NORTH COAST
SENIORS REVOLUT!ON
FREE
0 ’ I ! 5 O L
n April 2017
Inside:
Your community Finance Health Arts & Culture Travel Image: Ulysses Club Australia
Features:
Growing old disgracefully
The war diary
• The who, what, where and why’s
• A glimpse into the front lines
Do jigsaws go to heaven?
The new super landscape
• How a jig-saw puzzle became a part of Australia’s war history
• Plan ahead to make the most of the changes
Clarence Village Limited Where we make people the focus of everything we do ACCOMMODATION, LIFESTYLE AND CARE OPTIONS FOR SENIORS 1DA H=NAJ?A 3EHH=CA )P@ †† JKP BKN LNKłP†† K=N@ SEPD over 40 years experience in the self-care retirement village sector recognised that there was a strong demand for appropriately designed affordable retirement Village units in Grafton. Our aim is to provide good quality affordable residential facilities for 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 $30,000 drawn down over 5 years • Interest free loan $65,000 to the company – this amount is fully refundable within 6 months of you vacating • Total $95,000. Our very affordable rental fees are based on the highest single aged pension currently $186.00 per fortnight. So come in and talk to Vicki who can consider your options and arrange an inspection of the vacant units.
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.
The grand opening of the completed complex is on Friday 5 May 2017 with an open inspection of unit number 2 from 10:00 am until 4 pm on the day.
Other open inspections will be advertised in the local media. ,JA KB PDA IKOP OECJEĹ‚?=JP @A?EOEKJO UKQ SEHH make is 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 people to check out their options early, rather than at the last minute which can be quite stressful. 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.
CLARENCE VILLAGE GARDENS
RICHARDS CLOSE CLARENCE VILLAGE GARDENS
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, degree of care on offer, quality facilities with the chores of daily living primarily done for you, leaves you time to enjoy life. Check our website www.clarencevillage.com.au for more information on all the facilities.
CLARENCE VILLAGE ON QUEEN -166 Queen Street; provides one and two bedroom rental units for independent seniors. There are no entry contributions, exit fees, long term contracts or hidden costs and an ACAT assessment is not required. 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 incudes 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. Activities include therapies such as foot therapy, massage, aroma therapy, physio programs. We have 4 sets of inter -connecting rooms for partners and a 14 bed secure SEJC BKN OLA?EĹ‚? ?=NA Ä @AIAJPE= JAA@O We are actively planning for the future and propose to expand our facility in the next couple of years. As we progress down this path we will keep the community informed of progress.
We can be contacted by email on: clarencevillage@bigpond.com if you require more details on our facilities and rates.
THAT’S LIFE
Business Profile Alstonville Furniture Company 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 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 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.
Hello! Wow, thank you to all our wonderful contributors - we have so much reading in this issue you won’t know where to start. We have been talking here in the office about how widespread our readership is and how important this is to us. This publication is free to readers, but unfortunately not free to us. The advertisers that support us are essential to us being able to produce this publication and spread your group’s news far and wide.
Next time you’re in one of the businesses that supports us, make sure you tell them where you saw their advertisement - ‘REVOLUTION’. Congratulations to our three winners of the Machouse Clocks, Sandy Frasier, Elaine Hunter and Cecilia Brown. Our competitions are proving very popular and we have received entries from, Bonville, Ballina, Byron Bay, Tweed Heads, Coffs Harbour, Sawtell, Nambucca Heads, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Albany Creek, Yamba, Sth Grafton plus many more. Thank you for support and happy reading.
Lynda
For cheat’s eyes only Most people love a good crossword, but how many of you cheat and go to the solution if you can’t get the answer. The solution is always located at the back of a publication where you have to go through all the pages to find it. In respect of those who like to cheat a little or a lot - we are putting the solution on the first page. It’s easy to find, and you can check out all
the answers before you start. We are just making crosswords easier and people’s lives a little less stressful. The crossword is on page 34.
ʹΣΠΤΤΨΠΣΕ͑ ΄ΠΝΦΥΚΠΟ
Win Win The Annie Effect
In this intensely personal memoir, Annie Crawford tells her own life story and how her experiences and beliefs led her to develop a life that gave her a sense of greater purpose through fun, fitness, friends and fundraising. The Annie Effectshows how she turned her love of running into an organisation that has changed the lives of thousands of people. For readers who never thought they were capable of doing something extraordinary, Annie’s story will change their mind through her inspirational story and achievements.
True Stories from the Morgue What’s it like to work in a morgue? In True Stories from the Morgue, Forensic Counsellor John Merrick describes his 20 years experience working at the the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Office of the State Coroner in Glebe. In this enthralling non fiction crime novel, John recounts his first hand experiences coping with mutilated and decomposed bodies as well as the carnage of large-scale disasters like the Bali bombings. Equally as traumatic, the suicides, accidental drownings, car accidents and murders. Find out what’sbehind the scenes in this account of life at the morgue. New Holland Publishers RRP: $29.99 (both books) Available at all good book stores and www.newhollandpublishers.com
New Holland Publishers have given Revolution a copy of each of these books to give away. To enter to win yourself a copy, all you have to do is tell us who supplied the books for our giveaway. Send your entry entitled ‘Books Comp’ to: Email: contributions@ cvreview.com.au Post: North Coast Seniors Revolution, PO Box 367, Yamba, NSW 2464 Include your name and postal address details and phone number. The winner will be drawn on 15 July and notified by phone/email. First correct entries drawn wins. No correspondence will be entered into. Books will be randomly allocated to each winner.
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.
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
Graphic Designers Rebecca Smith Chloe Billington Lynda Davidson
Sales Consultants Fran Dowsett Chloe Dowsett Jude Myers Marta Fergusson
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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.
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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 - April 2017
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NEWS 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
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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 Woolgoolga Diggers Amcal Chemist
April 2017 - Revolution
Arts Project Hospital parking fee relief Ideas Clinic welcomed by pensioners Create NSW is the NSW Government’s new arts and cultural driver, which brings together arts, screen and culture functions in a new integrated entity. Established on 1 April 2017, Create NSW has responsibility for many of the functions previously undertaken by Arts NSW and Screen NSW. To bring a real-life perspective of what artists and art organisations can expect, Arts Northern Rivers presents Create NSW | Arts Project Ideas Clinic at the Tweed Regional Gallery. This engaging two hours will be an interactive clinic for the audience. Creatives are encouraged to bring their art or screen projects, dreams, concepts or fully formed ideas and the Create NSW team will offer suggestions about strategy, partners, resourcing and funding. No idea is too small so bring your informal pitch and experts in the room will help build it into a fully formed arts project or you can just come along and learn from how other people are making things happen. Where: Tweed Regional Gallery When: Tuesday 2nd May, 2017 Time: 10am – 12 noon RSVP: http://bit.ly/2pAuCdy Networking snacks, tea and coffee chats will be served as part of this event. This is a free event brought to you by Arts Northern Rivers and Create NSW.
Patients and carers will soon be able to access public hospital parking concessions. “CPSA (Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association of NSW) welcomes the NSW Health Minister’s moves to simplify and expand the parking concessions available at public hospitals across the state, which will ease the financial burden these parking fees place on patients and carers.” said Ellis Blaikie, CPSA Policy Coordinator. “One of the biggest issues with
hospital parking fees to date has been inconsistency, so we’re pleased to see that the concessions will apply to all NSW public hospitals, including those with privately operated parking lots. Information on the concession rates and how to apply for them will be available on all local health districts’ websites, hospital car parks and pamphlets.The new concessions are expected to be implemented from July 2017, following negotiations with parking providers.
‘Momentous Milestone’ for Jetty4Shores Coffs Harbour Mayor Councillor Denise Knight and Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker cut the first sod on Thursday, April 20, to mark the start of construction of Stages 2-4 of the Jetty4Shores Project. This phase of the project includes an open plaza area with
wide terraced steps and a pram/ wheelchair ramp onto the northern end of Jetty Beach, plus a boardwalk behind the dunes and vegetation, linking the plaza to the historic Jetty and market area. The works are expected to take 20 weeks, weather permitting.
Surprise visit from ‘Dusty Springfield’ Members of the Northern Rivers U3A Lismore branch, celebrating Seniors Week, were taken by surprise when Nora Vidler announced ‘Dusty Springfield’ would be singing some of her popular songs for them. See story page 7.
Protect yourself from online scammers Retirees and seniors are this month being urged to “click safe” and protect themselves from online scammers. In Australia, more than a third of scams rely on email or the internet as a contact method. Scams are designed to trick or persuade you to give away your personal details or money, and people of all ages can fall victim to a scam. However, some scams target older people, who may be seen by cyber-scammers as less internet savvy. Romance and dating scams are one common example. Scammers will often create fake profiles on legitimate dating websites or social networking sites to take advantage of people looking for companionship. They may spend weeks or even months gaining your trust and manipulating your emotions – and all the while, these scammers are laying the groundwork to ask you for money.
This does not mean that everyone you meet online is planning to deceive you. But if you are corresponding with someone who asks to chat over email rather than through an official dating website, makes excuses to avoid meeting in person, or asks for money, these may be warning signs. “You should never send money, credit card details or online account details to anyone you don’t know, no matter how you feel about them or how much they say you mean to them,” Legal Aid NSW lawyer Lauren Finestone said. “You should also be careful about how much personal information you share on social networking sites.” Cyber-safety is the April topic-in-focus in this year’s Legal Topics for Older People Diary, available for free from Legal Aid NSW. This informative diary is pro-
duced each year to help seniors know their rights and plan the year ahead, and a limited number of diaries are still available. It includes important phone numbers and tips about a range of legal issues, and will also keep you up to date with events like the NSW Seniors Festival, NSW Grandparents Day and 2017 school holiday periods. To order your free copy of the 2017 Legal Topics for Older People Diary, please visit: www. legalaid.nsw.gov.au/publications/ order-a-publication and search for ‘Diary’.
North Coast Seniors
NEWS
The Home Care Packages Program has changed – how do these changes affect you? As a consumer you will now be able to choose a home care provider that suits your needs. You also have the opportunity to change home care providers during the course of your agreed plan, should you move or no longer require care at home. The recent home care reforms will now integrate the Home Care Packages Program and the Commonwealth Home Support Program, into one single home care package. This will simplify the way that home care services are delivered and funded. At this stage, the new integrated home care package program is due to be introduced from July 2018. Here is an overview of the changes to home care that occurred from February 2017: • Funding for a Home Care Package will follow the consumer, allowing you to choose a provider that suits you best and directs the funding back to your chosen provider. • Home Care Packages will be made available to consumers periodically throughout the year. • All consumers, both new and existing, will be able to change home care providers if they wish. • Any unused funds will move with the consumer to the new home care provider. • If a consumer no longer requires home care assistance, any unused
funds will be paid back to the Government and to the consumer, either directly to them or their estate. Exact amounts are determined on a case by case basis. • A streamlined national system will be introduced to assign home care packages to eligible consumers. • The prioritisation process will take into account the needs and circumstances of eligible consumers and the time spent waiting for care. • The criteria for becoming an approved home care provider will be streamlined, putting a larger focus on the organisation as a whole. All approved providers must continue to meet quality review and accreditation standards. Areas that will not be affected by change: • There will be no changes to the current home care fee arrangements. • Home Care Packages will continue to be delivered on a Consumer Directed Care basis, the difference being that consumers will have greater choice regarding their home care provider. • The total number of Home Care Packages available will continue to be capped in line with the aged care planning ratio set by the Government. • Funding will continue to be paid directly to an approved home care provider.
Concerns raised about increases in health insurance AIR (Association of Independent Retirees) representing Australians in retirement both self and partly self-funded has raised concerns with the government about the recent increase in health insurance premiums. This 5% increase is nearly four times the usual annual CPI increase rate. Unfortunately for seniors the premium increase is significantly higher because the rebates, originally introduced to help support and encourage retirees to continue their Private Health Insurance and not rely on the Public Hospital system, has been reduced. The age-related and
North Coast Seniors
means tested rebate that in 2013 was 35% for those 65 and over, and 40% for those 70 and over is now much lower as the rebate is only adjusted by CPI. In April 2016 in 3 years for 65+ had dropped from 35% to 31.256 and for 70+ has dropped from 40% to 35.722%. As a result from 1 April 2017 the increase will be 7% rather than 5%. That is, 5% plus an estimated additional increase in the vicinity of 2% due to the reduction in the rebate percentage with a current annual CPI of 1.4%. AIR in its Federal Pre-Budget Submission recommended that the CPI indexation reducing Health Insurance
rebates be scrapped and the 2013 rebates for senior Australians be reintroduced in full. It is distressing that these rebates were originally introduced to help support and encourage retirees to continue with Private Health Insurance. The cost is now becoming burdensome. For many who have made contributions over their lifetime and consider private health cover essential in later years this could be a financial disaster. The Far North Coast Branch of AIR meets on the first Friday of each month. Contact Secretary 66 822945 or Email: airsecfnc@ gmail.com. Source: AIR ACTIVE
Helping Hands after the Flood They are calling it the worst disaster Lismore has ever experienced; worse than the devastating 1974 floods. Mayor Isaac Smith announced this was “The most destructive event Lismore has ever had”. Although other areas in northern NSW were affected, Lismore suffered the brunt of cyclone Debbie’s wrath when the Wilson River breeched its levee at 11.6 meters on the last day of March this year. Over 3,000 homes and businesses have been damaged by floodwaters with hundreds of people devastated by the loss of so many of their possessions. Although the SES, fire brigade and other agencies and providers swung into action, flood-ravaged Lismore received help through another avenue – social media. More than 8,000 people have joined the Lismore Helping Hands & After Flood Clean up Facebook Group. It was initially created to link people in need with volunteers, so the massive clean-up could begin. Other admins jumped on board and within hours, this group was inundated with offers of help and pleas for help. The team soon realised this was a huge mission so with the assistance of some of the Lismore City Councillors, a venue was secured and teams of volunteers gave freely of their time to establish a Helping Hands Hub at the disused railway station. This was the place where volunteers registered and people who had been affected by floods visited and asked for help. This grassroots community pop-up centre had a steady stream of people come through its doors once they opened on the Wednesday after the devastating flood. The local preschool provided interior decor to grace the walls – aptly colourful painted hands, representing the members of the diverse community, including the knitting
MACLEAN
nanas who came together and reached out to others. The ticket desk became the information help desk with extremely capable volunteers passing on relevant information. The office rooms housed the 11 admins of the Facebook page coordinating all the information they’d received onto excel spreadsheets and passing on information to the appropriate agencies. They listed the addresses of those who needed help and kept a database of the volunteers who were being sent out in teams to these homes and businesses. Beside the information desk, was the Accredited Disaster Recovery Response Chaplains and Lifeline Counsellors. The waiting room was used to coordinate the huge clean up with people being placed into teams and sent out armed with mops, buckets etc. to homes and businesses. The platform became a makeshift grocery distribution centre, with hundreds of boxes being delivered to homes in the worst affected areas. In the carpark out the front was an Orange sky mobile laundry van offering free laundry services, a free sausage sizzle provided by the Baptist church and free coffees from a local coffee van business were also available. Another group of the Helping Hands team set up a meal centre outside Lindcraft. This was where members of the community and businesses provided food and the teams distributed them to members of the flood-affected community and hard-working volunteers. The Helping Hands Hub is now closed however the website is still open for donations. If you want to help by donating to the official Go Fund Me flood appeal, please visit https://lismore. recovers.org.
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Revolution - April 2017
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OUR COMMUNITY
Join In Tweed Valley Cake Decorators Contact: Sharyn Hagen Ph: 07 5590 4003 or Francis 02 6672 4061 Very Gentle Exercise Class Tweed Community Health Centre, Tweed Heads Hospital Mondays 8.30am. Contact: Deb 0414 644 064 Brunswick Valley Scrabble Club - Tuesday 1pm-4pm Brunswick Heads Bowling Club Cost: $4 (includes tea & coffee) Ph: Barbara Hancock 6685 0409 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 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 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 Darts Club Mullumbimby Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club Wednesday Nights 7pm Beginners Welcome Contact: Diane 02 6680 2119 Rick 02 6680 1942 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
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April 2017 - Revolution
Ballina Lighthouse State AGM of CWA The 2017 Annual General the State Conference for judgMeeting of the CWA will be held ing. Members can also enter culRSL Day Club from May 21 to 25 at the Mingara tural items such as photography, The Ballina Lighthouse RSL Day Club is a notfor-profit social club for isolated and frail-aged members of our community. We provide older people with an opportunity to participate in a range of activities such as gentle exercises, quizzes, games, entertainment, guest speakers and special events. Lunch and morning tea are provided and transport can be arranged to and from the club when vacancies occur. Our club is growing so rapidly that we are currently looking for volunteer bus drivers to be available on a roster basis on Thursday. If you are interested in joining our club or becoming a volunteer driver, please contact Fay or Lorraine on the numbers below. Fay Morris, Coordinator – Phone: 66863517 or mobile 0457120910 Lorraine Fox, Secretary - Phone: 6687 4350 or mobile 0439 30 1249 Alternatively email Lorraine on: lorraineafox@ gmail.com
Resort at Tumbi Umbi on the Central Coast. Branches from throughout the state compete against each other in their groups in handicraft and “Land” cookery. North Coast Group held their judging day at Sawtell on March 1. The winning handicraft pieces will be sent to State office for judging at the State Conference. The winners in the cookery section will take their cooking to
art work and essays. There is an international display with dolls and project books, to be judged, based on our Country of Study for the year. There are usually 500 delegates, and another 300 observers and volunteers attend the State Conference. Lesley McFarlane North Coast Group Publicity Officer.
What a great ambassador for CWA. Matron of Honour for the 2016 Grafton Jacaranda Festival Carol Smith with a lovely bunch of jacaranda flowers. Carol was nominated by Grafton branch and supported at functions by many of our members. Carol is also branch and North Coast Group cultural officer. Lesley McFarlane Grafton branch president.
