandchildren will be at the pointy end of coping with climate change, their greatest threat, other magazines for seniors rarely feature articles on any important environmental issues. What really gets up my nose is that our major political parties appear more concerned with playing political games to enable them to shuffle across the next election line, rather than addressing issues that will really challenge our children’s future. What is rather sad is that our young children are 20% of Australia’s population. They do not have a vote in their future yet our children are 100% of the future. Again, many thanks for such a worthwhile feature article. I look forward to future issues of “Revolution” and perhaps future issues might even include a page of “Letters to the Editor”. All the best in the future you choose. Harry Johnson, Iluka Editor’s Note: Great suggestion Harry. We have decided to take Harry’s suggestion on board and in future will include a section for you to have your say. We ask that all letters be kept to 150 words or less. If you would like to submit a letter to ‘Your Say’, you can email it to: contributions@cvreview.com.au - or post it to: “Revolution” PO Box 367, Yamba NSW 2464. We look forward to your thoughts.

CLASH OF THE COLLECTABLES

Above: Collectables experts Eric Knowles (Great Britain) and Alan Carter (Australia) go head to head in Clash of the Collectables. The 10-part series will be screened on GEM TV later this year. Right: Promotional artwork for TV series. IMAGE: Courtesy of Klinik TV.

Two collectables experts go head to head with a daily budget to buy retro treasures at various stores and collectors along the east coast that they then take to auction to compete to make the most profit. Alan Carter is Australia’s top antiques and collectables expert. He’s written 50 books, sold millions of dollars worth of amazing collectables and appeared on countless Australian TV shows as an antiques expert. Alan is an absolute heat-seeking missile for a bargain. Eric Knowles is a national treasure in Great Britain. He continues to be a powerful presence on globally recognised British antique TV shows, with recent break out formats ‘Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is’ and ‘Antiques Master’.

To find out more turn to page14.

Contact Details: Address: Unit 4/1 Fairtrader Drive, Yamba Business Park Phone: 02 6646 9466 Fax: 02 6646 9490 Web: www.cvindependent.com.au Email: sales@cvreview.com.au INDEPENDENT PUBLISHERS

Published by Auzmags Pty Ltd

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is given in good faith. This publication should not be used or relied on as a substitute for detailed professional advice or used as a basis for formulating important lifestyle

North Coast Seniors

General Manager Ann Mazzitelli Editor Lynda Davidson Accounts Robyn Billington Printed by Fairfax Media Nevenka Sakic

decisions. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Auzmags Pty Ltd accepts no liability for loss or damage arising as a result of any person acting in reliance on information contained in this publication.

Graphic Designers Rebecca Davies Chloe Billington Lynda Davidson

Auzmags Pty Ltd is not responsible for views or comments contained in advertisements. Therefore, it is the advertisers or their agency’s responsibility to ensure the content and claims in their advertisements are not in breach of the Trade Practices Act.

Sales Consultants Fran Dowsett Jude Myers Marta Fergusson

Copyright. All material including graphic design, editorial content, photography and advertising appearing in this magazine is copyright restricted and may not be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher or from persons holding copyright for specific feature articles.

Revolution - October 2017

3


OUR COMMUNITY

Standing your ground when a sales ‘opportunity’ knocks |DANUZIA PONTES, LEGAL AID NSW

give you a chance to see what’s out there, ask for recommendations from trusted friends or family members, and find a product or service that suits you and your budget.

Most of us would be familiar with this scene: you’ve just sat down with a magazine and a cup of tea when you hear a knock at the door, and there on the doorstep is salesman with a big smile and an uncanny ability to resist your polite refusals. Here at Legal Aid NSW, we hear a lot of stories that start this way. And these stories often end the same way, too – with an unhappy customer scratching her head over ongoing bills that turn out to be steeper than expected or contracts that are harder to get out of than a straitjacket. That’s why it is important to shop around, and think hard about whether the deal on offer is right for you in the first place. Of course, door-to-door salespeople are often very good at convincing the rest of us that whatever they are selling is a necessity and that we won’t get a better deal elsewhere. They may prey on your emotions – for example, by convincing you that if you don’t sign up for funeral insurance you will be leaving your family in the lurch – or try to create a sense of false urgency by telling you that they will only be in town for one more day. So what can you do to stand your ground?

Get help if you need it. The law gives you special protections when it comes to ‘unsolicited consumer agreements’ including door-to-door sales. If you think you’ve gotten a dud deal – for example, you’ve signed up to a contract that costs more or delivers less than you were told it would – you may be able to do something about it. At Legal Aid NSW we can give you free legal advice about unfair deals and other everyday legal issues. You can start by calling the legal helpline LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529, or head to www. legalaid.nsw.gov.au to find a Legal Aid NSW office or advice clinic near you.

Don’t answer the door to salespeople. One way to deter most door-to-door salespeople is to display a Do Not Knock notice, which you can find and print for free on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission website. Many community organisations also offer free Do Not Knock stickers.

It’s okay to ask them to leave. Many people have a hard time shutting the door on someone because they don’t want to be rude – and the salesperson may be counting on this. So try to remember that you don’t owe a salesperson your time and attention just because the person has turned up at your home uninvited. If you find it hard to say no, try practising a few quick phrases: “No, thank you. Please leave my premises.” “I’m not interested.” “I will look at other options first.”

Take your time and shop around. If you have been thinking about buying a product or signing up for a service similar to what’s being sold, ask the salesperson to give you a pamphlet or some information in writing and tell the person you will be in touch after you have read it and made up your mind. This will

MACLEAN

TAXI

SERVICES

6645 4777

Travel in our air-conditioned vehicles with trained drivers in A1 safety & comfort

> Providing all your transport needs servicing the Clarence Coast > 24 hour booking service

If eligible you can travel for 1/2 PRICE*

DON’T FORGET VETERAN’S SERVICES THE MAXI TAXI Carries up to 10 passengers & wheel chair accessible vehicle

Services provided

4

October 2017 - Revolution

Yamba Taxis & Hire Car Services are NSW Government Accredited to carry Veteran Affairs Gold & White card holders in Yamba, Iluka, and all surrounding areas. TRAVEL FREE OF CHARGE TO HEALTH AND MEDICAL RELATED APPOINTMENTS, AS AUTHORISED. “Be transported in fully licenced chauefer driven luxury vehicles”. For more information and booking details contact 6645 5888

YAMBA TAXIS

> Taxi Transport Subsidy Vouchers accepted > Veteran Affairs Transport

A unique and valuable piece of Tweed Heads history was officially reopened with a ceremony at Tweed Regional Museum Tweed Heads on Sunday October 15. Approximately 80 Tweed Heads Historical Society members, community leaders and other invited guests gathered in the restored Tweed Heads Court House building - the only original Tweed Heads public building still in good and original condition – to celebrate the completion of Stage 1 of an upgrade of the Tweed Heads Museum. The Court House, now the centrepiece of Tweed Regional Museum Tweed Heads, has been restored and upgraded to provide an interactive experience of the building and surrounding area. The Court House and accompanying buildings at the Museum offered a “rare and important opportunity to bring this history to life, and to continue to preserve and share it”, the Mayor of Tweed, Councillor Katie Milne, told the gathering. She said the rich history presented by the new displays, including historic film footage, immersed visitors in this history. Tweed Heads Historical Society President Ross Johnson said the great 90-year-old building was the “only well preserved original public building in the Tweed Heads precinct”. Stage 1 of the upgrade also included construction of a research room for the Historical Society, which Mr Johnson said was now the envy of many historical societies because of its facilities. The opening was told Stage 2 of the museum upgrade, would include restoration of Boyd’s Shed and the Deckhouse. Tweed Regional Museum Tweed Heads is open for extended hours during the next few months, from Sunday to Wednesday 10am to 4pm. More information is available at http://museum.tweed.nsw.gov.au/

TAXI TRANSPORT SUBSIDY SCHEME

meeting planes, trains and buses > Cab Charge Vouchers accepted

Museum upgrade offers history with conviction

Meeting planes, trains and buses

PHONE: 6645 5888

*People with permanent disabilities: aged immobile, deaf, confined to a wheelchair, ambulatory problems, vision impaired, epilepsy, Intellectual or other functional disabilities. For further information and application forms phone Yamba Taxis on 6645 5888

North Coast Seniors


OUR COMMUNITY

Have you visited Tabulam and Drake lately?

Alstonville Probus club did last week, and what a day to remember. The bus was filled with happy chatter and enthusiasm, ready for our trip. Our first stop on the agenda was the blueberry sorting and packing sheds at Tabulam. This was an amazing set-up and very interesting. After a very informative tour,

off to Drake and lunch we went.! The hotel was very aptly named the ‘Lunatic’. Lunch was delicious and the décor was amazing. Next stop was ‘River Bend’, the blueberry farm. Quite a few blueberries were picked purely for nourishment and to help our stamina, as we made our way down the rows of

plants to the area where the pickers were gathered, finishing their work by sorting and weighing their blueberries. All of them were only too happy to chat and answer any questions we had. The whole day was remarkably informative, fun and enjoyable. Kay Colefax Publicity Officer

66 years for Bonville CWA

The Bonville Branch of the CWA which was formed back in 1951, celebrated their sixty-sixth birthday on July 25 with a morning tea and presentation of awards to five members. Members, family and friends gathered at the Bonville Memorial Hall where the group meets most weeks of the C.W.A calendar year. Mrs. Kae Anforth the North Coast Group Vice President presented the awards. Muriel Beasley and Ellen Adams received their 50-year medallions while Deidree Vanderveer received a Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding service to the branch. Sylvia Robson and Daphne Dutton were handed their Long Service Bars. After an enjoyable morning tea, we all went to East Boambee for our lunch and to be waited on. A most enjoyable day was had by all. The Bonville CWA group meet every month on the third Tuesday from 10am until appoximately 1.30pm at the Bonville Memorial Hall which is located at 3 Andren Close, Bonville,

North Coast Seniors

next to the Bonville Public School. On this day our members can bring a flower from their garden and other members put a coin beside the flower they like the most. Oure Cookery Officer lets us know what cake to make to bring along, although not all our members do this and our Culture Officer lists an item or items for us tobring in for show and tell. This turns out to be most interesting considering how old some of these items are and it is a wonderful part of our day, along with the good tales and laughs we share. The ladies are happy to share their knowledge in cooking and handicrafts, while others come along just to enjoy the company and a chat. We have a shared lunch together and at other times we go on outings or go to other branches within our group which stretches from Urunga in the south , north to Chatsworth Island and Iluka and west to Dorrigo. We welcome all new members. Daph Dutton Bonville Branch Secretary

Ballina CWA has been busy fundraising

The handover of knitted cubes and filled toiletry bags by the CWA Ballina branch handicraft officer, Barbara Driscoll, left, and Wilma Austin, CWA Ballina branch International Officer to Autitude Australia president, Lee Russell and Lee's colleague Isaac Reed. Image: Contributed

The Ballina branch of the Country Women’s Association has had a very busy 2017 by way of fundraising which is distributed back into the local community. A number of fundraising events such as numerous BBQs, cake stalls, a CWA awareness day and a Father’s Day cake stall were just some of the achievements this year. In September, the CWA Ballina branch, handed over to the president of Autitude Australia, Lee Russell, and her colleague Isaac Reed, 42 toiletry bags which were sewn by members of the CWA Ballina branch and filled with toiletries, together with a large quantity of knitted

cubes. Autitude Australia care for disadvantaged children and adults who have a disability and the organisation covers the Northern Rivers of New South Wales. Both Lee and Isaac travelled to Nepal in January this year. They took stationery and sensory toys for the children. While working in the children’s home, Lee purchased a mini trampoline used for physio and other medical supplies, as the 42 children in the home were suffering from scabies. Lee and Isaac were able to obtain an empty Yurt (a transportable dwelling in Nepal, constructed of skins and felt). The Yurt was transformed into an

educational hub and a health care station. Lee was able to employ three assistants, who care for the children's medical concerns and now all of the children are free of scabies. Anne Carn and a new team of volunteers from Autitude Australia travelled to Nepal in September and took the knitted cubes and toiletry bags. The knitted cubes are used for therapy and learning. If any organisation or business on the Northern Rivers wants to donate stationery, educational toys, toiletry items or medical supplies to go to Nepal, please phone Lee Russell on 0425 343 528. Maggie Johnston CWA Ballina branch

0HDOV RQ :KHHOV COOKED IN GRAFTON DAILY

• Sweets, Salads, Sandwiches • Hot /Chilled/Frozen/Mini meals available each day • Weekend Meals Delivered • Out of town catered (frozen packs) • Soup on menu for winter Mon-Fri 7am-1pm | Enquiries: 6642 3879 Email: mowgraf@westnet.com.au Revolution - October 2017

5


OUR COMMUNITY North Coast Seniors - Revolution Pick up points

North Coast Seniors - Revolution is distributed throughout the Northern Rivers region from Tweed Heads through to Sawtell and Bellingen. Below is a list of some of the major pick up points: Alstonville Terry White Chemists Scooters and Mobility Alstonville Newsagency Alstonville Bowling Club Federal Hotel Ballina Ballina Bowling & Recreation Club Ballina Golf Course Ballina RSL Bowling Club Ballina Information Centre Brunswick Heads Visitor Information Centre Community Centre/ MOW Byron Bay North Coast Holiday Parks Discovery Holiday Parks Byron Bay Byron Holiday Park Byron Bay Services Club Byron Bay Information Centre Byron West Shopping Centre Casino Casino Visitor Information Centre RVC Casino RSM Club The Whiddon Group Casino Golf Club Coffs Harbour/Coast Park Beach Bowls Club Coffs Harbour Ex-Services C.ex Coffs Coffs Harbour Information Centre Park Beach Plaza Park Beach Holiday Park North Coast Holiday Parks Bananacoast Caravan Park Corindi Beach Caravan Park Darlington Park Lorakeet (Woolgoolga) Emerald Beach Caravan Park Emerald Beach General Store Moonee Beach Shopping Centre Sapphire Beach Holiday Park Beachstone Café Pacific Bay Resort Aanuka Opal Cove Resort Nautilus Coraki Coraki Golf Club Dorrigo Lookout Mountain Retreat Dorrigo Information Centre Dorrigo Neighbourhood Centre Evans Head Woodburn Evans Head RSL Evans Head Bowling Club Grafton Sth Grafton Bowling Club Grafton District Golf Club Sth Grafton RSL Grafton Shoppinworld Grafton

6

Goonellabah RSL Lifecare Goonellabah Pharmacy Caltex Woolworths Goonellabah NSW Community Healthcare Lismore Workers Sports Club Iluka Iluka IGA Iluka Bowls Club Kyogle Kyogle Bowling Club Kyogle Council Kyogle Golf Course Lismore Lismore City Bowls Club Lismore Heights Bowling Club East Lismore Bowling Club Lismore Workers Golf Club South Lismore Bowling Club Lismore Information Centre Lismore Shopping Square Lismore Base Hospital St Vincents Maclean Maclean & District Bowling Club Maclean Golf Club Maclean-Lower Clarence Services Club Maclean Information Centre SPAR Maclean Mullumbimby Byronshire Council Mullum Ex Services Club Murwillumbah Visitor Information Tweed Regional Museum Tweed Regional Gallery M'Bah Services Club Murwillumbah Golf Club Tweed Heads Tweed Hospital Tweed Skin Cancer Clinic Twin Towns Tweed Heads Bowling Club Visitor Information Terry White Chemist Woodburn & Broadwater Broadwater stop over tourist park BP Service Station Broadwater Our Daily Bread Woodburn 24/7 Take Away Yamba & Iluka Yamba Bowling Club Yamba Golf & Country Club Yamba Shopping Fair Treelands Drive Community Centre Woolgoolga Woolgoolga Seniors Centre C.ex Woolgoolga gers Woolgoolga Diggers Amcal Chemist

October 2017 - Revolution

Ballina Lighthouse WHAT IS U3A? Day Club The Ballina Lighthouse Day Club is for the socially isolated and elderly people of our community who are able to feed, medicate and toilet themselves. A selection process applies. For further information contact Fay Morris on 02 6686 3517 or Lorraine Fox on 02 6687 4350 or 0439 301 249.

Outing to Summerland House & Farm, Alstonville…

Making Christmas bon bons for our Christmas in July. Images: Maralyn Hanigan

I am often asked this question. University of the Third Age? Do you need to go to Lectures or take exams? “No” is the answer. Our aim is to provide interests and companionship. U3A (University of the Third Age) is a collection of groups aimed at interesting those over 50 and not working full time. At our Clarence River U3A, all groups are led by volunteers who have knowledge in their chosen subjects. Such as the men’s and women’s shed where like-minded people gather to assist and inspire others in woodworking, metalwork, restoration, hebel sculpting and other interesting projects. Most Groups require no prior knowledge, such as the Poetry Plus, Writing Your Life, Photography, and Family History, where there is a helping hand to head you in the right direction. The Gardening Group has guest speakers and encourages members to bring plant cuttings to share and join in bus trips to various gardens and markets - always great days. There are art groups at Yamba and Iluka. For

the outdoor enthusiasts, there is croquet and bushwalking, and the occasional trip to interesting places, such as the Moree Thermal Pools. Exercise is also catered for with Scottish Dancing and Keep Fit groups. For those needing mental exercise, there are several lively discussion and trivia Groups, two book clubs, Mahjong and Rummykub. For those who just want fun, we have the classic film nights, a Lets All Sing group - not a choir, a Music Appreciation group, who encourage you to listen and what to listen for and of course our very popular A Little Bit of Culture Group (ALBOC) who meet to attend the movies, and lunch, art shows and lunch, bus trips to QPAC to see popular musicals and lunch. As mentioned, all leaders are volunteers and we encourage anyone who has a special interest to share. So if you are over 50 and no longer working full time, we welcome you. Please contact us via email tocru3a@gmail.com or visit our website www. cru3a.u3anet.org.au.

Lismore’s 2017 Friendship Festival

(l-r) Americo Melchoir renown dispenser of tasty pasta dishes. Neville Battestuzzi and his colleagues from the Clunes Rural Fire Brigade giving their all in the tuf-o-war. Jude Magee conducting the popular Paradiso Choir. Images: Peter Derrett

Lismore’s 2017 Friendship Festival was the city’s annual celebration of community spirit through a lively salute to all things Italian. The Piazza in the Park, in Spinks Park, on Sunday October 1,highlighted the special connections between Lismore and the cities of Conegliano and Vittorio Veneto in northern Italy. The festivities allowed thousands of residents and visitors to be an Italian for a day.People of all ages enjoyed the free, fun-filled family entertainment with a distinctive Italian twist. There was a great variety of authentic music, food and wine, conversation, games, photographic exhibitions, workshops, kids’ activities, Italian

car and bike displays, dancing, local produce and merchandise stalls. Popular entertainers Domenico along with the local collective voices of the Paradiso Choir and the Summerland Rockers were well received. Teams in the tug-owar were cheered on, kids played Bocce, made masks and had faces painted. The festival organsiers highlighted an important opportunity to acknowledge the contribution Italians have made to this region’s quality of life and economy and cultural life. We have appreciated partnerships with local government, businesses, and community groups, volunteers and artists who have all helped to create a dynam-

ic community celebration. Special guests at this year’s event included the Sydney based Italian Consul General, Arturo Arcano, while Luca Volpato represented a long standing family connection of belonging to this community. Groups at the museum croquet club and CWA also contributed to the Italian flavor of the celebrations. All were keen to join with locals who have survived recent flood devastation and embrace the important sense of place, clearly demonstrated as the city recovers its usual vitality. The 2018 Friendship Festival will be held on Sunday June 24 (the day after Lismore’s iconic Lantern Parade) in Spinks Park. Follow us on facebook.

North Coast Seniors


OUR COMMUNITY

Adventurers at heart Meet Robert and Darcy. Both were born in New Zealand and later settled in Australia. Robert built boats, worked as a marine engineer, ran businesses and spent much time as a Captain on the high seas. Darcy learnt nursing, worked in aged care, managed Robert’s offices and took care of the children. Travel has always been a big part of their life. They both enjoyed travelling around Australia, often towing a caravan. When Darcy was in her 30s, she used to join Robert on his trips to the high seas, so much so she’s now been put off boat trips forever thanks to the wild seas! Robert however, has not lost his love of the sea. He would like nothing more than to be out working on the boats right now. Earlier this year, their world got a little smaller when Robert stopped driving. With the family at work during the day, they were suddenly restricted and were only able to visit places that were walking distance. Housework was getting progressively harder for Darcy as she lived with painful acute arthritis and other chronic pain. Valuing their freedom, Robert and

Darcy decided to seek help from someone who wasn’t family. Thanks to BaptistCare, they receive support to engage with community groups, domestic assistance, and transport to get out and about when required. “Our Care Facilitator is marvellous, we’re a good match the three of us, and she is not only our Care Facilitator, but our friend too. The benefits have been pouring in since receiving care and support, as we are happier and healthier.” They say, “We have something to jot down in our calendar every week. We have someone else to help us if we need it when our daughter and son-in-law are at work and if we’re not well then we can book transport in place of walking.” Not only that, Darcy now gets extra help with the housework and she says “It has given me more time and energy for enjoying and spending time with our family”. Their advice is this - “Receiving care doesn’t have to feel like you’re losing independence.” Wise words from two adventurers who are now back to enjoying life. BaptistCare’s YouChoose gives

seniors choice and control, and places them firmly in charge of their care. Maintaining independence at home looks different for everyone, so customers can tailor a combination of care to support their wellbeing and enable them to continue to do the things they love.

If you or someone you love is looking for help with cleaning around the home, personal care, social support, transportation or respite, design a home care package today at YouChoose.org.au or call the YouChoose helpline on 1300 275 227.

Design your package today!

YouChoose.org.au | 1300 275 227 North Coast Seniors

Revolution - October 2017

7


OUR COMMUNITY

A delicious pudding made from dedication, quality and love

When asked to explain the secret to the success of Father Mac’s Heavenly Puddings, Factory Manager, Tanya Pagotto believes it is a very simple explanation. “It’s made with high quality ingredients blended with a great story and the unique touch of wonderful volunteers,” said Mrs Pagotto. Father Mac’s Heavenly Puddings, based in Alstonville on the Far North Coast of NSW, produces thousands of handmade puddings a year, with help of a team of dedicated volunteers. The puddings are made from ‘real’ ingredients such as Beenleigh rum, locally sourced eggs and milk, and high quality dried fruit mix. In 1985, Parish Priest at the time, Father McCarthy started making puddings to raise much needed funds to restore the Parish’s school buildings. The organisation now donates puddings to special groups so they can fundraise plus donate proceeds of the pudding sales to many local, national and international projects, including, Zimbabwean orphanages, local soup kitchens and drought relief hampers. Father Mac’s Heavenly Puddings were also found in Christmas packs of serving army personnel in Afghanistan a couple of years ago. “Our volunteers are a very valuable part of our mix at Father Mac’s, and they provide much enthusiasm to our organisation. “We have volunteers who were mothers returning to work, and developed confidence and skills to move into paid work. We have retirees

8

who are able to be in a place to talk and laugh together,” said Mrs Pagotto. Dick Tyler has been volunteering at Father Mac’s for four years and says that he gets great satisfaction from learning new skills and building lasting friendships. “I was a member of the Rural Fire Service for 28 years. That was a source of great satisfaction for me as I obtained new skills and a great sense of camaraderie. I found that I got more out of it than I put in. I get the same satisfaction helping produce the Father Mac’s Heavenly Puddings. “The people I work with [at Father Mac’s] are dedicated, great company and we are aware we are not only helping our parish in some small way, but also providing much need assistance to other communities and charities,” said Mr Tyler. The puddings are cooked between the months of July and November then they are shipped off to supermarkets and stores which have helped in selling them at competitive prices, in time for the festive

October 2017 - Revolution

season. They come in three sizes, small single serving sizes, 800g and 1.6kg, with a gluten free option. Now with the cooking period nearly over, Father Mac’s is preparing for the Christmas orders as the puddings are a great idea for stocking fillers, corporate gifts, and summertime dessert. It is also the perfect present for that person who has everything. Father Mac’s Heavenly Puddings can be purchased online or from a range of retail outlets in regional NSW. See their website www.fathermac. org.au for details or contact the Factory on 02 6628 5474. It is a very special blend of pudding mixture.

St Carthage’s Italian Senior Day Club celebrates 30 years

Red, white and green flags were flown on September 15, 2017 as St Carthage’s Community Care’s Italian Seniors’ Day Club celebrated their 30 year Anniversary, at the Goonellabah Community Centre in Lismore. One of the driving forces behind the formation of the Italian Seniors’ Day Club, local Italian woman, Elli Gava identified a special need for caring for the aged Italian citizens in the Lismore District, identifying language and cultural difficulties as a barrier for people seeking support. “The Italian’s Seniors Day Club was formed so that there was a day each week where older Italians could meet, play cards, bingo, have lunch and generally socialise with their friends. People have something to look forward to every week and to get out and enjoy life,” said Mrs Gava. The Anniversary celebrations included recognition of the past and present volunteers, with current volunteers thanked with certificates, gifts and baskets of treats. Local State Member of Parliament,

Mr Thomas George called in to say buongiorno and congratulate the dedicated and conscientious volunteers on their stellar efforts over the past 30 years. Iris Ritt, Manager of St Carthage’s said that Ann Saul, Lismore’s renowned songbird, was recognised for her contribution of more than 30 years of entertaining the Day Club members including the Italians Day Club. “The entertainment for the Anniversary was a treat. To the delight of all the guests, Val Wills, on the squeezebox, and Ann, on the guitar, sang traditional Italian songs,” said Ms Ritt. The Italian Day Club members reminisced over old photos of bus trips, picnics and fun adventures with their friends from the last 30 years. “Morning tea was particularly scrumptious – Ellie’s homemade frittelle disappeared within seconds. The delicious lunch was prepared and served by the volunteers. “The Italians are a big part of the local Lismore community and we look forward to what the next three decades will bring,” said Ms Ritt.

Sara, Rosetta and Dina. Images: Peter Derrett St Carthage’s Community Care supports children, young people and adults with disabilities, people with dementia, and older people. St Carthage’s aim to eliminate the three plagues of loneliness, helplessness and boredom by offering opportunities to enhance people’s sense of belonging and well-being. St Carthage’s is a proud fully registered member of The Eden Alternative.