‘Growing Old Disgracefully’
- Ulysses Club Australia
You’ve seen us – riding out on the road wearing our “Old Man Logo”, having a great time with our friends, and growing old disgracefully! I guess you’ve wondered who we are and what we represent. This great club – the Ulysses Club – was formed in December 1983, from a meeting of five people at the Elizabeth Hotel in Sydney. Stephen Dearnley, who was known fondly as “Old Number 1”, was one of those five members, and with the others they adopted a draft constitution and decided the three basic purposes of the club, which are: • To provide ways in which older motorcyclists can get together for companionship and mutual support; • To show by example that motorcycling can be an enjoyable and practical activity for riders of all ages; • To draw the attention of public and private institutions to the needs and views of older riders. The Ulysses Club is not so much a motorcycle club, but a social club for motorcyclists over the age of 40. With around 17,000 members, branches in every state and territory, and clubs overseas, we’ve come a long way since those early days. Our AGM is held in a different place every year, with the week prior to the AGM itself being an event filled week for the Ulysses Club members who either camp on site or who stay in hard bed accommodation in the town. In May 2017 we will be in Wauchope where the AGM Event site is, with some elements of the event being in Port Macquarie. We
also welcome international members to this event. Around 2000 members will be in the area during the event, enjoying all that the Wauchope / Port Macquarie region has to offer. The local AGM Event team has been working hard for the past three years to put this event together, ably assisted by members who have had experience in producing an event like this. While there are many Branches of the club, overall governance resides with the National Committee, 7 members elected annually. The current President, Helena Gritton was elected at the AGM held in Alice Springs in 2014, and she has worked extremely hard and successfully in that leadership role. The Ulysses Club is proud to raise funds for its own charity, The Ulysses Club Arthritis Research Fund, to directly sponsor researchers in this insidious disease, arthritis. The fund is voluntarily administered by the club thus ensuring that every cent raised by branches and members is directed to scientific research. Unlike many other charitable causes none of the funds are diminished due to administration and other related costs. Our logo is “Growing Old Disgracefully”. As a junior member at 40 (the youngest you can be to join us), and with plenty of rides, social events, more rides, rallies and Odysseys to attend what other reason do you need to join? Thinking of joining us? You can do that online at www.ulyssesclub.org Jen Woods Member 21395 National Vice President
North Coast Seniors
OUR COMMUNITY
Grafton Senior Citizens impressed. Our next trip is planned for Friday, April 21, and is a day trip to Aranyani Bison Farm, near Whiporie, where we will have our picnic morning tea, and a viewing and talk on bisons. We will then proceed to Casino for lunch and a surprise attraction. The 7-day tour in August, to Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley, and Brisbane, is virtually full, then reserves will be noted. A day trip to a mystery venue on Friday, June 16, will go on sale at our April meeting. To learn venue location, members will need to book the trip. The AGM was recently held, resulting in following executive and committee: President,Charlie Doggett; Vice President,Vicki Meyer; Secretary, Casual Vacancy; Assistant Secretary, Barbara Fraser; Treasurer : Brian Hall; Assistant : Alwyn Campbell; Tour Organiser and Publicity Officer : Sandra Connelly; Committee : Jill Campbell; Nina De Amy and; Betty
Doggett; Ann Moran; Barbara Sanders; Gloria Watters; Kay Whiteman; Robyn Worrell. Keeping activities rolling, on Monday, May 1, there will be a soup and games day, including morning tea, various games and/or trivia, and a range of home-made soups. Bookings with Barbara Sanders, or any other committee member. A pie and pea day, including special games and quiz, on Monday, June 5, will go on sale at the April meeting. As well as activities mentioned, there is housie (or bingo) on the 1st and 2nd Tuesday of the month, in the afternoon, and hoi (an easy card game) every Thursday afternoon. Both these activities require more support from members. There is also euchre every Friday afternoon. Remember, all our activities are designed to stimulate body and mind and promote social interaction, all said to help deter dementia. Further information from Publicity Officer, Sandra Connelly, Phone: 6642 7720.
Guyra CWA Branch Judging was under way in ernest at the annual CWA Group Craft and Land Cookery competition on Tuesday. A good number of enties in the cooking gave the Judges much to contemplate as the quality was very high. In the craft section the numbers of items were down on previous years but the quality was very high. A selection of crafts were chosen to be sent to the State conference at the central coast in May to be Judged along with crafts from all over the
state. While the cookery winner will have to replicate their winning entries to be judged again at the conference. The CWA of NSW holds an annual conference where motions from branches and groups are put to the CWA members for discussion. Many of the motion involve issues relating rural and regional communities and include such things as health, violence against women, education, environment and so much more. These motions are then taken to State or Federal
Sharon Holt Showing off some of the beautiful craft items selected to send to CWA State conference
Governments. The CWA have, over the years been instrumental in lobbying governments For changes in many aspects of our communities.
Alstonville Furniture Co. The Old Butter Factory
5 Lismore Rd Alstonville 6628 6212 www.alstonvillefurnitureco.com.au North Coast Seniors
We held our first meeting of the year Friday, February 13. Very few attended. Our ladies are keeping busy getting their craft ready for the regional CWA North Coast Group. This year we will all meet at Sawtell for the annual cooking and craft competition. Good luck to everyone. As we approach midyear, Iluka public school will be focussing on their annual poster presentation for judging on breakup day. Our country of study this year is Nepal and it should introduce us to some interesting work. We are looking forward to seeing how they present the diversity of this
vast country and its people. This is bound to produce some interesting work from the students, which increases our knowledge also. The next Council meeting will be on March 15 at Maclean (TT: Chatsworth Island.) Should anyone wishing to do some craft work, they are very welcome to come on Friday mornings at 9am. You can just come for a knit and natter. Our rooms are adjacent to Iluka Soldiers War Memorial Hall, Charles Street. The Iluka museum is also open for with lots of memorabilia of Iluka and surrounding areas past. Margaret Dorrell
Seniors Festival with Northern Rivers U3A (Lismore) Inc. On March 14 despite the rain U3A seniors and visitors gathered at the Lismore City Council Education and Environment Centre on Wyrallah Road East Lismore for a day packed with fun, frivolity and song. Jyllie Jackson from Light’n’up Lismore gave a presentation and slide show about Lismore’s Lantern Parade and told about the work they do in the Lantern workshop not only in Lismore but throughout Australia. Ellie Wilkie author, poet and artist kept the crowd in stitches with her
poetry readings (in the style of Pam Ayres). A talented artist Ellie had some of her work on display along with her books and other artistic items. Lunch time was a very social affair refreshments had been prepared by U3A volunteer members earlier in the day. Planned walks in the garden by the Friends of the Botanic Gardens didn’t happen because of the very wet weather but a representative was on hand to talk about the gardens progress to date. After lunch came some surprise musical entertain-
ment. Guest artist “Dusty Springfield” was introduced by a well-known Lismore lady dressed up “to the nines”. Dusty sang 5 popular numbers the audience being encouraged to participate in some which they did with great gusto. Northern Rivers U3A (Lismore) Inc. celebrate Seniors Day each year but in between times they offer at least 40 classes and activities each school term. To find out more go to our website http://www.u3anriv. org.au or ring the Secretary on 02 66 227 408 for more information.
We won’t be beaten on LA Z BOY prices!
CVI©170125
After plenty of wonderful publicity, Grafton Senior Citizens recently held a very successful open day during Senior Citizens Week. With carpet bowls, mahjong, and craft in progress, as well as a static craft display of completed items, potential new members were welcome to visit, view or join in activities, learn about all activities available, and take a membership application form. As a result, seven new members have signed up. The following weekend, a coach group of 29 passengers did a two-day tour to Newcastle for a show by Irish singer, Daniel O’Donnell, supported by fellow Irish singer, Mary Duff, as well as a backup singer and 7 piece band. Some had not seen them before, and have not stopped raving since, about the wonderful show. Lunch on the second day was at Kempsey’s Slim Dusty Centre, and there was also time to view the wonderful display. Again, several had not visited before, so were very
CWA Iluka Branch
WEEKLY DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE FROM GRAFTON TO TWEED HEADS Revolution - April 2017
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OUR COMMUNITY
Community Recycling Centres Reuse and Recycle Old Paints
More than 180 tonnes of problem household waste including paint has so far been collected from the 8 Community Recycling Centres (CRCs) across the North Coast. The CRCs are located at Council’s waste and resource recovery centres at Grafton, Maclean, Ballina, Lismore, Casino, Kyogle, Byron and Tweed. The CRCs are all about making it easier for householders to dispose of their problem wastes including paint, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, oils, car and household batteries, smoke detectors and fluoro lights. North East Waste’s, CRC Project Coordinator, Karen Rudkin said “the Community Recycling Centres are free to all NSW residents and are open year round, providing a place for people to
safely dispose of their household problem waste”. “Paint is the most common item dropped off at the centres,” Ms. Rudkin said. “It’s either sold on at the tip shop for reuse or collected, mixed with other waste solvents and used as an alternative to fuel in cement kilns. The metal containers are also recycled. This is just one example of how the centres provide a long term solution for the disposal of problem household wastes and help improve recycling and reuse rates.” “Most people have had these problem waste items stored in their garages or homes at some time or other. They can pose a danger to householders and the environment as they start to age and breakdown and need to be disposed of appropriately.” The Community Recycling Centres are operated by your local council working in partnership with the EPA and supported by the Environmental Trust as part of the EPA's Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the waste levy. To find out more about your Community Recycling Centre contact your Council or visit http://www. newaste.org.au/crc-online.html for more information.
Waste matters Drop off your household problem waste
Your local Community Recycling Centre is NOW OPEN. You can drop off:
Inside a Masonic Lodge People often wonder what Freemasons do at their meetings. Isn’t it all a secret? Often, the main point of a meeting is social – brethren simply catching up and enjoying each other’s company. Of course, like other meetings, there is a formal part. Members might discuss how to raise funds for charity or contribute to their local community. If a Lodge is welcoming a new member, there is a ceremony called the First Degree where the candidate is taught the guiding principles of Masonry: brotherly love, generosity, and truthfulness. Similarly, there are other degrees that mark a brother’s progress through his masonic journey. These ceremonies owe something in form to ancient “morality plays” incorporating elements of drama, memorable speech, and traditional wisdom. Once a year, there is a festive occasion (called an Installation) when the new Master of the Lodge takes his place in the Chair. For many Masons, the most important part of any meeting is the “South” or festive board, called the South because, in the old days, the operative stonemasons would erect a temporary shelter for their rest and refreshment on the south side of the cathedral or other building on which they were working.
Most Lodges hold open nights at various times throughout the year, when wives, partners, and friends are very welcome. Just like a tennis club or church committee, there are aspects of any Masonic meeting that might be considered private, but that isn’t particularly secret or hidden. Likewise, the degree ceremonies are finely crafted historical rituals that have a lot of surprise value built into them, and Masons avoid spoiling that by giving away the plot. These confidences have led to much conspiratorial chatter over many decades, but fundamentally Freemasonry is about mateship and fostering mutual understanding. American author Orson Scott Card once wrote: “when you really know somebody you can’t hate them”. Every Lodge meeting tries to put that idea into practice by promoting good relationships among men from all cultures, religions, and walks of life.
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
There are Community Recycling Centres at: Ballina, Byron, Casino, Grafton, Kyogle, Lismore, Maclean & Stotts Creek, Tweed.
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.
Only household quantities accepted 20kg or 20L maximum container size.
For more information or to find your nearest Community Recycling Centre, contact your local council or visit www.newaste.org.au This is a NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the Waste Levy. Visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au
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April 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
Far North Coast Group of CWA YAMBA DAY VIEW CLUB
The Far North Coast Group of the Country Women’s Association held their annual Group Handicraft and Land Cookery Competition at the Goonellabah Workers Sports Club on Thursday 2 March. There are 17 branches within the Group and there was a significant representation from all branches in both baking and handicraft. There were over 120 entries in the baking and preserves section and the quality of the both the baking and the handicrafts was of extremely high standard. Cakes included the Donna Latter Chocolate Memorial competition which is a feature of the competition every year held in memory of a past CWA NSW member who died of cancer in 2006 aged 55. She was an ardent CWA member of the Hunter River Group and her family, who loved her chocolate cake, set up the competition, using her recipe, in 2007. The winning branch for handicraft was Bangalow with Lismore coming second. There was a broad spectrum of skills on exhibition: embroidery, tatting, tapestry, dress making, knitting, cross stitch, patchwork and crochet etc with creative flair demonstrated in the items such as aprons, baby clothes, toys, clothing, wall hangings and the list goes on. There was a junior section and a section for family members one husband won first prize in his section for a lovely cross stitch of native birds. Winners from the Group level will now go on to compete at state level. For Handicraft these members are: Barb Driscoll, Ballina Helen Smith, Lennox Head Shirley Boyle, Bangalow Vivian Grey, Casino Tully Somerville, Lismore (junior 14-18) Sharon O'Meara, Bangalow Braeleigh Newton, Old Bonalbo (junior 9-13) Lorraine Wallace, Lismore Rebecca Dickson, Bangalow Chris Dayman, Bangalow
Robyn Stewart, Lismore Elizabeth Hughes, Old Bonalbo Annie Law, Lismore Pam Stone, Urbenville Cookery that will go on to State Competition: Boiled fruitcake - Rita Nicholls, Casino Sultana cake - Nadine Schlosser, Lismore Moist Coconut Cake - Katrina Watts, Murwillumbah evening Lemon Sour Cream Cake - Jenny Barlow, Mullumbimby Rhubarb Cake - Laine Ballard, Ballina Monte Carlo Biscuits - Margaret Good, Casino Coffee Cake - Jacquie Strudwick, Kingscliff. Boiled Fruit Pudding - Donna Jenner, Bangalow Rhubarb and Ginger Jam - Marilyn Gordon, Alstonville Orange Marmalade Fine Cut - Anne Parrinton, Alstonville Piccalilli Pickles - Alison Larcher, Casino Gluten Free Carrot Cake - Jan Corocher, Casino Chocolate Friands - Sarah Edwards, Ballina Giant Anzac Biscuits - Bree Reeves, Ballina Donna Latter Chocolate Cake Barbara Driscoll, Ballina The FNC Group of CWA would like to thank all those members who took part and to the Group Cookery Officer (Sue Constable) and Group Handicraft Officer (Rosemary Hill) for all their hard work and to the excellent judges Andrea Bryant, Sandra Hunter and Yvonne Argent – thank you for giving your time and expertise. If you would like to know more about CWA in your area please contact the Far North Coast Group Secretary: fncgroupcwa@gmail.com or go to the main website: www.cwaofnsw.org.au – (02) 8337 0200
TAXI TRANSPORT SUBSIDY SCHEME If eligible you can travel for 1/2 PRICE*
DON’T FORGET THE MAXI TAXI Carries up to 10 passengers & wheel chair accessible vehicle
VETERAN’S SERVICES 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 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
Yamba Day View Club is a ladies club that meet 3rd Monday of the month for meeting and lunch at the Yamba Bowling Club commencing 10 for 10.30am. This is very beneficial to anyone new to Yamba. It is a very friendly Club and visitors are always welcome. The aim of the Club is to raise money and awareness for our Learning for
Life Students of which we have 4 that we sponsor through Primary School. This is under the banner of The Smith Family. For further information phone President Lyn Henrichsen 02 6646 3164 and put your name down if you would like to attend as a guest and check the Club out for yourself.
Yamba Yabbies Woodburn & District Toastmasters Garden Club The Club meet 1st & 3rd Monday of
Meet at the Caroona Village Hall Woodburn Street Woodburn Ist Tuesday of each month at 9a.m. They have a social outing on the 4th Tuesday of each month. Everyone welcome to join in, male and female from any area of the district. We have guests speakers and discussion of garden related items. Contact 6682 2481 for more details.
the month at the Yamba Bowling Club commencing 6.30pm sharp. Anyone wishing to know what Toastmasters is all about, come along and join in. We have 50% learning and 50% fun. One never knows when one has to do public speaking. We are here to help. For further information, contact President Jan Coleman 0266451266 or check out our Facebook Page.
CWA Ballina Branch The Ballina branch of the Country Women’s Association is a not for profit organisation and our members are all community minded and are always working on projects for the community, including:. Sewing premmie baby dresses . Sewing stillborn baby dresses . Knitting hats for the Cancer council . Sewing and filling hospital bags with toiletries. . Knitting stress balls for dementia and aged care residents. The branch holds fundraising events during the year by conducting cake stalls, bbqs and catering in our rooms, which are at 236 River Street, Ballina with the funds raised being distributed back into the community. Our next fundraising will be our Mothers Day and market day stall which will be held on May 5 at 9am at Ballina Fair, in conjunction with our CWA Awareness Day. If you wish to make a difference in your community come along to our monthly meetings which are held on the third Monday of the month at 9am in the CWA rooms. Ladies of all ages are invited to come along to our handicraft, friendship, chat and cuppa morning, held every Wednesday at 9am until 12 noon. Bring your own craft or learn a new one. For enquiries please phone president Lyn on 6686 4849 or 0404 034 654.
0HDOV RQ :KHHOV COOKED IN GRAFTON DAILY
• Sweets, Salads, Sandwiches • Hot / Chilled / Frozen 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 - April 2017
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OUR COMMUNITY
History of the Coffs Harbour Fishermen’s Co-operative
The Co-operative has an unknown start date due to an absence of official records but is believed to have started in the mid-1940s as the Nambucca Fishermen’s Cooperative Ltd. Our earliest surviving documents start in April 1948. In 1954 records show the Co-operative with its registered office in Coffs Harbour with depots in Macksville and Coffs Harbour. Sometime after 1965 it changed its name to the Coffs Harbour Fishermen’s Co-operative Limited. In 1979 it moved to its current premises located bedside the wharf at the inner harbour. The Co-operative remains committed to serving the needs of the
membership comprised of active fishing businesses. In 1991 the Co-operative enlarged its small retail shop to encompass the existing area on the western end of the Co-operative building. In 2005 the Co-operative gutted the retail shops and remodeled the shop layout and fittings to provide a quality retail experience. Revamp The Co-operative is now working to bring its retail experience into the 21st century by fully embracing the internet. Our new website will allow people to order seafood from the boat and have it delivered directly to their door. We are also upgrading our branding
HELPING THE ELDERLY
FREE DELIVERY TO WOOLGOOLGA, COFFS AND DORRIGO. $100 DELIVERY TO GRAFTON
KING SINGLE DOMINO ADJUSTABLE BEDS $1999
April 2017 - Revolution
CVI©170426
Beatties FURNITURE AND MANCHESTER
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of their product not required for the Co-operative’s retail outlets is sold into the Sydney Fish Market. If there is a surplus at the end of the year we can pay a rebate out to our members at the year’s end. This is a business owned by and operated for its members, the fishermen.
From Farming to Furniture
LA-Z-BOY LIFT CHAIRS FROM $999
Pioneer St, Nambucca Heads Ph: 6568 7484 Sunday 9am-12pm Monday to Friday 9am- 5pm Saturday Closed For our full range visit our website: www.beattiesfurniture.com.au
to reflect our vintage and quality. We no longer use newspaper to wrap our fish and chips, but we want the casual and traditional experience of eating fish and chips on the water while watching the fishing fleet to last well into the future. It is an Australian tradition worth preserving. Our operations The Co-operative provides various services to members and non-members to make their businesses more efficient and profitable. We supply moorings, fuel, bait, ice, and chandlery lines to allow our fishermen to go fishing. On return we accept their catch, provide unload tubs, pack their product, store it, and arrange transport. Most
In 1983 Elizabeth and Alan Beattie and their family sold their wheat – sheep property at Parkes and moved to Nambucca Heads to establish ‘Beattie’s Furniture & Manchester’. They always had a passion for quality furniture and starting their own business allowed them to fulfil that passion. Their strong values of honesty and helping your neighbours have come through the family owned business which strives to offer you professional advice and service on all of your furniture needs. They have since retired to Sapphire Beach and now their son Michael runs the business with the same passion as his parents. Beattie’s treat their customers as friends across the region and will assist in any way offering free delivery to Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, and Dorrigo. Their team of friendly delivery drivers assists with removing old furniture or mattresses and re-arranging furniture in your home. They are the largest stockist of La-Z-Boy recliners and lounges on the north coast. Drop in and see the latest in recliners and lounges which provide superb comfort whether you
are an average build, short or tall. The team offers a lifetime warranty on their mechanism and 10 years warranty on their frame and foam. Beattie’s are also the largest stockist of furniture from the Australian company, Tessa, in the region. Tessa is based in Melbourne and their recliners and lounges make a statement in any home no matter the décor. Their range comes in a variety of leathers and fabrics to suit all styles and tastes. Rugs are a great way to add the finishing touch to your rooms and Beatties have a huge (150) selection to chose from. Rugs can tie in with the colours of your lounge and room, and can also make a bold statement with a contrasting colour. Beatties also stock ready made curtains or you can have them made to measure. Curtains are a great way to keep out the winter chill. No matter what your style, call in and see Michael and the team at Beattie's Furniture & Manchester. They are located at Pioneer Street, Nambucca Heads and you can call them on 6568 7484 or you can view their range online at www.beattiesfurniture.com.au.