North Coast Seniors


OUR COMMUNITY

Australian Plant Society Coffs Harbour’s perfect weather over the weekend of 2-3rd September was the icing on the cake for The Coffs Harbour District Group who hosted the Australian Plants Society Annual Get Together in Coffs with the theme Rainforest Riches Revealed. The statewide conference attracted 128 participants who flew, drove and came by train from as far afield as the Southern Tablelands, South Coast and the Blue Mountains near Sydney. The active programme commenced with a Welcome to Country by Gumbaynggir elder Uncle Mark Flanders, then passionate and knowledgeable presentations by local and interstate guest speakers, followed by gourmet wraps provided by The Happy Frog Café. After lunch a guided walk through the rainforest sections in our beautiful Botanic Garden and finishing with a delicious dinner at the CeX Club. Sunday morning’s first activity was a

bird walk along Coffs Creek in the Gardens which brought out the keen bird watchers in the group. They were rewarded for rising early by identifying over 30 bird species including the Sacred Kingfisher, Rainbow Bee -Eater and the Noisy Pitta further along in the Paperbark forest. Then it was up to Coramba to visit a member’s garden and native plant nursery, some scrumptious home baked morning tea before heading along to the Coramba Nature Reserve to learn more about our precious remaining rainforest trees from local experts. Lunch and afterwards was enjoyed at a member’s garden in Kungala whose property features beautiful sandstone flora including; paper daisies, Kangaroo Paws of many different colours, wattles and grevilleas. It was a great weekend of making new friends, sharing experiences and learning about our unique rainforest heritage on the Coffs Coast. We meet monthly on a Tuesday, alternating day and night meetings to reach a broader membership base. Tuesday 10am or Tuesday 7pm in The Display Room, North Coast Botanic Garden, corner Coff and Hardacre Streets, Coffs Harbour. Morning tea or supper is provided plus Lucky Door Prize and a raffle prize of a native plant grown by members. Non-members very welcome.

WOOLGOOLGA RED CROSS FRIENDSHIP AFTERNOON TEA At 2.00pm, on the last Friday of each month from February through to November, the Wolgoolga branch of Red Cross holds an afternoon tea for local residents and visitors alike. These events are organised and coordinated by a dedicated band of Red Cross volunteers who seek out talented performers and speakers and who also provide a delicious spread of sandwiches and cakes. About forty to fifty people attend and always have lots of fun, while catching up with old friends or making new ones. The Friendship Afternoon Teas (or F.A.T.) have a long history in the town going back over twenty years. They play a vital role in the local community in that they help to alleviate the loneliness and isolation of some, as well as providing a platform to showcase local talent. They also, through invited guest speakers, provide important information on a variety of issues affecting an aging

population. Topics covered over the past twelve months include fire safety, scams, managing medications, wills and power of attorney, health and fitness for seniors and consumer rights. Entertainers have included singers, choirs, dancers, instrumentalists, tai chi and judo demonstrations, flower arranging, poetry and storytelling. Woolgoolga Red Cross has the largest branch membership in NSW and is very active in the community. Everyone, whether they are a member of Red Cross or not, is invited to the F.A.T. at the end of each month. Come along and join in the fun at the Woolgoolga Seniors’ Centre.

Beautiful furniture in a beautiful backdrop styles can work together. Alstonville Furniture Company specialises in Australian made products providing you with the option of having pieces custom made to suit your needs. Most of their lounges are Australian made allowing you to choose from many different materials and patterns and adjust the size of the piece to fit your room and decor perfectly. Knowing how important choosing the right furniture for your home is, the staff are more than happy to spend time ensuring your final choice is functional, comfortable and will suit your lifestyle and budget. The staff keeps abreast of all the latest trends in the furniture industry so

Alstonville Furniture Co. The Old Butter Factory

5 Lismore Rd Alstonville 6628 6212 www.alstonvillefurnitureco.com.au North Coast Seniors

are able to help you achieve the style that you are looking for whether it be modern, contemporary or traditional. Whether you want to mix and match or customise to suit your needs you can tailor a look that is perfect for your home. Call in and see the friendly staff at Alstonville Furniture Company or call them on 02 6628 6212. They are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am - 5pm, Saturdays from 9am - 4pm and closed Sundays and public holidays. The Old Butter Factory is located at 3 Lismore Road, Alstonville. This is truly a showroom worth taking the drive to see.

We won’t be beaten on LA Z BOY prices!

CVI©170726

Whether your downsizing now that the kids have left home, are looking at updating your home's decor or simply need a new piece to brighten a room, before you buy anything, it is well worth taking a look at the range and quality of furniture at Alstonville Furniture Company, which is located in The Old Butter Factory, at Alstonville. The Old Butter Factory provides a beautiful backdrop to the large range of furniture on display where you will find new, modern, traditional and recycled pieces for every room in your home. The showroom is stylishly presented giving you the opportunity to see how various items and

WEEKLY DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE FROM GRAFTON TO TWEED HEADS

Revolution - October 2017

9


OUR COMMUNITY

A transport solution for every situation Clarence Community Transport is a not-for-profit community based organisation that provides transport to people of all ages living in the Clarence Valley. The large team of dedicated professionals will find a transport solution for every situation. North Coast Seniors Revolution spoke with Clarence Community Transport’s CEO Warwick Foster about their recent acquisition of Meals on Wheels Iluka, the effects of the new NDIS scheme on transport funding and about all the services Clarence Community Transport offers the Clarence Valley community. Warwick has been in disability and aged care for as long as he can remember. Born in Papua New Guinea, he spent most of his school years in Canberra, eventually completing a nursing degree and graduating from the University of Canberra. He worked on the NSW South Coast in disability support, before venturing further north working in Lismore in respite services for children with special needs and completed a business degree at the Lismore campus of the Southern Cross University. Warwick has held the role of Chief Executive Officer at Clarence Community Transport for 6 years and brings his many years of experience to the organisation. Following six months of initial discussions and meetings, Clarence Community Transport officially took over the running of Meals on Wheels Iluka from 1 July 2017. The community can expect business as usual from Meal on Wheels Iluka with very minimal disruption to their services. “Meals on Wheels Iluka had identified that it needed a change and couldn’t keep running as it was,” said Warwick. “Organisations such as ours need to look at mergers with other organisations to aid in creating a more sustainable busi-

ness model for the future. By merging the two, we have been able to remove their administrative burden and share our existing resources with their staff. It is important that a community service such as Meals on Wheels Iluka is run like a business so they are around for the long term to serve their community, this is why we came in.” Two board members of the Meals on Wheels Iluka Association have now joined the Clarence Community Transport Board of Directors. Both parties are very

ing the appropriate transport funding for their needs. Clarence Community Transport has held information sessions on this and will be holding another session before the end of the year. Please contact them, as this is one information session you cannot afford to miss. Currently Clarence Community Transport receives funding from the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), Community Care Supports Program (CCSP), Health NSW and a small amount from the Cancer Council for their Transport “Organisations such as ours to Treatment Program. These programs provide subsidised transport need to look at mergers to people who meet the eligibility with other organisations criteria. Clarence Community to aid in creating a more Transport also offers fee for sersustainable business model vice options and transports clients on behalf of the Health Transport for the future.” Unit, Transitional Aged Care, pleased with this new merger as the Department of Veterans Affairs and two organisations share the same Care Connect to name a few. organisational culture and provide Due to the limited funding that exceptional service to the members is available to them, Clarence of the Clarence Valley who need it Community Transport subsidise the most. remainder of their services by offerClarence Community Transport ing airport transfers and hire car is a registered NDIS provider. transfers for those special occasions Those customers who originally fell all in air conditioned, comfortable under the NSW Community Care vehicles. They have a transport Supports Program (CCSP) are now solution for everybody. slowing being moved over to an Warwick and the fantastic staff at applicable NDIS plan. Warwick’s Clarence Community Transport are concern is the lack of provision that extremely resourceful and always the NDIS has for transport funding looking for new ways to improve in the plans that are being approved the local transport services in the to their existing clients. According Clarence Valley. “Our main objecto Warwick, “it appears that transtive is getting our clients to where port is being left out from many of they need to go.” Warwick said. our clients’ plans. The CCSP fund“Whether that is under a communiing will cease to exist by the end of ty approved scheme or by offering this current financial year and fund- them taxi and/or fuel vouchers, to ing is slowly being tapered down as one off transfers; we will find the the months go by.” most appropriate transport solution According to Warwick, it is critfor you. After all our slogan is ical that those in the community ‘Moving People’.” who will be receiving an NDIS For more information on both package are correctly educated on Clarence Community Transport and what the NDIS can do for them, in Meals on Wheels Iluka, please call particular when it comes to receiv6645 3200.

• Medical Appointments • Social Outings • Transport Disadvantaged • Shopping Access • Airport Shuttle Transfers • Private Charters/Fee for Service • Door to door service • Approved NDIS service provider

Phone 6645 3200 www.clarencecommunitytransport.net.au

10

October 2017 - Revolution

• Free delivery to your home by caring volunteers • Meals prepared in our Iluka kitchen cooked fresh daily • Nutritionally balanced meals • Meals available to general public

Opening Hours: 8am - 12noon Monday - Friday

Phone: 6646 6742

MEALS ON WHEELS ILUKA Meals on Wheels Iluka supply fresh, nutritious meals to the elderly, disabled and disadvantaged in the local community. Something you may not be aware of is that they have total access to the Iluka Community Garden, which is right at their kitchen door. The garden is manned by a small team of volunteers and is there to support those in the community who need it most – like Meals on Wheels. Not only are the Meals on Wheels Iluka team granted total access to the produce in the garden, they are also permitted to grow whatever they require, which in turn is offsetting the costs of their meals. By growing super foods such as beetroots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, broccoli, blueberries, strawberries, fennels, limes and a large range of natural herbs; head cook Linda Marney is able to create nutritious meals such as baked veggie medleys and a range of soups; this allows Meals on Wheels pass savings on to their clients, with some meals costing only 50 cents a serve. Following their recent merger with Clarence Community Transport, “Meals on Wheels Iluka is thriving”, said Co-ordinator, Eleanor Moor. One of the first things Clarence Community Transport did after the merger was to purchase a sealing machine that now allows all meals prepared by the Meals on Wheels Iluka kitchen to be perfectly sealed, and subsequently providing the ideal sealing solution for re-heating and freezing of meals. “We are very grateful for the merger and the whole process was a very smooth transition,” Eleanor continues. Meals on Wheels Iluka hopes to eventually increase their area of coverage (following the merger) to include individual clients from Evans Head to Ballina.

Servicing Yamba, Maclean, Iluka (Pick Up at Woombah Woods)

to the Ballina Airport All proceeds from Yamba Airport Shuttle are used to support other Community Transport programmes BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL 0428 055 479 or 02 6645 3200 or book online at

www.yambashuttle.com.au North Coast Seniors


OUR COMMUNITY

Grafton Senior Citizens Grafton Senior Citizens have continued to be busy following their move to the new venue at the Kensei Rooms, Powell St, Grafton Racecourse, in July, with all activities continuing as before. Over 80 members attended a winter Christmas in mid-July, at South Grafton Services Club, with a two course lunch, and entertainment by a singing and guitar duo. In August, a very successful seven day coach tour was held to Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley, and Brisbane areas, visiting the Toowoomba Japanese gardens, Picnic Point Lookout, Gatton Transport Museum, Laidley Pioneer Village, Ipswich Workshops Rail Museum, Brisbane’s historic Newstead House, Southbank, a luncheon river cruise, the maritime museum, Roma Street parklands, Mount Cootha, the Botanic Gardens, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the City Botanic Gardens, Queen Street Mall and the port of Brisbane. In September, a bus group enjoyed a day visiting Summerland House Farm, near Alstonville. This included a tractor ride amongst the fruit trees,a light lunch at their cafe and time to browse the plant nursery, grocery and gift shops. Earlier the same week, some mem-

bers enjoyed a sing-a-long morning, at the senior’s rooms, with morning tea, and entertainment by the local ukulele group, the Ukettes. We also toured the Madura Tea plantation in Murwillumbah. Our annual picnic to Evans Head, in November, as well as the annual Christmas luncheon in early December, will complete this year's trips and special activities. Christmas luncheon will be held at the racecourse function room, with a two-course traditional lunch and entertainment. The committee will now begin planning for our 2018 bus trips and activities. Regular activities of Housie (bingo) on the first and second Tues only, carpet bowls, craft, Hoi (cards), Mahjong and Euchre (cards), are held every week. Senior Citz members are encouraged to continue to support all our activities since our move. Prospective new members are also still encouraged to apply to join, by visiting the new venue on the morning of our meetings, the seoncd Tuesday of the month, or any Thursday morning. Further information is available from our Publicity Officer, Sandra Connelly on 6642 7720.

Wake Up Renewed

Are you sleeping well? Or are you waking with aches and pains? If you’re in need of a good night’s sleep then drop in to Beattie’s to ask their professional advice on which mattress is right for you. Beattie’s offer the perfect support from their King Koil and Domino range. They can explain the benefits of each different suspension type available, and also provide information on which style will benefit you the most according to your needs. The King Koil and Domino range of mattresses Beattie’s also carry a wide range of bed room suites from colonial to modern to suit all tastes

and quality Logan & Mason sheets and light weight blankets and quilts. Beatties Quality Furniture & Manchester began 34 years ago with Alan and Elizabeth Beattie and their daughter Joanne. It is now owned and operated by their youngest son Michael who grew up with the business. He maintains their success by selling quality furniture at keen prices and is willing to help in any way. All their beds are delivered and assembled free by their friendly team who will even make the beds if required. Give Beattie’s a call today and make a bad night’s sleep a thing of the past.

Beatties for Mattresses

SALE ON NOW!! A CAST COMMITTED TO FUN

North Coast Seniors

fun and saucy humour of the play.’ Penny is confident that the cast will have as much fun rehearsing the play as they will in acting it on stage. ‘I can’t wait to start rehearsals,’ said local actor Wendy Jeffery. ‘I am playing Marisa, one of the TV presenters. She’s very attractive and she’s being pursued by one of the residents, a larrikin type called Clem. I’m not saying whether or not he gets the girl, but it’ll be a scream watching him try.’ The play – the first ‘pop-up’ theatre venture on the mid-north coast – takes to venues in Woolgoolga (Diggers Club), Coffs Harbour (Jetty Theatre), Bellingen and Nambucca Heads from 9th to 25th February next year and will have both evening and matinee performances. If you would like more details, please call Penny on 0407 396038 or email her at pendennis@iinet.net.au

Domino Mattresses 50% off - Now $950 FREE DELIVERY TO GRAFTON, WOOLGOOLGA, COFFS AND DORRIGO.

King Koil Mattresses 50% off - Now $1450

Beatties

FURNITURE AND MANCHESTER

Pioneer St, Nambucca Heads Ph: 6568 7484

CVI©171025

Auditions have wrapped up and the Coffs Coast’s newest community theatre group, The Coast Comedy Players, has found a wonderful group of people who are going to bring a new comedy play to regional stages in February next year. The play – a romantic farce called ‘Companion Planting’ – is about the antics of a group of residents at a retirement village faced with hosting a television crew for a weekend while they film a garden ‘makeover’. The TV presenters are keen to get started, but problems mount when the technical crew walk off the job and the residents have to save the day. ‘I know audiences are going to love these characters, because they are all so unique,’ says writer and co-director Penny Dennis. ‘Anyone familiar with classic sit-coms like ‘Are You Being Served’, ‘Allo, Allo’ or ‘The Vicar of Dibley’ will totally engage with the

Sunday 9am-12pm Monday to Friday 9am-5pm Saturday Closed For our full range visit our website: www.beattiesfurniture.com.au Revolution - October 2017

11


OUR COMMUNITY

Clovelly Fashions celebrates 42 years Maclean has been home to Clovelly Fashions since 1975 and it has become a household name amongst locals and visitors alike, in particular the seniors in our community. North Coast Seniors Revolution congratulates Bev on servicing the lower Clarence Valley and surrounds for such a long time. Over the years Bev has seen many changes in styles but through all the fashion trends she has remained committed to providing quality products and exceptional service. There is something for everyone at Clovelly Fashions. Bev specialises in the fuller figure and caters for the mature age group. No matter what your taste you are sure to find what you are looking for here. The new spring fashions, boasting cotton fabrics, are perfect for these warm summer days. A wide range of swimwear ranging from sizes 8-26

“Masons: Doing the done thing”

is available, along with an array of smart casual and after five attire perfect for all those special occasions. If you are not quite sure what you looking for, allow Bev and her friendly staff to help you find the perfect outfit and accessories to match. “Personal service is our main aim,” shares Bev. “We take the time to ask our customers questions about what they are looking for and help them find it.” Head into Clovelly Fashions today at 32 River Street, Maclean and remember to mention your Seniors Card to receive a discount.

Gentlemanly behaviour, courteous decorum and due protocol have always been important to Freemasons. The Bishop of Winchester and Chancellor of England in the 14th century, William of Wickeham, is quoted to have said that “manners makyth man”. Would he be still saying this today? Is chivalry really dead and is common etiquette really that common these days? The Collins English Dictionary defines etiquette as the rules or customs that govern behaviour which society then regards as correct or acceptable. It can be said that etiquette is based on two words, tradition and custom. Customs and traditions are a way of identifying with a group of like-minded individuals and allow all members of that group to behave in a similar fashion, if the customs and traditions are followed by all. Masonic etiquette is behaviour

taken from the rules and directions from the original English Grand Lodge in the 17th century and the traditions and customs of Operative Masons. Masonic lodges have their own customs and an example of this is a special visitor’s toast. Grand Lodges executed their own code of conduct and dress, following the demand for better behaviour and decorum. Perhaps William of Wickeham might not completely agree with how manners, chivalry and etiquette is portrayed and identified in today’s society, however his famous quote is the motto of one of the oldest private schools in England, Winchester College and the New College at Oxford University. For more information refer to the NSW and ACT Grand Lodge Library which is home to numerous books on Masonic Etiquette. Source: Freemason Magazine v49 n2; June 2017, pgs 18-19

2B1 ASK1 Interested in Freemasonry?

Have you ever wondered about Freemasonry what it is and what its members do? Do you ever think about joining but don’t know any masons or what =?PEKJ PK P=GA PK òJ@ KQP IKNA If you are interested and would like to talk with a mason, contact Grand Lodge who will put you in touch with a member from your suburb who can give answers and advice.

10% DISCOUNT FOR SENIORS CARD HOLDERS

TANNER STREET

32 River St, Maclean Ph: 6645 2151 12

October 2017 - Revolution

Grand Lodge is available Monday to Friday on (02) 9284 2800 or you can contact us by email at info@masons.org.au North Coast Seniors


OUR COMMUNITY

Raising funds for good causes As the largest women’s collective in Australia, the CWA has the opportunity to be a real force for change in rural communities. The CWA Bangalow Branch is committed to raising funds for local organisations throughout the year ensuring that those who need it most are supported. The dedication of its members toward these fundraising goals sees the Bangalow Branch stocked with wonderful craft and hand knitted items. The exceptional detail and care which goes into the range of baby and children’s items ensure they sell out every time. It seems that every baby you pass in Bangalow is wearing a beautifully hand knitted or sewn piece of clothing from the store. Funds raised through items sold as well as additional raffles and events are shared between local charities and causes including Liberation Larder, an organisation providing hot lunches, bags of fresh produce and emergency frozen meals to those in need in Byron Bay. With the focus not just local, International disasters and the impact these have on communities is something the members feel strongly about supporting. This year the inaugural Spring Garden Party was held to raise funds for the Nepal Australia Friendship Association, rebuilding education

services in remote areas affected by recent natural disasters. As the year winds towards Christmas, fundraising will take a festive turn, with food and decorative items sold. Favourites such as Christmas pudding, and easy readymade biscuit mix make for wonderful gift ideas. Underneath the knitting and the scones lies a very passionate group of women putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to supporting causes both local and international. “It’s not just about craft. Members with all kinds of gifts can contribute meaningfully to the organisation. The CWA rooms are valuable as a place to simply sit and have a cup of tea with like-minded women and gain the important support which this can offer,” says Jan a member since 2014. Over the coming weeks the Bangalow branch will also be a collection point for Share the Dignity - an organisation who believe that every woman has the right to manage their monthly periods with dignity. Products such as tampons, toothbrushes and deodorant will be sorted into bags and distributed through local charities to those with most need. Drop in and visit us 31 Byron St, Bangalow, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook

YAMBA SENIOR`S INC. Yamba Seniors are a group of people, who come together for a monthly meeting 11 months of the year for friendship, company and a laugh now and then. Our ages range from 50 years and up. Occasionally at our meetings we have guest speakers and we always have a raffle and a lucky door prize. Our meetings are held on Fridays although our birthday luncheon and our Christmas luncheon are held on a Wednesday. On the first Wednesday of the month we have a social morning of carpet bowls and Hoi with lots of fun and laughter. On the first Sunday of Seniors’ Week, which is held in March, we

invite all seniors from around our area to come along and join us for morning tea, lunch, entertainment, raffles and lucky door prizes. The Yamba Lions Club help us on the day and do a great job. For Mother’s Day we take a trip over-seas to Iluka. In October we have a combined seniors’ meeting and luncheon which is held at a different club in the area each year. We are very lucky to have the Yamba Sports and Leisure Club as a base for our meetings and really appreciate all the support they give us. Janette Baillie Yamba Senior`s Inc.

Laughter is the best medicine You’re not drunk if you can lie on the floor without holding on. Joe. E. Lewis

I finally quit smoking by using the patch. I put six of them over my mouth Wendy Liebman

I’m so old they’ve cancelled my blood type. Bob Hope Revolution - April 2017

North Coast Seniors

21

Coffs Seniors Computer Club

Many members have come through the doors at Cavanbah Hall in Harbour Drive to learn how to use their Computer, iPad or iPhone. This is a friendly club where one can learn at your own pace. Some learn in a group and others choose to have a one on one when a tutor is available.

The club was formed about 16 years ago, and our motto is “Seniors Helping Seniors”. Everyone is made welcome with a cuppa before 9am to meet up with like-minded people. Over the years many of our member have made long lasting friendships. The Coffs Seniors Comp uter Club meet every Monday

morning, except Public Holidayfrom 9am-11.30am. The club also has a social group which goes on bus trips, enjoys BBQs and boat rides, all in the name of fun and new members are most welcome. For more information contact Greg 02 6651 1161 or Fay on 02 6651 7229.

WIRES UPDATE ON SPRING WILDLIFE

PUGGLE SEASON

Spring is a great time of year to see our amazing Australian wildlife. Many birds are busy raising chicks, wallabies are rearing joeys and Echidnas are carrying their Puggles. It’s an exciting time. With so many young animals and chicks around WIRES has had a huge increase in rescues and callers requiring advice. We are happy to help with all enquiries and are passionate in our duty of care regarding all injured or orphaned wildlife. We would like to ask the public to be especially vigilant in regard to Echidnas as it is now ‘Puggle Season’. Springtime is when female Echidnas will be carrying their young. So should you come across an injured Echidna please stop, check underneath the animal as well as the surrounding area, you may be able to save not one but two native animals in trouble. The impact from a car accident can cause a puggle to roll some distance away from mum’s body. A search can often locate a tiny un-spined puggle some distance away. They will be rolled into a ball and may look like a pinky-grey clump of clay. Please call WIRES straight away if a Puggle is found as they require intensive care immediately.

Because of adult Echidna’s spines, it is often difficult to handle adult Echidnas yourself, so call WIRES and our hotline will give you advice. Be sure to note exactly where you find the Echidna so the animal can be returned to the exact location for rel ease. In the meantime, please be responsible pet owners, watch out for wildlife on our roads and enjoy Springtime’s new wildlife families, from a safe viewing distance, of course. Contact WIRES for rescues, advice or enquiries. The 24-hour hotline is for all calls to WIRES in the Northern Rivers - 6628 1898. www.wiresnr.org

Revolution - October 2017

13


FEATURE

It all began on Portobello Road Alan Carter has been a dealer in antiques and collectables for over 50 years. He has been a publisher and/or editor of more than 50 books on the subject for over 30 years, and the organiser of the biggest antique fairs in the southern hemisphere. Alan is one of Australia’s most experienced ‘faces’ in the antiques industry. |LYNNE MOWBRAY

Alan Carter was born at the end of 1941, into a warm and loving working class family at Denbigh Terrace, which runs off Portobello Road, Notting Hill, England. He lived in a small house with his grandparents George and Rose, mother Gladys, older brother Ken and his uncles, Albert and twins Bill and Harry. George and Rose had six sons and two were killed in the war. Alan’s father, Sidney, was one of them, losing his life at Anzio, Italy. Alan recalls the whole area around Notting Hill having air raid shelters and having to huddle under the kitchen table with his nanny, Carter, and mother and brother when they couldn’t get to a shelter. Alan said that he never realised the hardship of post war life that, not only his family faced, but most of the other families in Notting Hill. ‘I never knew that my grandparents had been bombed out three times and lost two sons in the war or that my mother had lost her husband. I didn’t understand that Kenny and I had lost a father and uncle and that our whole family lived on the bread line, suffering multiple traumas and uncertain futures. Nobody talked about their difficulties and nobody complained, they just adapted and got on with life.’ As a child, Alan played in the streets and amongst the ruins of bombed buildings with other children making their own fun. Only a few had toys, and scooters were made from bits of timber, with ball bearings for wheels, and were decorated with bottle tops. The streets were safe for children. The whole of Notting Hill was a mixture of grand homes and small slum houses, living side by side. In 1948, Alan’s mother, Gladys, married Minky Warren, the owner of a corner shop on Portobello Road. He took both Alan and Kenny on as his own sons. Alan said that, at the start, life was a bit of a rollercoaster ride of drunkenness, violence, fun, poverty and short-lived times when Minky was flush with cash. ‘Up until the late 50s we lived the lives of ‘Steptoe and Son’, the television series written about a family from [nearby] Notting Dale, who were the real life Steptoe and Son. Minky ran his business in a similar way.’ During his school years Alan would help out at Minky’s shop, A. J. C. Warren & Sons Marine Store Dealer. It was an education in itself and Alan enjoyed watching all the wheeling and dealing, amazing characters, occasional punch ups and the shonky dealings that went down. In 1956, when Alan finished school, Minky got him a job with an antique dealer, Roger Beerts. Alan hit it off with the Beerts, who was good and kind to him. Roger began to teach Alan, not only about antiques, but how to be a dealer. Alan worked for him for four years and, during that time, Portobello continued its progressive change in becoming the world’s premier antique market.