North Coast Seniors
FEATURE
The war diary
|LYNNE MOWBRAY
One of the pages from the war diary.
During World War 1 [WWI] many residents from around the Clarence Valley enlisted in the armed forces; travelling to the other side of the world to defend our freedom. Those who enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force [AIF] were issued with a diary to enable them to document the war first hand, whilst making sure not to compromise intelligence. Grafton resident Suzanne Gibson is fortunate enough to be in the possession of her grandfather’s war diary and has volunteered to share a glimpse into what her grandfather faced on the front line. Suzanne said that she was given the diary from her uncle Norm Page about 20 years ago, along with other war memorabilia belonging to her grandfather. “I started reading the diary and I couldn’t believe how interesting it was,” said Suzanne. “I got a magnifying glass and with some good light, I began to transcribe the diary. “I never knew my grandfather as he died a few years before I was born. “Being given these items inspired me to dig deeper into the history surrounding my grandfather.” John Jabez James was born in Market Drayton, Shropshire, England and after immigrating to Australia, he lived at Coaldale, near Grafton. On 31 August, 1916 at the age of 34, the single labourer enlisted in the AIF – 16th Battalion. He embarked from Sydney aboard the ‘Suevic’, for England, on 11 November, 1916.
North Coast Seniors
Shortly after arriving in England, James was admitted to Fargo Military Hospital, with bronchitis. Several pages have been torn out of his diary between 17 January and 1 March, 1917, during his stay in hospital. At 6pm 14 June, his battalion headed from Southampton to Le Havre, France. They arrived at 4am the next morning, before marching six miles to their camp. According to his diary, on their first day in camp, they had to test their gas masks. They stayed for around two weeks in their ‘base camp’ at Le Havre before transferring to Bapaume. On 4 July, James wrote: ‘Gas alarm early this morning. We are in what is called third line of trenches; planes flying all around us.’ Then on 6 July: ‘Sent further back behind the lines. Picking up all sorts of things left behind by both sides. Expected to [?] at Bapaume 10 days. Are camped in what was a village.’ On 7 July James turned 35. His birthday was a cold day – ‘35 degrees’ [Fahrenheit] [1.6 degrees Celsius] ‘where shall I see the next birthday [?].’ On 9 July James wrote: ‘The village where we are working is a mess of ruin, not a wall left standing. We are between Albert Proyart and Bataum. One of the boys had his head blown off by [a] bomb.’ On Friday 13 July 2017 the troupes caught a rare glimpse of royalty; ‘King George passed through here today. This is my first sight of him.’ James’s diary entries over the next three months, tells
of long marches of up to 20 miles a day to reach several villages. He writes of helping farmers, night patrol and taking villages and ‘Fritz’ busy shelling our planes.” On 20 September James wrote, “Percy James badly wounded. Roy Killed, McKinnon wounded, Nichols killed.” On 29 September, “Fritz dropping bombs all around us. Tonight killed and wounded a few soldiers in Poperinge.” A month later he reported, “Fritz put over a barrage of heavy shellfire from 12 noon til 2.30pm intermittently afterward knocking some of our guns out of action.” And on 1 November, “Fritz shelled us like hell tonight but we were very lucky no one was hurt.” On 14 December his battalion went up to support the Armentieres Front. The following day James was sent in to the front line, transporting ‘Duck Boards’, wooden planking which were used in the muddy, water logged trenches. Troupes
standing in water would constantly be prone to trench foot and other ailments. On Sunday 23 December James was admitted into 7th field ambulance hospital with boils on shoulder, while his battalion went into the front line for the day. John Jabez James went on to marry Betsey Barnett at Market Drayton, his former home town, on 8 March 1918. On 7 April 1918, at VillersBretonneux, James received a bullet wound, which severely fractured his right femur. He was transferred from a hospital in France to England and then back to Australia, where he recuperated further in hospital. In January 1919, James was welcomed home by the residents of Barrett’s Creek, Coaldale, at a function held in the Mr G Barnier’s Hall, where he was presented with a gold medal. He was discharged from the AIF on 15 October, 1919 and his name appears on the Coaldale-Barrett’s Creek Honour Roll.
Join In Coffs Harbour Writers Group The Coffs Harbour Writers Group was established in 1986 for the purpose of creating an environment of support and encouragement for aspiring writers. We offer members and visitors the opportunity to meet twice a month, including social coffee mornings, where we share writing skills, and assist writers with improving their skills through the provision of learning opportunities in the form of seminars, workshops, study groups and guest speakers. Meeting Venues: 1st Wednesday of the month, Cex Club, Vernon Street, Coffs Harbour Time: 10:30am to 12:30 (if attending a workshop 1:30 to 3:30pm) Social Coffee Mornings: 3rd Thursday of the month, members homes or at nominated venues Time: 10:00am to 12:00 noon Members Fees: $20 per Annum plus $2 monthly meeting fee Workshop/ Seminar Fees: $7.50 / Members; $7.50 / Non Members $15.00 Contact Details: Social / Publicity Officer, Janice: ph 66528518; Website: www. cofffsharbourwriters.com Grafton U3A Inc A community organisation with State, National and International alliances dedicated to the sharing of our knowledge, skills and experience in a friendly convivial way. Rooms 8/9 Dougherty House 46 Prince St, Grafton Ph: 6642-4615 Email: info@grafton. u3anet.org.au www.grafton.u3anet.org. au Coffs Harbour Chess Club c/- Coffs Harbour Catholic Recreation and Sports Club, 59 High Street COFFS HARBOUR Phone: 6656 1404
(Main) Suzanne Gibson, with her grandfather’s war diary. Image: Lynne Mowbray (top) John Jabez James with his wife Betsey and son George (Suzanne Gibsons father) at the Grafton Agricultural Show in the 1930’s. (above) John Jabez James and his medals.
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.
Revolution - April 2017
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FEATURE
Do puzzles go to heaven?
Sometimes inanimate objects evolve into living beings, particularly in the minds of young children. Grafton woman, Gillian Richardson, has a special place in her heart for a jigsaw puzzle, one sent to her by her father, who was stationed in Darwin fighting the Japanese in 1942. Geoff Helisma discovers a remarkable story behind the story. year it had been turned into a puzzle.” The cartoon included a song, sung to the tune of the Big Bad Wolf – Walt Disney’s Thrifty Pig says: Who’s afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? The Union Jack’s still waving, who’s afraid of the Big Bad Wolf, if you lend your savings! “It’s interesting [that] Disney allowed its material to be used for propaganda purposes,” says Rutherford. “Hence the Canadian song, but that was then allowed to be made into a puzzle, then sold in Australia and made by an Australian company.” Gillian says the puzzle was a “cherished procession” and a “friend”.
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The Australian War Memorial could not find sufficient words to thank me for all my care and concern and stressed when passing through Canberra I should telephone and make an appointment to see my Puzzle and the care they will be taking of him.
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The Clarence Regional Library’s March newsletter published several stories written by some of the valley’s senior citizens. One of those stories, My Jig-Saw Puzzle, published to mark Seniors Week, was Gillian Richardson’s, who poignantly signs off with a question: Do puzzles go to heaven? The story was the first she had ever written, despite a lifelong love affair with storytelling. When asked what her interests are, Gillian answers: “Reading, reading and reading again.” Her husband, John, expands on her response: “And libraries, libraries and libraries.” Gillian has been absorbing the facets of storytelling for decades, reading “mostly fictional novels; but I like historical, detective and forensic stories”, so perhaps it was no surprise that her first-time effort was so engaging You can imagine the excitement, when in the post the week following my birthday; a jig saw puzzle came from my Dad in Darwin, Gillian writes in her story. It had to be shown and handed around and, of course, much fingered, as parcels did not often come to young ladies who were just five years old. I was impressed by the puzzle, with its coloured front package showing the big bad wolf and the three pigs within their home. The big bad wolf had a swastika on his bag. He looked quite fierce and you could see the pigs were afraid. The puzzle, it turns out, is a part of Australia’s war history and now resides at the Australian War Memorial (AWM). “It’s a Disney puzzle, but it was actually made by an Australian company, John Sands Pty Ltd,” says Dianne Rutherford, the memorial’s curator of Military Heraldry and Technology. “So they took a Disney film, it was actually a Canadian propaganda film, to raise money for war bonds, and released a cartoon in December 1941, which was around the time that the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. “But within, potentially, a few months or within a
“I did unwrap it and play with it, but I didn’t [just] play with it, I carried it around. I made it a male because it came from my father, and I didn’t so much keep it a secret. It’s just a plain little puzzle. When you see it you won’t think its glamorous or anything, but to me it meant everything.” The puzzle was something Gillian sometimes turned to when seeking solace, something that connected her with her deceased father. “To me, it ... was my father. He came home in 1945, he was immobilised, and in 10 years’ time he was dead. It was like having a little lucky charm round your neck; I’d hold it and think of him.” Gillian’s children played with the puzzle, too. Her son, Andrew, a registered nurse, midwife and rural and
remote clinical nurse specialist at Pambula District Hospital on the NSW South Coast, was the keeper of the puzzle over the past two years. “I played with it as a child,” he says. “It was in Mum’s glory box; you had to put it away properly, it was known that it was Mum’s special thing. You were allowed to play with it because it was a jigsaw, but it was like going to your grandmother’s place and being allowed to play with one of her toys – it was play, but it wasn’t non conscientious play. You had to be gentle and all of those types of things. You knew it was special.” Andrew kept it in a draw and, after speaking with his wife, decided to see if the AWM was interested in it. “I contacted the war memorial in June last year. We corresponded through to August and we took it there late last year. I am pleased for Mum and the grandfather I didn’t know that this is something that my country wants to keep for posterity.”
Main Pic: Gillian’s puzzle is preserved for posterity at the Australian War Memorial; however, after being presented with a framed photograph of the puzzle’s box, she too has a pictorial record. Pic: Lynne Mowbray (Above) Jigsaw puzzle picture: courtesy Australian War Memorial. (opposite) Gillian, with her father’s medals. Pic: Geoff Helisma
North Coast Seniors
FEATURE
MY JIG-SAW PUZZLE In 1942 when I was just about to have my fifth birthday, I received a small parcel from my father who was in the air force stationed in Darwin. When my father left for the war we were all very sad, not that the children thought anything was wrong, only that our Dad had to go away. So Mum packed our things together and, with our dog, we caught a train to Woodstock in country NSW. We had to sit up all night in the carriage, whilst our dog Laddie travelled in the guard’s van and cried the whole time. Laddie was a lovely dog, but no-one seemed to love him that night. We arrived at breakfast time to be met by my aunt and cousins. We were soon settled in and had our share of jobs to do. Things were a little strange at first; cows to milk and a new pet dog to break in. Also there were chooks, ducks and turkeys at some stage of growth and we were told not to become too attached to them as it only made it harder to say goodbye; and although we reared the dogs, they were farming animals with their daily jobs. You can imagine the excitement, when in the post the week following my birthday; a jig saw puzzle came from my Dad in Darwin. It had to be shown and handed around and, of course, much fingered, as parcels did not often come to young ladies who were just five years old. I was impressed by the puzzle, with its coloured front package showing the big bad wolf and the three pigs within their home. The big bad wolf had a swastika
A confluence of circumstances and thoughts led Gillian Richardson towards putting pen to paper to write her first story at the age of 77: her regular visits to the library, being a ‘senior’ person and her preparations for the forthcoming Anzac Day commemoration. She says there was a “nexus” between what the jigsaw puzzle represented to her and the soldiers who fought in wars. The Three Little Pigs represent ordinary people facing extraordinary danger: in this case, the wrath of Hitler and his
|GILLIAN RICHARDSON
on his bag. He looked quite fierce and you could see the pigs were afraid. I kept my puzzle and looked at it quite often, long after others had tired of my beautiful puzzle and, if I were truly honest, it wasn’t because it was pretty, but rather something others did not have. We played cards at home by lamplight and on the back of the package I had written several scores for games, with my older brother keeping the individual scores –he being so lucky that he won most of the games. Now that I’m older I think I should have checked the scoring, don’t you? Time passed and the thing called war was over and we prepared to pack to go back to Sydney. By this stage I was a primary school student and my puzzle was older and a little grubbier, but still in the quietness of my bedroom I would take it out and have another look at my most prized possession. Dad was soon to come home to us for good. I tried to think Puzzle would interest others, but not those in ‘better circles’ as my aunt from Sydney was quick to explain. So life for Puzzle became quieter and I was inclined to tuck him into the corner of a drawer after a brief chat. Puzzle for the most part was not seen or heard from, except by me, during this time and he led a quiet life with his only contact being through me. However, I did take him to the library for visits and the librarian grew quite fond of him. My father and my mother passed away and although I put Puzzle in my carry bag when I took flowers to
the cemetery, time was slow for Puzzle, who spent this period quietly in my undies drawer or just speaking with me and my ‘bedroom friends’. Recently, within the last couple of years, as we again prepared to move, all the children having left home and my husband and I to a flat, I asked my youngest son, Andrew, who has just turned 50, if he would like to have my puzzle, but he was to be a custodian only. He willingly took the puzzle, who by now had suffered from lack of care and was indeed looking like an old, old toy for which no one seemed to have time. Imagine my surprise when Andrew told me that he and his wife had spoken at length with the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and it was thought the best and only place at which to have Puzzle kept was in their exhibition. So here I was without Puzzle, whom I had kept for 72 years stuck in a cupboard, never to have anyone look at him or take delight in seeing him in all this time. Only days after speaking to the Australian War Memorial you could feel my delight and surprise when Andrew read to me a letter he had received from the war memorial office, expressing praise at my lovely Puzzle, which was still in its original cover. They could not find sufficient words to thank me for all my care and concern and stressed when passing through Canberra I should telephone and make an appointment to see my Puzzle and the care they will be taking of him.
Oh! To know that they think him just as lovely as I do, well almost, and that they will take care of him long after I would have lost him or he had been thrown away. Other puzzles have been donated to the museum, but none of these were in their original packet nor had all their pieces intact. My pride and joy in Puzzle swelled in me again and my eyes filled with tears. That my country was going to keep my lovely friend and many of you will see him – isn’t that great! Yes, the message from Puzzle is LIVE LIFE and so he has, quietly over many years, and in recent times he waits to be discovered again with many more viewings to celebrate. Perhaps being the only puzzle of that type, and being made in Australia, he will have many more years to celebrate and make new friends. Do puzzles go to heaven?
This story was first published in Scene in July 2015
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maniacal campaign for supremacy; much like the Big Bad Wolf’s threat to blow the pigs’ house down. Just as the Three Little Pigs became symbols of heroic defiance – similarly, certain returned soldiers become symbolic. “Not that they haven’t done wonderful things, but not every soldier has done wonderful things,” Gillian says. “There was that man [Alec Campbell] who was the last surviving soldier of the First World War. I can understand the spectacular thing, but he was
probably just an ordinary person until they made him the last man.” On Anzac Day, in 2002, the Sydney Moring Herald published a story about Alec Campbell, The Last Man Standing, which exemplifies Gillian’s thoughts: When Alec Campbell dies, his passing will break the last human link with a small, distant conflict that mystically defined and, with each new generation, redefines, Australia’s national character – how we see ourselves. ...It was only an illusion, of course, but the older the Anzacs got, the more
enduring they became. Through the 1970s and ‘80s they seemed to settle into a remarkably long twilight, hitherto reserved for gods. Just weeks later, Alec Campbell died, aged 103, on May 16. Gillian remembers her motivation for writing the story: “I was feeling low because I was having my father’s medals mounted. Because whenever it is Anzac Day, the children want to wear … my father’s medals. It was very hard to attach them in any sense of order without them going skewiff. Then I got to
thinking about it and I thought, ‘what do I have to show for this period of time?’ I’ve got four medals mounted and I’ve got a little broche thing the government used to give to people in the family, mainly the women whose husband has been in a war. The jigsaw story was an expression of my affinity towards my parents. “The puzzle was something of my father that I could have that acted as a reminder that he had thought of me. Its place in my life was a gift that I kept in remembrance.” SEN©170426
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Revolution - April 2017
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FINANCE/LEGAL
SEVEN WAYS TO GET MORE OUT OF RETIREMENT |STEPHEN DONNELLY
Leaving the workforce is just one step in your journey through life. And once the daily grind is over, it’s time to figure out what you want to do next.
Retirement is something that most of us look forward to. But it can also be a challenging lifestyle adjustment, particularly if you’re someone who’s used to keeping busy. On one hand, retirement gives you the chance to relax and slow the pace of living to a more enjoyable speed. But on the other, reaching the end of your work years can also raise the question: ‘What am I supposed to do now?’ Retirement isn’t just a long holiday, it’s an opportunity to find a new vocation. So if you’re looking for ideas on how to fill all the hours you used to spend at work, here are a few to get you started.
1. Lend a helping hand Retiring usually means having more time on your hands, so why not give some of it back to the community? There are plenty of ways you can help out – whether it’s putting your professional skills to use or trying something completely new. For example, you might consider volunteering with a local charity, at a hospital or with an environmental organisation. If you enjoy spending time with children, there are a range of great volunteering opportunities available. For instance, you could tutor or mentor kids from disadvantaged backgrounds, or teach music, ethics or craft at a local school.
2. Work your brain Retirement is a wonderful chance to learn something new – from taking a community college or university
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course to learning a new language or trying out well-known brain-trainers like Sudoku, cryptic crosswords or bridge. And while the research still isn’t definitive, there is some evidence that staying mentally active in retirement can even help reduce cognitive decline and protect against the onset of dementia.
3. Stay connected Once you get out of the habit of seeing your colleagues every day, it’s easy to feel isolated. A great way to meet like-minded retirees is to join a local group that shares a common interest, whether it’s a book club, bushwalking club or choir. That way you’ll be able to learn and have fun, while staying connected with your community as well.
4. Keep fit After you leave your job, your lifestyle may possibly become less
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active. That’s why it’s important to stay fit and healthy by getting in some regular exercise. Walking, golf, swimming and cycling are all good ways to get out and about while staying in shape. And if you’re not really an exercise junkie, there are other ways to keep moving, like taking up dance, tai chi or yoga. If you’re already leading an active life, consider setting yourself a physical goal like completing an ocean swim, triathlon or hiking expedition. It will help motivate you to stay fit and keep your body and mind healthy.
5. Go on an adventure After years of hard work, it’s time for an escape. Retirement can be the perfect opportunity to embark on the adventure you’ve always wished for. There are holiday options for all tastes and budgets, from overseas package tours and all-inclusive luxury cruises, to DIY caravanning across Australia. But before you pack your bags, check in with your financial adviser. They can help you put together a budget so your dream holiday doesn’t break the bank.
6. Sow the seeds If you’ve got a green thumb, then why not take up gardening and turn your own backyard into a lush paradise. It’s easy to get started, with a range of information available online or at your library. And it doesn’t just have
to be flowers; you could grow fruit and vegetables and save some money on your grocery bills. If you don’t have a yard, you can still create a garden indoors. Simply put up some pots and hanging plants in a part of the house that gets lots of sunshine, like your kitchen or balcony.
7. Find a furry friend
added bonus of helping you to stay fit and active. But if you can’t have a pet of your own – for instance, if your apartment building doesn’t allow animals – why not offer to pet-sit for a friend or family member? Many people who are busy working or who travel a lot will appreciate someone else feeding and playing with their pet once in a while.
Even if your kids have grown up and flown the nest, you can still find someone who needs your daily love and care. It may not have been practical for you to own a pet while you were working, but your retirement may be the perfect time to discover the joys of having an animal companion. And if you get a dog you’ll need to walk it daily, which has the
But first: future proof your finances Whether you’re just starting to think about retirement or you’ve already left the workforce, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your financial adviser. They’ll help ensure you have the income you need for your retirement years, giving you the financial freedom to enjoy your new interests and hobbies.
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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
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April 2017 - Revolution
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Make sure your pet will be looked after if something happens to you Plan ahead for your pet Pets are important members of the family for most Australians, but what would happen to your pet if you were unable to care for it? By including your pet in your planning ahead documents – Power of Attorney, Enduring Guardianship and Will – you can help ensure it will always be looked after.
Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship If something happens to you while you are alive your Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship documents can be used to give instructions about the care of your pet.
Your attorney can make decisions about your finances, including money to be spent on your pet. Importantly, your attorney is allowed to enter your home if you are unwell and help your pets. Your enduring guardian can make health, medical and lifestyle decisions, including what services may be required to care for your pets.
Include your pet in your Will You can make sure that your pet is looked after when you die by stating how you would like your pet cared for in your Will. There are different options available such as leaving money to a loved one or animal charity with a request to look after your pet, or setting up a trust for your pet’s care and maintenance.
Plan ahead with NSW Trustee & Guardian You can make your Power of Attorney, Enduring Guardianship and Will documents at a plan ahead day or one of our branches. We regularly hold plan ahead days at community venues across NSW. Check our website for upcoming days in your area www.tag.nsw.gov.au/planahead There is an agent for NSW Trustee & Guardian at every Local Court in NSW. Service NSW Centres also offer information on NSW Trustee & Guardian services.
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We can help NSW Trustee & Guardian have a lot of experience preparing planning ahead documents and providing people with support and advice to work through the different options available when planning ahead for a pet. Contact us on 1300 721 872 or email taglismore@tag.nsw.gov.au or visit www.tag.nsw.gov.au
Book an appointment to make or update your Planning Ahead documents Specialist staff from our Lismore branch regularly hold Planning Ahead Days where you can make or update your Will, Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship documents in the following areas: t Coffs Harbour t Grafton t Maclean t Tenterfield t Tweed Heads Visit www.tag.nsw.gov.au/planahead or call 1300 721 827 to book an appointment with our Lismore branch at 6 Zadoc Street, Lismore (Monday to Friday). Situations where you may want to update your Planning Ahead documents include:
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t marriage t separation or divorce t retirement t buying or selling a house t welcoming children or grandchildren into your family t a beneficiary or executor named in your Will has died
For further information contact NSW Trustee & Guardian Lismore today on 1300 721 872 or email taglismore@tag.nsw.gov.au
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Revolution - April 2017
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FINANCE/LEGAL
Why is Advance Care Planning important? Advance Care Planning (ACP) helps people to make their wishes known upfront about any future medical treatment and care, should they become unable to voice their needs at that point.
It’s especially important for people with a dementia diagnosis and ideally, ACPs should be carried out as soon as possible after a diagnosis has been given. By sharing a concerted plan for their welfare with loved ones and health professionals, a person with a dementia diagnosis will be safe in the knowledge that in the later stages of the disease, when they may be deemed as not having the same decision-making capacities, their care will still be guided by their originally-stated values and wishes. It’s also important for loved ones and health care professionals to be across an individual’s preferences and beliefs, as it helps to reduce worry and stress when it comes to administering treatment in times of crisis. An Advance Care Plan can be Verbal or Written. A Verbal Advance
(if relevant), loved ones and their Substitute Decision Maker all have copies. It’s crucial to review an Advance Care Plan annually, as well as any changes to a person’s wellbeing, personal life or living arrangements. By having an up-to-date and well-considered Advance Care Plan, people can ensure that no matter what happens in the later stages of dementia, their wishes, beliefs and values will be held paramount – ensuring their care is administered exactly how they want it to be, without any unwanted interventions.
Care Plan (V-ACP) can be as simple as having an open and honest conversation with loved ones and health care professionals. Whilst a V-ACP is a perfectly acceptable way for a person to influence their future healthcare, a Written Advance Care Plan (W-ACP) is the most accurate way to communicate their needs and impact their treatment. A WACP is especially useful for
doctors and nurses who may be treating an individual at a later stage, but who aren’t part of their initial health care team. It also serves as a comfort to loved ones, acting on a person’s wishes, knowing that their decisions are being respected and carried out exactly how they wanted. People should make copies of their W-ACP and ensure that their principal doctor, residential care facility
If you’d like further information, contact Alzheimer’s Queensland www.alzheimersonline.org or call 1800 639 331.
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April 2017 - Revolution
North Coast Seniors
FINANCE/LEGAL
The clock is ticking on major changes to superannuation that come into force on July 1, 2017. The changes are wide-ranging and are likely to affect everyone’s retirement savings. But it can pay to plan ahead both to take advantage of the existing rules, and to make the most of the new super landscape. Here are some of the major changes and how they may affect you. 1. New limits on non-concessional contributions From 1 July, the annual cap on non-concessional (not claimed as a tax deduction) super contributions will be reduced from the current $180,000 to $100,000 a year. The new $1.6 million balance transfer cap has implications for estate planning. The bring forward rule, which allows people under 65 to ‘bring forward’ two years’ worth of contributions, will reduce accordingly, from $540,000 in any three-year period to $300,000. Anyone with a super balance of more than $1.6 million will no longer be allowed to make further non-concessional contributions. If you’re planning a large non-concessional contribution you should consider doing so before 30 June. This is especially the case for individuals with high super balances. Also, if you have already triggered the bring forward rule either last year or this year but didn’t contribute the full $540,000, you will only have until 30 June to get the balance into super. If you delay beyond that date you may still be able to contribute but the amount you can get in may reduce significantly under some transitional rules. 2. Lower concessional caps Concessional (tax deductible) contributions include employer Super Guarantee payments, salary sacrifice arrangements and personal deductible contributions. The concessional contributions cap is currently $35,000 if you are aged over 50; $30,000 if you are younger. But from 1 July, the cap will drop to $25,000 for everyone. The good news is that, from 1 July, all taxpayers will be allowed to make personal contributions from after-tax money and claim a tax deduction. Currently only people who are predominantly self-employed or who have no employment income can do so. People aged 65-74 will, however, still need to meet the work test. If you’re currently salary sacrificing more than $25,000 you will need to review the arrangement with your employer at the start of the new financial year. And if you do make extra personal contributions don’t forget to factor in any Super Guarantee and salary sacrifice amounts. 3. Tax changes for Transition to Retirement (TTR) pensions From 1 July, earnings on superannuation assets used to pay a TTR pension will no longer be tax free.
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|CRAIG DAY
Instead they will be taxed at the 15 per cent superannuation rate. The payments you receive from your TTR pension will continue to be taxed as they are now. That is, payments are tax free if you are aged 60 or over, or taxed at your marginal rate with a 15 per cent tax offset if you are aged 56-59. Day says some high-income earners may be worse off using a TTR strategy from 1 July. That’s because the income threshold at which individuals begin to pay contributions tax at the higher rate of 30 per cent, instead of the normal super rate of 15 per cent, will be lowered from $300,000 to $250,000. If this affects you, you should see your financial adviser to have your TTR pension reviewed. You may be better off turning it off. 4. A new $1.6 million pension cap For the first time, a limit will be imposed on the amount of money you can hold in a tax-free superannuation pension. From 1 July, individuals must restrict the combined value of their pension accounts to a maximum of $1.6 million. This is referred to as a ‘transfer balance cap’ and will apply to all existing and new pension accounts. Special rules will also apply where you receive certain non-account based defined benefit pensions, such as a lifetime pension. If you think you will have more than $1.6 million in your combined pension accounts by June 30 you may need to withdraw the excess amount. You can either shift it back into a super accumulation account where it will be taxed at 15 per cent, or remove it from the super environment entirely. The best option will depend on your circumstances so you should seek advice. 5. Estate planning implications The new $1.6 million balance transfer cap also has implications for estate planning. If you need to transfer assets back into an accumulation account this could have an impact on your estate planning. Also, when you die, any income paid out of your super pension to a partner or dependent child will be assessed as part of their $1.6 million pension cap. The rules around super and estate planning are complex so you may need to review your estate plan with an adviser. While these are some of the main changes to superannuation that are set to become law on 1 July, there are others that may affect your retirement savings. The impact will be different for everyone depending on your personal circumstances, so please don’t hesitate to contact a financial adviser to review your superannuation arrangements Craig Day is Executive Manager, FirstTech – Colonial First State
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. The RSL Day Club provides exercises, interesting activities, community involvement, speakers & leisure activities to the elderly in the region. Toastmasters International Murwillumbah: Contact: Hazel 0427 281 819 Or Christine Halloran (02) 6672 5531 Tweed Valley: Contact: Steve (02) 6676 4641 Twin Towns: Contact: Bub (02) 6674 1636 Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre Gardening, Men’s Shed, craft, creative writing, technology centre, Stretch Your Mind , gentle exercise, U3A activities, volunteering. Contact: (02) 6676 4555. The Silver Smiths Every Wednesday Time: 5pm - 6pm Location: Kentwell Community Centre We do not sing because we are happy… we are happy because we sing! So if you’d like to join us, come and share memories and happiness through the songs of yesteryear. We also entertain the older communities of Ballina and its surrounds. All welcome. Contact: 02 6681 6357 or 02 6686 5663 Lennox Head Life Ball Every Tuesday Time: 9.30am - 11.30am Lennox Commmunity Centre Contact: 0448 004 161 Life Ball is a fun, safe team ball cgame ideal for seniors and those with injuries. Far North Coast billiards and snooker community To join in with this fun snooker group contact: ballinasnooker@yahoo.com.au Mobile, 0447 026 443 Lismore Workers lwcsnooker@gmail.com Mobile, 0435 045 077 Casino RSM akrea@live.com.au Mobile, 0414 9958 34 Banora Snooker jackmalone@maloneglass.com Mobile, 0412 141 456
Make 2017 your year to Join in Revolution - April 2017
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HEALTH
Partial Dentures - all you need to know
|JESSICA DAWES
Join In Tweed Valley Cake Decorators Contact: Sharyn Hagen Ph: 07 5590 4003 or Francis 02 6672 4061 Very Gentle Exercise Class Tweed Community Health Centre Tweed Heads Hospital Mondays 8.30am. Contact: Deb 0414 644 064
Grafton U3A Inc A community organisation with State, National and International alliances dedicated to the sharing of our knowledge, skills and experience in a friendly convivial way. Rooms 8/9 Dougherty House, 46 Prince St, Grafton Ph: 6642-4615 Email: info@grafton.u3anet. org.au www.grafton.u3anet.org.au Coffs Seniors Computer Club Our 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 Quota International of Lower Clarence Meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month in the Board Room at Yamba Bowling Club, Wooli St, Yamba Ph: 6645 1270
The very nature of these types of dentures are that they are removable, not fixed or ‘bolted in’, which means they are relatively easy to maintain and keep clean. Whilst there are quite a few different materials available
Do you need a break?
If you provide care for a family member, friend or neighbor who is frail aged, has dementia, a disability, mental health issue, a chronic or terminal illness – then you are a Carer. The Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre may be able to assist you: • To take a short break. • To support you to access other services. • To support you in your caring role. • Provide an afterhours service to support carers in an emergency or crisis situation. It is as simple as calling 1800 052 222 and talking with one of our staff. When you make the call they will ask you questions about your caring role and also seek some information about the care needs of the person you are supporting. Respite can be arranged in a variety of settings. For those looking to book
For three generations the Dawes family has provided Quality Denture Care to the Clarence Valley
Ken Dawes
DENTURE ENTURE E CLINIC 18
April 2017 - Revolution
once the chrome denture has been made. At Dawes Denture Clinic, we have a laser welder onsite to facilitate the strongest addition of a tooth to an existing denture that is possible. We are also in a unique position to be able to fabricate all our own chrome dentures onsite, ensuring all work stays local and consequently eliminating long turn-around times. If you need advice on which type of partial denture is right for you, or anything else relating to dentures of any description, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 6642 2300 for our clinic at 26 Prince St, Grafton, or 6645 2300 for our new clinic at 14a River St, Maclean. Jessica Dawes is a Dental Prosthetist at Ken Dawes Denture Clinics
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Brunswick Valley Scrabble Club Tuesday 1pm-4pm Brunswick Heads Bowling Club Cost: $4 (includes tea & coffee) Ph: Barbara Hancock 6685 0409
They are easily added to, A partial denture should you lose any more is a removable teeth in the future. However, dental appliance that due to the acrylic being weakreplaces the missing er than its metal counterpart, teeth in your mouth. the acrylic is built quite thick You may require a to counteract this weakness. partial denture for a They do tend to break frevariety of reasons, quently, particularly when the most common dropped and having extra being looking good bulk in your mouth is some(aesthetics), eating thing many people struggle and talking (function). with, as it takes time to get used to. Chrome dentures, on the other hand, can be made much smaller than an acrylic when it comes time to opt denture, and are therefore less for a partial denture, you will bulky in the mouth which be met with the decision of lends themselves to being a whether to have it made with more comfortable and much acrylic (plastic) or chrome stronger option. (metal). Until now, there has been Acrylic dentures are usually an issue with having teeth the most cost effective option. added to a chrome denture
For dentures designed exclusively to suit your individual preferences, contact us today on GRAFTON 6642 MACLEAN 6645
2300 2300
respite in a Commonwealth funded aged care facility, we do book the respite beds for some facilities on the Far North Coast. For in home, out of home or community based respite we have agreements in place with a number of services. These agreements enable us to buy in the services that are best matched to your circumstances and location. Our 24-hour support ensures that you have access to emergency respite 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Our service also runs workshops and forums across the region aimed at supporting carers to develop skills in selfcare, to learn a new skill or to just take some time out with an enjoyable activity. These are offered free of charge and are a great place to meet other people in similar circumstances. Want to know more – please call or email us on 1800 052 222 or general@ crccfnc.org
Carer Examples: Mandy who had a terrible flu gained our support to transport her son with a disability, to and from school for 3 days running so that she could remain in bed and fully recover. Edna wanted to visit her daughter in Sydney so organized our support to bring in a worker each day to check on her husband who has mobility issues. The worker also supported some meals preparation and housework tasks. Sally and Tom gained our support for some mentoring and respite for their 18-year-old son with Asperger’s after they experienced a significant increase in stress levels in the home due to some behavioral concerns. Harry fell off a ladder and was taken by ambulance to hospital on a Saturday afternoon. He called us to get someone to care for his wife until family arrived from outside the region.
SAVE on our consignment stock 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
HEALTH
Nutrition and older adults As we begin to age our lifestyles and appetite can slowly change and this can affect the types and amounts of foods we consume on a daily basis. A decreasing appetite or reduced ability to buy and prepare healthy foods can mean that many older adults don’t get enough essential mineral, vitamins and fibre, and this can contribute to a decline in overall health or intensify some chronic illness. Eating a range of foods from all food groups can help supply the nutrients a person needs as they age. A healthy eating plan emphasizes fruit, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free dairy; includes lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts; and is low in saturated fats, trans fats, salt (sodium) and added sugars. Keep Points are:
Use less salt Everyone requires a certain amount of salt, but too much can increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Salt occurs naturally in many foods such as meat, eggs, milk and vegetables, but much of the salt in the Australian diet comes from the salt added to foods by manufactur-
ers or adding salt ourselves which to some is just a habit to season at the dinner table. Older adults should restrict their intake of high salt foods such as cured meats (including ham, corned beef, bacon and luncheon meats), snack foods (such as potato chips and savoury pastries) and sauces (such as soy sauce).
Drink more water Water supports provides many crucial functions in body, including hydration, digestion and blood volume, however as you age you may not feel thirsty as often, even when your body needs fluid. Your daily Tea, coffee, mineral water, soda water and reduced fat milk can all count towards your fluid intake during the day, but water is always best! Try and have a glass when you wake up and one after dinner and also at the end of every meal to ensure you achieve your daily glass count.
Limit your intake of foods containing saturated fats and trans fats If you’re in the habit of having desserts, aim to make it partly
nutritious and avoid high sugar and saturated fat foods. Try fresh fruits with reduced fat yoghurt for sweetness and flavour, and choose wholegrain and/or oat-based options for crumbles or cakes.
Vitamins and minerals Vitamin and minerals can play a role for specific deficiencies, which are not uncommon in older people as they may eat less, or have digestion issues due to illness or medication. But for otherwise healthy people, vitamins and minerals cannot compensate for a poor diet, and can also be expensive. Enjoy a variety of foods from the core foods groups to get as many nutrients from foods as possible, or see an Accredited Practising Dietitian or your GP to discuss your specific nutritional needs.
Bone health A diet low in calcium contributes to diminished bone density, early bone loss and an increased risk of fractures. People who are physically inactive have a higher risk of osteoporosis than do their more-active counterparts. Mel, Yamba 24/7
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Clarence Community Transport is a not BKN LNKłP OANRE?A PD=P LNKRE@AO = N=JCA KB @KKN PK @KKN PN=JOLKNP KLPEKJO BKN NAOE@AJPO KB PDA H=NAJ?A 3=HHAU These services include but not limited to: • Medical Appointments • Social Outings • Transport disadvantaged • Shopping Access • Airport Shuttle Transfers • Private Charters/Fee for Service
We require 3 working days notice to co-ordinate your booking.