14

October 2017 - Revolution

In 1961, Alan married his schoolgirl sweetheart, June; she was 19 and he was 20. At the age of 21, Alan and his brother, Kenny, 24, came to a turning point in their lives, when they sat down with their wives to discuss going into business together. Alan and Kenny wanted to be antique dealers and, although Alan had gained enough knowledge, the brothers only had £90 (A$146) between them. With Kenny’s good negotiating skills and Alan’s knowledge of antiques, the brothers kicked off their new business venture, Carter Bros. Alan Carter at home with his special, custom made satirical poster. Image: Lynne Mowbray. ‘In those days it was hard being a dealer that handled beautiful items, without being able to afford to keep any of them. Anything we did get to “At the start I was living in Brisbane and commutkeep took on importance to us – it was a small sign of ing to Sydney. Coming from England, I had no idea success.’ [how far apart the two cities were]. Sometime during the mid 1960s, Minky thought it “We ended up moving to Sydney, as there were was a good idea to join Alan and Kenny in business, more antique dealers in Sydney than Brisbane. thus the business name changed to Carter Bros and “We had a warehouse in Surry Hills, 100ft long Dad. and 12ft wide, and after about a year we moved ‘Minky was good at dealing with the Italian antique to St Leonards, where I rented a 7,000 square foot dealers, who were moving in on the flourishing busiwarehouse. ness hub of Portobello Road. “In the mid 1980s I set up a retail outlet, Purple One day a bully of an Italian came into the store, Haze, and found it [retail] was a completely different demanding everything for nothing and threatening world. During the six or seven years we were at St Alan by using the word Mafia. Leonards, we also opened a shop at Neutral Bay. Minky, who was only half his size, stepped in and “I remember a young girl came in looking for a shoved him out onto the street. The bully tried to chest of drawers. She had been saving $50 a week for intimidate Minky, as well, with the use of the word 10 weeks to buy this. She ended up with a [beautiful] Mafia. Minky looked him in the eye and said, ‘I eat dressing table instead. It made me look at the public Mafia!’ They never saw the bully again. in a different way, and the responsibility you have as a The joint business with Minky lasted for about a seller to the buyer. year and then the dock workers in England went on “I never sell anything – people strike. The strike went for about 16 weeks. The trade stopped dead and Kenny and Alan were totally broke. buy it. You just have to have the Minky [somehow] managed to still be okay, though. right goods at the right price. Alan and June went to stay with antique dealer friends in Torquay, whose wealthy parents offered to “In my early days of retail I was also writing for a fund the purchase of a van load of antiques, which magazine, The Antique Trader, on a monthly basis. Alan took back and sold to the Italians at Portobello. The owner asked me to buy it, which I did, and ran it They did three trips in two weeks, which saved them until 2003. and enabled them to get back into the game. “In 1985, I released my first book, CARTERS Price Life went on, but Portobello was changing. The Guide to Antiques & Collectables, and in 2014 I pubmain players [dealers] slowly disappeared. lished my last price guide, I’d done enough. Minky retired at 50, and he and Gladys moved to “I think 30 years of publishing books is enough for the country to live. anyone.” In early 1970s, Alan and June moved to Devon, Alan and June moved from Sydney to Coffs where Alan became an international antique dealer. Harbour to live about 12 months ago. In 1979, Alan and June visited Australia; and Alan “I still have a store in Sydney, Lunatiques, in said that they both felt like they’d come home. Alexandria. It’s an interest and keeps my mind work“We loved how it felt here; the atmosphere and peoing. Antiques have become a hobby now and not a ple’s attitude of mateship and a fair go,” Alan said. business,” Alan said. “We went back home and spent the next two years “We still attend six to eight fairs a year, which is a winding everything down and selling our home. social thing for June and I, where you meet customers “In 1981, we moved with our three daughters and and dealers.” dog to Brisbane and set up a business wholesaling antiques to the Australian trade.

North Coast Seniors


FEATURE At the end of the interview with Alan, I had the opportunity to ask him a few questions. So reflecting back over the years there must have been thousands of interesting characters: who stands out the most? My step dad, Minky Warren. He wasn’t honest and he’d stitch everyone up. He had four brothers who were all crooks and all went to prison. They all had sons who were crooks and they all went to prison. How do you put a value on antiques? You learn by buying and selling. If you buy something for say $20 and sell it for $25, you made a profit; but if you buy it for $20 and it sells for $15 you make a loss. It was all a punt. You learn from your benchmark. All dealers have great stories, and you listen to other dealers. Your knowledge was all in your head and from what you heard. What is the future for antiques? It’s cyclical. It comes around every 20 years. Antiques never go out of fashion, but styles do, you just have to wait. Buying and selling advice and what’s popular at the moment? Three rules to buying anything: Do you like it? Can

From top: Alan and Swagman. Image: Klinik TV. • Alan and croc. Image: Klinik TV. • Alan and Eric in helmets. Image: Klinik TV. • Doing business. Image: Lynne Mowbray.

North Coast Seniors

you afford it? Buy it! It’s not the things you buy you regret, it’s the things you don’t buy. Things that are good at the moment: advertising memorabilia, enamel signs (very big), the bottle market is very strong at the top end – not the bottom end. What surprised me at the last fair I did, was china. It has been pretty flat, but it’s starting to creep up again – but it has to be by well known makers. Everything sells, but it has to be at the right price – that’s why we have price guides. Informing the public is very important, because it gives them an appreciation for what they are buying. Look in books and magazines, because that gives you the genuine selling prices. People usually go on Ebay, but Ebay prices aren’t real and you can’t be sure of quality. Find a reputable dealer, someone with longevity. Find someone who has been in the business for a while. If you’re not a good and honest dealer, you won’t stay in business. What are your personal favourite antiques? Magic Posters from early magicians like – 1890s 1910 ‘Carter the Great’. It’s all about the artwork, it’s stunning. It blows me away. Pub mirrors – I once had a shop that sold only pub mirrors. 1950s pin up girls (they were easy to collect) and advertising memorabilia. Alan said that he is looking forward to his upcoming TV series with co-star Eric Knowles, England’s top Antiques expert. The series titled Clash of the Collectables consists of 10 x 1hour episodes and will be screened on GEM TV, later in the year. Summing up – whatever happened to? Brother Kenny and his wife Alice built a unique and very successful business called Alice’s (now one of Londons most famous shops). Kenny died at the age of 57 and the business went to his son Douglas. Alice still lives in Portobello and travels the world. Alan’s mother Gladys died at the age of 86 and Minky died on his 93rd birthday. He never worked a day after he turned 50. Daughter Nicci lives in Queensland, Julie in Coffs Harbour and Christine in Sydney. Julie and Christine run a publishing company (since 2004) that publishes a quarterly Antiques and Collectables for pleasure and profit magazine (which is a spin off from The Antique Trader). It is the only magazine of its kind in Australia. They released their first 550 page Carter Sisters Price Guide, in May this year. Alan said that their lives in the antiques business has been a roller coaster ride with more twists and turns than Minky had tricks.

Alan Carter and Ludo [Ludo and Swagman’s Old Wares at Ulmarra]. The men are looking forward to the upcoming TV series Clash of the Collectables, which will feature Ludo’s business among others and will screen on GEM TV later in the year. Image: Lynne Mowbray.

Portobello Road The name Portobello Road may appear as just a name to most of us. Surprisingly, however, it has a colourful history that a lot of us may relate to. • The 1971 Disney comedy Bedknobs and Broomsticks was set in Portobello Road. • Cat Stevens wrote and performed his 1966 song Portobello Road, based upon his visits there. • The international company Virgin, run by Sir Richard Branson, started its life in Vernon Road (which runs off Portobello Road). • Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts and Chrissie Shrimpton visited Portobello Road in 1965, at the time of the Rolling Stones’ release ‘I Can’t Get No Satisfaction’. • Visitors to Carter Bros. & Dad include: Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong-Jones, John Wayne, Michael Caine and, in later years when it was known as Alice’s, Michael Jackson and President Bill Clinton. According to Alan, whilst Portobello Road was becoming the antique centre of the world, other things were going on: race riots, street crime, criminals, murderers, serial killers, film stars and others – Notting Hill had it all!

ABOVE: Minky Warren outside his shop on Portobello Road. This photo was taken in the early 1950s.

Revolution - October 2017

15


OUR COMMUNITY

Rosco & Scott Rosco, a Physical Disability Assistance Dog was placed in January this year with Scott Shaw in Tasmania. About Scott In 2003, a diving accident resulted in Scott, a strong, active man, having to face a very different future than the one he had imagined for himself. Now an incomplete quadriplegic, Scott’s life became one of hospital appointments and dependence on others. He applied for an Assistance Dog in 2005 and was lucky to receive Scotty, a chocolate Labrador who transformed his life for 11 loyal, tail-wagging years. Scotty began his well-deserved retirement in early 2016, and was rehomed with a family in the same town as his former client. At Assistance Dogs Australia, our policy is to provide a replacement for the retiring dog, so we were delighted to identify a positive

16

match for Scott, in the form of Rosco! Scott considers himself amazingly privileged to have been partnered with a second Assistance Dog. The assessment process is very rigorous and many factors are taken into consideration. Not only do we assess the specialist skills of each dog against the needs of those on our waiting list, but also the personalities of both dog and applicant to ensure a happy and

October 2017 - Revolution

lasting bond. an of all your biggest secrets and they About Rosco would never tell on you — ever! What can we say about this Rosco goes everywhere with Scott; wonderful dog? He is, quite to medical appointments, rehab visits, simply, a superstar. When shopping, seeing friends and family, Better Homes and Gardens to the radio station where he volunTV show featured a segment teers, even football! He compares the on our organisation last year, transformation in his life as changing Dr Harry was bowled over from an existence of virtual solitude, to by Rosco’s nature and intelbecoming a social butterfly. Travelling ligence, and immediately around with Rosco by his side, and recognised that, thanks to his doing normal things like catching pubexceptional skills and temlic transport has meant Scott now finds perament, he had the making himself having meaningful conversaof an extraordinary Physical tions with people in his community. Disability Assistance Dog. When asked about the most imporRosco seamlessly blended tant thing Rosco has brought to his life, into Scott’s life from day one. He gets on well with all six of One of the most powerful his carers — perhaps too well, things an Assistance Dog as they all want to pat him. does is break down barriers. Scott laughs as he tells us that he is convinced super-friendly Rosco is People approach Scott to enjoying secret pats from two carers as ask about his dog —and of he keeps rolling over in front of them, course, to shyly wangle a identifying the culprits. Man and dog: the partnership friendly doggy pat! Scott describes the transition from his first dog Scotty to Rosco as “like there isn’t a second’s hesitation. “He swapping a reliable tractor for a turmakes me visible. In a room, a lift, an bo-charged Ferrari.” aisle or a shop. It is demoralising how Their daily routine has already setinvisible you become when you’re disatled into a reassuring pattern. Every bled. But when you have an Assistance morning as Scott’s wife gets ready for Dog, people will start a conversation work, Rosco bounds into the bedroom with you about the dog quite readily. It and makes a noise in his throat. “I’m takes longer to get where you’re going, sure he believes he’s my alarm clock,” but I don’t mind. I love spruiking for laughs Scott. “Staying quiet doesn’t Assistance Dogs Australia.” work. He then starts poking me with his big, wet nose which is what he At Assistance Dogs Australia, does when you give the command ‘tip’ to move we never tire of how different him towards your hand and individual all our Super Pups to better position him in are. Just like humans, no Pup is a bus or taxi.” Something many alike, requiring our expert trainers people don’t associate and wonderful Puppy Educators with being disabled and not working, is that it is in the community to work with a often incredibly lonely fascinating range of personalities, once everybody has gone temperaments, learning styles off to work. But, smiles Scott: “Rosco is a mate and levels of maturity. We love not a dog. It’s great to them all, of course. know you have a close friend that is the custodi-

North Coast Seniors


OUR COMMUNITY

Thinking outside the box at the Aged Care Store At the Aged Care Store we want to encourage our seniors to continue to do what they love. Sometimes we just need to think outside of the box and see how we can modify our passions to suit our current abilities! Every day, whether it’s in the morning, over lunch or in the afternoon with the kids I’m able to go for a walk along our gorgeous waterfront. The great thing about my community is that it has a real mix of residents, from young couples to young and older families. We also have a lot of over 50 residential complexes and a nursing home. The one thing you will see most days is that our senior community is extremely active. There is a bike riding group that rides from Kincumber to Davistown along a beautiful bike track. They’re a social bunch and stop at our local café, half way through their ride. I overheard one of the riders mention that he was unable to ride but he was the designated safety driver. What I admire the most about this gentleman is that he hasn’t let his inability to ride prevent him from joining in the fun. There is also one lady, who I assume is in her 80s, and doesn’t have the best mobility but she pops on her scooter and heads down to the waterfront most days. Generally it’s a ten minute walk, but within a few short minutes she is there, parked up under the shade of a tree. She hops off and takes a stroll along the waterfront. On her return she grabs a cushion from her scooter and sits on the park bench to take in the view. What I love about this is that she has modified her routine to ensure that she gets out of the house and gets some much needed vitamin D and fresh air. She would never be able to walk all the way down and then walk along the waterfront as well. But she has adapted well. Visit us at www.agedcarestore.com.au to see what changes you can make to help you do the things you love again. Alissa Burger, Aged Care Store If undertaking your own exercise program or in-home therapy, it is important to always talk to a HealthCare professional first. If you start to experience any form of pain or discomfort stop immediately and also seek expert advice.

High Back Chair RRP $192.55 – $420.00 High back chair, adjustable height, contoured backrest and padded arm rests, vinyl upholstery and powder coated steel frame. Also available in Mocha and Teal/ Blue.

Lumbar Roll RRP $30.50 The Lumbar roll promotes back and postural support and encourages people to avoid slouching. It also helps to align the spine. Wide variety of uses – ideal for positioning Designed to fit in the hollow of your back in the lumbar region. Fitted with an elastic strap to enable it to be secured to the back of a car seat or an office chair. Made with high density quality foam Finished in a removable, washable cover Size: 30.5cm (L) x 9cm (D)

Lightweight Foam Angled Cutlery RRP $25.05 – $39.65 Angled versions of the lightweight foam range for those with limited wrist or arm movement. The knife can be used without cocking the wrist and the fork and spoon are available as right (R) or left (L) handed versions. Stainless steel utensils with closed cell foam handles. The foam is comfortable to hold and washable. Latex free.

Eggsercizer Hand Exerciser RRP $29.30 The Eggsercizer is the world’s smallest exercise machine. This is a perfect exercise and therapy tool for strengthening weak or injured fingers, hands, arm muscles and wrist. Fits comfortably into the palm of the hand as its contoured. Wash in warm water. Quickly returns to its original shape; the new design means that it’s also tack-free and smooth, eliminating stickiness on the hand. (Soft, Medium, Firm)

The Aged Care Store specialises in providing daily living aids to help you or your loved one stay independent for longer.

Join In RSL Tibouchina Day Club Every Wednesday Time: 10am - 2pm Alstonville Community Centre Ph: 6624 2714 The RSL Tibouchina Day Club offers social activities and opportunities for older people, mostly still living at home in the Alstonville/Wollongbar area, who are unable to attend more active programs offered in their local community. Casino VIEW Club Meets for a Luncheon Meeting on the second Thursday of the month at the Casino RSM Club at 11am. An interesting guest speaker follows the lunch. VIEW(Voice, Interest & Education of Women) raise funds to assist The Smith Family to educate disadvantaged Australian Children. All women are welcome. Acceptances & apologies are to be phoned to Barbara on 66612530 before the Monday prior to the meeting

Laughter is the best medicine My doctor told me to stop having intimate dnners for four; unless there are three other people. Orson Welles I would like to find a stew that would give me heartburn immediately, instead of three o’clock in the morning. John Barrymore The thing with high-tech is that you always end up using scissors. David Hockney

Braces & Supports

Daily Living Aids

Exercise & Therapy

Mobility

Orthotics & FootCare

Patient Care

Live freely without worry with dependable aged care products! www.agedcarestore.com.au North Coast Seniors

Revolution - October 2017

17


FEATURE

Where To Retire In Australia In Australia we are lucky to have many choices of retirement locations. From idyllic rural settings to picturesque coastal locations. It can, however, be a hard decision deciding if you should stay or move. My husband and I have seen many people move around Australia. Unfortunately, not every retiree move is a success. We decided to write books and articles about ‘Where to Retire in Australia’ We have many questions to explore. It involves quite a bit of ‘shoe leather’ and travel, and we have a long list of facilities and utilities to research in each area. We look at Australian Bureau of Statistics data: where were people 65 and over living?, does this mean they have moved or aged there? Are they still working? Where are the areas in Australia with high concentrations of older people? Does this mean it is a good area to retire? Are younger people returning after they have completed their education? Likewise, the Bureau of Meteorology are helpful as we look at their data and see temperature rainfall, and frost data, to name a few items. Not only is this important for general well-being and any health concerns, but also for keen gardeners and for those moving their pets. We’ve met people from the United Kingdom who retired to Australia ‘emi-greys’ who said they craved sunshine. Local Councils: What information do they supply to people if they are thinking of moving to an area? Do they supply kits for new residents? Some councils have heaps of information, others do not. For example, go to some areas of Queensland and you will be provided with information on cyclones and one council in Tasmania had information on the snakes in the area! One of the best kits we have found is at the Bribie Island Visitor Information Centre. With an increase in older people engaging in profitable hobbies or home based businesses and volunteer work, we also asked councils the questions: ‘If you moved here, what support does Council give to people wanting to start a home based/small business, is there a business network or chamber of commerce? what is the possibility for part time work?’ We’ve come across people like Carol Jones, the ‘ironing diva’ (she has sold more than 300,000 ironing board covers from her

18

October 2017 - Revolution

rural property in New South Wales), people who trade antique fountain pens, others ‘babysit’ businesses when their owner is away or busy or pursue a hobby on a few acres. We kept being referred to people who had retired and not liked it or retired and wanted something else to do. We wrote up 101 cases of people having profitable hobbies and home based businesses in Retire Bizzi. Retirees need to look at the cost of living; we found it varies around Australia. People in areas popular with tourists said they noticed price increases in peak seasons. Likewise, in peak season some retirees complain of traffic congestion and noise.

If you are thinking of retiring and moving, it’s important to visit an area in all seasons. A bustling, vibrant town in summer can become a lonely, grey place in winter when the tourists have left and there are few permanent residents. Of importance to all, are medical facilities. We visit hospitals, medical clinics and ask questions regarding the type and number of facilities in the area. How many Drs and specialists live and practice in the area? Is there are problem attracting and retaining medical staff? A Dr in a seaside town in South Australia, for example, thought the medical facilities there were ‘excellent’ (no bias there!). Locals in another area of Australia said they had the saying, ‘if you have a pain get on a plane’. Looking at the security of an area is also important. When we visit an area we call in at the local police station to ask if they are particular concerns, how many police are stationed and are there any programs particularly designed for seniors. A police station in Victoria, for example, has volunteers that call on people to check their homes and keep in touch. This is also being replicated in other areas. Neighbourhood Watch may be popular in some areas, whilst if may not exist in others. One man told us that it did not exist in his area because there were ‘too many holiday homes’ and not enough people to volunteer on a regular basis. What would your list of things to research look like if you were thinking of moving? Does it differ to a partner’s? If you like theatre and your partner likes sport, will you both be happy if you moved? Will you ‘fit in’ to the community? It’s wise to list all the ‘wants’ and ‘needs’. Perhaps you will find you have many of the facilities in your current area? Do your research before a move, be curious and ask questions. Subscribing to the local newspaper for a time before you move allows you to see the issues in the community as well as leisure and other options. We have met many people around Australia who send us up to date information and ‘local knowledge’. One of our ambassadors in Queensland is Max who bought one of our books and moved from the Northern Territory. He is happily settled in by the sea. If you would like to be an ‘Ambassador’ send us an email: jilly.weeks@lifestylematters. com.au Jill Weeks is the author of 21 Ways To Retire and co-author of Where To Retire In Australia and Retire Bizzi. She is a regular contributor to ABC radio.

North Coast Seniors


FINANCE & LEGAL

How much do you need to retire? Finding out how much you will need when you retire requires planning and thought. Having an idea of what sort of lifestyle you would like in retirement is a good starting point when determining how much you need to retire. The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia’s (ASFA) Retirement Standard has researched some benchmark annual budgets that might give you some idea of what you could need for a ‘comfortable’ or ‘modest’ retirement lifestyle.

Comfortable retirement lifestyle For a single person wanting a ‘comfortable’ retirement lifestyle, ASFA suggests an annual income of around $44,000, and for a couple, it gives a figure of almost $60,000. That amount of money might cover an annual holiday in Australia, eating

out regularly at restaurants, regular participation in leisure activities and owning a reasonable car. To drive this level of income annually, ASFA estimates that a single person might need around $545,000 in assets to support such retirement expenses. ASFA suggests for a couple, around $640,000 would be the target figure. This amount could be made up of superannuation, shares, cash, and investment property, but not the home you live in.

Modest retirement lifestyle Living a modest lifestyle in retirement could include a couple of short breaks each year near where you live, eating out infrequently at restaurants, trips to the cinema and some paid leisure activities as well as owning an older, less reliable car. Your expenses each year might be around $24,000 for singles and $35,000 for a couple, according to ASFA, so the assets needed to sup-

port that would be around $50,000 or $35,000 respectively, because most of your expenses would be met by the age pension.

Making your own estimate To personalise to your own circumstances you can estimate your costs per month for the following categories ASFA outlines: Housing Energy Food Clothing Household goods and services Health Transport Leisure Communications You can then see whether you’re likely to reach this retirement income requirement by contributing to your super at your current rate by using the Commonwealth Bank Retirement Calculator. It’s important to keep in mind that your income and guaranteed super contributions may increase over this time period.

Giving your super a boost It’s never too early or late to think about topping up your super. Putting in a little extra now can make a difference in the future. Salary sacrificing might be an option, while bringing all your super together into one fund can help to manage fees that you might be paying. Check the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for details about the latest contributions caps or talk to a financial planner to discuss strategies to help you work towards your financial goals. How much money might you need to retire? Calculate here: https://www. commbank.com.au/digital/calculators/ retirement#/start

This is Alan...

Alan has a great accountant.

hs

Coffs Harbour Chess Club c/- Coffs Harbour Catholic Recreation and Sports Club, 59 High Street COFFS HARBOUR Phone: 6656 1404 Grafton Probus Club Inc Every 3rd Thursday at 10am South Grafton Services Club Men and women meet for monthly social activities. Ph: Secretary 66425160 for further information. Quota International of Lower Clarence Service and fund raising for the community. Meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month in the Board Room at Yamba Bowling Club, Wooli St, Yamba Ph: 6645 1270 Bananacoast Radio Control Flyers Club - 6652 3570 Model Flying Field Pacific Highway, Moonee Rotary Club of Maclean Inc. Thursday 6:30pm Maclean Bowling Club 1A McLachlan St, Maclean Ph: 6645 4732

Get involved in a group in your area today. It’s a great way to make friends, have fun and you can even make a difference to others lives.

CS©170621

This article has been published with permission of the Commonwealth Bank

Join In

Hamilton Simmons & Co • Public Accountants • Tax Agents • Company Auditors •Self Managed Superannuation Funds

189 River Street, MACLEAN | Phone: (02) 6645 3083 | Fax: (02) 6645 4666 | email@hamiltonsimmons.com.au North Coast Seniors

Revolution - October 2017

19


NEWS

Hidden hurt: the suffering of senior There is increasing awareness in Australia of the scope and complexity of abuse experienced by older people. Attempts to address the problem include the establishment of elder abuse helplines around the country including The NSW Elder Abuse Helpline & Resource Unit and the continuing work by organisations such as Seniors Rights Service.

Who needs help? Older people needing aged care services to stay in their own home are often frail and might not have someone to help them get assistance. Changes to the aged care system means those who don’t have access to computers, the internet or the community find it even more difficult to get information and advice.

One of the difficulties in understanding elder abuse is that it occurs in relationships of trust. Many organisations report that family members, usually a son or daughter, and people trusted and known to the older person are most likely to perpetrate elder abuse, The intimate and personal nature of

There is free and confidential help available at Seniors Rights Service . Their advocates assist by informing seniors, their carers and service groups about choices, rights and the role of advocacy. Advocates can raise awareness of your needs and desire to be heard, and provide information and advice about the rights and responsibilities of aged care recipients. They can assist residents to resolve problems or complaints about the aged care home where they live. Advocates also promote the rights of older people to the wider community.

If you need help call 1800 424 079

abuse of older people makes gaining comprehensive insights into the reasons and levels of its occurrence extremely difficult.

Who is affected A recent report estimated elder abuse affects at least 1 in 20 older Australians. With approximately 3.6 million people over the age of 65 in Australia, at least 180,000 seniors will suffer some form of abuse in their lifetime. The most common form of abuse reported to Seniors Rights Service is financial, with a high rate occurring within family relationships. Recent media reports on “inheritance impatience” – where adult children attempt to gain assets from their

living parents – have revealed the pressures older people face. Some people report access to their grandchildren is denied if money or assets aren’t handed over. Many suffer from high levels of emotional and psychological trauma from being abused by their adult children. A lot older people do not realise what they are experiencing is abuse, and that they can get help to stop it.

Conference In February 2018 the 5th National Elder Abuse Conference Together Making Change delves into the many forms of elder abuse, prioritising on solutions and outcomes to prevent this growing problem. The Conference brings together people in the community, government, media and policymakers, and organisations working with and for older people. For more information contact Seniors Rights Service 1800 424 079 www.seniorsrightsservice.org.au Seniors Rights Service provides advice to all older people including those from regional, remote and rural locations; those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander; and older people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex.

Your rights. Your voice. Seniors Rights Service provides free and confidential legal advice, aged care advocacy, and rights based education to older people in New South Wales. Our aged care advocates help people resolve issues and complaints with aged care providers.

Free and confidential • Legal • Advocacy • Education

1800 424 079 www.seniorsrightsservice.org.au

Seniors Rights Service Inc. ABN 98 052 960 862

20

October 2017 - Revolution

North Coast Seniors


FINANCE & LEGAL

ARE YOUR ORGANS YOURS? No, they are not, at least not if you are in the uncommon situation of being able to donate them. It is only those in intensive care, on life support and that have no brain activity (so that death is imminent) that are suitable candidates for organ donation. This does not happen often. You might be on the organ register, you may have a notation on your license, perhaps you have done an Appointment of Guardian directing that your organs can be donated but all that has no meaning. At the moment if you are in a situation where your organs could be donated, this can only occur if your next-of-kin agree. They are obviously significantly traumatised at this time – no wonder donor rates are low. The only solution is to change the law. In the meantime communicate your requirements with how your body should be dealt with in this situation, to those who will be making the decision. And don’t think age precludes you. Lots of elderly people have corneas of value and perhaps even more importantly – the biggest organ of all – skin. If your organs can’t be used then so be it, but what if they can be but are not, because your family won’t permit it?