For further information or to make a booking, please call our friendly >KKGEJC KBĹ‚?ANO KJ
6645 3200 #QJ@A@ >U KIIKJSA=HPD %KIA 0QLLKNP -NKCN=I !ALP KB 1N=JOLKNP +04 +04 %A=HPD =J@ CAJANKQO @KJ=PEKJO BNKI PDA LAKLHA KB PDA H=NAJ?A 3=HHAU
1/134 Jubilee Street, Townsend NSW 2463 bookings@clarencecommunitytransport.net.au www.clarencecommunitytransport.net.au
North Coast Seniors
HOUR
24 ACCESS 7 4 2 a b Yam s s e n it F & h H ea lt
12B Treelands Drive YAMBA • 0455 737 827 Revolution - April 2017
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HEALTH CERTIFIED / AUSTRALIA BASED SUPPORT / 12 MONTH WARRANTY / ACCESSIBLE LE FEATURES
$169 *Australia wide shipping incl.
NO CONTRACTS – NO DOWNLOADS – NO GPS – NO GAMES – NO FANCY FEATURES Big, raised keys featuring colour and tactile “landmarks” “Talking” (voice output) keypad Large display screen Loud and clear amplified speaker Easily connecting cradle charger Dedicated SOS button with up to 4 programmable emergency contacts Speed dial with up to 8 programmable numbers FM radio Camera Inbuilt magnifier
Widespread & reliable network coverage (3G, tri-band 850/900/2100) Unlocked for use with all telecommunication carriers in Australia and New Zealand Impressive battery life: up to 4 hours “talk time” and up to 15 days “standby time” Bluetooth compatibility – can be paired with Bluetooth compatible devices such as hearing aids and car audio systems Comprehensive step by step set-up guide and manual Australia based support Australia and New Zealand Certification
“Bought O litech Phone for my husband who finds modern technology difficult! He loves it. It's easy to read and use without all the bells and whistles. Thank you for a great product.” Testimonials Ro b y n S, NSW
Contact us
Order Now
Phone: 03 9755 8885 Email: sales@olitech.com.au
www.olitech.com.au 20
April 2017 - Revolution
Orders can be placed through our website or over the phone. Fast & free delivery included.
North Coast Seniors
HEALTH
Assistive technology for seniors Meet Kristen and Ibrahim Bayri (pictured below), owners and operators of Olitech Seniors Technology. Established in 2013, Olitech Seniors Technology is an Australian business based in Melbourne, Victoria. Olitech’s vision is to be an approachable and reliable company providing simple, accessible and quality technology to older individuals or individuals with sensory impairment in our community. Kristen and Ibrahim achieve this through drawing on their knowledge and experience in the fields of occupational therapy and orthotics and prosthetics. As we all know, technology is something that everybody needs, however too often people are paired with technology that does not suit their needs or that they are unable to use effectively. When sourcing or designing technology solutions, Olitech focuses on products that enhance the communication capacity and independence of their customers, with the result being decreased isolation and enhanced safety. This focus was at the forefront of their minds when Kristen and Ibrahim, through Olitech, researched, designed and launched the Olitech Easy Mate+ seniors mobile phone. This much anticipated
mobile telephone was developed following an overwhelming demand from customers requesting an easy to use device that was both reliable in the Australian and New Zealand environments and accessible for those with limited experience with technology; or reduced visual, touch or hearing capacity. To ensure the Easy Mate+ meets the needs of customers, during the research and design phase, Olitech, in consultation with Vision Australia, held focus groups involving health professionals and clients to obtain feedback on the accessibility and features of the phone. Following this extensive research period, the Easy Mate+ emerged with its custom moulded keypad, talking keys, inbuilt magnifier, amplified speakers, SOS/ Emergency button and much more. In short, what emerged was a mobile telephone that is perfect for the over 50s population and most importantly that meets their needs. Probably one of the most unique features of the Easy Mate+ is the bright red SOS button situated conveniently on the back of the device. This feature enables users to program four phone numbers of family, friends or medical professionals, which when the SOS button is activated, will automatically dial each phone
The Home Care Checklist
Tips and questions to help you choose the home care provider that’s right for you
number in sequence of order programming. The inclusion of this feature allows for enhanced personal safety and this is one of the core aims Olitech had in mind with the Easy Mate+. With the Australian telecommunication carriers currently in the process of ceasing use of the 2G telecommunications network, many people in our community need to upgrade their mobile telephones in order to stay connected. The Olitech Easy Mate+ with its simplistic design, accessible features, reliability and compatibility with all telecommunication carriers in Australia and New Zealand, offers the premium solution to this upgrade requirement.
1. How do they staff their home care services? – Do they use their own staff or agency staff? Will I have the same people caring for me, providing my services and visiting my home each day or week? 2. Ask about their hourly rates – many providers have different rates based on the different types of services that are available through home care. These rates affect the amount that you pay for services and it is your right to know the cost. For example, the hourly rate for care with a registered nurse may be different to the hourly rate for housework, or for assisted transport. 3. Check if you will be charged an Exit Fee and what the amount is - From February 27, 2017, Home Care Providers are able to charge an ‘exit fee’ if they wish to. They are required to publish their maximum exit fee amount. There is no cap on exit fees and the amount charged differs greatly between providers so it is important to ask about these fees when you’re enquiring about a Home Care Package. 4. Check what types and range of services the Home Care Provider provides – do they offer what you’re looking for to help you live independently at home? Do they offer any additional ser-
vices, like therapy programs, social programs and wellbeing and healthy ageing programs? 5. Are you able to self-manage your Home Care Package? – While many consumers choose to have a level of assistance and support from the provider to manage their Home Care Package, others may wish to self-manage. If it’s important to you to self- manage your package, check that the provider will enable you to take this approach. 6. Do they offer Case Management? What does it cost? What does it include? Are there different levels of case management involved to suit your preferences and needs? Just as some consumers and families opt to self-manage their Home Care Package, others prefer to have the package partially or fully managed for them – this is where case management comes in! Talk to Home Care Providers about how they use Case Management and ask them how it could support you to achieve your goal of living at home. For more information about services to support you at home, navigating MyAgedCare, Home Care Packages or self-funded options talk to Whiddon today on 1300 738 388 or whiddon.com.au.
Laughter is the best medicine
In the Personal Column Recent widow who has Male, 1932, high just buried fourth husband mileage, good looking for someone to round condition, some hair, many new parts including hip, knee, out a six-unit plot. Dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath cornea, valves. Not in running not a problem. condition but walks well.
North Coast Seniors
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Making simple tasks easier
ͼΖΥΥΝΖ͑΅ΚΡΡΖΣ
ΠΞΖΔΣΒΗΥ͑ͳΖΕ͑ΒΚΝ RRP$211.25
|ALISSA BURGER
Over the past few years, I have witnessed a few of my elderly neighbours struggle with some basic everyday tasks.
In fact, I was having a cuppa with my neighbour, who is in his 80s. As he sipped on his tea, I noticed that his hand was shaking. It was at that point I realised that I had overfilled the cup with hot liquid. He was also struggling to hold the cup with one hand. I started to think about him trying to make himself a cuppa at home. How would he pour the hot water into the cup, especially given he was struggling to even lift his cup. Like me, I bet you hadn’t even thought about this or how helpful mugs with two handles or kettle tippers could be. I have also watched my mum struggle with mobility after being hit by a car and my father-inlaw was diagnosed with Parkinson's at a relatively young age. My husband and I struggled with how we could help. I had no idea what products were out there and to be honest I couldn’t find a website that I felt confident buying from. So I thought why not launch one myself. Our aim at the Aged Care Store is to make “simple tasks easy again” and to create awareness around the available daily living aids that are available. We want to help you or your loved ones remain independent for longer and live freely without worry. Visit www.agedcarestore.com.au. Alissa Burger is the founder and owner of the Aged Care Store
΅ΨΠ͑ΒΟΕΝΖΕ͑;ΦΘ͑ ͵͑ΚΘΟΚΥΪ͑;ΦΘ
RRP Kettle Tipper $62.30 Replacement Strap $9.30 Pour boiling water with safety. A metal plate that secures the base of the cordless kettle and a velcro strap keeeps the upper part of the kettle in the frame. A cut out at the foot of the tipper allows cups to be positioned as close to the kettle as required. The frame has a built-in back stop to prevent spillage if the kettle is accidentally released during use. Suits most cordless kettles.
΅ΚΟ͑ΡΖΟΖΣ͑ʹΒΟΡΦΝΝ
An ultra sturdy bed grab rail, offering stability and confidence to those that have difficulty getting into and out of bed. The height adjustable frame can be positioned to suit virtually any divan style bed. Two legs rest upon the floor and the frame is secured into place via the three colour coded straps provided, ensuring minimal movement when in use. The bed grab rail is simple to assemble and fit.
ͼΚΟΘΤ͑ͳΦΥΥΠΟ͑ΠΠΜ RRP$19.15 The Canpull is a durable device especially designed for opening ring pull cans. Extremely easy to use, just hook the end under the ring, fold forwards and then roll back. Suitable for users either with arthritis or with a weak grip. Also features a sodasnap, which has been designed specifically for opening the ring pulls on cans of drink.
ʹΠΟΥΠΦΣ͑΅ΒΡ͑ΠΣ͑ͼΟΠΓ͑΅ΦΣΟΖΣ RRP$21.30
RRP $17.80 RRP $31.55 The Dignity Mug is an innovative design that will make have a cup of tea or coffee so much easier. Two hands are better than one! If you have hand tremors or a weak grip, then this mug is perfect for you.
This device is used to give good leverage for turning small items. The head has a bed of sprung stainless steel rods. When placed around an object, retract, conform around its shape, and provide a purchase around it when the handle is turned. The handle is a black plastic T-piece, which is easy to grip.
The Aged Care Store specialises in providing daily living aids to help you or your loved one stay independent for longer.
A shaped stainless steel wire which assists one handed dressing by passing through the button hole and over the button to grip the thread.
All products are available from the Aged Care Store. Prices are correct at time of printing and may be subject to change. www.agedcarestore.com.au
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
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HEALTH
We say THANKS Casino Community Group
MAKING NEW FRIENDS IN THE BLINDNESS AND LOW VISION COMMUNITY Community groups are a great way to meet other people who are blind or have low vision. They are a welcoming place where you, and those who support you, can share ideas and information, and gain emotional and social support. Vision Australia has five community groups that meet twice a month in the northern NSW region. “Our group regularly includes around 20 people. Everyone looks forward to catching up and sharing what’s going on in their lives,” says Denise Green, who helps coordinate the group in Casino with Mark Scofield and Mark Moran. “Every month, we meet up locally and enjoy an outing to another location
in northern NSW. We enjoyed a bus trip to Evans Head for a fish and chip lunch and once caught the Sydney to Brisbane train. We got off at Coffs Harbour, visited some tourist sights and caught the train home early that evening.” If you’d like to join a Vision Australia community group contact your nearest group today. • Coffs Harbour: First Thursday of the month at 10.00am. Contact Simone Haas on 02 6692 4470. • Casino: First Monday of the month at 10.00am. Contact Denise Green on 0448 014 682. • Lismore: First Tuesday of the month at 10.00am. Contact Cathy Jennings 02
6622 1676. • Ballina: Fourth Monday of the month at 10.00am. Contact Merv Mote 0407 693 987. • Far North Coast including Murwillumbah: 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
This month we celebrate National Volunteers Week - 8 to 14 May. A huge thank you to all people who volunteer their time and skills in our community. They are vital for community based services but also in schools, sporting clubs, animal welfare, looking after our environment and much more. Our service relies on volunteers to assist with meal deliveries, driving, skills development, events and social support such as visiting people at home. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with Clarence Care + Support and have some skills and time to share please give us a call on 6645 0400. Thalia has been a volunteer for over 15 years with Clarence Care + Support and believes volunteering is a great way to meet people. ‘It’s only a couple of hours out of your day once a week or once a month – its up to you how much time you can spare. I would really miss it if I wasn’t doing it anymore,’ Thalia said.
Who Volunteers? Of all volunteers in Australian women – 38% and men 34% Age – 35 to 65 year olds mostly More people volunteer in rural areas compared to the city Sport and recreation has the highest rate of volunteering – 37% Why do people volunteer? 57% of people say they volunteer to help others and their community. This is followed by personal satisfaction. All the best to the volunteers helping our community and our thanks go to the emergency service volunteers assisting in the Far North Coast and Queensland during the recent floods. (Above)Our volunteer Thalia McPherson with our trainee Mykala Ferguson
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©SEN0417
• Domestic Assistance • Lawn Services • Meals on Wheels
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Join In Woolgoolga Red Cross Phone: 02 6654 8369 Email: jujujackson@bigpond.com 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: $3 (includes tea & coffee) Ph: Barbara Hancock 0479 183 183 Rotary Club of Maclean Inc. Thursday 6:30pm Maclean Bowling Club, 1A McLachlan St Maclean - Ph: 6645 4732 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.
Acorn Stairlifts makes negotiating stairs easy For an increasing number of Australians climbing the stairs of their home can be difficult, even an impossibility as their age or disability intervenes and this means that their family home effectively shrinks to become a single storey or they face the prospect of moving or down-sizing. Both of these options coming with considerable cost. Acorn Stairlifts can provide an affordable alternative to the hassle of selling up and moving home by installing an economical and non-intrusive stairlift into the home allowing them to regain their freedom and stay in the family home of many years. Acorn’s stairlifts unlock the upper floors by providing a safe and efficient method to get up and down the stairs. One of the major benefits of an Acorn stairlift is that there are no structural changes of any kind required or expensive wiring or electrical upgrades, the system simply plugs into an ordinary wall power socket. The rail is fitted
directly to the stairs and the chair itself always travels upright with an electric motor and batteries on board. The batteries are charged from the electrical outlet when parked so the lift is always ready to go, even in an emergency, such as a power failure or fire. This also means that the stairlift can be easily removed if there is no
longer the need for the stairlift. Acorn Stairlifts are the first stairlift manufacturer to be awarded the Arthritis Foundation’s Ease-of-Use Commendation. Acorn’s stairlifts are manufactured in England and exceed the Australian Standards. We have led the way with our design and innovation and we proudly manufacture, supply and fit only our own stairlifts and have our own well-trained service team to keep them in tip-top condition. Because Acorn provides an end-to-end service, it can take just one to three weeks from inquiry to the surveyor’s visit, detailed survey and quotation and installation. A visit from one of our friendly surveyors will allow you to see what sets Acorn Stairlifts apart from any other stairlift company. After assessing your needs, our surveyor will instantly be able to give you the peace of mind of knowing exactly how affordable an Acorn Stairlift can be. Acorn will always strive to deliver our products with you, our customers in mind.
Regain the freedom of your home Simple, safe and stylish, Acorn Stairlifts give people the chance to enjoy their own homes once again. • The only company to supply and install our own stairlifts • For straight or curved staircases • Indoor and outdoor lifts • Free home assessment • Fast installation FREE DV DG • Safe and reliable to Stairl uide ifts!
www.acornstairlifts.com.au 24
April 2017 - Revolution
1800 565 469
CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE BROCHURE & QUOTATION North Coast Seniors
HEALTH
Working in partnership to address diabetes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities For a number of years now Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation has been working with our health care partners in addressing the impact of diabetes within our Aboriginal communities.
Our various clinics within the north coast located within the Clarence, Richmond and now the Tweed Valley’s, all focus on best practice clinical assessment and management of diabetes with an emphasis on early identification. Our particular emphasis is on primary and secondary care and interventions to prevent further complications related to undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes. We work very closely with our partners from a range of allied health services to support the Aboriginal community by: • Delivering more accessible, equitable and effective strategies for improving health care integration and coordination; • Facilitating improved continuity of care by working across community services, and between the acute, community and general, specialist practice services and • Identifying gaps in service delivery for Aboriginal people with diabetes in order that service partners can facilitate best practice management of chronic disease in the community. In Bugalwena general practice at Tweeds Heads they conduct a diabetic clinic which involves coordination between the Diabetes Educator and the Aboriginal Health Practitioner. At all our key locations we conduct the diabetic clinics are held monthly. Please contact each of our clinics individually to find out more about when your local diabetic clinic is held. At Bulgarr Ngaru we encourage Aboriginal communities to participate in decision-making and become participants in their care, in so doing empower Aboriginal people to become more involved in managing their own health.
Have you had your hearing checked lately? Hearing loss happens at all ages
Most people have regular medical, dental and optical check-ups, but few people think to add a hearing test to the list. After all, hearing loss is something that affects older people – not kids and adults in their prime – right? Wrong. The fact is that hearing loss can affect anyone at any age – and just because you or your child weren’t born with hearing loss, doesn’t mean it can’t develop later. According to Associate Professor Catherine Birman, leading Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon and Medical Director of the SCIC Cochlear Implant Program, it can come about as a result of numerous factors – and not all of them are obvious. “Most of us would be surprised to hear about the effect everyday noises have on our hearing,” she says. “The noise from lawn mowers, a crowded restaurant or bar, traffic and even the music that we love to listen to can cause problems. “Hearing loss can be a result of both the time you are exposed to a noise and the loudness of the sound. The level at which noise can cause permanent hearing loss is about 85dB. This level is typical of objects we use every day, such as hairdryers, food processors or vacuum cleaners.” Grandparents can lead by example Grandparents have a role to play in ensuring the hearing health of the younger generations. The first thing to do is set the example by booking in for a hearing check with an audiologist. You don’t need a doctor’s referral so simply look up your nearest audiology clinic and give them a call. Step two is to tell your family that you’re going – and maybe ask them to come along with you for support. (Not that you need it, but it’s a good way to get them in the door).
Signs you might be experiencing hearing difficulties: • You have difficulty hearing on the telephone. • You have trouble hearing clearly in a crowd, such as in a restaurant or café. • The voices of children are inaudible or unintelligible. What to do about hearing loss Thankfully, there is a range of options available including hearing aids and implantable hearing solutions, such as cochlear implants. Remember, it doesn’t matter how old you are or how severe your hearing loss is, it’s never too late to seek a solution. Identifying a hearing problem is the first step towards finding a long-term solution, and getting a hearing test is your first step to better hearing. It’s as simple as making an appointment with an audiologist for a hearing test. What happens when your hearing aid isn’t helping? If you already have a hearing aid, but it’s no longer working effectively for you, ask your audiologist about your suitability for a Cochlear implant. This Australian invention has revolutionised treatment for the hearing impaired and transforms the lives of countless adults, seniors and children around the world. Want to find out more about your hearing ability? Test yourself at http://bit.ly/ CochlearMovieforHCF Please seek advice from your medical practitioner or health professional about treatments for hearing loss. They will be able to advise on a suitable solution for the hearing loss condition. All products should be used only as directed by your medical practitioner or health professional.
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
North Coast Seniors
• 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 Revolution - April 2017
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• Primary Health Care Services
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The beginning of a new era Ballina Low Vision Expo for people with low vision to showcase latest
technologies
The OrCamMyEye is a new wearable reading device that sits discreetly on your reading glasses. It is designed to assist anyone who struggles to read, recognise faces or objects and helps to become more independent, particularly for people with failing vision. OrCamMyEye is making a huge impact all around the world, and creating a great deal of excitement for everyone working in the Low Vision field. The response has been extraordinary and it has been capturing the attention of people all around Australia, in newspapers on television and radio. Most importantly there have been many people with Low Vision that have discovered just how powerful and life-changing OrCamMyEye can be. Tim Connell, the CEO of Quantum RLV, the distributor of OrCam in Australia, said “I have been working in this field for over 30 years and I have never seen a product make such an impact in such a short period of time. It is very exciting to be at the beginning of what is definitely a whole
new era for accessing information. We have people from 16 right through to 95 years of age who have found that OrCam is simple to use, and that it really works, opening up their world of reading again.” Low Vision Aids Expo comes to Ballina, Armidale, Currumbin and Helensvale. The Low Vision Expo will be held on Friday, April 28 at the Armidale City Bowling Club and on Thursday, May 11 at the Ballina RSL Club. The free expo will run between 10:00am and 3:00pm and will feature information and display tables from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT and Quantum Reading Learning Vision. The Expo will include demonstrations OrCam MyEye, the world's most advanced wearable assistive technology solution. Personal appointments with a Low Vision consultant will be available from 9:30am to 3:00pm. For more information on the free expo, please contact Quantum RLV on 07 3831 4894, or email us at info@ quantumrlv.com.au.
We are excited to announce the launch of...
OrCam MyEye in Australia at the
Low Vision Open Day WHERE Ballina RSL Club 240 River Street Ballina NSW 2478
WHEN Thursday 11 May 2017 10:00am – 11:00am Public Low Vision presentation featuring the OrCam 11:00am – 2:00pm Low Vision Assistive Technology display 9:30am – 3:00pm Personal appointments with a Low Vision consultant
Quantum RLV will present the latest technology developments for people with low vision and blindness. Attendees will also have the opportunity to try the new products. Who can benefit from attending a Low Vision Open Day? People with vision loss and their families, vision specialists, disability employment
ble the user to read price tags, signs and labels in the shops,” he said. This year, Quantum RLV is excited to launch their latest technology, OrCam MyEye, at the expos. Other aids on display will include hand-held and desktop electronic magnifiers to help with reading, lighting options for craft work, text-to-speech devices, digital audio books, screen-reading software and Braille keyboards. Guide Dogs NSW/ ACT will also display a variety of aids, including long canes and electronic devices like Miniguides, which are hand-held obstacle detectors that work like a reversing sensor on a car, that can help people with low vision to be safe when
getting around and prevent falls. Local orientation and mobility specialists from the organisation will be on hand to provide information about the free services offered by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. The number of people with some evidence of macular degeneration will increase to 1.7 million by 2030, in the absence of effective prevention and treatment measures. “Low vision increases the risks of falls, accidents and depression and the prevalence of vision loss trebles with each decade over the age of 40,” Mr Hill said. 1 Macular Disease Foundation Australia – Deloitte Access Economics Report: Eyes on the future: A clear outlook on age-related Macular Degeneration 2011. www. mdfoundation.com.au
When: 10am – 3pm Thursday, May 11, 2017 Where: Ballina RSL Club, 240 River Street, Ballina RSVP: (07) 3831 4894 or email, info@quantumrlv.com.au
agencies, aged care residents and staff, occupational therapists, educators, teachers and rehabilitation specialists. National Disability Insurance Scheme Registered Provider
To book an appointment please call:
07 3831 4894
or email us at info@quantumrlv.com.au
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To make it easier for people in regional areas to access the latest low vision technologies, Guide Dogs NSW/ ACT in conjunction with Quantum RLV are running a free low vision expo in Ballina on Thursday, May 11. Guide Dogs NSW/ ACT Regional Manager, Jeremy Hill, said it was important that people with low vision sought help early to maintain independence and reduce the risk of accidents, but distance was often a deterrent. The expo will offer visitors the opportunity to test drive low vision aids and equipment designed to enhance independence, from the leading companies in this sector. “About one in seven Australians (1 million people) over the age of 50 has some evidence of macular degeneration1 so it's important to let the community know there is equipment that can make reading brighter, bolder and easier to read,” he said. A range of equipment to enable people with vision impairment to read their favourite book, the newspaper or play crosswords will be showcased. “Users of this technology are delighted that they can see photos of their grandchildren and families again,” Mr Hill said. “Some of the equipment can be used in the home and other technologies are portable and ena-
April 2017 - Revolution
www.quantumrlv.com.au
Laughter is the best medicine
In the Personal Column Active grandmother Sexy, fashion-conscious, with original teeth blue-haired beauty, 80’s, slim, seeking a dedicated flosser to 5’4 (used to be 5’6) searching share rare steaks, corn on the for sharp-looking, sharpcob, and caramel candy. dressing companion. Matching white shoes and belt 2017 a plus. 21 Revolution - April
North Coast Seniors
HEALTH
Macular Degeneration Macular Degeneration (MD) is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys central vision. Central vision occurs at the macula on the retina, at the back of the eye. Because it is the central part of vision, it is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common everyday tasks such as reading and driving.
Difficulty distinguishing faces. Need for increased illumination. Sensitivity to glare. Decreased night vision. Reduced colour sensitivity. In many cases, MD progresses so slowly that people don’t notice changes until their vision has already been significantly compromised.
Risks for developing MD
In some cases, MD advances so slowly that people fail to notice the gradual deterioration of their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a permanent loss of central vision. While there is presently no cure for Macular Degeneration, there are steps that you can take to prevent or slow the progress of the disease. MD is present in 15% of people between the ages of 70-75 and is now the leading cause of blindness and severe vision loss in Australia.
Ageing is the greatest risk factor. The prevalence trebles with each decade over 40 years. Smokers have a 3 times greater risk of developing MD. They also develop the disease approximately 10 years earlier than non-smokers. Women have slightly higher risk than men. Family history is a risk factor. Genes have been identified and linked with MD. There is a 50% chance of developing MD if there is a family history of the disease.
Symptoms of Macular Degeneration
Defense against MD
The first signs of MD involve distortion of vision where straight lines appear wavy or bent, rather than loss of sight. Difficulty reading.
Early detection of MD is crucial as some forms of the disease may be arrested with early treatment. Regular eye examinations are the key to early detection before vision loss
occurs. Eat a healthy diet. (See more details below). Consider taking a zinc and anti-oxidant supplement. Eye protection against UV damage. This is especially important before MD develops. Maintain a healthy weight and get some regular exercise (minimum of a 30 minute walk, three times a week). Don’t smoke.
Diet and MD Diet can help with good eye health and there is a recommended eating program that can lower the risk of Macular Degeneration. Scientific studies have shown that MD responds to anti-oxidants and other nutrients. This is not an unpleasant diet, but simply emphasizes the benefits of vegetables, fruit and fish. Anti-oxidants benefit our health by neutralisng “free radicals” in the body. The most important anti-oxidants are: Lutein – Found in especially high levels in leafy dark green vegetables (eg spinach) Vitamin C – Found in citrus fruits, papaya and rockmelon. Or vegetables like capsicum, peas and broccoli. Vitamin E – Found in nuts (almonds,
pine nuts, brazil nuts), whole grains, leafy green vegetables, broccoli and carrots. Zinc – Found in meat, seafood (especially oysters), nuts (cashews, pine nuts, brazil nuts, pecans, almonds) and whole grains. Eat a healthy well-balanced diet. Include fish at least two times a week and include dark green leafy vegetables. Eat fresh fruit every day, a handful of nuts each week and avoid fatty foods.
More information Talk to your Eyecare Plus optometrist about having regular eye tests to help in the early detection of Macular Degeneration. Call Eyecare Plus on 02 6646 1477.
HOW IMPORTANT IS YOUR VISION?
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North Coast Seniors
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Revolution - April 2017
27
HEALTH
΄ΥΒΪ͑ΚΟ͑ΪΠΦΣ͑ΠΨΟ͑ ΙΠΞΖ͑ΗΠΣ͑ΝΠΟΘΖΣ For over 25 years, Clarence Valley Home Modification and Maintenance Service (CVHMMS) has assisted over 500 Valley residents each year to function safely in their homes. CVHMMS assists clients who are frail aged, with a disability, or their carers through the Commonwealth Home Support (CHSP) and NSW Community Care Supports (CCSP) Program. CVHMMS is a community based and managed not-for-profit organisation. CVHMMS is fully licensed and all work completed comes with a warranty. Operating under the Home and Community Care Act 1985, GST is not charged for any aspect of the service, labour is provided at a subsidised price. All work is completed by licensed trades people. Modifications can range from a grab rail in the shower to installation of a lift. Home and yard maintenance services are also provided as well as attending to other hazards around the home. The service is at capacity, so please
contact the office if you would like to be added to the waiting list. 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. This is a new centralised referral service for any required aged care service. For younger clients, please phone the Occupational Therapy department: Grafton on 6641 8738 or Maclean: 6640 0123, or CVHMMS: 6643 1831 to arrange a free occupational therapy assessment to determine the best modification to suit your needs. CVHMMS is located at Unit 3/137 Prince Street, Grafton (frontage on Bacon Street), where an exhibit of grab rails, shower hoses, and taps, together with some examples of modifications that CVHMMS is able to provide, is on display. We are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm. Most people want to remain living safely in their own homes. We can assist you to do this.
s,DD^ ŝƐ Ă ŚŽŵĞ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ ĐĂƌĞ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ĂƐƐŝƐƟŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĨƌĂŝů ĂŐĞĚ͕ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ĚŝƐĂďŝůŝƚLJ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ĐĂƌĞƌƐ ƚŽ ƌĞŵĂŝŶ ůŝǀŝŶŐ ƐĂĨĞůLJ ŝŶ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŽǁŶ ŚŽŵĞƐ͘
,ŽŵĞ DĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ƌĂŶŐĞ ĨƌŽŵ ĮdžŝŶŐ LJŽƵƌ ǁĂƐŚŝŶŐ ŵĂĐŚŝŶĞ ƚŽ ƌĞƉĂŝƌŝŶŐ Ă ůĞĂŬ ŝŶ LJŽƵƌ ƌŽŽĨ͘
,ŽŵĞ DŽĚŝĮĐĂƟŽŶƐ ĐĂŶ ƌĂŶŐĞ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ Ă ƐŵĂůů ŐƌĂď ƌĂŝů ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƐŚŽǁĞƌ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ Ă ůŝŌ͘
E^t ĞƉĂƌƚŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ &Ăŝƌ dƌĂĚŝŶŐ >ŝĐĞŶƐĞ EŽ͘ ϭϬϰϯϰϰ ͘
Live safely and independently in your own home!
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE IN GRAFTON, LOCATED AT 3/137 PRINCE STREET, OR TELEPHONE ON 6643 1831.
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April 2017 - Revolution
Skeleton in the closet: Malnutrition among older Australians Eating nourishing food and keeping active are the not-sosecret ingredients to staying healthy over the years. What’s less well known is the extent that malnutrition affects older Australians.
Australian figures suggest around 40 per cent of over 65ers are either malnourished or at high risk of malnutrition. This often-hidden issue affects the wellbeing and quality of life of older Australians, and has other side-effects – such as prolonging length of stay in people admitted to hospital. Malnutrition occurs over time when our body doesn’t take in enough nutrients to function properly. We can become malnourished if we don’t eat enough, or don’t eat the right types of food, or if our body can’t absorb all the nutrients from food. MALNUTRITION: WHAT TO LOOK FOR Unintentional weight loss in older people can be an early warning sign of malnutrition or another serious health condition. But a UK study recently found that 75 per cent of over-60s have never worried about themselves or another older person unintentionally losing weight. Other symptoms of mal-
nutrition include muscle wasting, hair loss, pale skin, mental confusion and poor wound healing. Our range of foods often gets smaller as we get older for a range of reasons – such as health problems, budget constraints, and changes in circumstance, including eating alone. But it’s still important to eat widely from all the food groups to make sure we get the nutrients we need. PREVENTING MALNUTRITION THROUGH NUTRITIOUS CHOICES As we age, we typically need less energy (kilojoules) – due to being less active than in our younger years – but we still need enough nutrients for good health. In other words, older people need less fuel, but that fuel needs to be the ‘premium-quality’ type! And some dietary areas are particularly important. These include: • Energy (kilojoules) – to help promote weight gain and health • Protein – to build and repair body cells • Vitamins and minerals – for body cells to use other nutrients and function normally. IDEAS FOR QUICK AND EASY MEALS • Cook more than you need and freeze mealsized portions for another time. • Make use of frozen vegetables to serve with
meals. • Opt for quick, nutritious meals like: o An omelette that contains chopped fresh or frozen vegetables, served with whoLemeal toast. o No added salt baked beans on toast, with some vegetables or salad on the side. o Canned tuna and some frozen peas stirred through cooked pasta o A can of salt-reduced tomato soup, with frozen vegetables and some canned legumes added in, served with wholemeal toast.1 Check out the ‘Cheap and Cheerful’ recipes from the Dietitians Association of Australia’s ‘Smart Eating for You’ webpages and download The Thrifty Cookbook. If you suspect you or someone you know may be at risk of malnutrition, seek professional dietary advice by contacting an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). They offer practical dietary advice and support to help meet nutritional needs and improve health. Visit the ‘Find an Accredited Practising Dietitian’ section of the Dietitians Association of Australia website at www.daa.asn.au to find an APD in your area. 1. Source: the Australian Government’s Eat For Health website (www.eatforhealth.gov. au)
North Coast Seniors
HEALTH
Stress Management for Grievers |DEL MARIE MCALISTER
A grief-stricken person is under a huge amount of stress. When a person is stressed, a warning message is sent to the brain. The brain then triggers the adrenal glands to release two hormones - epinephrine and norepinephrine. In response, the heart rate increases and the peripheral blood vessels of the heart enlarge. The rate and depth of breathing also increases. Our bodies are designed to cope with these responses now and then. However, when someone is under constant stress triggered by grief, the excessive flow of adrenalin can prove to be psychologically and physically harmful. Our adrenal glands are not designed to work so hard! When stress becomes distressing an internal reaction is triggered, called the ‘flight, fight freeze’ response. The symptoms of each response are: Flight: restless, tension, avoidance, a desire to run away Fight: desire to lash out, flexed/tight jaw, anger Freeze: numbness, stuck, sense of dread. There is a fourth option, and that is to face stress. By using the term ‘facing stress’, I am introducing the idea of being aware that stress is inevitable (particularly when we are grieving) and therefore being prepared to come up with ideas in order to assertively and confidently master it. But firstly we all need to know how to apply the STOP emergency stress response: S Stop and be still T Take some deep breaths O Say “I’m going to be okay” P Phone a friend Explanation of the STOP emergency stress response: S - Stop and be still before proceeding. When disaster strikes on British Navy vessels, the signal piped is called ‘The Still’. The crew stops what they are doing, and ‘prepare to do the right thing’. That moment of stillness before swinging into action avoids confusion and averts catastrophe. You’ll need to stop and be still before doing anything when you are feeling overwhelmed. T - Take some deep breaths and then concentrate on deep slow, steady breathing. Short, shallow breathing places an enormous strain on one’s body. This sort of breathing reduces oxygen supply to the brain and increases the heart rate. Shallow breathing activates the nervous system, while deep steady breathing calms a person down. O - You’ll need to remind yourself that you are going to be okay. At a moment of extreme stress, the mind becomes confused and feelings of utter desperation flood one’s thoughts. Although the loss of a loved one is overwhelming sad, most people find the resilience to cope. They will be okay. People have faced far worse tragedies and have survived. Some of them have not only survived but have gone on to thrive in the aftermath of extreme tragedy. P – I encourage you to phone a friend, grief companion or a helpline whenever you feel overwhelmed. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall and all the kings’ horses and all the kings’ men couldn’t put humpty together again. But if Humpty, prior to the event, had thought what he would do in the event of a fall, perhaps he would have put some strategies in place to ensure his fall would not be fatal. He could have prevented his dilemma by adding some form of cushioning around his body and placing a surface beside the wall that will cause him to bounce, not shatter. Likewise, we all need to have our own personal stress management strategies in place, ready and waiting for the time they will be needed.
North Coast Seniors
Life is not about how fast we run, how high we climb, or how low we fall; it’s about how well we bounce. Resilience provides a person with the ability to bounce back, even after extreme tragedy. People are extremely fragile after a loss and susceptible to feeling shattered. Therefore, they need to form some form of comforting buffer to prevent them from feeling completely overwhelmed. This usually comes in the form of a support network. On the stress scale, the passing of a loved one rates the highest. It is something we cannot push under the proverbial carpet, nor can we bury our head in the sand and pretend it didn’t happen. You’ll need to somehow begin the process of adapting to the tragedy by grieving in a healthy way with personalized stress management strategies in place. Stress management will only work when a person takes a holistic approach and looks at a number of areas of their life. In the list below, I have identified a number of areas that will dramatically decrease the level of stress a person is experiencing. Each one of these needs to be taken into consideration when creating a stress management strategy. • Learn how to relax • Do plenty of exercise • Eat a balanced diet • Never be afraid to reach out for help • Have sufficient sleep • Know how to recognise stress triggers and have a strategy to deal with it (i.e. phone a friend) • Include leisure times each day • Know how to release tension • Spend time in the sunshine • Have a healthy work/ play balance • Have a way to offload worry. More than 40 percent of adults who participated in a recent survey admitted they felt like they were on a giant treadmill and couldn’t get off and 80 percent said they’d like to have more time to ‘stop and smell the roses’. If we do not resolve to slow down, we may find that we are be forced to. Our body will say ‘enough is enough’ and we become sick. Knowing how to relax reduces stress and will help you feel more calm and capable throughout the grieving process. A simple, yet effective way to relax is this: Step 1: You start by eliminating all noise and disturbances. Turn off the stove, the iron, the washing machine etc. Put your mobile phone on silent mode. Step 2: Go to a special place you like to be; somewhere where you feel safe and comfortable. I call this a haven or a safe place. We all need that special place where we can relax. It must not be somewhere that is cluttered or noisy. Here are some ideas: a hammock, your bed, favourite chair, bubble bath etc. The atmosphere of this haven needs to be peaceful. Lighting candles or having soft music playing may enhance the ambience. Step 3: Slip off your shoes and make yourself comfortable! If you have sore eyes, apply a slice of cucumber or a cold tea bag for a few moments. If you are hot, cool down to a comfortable temperature. If you are cold, warm up and feel cosy. Step 4: Relax your body by closing your eyes and concentrating on taking slow deep even breaths. Short, shallow breathing places an enormous strain on your body. It reduces oxygen supply to the brain and increases the heart rate. Shallow breathing activates the nervous system, while deep steady breathing calms a person down. Roll your neck to loosen stiffness, and allow your body to go floppy. Step 5: You may choose to daydream by imagin-
ing yourself in a serene, healing place. Or you may decide to do something you really enjoy doing (i.e. art, reading a book, watching a feel-good movie, writing in a journal etc.). After this time of rest, you will have gained a sense of calmness and you will be able to cope better even though your heart is breaking. It never ceases to amaze me when my children were little, how they could occupy themselves doing seemingly nothing. Adults have lost the art of doing nothing. We seem to always be too busy. As you think of ways you can slow down, why not ensure you have times of doing absolutely nothing. Lie on the grass and look at the clouds, or stop to admire a beautiful flower. One way to slow down is through meditation and visualization. Be still. Visualize yourself in a peaceful place, like a mountain stream, a forest, or a secluded beach. Focus on your breathing. Mindfulness is a wonderful way to reduce stress. Mindfulness is paying attention to ourselves in a way that enables us to cope with stress in a constructive way. It can incorporate meditation and yoga. When a person is mindful, they are focused on the present moment. They try to NOT think about anything that has happened in the past or might happen in the future. They choose their thoughts carefully to ensure they are conducive to their wellbeing. Mindfulness is about appreciating and choosing to savour the moment. It is a way of bringing us back to experience life as it happens. Mindfulness can bring about a sense of wellbeing even in the midst of extreme tragedy. It helps us to see beauty in the midst of heartache and glimpses of purpose in our pain. It does not relieve the sorrow of a broken heart but may provide a sense of peace in the midst of the storm. Del Marie McAlister is a chaplain, life coach, recreational activities officer and a counsellor specialising in grief, loss and aged care. She has written a few books on grief and runs a grief support group in Ballina. Delmariemcalister@ yahoo.com
Del Marie McAlister
1. http://heartachetohealing.com/ grief-healing-resilience-spoken-at-womens-conference
Revolution - April 2017
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OUR COMMUNITY
Clarence Village Gardens
EASTCOST GRANNY FLATS SMALL HOUSES – BIG ADVANTAGES
STAGE Established in 2015, Eastcoast Granny Flats are leading the way with affordable, stylish and innovative granny flat installations on the Mid North Coast. Our team of professional and experienced people are committed to exceeding expectations in every aspect of your project – from our use of quality Australian made products, through to our exceptional customer service. Offering one-on-one support, creative flair and an eye for detail we work closely with clients to come up with inspired designs that suit any budget and lifestyle needs. Each Eastcoast Granny Flat can be personalised with a choice of various kitchen and bathroom finishes, floor covering to suit your individual needs, wall colours to your liking and personalised lighting. The external finish again comes down to a personal choice of zincalume steel cladding or render and paint finish. Every stage is checked and double-checked to ensure a picture-perfect outcome. We provide the community: • Low cost housing alternatives for people with disabilities
• Assistance to our growing retirement age population with independent living options • Opportunities to create high yielding rental returns for investors. • Ability for growing or changing families to remain together. Construction time is from just 10 weeks and designs from $99,000; our affordable architect designed range provides an extensive collection to choose from with stunning outdoor entertaining spaces, fully self-contained functional designs, superb finishes and quality fixtures. Eastcoast Granny Flats builds more than just Granny Flats! We also offer: Second Dwellings, Primary Dwellings, Modular Homes, Cabins, Garden Studios, Home Office, Prefab Houses, Kit Homes, Studios, Teenage Retreats, Extra Rooms and Pool Houses. For more information Website: www.eastcoastgrannyflats. com.au Email: info@eastcoastgrannyflats. com.au Phone: 1300 252 858 BL: 287600C