Bequeathing before death

Join In

|JOHANNES VENTER - CROWE HORWATH

Coffs Harbour Vision Impaired Group First Thursday of the month at 10.00am Contact Simone Haas on 02 6692 4470

Is giving your assets away before death a method to prevent someone to contest your will, reduce taxes or get other benefits? It could be, but as usual it depends on your specific situation. Apart from individual circumstances, you have to consider National and State-based legislation, especially in NSW. As usual the best strategy is one that is properly designed with the help of professionals well before the actual event. Whilst it is not really giving, there are strategies that may be effective at death if assets are acquired or held in joint names whilst still alive. In Australia, at the moment, there are no estate duties. There is, therefore, no tax saving by reducing the value of an estate. There may be some savings in professional fees by having a simple estate. A person may actually get tax deductions by donating money to certain organisations whilst still alive. This does not apply if money or assets are given to children. A gift in cash to someone normally has no tax effects. Gifting certain assets whilst still alive may result in Capital

Gains Tax and Duties whilst bequeathing the asset may not. If you have assets in Superannuation there could be tax effective strategies to give whilst still alive. This is complex and should be discussed with a qualified Financial Planner. An alternative strategy to giving money to children could be to lend them money or to guarantee a loan to assist them to purchase a home. Houses, especially in our cities, are very expensive and this could enable them to afford a house sooner rather than later. By giving money to purchase an asset it may prevent the funds in just being spent. If the funds are provided by means of a loan it is important to have proper documentation. Certain assets are not taken into consideration for Age Pension and other social security benefits. There are limits how much can be given away. There are also time periods to consider. For example, an asset given away will be counted as an asset for a

Casino Vision Impaired Local Client Support Group First Monday of the month at 10.00am Contact Denise Green on 0448 014 682 Lismore Blind & Vision Impaired Support Group First Tuesday of the month at 10.00am Contact Cathy Jennings 02 6622 1676

further 5 years. There are therefore several ways to address the posed question. Here are some examples of how interest and tax savings could be obtained. Selling your principal place of residence has no tax effect. It is exempt. This exemption does not fully apply if you leave it to a child who does not live in it and who then sells it after two years. Interest rates are currently low. In this example it does not really matter as savings have lower interest rates than borrowings. Interest on personal savings is also taxable whilst interest on personal borrowings is not tax deductable. Funds given or lent to children whilst alive may reduce the tax you pay and provide nice savings in interest payable on a mortgage. Assuming a tax rate of 30% for all parties, $100,000 in savings at 2.5% will provide an after-tax return of $1,750 whilst $100,000 reduction in a mortgage at 5% interest will save $5,000 in interest.

Ballina Low Vision Support Group Fourth Monday of the month at 10.00am Contact Merv Mote 0407 693 987 Murwillumbah Blind & Vision Impaired Support Group (NSW Far North Coast) Inc First Wednesday of the month at 11.00am Contact Leone Baker 07 5599 5669 For further information and support please contact Vision Australia local offices: Coffs Harbour 126 West High St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Ph: 02 6659 9200 Lismore Shop 22/62 Wyrallah Rd, Lismore NSW 2480 Ph: 02 6623 4800 National Call Centre 1300 84 74 66 Monday – Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm

Invest in Good Advice We can help you:

Our firm has been established in Ballina for over 20 years. We offer the services of an accredited property specialist and also provide competent and practical assistance in almost all areas of the law including wills, powers of attorney and appointments of guardians. We provide safe and free storage of certificate of titles, wills and other important documents. Please don’t hesitate to call us if you need to discuss legal matters on 6681 4155 or call in to 2/130 Tamar Street, Ballina. Email: clarissa@chuegill.com www.chuegill.com

North Coast Seniors

• Streamline your finances • Grow your wealth • Plan for retirement • Start a retirement income stream • Insure your income • Insure your children’s financial future

RetireInvest Clarence Valley and Mid North Coast Phone: 02 6643 4477 Email: simon@retireinvest.net

the retirement advice experts The information contained within this advertisement does not consider your personal circumstances and is of general nature only. You should not action it without first obtaining professional financial advice specific to your circumstances. RI Advice Group Pty Ltd ABN 23 002 774 125, AFSL 238429

Revolution - October 2017

21


HEALTH

Looking for fun and fitness? A little known fitness class has captivated New South Wales’ Northern Rivers region: CHEGs classes are run by the non-profit Community Health Education Groups which is supported by the Northern NSW Local Health District Promotion Unit. Unlike fitness fads that come and go, CHEGs has inspired a truly dedicated following. In fact, CHEGs has been helping Northern Rivers residents stay active since 1979. Every week, at 12 locations across the Northern Rivers some 40 low cost CHEGs classes are held, from Tweed Heads to Grafton. As anyone who goes to these classes knows: once you choose CHEGS, you’re hooked. “The classes are not an option, or negotiable; I have to go, I need to go, I want to go!” said one dedicated follower. Our teacher is great, and has become a very special person in our lives.” What is it about CHEGs that inspires such passion? For one thing, it’s easy to make friends. Many CHEGs-goers have been attending classes for years. One participant recalled joining as long ago as “the late 1980s”. “I am now 92 - when I go to see my GP for the three monthly care visit, he always asks if I am still attending these classes.”

Another major drawcard to CHEGs is the variety of classes available there really is something for everyone. Classes range from very gentle to resistance strength training, low impact aerobics, and stretch, as well as Tai Chi and Qigong. CHEGs fitness instructors have completed training in Tai Chi for health and arthritis from Dr Paul Lam. Many CHEGs devotees are also attracted to the low cost. Classes are currently priced at just $50 for 10 classes or $6 for a casual visit, and concessions are available. “I was attending other fitness classes which were more expensive,” said one participant. “After being made aware of the CHEGs subsidised classes I can now attend three classes a week.” For more information about CHEGs, or where you can find a class near you, call the program coordinator on 02 6620 7523 or 0408 665 282. Or visit the website www.chegs.org.au

STAY IN YOUR HOME FOR LONGER

Clarence Valley Home Modification and Maintenance Service Inc. (CVHMMS) is a community organisation which has operated for over 25 years. Services are tailored for people who are frail aged, with a disability, or their carers who wish to remain living safely and independently in their own home. CVHMMS is committed to providing clients with the highest standards of care and workmanship. The organisation operates under and meets quality requirements of the Disability and Home Care Common Standards and strictly adheres to Australian building codes. CVHMMS is the only building service

verified and registered as a provider for the NDIS in the Clarence Valley. All work is performed by licensed and compassionate tradespeople. Regularly provided modifications include rails, chair raisers, step wedges, anti-slip treatment to wet areas, stair chairs, ramps and easy access bathroom modifications. Home maintenance services include repair of a leaking roof, fixing leaking taps and toilets, renewing rotting steps, concrete paths and attending to other hazards around the home. To access a CVHMMS service, the process is as follows. For clients aged 65 years and over (or 50+ for ATSI clients), either visit www.myagedcare.

gov.au or phone: 1800 200 422. For younger clients, please phone the hospital Occupational Therapy department: Grafton on 6641 8738 or Maclean: 6640 0123, or CVHMMS: 6643 1831 to arrange a free assessment. CVHMMS is located at Unit 3/137 Prince Street, Grafton (frontage on Bacon Street), where some modification examples are on display Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm. Should you have any hazards which are you are concerned about around your home, please contact CVHMMS. If you eliminate the risks, you may eliminate the consequence. CVHMMS are prescription builders who can enhance your life in a very practical way.

^ĂĨĞƚLJ ĂŶĚ /ŶĚĞƉĞŶĚĞŶĐĞ Ăƚ ŚŽŵĞ Home Modifications can range from the installation of a small grab rail in the shower to the installation of a lift.

CHOOSE WELLNESS. CHOOSE CHEGS.

CVHMMS is a community care service assis ng the frail aged, people with a disability and their carers to remain living safely in their own homes.

Home Maintenance services range from fixing your washing machine to repairing a leak in your roof. s,DD^ ƉƌĞƐĐƌŝƉƚŝŽŶ ďƵŝůĚĞƌƐ ĞŶŚĂŶĐĞ LJŽƵƌ ůŝĨĞ ŝŶ Ă ǀĞƌLJ ƉƌĂĐƚŝĐĂů ǁĂLJ͘

NSW Department of Fair Trading License No. 104344C.

For all enquiries, please contact our office in Gra on, located at 3/137 Prince Street, or telephone on 6643 1831.

22

October 2017 - Revolution

North Coast Seniors


HEALTH

Clarence Care + Support

Laughter is the best medicine Yes, I am a Senior Citizen

thanks our volunteers and community for their support. Cuppa for a Cause In August Clarence Care + Support (CCS) held a ‘Cuppa for a Cause’ event. This was held to raise money for those in need simply by sharing a tea with friends, colleagues, and family. As CCS operates a Meals On Wheels (MOW) service we held the morning tea at the Maclean Council Chambers. Cakes and slices and pre-loved treasures were donated by council staff and crocheted tea-towels donated by Ms. Val Vogel. Our fundraising event ‘Cuppa for a Cause’ raised over $400 for the Maclean and Yamba MOW program. Council staff and MOW volunteers joined for morning tea to support the annual fundraising event and all volunteers received a commemorative pin to mark MOW’s 60 years of service to NSW. MOW originated in Britain during WWII assisting frail older people who wanted to stay in their own homes, but who needed help to do so. In Australia, MOW started in 1952

I'm the life of the party - even if it lasts until 8 pm.

in South Melbourne. A lady on a tricycle delivered the meals. In March 1957 Sydney City Council Solar grant presentation with: From left Julie Tranter (Coordinator Meals), Jenny started MOW Everson (Volunteer), Pat Craige (Volunteer), Kevin Hogan (MP), Kerry Little in NSW. In the (Manager CCS), Neville and Kaye Pattrick (Volunteers). first week, 150 meals were cooked in the Town Hall grateful to the community, our volunfor inner-city dwellers. The cost of teers and the ClubGRANTS program the meal then was two shillings which for their support. is about 20 cents in today’s money. Recently we were also grateful to There is a long history in Australia receive a Solar Grant funding to assist of people assisting those in need. with the cost of running our kitchOur volunteers now deliver over 200 en in Yamba. Kevin Hogan joined meals a week in the Maclean/Yamba some of our volunteers to present the area. cheque. The funds raised from the morning The Manager of Clarence Care + tea will combine with donations of Support, Kerry Little stated, “our $1,739 each from Maclean Bowling community is so generous in their Club and Yamba Bowling Club to support and we thank them sincerely purchase new freezers for Yamba and for assisting our service to be able to Maclean MOW and will enable Care help more people in our local area.” + Support to offer services to more If you need any further information people across the Clarence. about aged care services please conClarence Care + Support is very tact us on 6645 0400.

I'm very good at opening childproof caps - with a hammer. I'm usually interested in going home before I get to where I am going. I'm smiling all the time because I can't hear a thing you're saying. I'm very good at telling stories; over and over and over and over.............. I'm not really grouchy, I just don't like traffic, waiting, crowds, lawyers, loud music, unruly kids, barking dogs, politicians and a few other things I can't seem to remember right now. I'm wrinkled, saggy, lumpy, and that's just my left leg. I'm sure they are making adults much younger these days, and when did they let kids become policemen? And, how can my kids be older than I feel sometimes? I'm wondering, if you're only as old as you feel, how could I be alive at 150? I'm a walking storeroom of facts - I've just lost the key to the storeroom door

Ph: (02) 6645 0400 2IÀFHV LQ Maclean & Grafton Working with the communities of the Far North Coast

• Home Care Package Provider • Registered NDIS Provider • Community and In Home Support • Living Skills • Social Support • Private Services CVI©SEN0717

• Domestic Assistance • Lawn Services • Meals on Wheels

North Coast Seniors

Revolution - October 2017

23


NEWS

Don't find out when it’s too late. Stay Active by being Pro Active. Self assess your bone health today.

24

October 2017 - Revolution

North Coast Seniors


HEALTH

Join In Tweed Valley Cake Decorators Contact: Sharyn Hagen Ph: 07 5590 4003 or Francis 02 6672 4061 Brunswick Valley Scrabble Club - Tuesday 1pm-4pm Brunswick Heads Bowling Club Cost: $4 (includes tea & coffee) Ph: Barbara Hancock 6685 0409

Broken Bones in the Spotlight During the year Osteoporosis Australia released new state and territory reports showing the impact of osteoporosis and related fractures around Australia. The report for NSW & ACT estimated the total costs of osteoporosis and osteopenia in people over 50 years of age will be $1.1 billion in 2017 of which 67% ($740 million) relates to the treatment of fractures. Greg Lyubomirsky CEO of Osteoporosis Australia said “the report clearly demonstrates the state health system and our hospitals are doing a great job in repairing fractures however patients are not routinely investigated for osteoporosis following a fracture.”

patients and if osteoporosis is diagnosed then it can be treated to reduce the risk of future fractures. This is not routine practice.” Osteoporosis Australia is encouraging medical professionals, government and the community to make bone health a higher priority. In an effort to help the community understand their risk, Osteoporosis Australia and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have introduced an online bone health self-assessment

ple to consider their bone health as an important part of their general health.”

World Osteoporosis Day, was held on October 20 - why not take a few minutes out of your day, go online and take the Know Your Bones self-assessment.

North Coast Seniors

Coffs Seniors Computer Club Meets Monday mornings (except public holidays) at the Cavanbah Centre; near cnr of Harbour Drive & Earl St; Coffs Harbour. Mondays: 8.30 coffee; 9.00am - 11:30am Lessons Ph: 0407 581 898 Email: cscompclub@gmail. com Darts Club Mullumbimby Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club Wednesday Nights 7pm Beginners Welcome Contact: Diane 02 6680 2119 Rick 02 6680 1942

Many patients over 50 are leaving hospital after a fracture (from say a minor fall) without any investigation for osteoporosis. Mr Lyubomirsky said “this is not acceptable and our hospitals are becoming revolving doors for fractures that could and should be prevented. We need to do better.” The healthcare costs associated with fractures typically involve emergency services, hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation and homecare. Mr Lyubomirsky said “a broken bone is an immediate and ongoing medical emergency. It has a big impact on the patient and their family and it disrupts normal living. We need to focus on preventing broken bones.” Currently only 20% of people who come to medical attention for breaking a bone from a minor incident (such as a fall) are then investigated for osteoporosis. Mr Lyubomirsky said “we need to be actively investigating these

Grafton U3A Inc Rooms 8/9 Dougherty House 46 Prince St, Grafton Ph: 6642-4615 Email: info@grafton.u3anet. org.au www.grafton.u3anet.org.au

called Know Your Bones. Over 75,000 Australians have visited the website www.knowyourbones.org.au during the first year. The self-assessment is based on key findings from Garvan’s 26-year osteoporosis study (the world’s longest running study of osteoporosis in men and women). Mr Lyubomirsky said “the website is easy to use and provides users with a report showing their results and risk factors which people can take to their doctor and discuss. For users 50 years and over it also includes a fracture risk assessment. This important tool can help the community, and we want peo-

Mr Lyubomirsky said “the good news is we know we can improve bone health in Australia and we want people leading active and independent lives and as I like to say the only break we want you to have is a holiday!” If you are over 50 and have experienced a fracture form a minor bump or fall raise it with your doctor and ask about a bone density test to check your bone health. If you would like to make a donation to Osteoporosis Australia in support osteoporosis awareness and research in Australia visit www.osteoporosis.org. au/donate

Tai Chi & Qi Gong Banora Point Community Centre Tai Chi 10am and 11.15am Fridays Contact: Margaret 0407 262 950 Qi Gong, 1pm Tuesdays, Contact: Lyn (07) 5523 2030 Murwillumbah Tai Chi Contact: Vic 0418 495 094 Bonville CWA Meet every month on the third Tuesday from 10am until appoximately 1.30pm, Bonville Memorial Hall , 3 Andren Close, Bonville. New members welcome Bonville Branch Secretary Ph 0266 534 606

Revolution - October 2017

25


HEALTH

STAYING IN CONTROL:

bladder, bowel and erectile function

huge impact on your quality of life,” he said. “Men are often unaware of the important role their pelvic floor plays in erectile function, and the steps they can take to take control of their bladder and erectile function through exercise,” he said. Citing a 2014 Roman study** of 40 men aged 19- 46 years who experienced premature ejaculation, Mr Marburg said researchers found that their average ejaculation time of 32 seconds increased to nearly two-and-a-half minutes after 12 weeks of pelvic floor muscle training. “A previous study found the exercises as effective as Viagra for impotence, without the side-effects,” he said. “In the past, the focus has been on the need for women to do their pelvic floor exercises, but we now know that these muscles also have benefits for men in conditions associated with prostate dis-

With an estimated 70 percent of incontinence sufferers not discussing the issue with anyone, even their GP, Australia’s peak body for continence says men who do take action to address bowel and bladder issues could reap the benefits of improved erectile function as well. Continence Foundation of Australia nurse advisor, Stephen Marburg said continence affects one in four Australians, more than twice the number affected by asthma and anxiety, yet very few take action to address the issue, especially men. “Perhaps an added incentive for men to take better care of themselves might be knowing that, by adopting certain lifestyle changes, such as those recommended by the Continence Foundation, they could also improve their erectile, bladder and bowel function – and that can have a

ease, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction,” he said. Mr Marburg, who is an advisor on the free National Continence Helpline, said that around one third of calls to the Helpline were from men who were often embarrassed about their erectile or continence problems. “It is important for men to know that they are not alone, and that there is a comprehensive range of help and resources out there for them. While incontinence is not normal at any age, in most cases it can be improved, if not cured,” he said. Mr Marburg urged men with any bladder or bowel concerns to visit their GP or men’s health physiotherapist, or call the Continence Foundation of Australia’s free and confidential National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 to talk to a continence nurse.

FIVE STEPS TO HEALTHY BLADDERS AND BOWELS The Continence Foundation recommendations:

1. Drink well 2. Eat healthy 3. Keep active 4. Tone your pelvic floor 5. Practise good toilet habits This article is supplied by the Continence Foundation of Australia, the peak national organisation working to improve the quality of life of all Australians affected by incontinence. *Deloitte Access Economics, The economic impact of incontinence in Australia, 2011 **References supplied on request. #For the 2017/17 Financial Year

Help for those permanently affected With incontinence affecting 4.8 million Australians, it becomes more prevalent with age - with more than half of those affected aged 50 and over.* For men, conditions such as an enlarged prostate or post-prostate surgery can increase the risk of urinary incontinence. For women, menopause may cause physical changes in the pelvic organs that increase the risk of incontinence. Women who have had various genealogical surgeries also run the risk of bladder control problems. But incontinence is not inevitable, and in the majority of cases can be better managed or cured, often by adopting a few simple measures. For those permanently affected, there are schemes to help meet the cost of incontinence products, including the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) that provides up to $583.30 per year#. There are also state-based schemes. Anyone affected by, or caring for someone with incontinence, can phone the free, confidential National Continence Helpline (1800 33 00 66). The Helpline is staffed week days 8am to 8pm AEST by continence nurses who can offer information, advice and referrals. www.continence.org.au

TWEED SKIN CANCER CLINIC Excellence in Skin Cancer and Melanoma Diagnosis and Treatment

ALL SERVICES bulk billed Female doctor available Open Saturdays No referral necessary

LONG ESTABLISHED CLINIC

Tweed Day Surgery and Specialist Centre Suite 6, 38-44 Boyd St Tweed Heads | 07 5536 4961 26

October 2017 - Revolution

5658646ae

EARLY DETECTION MAY SAVE LIVES

North Coast Seniors


HEALTH

Love your skin It doesn’t hurt to get those spots checked, even if you think there is nothing wrong with them Yamba Skin Clinic is your local skin cancer specialist. Conveniently located in the heart of Yamba at 2/24 Yamba Street, right next door to the newsagency and opposite the post office, Yamba Skin Clinic is a privately owned and operated medical surgery specialising in all aspects of skin cancer medicine from skin checks and diagnosis, to education, biopsies, cryotherapy, minor surgeries and even complicated facial flap repair surgeries. Dr Mark Groves is well known in the area for his keen interest in skin cancer medicine, for his knowledge in his chosen field and for his approachable manner. If you’re looking for ten minute medicine, you are in the wrong place. Jess, our nurse, is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays to assist Dr Groves in complicated surgeries. Our other friendly staff, Tanya and Natalie can assist you with your booking and any other queries you may have. We stock an excellent range of doctor’s only sunscreen and other skin care products. Come in at any time and

one of us will happily assist you. For the best advice and well researched products, pop in. Complimentary tea and coffee is served all day in our waiting room. Don’t forget that we still bulk bill all pension and healthcare card holders for your full and comprehensive skin check and for all skin surgeries. And of course, Dr Groves is only too happy to see anyone with a DVA card. You don’t need a referral to book in, just call up on 6645 8155 to reserve your appointment. It doesn’t hurt to get those spots checked, even if you think there is nothing wrong with them. Call us today.

My first visit to Breastscreen

The idea of my first breast screen was daunting; part of me didn’t want to acknowledge how important this was, for two reasons early detection and putting my mind at ease. I was so uneasy that I actually postponed my first appointment and rescheduled at another location three weeks later – this time I forced myself to go through with the appointment. Upon arrival I was greeted by a friendly but very professional male “receptionist”. He explained the paperwork clearly and left me to complete it providing assistance if I required it. The Breast Screen technician was polite and professional clearly explaining what she would be

|ROBYN BILLINGTON

doing and what I needed to do. The actual mammogram took about 10 minutes and was painless if a little uncomfortable. I was provided with an explanation and brochure on what would happen with my mammogram and how I would be notified of any results. Reading the brochure was informative and helped to quell any apprehension I was feeling. Two weeks later, as I had been advised, I received my results in the mail and was pleased that no abnormalities had been detected. The relief far outweighed any nerves about attending in the first place and I will not hesitate in two years time to attend again...in the meantime I will continue to monitor my breasts for any changes.

NB: All Breast Screen technicians in NSW are female.

Dr Groves is now

BULK BILLING ALL PENSIONERS for skin checks and skin surgeries Are you concerned about any spots on your body? Or you haven’t had a skin check in the last year? Call today for peace of mind.

6645 8155 2/24 Yamba St, Yamba (next door to newsagency/ across from Post Office)

North Coast Seniors

Revolution - October 2017

27


HEALTH

• HONEY IS THE NEW BUZZ IN DRY EYE TREATMENT• |SIMON HANNA, NATIONAL CLINICAL POLICY ADVISER, OPTOMETRY AUSTRALIA

For thousands of years communities have recognised the wound healing and anti-bacterial properties of honey.

JOHN WILLIAMS B.Sc. B. Optom (Hons)

induced dry eye, the most common cause of dry eye, so it did not cover every type of dry eye. Trial co-author, Associate Professor Katrina Schmid from Queensland University of Technology School of Optometry and Vision Science, said that while all treatments (including conventional lubricants) clinically and significantly improved dry eye, the honey therapies improved it the most and the gel was superior. “It’s a novel treatment for dry eye because it has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and has a different mechanism from those of other products,” said Prof Schmid. “Practitioners can suggest it to patients and know with confidence that they will see a benefit and should experience significant improvements over two months.

OPTOMETRIST • Bulk Billed • Friendly, efficient service • Extensive range of fashion frames for ALL budgets • No waiting for appointments • Independently owned & operated (local business)

2 PAIRS FOR $199 (Single Vision only)

CVI©170906

Now, in a ground-breaking new trial, this powerful natural product has been proven to outperform standard treatments in relieving the symptoms of dry eyes. The trial, published last month in Optometry Australia’s journal, Clinical and Experimental Optometry, indicated the honey treatment improved the dry eye condition and, unlike conventional lubricants, had an all-important anti-bacterial effect. Patients in the trial were given Optimel Antibacterial Manuka Eye Gel or Optimel Manuka + Dry Eye Drops, produced by Melcare. The patients who used the honey therapy reported their eyes felt better and not so ‘gritty’. Most chose to continue using the honey treatments after the study concluded. The project was specifically tested on meibomian gland disease (MGD)

“The trial has provided evidence of its benefits to patients with chronic, longterm and difficult to treat MGD,’ she said. CEO of Melcare, Anthony Moloney, said “Response from optometrists in Australia has been quite outstanding and from patients, overwhelming. The drops do sting and it doesn’t work for everyone but where it does work, it can be profound,” he said. Mr Moloney said that good eyelid hygiene, clean eyes and eyelid margins, should always be initial therapy but if lubricants did not manage the condition well, people could try the honey products. “For most people with chronic dry eye which is difficult to manage, they will be suitable,” he said. Don’t put up with dry eyes Dry eye is a major public health problem which can

have a serious impact on your quality of life – it’s not a condition that should simply be put up with. The first step in any treatment is having a comprehensive eye examination with an optometrist who can assist you with a correct diagnosis. Dry eye may be exacerbated by many factors, including diabetes, sleep disorders and hormonal issues. Our reliance on digital devices, as well as time spent in the modern office, in front of computer screens and in air-conditioning are also contributing factors. Your optometrist can discuss with you the lifestyle factors which may be contributing to dry eye. They can also let you know if your condition is suited to the new honey therapy or conventional treatments like artificial tears or other lubricating eye drops.

L O R T N O C E TAK H! ALT E H R U O Y OF JOIN US TODAY

Stay Active Stay Healthy Group Fitness & Much More

HOUR

24 ACCESS

10% DISCOUNT

7 4 2 a b m Ya ess

ON ANY PURCHASE

Stockist of: SUNGLASSES

and many more

Shop T17 Grafton Shoppingworld Ph: 6642 7211

28

October 2017 - Revolution

n it F & h t l H ea

12B Treelands Drive YAMBA • 0455 737 827 North Coast Seniors


HEALTH

Nutrition for aging well Do you know what the oldest age anybody has ever lived to is? The answer is 122 years and 164 days. Her name was Jeanne Calment and she lived in France. Longevity isn’t everybody’s goal, but I’m confident that most people would like to maintain functionality for as long as they can. Jeanne took up the sport of fencing at 85 years old and was still riding her bike at 100 years old. Pretty impressive. If somebody makes it to 100 years old, it is extremely likely they were doing very well at 85 years old. People who live longer generally age well and live active lifestyles for longer. Jeanne is a complete outlier, so we can’t take too much from her story, but we can learn a lot from areas in the world where people routinely live longer lives. People who live in Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa in Japan and Loma Linda in California (7th Day Adventists) are 3x more likely to live to 100 years old than the average Australian. What do they have in common? They follow plant-based diets that are low in processed foods. This does not necessarily mean vegetarian or vegan, but it does mean they don’t eat an excessive amount of meat. Since protein is

still necessary for muscle repair and other functions, simply reducing meat and not replacing it with other protein sources would create its own issues. To account for this, they also consume a lot of plantbased protein containing foods such as seeds, nuts, legumes and tofu. They also rarely eat any processed foods, such as those that come out of a packet. In terms of shopping in a supermarket, generally these are the foods around the outside of the store. Because of this, they don’t consume much added sugar, preservatives or artificial colours and flavours. Healthy fats are also common amongst long-lived individuals. Some common foods include olive oil, avocado, nuts and salmon. This could lead to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. No food or food groups are excluded and they don’t set rules

or specifically go on “diets.” Moderation is a trait they share though. They might eat chocolate, but it is in lesser amounts and infrequently. Some abstain from alcohol, others have it in moderation. They also do not overeat; naturally stopping when they feel full. The last thing they have in common is that they enjoy their food, just the same as they enjoy their lives. For more on healthy eating, contact an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). APDs are nutrition professionals with at least four years university study behind them. See the ‘Find an APD’ section of the Dietitians Association of Australia website at daa.asn.au to find an APD in your area. Aidan Muir is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian with Fuel your Life who specialises in nutrition for the elderly and has a focus on veterans and the aging population.

Eating healthy on a budget It is not only possible to eat healthily on a budget, it is actually quite easy, you just need to know the tricks! BUY IN BULK - Buying in bulk will definitely help you save money, especially when you are buying meats or grains. With your meats, you can separate them when you get home and freeze meal size portions ready to defrost when you want them.

you will save. Just remember, when buying canned goods or other packaged products to check the ingredients and make sure you know exactly what you are buying. you notice specials, then this can be a great time to buy in bulk. Even if it is meats, as long as you freeze what you don't use straight away, then you will be saving yourself great money!

bulk and then separate your leftovers into meal sizes and freeze. Not only does this save you money as you can buy in bulk and are less likely to let vegetables go bad, it will also provide you with convenient healthy microwave meals that you know are full of healthy ingredients.

lent way to save money? Grow your own produce! Even if you have limited space, you can grow herbs in pots on window sills, and basically get creative! There is nothing quite like the satisfying enjoyment of eating foods you have grown yourself! OR HIT YOUR LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS… you will save money and help out the local farming community and the food is FRESH.

sarily the best, so try out the generic or cheaper brands and see if the quality difference is worth the cash

With tailored nutrition advice from an Accredited Practising Dietitian

BULK UP ON SPECIALS - If

GROW YOUR OWN - An excel-

Fancy brand names are not neces-

Fabulous

|MEL, YAMBA 247 GYM

COOK AND FREEZE - Cook in

BUY GENERIC BRANDS -

Fuel

Regardless of age, there is no substitute for the radiance that comes from true health, or the individualised nutrition advice an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) can give you. APDs are the only nutrition professionals recognised by the Australian Government and Medicare. Talk to an APD for nutrition advice to help you feel fabulous

North Coast Seniors

Revolution - October 2017

29


HEALTH

Join In

Maggie’s Recipe for Life

Very Gentle Exercise Class Tweed Community Health Centre Tweed Heads Hospital Mondays 8.30am. Contact: Deb 0414 644 064

MAGGIE BEER

with PROFESSOR RALPH MARTINS Maggie Beer and Professor Ralph Martins have teamed up to fight one of the most debilitating diseases of our later years. Based on the latest scientific research, Maggie has created more than 200 recipes that help provide the nutrients we need for optimum brain health. More than one million Australians are affected every day by Alzheimer’s or its impact on their family but the good news is that you can eat well to age well, from this moment on. The proceeds from Maggie’s Recipe for Life will be shared between the Maggie Beer Foundation and the Lions Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. Professor Ralph Martins is Professor of Neurobiology at Macquarie

Ballina Probus Club Inc Lorna Lewis 6686 7180 brianlorna. lewis3@gmail.com Tweed Unlimited Arts Kathleen 07 5524 6223 info@tweedunlimitedarts. com.au

“This book is so important to me.”

Murwillumbah Community Centre - Amanda 6672 3003 reception@mccentre.org.au

– Maggie Beer

Change4Life Byron Bay (Yin Yoga) Glenn Walmsley - 0425 339 988 info@change4life.net.au

“To have a healthy old age you must act now, whether you are 30 or 50. “I have two great passions – sharing my love of cooking delicious simple food and improving the health and nutrition of older people. I hope this cookbook does both but it’s not for ‘old’ people, it’s for you. I have been delighted to work with leading Alzheimer’s researcher Professor Ralph Martins in recent years and I have learned that if we are to avoid Alzheimer’s and other lifestyle diseases it is what we eat today that matters. “These are my recipes for every day, for everybody, full of deep flavours and beautiful ingredients that will nourish you and your family. Nobody wants to eat worthy food that tastes like cardboard. For me, food without flavour is unthinkable! And so is the notion of

Woolgoolga Red Cross Phone: 02 6654 8369 Email: jujujackson@bigpond. com Sing Australia Every Tuesday Time: 7pm 9pm Kentwell Community Centre Ph: 0412 660 472 A national singing program established in 1985 by Colin Slater OAM to encourage more Australians to sing. It is welcoming of all voices. There are no auditions. There is no need to be able to read music, have experience or be able to sing in parts. Lots of fun for anyone who wants to sing.

PROFESSOR RALPH MARTINS

Yamba Yabbies Toastmasters Meets 1st & 3rd Mondays at the Yamba Bowling Club commencing 6.30pm sharp. Visitors are always welcome to come along and check out what Toastmasters is all about. For further information, phone Jan on 66451266 for check out Facebook.

30

restricting whole food groups. My recipe for life is to have a healthy attitude to eating – it’s all about balance, variety and choosing foods that give you the best chance of being in good health now and into your future. “This is not a diet book – it’s a way of life.” – Maggie Beer

October 2017 - Revolution

“I first became interested in Alzheimer’s research when my father-in-law, George, was diagnosed with the disease in his sixties. It was heartbreaking to watch as George transformed from an intellectual giant to someone totally dependent on care in just six short years. It made me determined to fight this devastating disease and thirty-three years later, I am still working towards diagnosing, preventing and effectively treating Alzheimer’s. “So far, we know that the brain damage that ends up causing Alzheimer’s begins developing in the brain 10–20 years before symptoms start to show, and that having type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease increases our chances of getting Alzheimer’s. We also know that once symptoms set in, there is no known cure. But the good news is that we have begun to identify the factors that can reduce a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s and some other forms of dementia, and slow its progression. “What does this mean? Statistically it means that some people at age 60 for example, who would have developed fullblown

dementia by the age of 80 may only have mild forgetfulness at 80, if they adopt and maintain our recommended lifestyle changes, especially a healthy diet. “In 2006 I became involved in the Australian Imaging, Biomarker and Lifestyle (AIBL) study of ageing. This research, along with many other population studies around the globe, is giving us valuable information about the specific nutritional and lifestyle factors associated with avoiding cognitive decline and staying healthy as we age. These include: • regular aerobic exercise • plenty of mental stimulation and social activity • a healthy diet featuring fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, fish, dairy foods and healthy fats (such as those in olive oil, nuts and seeds) and whole grains. “I think we all want to live a full and productive life, feeling energetic well into our old age. This is not just wishful thinking – you have the power to give yourself the very best chance of a healthy future.“ – Prof Ralph Martins

North Coast Seniors


HEALTH

Turmeric, soy and ginger chicken

Chicken is quite a staple in our house but then we do have my daughter Saskia’s birds on hand, and the difference a well-brought-up chook makes in flavour and texture is incredible. The great thing is that each state of Australia has wonderful producers and they need to be encouraged as it costs a lot more to grow out a free-range bird to full maturity. The marinade here is definitely ‘finger-licking good’ in the true sense of those words and it adds wonderfully to the caramelisation of the skin. You’re a stronger person than me if you can peel that off before you eat. SERVES 6 6 x 230 g chicken thighs, skin on, bone in ⅓ cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil Sea salt flakes Roasted carrots, kale and hazelnuts, to serve Marinade 1 tablespoon soy sauce Finely grated zest of 1 lime 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest, plus extra to serve 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 clove garlic, finely grated 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger 1 lemongrass stalk, pale end only, finely chopped 1 teaspoon finely grated turmeric 1 teaspoon raw honey

Sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper To make the marinade, place all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well combined. Place the chicken in an airtight container, pour over the marinade, then place the lid on the container and shake well. Refrigerate for 2–4 hours. Preheat the oven to 200˚C (fan-forced). Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off the excess. Season with salt, then place half the chicken, skin-side down, in the pan and cook for 2 minutes on each side or until golden. Take care not to burn the marinade. Remove from the pan and place, skin-side up, and spaced well apart on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Repeat with the remaining chicken thighs. Transfer to the oven and bake for 4–5 minutes or until just cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to rest in a warm place for 8–10 minutes. Scatter with extra orange zest and drizzle with any resting juices. Serve with the roasted carrots, kale and hazelnuts. NUTRITION Turmeric contains the polyphenol curcumin which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-diabetes properties.

Sweet potato fritters with smashed avocado and salmon The beauty of this recipe is that you don’t need to precook any of the ingredients so it’s a quick process, particularly if you have a helper. The salmon could be cooked, raw or from a tin and well drained. Like all fritters they don’t take long but they need to cook at a low temperature to make sure the raw grated vegetables are cooked through and soft. The best avocados are those that haven’t been refrigerated, but when you consider the logistics of moving food around the country these days that’s more and more unlikely, so my tip is to buy them when they’re still hard and ripen them yourself at room temperature, which can easily take up to 10 days. SERVES 4 (MAKES 8 FRITTERS) 1 ripe Hass avocado Juice of 1 lime 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve 200 g salmon fillet, cooked and flaked (see note) or smoked or tinned salmon Dill or chervil sprigs and lime wedges, to serve Fritters 400 g sweet potato, peeled Sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper 2 large leaves silverbeet, finely chopped 1 spring onion, finely chopped 2 free-range eggs 1 teaspoon chopped coriander 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Preheat the oven to 150˚C (fan-forced). To make the fritters, coarsely grate the sweet potato, then place in a bowl and mix in 1 teaspoon sea salt. Stand for 10 minutes, then drain the sweet potato and squeeze out any excess liquid. In a separate bowl, place the chopped silverbeet, spring onion, eggs

and coriander. Add the sweet potato, season to taste and mix well. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Working in 2 batches, place 3 tablespoons of mixture for each fritter into the pan and press down with a spatula. Cook on both sides for 2–3 minutes or until golden, then drain on paper towel. Place on a baking tray, cover with foil and keep warm in the oven while you cook the remaining fritters. Smash the avocado flesh and lime juice in a bowl until smooth. Stir in the olive oil and season to taste. To serve, place 2 fritters on each plate. Top with the smashed avocado, salmon and sprigs of dill or chervil. Drizzle with olive oil and serve with lime wedges. Note: If using fresh salmon, drizzle a little olive oil in a frying pan over high heat. Add the fish, skin-side down and cook for 3 minutes or to the point where it will almost burn. Remove the salmon, then quickly wipe out the pan with paper towel, being careful not to burn yourself. Add a drizzle of oil or a bit of butter to the pan, reduce the heat to low– medium and return the salmon to the pan, skin-side up. Cook for 2 minutes, then rest for 10 minutes. Remove and discard the skin, then flake the fish.

Mango, lime and coconut sago pudding I can’t say sago was at all interesting to me until I came to live in the Barossa Valley and was taught to make ‘rote grutze’. This unique dessert combines the juice and pulp of red grapes with sago, and it was only after I tried it that I understood the ability of sago to beautifully set a cold pudding without any gelatine. Light bulb moment! Mango, lime and coconut are all flavours of the tropics that I love to call on in the heat of summer. SERVES 4–6 80 g sago 2 cups (500 ml) coconut milk ½ vanilla bean, halved lengthways and seeds scraped Finely grated zest and juice of 2 limes 2 medium or 1 very large ripe mango 1 tablespoon very thinly sliced mint 3 tablespoons toasted coconut flakes

North Coast Seniors

Place the sago, coconut milk, vanilla bean seeds and scraped bean, and ¾ cup (180 ml) water in a medium saucepan and stand for 30 minutes. Place the pan over medium heat and bring to the boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring often, for 10–15 minutes or until the sago is tender. Remove from the heat and stir in most of the lime zest. Divide the mixture among serving glasses or dishes, then cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. To serve, peel the mangoes and cut off the cheeks. Thinly slice into a bowl and mix with the lime juice. In a blender, puree one third of the mango and any flesh from around the seed. Place in a bowl with the mint and stir. Spoon the mango puree over the puddings, then top with the mango slices. Scatter with the coconut flakes and remaining lime zest and serve.

Recipes extracted from Maggie’s Recipe for Life by Maggie Beer with Professor Ralph Martins, published by Simon & Schuster Australia, RRP $39.99.

Revolution - October 2017

31


HEALTH

TESTOSTERONE AND AGING |KIM PIPER N.D. NATUROPATH

While testosterone is commonly recognised for its role as the master “male” hormone few realise that it’s also a key to a man’s overall health. High levels of testosterone mean energy, stamina and vitality. Low levels contribute to fatigue, premature aging and disease. As men age past year 40, hormonal changes occur that inhibit physical, sexual and cognitive function. The outward appearance of a typical middle-age male shows increased abdominal fat and shrinkage of muscle mass, a hallmark effect of hormone imbalance. A loss of feeling of wellbeing, sometimes manifesting as depression, is a common complication of hormone imbalance. Until recently, these changes were attributed to growing old and men were expected to accept the fact that their body was entering into a long degenerative process that would someday result in death. A remarkable amount of date has been compiled that indicates that many of the diseases that middle aged men begin experiencing including depression, abdominal weight gain, prostate and heart disease are in part directly related to hormone imbalances that are correctable with lifestyle and nutrient therapies. A consistent pattern that deals with fundamental aging shows that low testosterone causes excess production of a dangerous hormone called “cortisol”. High levels of circulating cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, negatively impacts the immune system, enhances brain cell injury and arterial wall damage. Excess cortisol is known to suppress testosterone and growth hormone production. It is worth having either blood or saliva testing of free testosterone, cortisol, DHEA and estrogen to assess some of the potential underlying causes of lowered testosterone. Testosterone levels are at their highest during a man’s twenties and naturally declines with age, gradually lowering to about 20% of their maximum. Testosterone should be seen as a total body hormone in both men and women affecting every cell in the body. It is an anabolic (or protein building) hormone while cortisol is a catabolic hormone that breaks down proteins in the body. As men age past 40, cortisol begins to dominate and the catabolic effects associated with growing older begin to dominate. As ageing progresses, men can produce slightly more elevated levels of the female hormone estrogen giving rise to the development of breast tissue and fat distribution around the midriff in men as they age. The

In fact the loss of morning erections is a sure sign that testosterone is declining! While exercise is an essential part of wellbeing, both the lack of physical activity and excessive physical activity (over training) will result in decreased levels of testosterone. The duration, intensity and frequency of exercise will determine the circulating levels of testosterone. Levels increase most with short intense bursts, while it decreases with prolonged activity and endurance training. Frequent and extended training doesn’t allow for repair and recovery of testosterone and tissue damage can occur. Testosterone levels will elevate with exercise for about 45-60 minutes and after this time period cortisol levels begin to increase and testosterone levels will decline. This decrease has been detected for up to 6 days. So it is best not to train for more than 45-60 minutes in a single session. Also it is best not to lift weights and do aerobic training at the same time. Split sessions are best to preserve and build testosterone in the body.

So what can you do to nurture hormone balance?

more fat a man has the more estrogen he will produce. Low testosterone levels are in fact associated with more aggressive prostate cancer. From a hormonal point of view it is in fact testosterone deficiency that leads to the pathology that favours the development of prostate cancer. Case in point....have you come across a large cohort of 18 yr olds with prostate cancers? Probably not. Testosterone is at its highest levels between 18-25 years in men where they produce 8-10 times as much as women. Testosterone is the most powerful cardiovascular protector for men. There are more testosterone receptors in the heart than in any other muscle. Although the most common reason for decreased testosterone levels is aging, levels also commonly decrease during acute and chronic emotional stress, overtraining, physical inactivity, after the use of anabolic synthetic steroids, excessive use of alcohol, poor diet, prescription or recreational medication and certain diseases. Testosterone levels are also affected by bio-social events. Testosterone will go up before a sporting event, whether you are competing or not, and sexual stimulation (sight or touch). And interestingly, levels significantly decrease in both the competitors and fans of losers of athletic events. Normally testosterone is 30% higher in the morning than the evening.

Address chronic stress and adrenal overdrive as this is the biggest cause of premature aging and it severely inhibits testosterone function making it impossible to build muscle and strength. Other lifestyle adjustments include getting good quality REM sleep and going to bed early and rising early; engaging in more relaxing less intense exercise and maintaining blood sugar levels by eating five small meals daily balanced in protein, fat and carbohydrates. Reducing alcohol intake, assessing mineral and vitamin deficiencies especially zinc, having the hormone levels professionally checked via a naturopath and eating more good fat especially the essential fats such as omega 3’s found in fish as well as saturated fats found in butter and nuts will all help to restore and maintain testosterone levels. All steroid hormones are produced from cholesterol, your friend, not a foe, so when fats are deficient in the diet, the end result is an overall lowering of the body’s hormone manufacture. Life is short...why not feel the best you can! Article written by Naturopath....Kim Piper N.D.(Hons). She is a hormonal specialist of 30 years and the author of a best selling book “Woman to woman ..managing your hormones safely and naturally”. She encourages as many men and women over 50yrs to have a hormone assessment and health check. Kim has her clinics in Maclean/Yamba as well as Brisbane.She can be contacted on 0412 496 125 for an appointment. www.kimthenaturopath.com

Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation Making a difference in Aboriginal health • Dental Services 131-133 Bacon St Grafton PH 6643 2199 49-51 Skinner St South Grafton PH 6644 3555 17 Woodford St Maclean PH 6645 5824 153-157 Canterbury St Casino PH 6662 3514 BUGALWENA GENERAL PRACTICE 24 Minjungbal Dr Tweed Heads PH 07 5513 1322

32

October 2017 - Revolution

• Psychologist • Mental Health Supports

• Specialist Clinics for Endocrinology, Respiratory Disease, Psychiatry, Kidney & Renal Disease, Optometrist, Exercise Physiologist, Diabetes Educator Podiatrist & Orthodontist

• Ear and Hearing Health Screening

• Cooking, Healthy Lifestyle and Exercise Classes

• Drug and Alcohol Counselling

• Referrals to Specialist Doctors

• Sexual Health Education and Screening

• Outreach Support Programs

http://bnmac.com.au

CVI©170726

• Primary Health Care Services

North Coast Seniors


VETERANS’ FEATURE It’s all about community engagement

Speak with someone who has the knowledge Jenny Sheehan and the team at the Tweed/Coolangatta RSL SubBranch are committed to working with ex-service men and women of the area. The volunteers at the Sub-Branch are mostly ex-service men and women. This can be of the utmost importance, given the wider ex-service community on the Tweed/ Coolangatta coast are able to speak with someone who has first-hand experience of the same concerns, thoughts and problems as other ex-service men and women. And it seems there are many issues that concern our veterans today. Keeping up with all the government legislations around pensions and veterans’ entitlements

North Coast Seniors

following retirement, is paramount to the service the team at the Tweed/ Coolangatta RSL Sub-Branch offers. There are various service pensions that are available to those veterans who fit certain criteria, and one that the Tweed/Coolangatta RSL Sub-Branch deals with regularly, is that of the Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA) disability pension. This is a pension paid to veterans to compensate them for injuries or diseases caused, or aggravated by war service, or during certain defence service on behalf of the nation. As the name suggests, the degree of incapacity from war or defence-caused conditions must be extreme. An assessment is conduct-

ed that takes into account the medical impairment and lifestyle effects of a disability. Jenny and her team work closely with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and the DVA officer in their local Centrelink branch (who they refer patrons to). The number of homeless veterans in the area is growing and the Welfare Officer of the Tweed/ Coolangatta RSL Sub-Branch is committed to assisting those in need any which way they can. Please contact Jenny and the friendly team at Tweed/Coolangatta RSL SubBranch, available Tuesday-Friday 9am-12pm Queensland time by calling (07) 5599 0286 or email admin@thc-rsl.org.au

The Coffs Harbour RSL Sub-Branch recently welcomed Jason Prewett as their youngest elected President. Jason is an Iraq and Afghan war veteran, who has a clear vision on the direction he would like to take the Coffs Harbour RSL Sub-Branch. Being able to attract younger vets as members of the Sub-Branch will bring a renewed awareness to the service all veterans and ex-service men and women have made to our country. Jason will be visiting local primary schools and engaging students to participate in activities that will in turn see them offered opportunities to march with a senior veteran on Anzac Day. Jason intends to speak at private high schools and facilitate a community service engagement, where older students visit with a veteran who is in a nursing home and engage in a social activity such as playing cards with them, all the while getting to understand and appreciate more about the veteran and their life. The Coffs Harbour RSL Sub-Branch meets every third Saturday of the month and new members are always welcome, in particular younger vets, and information is available Monday until 12pm and between 1-4pm Thursday afternoons by calling 6691 9233.

Revolution - October 2017

33


VETERANS’ FEATURE

Veterans’ Home Care Veterans’ Home Care is a program offered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and designed to assist eligible Veterans who require a small amount of help in order for them to continue living comfortably and independently in their own home. It is not designed to cater for complex and high level care needs. Being a DVA Gold and White Health Card holder, doesn’t automatically mean you qualify to receive all the services the DVA Home Care program provides. You are however eligible to have an assessment to see which DVA Home Care program assistance you require. There are four main key areas covered by the Veterans’ Home Care program. They are respite care, personal care, domestic assistance, safety related home and garden maintenance. It is important to note that co-payments do apply with services relating to all of the above, except for respite care. There is currently no copayment provision for services related to Respite Care. To find out if you are eligible for any of the services offered by the Veterans’ Home Care program and to find out more information, please visit https:// www.dva.gov.au/factsheethcs01-veterans-home-care Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP) The Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP) is a program available to approved DVA Gold and White Health Card holders, providing aids and/or

appliances that will help them maintain independence in their home. Prescribed aids and appliances may include: • continence products • mobility and functional support aids • personal response systems • home medical oxygen • diabetic supplies • Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP) supplies

RAP also provides assistance to those veterans who are in aged care facilities, depending on the level of care that is required and dependant on whether the facility is able to cater for the full needs of veterans in their care. Examples of aids that RAP provides to aged care facilities may include: • suitable and appropriate pressure relieving mattresses • equipment to aid mobility e.g. wheelchairs and walking frames • seating / arm chairs • shower chairs • oxygen therapy and equipment You may also be able to take your existing RAP provided aid with you to an aged care facility, when transitioning from independent living. For more information about the DVA RAP program and eligibility requirements, please contact 1800 555 254.

DVA Health Cards The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) issues health cards to veterans to ensure they have access to health and other care services they require. Their war widow(er)s and dependants may also be eligible. There are different types of DVA health cards available to eligible veterans. The most comprehensive being the Gold Card. A Gold Card is issued to veterans of Australia's Defence Force who: • are ex-prisoners of war; • are returned ex-servicewomen of World War 2, having served between 3 September 1939 and 29 October 1945 and who have qualifying service from that conflict; • served during World War 2 and mariners who served in Australia’s merchant navy, between 3 September 1939 and 29 October 1945, are aged 70 years or over and have qualifying service from that conflict; • are mariners who served in Australia’s merchant navy between 3 September 1939 and 29 October 1945 and are ex-prisoners of war; • served in Japan as part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force at any time between 31 January 1946 and 28 April 1952; • served after World War 2, are aged 70 years or over and have qualifying service under section 7A of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act (VEA). Some of the benefits available with the Gold Card include: • treatment for all medical conditions; • repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) Assessment for services through Veterans’ Home Care; • access to the Medicare Safety Net Threshold; • products under the National Diabetes Services Scheme; • hearing assessments and devices from the Office of Hearing Services; • energy supplement (if they are of

Are you interested in advertising in... North Coast Seniors

REVOLUT!ON

For advertising information please contact one of our advertising representatives on 02 66469466 or email sales@cvreview.com.au

34

October 2017 - Revolution

qualifying age and not already eligible for a pension supplement); • a range of concessions from State or Local Governments and private enterprises (depending on eligibility). A White Card is issued to veterans, mariners and former members of Australia's Defence Force with an accepted war or service caused injury or disease. A White Card is also issued to ex-service personnel who are eligible for treatment under agreements between the Australian Government and New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and the United Kingdom governments for disabilities accepted as war-caused by their country of origin. A White Card should be presented: • to your doctor, medical specialist, dentist, pharmacist, dental prosthetist, optometrist or any after-hours medical service; • to other health care providers to whom you are referred for treatment; • at hospital admissions. The Pharmaceuticals Only (Orange Card) is issued to Commonwealth and allied veterans and mariners who: • have qualifying service from World War I or II; • are aged 70 or over; • have been resident in Australia for 10 years or more. The range of pharmaceutical items available under the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) is much wider than the range available under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). To find out whether you are eligible for a DVA health card and for all information relating to DVA health card inclusions, please visit www.dva.gov.au/factsheets

ATTENTION: PUBLICITY OFFICERS! If you are interested in submitting an article about your group and its activities, please email Lynda at contributions@cvreview.com.au to express your interest.