21 Two Bedroom Duplex units, including 5 units which have two bedrooms plus a study.
2
Grand opening Friday 5 May 2017 with an open inspection of unit number 2 from 10:00 am until 4 pm on the day.
Beautifully appointed with quality fittings and fixtures throughout All homes have been designed with seniors in mind and under the guidelines that will allow residents to maintain their independence as they age. These homes are all on one level, have grab rails subtly built in, cupboards and benchtops at appropriate heights as with the stove top and ovens selected. They also have extra wide doors and hallways for manoeuvrability and external lighting which allows not just security but visibility for walking at night.
SMALL HOUSES • BIG ADVANTAGES Is your backyard being used to its full potential? Would you like to generate extra income while increasing your property’s value? If you are a home owner or investor why not capitalise on the land you already own by building an East Coast Granny Flat. Secondary dwelling rentals can generate a lucrative second income and create high yielding rental returns to ensure an effective return on your investment. Renting a Granny Flat has shown to be a low risk - high return investment that can have your property occupied and generating income in no time. So enquire today to see how your property can earn rental returns for you.
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Servicing the Clarence Valley
1300 252 858 www.eastcoastgrannyflats.com.au
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April 2017 - Revolution
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North Coast Seniors
OUR COMMUNITY
299 Queen St, Grafton CONGRATULATIONS TO THE VILLAGE GARDENS ON THEIR SECOND STAGE OPENING
Accommodation, lifestyle and care options for seniors One of the most significant decisions you will make is 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 people to check out their options early, rather than at the last minute which can be quite stressful.
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. 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, degree of care on offer, quality facilities with the chores of daily living primarily done for you, leaves you time to enjoy life. Check our website www.clarencevillage.com. au for more information on all the facilities.
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GRAFTON Lic No 407804123 6642 3731 • 0418 665 212 email: ofďŹ ce@dsmithelectrical.com.au www.darrylsmithelectrical.com.au 21B Clarence St Grafton
B & S Kitchens Suppliers of Quality 2 Pac, Vinyl, Solid Timber & Laminated Kitchens Wardrobes - Vanities etc FACTORY & SHOWROOM
Phone: 6643 2373 Fax: 6643 3645 Mobile: 0414 857 130 EMAIL: bskitchens@people.net.au www.bandskitchens.com.au Proprieters: Stephen & Michelle Whitton North Coast Seniors
Lic No: 31618C 31618C
Cabinet Makers of Choice to Dougherty Constructions and Clarence Village Revolution - April 2017
CVIŠSEN170426
32 Hyde Street, South Grafton NSW 2460
31
SPORT
ΆΤΖ͑ΪΠΦΣ͑ΥΒΝΖΟΥΤ͑͝ Woolgoolga Croquet ΠΣ͑ΒΥ͑ΝΖΒΤΥ͑ΤΙΒΣΖ͑ΥΙΖΞ͑͑ |COL HENNESSY
Image: Lynne Mowbray
Peter and Helen Hamilton are a couple close to seventy years of age and are a couple seriously focussed on their general health and well being.
They live in Maclean and are part of the ‘Masters’ swimming group. Now don’t go thinking they are elite swimmers. Masters sporting activities are not like the Masters Golf soon to be played in the US where it is for the best of the best. Nor is it the pinnacle of some academic persuasion. It’s purely and age thing. They get together with other seniors and try to improve their stroke, their endurance and general fitness. Masters swimming has as its goal the three F’s. – Fitness, Fun and Friendship. No, it’s not a dating agency either for mature singles (otherwise it would be four F’s.) Peter and Helen go to the pool three times a week swimming up to two kilometres in all. They joined Masters swimming just on ten years ago and we worked it out that they would have swum almost 800km in that time (I don’t go that far on holidays). Whilst they have always been interested in swimming they have never been particularly competitive. Helen is especially keen on the swimming but was never in a squad at a youngster nor did she win races at school. Peter enjoys swimming (only swims half the distance Helen does) but rides his bike as well and plays golf regularly. In fact they often combine their interest with a friend who does the other leg of a triathlon. They can even relate their interests to their past working life. Helen was a teacher and now is doing a coaching course so she can pass on relevant training schedules and skill
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April 2017 - Revolution
sets to newcomers. Peter was an accountant but as far as I can see is preoccupied with counting the laps and balancing the books between having fun and improving their health. Actually it was because of their interest in their general health that Peter picked up on his breathing difficulties and when he consulted his doctor it ended up having a heart operation (double bypass in October last year). His recovery is going better than others and he puts it down to his generally improved health. They both attend CrossFit gym where they do some weight work a few times a week. Is there anything else? Well yes, they are both keen supporters of the Paleo diet (caveman variety). They have sung the praises of this particular regime. No wonder there we no shortbreads and cream buns when I met them for a cuppa. Peter maintains that “as a man, we are not so in tune with our health” (compared to women for instance). Both have seen the immediate benefit of healthier eating. Memo to self to have another celery stick! In general they estimate they lose one or two kilograms a year because of swimming. The weight bearing exercises has helped Peter rid himself of an arthritis complaint. Memo: Pass the carrot please. In summary then they both believe you should not ‘become complacent’ with your lifestyle. You should go out there and try new things. They suggest join a club and maybe “use your talents, or at least share them”.
Woolgoolga Croquet Club was established in 1994 when play commenced at the beach reserve. The early members worked tirelessly getting council to grant land for the first green and the members provided the labour to get the green established. When the library was built the green needed to be reconfigured and the members were able to add a second smaller green. At this time, 2017,
we are a small friendly club of 40 members. We hold come and try days twice a year and anyone is welcome at any time to approach us and have a go. We have willing members to teach the basic skills and rules. We interact with the other local clubs, being Sawtell, Urunga, South West Rocks and Smithtown. Each club hosts a social day once a year, when we attend their club for the day and enjoy play and a sausage sizzle lunch.
Clubs are also able to field a Pennants team in Division 2 and 3 which gives us competitive play also. The Pennants started this month and runs until May. The winners are able to proceed to Croquet NSW pennants later in the year. For the more competitive members there are many tournaments held every year. One statement is “croquet the thought sport” and the “nastiest game played by the nicest people”, “Snooker + Chess = Croquet”.
ILUKA CROQUET CLUB Iluka is the newest of the clubs on the North Coast. We had our grand opening early in November last year with visitors and mentors from most clubs in the area. Peter Martin from Coutts Crossing and Fay Ross from Lismore were particularly helpful. The whole croquet family have been very generous with their time and material. Donations from as far as Strathfield and Chatswood in Sydney with solid hoop sets were most appreciated, as were balls from Lismore and Byron Bay clubs. Ballina and Casino helped out as well with mallets and we were on our way. We now have 32 players ready to register with CNSW and we hope to
have some of our members play in competition with other clubs. Just recently we were informed we were successful in our application for a grant of some $1200 from the Dept of Sport and Rec to buy some new mallets for club members and visitors. Also we will proceed with a plan to put in an irrigation system on our lawn in conjunction with the Bowls Club who have been with us every step of the way in this journey. Our lawn is a three quarter size court. We currently just play golf croquet but will introduce Ricochet through the year and that will have us playing three days a week. Col Hennessy, Secretary
Laughter is the best medicine Famous sporting quotes
“That’s great, tell him he’s Pele and get him back on.” Partick Thistle manager John Lambie, when told a concussed striker did not know who he was.
“Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that
attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.” Legendary soccer manager Bill Shankly. Revolution - April 2017 21 “If winning isn’t everything, why do they keep score?” Legendary American football coach Vince Lombardi.
North Coast Seniors
SPORT
ALSTONVILLE CROQUET CLUB Located on the outskirts of picturesque Alstonville you will find a cute country croquet field. The club has a membership of 25 people. Our games are shared with the prolific birdlife and we are soothed by the mooing of cows in the adjacent paddocks. There are few cars that pass on the quiet country road that borders the field. The happy camaraderie is a feature of our club. Our Friendship Days are well received by visiting clubs. Golf Croquet is played on Monday and Thursday mornings starting at 9.00am. Association Croquet is played on Tuesday and Friday afternoons starting at 1.30pm. Members bring their own refreshments. Visitors are most welcome and we look forward to seeing many visitors. Contact golf captain Daphne Fulloon on 6628 5920 or association captain Kevin Walsh on 0435 337 472. Janelle Burgess, Secretary
Casino Croquet
Yamba Croquet Club Clarence River U3a croquet has gone from a dream to a well oiled machine. Octogenarian Eva Fischer had played in the Hunter region and was keen to start a club here. Our first enrolment day saw sixty plus keen starters raring to go. It took a while to organize a venue but with Eva’s donation of a set of lovely old wooden balls, six hoops and several mallets, plus equipment, support and assistance from Ballina, Lismore and Coutt’s Crossing Croquet Clubs we were off! We commenced play at the Yamba Sports Field on February 16, 2016 and we’ve celebrated our first year with consistent attendance of around thirty players each Tuesday between 8am and 12noon. Most weeks there are six teams of four playing at any one time. Our challenging “greens” are improving with regular mowing by council as are the players – most have bought their own mallets. Croquet has proved so much fun that we now have some players doubling up at Yamba Bowling club on Wednesdays from 8.30 to 11am. Col Hennessey played with us for a while but has since set up a very successful group playing at Iluka Bowling Club. We are a lively, friendly group of men and women enjoying each other’s company in a lovely setting. We invite residents and visitors to join us. For more information call Ros on 6646 0235.
An oasis of greenery and friendship in the bustling Lismore CBD Casino Croquet Club celebrated St. Patricks Day, and a good time was had by all. Nearly all wore something green with one member turning up in white with a very large green tie and a sparkling green hat, which looked stunning. The days leading up to Friday were very inclement, but on the day the sun shone and the breeze blew. We had 19 visitors from Casino and Kyogle including 6 members of the Red Hatters Club. Most of our visitors had not played croquet before, so therefore thoroughly enjoyed learning to play the game. The clubhouse was decorated with shamrocks and a large green “Welcome” sign was on the front door. The morning tea put on by the members of the Casino club, was something to behold. The aim of our club is to have fun, exercise and communicate with others. Our oldest member is 90 years young and still walks to croquet. This time of year is Pennants, which we play against teams from Ballina, Cherry St, Alstonville, and Lismore. Unfortunately it has been raining the last 2 weeks and we are hoping for better weather from now on.
North Coast Seniors
Lismore Croquet Club is the happy home of about 60 earnest players whose interests cover the three croquet variants - Golf Croquet, Ricochet and Association Croquet- in an atmosphere of good sportsmanship, good fellowship and good fun. We compete with other croquet clubs in the district, sometimes in an easy-going social day, but more usually in hard pressed competition, always with warm friendship. Our games within the club are like this too - tough but friendly rivalry is always the order of the day. We let our hair down on our
special days - on Melbourne Cup Day we have horse racing croquet events and members dressed as jockeys, horses, bookmakers and race-course touts, while our Alice in Wonderland Day saw the club over-run with Alices, Queens of Hearts and even a Mad Hatter. Other special days have brought forth leprechauns, Olympic athletes, and early colonial New South Welshmen. Whatever your age, if you are interested in playing croquet please call into the clubhouse on a Monday, Wednesday or Thursday morning. The clubhouse is located on Molesworth Street, adjacent to Spinks Park,
between the Fire Station and Elgas. Our telephone number is 02 6622 6030 or you can email us on lismorecroquetclub@ gmail.com. Our club captain is Fay Ross and she can be contacted on 02 6622 3776 or via email at rossbf@exemail.com.au Photos - The White Rabbit, from Alice in Wonderland, where croquet was played. Group Photo: L to R Fay Ross, Bany Waters, Deborah Matten, Yvonne Somerville, Bernadette Ryan, Merle Larsen & Carmel Ryan, all celebrating Deborah's win of The Ada Somerville Trophy. One of our more serious days. Jim Yeo
Revolution - April 2017
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CROSSWORD
SOMETHING TO TEST THE GREY MATTER WITH
ACROSS 1 Tried out 6 Call on 9 Lament loudly 11 Asian country 15 Small amount 19 Dodge 20 Curved structure 22 Tiny piece 24 Type of hood 25 Obtain 26 Music pieces 27 Fill with oxygen 28 Type of greeting card (3-2)
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29 Born 30 Stringed instrument 31 Acidic 32 Listen 33 Wooden strip 34 Amuses 35 Appreciation 36 Small bites 37 Unimportant 38 Wild asses 39 Attempted 40 Throw out 41 Keep going 44 A guard 47 Slim
April 2017 - Revolution
50 Stitch 52 Single item 54 More inquisitive 57 Returned money 59 Greek city 60 Arguing foolishly 62 Irritable 65 Belonging to us 68 Type of antelope 69 Olden goddess 70 A stone pillar 71 Above 74 Repeat 75 Chant 76 Father
78 Currency units 79 Travels on 80 A subject 82 Release 83 Money keeper 85 Stretches 87 Made sibilant sounds 89 Historic periods 90 Coarse 91 Try to take 92 Shopping centre 93 Lure 95 Showing scorn 96 Pieces inserted 99 Plunder
100 Salt compound 104 Overtly 106 Sewing tool 107 Consider 109 Honey badger 110 Go through 113 In the same book 114 Hard to understand 118 Showed clearly 120 Famous waterway (4,5) 121 One belittling others 123 Fools 124 Solved in the mind 126 Salad ingredient
127 Of olden days 129 Fitted with strings 131 Totals (4,2) 135 Annoying people 139 Grows older 140 Method 142 Struck down 143 Gazes 144 Binds 145 Unspoken 146 A digger 147 Nothing 148 Part of chest 151 Moral senses 155 Battle cry
North Coast Seniors
CROSSWORD 157 Well ventilated 158 Beneath 161 Rouse from sleep 162 Bring into law 163 Started 165 Downpour 166 Wattles 167 One from an island 168 Exact copy 169 Type of butter 170 Be victorious 171 Smoked pork sausage (coll) 172 Example for learning 174 Ghosts 176 Slow gallop 177 Moves apart 179 Errors in print 182 Unhappy 183 Plaything 184 Strange article 189 Strain 192 Punting 196 A heath plant 197 Untidy 198 Leaving a will 199 Expel 200 Take back in 201 Rest 204 Snow vehicles 205 Buckets 206 Mix around 207 South American
country 208 A singer 209 Victorian town 210 Old bailiff 211 Set time 212 Native New Zealander 213 Flightless bird 214 Line of hills 215 Type of builder (coll) 216 Small island 217 Aids 218 Culminations 219 Takes a chance 220 Money drawer 221 A fibre 222 The panorama DOWN 1 Saving of souls 2 Tuneful 3 Envoys 4 Discovers 5 An essence 6 Deer meat 7 Drenched 8 Better to eat 9 Sharpens 10 Woodwork machine 11 Stamp on 12 Putting in position 13 Adds on 14 Break up
15 Torn badly 16 Theatre attendant 17 Olden soldiers 18 Short-lived 21 Stroke 23 Rained heavily 42 Dig out 43 Extreme fright 45 Without headwear 46 Portable light 48 Piece of gold 49 Pardon 50 Slow molluscs 51 More frail 52 Like a lout 53 Way out 55 Act of noticing 56 Looks into 58 Often 61 Copies 63 Improper 64 With same effect 66 Titled person 67 Betting prices 72 Vocal sounds 73 Assisting 77 Finish (3,2) 81 Cut in two 84 A compere 86 Two times 88 The soul (5,3) 93 Listens secretly 94 Inclinations 97 Student of the stars 98 Legal
practitioners 101 Not suitable 102 Lying on water 103 Give a sign 105 One lingering 107 Showy in clothing 108 Tiny 110 Black and white 111 Following closely 112 Landed 115 A prong 116 Mountains 117 An ejaculation 119 Royal lady 122 Emphasise too much 125 Loving word 128 Describe gain 130 To that time 131 Amazes 132 Enmity 133 Piles 134 Placid 136 Making useless 137 Appearance 138 Unknown one 141 Distance (imp) 149 Leases land 150 Tested 151 Spoken 152 Dependent 153 Account books 154 A Channel Island
$
155 Narrow passage 156 Sea eagle 159 Knocked over 160 Money for release 163 A hound 164 Rule over 172 A tomato (coll) (4,5) 173 Cleansed 175 Crooked merchant 178 Very greedy 180 Go in turns 181 Cheap living 184 Rowers 185 Wavers 186 Rubbing out 187 Taught 188 Female emperor ruler 189 Thin line 190 Riding horses 191 Takes for granted 192 Like a beast 193 Made chirping sound 194 Right to enter 195 Hand motion 202 Put in office 203 Badly stain DID YOU CHEAT??? Solutions Page 3
Join In Tweed Unlimited Arts Kathleen 07 5524 6223 info@ tweedunlimitedarts. com.au Murwillumbah Community Centre Amanda 6672 3003 reception@ mccentre.org.au Change4Life Byron Bay (Yin Yoga) Glenn Walmsley 0425 339 988 info@change4life. net.au Ballina Probus Club Inc Lorna Lewis 6686 7180 brianlorna.lewis3@ gmail.com
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To complement our seafood you will find a large variety of icecream, from Paddle Pops® to high quality scoops in waffle cones. We encourage you to bring a bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal.