North Coast Seniors


VETERANS’ FEATURE

Life after Korea |MARTA FERGUSSON

L to R Rod Hatcher - Woodburn/Evans Head RSL Sub-Branch President, Peter Dawson Korean War Veteran, Michael Jones - Woodburn/Evans Head RSL Club CEO

Three Australian battalions served in the Korean War as part of the Royal Australian Regiment. One of the brave servicemen who served in the 3rd Battalion was Peter Dawson. Peter is now 87 years young and resides with his wife on the beautiful NSW north coast. Peter is actively involved in the Woodburn/Evans Head RSL Sub-Branch ‘Coffee Club’ which meets every Wednesday morning at the Woodburn/Evans Head RSL Club. Michael Jones, CEO of the RSL Club explains, “the weekly events such as the Coffee Club are very important to the returned servicemen and women in our community”. Organisations such as these and community gatherings like the weekly Coffee Club meetings foster a safe and welcoming environment for Veterans to congregate; share their stories of times past and form new friendships. North Coast Seniors Revolution had the pleasure of sitting down with Peter, together with Michael Ryan, Welfare Officer of the Woodburn/Evans Head RSL SubBranch and was enlightened by Peter’s story. Peter served in C Company 3RAR (3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment) in Korea from 1952-53. He remembers gathering at Hill 355 also known as ‘Little Gibraltar’, against Korean and Chinese forces. According to Wikipedia “C Company 3RAR was the only company to remain largely intact as the battalion hastily absorbed reinforcements from the rest of the regiment and came to strength. The newest 3RAR

North Coast Seniors

company had been formed in late 1949 and early 1950 from the young men who joined the Regular Army after World War II. By the standards of the other companies C Company was very young and untested. Much of the banter within the Battalion was directed at them. Good humoured as it was, when it continued once the Battalion commenced operations the young regulars became all the more determined to show their mettle. C Company was a well-trained sub-unit and, unlike the other sub-units still shaking down, was a cohesive team.” Speaking to Peter, it can be seen that he would have fitted in perfectly with the other young men of C Company 3RAR. On returning to Australia, Peter continued his service as a Lance Corporal in the 1st Commando Regiment in the Sydney suburb of Mosman. He left the army two years after his time at the 1st Commando Regiment to begin life as a civilian with his new wife in Parramatta. Still in his 20s, Peter integrated into civilian life as a coppersmith and ultimately ventured north to work on the Ballina slipway. Eventually, he settled in Woodburn, where he worked as a plumber for 30 years. Peter and his wife still reside at Swan Bay, south-west of Woodburn and they

have four children, 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Peter has received The United Nations Service Medal for Korea, the Australian Active Service Medal and the Australian Defence Medal which is given to those who completed initial military engagement. His visits to the Korean War Memorial and Korean War Dedication Section in Canberra at the Australian War Memorial brought back lots of memories of Korea both good and bad for Peter. A venue to share these memories, especially with other Veterans, is exactly what the Woodburn/Evans Head RSL Club provides and as Peter so aptly put it, “I didn’t know where to go until I found the club.” Once retired, our returned servicemen and women are entitled to various services that the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) provides. Peter is a DVA Gold Card holder and receives a service pension. Sandra Dawson, one of Peter’s daughters, who comes along with her father to the weekly Coffee Club meetings, spoke about their personal experience dealing with the Lismore office of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “The team in Lismore is very good with family members, they know dad by name and are always quick to answer any queries when we call on his behalf,” she shares with a big smile. It would appear that the individual rapport the Lismore office of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs has with its local Veterans is of a high standard and to be commended. For the hard work that the Woodburn/Evans RSL SubBranch do within the greater community, we thank Rod Hatcher, Sub-Branch President and the committee, who together with Michael Jones, bring events to their local Veterans, such as regular bus trips, BBQs, the Monday morning Day Club and women’s auxiliary activities that continue to bring this community together. Raising community awareness of Veterans is a task that the club and sub-branch have embraced with open arms. North Coast Seniors Revolution thank Peter and all the servicemen and women of our nation, for their bravery and service to our country. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Australia_in_the_Korean_War

Maclean RSL Sub-Branch has a direct involvement in new national program The Maclean RSL Sub-Branch is headed by President, Steve Walton. Their mission is to provide for the well-being, care, compensation assistance and commemoration of serving and ex-defence force members and their dependants. The Sub-Branch’s Support Centre is staffed by volunteers and they are the initial contact point for all welfare matters concerning their members. They are trained to assess the type of support required and lend assistance in contacting the relevant service providers to find the best solution to their concern. Currently, volunteers are trained under the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Training and Information Program (TIP), however this program will cease to exist soon and is being replaced by a more structured and standardised one. A review of the current training model identified a need to upgrade to a nationally recognised program. Following consultation with the ex-service community, the review found that the TIP framework needed to evolve and a working party has been established to develop a new advocacy training program. The Advocacy Training and Development Program (ATDP) is being developed as a partnership between the DVA, ex-service organisations (ESO’s) and the Department of Defence. The vision of the ATDP is to train and develop selected practitioners to provide high quality advocacy services to current and former Australian Defence Force members and their dependents, covering rehabilitation, compensation, appeals and welfare. The Secretary of the Maclean RSL Sub-Branch, Trevor Plymin is an advocate of considerable experience, working with other advocates, and is proud to be a part of the team that is re-writing this new national program. Community events and meetings form an important part of the services you can expect from your local RSL Sub-Branch. One of the community meetings represented by the Maclean RSL SubBranch is that of The Tartan Brushy RSL Day Club. You don’t have to be a veteran, an ex-service member or a member of an RSL club to belong to a Day Club. Members meet every Tuesday between 10am and 2pm at the Brushgrove Hall. Here they have an opportunity to socialise, are treated to morning tea and a healthy lunch ($5 per member), all while being entertained by varying local talent. New members, volunteers and entertainers are always welcome! The Maclean RSL Sub-Branch volunteers are all trained to look after the needs of their members and are mostly either connected to the defence forces directly or has a family connection to someone who has served in the Australian Defence Forces. In the past veterans were older, now there is an infusion of new and younger vets. It is important that all who have served our country are cared for appropriately, in particular our ageing veterans and ex-service men and women. A spokesperson for the Maclean RSL SubBranch is available on Tuesday and Saturday mornings by calling 6645 2756. For more information on The Tartan Brushy RSL Day Club, please reach out to Murray on 6645 3328.

Revolution - October 2017

35


NDIS FEATURE

What is the NDIS? The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has been established to provide support to people aged under 65 with a disability. It is currently being rolled out across Australia, with the program fully implemented by 2019. The NDIS is not means tested. It is an un-capped, demand driven scheme. The objectives of the scheme as outlined in the NDIS Act include: • supporting the independence of the social and economic participation of people with disability • providing reasonable and necessary supports, including early intervention supports • enabling people with disability to exercise choice and control in the pursuit of their goals and the planning and delivery of their supports • facilitating the development of a nationally consistent approach to the access to, and the planning and funding of, supports for people with Source: http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_ disability and Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/rp/rp1617/Quick_ • promoting the provision of high Guides/DisabilityInsuranceScheme

TALK TO US

CRANES, as key leader in community services in the Clarence Valley, have taken the roll out of the NDIS as an opportunity to update our service offerings to reflect the desires and aspirations of our customers. What this means in practice is that CRANES are registered with the National Disability Insurance Agency for a massive range of services including, but not limited to: support with accommodation, assistance with daily living, personal care, assistance with travel, skills development, assistance with household tasks, assistance to participate in community life, early childhood supports, group and centre based activities, assistance with managing your NDIS plan, and coordination of your supports. In fact, almost anything you may need.

We have changed the structure of our organisation to support you through the NDIS roll out and added a number of new activities to provide opportunities for people to make the most of the change. These include: many new activities such as fitness and wellbeing, life skills classes, cooking, art and crafts, scale modelling, speed dating, new accommodation models and options, a dedicated planning and coordination team, and a whole division dedicated to accessing the outdoors in the form of kayaking, camping, bushwalking, and much more. We also know that navigating the space can be quite confusing. If you would like more information on getting what you need from the scheme please contact our customer liaison team on 02 6642 7257.

quality and innovative supports to people with disability Is the NDIS replacing another scheme? The various levels of Government in Australia are currently responsible for varying levels of disability support and care services. Following the Productivity Commission’s report findings conducted in 2011, the recommendation was that Australia replace the existing system with a unified National scheme. This is what the NDIS aims to achieve and is in the process of achieving, as it continues to become available to more eligible Australians. What supports are available? Supports may be available in areas such as education, employment, social participation, independence, living arrangements, health and wellbeing. Funding may be included for: • daily personal activities • transport to enable participation in community, social, economic and daily life activities • workplace help to allow a par-

ticipant to successfully get or keep employment in the open or supported labour market • therapeutic supports including behaviour support • help with household tasks to allow the participant to maintain their home environment • help by skilled personnel in arranging aids or equipment assessment, set up and training • home modification design and construction • mobility equipment • vehicle modifications Being well informed is crucial to knowing whether you or a loved one is eligible to apply for an NDIS plan. More and more local service organisations who offer disability support and care are now becoming registered NDIS providers. Speaking to a provider in your local area is a good way of finding out more information and many are hosting their own individual information sessions. To find out more please contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110.

Your local NDIS supplier Lifestyle Comforts and Home Aid - your local NDIS supplier The NDIS in our area is new to the client but also new to your providers and suppliers. We are a long standing local business located in the Clarence Valley and are delighted to have the opportunity to be a registered NDIS provider and to give you the opportunity to obtain the equipment or service from who you choose. We have dealt with

many of your planners or managers over the years and it is important that you consult them for input , however much of the final decisions can be yours. You should also remember that once your plan is in place it can be reviewed if things aren’t working out. It is a new era and you can be sure that there will be teething problems at the start.

Be if you are patient you will be well on the way to a much more user friendly scheme than that, that existed in the past. Lifestyle Comforts and Home Aid can be contacted at 4 Stanley Street, Maclean, opposite the Library or you can phone us on 6645 2500 or email us at lifestylecomforts@ bigpond,com. We look forward to hearing from you.

R E ID V O R P IS D N L A C O L YOUR Talk to us about ‘Shared Lives’ and the ‘NDIS’ PHONE US: 6642 7257 | DROP-IN: 3-7 PRINCE ST, GRAFTON HAVE A LOOK AT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.CRANES.ORG.AU

36

October 2017 - Revolution

S 4 Stanley St, MACLEAN Ph: 6645 2500

Lifestyle Comforts and Home Aid ‘for your mobility, fitness and home aid needs’ www.lifestylecomforts.com.au

North Coast Seniors


OUR COMMUNITY

Home Care: A Carer’s Story If you are considering Home Care, you might be wondering what kind of a person you can expect in your home delivering the care. UPA Home Care have been in care for over 75 years, and employ 50 highly qualified care workers, working from Ipswich QLD to Taree NSW. We spoke to Joan Grogan, a long term UPA Home Care worker, about her role and her experience in the field. “I was in my late 40s when I decided to become a carer,” said Joan, “It was time for a career change and I had a hospitality background. I love people and it seemed right, I don't work in jobs I don't love.” Joan has now been in a care role for 11 and a half years, and doesn’t see herself doing anything else.

For Joan, it's all about providing the service the client needs, wants and likes. “There are set expectations, it's all about the client at the end of the day, so you make sure you get them what they need, then personalise the care from there.” Joan said that listening to stories is the best part of her job. Her clients also want to hear about what's happening with her, like her travelling experiences, and then they can reminisce about when they travelled too.

“Sometimes it's nice to have a friendly ear to just listen,” said Joan. “Everyone can relate to that, and that’s what I want to provide. And of course getting someone out and about is so great, seeing them happy, laughing and smiling.” Joan said that there is no such thing as a typical day in the life of a UPA carer, it’s so varied. Joan and her clients can read each other now. She knows what they want without them having to tell her, or she can tell if they are a bit down, then they can go for a drive and look at a nice view together.

A lot of Joan’s client’s families are so busy now, that they appreciate that UPA take some responsibility off their shoulders. “We give their loved ones the company they need, and keep an eye on them. If I see anything that just seems amiss, with their health for example, I can let someone know.” Joan went on to say how supportive UPA have been as an employer. “Working for UPA is great,” she said. “The team and Kim Ryall-Manley, who is the Manager, are really approachable. If you have a problem you can talk to her. If you need time off it's available. We can even have study days to gain more skills and accreditations, which is great to know.” It seems that UPA have been in care so long, that their processes are really fine tuned. For a start, the

coordinators assess the client correctly. They find out what they really need from the service and personalise it. “We try to keep the same times, same carers which clients love,” said Joan. “And they hire the right staff. There is a detailed process to be employed with UPA. That keeps the standard of care really high and I like that.” If you or a loved one is looking at Home Care options available, and would like to learn more about UPA Home Care Services, you can contact them on (02) 6672 8336 or (07) 5524 8303.

Caring Connections ..with UPA North Coast HOME CARE SERVICES | AGED CARE SERVICES No matter what your needs are as you get older and wiser, UPA have you covered in your current residence, or a warm and wonderful new home. From cleaning, help with shopping, companionship and transport, to gardening and home maintenance... Our caring, qualified staff will assist with all your clinical and personal care needs. UPA can offer you helpful Home Care as well as access to their fully accredited Residential Care properties. Speak to a UPA Coordinator today to discuss custom care options available to you.

02 6628 5559 info@northcoast.upa.org.au

upa.org.au North Coast Seniors

Revolution - October 2017

37


NEWS

Palm Lake Resort Live every moment

Banora Point

Palm Lake Banora is a hidden gem located near beautiful Kimberley Lake which has a popular walking path used by the locals. Our unique position in the Tweed Valley, Banora Point, which is in close proximity to shopping Centres and Club Banora, including some of Australia’s top bowling and golf venues, make it a lifestyle to be envied. Life can be filled with interesting shared activities, or quietly private if you wish. The many activities for you to enjoy at your leisure are social functions, swimming pool and spa, four rink outdoor bowling green, golf putting green, Croquet court, indoor Bowls, Snooker/Pool/

Tweed River Rarely do you find a site with such beauty and uniqueness set on 4.9 hectares of river front land. Offering prestige waterfront living, an ideal location for a coastal retreat at Barneys Point, right on the edge of the Tweed River. Indulge in the ultimate waterfront experience whether you seek fishing, swimming, boating or simply time to relax and enjoy the panoramic views from the shores of the River. With jetties, pontoons and boat ramps available your boat will have direct deep water access to the ocean waters or explore the extensive river ways. With no bridges to sail under, access to the ocean is a breeze. Our homes have been designed to be energy efficient, ecofriendly and sustainable as too are the resort facilities. Homes and community buildings are made of Hebel known for its energy efficiency, thermal and

Billiard tables, table tennis, B-B-Q, gentle exercise, and a fully equipped gym. There is a hobby workshop and we also have Caravan storage. A community hall with Baby Grand Piano, Pipe Organ, library and lounge, kitchen facilities, dance floor, ladies/men’s hairdressing salon and acupuncture/massage therapist are provided to cater for your personal requirements. There is a local bus stop at the entrance of the village and we also have a super medical clinic next door with a gate for our residents. We are a secure gated community who is pet friendly. We have preloved homes for sale for inspection please call toll free on 1800 641 665.

acoustic insulation and lower impact on our environment. Home fittings include up market quality features of stone bench tops, Two Pac cabinetry, European stainless steel appliances, ducted air conditioning, fans, timber floorboards, solar roof panels and panic call alert buttons. This master planned security gated resort style precinct, includes many facilities focusing on empty nesters and those who want the best in life. Located at 2 Barneys Point Road, Banora Point NSW. For all enquires please phone 1800 881 041.

Yamba

“It’s paradise.” That’s what the locals and visitors alike call Yamba. This relaxed seaside town is free of the hustle and bustle of the city. Relax at one of the beautiful beaches, or dine at any-one of the wonderful eateries. We have two great clubs with golf and bowling clubs in the heart of town, both provide courtesy buses. Palm Lake at Yamba has the best of both worlds for retirees. We have some who buy here then spend their days travelling, which is ideal as their lawns are maintained and they know everything is safe and secure. Then there are the ones who love the company of the other residents and get involved in lots of the activities. The resort has a wide range of activities and facilities, from the wellequipped gym, heated spa and pool, new bowling green, tennis court, golf driving range and putting green, pool table, cards, darts, crafts, chess, dinners, exercise classes, a well-stocked library and much more. So retired or not you will feel that you are always on holidays. Come and check us out at Palm Lake Resort Yamba. For Enquiries phone 1800 084 119.

For more information visit our website www.palmlakeresort.com.au xx

October 2017 - Revolution

North Coast Seniors


Palm Lake Resort Live every moment

Paradise Living Our unique position in the Tweed Valley Banora Point, with close proximity to shopping centres and sports clubs, which include some of Australia’s top bowling and golf venues, make it a lifestyle to be envied.

P: 1800 641 665 E: banora@palmlake.com.au H: Open Mon to Fri 11.00am-2.00pm A: 67 Winders Place, Banora Point NSW 2486

Banora Point

Social functions Hairdressing salon Acupuncture / massage therapist For the men there is a hobby workshop We also have a top class community hall ZLWK GDQFH ÀRRU EDE\ JUDQG SLDQR pipe organ, library, lounge and kitchen facilities

Facilities also include: • Swimming pool and spa • 4 rink outdoor bowling green • Croquet court • Snooker/pool/billiards tables • Table tennis • BBQ • Aerobics • Caravan storage • Pet Friendly

Waterfront Tranquility 2ႇHULQJ SUHVWLJH ZDWHUIURQW OLYLQJ SULYDWH PDULQD EHUWKV DQG DQ LGHDO location for a coastal retreat at Barneys Point, right on the edge of the Tweed River. Pet Friendly Social and Fishing Clubs Resort Bus Onsite Caretakers Marina Boardwalk Art Classes Storage for Boats, Caravans and other Watercraft

Facilities also include: Gym Library Indoor Pool, Spa Art Classes Lounge Areas Dance Floor &RႇHH 6WDWLRQ Pool Table, Games Room Darts BBQ Area

P: 1800 881 041 E: tweedriver@palmlake.com.au H: Open Monday - Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm A: 2 Barneys Point Road, Banora Point NSW 2486

Tweed River

Seaside Village Charm +HUH DW 3DOP /DNH 2\VWHU &RYH ZH KDYH DQ DUUD\ RI IDFLOLWLHV RQ RႇHU WR entertain you, your friends and family.

P: 1800 084 119 E: yamba@palmlake.com.au H: Open Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm, weekends by appointment only A: Palm Lake Resort, 1 Orion Dr, Yamba NSW 2464

Palm Lake Resorts are master planned, security gated, lifestyle communities built exclusively for active mature age living. No diaries, no deadlines - live every moment.

Yamba

Pet Friendly Residents and Social Groups Security Gated 10 min walk to Shopping Centre and Doctors No Entry or Exit Fee’s No Stamp duty No Council Rates. You keep 100% Capital Gains.

Facilities also include: • Gym • Library • Spa • Bowling Green • Lounge Areas, Bar • Dance Floor • Pool Table • Darts • Resort Pool, • BBQ Area • Caravan/Boat Storage

Your passport to adventure begins at Palm Lake Resort For more information visit our website www.palmlakeresort.com.au


OUR COMMUNITY

How to find an aged care home you’ll love |CHRIS MCNEIL, RESIDENT AT A WHIDDON AGED CARE HOME.

In most cases, and for a number of reasons, searching for and choosing a care home is a rushed journey with little to no time to shop around. I had the luxury of knowing that I needed to move into an aged care home ahead of time and I could ‘window shop’ to find the care home I wanted to call mine, and I am so glad that I took the time to do this. If you, or a relative, are approaching what I’m calling ‘life’s horizon’ – a time when living at home may soon or eventually become unsafe and difficult to manage – why not check out a few care homes now rather than later. Even if you don’t need it just yet, it

helped me to have time to shop around and find the right place instead of being sent to the first available home. Chris’ checklist of things to look for: 1. Room size and amenities: All rooms were surprisingly roomy, as was the ensuite bathrooms. All rooms had a front door and another onto their own patio – having outdoor access was important to me. 2. Internet, TV and phone connections: access to technology was really important and a lack of access would have been a deal breaker. My home has complimentary Foxtel in every room, and in-room phone and internet connections. 3. Gardens and outdoor areas: Having gardens and outdoor areas that were acces-

sible was another important feature for me. I was pleasantly surprised that the home had outdoor walkways and a large central patio that were all undercover, meaning that she could be outdoors even in inclement weather. 4. The size of the home: are you looking for a smaller

home, or a larger community with additional facilities – my home accommodates 40 residents in the main home and a further 20 residents in its Dementia and Palliative Care unit and is the right size for me. 5. Food and menu choices: The menus at my home are put together on a seasonal basis and account for individual dietary requirements, the catering team at the home also host special birthday and anniversa-

ry luncheons and theme days throughout the year. 6. The right environment: A huge part of finding the right home is about how it feels to you and whether the ‘vibe’ is right. From the day I visited the home, I could see and feel the welcoming environment and was impressed when we were offered morning tea. The happy and positive behaviour of other residents and staff helped me get a true feel for the home.

Whiddon Maclean Experience exceptional care and a lifestyle you’ll love Whiddon Maclean is an award-winning aged care home offering: • 24 hour care and support • Caring, qualified and dedicated staff • Award winning food and hospitality • Great lifestyle programs

Enquire today

Award winning aged care 1300 738 388 whiddon.com.au 40

October 2017 - Revolution

North Coast Seniors


ARTS & CULTURE

Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre EXHIBITIONS Duxford Street Interiors: Until Sunday 18 March 2018 The re-creation of Margaret Olley’s Duxford Street home studio continues to fascinate and intrigue visitors to the Margaret Olley Art Centre. The interior of her Victorian terrace and adjoining Hat Factory were subject matter for her paintings for over four decades. Olley allowed a select few artist friends to also work in 48 Duxford Street – Justin O’Brien, Cressida Campbell and Nicholas Harding. This exhibition brings together Duxford Street interiors by each of these artists, alongside Olley’s own.

Margaret OIley The Blue Kitchen 1993 Oil on board 59.5cm x 75cm

Caldera Art 2017 Prompting biodiversity values in Australia’s Green Cauldron

Until Sunday 3 December 2017 Caldera Art 2017 presents the work of six artists who are passionate about the need to preserve the rich biodiversity and complex ecosystems of the Tweed shield volcano region. The varied interpretations of the artists represented, all seek to generate a positive emotional response to the fragility of the natural environment and encourage the viewer to take an interest in living things found in the water, on the ground, in the canopy, the sky and their own backyard. Caldera Art has been developed as part of the biodiversity and conservation awareness Jennifer Porter Receding flood (detail) 2017 strategy by the Tweed Shire Oli on canvas 81 x 54cm Council’s Natural Resource Management Unit.

Brett Whiteley: other places (somewhere else) Until Sunday December 3 2017 Brett Whiteley travelled extensively throughout his life, settling down his experiences in charcoal, photographs and paint – a visual diary of Paris, New York and Tokyo to name a few of is destinations. This exhibition of Whiteley paintings, drawings, photographs and sketchbooks, reveals the artist’s intense desire to document his unique vision and experiences. An Art Gallery of New South Wales and Brett Whiteley Studio touring exhibition developed in partnership with Cairns Regional Gallery. For a list of other exhibitions that the Gallery will be showing please visit our web site Artgallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au The Tweed Regional Gallery is open from Wednesday to Sunday 10.00am to 5.00pm - Free Admission 2 Mistral Road, (Cnr Tweed Valley Way), Murwillumbah South, 6670 2176

North Coast Seniors

LISMORE REGIONAL GALLERY

Laughter is the best medicine Top 10 Senior Texting Codes * ATD - At the Doctor's

EXHIBITIONS

* BFF - Best Friend's Funeral

Lismore Regional Gallery will be opening in its new facility at the end of October.

* BTW - Bring the Wheelchair * BYOT - Bring Your Own Teeth

Four Women: (I do Belong) Double 29 Oct – 10 Dec 2017 | Gallery 1: The Margaret Olley Gallery In 1963 in the southern USA, four young Black girls were killed when the church they were in was firebombed - some say Nina Simone wrote Four Women for the four women they may have become. Thirty years on is now what is the 'fourth phase' of feminism and with dramatic changes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights with the Mabo decision reversing the idea of 'terra nulls'; how far have we travelled? Four Women: Two Double (I do belong) is curated by Djon Mundine and is inspired by the 1966 Nina Simone song ‘Four Women’, which speaks of the perception of Black women and their inherent pain and strength. Black Women - all women – are of differing personalities, ages, experiences and roles, and remain resilient, creative, and vocal. Featuring: Karla Dickens, Fiona Foley, Romaine Moreton (collaborating with Lou Bennett), Teena McCarthy, Wart, Therese Ritchie (in collaboration with Jacky Green and Seán Kerins), Nasim Nasr, and Carolyn Strachan (in collaboration with Alessandro Cavadini).

Image: Karla Dickens, Sleeping Beauty II 2016 (detail), mixed media on canvas, 120 x 120cm, courtesy the artist and Andrew Baker Art Dealer. Dreaming Trails

Dreaming Trails 29Oct – 3 Dec | Gallery 2&3 Prior to European contact, Aboriginal communities had established a complex web of trade routes all over the continent, requiring people from different areas to respect each other’s' rights, boundaries and cultural differences, and providing an avenue for settling disputes between warring groups, meeting to discuss Dreaming laws and for sharing gifts of respect. Dreaming Trails is a collaboration between Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Lismore Regional Gallery, and has been supported by the Aboriginal Regional Arts Fund through Create NSW. Please visit our website for further information, www.lismoregallery.org Lismore Regional Gallery - 11 Rural St, Lismore NSW 2480 Gallery Opening Hours: Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun 10am – 4pm Thu 10am – 6pm Mon closed www.lismoregallery.org 02 6627 4605 / 0429 020 309

* DWI - Driving While Incontinent * FWIW - Forgot Where I Was * FYI - Found Your Insulin * LOL - Living on Lipitor * ROFL...CGU - Rolling on the Floor Laughing...Can't get Up! * TOT - Texting on Toilet * WWNO - Walker Wheels Need Oil *GGLKI - Gotta Go, Laxative Kicking in!

A couple in their nineties are both having some short term memory loss. While in for a checkup, the physician says that physically they’re okay, but since they’re having trouble remembering things, they might want to start writing things down. Later that evening they’re sitting and reading, when the husband gets up. “Would you like anything from the kitchen?” he asks. “Some vanilla ice cream,” his wife replies. “Okay.” “Shouldn’t you write it down so you don’t forget it?” she asks. “Don’t worry, I won’t forget.” “Well,” she says. “A few raspberries on top would be great. You want to write that down?” “I’ve got it, honey. A bowl of vanilla ice cream with raspberries on top.” “And chocolate sauce, too. Maybe you’ll forget that. Want me to write it down for you?” A little miffed, he replies, “I’ve got it! Ice cream, raspberries and chocolate sauce. I don’t need it written down, for gosh sakes!” He waddles out to the the kitchen. A half hour later, he comes back with a plate of ham and scrambled eggs, and gives it to his wife. She stares at the plate a few seconds, then says, “You forgot my toast.”

It’s easy to identify people who can’t count to ten. They’re in front of you in the supermarket express lane. M.Grundler

Revolution - October 2017

41


GRAFTON REGIONAL GALLERY What’s On

The Grafton Regional Gallery continues to bring an exciting exhibition program for both Clarence Valley residents and visitors over the summer months. The Clarence Valley Indigenous Art Award (CVIAA) is on show until December 9. Held every two years, the CVIAA supports Indigenous arts and culture in our region as well as developing the collection of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art held by the Grafton Regional Gallery. Winner of the 2015 CVIAA, Penny Evans, has presented a solo exhibition to accompany this year’s award. The Grafton Art Club is celebrating their 50th anniversary with their exhibition ‘Landscapes of the Clarence’, and ‘Collection: Grafton Art Club.’ The Gallery has on show their complete collection of photographs by John William Lindt in ‘Collection: Photographs Are Never Still’ to complement the publication of the major Lindt research book ‘Photographs Are Never Still.’ This significant publication looking into the stories of the Lindt photographs is available for purchase from the Gallery shop. Over the Christmas period until January 27, we will present the second instalment in The Bridges exhibitions, with our Clarence Valley artists responding to the development and construction of the new bridges in our Valley. ‘The Bridges: The Second Year’ will show alongside ‘Without Consent’, on tour from the National Archives of Australia, works from Clarence Valley HSC Visual Arts Students, and a historical exhibition looking at the Grafton Bridge. Grafton Regional Gallery is a cultural service of the Clarence Valley Council.

25 October – 9 December 2017 - Clarence Valley Indigenous Art Award - Penny Evans: Winner of the 2015 CVIAA - Landscapes of the Clarence: Celebrating 50 Years of the Grafton Art Club - Collection: Photographs Are Never Still - Collection: Grafton Art Club UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

JW Lindt Mary Ann of Ulmarra 1873

13 December 2017 – 27 January 2018 - Without Consent - HSC Visual Arts Students - The Bridges: The Second Year - Visionary Spans: History of the Grafton Bridge

Jim Cross Boss Rooster 2012

Grafton Regional Gallery is located at 158 Fitzroy Street, Grafton - 6642 3177 Email: gallery@clarence.nsw.gov.au Opening Hours: 10am-4pm Tuesday-Saturday (closed Sun/Mon)

42

October 2017 - Revolution

Northern Rivers Community Gallery - Ballina

ARTS & CULTURE

Upcoming Exhibitions These exhibitions open Wednesday 15 November 2017 and continue until Sunday 17 December 2017. The official launch event is Thursday 16 November from 5.30pm – 7.30pm and all are welcome to attend.

liminal | Kate Dambach Kate creates moments with paint to express an in-between. Utilizing saturated color, glazing layers and subtle shifts, the artist creates an emotive experience through paint. The works are a meditation on the pause at the end of the breath. Drawing inspiration from the vast wilderness that takes your breath away.

Homage to Home | Sharon McIlwain Created in response to familiar places and spaces, Sharon's paintings are an intuitive exploration which reflect her deep respect and admiration for the local surroundings. Her landscapes are worked from photography, plein air paintings, drawings and collective memories.

Winds of Change | David Robson With a specialty is watercolour, David's style has been compared to the classic Ukiyo-e period of Japanese woodcut prints. His theme is ‘flight’ and the changes represented by flying machines that first appeared in the skies over Imperial Japan at the turn of the twentieth century.

Seven Years in Solitude | Anna Nordstrom The artist uses discarded domestic building material in the form of historical linoleum and pressed metal exploring the notion of ‘homecoming’ – referring to our emotional and spiritual home as well as our place in the landscape. A deeply personal body of work culminating in seven years of the artist re-discovering self alone in her studio.

All exhibitions open Wednesday 10 January 2017 and continue until Sunday 4 Febuary 2018. The official launch event is Thursday 11 January from 5.30pm – 7.30pm and all are welcome to attend.

Dans le jardin | Wanda Hitch & Lorraine Spring Wanda and Lorraine view life like a garden of delights. These expressive artworks capture the variances of colour and form of flowers which can be translated to a particular type of personality.

Dreaming | Group Exhibition Dreaming features works by five Northern Rivers artists, Julia Curtis, Jasmine Phillips, Jill Runciman and Rebecca Tapscott, exploring the ways in which the subconscious manifests itself through dreams. This multi-disciplinary exhibition delves into the depths of the dreaming mind and how our thoughts, desires, memories and fears often jarringly juxtapose against the world of physical reality. Things I saw today | PAN (Practising Artists Network) Group Exhibition A group exhibition themed upon the theme ‘Things I saw today’. Each artist has reflected upon and interperated the theme to produce a personal response to something or things they have seen today. The Northern Rivers Community Gallery is located at 44 Cherry Street Ballina and is open Wednesday to Friday from 10am until 4pm and weekends from 9.30am until 2.30pm. For further information contact the Gallery on telephone 02 6681 6167 or visit www. nrcgballina.com

North Coast Seniors


ARTS & CULTURE

Jetty Theatre

337 Harbour Drive COFFS HARBOUR

Menopause the Musical Inspired by a hot flush and a bottle of wine, Jeanie Linders created Menopause the Musical as a celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived ‘The Change’. Since its first performance, the show has evolved as a ‘grassroots’ movement of women who deal with life after 40 and all the challenges they conquer mentally, physically and spiritually. Do you think that 500,000 Australian women could be wrong? We don’t think so. After all, that is how many have seen this hilarious show over the last two and a half years. And they love it! So much so, many of the audience members have come back time and time again to join with their sisters in this 90 minute, one act laugh-a-thon! Maybe the attraction is the songs that everyone grew up with – The Great Pretender, Only You, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Stand by Your Man, I Will Survive and twenty more – all sung with gusto and all with their ‘new’ lyrics. Or maybe it is the realisation that there is a wonderful life waiting after ‘The Change.’

The Sound of Music Come and see for yourself. We guarantee that you will leave the theatre uplifted and joyous. Duration: 80 mins- no interval Showing: Saturday 16 December Times: 8pm Ticket Prices: Adults: $65 Conc: $60 Groups 10+: $57 Price includes booking fee For more information visit http://jettytheatre.com/ menopause-the-musical/

NORPA Lady Beatle The Little Red Company Friday 10 & Saturday 11 November 7.30pm Lady Beatle weaves a fictitious narrative about the women who inspired many of British pop royalty The Beatles’ most famous songs, including Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, Eleanor Rigby, She Loves You and Yesterday. From the creators of smash hit Australian works Rumour Has It and Wrecking Ball comes the must-see live music event of the year: Lady Beatle – a modern memory play set to a kaleidoscopic soundtrack of the Beatles’ most monumental hits. Starring 2017 Green Room

Duration is 80 minutes. Tickets: $20-55 NORPA at Lismore City Hall www.norpa.org.au

The Rhythms of Ireland Presented by Raglan Road

North Coast Seniors

Duration: 2.5 hours + 20 min interval For show times and further information and to buy tickets visit www.jettytheatre.com/sound-of-music

The Ultimate Eagles Experience

Award winner Naomi Price (Ladies in Black, The Voice Australia) and inspired by true accounts, Lady Beatle weaves a fantastical tale told through the eyes of the Beatles’ biggest fan. Rediscover the Beatles’ immortal catalogue as new, reimagined and reinterpreted through sparkling original arrangements, with all the hits including Eleanor Rigby, Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, Here Comes the Sun, Yellow Submarine and more. With an electrifying live band, psychedelic lighting and dazzling special effects, Lady Beatle delivers an exceptional night out for Beatles fans young and old. Suitable for all ages. Low level coarse language.

Ireland’s most celebrated show, The Rhythms of Ireland, will return to Australia in 2017 on their worldwide “10 year anniversary tour”. Following the highly-successful and critically acclaimed previous sell-out Australian and World Tour’s, Ireland’s most celebrated and elite company of dancers, The Rhythms of Ireland, return with their awe-inspiring and innovative production to Australia. The Rhythms of Ireland has been seen by over two-million worldwide amassing an unsurpassed reputation of their “stunning executed performances”. The incomparable quality and pure unadulterated spectacle of their work perfectly blends the ancient traditions of Irish dance and music with

Showing: Friday 3 – Sunday 26 November Ticket Prices: Adult $28, Conc $23, Child U16 $20, Groups 10+ $20, Family $76 All Wednesday performances $20 All tix plus $2 booking fee

Presented by WD & SD Hughes Saturday 18 November 2017 8.00pm The Ultimate Eagles Experience is a tribute show that delivers a captivating 2 hour live concert recreating the synonymous country rock sound of the Eagles. Performing all the classic Eagles hits including ‘Desperado’, ‘Take It Easy’, ‘New Kid In Town’, ‘Take It To The Limits’, ‘Heartache Tonight’ and the legendary ‘Hotel California’, amongst many more with a mix of solo hits of members Don Henley, Joe Walsh and the late Glenn Frey. Get set to be enthralled as the signature harmonies and musicianship of the Eagles are recreated to perfection. The Ultimate Eagles Experience is a concert performance not to be missed. Duration | 2hrs 20 mins – including interval

Tickets $40-45 + booking fee Theatre, Lismore City Hall NORPA PRESENTS A LITTLE RED COMPANY & LA BOITE PRODUCTION

Lady Beatle An original pop culture cabaret about the women who inspired The Beatles’ most famous songs.

Monday 13 November 7.30pm

the innovative and flawlessly choreographed production values of contemporary Irish excellence. Experience a spectacular evening of traditional Irish dance, music and song enhanced by stunning costumes, lighting and sound. This is indeed, The Rhythms of Ireland. The Real Culture, The real Passion!! Simply not to be missed, Book Now. Duration | 120 minutes (20min interval) Tickets: $64.90 - $69.90 + booking fee Lismore City Hall www.lismorecityhall.com.au

Book today — norpa.org.au or 1300 066 772

Revolution - October 2017

43


SPORT

FRIENDS OF THE SURF

|COL HENNESSY

Living by the sea but not sure about going to the beach and enjoying the surf?

(above) Libby Cotter who first started the group Friends of the Surf. Image: Geoff Helisma (below and below right) There is more than just surfing as the group enjoys not only the surf but the friendships as well. Images: Contributed

You need to go down to the seaside and introduce yourself to Friends of the Surf who meet at Turner’s Beach, Yamba every Saturday morning at 8.30am. There you will find a very welcoming group of people, instigated by Libby Cotter who has been helping people of all ages enjoy the surf for the past ten years. It is a very independent group with no allegiance to any particular body. There is no membership as such, no club fees and no paperwork. There is no commitment required and it has an important social dimension as well. They meet for coffee after their hour on the beach. That includes the ‘fair weather surfers’ as

well as the ‘parking lot surfers’, which as the names suggest only go into the water if conditions are appealing. They choose to simply walk in the water for the exercise involved rather than venture further to more challenging depths. On a more serious note there is the opportunity to learn how to surf as well. Long boards, kneeboards and boogie boards are available or you can simply learn how to body surf, all under some supervision of more experienced adults. Then there is the matter of surf safety when you will be given instruction on how to identify rips and dumpers as well as how to react in difficult situations. They have their own lifeguard present (thanks Bruce) but he hasn’t been needed up till now. As a group “we look after each other” says Libby. On a good day there will be up

to twenty or more people present (mostly mature age) and half that if the weather is not ideal. Apart from the exercise, the white water and salt is viewed as a healthy spa in a natural setting. It’s all good exercise, good for your sinus and eyes. It certainly clears your head I find. Essentially it is a social group and any newcomers will be ‘embraced by the group as a whole’ says Libby. One lady had not been in the surf for forty years and was so thrilled with her first visit she couldn’t wait to get home and ring the family. So there you have it. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy one of our greatest natural assets. At the same time you will make some new friends and all this while you are enhancing your health. If you cannot ‘hang ten’ with your toes at least hang five (fingers) with Libby and the group and say hello.

Play croquet at Yamba Bowling Club Did you ever think you would like to try the increasingly popular game of croquet? Well join us and scratch that itch. We play on Wednesday at the Yamba Bowling Club commencing at 8.30am till 11.00am. Equipment is supplied and the cost is $12.00, players 12 to 17 $5.00 must be accompanied by an adult. No experience is necessary and very little fitness is required. You will be taught the basic game of ‘Golf Croquet’. More experienced players will find the courts excellent and willing players to ‘take them on’.

44

October 2017 - Revolution

We are a young club and are looking for new members. While we score our games we are more interested in having fun than who wins and loses. However having said that, the game is not just about hitting the ball through the hoop. It is also a defensive game where you can hit the opponents ball away if they are in a good position. It is interesting to see the disappointment on the faces of the new players when they first get hit away from a great position but believe me it doesn’t take long for them to catch on and the satisfaction on their faces

as they smash the opposition away later on is a joy. It doesn’t take the new players long before they are regularly beating the more experienced players and as a more experienced player who is regularly getting beaten all I can say is “who cares? Damn!” The club has plenty of parking and great amenities and some players adjourn to the lounge area for coffee and cake and a catch up after the games. See you at croquet at the Bowlo. For more information contact Ros Higgins on 6646 0235 for details. Graham Schubert

North Coast Seniors


SPORT

CROQUET ITALIANO AT LISMORE Lismore Croquet Club joined in the lieto evento of Piazza in the Park for una giornata splendida of friendship and merriement at Spink’s Park to welcome in the 2017 spring, and to celebrate our city’s links with our Italian sister city Conegliano. Not yet a widespread part of the Italian life-style, croquet made the leap across the cultural gap to mix in with the Ducati, Bocce and fine wines with goodwill on every hand. Visitors unnumbered made their way to Lismore Croquet Club’s lawns where sample lessons in Golf Croquet were served garnished with generous quantities of smiles – Italian style. Amongst the happiest people

of the day – the gente felice – were the members of Lismore Croquet Club who enjoyed the warm glow of spreading friendship in an atmosphere rich with joy and laughter. If you are interested in knowing more about croquet or, better still, if you would like to play, please call in at the clubhouse on a Monday, Wednesday or Thursday morning. We are in Molesworth Street, adjacent to Spinks Park, between the Fire Station and Elgas. Our telephone number is 02 6622 6030 and our email is lismorecroquetclub@gmail. com. Club Captain Fay Ross is on 02 6622 3776. Lismore Croquet Club has no age discrimination barriers and youngsters in their 60s or even less are quite welcome.

Clarence River U3a Golf Croquet at the Yamba Sports Field

Norma King plays her first-ever winning shot, watched by club hostesses Merle Larson and Carmel Ryan, and with cheerful goodwill from Marion Lynn

Ayla and Connor Goetjes took to the game very quickly. Images: Contributed

Casino Croquet Club

The big dry is making our challenging greens fast and furious, groans of “can you believe that?” and “oh no, how did I miss that ?” the catch-cry. Tactical play, snooker shots and much retrieving of belted balls the order of the day, all in good humour and lots of laughter. We consistently field around thirty players each week, most play at least three games on the three courts allowing six teams of four at any one time. We concentrate on having fun, celebrate great shots and enjoy each other’s company. Croquet is becoming very popular in

the Clarence Valley with groups playing at Coutts Crossing, Iluka, two at Yamba and now Lawrence allowing play somewhere every day. We are working to facilitate regular friendship days between groups, helping to brush up skills and techniques. Please join us for a workout for body and mind against a backdrop of coastal rainforest on Tuesday mornings commencing at 8.30 am, no experience necessary, all equipment provided, covered shoes, a hat and water are all you need. Cost is $5. Contact Ros on 6646 0235.

(left and right) Our Championship Winners. Images Contributed

Casino Croquet Club continues to have a calendar full of friendship and fun playing Golf Croquet on our greens just over the bridge. In late August several of our members participated in The Northern Rivers Croquet Tournament in Lismore with two of our senior ladies, Beryl Kosters and Dulcie Masterman, taking out the OBE crown for another year.

Leonie Condon gained a Runners Up flag in one of the singles competition. Casino Club is hosting the Presentation Day for this Tournament this year on 30th October 2017 and we welcome players from the Northern Rivers to attend. We held our Club Championships in September. Singles Champion was Jacqui Conway with Denise Haydon Runner Up.

Join In

from Iluka and a visit to Coutts Crossing. Our year will conclude with a Christmas Party on December 13 at a venue to be arranged. We are always happy to welcome new players - male or female to come and enjoy this easy to play and socially pleasant game. For further information contact Denise on 02 6662 6014 or Mary on 02 6662 1971. Jean Andrew

For more information on walking groups in your town visit www.heartfoundation.org.au or call 1300 36 27 87.

YAMBA MORNING WALK GROUP Meeting Point: Ford Park Ferry Terminal Walk Organiser: Ronald Contact: 02 6646 2096 Duration: 45-60 min Walk Times: Monday 07:30, Friday 07:30 ILUKA WALKERS GROUP Meeting Point: Bayside Exercise Equipment Walk Organiser: Colin Contact: 0416 814 911 Duration: 45-60 min Walk Times: Monday 07:30, Wednesday 07:30, Friday 07:30

North Coast Seniors

Jacqui then teamed up with Jean Andrews to take out the doubles champion while Joan Dawson and Barbara were Runners Up. As well as our usual Monday and Wednesday mornings playing days we enjoy visiting other clubs. On October 19th October several of our players attended the Alstonville Friendship Day. During November we are planning a visit

BALLINA VILLAGE PEOPLE WALKING GROUP Meeting Point: Alternates each week Walk Organiser: Kay Contact: 0400 338 991 Duration: 45-60 min Walk Times: Thursday 08:00 TWEED HEADS WALKING GROUP Meeting Point: Tweed Hospital Walk Organiser: Graham Contact: 07 5523 2141 Duration: 45-60 min Walk Times: Saturday 08:00 LENNOX HEAD WALKERS Meeting Point: Ross Park (opposite Post Office) Walk Organiser: Liz Contact: 0411 544 004 Duration: 60 min Walk Times: Friday 06:30

Join In

CROQUET CLUB CONTACTS URUNGA - Rosemary Lloyd - 6655 1341 SAWTELL –Helen Chambers -6651 5541 WOOLGOOLGA – Jenny Burgess – 6656 1100 COUTTS CROSSING – Peter Marin – 6649 5109 YAMBA - Ros Higgins -6646 0235 ILUKA - Graeme McIntyre – 0404 837 544 CASINO – Margaret Fardell -6662 6509 LISMORE –Elaine McCormack – 6628 0685 BALLINA -Helen Young -6628 0682 BALLINA – Jan Copeland – 6686 8784 ALSTONVILLE – Mary Weingrath – 6628 6583 BYRON BAY - Graeme Tucker - 6680 8804

Revolution - October 2017

45


CROSSWORD

KEEPING YOUR BRAIN ACTIVE 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

19

9

10

11

32

35

36

51

57

58

38

52

59

54 61

34

47

48

55

62

63

66

64

67 71

74 77

18

40 46

53

70

76

39

60

65 69

33

45

50

56

68

37

44

49

17

28

31

43

16

25

27

30

15

24

26

42

14 21

23

41

13

20

22

29

12

72

73

75

78

79

80

81

82 83

84

85

86

98 104

87

89

90

91

99

105

100

106

114

88

107

108

115

121 122

123

130

131

94

95

101 110

111

118

119

124

125

126

127 128

134

135

146

147

149

159

160

161

150

129 137

141

148 155 156

120

136

140 145

97

112 113

117

133

96

102 103

116

132

144

158

93

109

138 139 143

92

142

151

152

153

154

157 162

163

164

165

166 167

168

169

170

171 175

177

178 184

189

191

187

193

194 195 202

207 211

222

1 Building material 5 Uncovered 12 Male animals 16 Knaves 19 Weird 20 Fetch back 21 Hidden store 22 Piece of ore 23 A passage 24 Lift up 25 Very sad 26 Waited 27 Australian city

203

209 213

October 2017 - Revolution

199

210

214 218 221

224

57 Mitigates 60 A tropical herb 63 Light women’s gown 66 Entitlements 68 Careful with money 70 Affixes new tag 71 Hurrying 72 Regret 74 A metal 76 Spoke highly of 78 What is sent out 79 Make lawful 80 Made lawful again 82 Harass 83 Paced 87 Tying up an animal

198

204

220

28 Blue 29 Leg bands 31 Sketch out 32 Look over ledgers 33 Handcuff 35 A love affair 36 Non-resident 39 Planet’s path 41 Teeth experts 44 Nominates 45 Behind at sea 46 Amazes 49 Voices thoughts 51 More strenuous 54 Burst inwardly 56 Goods made

197

217

223

ACROSS

188

208

216 219

174

183

196

212

215

46

192

201

206

182

186

200 205

181

185

173

176

179 180

190

172

91 Eyeglasses 95 Violinist 98 Dispatch from country 100 A whale 102 Speak out 104 Give freely 106 Ancient gorgon 108 A sprite 109 Notice 110 Important 112 Metal fasteners 114 Cricket trophy 116 Rationed 117 Cigarettes (coll) 118 Type of play

225

119 Acid compound 121 A tree product 124 Of sound 125 Graven symbol 126 Oil of roses 127 Runs quickly 130 Give way to 131 Be sorry about 133 Plant bristle 134 Little bit 135 Of course 137 Different one 138 Girl’s name 140 Obtains 141 Take to use 143 A relative by

marriage 145 Mystifies 149 Sugary taste 152 Most timid 155 Church district 158 One who appeals 160 Of a certain area 162 Home favourite 164 Domineering 166 Lost pace 167 Track athlete 170 Together again 171 Fall into decay (2,2,4) 172 Huge 175 Items for discussion

North Coast Seniors


CROSSWORD 177 Acted as cornerman 179 Motor expert 181 Lose friendship 183 Gardeners 184 Leave a union 186 Melons 187 Hope to get 189 Set apart 191 A sausage 194 Christian festival 197 Assess 200 Headquarters 201 Remove by suction 204 Answer 205 A rest 207 Is short of 208 Shakespearean lover 209 Smiles weakly 211 Type of dog 212 Mexican dish 213 Fashion move 215 Food relish 216 Female relative 217 Chirp 218 Movement 219 Find an answer 220 Come down again 221 Wear away 222 Drenches 223 Powders 224 A tatter 225 Widen

DOWN

53 Have good food (3,4) 55 Householder 56 Sportsmen 58 Supreme 59 Book of maps 61 Brown pigment 62 From Portugal or Spain 64 Slim 65 Gave praise 67 Cause sorrow 69 Large squad 73 Strong-smelling 74 Music and words 75 Spin round 77 Holly tree 81 Long tale 84 Most saving 85 Favourites 86 Small coin 88 Leading teacher 89 Putting in new position 90 Sewing bag 92 Put in the shade 93 Small monument 94 Of horse events 95 Is suitable 96 Small valley 97 Teaches 99 Abated 100 Tendering 101 Attacks

1 Controlled 2 Tense 3 Finishes work 4 Shabby 5 Stoop (4,4) 6 Speak to again 7 Far off 8 Maker 9 Thoroughfare 10 Proved wrong 11 Judges a case again 12 Cow colour 13 Mentally withdrawn 14 Wild cow 15 Pain 16 Take back statement 17 A fruit 18 Eye holders 30 Formed by heat 34 Small cafe 35 Snakes 37 Guide 38 Titled people 40 Light touches 42 Harden 43 Walks unsteadily 47 Unable to reply 48 From former days 50 First in 52 Like a mule

103 Biased 105 General demeanour 107 Top position 111 Steered 113 Take in charge 115 Sibilant sound 120 A layer 122 Goes wrong 123 Heavy metal 128 First man 129 Carry 132 Artists 136 A convenience 139 Cry as a wolf 142 Throw 143 Bandages 144 Beg 146 Treated cruelly 147 Being put inside 148 Mineral springs 149 Wearing shoes 150 Heavy weather feature 151 Pushes out 153 Street edges 154 Bank workers 156 Quickly in music 157 Herded into shelter 159 Most ventilated 161 The deep 163 Wash thoroughly 165 Tastes 168 Cooking instructions

169 Large ship 173 Middle East desert 174 Repeat 175 Protection 176 A helpful part 178 Action 180 Young birds 182 One who throttles 183 A victim 185 Sent out 188 Sprinkled with shot 189 Scratched 190 Unworldly 192 Slaves 193 Overcomes 195 Fills with air 196 Building materials 198 Cut shorter 199 Essential bit 202 Church district 203 Apportions 206 Olden spears 210 Part of flower 211 Young horse 214 Let fall

How did you go?

Solutions: Page 50

GO YOUR OWN WAY

D MAX 4X4 LS-U D-MAX LS U CREW CAB UTE

$44,990 0

DRIVE AWAY

#

MU-X U 4X4 LS-T S AUTO U O

7-SEAT S SUV UV AWAY $52,990 $ 0 DRIVE

*

The pumped-up Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X are stand out performers on or off-road. With the legendary Isuzu 3-litre turbo diesel engine, a beefed up 430Nm of torque and an intuitive 6-speed transmission across the range. Coupled with a Terrain Command 4WD system and outstanding towing capacity, the D-MAX and MU-X have everything you need to pump up any adventure. GO YOUR OWN WAY!

Discover the Isuzu D-MAX & MU-X at your Isuzu UTE Dealer or isuzuute.com.au

HURRY TO COFFS COAST ISUZU UTE TODAY 1B TOLHURST PLACE, COFFS HARBOUR www.coffscoastisuzuute.com.au

PH (02) 6648 3533

5-star ANCAP safety rating on all MU-X models and 4x4 D-MAX Crew Cab models built from November 2013 onwards and 4x2 D-MAX Crew Cab High Ride models built from November 2014 onwards. #Private & ABN holders only on 17MY vehicles. Manual transmission. Metallic/mica paint $450 extra. Available until 31/12/17, unless extended, varied or while stocks last. *Private & ABN holders only on 17MY vehicles. Metallic/mica/pearl paint $450 extra. Available until 31/12/17, unless extended, varied or while stocks last. ^5 years/130,000km whichever occurs first, for eligible customers. Excludes trays and accessories. >The Capped Price Servicing Program (“CPS Program�) applies to Eligible Vehicles with a Warranty Start Date on or after 1/1/15 at Participating Isuzu UTE Dealers only. The 5 years Capped Price Servicing covers the first 5 Scheduled Services for 16.5MY and later vehicle models for up to 5 years/50,000km (whichever occurs first). CPS Program is subject to change. For full terms & conditions and current pricing visit isuzuute.com.au/service-plus.

North Coast Seniors

Revolution - October 2017

47


TRAVEL

Great Indeed |JILL WEEKS

Think of Lorne in Victoria, and it’s likely that images of the Great Ocean Road come to mind. Often referred to as one of the ‘must do’ drives in Australia, the Great Ocean Road starts at Torquay and finishes at the seaside village of Port Fairy (once known as ‘Belfast’).

The Great Ocean Road. Photographer: Robert Blackburn Image Courtesy: Visit Victoria

It’s a wonderful memorial to the soldiers of World War 1, and many returned soldiers also worked on the construction of the road. From world-class surfing beaches to native wildlife, there is so much to see along the way. Many drivers take a slight detour in Anglesea to the golf course to see the unofficial ‘green- keepers’. The kangaroos that lay claim to the course laze about usually ignoring the clicks of iPhones and cameras, with only an occasional interest in the tourists. Around a few more corners is the town of Aireys Inlet, home to the Split Point Lighthouse which was first illuminated in 1891. If you don’t mind heights take a lighthouse tour. Settler John Airey would be impressed with the many outdoor activities available today in the area such as canoeing, surfing, and mountain biking. It’s tempting after a stop at Lorne to keep driving along the Great Ocean Road, however, a detour from the Road is worthwhile. Drive up the Deans Marsh Road and 40 minutes later you will arrive at the small town of Birregurra. Historic buildings line the main street and you can imagine life in the 1860’s when one of the buildings was a Cobb and Co coaching station (it’s now a beautifully restored as a bed and breakfast establishment). Don’t be fooled by its size, this town packs a punch. The gourmet restaurant, Brae, is a few minutes down the road and this year was included in the world’s 50 best restaurants. Its location is perfect as the locals proudly claim to have some of the best lamb, beef and certified grass seed in the country. Continue to the tiny town of Forrest, which

Grand Pacific Hotel, Lorne Photographer: Robert Blackburn Image Courtesy: Visit Victoria

48

October 2017 - Revolution

is a popular area for mountain bike riders and those who want to sample the fare at the Brewing Company. Nearby Lake Elizabeth has been described as the ‘Jewel Of The Otways’ with hiking, walking and canoeing being favourite activities. Next head down to the ocean, passing through the scenic rainforest, with huge trees and abundant ferns. Turn left when you arrive at the Great Ocean Road and a few minutes later you arrive at Apollo Bay. The Twelve Apostles at sunset. Photographer: Mr Kyeong Woo Kim town has been increasingly Image Courtesy: Visit Victoria attractive to retirees and the morning I visited quite a few of them were having coffee at the famous bakery: ‘home of the scallop pie on the Great Ocean Road’. Fishing is a popular pastime and its always interesting walking around the harbour. There’s relaxing walks and its worthwhile wandering up to Marriners Lookout for a majestic view of this pristine area. There’s so much to see along this section of the Great Ocean Road. The next part of the journey is a story for another day. Jill Weeks is the author of 21 Ways To Retire and co-author of Where To Retire In Australia and Retire Bizzi. She is a regular contributor to ABC radio.

Lorne Photographer: Robert Blackburn Image Courtesy: Visit Victoria

Wye River Photographer: Robert Blackburn Image Courtesy: Visit Victoria

This is Australia‘s number one retirement lifestyle book. The Weeks’ have visited over 200 locations around Australia to come up with the best Australia has to offer and included tips, the hotspots and local knowledge. Two editions of Where To Retire In Australia have proved popular with practical advice, tips, maps, great photographs and covers recreation, real estate, climate, shopping, dining, transport, retirement villages, pet ownership… to name but a few of the essential topics they cover. The enterprising couple have travelled thousands of kilometres around Australia to find the best retirement spots. To purchase a copy visit www.where2now.net

North Coast Seniors


TRAVEL

South Australia

• best unknown destination • Australia has some of the best Islands in the world and I would class Kangaroo Island as one that is right up there. Not your typical Island paradise, Kangaroo Island has a lot more to offer than a normal island. Its geographical location, down off the coast of South Australia, makes it unique in the type of wildlife that it attracts; and the weather at different times of the year can be extreme. This has helped shape the island to what is it today. If you love your photography, then this should be on your bucket list. Kangaroo Island is rich in history. British explorer, Matthew Flinders, landed near Kangaroo Head on Dudley Peninsula in 1802. French explorer, Nicolas Baudin, followed soon after, and mapped most of the island. Kangaroo Island became Australia's first free settlement, with sealers, escaped convicts and runaway sailors calling the island home. In July 1836, the barque Duke of York anchored on the island and began the first formal settlement in South Australia. At its peak, some 300 people lived on the island and 42 dwellings and other buildings were constructed. While the formal settlement lasted just four years, some persistent individuals stayed on and formed the basis of a community that still prides itself on a strong sense of independence. Today, life on Kangaroo Island is a lot easier, but it still boasts unspoiled white beaches, gourmet food and wines and a real holiday spirit.

Cape Willoughby Lightouse Image: Ben Goode

Access to the Island is very easy, it is a 30 minute flight from Adelaide, and Melbourne has just started direct flights with Qantas; or it’s a couple of hours by road from Adelaide. Sealink operates a ferry service daily from the mainland to the Island. The ferry will allow you to take your vehicle on it; however, because space is limited it is always a good idea to reserve a place. If you arrive by air, it is important to know that there is limited public transport: a twice daily service operated between Penneshaw, America River and Kingscote, so I would recommend you hire a vehicle. The island is world renowned for its gourmet food and good wines; you could quite easily spend a week on the island visiting all the little wineries and food outlets. There will be famers markets on somewhere around the island most weekends, so a good idea would be to check with the tourist information centre, and they will let you know. Try all what farmers markets have to offer, fresh local produce. If wine is something you are partial to then you’ll enjoy what the island has to offer. There are many wineries on the island and you will find that most have a cellar door for tasting their home grown products. The island is thriving with wildlife and, with a lot of the island under national parks; you have the opportunity to see the critically endangered Kangaroo Island dunnart, which shares its environment with native goanna and snake species, six unique types of bat and six frog species specific to Kangaroo Island. Australian sea lions and New Zealand fur seals live around Seal Bay and Admirals Arch. Penguins, sharks and, if you like your fishing, there aren’t too many better spots, you just need a good pair of sea legs as it can get a little bit rough at times. Driving around the island you will come across some B & Bs, but the majority of the accommodation is located between Penneshaw, America River and Kingscote. The accommodation standards are the same as you might find in, say, Melbourne or Sydney. Hotels will range from your budget up to your spoil-yourself option. If you want something a bit different for your next holiday, then seriously consider trying Kangaroo Island as an option. The locals are more than happy to give you some ideas of places to go and places to eat.

Grafton Travel Agency THE TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS Grafton Travel Agency has been servicing the travel needs of the Clarence Valley for over 60 years. We are a member of ATAS and an Associate Member of Helloworld Travel.

Find us at: 48 Prince Street, Grafton NSW (02) 6642 3777 | mail@graftontravel.com.au

Seal Bay Conservation Park Image: Ben Goode

Cliff House, LifeTime Private Retreats Image: Melissa Koh

Admirals Arch Image: Drea Chong

Enchanted Fig Tree Lunch - LifeTime Private Retreats Image: Copyright SATC

Domestic Flights International Flights

Domestic Accommodation International Accommodation

Domestic Cruising International Cruising

Local Coach Services Group Touring

Countrylink & QLD Rail International Trains

Day Tours Car Hire & Transfers

Foreign Currency & Visas Money Travel Cards

Travel Insurance Travel Accessories and more!

6662695aa

North Coast Seniors

Revolution - October 2017

49


TRAVEL

Welcome to Globus When you tour with Globus you're choosing a company with over 89 years of expertise in planning itineraries and guiding holidays around the world. A family owned business, we have defined the way travellers experience the world. Our story begins on a spring day in 1928... While using his family rowboat to transport lumber across beautiful Lake Lugano in Switzerland, Antonio Mantegazza became inspired to share the stories and legends of his home with others. He soon began transporting tourists via rowboat acrosss the lake, sharing stories of local sights along the way. Following the success of this operation, Mantegazza quickly expanded the business. Rowboats grew to motorboats that progressed to land with a fleet of motorcoaches. Mantegazza soon pioneered the concept of escorted 'first class' touring around Europe. Over the years, Globus continued to introduce successful touring packages to new markets in Australia, New Zealand and Canada and in 1981 Globus launched its first class packages of the United States and Canada. Today Globus remains family-owned, still representing the values Mantegazza had when crossing Lake Lugano—to enlighten travellers by showing them the very best a destination has to offer.

“ITALIA MIA” |MARTA FERGUSSON

Let me take you on a journey through “Italia Mia” – My Italy. A country rich in history, music, art, food, wine, fashion and love for family. I could go on and on, but I am probably not telling you something you don’t already know about this beautiful country. Born into a family of Italian immigrants who settled in Australia in 1956 following the safe return of my Nonno (Grandfather) having served for Italy in World War II; I grew up surrounded by a loving family, lots of amazing food and knowing only how to speak Italian until I went to pre-school. My Italian heritage has always been very important to me and having had the privilege to travel to Italy numerous times throughout my life to visit our very large extended family and friends, I have always felt at home. But it’s not just the blood connection that I have with Italy, it is the wonder and beauty of the land itself that continually draws me to visit and explore somewhere new every time. As a Personal Travel Manager, it is my job to tailor holidays that suit your needs. To ensure that every piece of the puzzle is perfectly connected, so that all you have left to do is pack. When visiting a place like Italy, especially if it is your first time, one of the best ways to ensure you cover as much ground as possible, is to go on a coach tour. My family and I, even though

Crossword Solution C O V E R E D C H O W D E R A

P S E C R E T S T A P I O C A

A U C H E N I M E P E A I S T S H I L V V E R U I S P E E V E N L I B I A S R T E M S E S T N T U D A O N T U X A M N U N B U R A C L A S T R B T U E M O R

50

U S P C E C A T R R E I L I L S E L R A I L

T O A D E I N E R T E S A

H L U M P S T S S C A E R N E R A Y E R T S S I A A R A M O L M T A O A T C I L I C E D A N D E R N E A A M S E A O R S I H L S W P E E L E A L T

B M E N I E F W I C V E H E X A D L A U N D O N A G E R R E W I A R D E A D S T A E L E A N T V E D

O R E P C E A L L I R N A G N C E H E M R S T E U R R O R I U S E L D E V E E R L A G A E R R L O G D A N C R E

E S M T A Q R I N T R A D I R E D U O P M P U R E R N O S T I E T L P T E D T P B U L S I O N D E R E L Y E E V A P O I L S T E A H G L O O I L E S D B E A S T A I N D E T T D N S I E S T E U L R D E N E A O G U E S A S T A N G S D A I E E D Y R E A G S D

B L U A C A D N R D I T I O L A E R A T E A A T H E R C A L E V E R S T N O D I E S N S P E L E T E D P A L M E A M D A W N A D N I T O M B I L O C O R E A M P A I R A C I T O L I D T N E A S E D R S E S S I S T E O P P E R N V R E D A L U D S E M E N H D

October 2017 - Revolution

W C E D E H E T E A M S N T T E N T E R S E O S T R A Y E T I T U D N N W A N D E P R A T T E R S R E S S E E I V P L E R O V E R O E G B R R A I S L E T I E E D N S S E S S P S T E R N E A V E R Y D T E A H O R S A A R N E D S A D P U P I L E P E C L I M B T N A S G A G

A R E C O O R L D E R R E P R E I S E D U N D R U D G X E O R B S C U L R E D H A U C K A S A W E S

E C M B E R B E L S V M I E R C O V E A T A S L I P I R A R O N L O T T A E P R A S H A L E A R R E S E L L O I S T M P T U S A G S B A I S C A M P A E L D I S D O L E E R E A D V A L E C H E L I E C H E E L K E

A V O R T O R N I G M A C I N E R A L E E R P A I D O L P P I N G E G R R A N G E U A E R I E S A E L L I E D E X F I S T S T S R S A U N L E E I D I O M E U D N E S S A E E R V A N K A S S E N T W N O A N D E R M L I S E R S S U A S S I S H P R E A T E E N X P E N D

we are technically ‘locals’, have been on four different coach tours and seen parts of the country that we would not normally have been able to visit as easily on our own. It is for this reason that I am extremely proud as a Personal Travel Manager to have partnered with the Globus family of brands and to offer you the opportunity to see parts of “Italia Mia” in the most comfortable, affordable and time efficient way possible. My family comes from the province of Benevento, which is south-west of Naples. The 9 Day Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy Tour that Globus offers is practically in my backyard. You may know that the pizza originated in Naples, but did you know that the very first pizza ever created which is known as the Margherita (tomatoes, mozzarella and basil) was made in 1889, by local Neapolitan Chef Raffaele Esposito following a visit from the then Queen and King of Savoy to Naples? The Queen’s name was Margherita and the three ingredients used on the pizza represent the colours of the Italian flag, Red, White and Green. The pizza was made by Chef Raffaele to honour the Queen and his country, after all if it’s two things that all Italian men enjoy most, is honouring their women and country! Put that all into something

else that all Italians enjoy, good food and you have something that has become a household name in popular cuisine all over the world. My Nonna (Grandmother) told me this and went on to add that we were apparently related to Chef Raffaele, because he had the same surname as she did. The story about how the pizza Margherita came to be, I believe. Being related to the chef, not so much. I have so many more stories like this to share and I will be doing so at our upcoming presentation evening, on Wednesday November 29 at the South Grafton Ex-Services Club. Attendance is free and enjoy nibbles (with an Italian flavor), tea and coffee. Come along and meet Greg Schein who will launch the new 2018 tours from Globus. They have some phenomenal itineraries not only to Italy, but across all of Europe that you will not want to miss out on. Take advantage of the current early bird deals and who knows, you might even learn a word or two of Italian that will come in very handy during your travels. Bookings are essential and places limited, so be sure to secure your place by calling me on 0405 288 697 or email marta.fergusson@travelmanagers.com.au

A Presto – See you soon!

EXPERIENCE A TASTE OF

“LA DOLCE VITA”!

Join TravelManagers Consultant Marta Fergusson and Greg Schein from Globus family of brands for its 2018 Europe launch. Enjoy coach touring presentations and take advantage of earlybird discounts. Plus you might even learn a word or two in the Italian language! Attendance is free. Nibbles, tea & coffee provided. Wed, 29 Nov 2017 from 5pm South Grafton Ex-Services Club, 2 Wharf Street, SOUTH GRAFTON RSVP essential. Call or email Marta by 17 Nov 2017.

Marta Fergusson Your Personal Travel Manager

M: 0405 288 697 E: Marta.Fergusson@travelmanagers.com.au travelmanagers.com.au/MartaFergusson

North Coast Seniors


TRAVEL

HIDDEN TREASURES OF SOUTHERN ITALY (LN) This 9-day Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy tour (LN) takes you on a journey to discover world-renowned treasures in art, architecture, and history. Starting in Naples and ending in Sorrento, prices start from $2,649 (based on departure 09/04/18).

tour of Southern Italy will satisfy your curiosity in art and history – as well as your spirit of adventure – with hidden local treasures waiting to be discovered along the way.

LOCAL FAVOURITES

This Southern Italy tour will introduce you to local favourites in delectable pastries and coffee, as well as truly remarkable architectural and historical structures. You’ll taste local focaccia in Bari and a local pasticciotto and almond coffee in Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South”. Stay overnight on the beautiful and peaceful Tenute Al Bano Carrisi estate, situated in the Salento sountryside. Savour local produce and wine from the estate’s vineyards, as well as olive oil and homemade pasta. Soak up the local atmosphere as you relax around the pool area. You may even get to greet Al Bano himself – famous for his renowned songs Felicita and Ci Sara.

You’ll begin in Naples – home to centuries of some of the most important art and architecture Italy has to offer. From here you will travel towards the from the “heel of the boot” of Italy across to the opposite coastline to Sorrento. Throughout your guided tour of Southern Italy, you’ll visit royal residences, as well as ancient Greek archaeological marvels, before arriving in the Mediterranean-style town of Cellino San Marco. You’ll find the perfect respite from your sightseeing adventures with an overnight stay at the Salento estate of singer and winemaker Al Bano Carrisi. This peaceful countryside estate – near the Adriatic Sea – offers delicious wine from its vineyard with other delicacies, including local produce, olive oil, and homemade pasta. Stroll the grounds or lounge by the pool before embarking on discoveries in Lecce and Otranto. As the picture-perfect ending to your Southern Italy holiday you may also choose to join an optional excursion to Positano on the spectacular Amalfi Coast. Truly a feast for the mind, body, and soul, this

TEMPT YOUR SENSES &

INDULGE IN EUROPE

10% OFF ALL TOURS

Motya

it’s your life, GOLIVE IT UP

11

2

Mount Etna

Sciacca

Piazza Armerina

Milan

Vercelli

Savoca 2 Taormina Riviera

1 Marsala

Agrigento 1

It’s one thing to visit a place, it’s another to get below the surface and truly experience it. We bring you the moments less travelled. Follow us down the rabbit hole and discover the wonder of new places in a way only the locals know them.

ITALY

Palermo Erice

Turin 2

$1,876

^

SAVE UP TO

Busseto

Gabiano

Parma 2

Modena Maranello

Catania Rapallo

Portofino

Ionian Sea

2

Caltagirone Ragusa 2 Modica

Monterosso Cinque Terre

1 Syracuse

Noto Mediterranean Sea

THE SICILIAN

La Spezia

1 Lucca

NORTHERN ITALY’S HIGHLIGHTS & CINQUE TERRE

10 days • Palermo to Taormina Riviera

NOW FROM $2,627

*

Palermo, Marsala, Agrigento, Ragusa, Syracuse, Taormina Riviera (Per person twin share, departing 07/04/18)

10 days • Milan Return

NOW FROM $3,050* Milan, Parma, Lucca, Rapallo, Turin (Per person twin share, departing 20/04/18)

Superior hotels • Deluxe coaches with WiFi • Immersive experiences • Expert tour directors • Regional cuisine

Marta Fergusson Your Personal Travel Manager

M: 0405 288 697 E: Marta.Fergusson@travelmanagers.com.au travelmanagers.com.au/MartaFergusson

*Terms & Conditions apply. See instore for details.

North Coast Seniors

Revolution - October 2017

51


TRAVEL

Cruise in luxury As intoxicating as the grapes that grow along its path, Europe’s beautiful Moselle River takes travellers deep into some of the continent’s most memorable rural landscapes. Branching out from the famous waters of the Rhine in Germany, the Moselle flows for more than 500 kilometres through the valleys of Germany, Luxembourg and France. With its wide curving waterways and stunning scenery, the river provides a wonderful pathway to explore some of the oldest towns of Europe, while experiencing all the comforts of a state-of-the-art river cruise ship. One of Europe’s most popular river cruise lines, Avalon Waterways operates the most modern fleet of river cruise ships in Europe, with an average age of just over three years,and offers two key itineraries on the Moselle, the 10-day “Canals, Vineyards & Paris” cruise and the 13-day “Rhine & Moselle” sailing. Sailing west, the beauty of the Moselle unfolds from Koblenz, a 2000 year-old city built on the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers. Filled with grand towers, castles, fortresses and quaint city squares, Koblenz is charming to explore by foot, with new delights appearing around every corner. As the river winds its way towards France, the wine village of Bernkastal beckons. Visitors can

enjoy the fruits of Germany’s largest expanse of vineyards, as they are transported back to the Middle Ages by the town’s narrow streets and half-timbered houses. At Cochem, travellers can explore the remarkable Richsburg Castle built in 1000 AD and furnished with renaissance and baroque furniture. Situated on a hilltop amongst vines, the castle also provides a spectacular vantage point over the quaint township, which spills towards the banks of the Moselle. Most Avalon Moselle sailings feature the cruise line’s revolutionary Suite Ships, which offer 30 per cent more cabin space than the industry average, with wall-to-wall panoramic windows that can be opened to turn its suites into open-air balconies – the perfect way to take in the vista along the river. In each town, Avalon offers the flexibility to do as much or as little as you like – a daily program of exceptional excursions is included, plus there’s an additional choice of optional extra excursions. The result is an intimate and flexible style of river cruise, offering relaxed luxury and the freedom to tailor your own experience.

2018 Europe

RIVER CRUISE IN RELAXED LUXURY River cruise through Europe and experience the relaxed luxury that’s unique to Avalon. Offering exquisite service that’s professional, friendly and comfortable – never stuffy – our ships become your home away from home.

SAVE UP TO $3,000 PER COUPLE

*

WHEN YOU BOOK BY 30 NOVEMBER 2017

Marta Fergusson Your Personal Travel Manager

M: 0405 288 697 E: Marta.Fergusson@travelmanagers.com.au travelmanagers.com.au/MartaFergusson

*Terms & Conditions apply. See instore for details.

52

October 2017 - Revolution

North Coast Seniors


TRAVEL

Western Canada, & the Canadian Rockies Touring Western Canada, & the Canadian Rockies with an Alaskan Cruise

Canada’s diverse landscape with remote beaches, sky-high mountains and fertile farming land is one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Cruising the Inside Passage will allow you to see awe-inspiring glacial scenery and see far-flung towns only accessible by sea. Macleay Valley Travel has a fully conducted group tour to Canada including a cruise to Alaska on a modern ocean liner. The price of $6,585 per person twin share represents tremendous value for this 22-day tour and cruise in the peak late spring period. The tour departs Australia on May 7 and everything below is included in the price. • Return air fares from Sydney & Brisbane into Vancouver with Air Canada. • A 12 day tour of Western Canada & the Canadian Rockies. Included is a visit to the world famous

Butchart Gardens and to the Capilano Suspension Bridge. • A wonderful 8 day Alaskan cruise of the Inside Passage in a great cruise ship, Holland America’s MS Nieuw Amsterdam in an inside cabin. • Good 3-4 star accommodation. • All meals while on the cruise. • All transport, transfers, port charges & fees. • Tips for the tour director & driver for the land tour. • Services of local tour guides and an Australian tour leader. If you don’t have a travel partner but wish to travel at twin share rates, Macleay Valley Travel will do its best to match you up with another traveller. For a single room there is an extra charge of $2,155. For full details or booking, contact Macleay Valley Travel on toll free 1800 810 809 or see their web site www. macleayvalleytravel.com

Great Value

CONDUCTED OVERSEAS TOURS ALL PRICES NOW INCLUDE AIRPORT TAXES AND LEVIES NEW ZEALAND

VIETNAM & CAMBODIA ADVENTURE CENTRAL ASIA

$4845 16 DAY TOUR DEP. NOV 21 & FEB 23 Flying Air NZ into Christchurch & out of Auckland. 16 day coach tour of New Zealand including 4 cruises and the Transalpine rail trip.

15 DAY TOUR

DEP. JAN 30

Flying Singapore Airlines into Phnom Penh. 14 day overland tour of Cambodia. Small group tour.

ISRAEL & JORDAN $7995

20 DAY TOUR

24 DAY TOUR

DEP. MAR 8

Flying Singapore Airlines into Hanoi & out of Siem Reap plus 2 flights within Vietnam. 18 day Vietnam tour “off the beaten track” 4 day Cambodia tour with Angkor Wat.

VIETNAM EXPLORER

CAMBODIA IN DEPTH $3345

$4875

$2625 15 DAY TOUR DEP. MAR 12 & MAY 9 Flying Singapore Airlines into Saigon & out of Hanoi. Plus 2 flights within Vietnam. 4 nights Saigon, 4 nights Hoi An, 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hanoi Bay with cruise.

THAILAND AT LEISURE DEP. FEB 18

Flying Emirates into Amman, Jordan. 5 day Jordan tour including Petra. 12 day Israel tour including Jerusalem, Lake Galilee, the Dead Sea & Masada. 2 day Dubai stopover.

$2680

2 WEEK TOUR DEP. MAR 14

Flying Singapore Airlines into Bangkok. 6 nights Bangkok, 4 nights beach resort, 2 nights Rose Garden resort, 1 night River Kwai.

$9575

26 DAY TOUR

CANADIAN ROCKIES & ALASKAN CRUISE DEP. APR 12

Flying Asiana Airlines into Almaty and out of Tashkent plus 4 flights within Central Asia. A 3 week tour of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, & Turkmenistan. Stopovers in Seoul.

SPAIN, PORTUGAL & MOROCCO $5785

3 WEEK TOUR

DEP. APR 20

Flying Emirates into Madrid. 16 day tour of Spain, Portugal & Morocco. 2 day Dubai stopover.

BALTICS, RUSSIA & SCANDINAVIA $5995

3 WEEK TOUR

DEP. MAY 2

Flying Thai into Copenhagen & out of Stockholm. 17 day tour of Denmark, East Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Russia, Finland & Sweden. 2 days Bangkok.

$6585

22 DAY TOUR

DEP. MAY 7

Flying Air Canada into Vancouver. 12 day tour of western Canada & the Canadian Rockies. 8 day Alaskan cruise of the Inside Passage in a modern ocean liner.

ACROSS AMERICA $7295

29 DAY TOUR

DEP. MAY 8

Flying Qantas into New York & out of Los Angeles. 25 day coach tour right across U.S.A. including Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Bryce Canyon, Zion & Grand Canyon National Parks. 2 days Disneyland area.

BRITAIN & CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW $7985

4 WEEK TOUR

DEP. MAY 22

A 25 day tour of Britain & Ireland with a day at the Chelsea Flower Show. Visits to 14 outstanding gardens, many castles, country estates, & historical sites. 2 day Singapore stopover including the spectacular Gardens by the Bay

The prices listed mainly include return airfares from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne, good twin share accommodation, many meals, all transfers, Australian tour leader local tour guides & tipping

For more information or bookings contact:

MACLEAY VALLEY TRAVEL PTY LTD PHONE TOLL FREE 1800 810 809 - WE TRY HARDER TO FIND YOU THE BEST TRAVEL DEAL! 33 Smith Street, Kempsey NSW 2440

North Coast Seniors

Email: info@macleayvalleytravel.com

Website: www.macleayvalleytravel.com

Revolution - October 2017

53


TRAVEL

See Australia in style and comfort

Welcome to Fishing Haven Fishing Haven Holiday Park is also pet-friendly, we welcome your four-legged friends to join you and make your holiday planning that much easier. So remember to pack the fishing rods, bring the dog and explore everything Fishing Haven Holiday Park has to offer and whilst you are in this part of Australia, take the short drive into Yamba with its array of boutique shops, arts and crafts and award-winning restaurants. Fishing Haven Holiday Park can be found at 35 River Road, Palmers Island. Please contact the friendly team by calling 6646 0163 or email info@ fishinghaven.com.au. You can also find more information by visiting their website at www.fishinghaven.com.au. Hope to see you all soon!

“Top marks to Anthony and Sue on a job well done. I look forward to travelling with them again.� Simes Bros Coaches are a family-owned and operated coach company based in Lismore, Northern NSW. Simes Bros have been servicing the Northern Rivers community and beyond for over 65 years. The team at Simes Bros pride themselves on looking after your every need and offering you an experience like no other. No matter where you are based, Simes Bros can make arrangements for you to join one of the many tours on offer for 2018. Upcoming tours include the Murray Meander, Outback to the Reef, Coonabarabran to Moree, Christmas in July in Maryborough, the Toowoomba Flower Festival, the NSW South Coast and Southern Highlands, and our first

international experience to New Zealand. Tours start from 5 days in duration and extend up to 3 weeks. With so many amazing locations to explore, contact Simes Bros now for full Itinerary details and costings and allow yourself to be looked after by experienced drivers and tour leaders. Simes Bros also offers a variety of day trips. Join their Around the Bend tour group and receive 6-monthly timetables for day trips including trips to the Tivoli shows at Twin Towns and the incredible musicals at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre in Brisbane. To make a booking or find out more call their office on 02 6621 5416 to speak with one of the friendly team at Simes Bros Coaches.

“Another exceptional trip by the Simes Bros crew!�

FR IE N D LY

ET

P

Nestled on the banks of the beautiful Clarence River and only five minutes from Yamba, you will find Fishing Haven Holiday Park. Fishing Haven Holiday Park is the perfect destination for a Clarence Valley getaway. Offering a range of accommodation including shady riverfront camping and caravan sites, through to fully self-contained air conditioned cabins there is something for everyone at Fishing Haven Holiday Park. On-site amenities include three jetties, BBQ facilities and a camp kitchen, perfect for that weekend getaway or better still, why not stay a week or more.

Absolute Waterfront

Great Fishing 3 fishing jetties

PARK

CVIŠ161012

Cabins & Onsite Vans

Powered Sites ZZZ ÀVKLQJKDYHQ FRP DX

54

Pet Friendly

5LYHU 5RDG 9LD *LOOLHV /DQH 3DOPHUV ,VODQG 16: ‡ ‡ ÀVKLQJKDYHQ@outlook.com

October 2017 - Revolution

North Coast Seniors


Travel in style aboard Simes Bros Coaches.

P: (02) 6621 5416 F: (02) 6622 2225 E: admin@sbcoaches.com.au

www.simesbros.com.au


Coral Allan, ninety-eight, thrill-seeker Coral has spent her life travelling the world, but these days she needs to stay a little closer to home. At Whiddon, we pride ourselves on our wonderful qualified and experienced staff who go the extra mile to help our clients stay at home, living fuller and more independent lives – no matter their age. Coral still loves an adventure, and makes the most of everyday. So if a spin round Mount Panorama is what she fancies, then we’re always very happy to oblige.

70 years of award winning residential and in-home care whiddon.com.au 1300 738 388


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.