North Coast Seniors
Revolution - April 2017
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Northern Rivers Community Gallery - Ballina
ARTS & CULTURE
May Exhibitions
Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG), Ballina presents four exciting new exhibitions in May and welcomes community and visitors to join us in the Gallery. Launch Event: Thursday 27 April 2017 from 5.30pm – 7.30pm and all are welcome to attend.
Repetition and Milk and Honey | Red Inc.
Repetition and Milk and Honey is a group exhibition by the artists of RED Inc featuring Jennifer Lowrey, John Rose, Willie Mutton and Leanne Rose. The artists use repetition, explore colour and play with ideas of pattern; unlocking a land of milk and honey where anything is pos¬sible and where shared tech¬niques reveal strong individual styles and artistic outcomes.
Secret Female Signatures | Georgie Maddox
Georgie Maddox is a local Northern NSW artist, who was a finalist last year in the prestigious Mosman Art Prize, as well as the Brisbane Art Prize and Gosford Regional Overflow exhibition. Georgie has exhibited extensively both nationally and internationally. Georgie’s latest solo exhibition Secret Female Signatures has been designed to give women a voice through the powerful medium of visual art.
Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre Portraits: Margaret Olley The Margaret Olley Art Centre Friday 12 May, 2017 to Sunday 10 September, 2017 “Because I have a face like a pudding and it’s easy to draw.” This was Margaret Olley’s humorous response, when asked by friend and biographer Christine France, why, in her opinion, she was such a popular portrait subject for fellow artists. Margaret Olley remains the most painted face in Australian art history. As a fledgling artist at the age of 25, Olley sat for friend and fellow artist William Dobell. His portrait Margaret Olley 1948 won the Archibald Prize. More than six decades later, Olley was again the subject of an Archibald Prize winning portrait by Ben Quilty, Margaret Olley 2011. Olley’s remarkable artistic career is bookended by these iconic portraits. This outstanding exhibition of portraits of Olley by her artist friends, and self-portraits, is an exploration of Olley’s extraordinary life. Portraits: Margaret Olley includes work by Margaret Olley, William Dobell, Russell Drysdale, Ian Fairweather, Judy Cassab, Jeffrey Smart,
Ben Quilty, Nicholas Harding and more. The exhibition will be complemented by an engaging schedule of activities and events. For details visit the Gallery website.
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, NSW. 6670 2176
Image: Georgie Maddox, Voice 2
Coming Home | Corrina McLaughlin
TWEED REGIONAL MUSEUM Untold Stories
Coming Home is a rediscovery of self through returning home after a long absence. The artist explores a personal connection to place, and the bond with ‘home’ is explored.
Falling into Place | Tanja Taljaard
Falling Into Place is about the power our senses have to instantly transport us to another place, or stir a vague memory of something known. The introspective figures in this exhibition embody movement through time and space, as they sit and quietly contemplate the past and present. Tanja is in her 3rd year at the Byron School of Art. Image: Tanja Taljaard, The Shallows/Fish out of water
The exhibitions open Wednesday 26 April 2017 and continue until Sunday 21 May 2017. The official launch event is Thursday 27 April
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
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William Dobell (Australia; England, b.1899, d.1970) Margaret Olley 1948 oil on hardboard, 114.3 × 85.7cm Art Gallery of New South Wales, purchased 1949 © William Dobell/Licensed by Viscopy, 2016
April 2017 - Revolution
The exhibition, Untold Stories: living with ability, is part of a larger project being undertaken by Tweed Regional Museum called Contemporary Voices, which captures diverse stories of people currently living in the Tweed. Untold Stories features eleven individuals - ‘ordinary’ people whose rich life experiences include living with disability. Tracy Barrell, Una Cowdroy, Jan Cronly, Suzy Hudson, Bev Larsson, Ally Page, Nicole Randolph, Tim Thomas, Anne-Gabrielle Thompson and Bill and Yvonne Trenear share their individual journeys through life, and their experiences of living
with disability. Participants have generously allowed the Museum to record and share their stories through audio, video and text, complimented by objects emblematic of their personal journeys. A program of activities has been developed to coincide with the exhibition. These include verbal imaging tours of the Untold Stories exhibition and the Museum for those with a vision impairment; interactive story telling sessions for children by Bev Larsson, based on Bev’s children’s book Along Came Henry, in May and June; AUSLAN interpreted tours on Saturday 22 April and Saturday 20 May, and more. The Museum will also host the launch of the 2017 Access and Inclusion Awards in May. Untold Stories: living with ability is supported by the New South Wales Government through Arts NSW
For more details about the exhibition and program of activities contact the Museum on (02) 66702493 or visit the website museum.tweed.nsw.gov.au. TRM Murwillumbah is open Tues to Sat 10am - 4pm and entry is free.
North Coast Seniors
ARTS & CULTURE
GRAFTON REGIONAL GALLERY Exhibitions
The Grafton Regional Gallery continues to bring an exciting exhibition program for both Clarence Valley residents and visitors. On show from May 10 to June 10 is Wild Australia, from the University of Queensland Anthropology Museum. This exhibition presents photographs of Aboriginal people from the 1890s who were taken on a travelling ‘wild west show’ with politician and entrepreneur Archibald Meston. Accompanying Wild Australia is an exhibition of Indigenous artworks from the Grafton Regional Gallery’s collection. From painting to sculpture, this exhibition showcases the diversity and beauty of the artworks in the collection. In the Loft gallery, …On a Walk presents work from artists Nicola Moss and Sue Harris who together take inspiration from the natural environment and bushwalking. Coming to the Gallery in June is the highly anticipated ARTEXPRESS 2017 exhibition, featuring exemplary artworks created by New South Wales visual arts students for the 2016 Higher School Certificate practical examination. A highlight on the annual calendar of schools throughout the state and now in its fifth decade, ARTEXPRESS excites audiences keen to view and celebrate the creativity of student artists. In time for Grafton’s renowned July racing carnival, Women’s Racing in the Clarence will explore the important position women hold in Clarence Valley horse racing. 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 Sunday and Monday)
Wild Australia 10 May – 10 June 2017 On a Walk: Nicola Moss and Sue Harris Collection: Indigenous Artworks
Image:- Nicola Moss Breathing in Trees 2016
BAY CITY ROLLERS (UK) FEATURING LES MCKEOWN
Re-live the excitement that was Rollermania! Scotland’s greatest pop/glam export, the Bay City Rollers Featuring Les McKeown are finally returning to Oz, performing a select number of shows, including one at local venue, C.ex Coffs. Hailed as one of the biggest groups since The Beatles, this iconic original boy-band has sold over 100 million records worldwide. Scoring a #1 Australian hit with Bye Bye Baby, shortly followed by a string of top 10 tracks including – ShangA-Lang, Give a Little Love, Money Honey, Saturday Night, Rock and Roll Love Letter and I Only Wanna Be With You. Front man, Les McKeown insists they are back to perform for their long-term fans, stating “There’s still a great appetite for the bands songs
and the music I sang on in the 70s. I look forward to meeting the fans in Australia”. The story of the Bay City Rollers has been told countless times and now Les is reliving some of his own memories with the release of solo album The Lost Songs, a series of tracks that he says ‘lay in a box untouched for years’. Les is keen to heal any old wounds and move forward, bringing their magic to audiences old and new. Catch Les with his legendary Bay City Rollers performing the unforgettable classic hits at C.ex Coffs on Sunday 9 July, 8pm. Tickets $59 available from C.ex Coffs or online at www.cex.com.au. A limited number of VIP meet and greet packages are available for $169.90. For more information contact 02 6652 3888.
Image: Tjimpuna Williams Untitled 2008
ARTEXPRESS and Women’s Racing in the Clarence
16 June – 29 July 2017
Image: Ruby Sullivan, McCauley Catholic College Look My Way. Drawing Detail 2016.
ͽΚΤΞΠΣΖΤ͑ͷΣΚΖΟΕΤΙΚΡ͑ͷΖΤΥΚΧΒΝ Lismore’s annual Friendship Festival is a celebration of community spirit and highlights the connection between Lismore and the city of Conegliano in northern Italy. The Piazza in the Park will be held at Spinks Park on Sunday, June 25, 10am-3pm the day after Lismore’s iconic Lantern Parade. Residents and visitors can be an Italian for a day and enjoy free family entertainment with a distinctive Italian twist, a great variety of authentic food and wine, conversation, games, car and bike displays, dancing, local produce and merchandise stalls. Popular Italian entertainer Domenico will have guests dancing up a storm at Piazza in the Park in the city’s CBD along with the local Paradiso Choir. Follow our facebook - FriendshipFestivalLismore2017 for detailed updates
North Coast Seniors
Revolution - April 2017
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TRAVEL
A tour to the
TOP
OF THE WORLD
Great Value CONDUCTED OVERSEAS TOURS All Prices now include Airport Taxes and Levies GREECE & THE GREEK ISLANDS CHINA TIBET & NEPAL 19 Day Tour Dep. Oct 6 $4475 15 Day Tour Dep. July 31 $5995 Flying Air China into Kathmandu. 5 day Tibet tour, 4 day Flying Emirates into Athens. 15 day tour and cruise of Nepal tour, 4 day Chengdu (China) tour including the Greece & the Greek Islands. 3 day Dubai stopover. famous Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
THAILAND MOUNTAINS & BEACHES VIETNAM EXPLORER $3455 2 Week Tour Dep. Aug 2 $2625 15 Day Tour
Dep. Oct 18
Flying Thai into Bangkok plus a flight within Thailand. . Flying Singapore Airlines into Saigon and out of Hanoi 3 nights Bangkok, 2 nights Chiang Rai, 3 nights Chiang plus 2 flights within Vietnam. 4 nights Saigon, 4 nights Mai, 3 nights Phuket. 3 day coach tour from Bangkok Hoi An, 4 nights Hanoi 1 night Halong Bay with cruise. to the Golden Triangle.
BALKANS & DALMATIAN COAST EUROPE IN DEPTH $7195 3 Week Tour Dep. Sep 6 $8975 34 Day Tour
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Flying Qatar Airlines into Zagreb & out of Athens. 17 Flying Cathay Pacific into London & out of Paris. 31 day day tour of Croatia, Montenenegro, Bosnia, Serbia, tour of western & central Europe. 2 nights Hong Kong. Macedonia & Greece. 2 nights Athens.
WESTERN CANADA TOUR WITH EGYPT ALASKAN CRUISE $5655 20 Day Tour Dep. Nov 2 $6955 25 Day Tour Dep. Sep 8 Flying Emirates into Cairo. 15 day Egypt tour including Flying Cathay Pacific into Vancouver. 12 day tour of a 4 day cruise from Luxor to Aswan. 3 days Dubai western Canada and the Rockies, 8 day Alaskan cruise including a tour to Abu Dhabi. 4-5 star luxury accommodation. including the Inside Passage, 3 night Hong Kong stopover, tipping included. BURMA (MYANMAR)
Macleay Valley Travel has fully conducted group tours to many exciting destinations, and there would be none more exciting than their wonderful 15 day tour to Tibet, Nepal and central China, departing Sydney on July 31. As there is no trekking involved, the tour is suitable for people of all ages and you will be seeing the spectacular scenery and culture of Tibet and Nepal in summer, when the climate is mild and the days long. A stop-over is made in Chengdu, central China, in both directions, as there is much to see there. It is famous for its research base of giant panda breeding, undoubtedly the best place in the world to see and learn about these wonderful endangered animals. It also has the outstanding Sanxingdul Museum, a huge modern museum displaying the complex history and culture of central China from about 6000 BC to 700 BC. This is a small group tour with a maximum of about 18 participants. The price of $4,475 per person twin share is great value as all of the following are included in this price: • Return air fares from Sydney to Kathmandu, Nepal,
with Air China, including taxes and fuel levies. • A 5 day tour of mysterious Tibet, a 4 day tour of spectacular Nepal, and a total of 4 days touring Chengdu, central China. • Accommodation in 3 to 4 star hotels with private facilities. • All transport, transfers and entrance fees. • Most meals. • Tipping for tour guides and drivers. • Services of local English speaking tour guides and an Australian tour escort. For people without a travel partner but wishing to travel at twin share rates Macleay Valley travel will try to team you up with another traveller in a similar position. For a single room there is an extra charge of $880. For a full itinerary call Macleay Valley travel toll free on 1800 810 809 or see their web site www.macleayvalleytravel.com
HIGHLIGHTS OF BRITAIN & IRELAND $4580 2 Week Tour Dep. Nov 6 $6990 18 Day Tour Dep. Sep 10 Flying Thai into Rangoon plus 3 flights within Burma. 12 Flying Cathay Pacific to London. 15 days in England, day Burma tour by coach, plane & boat. 2 nights Ireland, Scotland & Wales, 2 night Hong Kong stopover, Bangkok, tipping included. SRI LANKA (CEYLON)
ITALY, FRANCE & SPAIN $4595 16 Day Tour Dep. Nov 14 $5995 23 Day Tour Dep. Sep 28 Flying Singapore Airlines into Colombo. 14 day coach & Flying Cathay Pacific into Rome & out of Madrid 20 day rail tour of this beautiful country.visiting the main tourist tour of Italy, France & Spain. 1 day Hong Kong stopover. attractions. 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.
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38
E-mail: info@macleayvalleytravel.com
April 2017 - Revolution
Web site: www.macleayvalleytravel.com
North Coast Seniors
TRAVEL
The Ramblers
Fishing Haven - the place to be When you are on the road these days, you are probably thinking that there seem to be more recreational. Well, you would be correct. The RV industry is having enormous growth and the economic value to the Australian economy is over $17.50 billion. There are over 530,000 RVs registered in Australia. The age group 55 -70 years, makes up over 25% of the caravans and motorhomes out there. The CMCA (Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia) is the largest RV club in the Southern Hemisphere with 70,000 members. CMCA is a not for profit organisation focusing on preserving the RV lifestyle and safe travels for all RV enthusiasts. It was established in 1986 by Erica and Don Whitworth who had a dream to bring like- minded people together to share ideas and camaraderie. Today there are over 100 chapters, plus a solos network for those travelling alone. The CMCA, has instigated, some wonderful initiatives. The RV friendly town scheme, the installation of many dump points for dumping of black waste, the MSO, member stop overs, where travellers can stay on members property. A dollar wise group of van parks that offer members an excellent discount plus many more incentives. Clarence Valley Ramblers are the local chapter. We are a diverse group of members both in age and experience who share a great bond of common interests from travels, mechanical issues, and friendship. We have a monthly get together at various sites both in the Clarence and further afield. The weekends take on an array of activities with some theme days. We enjoy BBQ’s, Pub meals, hot breakfasts etc. Christmas in July is a spit roast feast, while Easter, Mothers and Fathers’ Day, also give us another reason to celebrate in some way. We are always on the lookout for new members to join us. If you have a motorhome or why not come along and see what we do. You will be made feel very welcome. Just give our secretary, Carol a call on 0472 517 170.
|ADRIAN BREWER
and so too does Fishing Haven. Okay, so it doesn’t have the water park and the jumping castles that the family parks have, but do grandkids really need all that? What fishing Haven does have though is everything else. Situated right on the banks of the beautiful Clarence River, what more could you ask for? Whatever it is, it is here. It is not called “Fishing Haven� for nothing. Three jetties along the river give ample opportunity for fishos of all ages, types and skill levels to take on all manner of fish species – Flathead, Bream, Perch to name a few, have all been caught here. Each jetty has its own sink and cleaning station so nice, fresh fillets for the dinner table are easy to prepare. There are also 2 BBQ areas as well as a great camp kitchen which boasts a large freezer for you to store your catch. Fishing Haven Holiday Park has many powered sites, with nice level concrete pads for vans and RV’s, several of which face the glorious waters of the river. How much better can it be than to have breakfast outside your van only 10 metres or so from the water or a fresh fish dinner while watching the sunset glisten on the flowing tide? For those who travel with their “fur-babies�, don’t stress, as Fishing Haven is pet-friendly, so Fido or Fifi doesn’t have to be
boarded away and miss out on all the excitement of travel. But Fishing Haven isn’t just for caravaners though. It has on-site vans available and as well has many roomy, self-contained cabins for those who like a little more luxury. However you travel, Fishing Haven has all your needs met. So what do the grandkids do there without the jumping castles? Other than the fishing, of course, there are walks along the river to see the wildlife, the birds and water dragons sunning themselves on the rocks. There is plenty of room for them to safely ride their bikes and at night, the clear, dark skies offer them a chance to see stars and planets like never before or maybe even learn the art of long lost family card games like “Uno�. Yes, this is our fourth trip to Yamba from Melbourne and it won’t be the last either with Fishing Haven nearby. For a great, safe, quiet place to stay overnight, for a few days or for an extended time so close to so many great places, Fishing Haven Holiday Park really is the place to be. It is very popular so best to book ahead. They can be found at 35 River Road, Palmers Island or ring them on (02) 6646 0163. Email - info@ fishing.haven.com.au or simply check out their website on www. fishinghaven.com.au
FR I E N D
LY
ET
P
The time had come for us to make a decision – stay in the house and pay bills till we die, or travel like we had always wanted to. We thought and pondered, pondered and thought – it was no easy decision. Then we sold the house, put our belongings in storage, jumped in the caravan and ran away. Wanting to see everything there was to see, it took us nine months to travel up the coast from Melbourne to the Queensland border – and that’s pretty well where we stopped before turning around, heading back south for Christmas with the grandkids. Liking the security and relative modern conveniences of life, we opted to stay in commercial caravan parks rather than free camp all the way up. Nothing against free camping of course, but it just wasn’t for us. Some of the parks were family orientated ones which can get pretty expensive, especially around school holiday and peak season times. We had stopped at Yamba on the way to Brisbane and talking to a couple of the friendly locals, they suggested we give “Fishing Haven Holiday Park� a try. So on our return trip, we did and we still do. This is the fourth time we have stopped off at Yamba - we love it here, it has everything -
Absolute Waterfront
Great Fishing 3 fishing jetties
PARK
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North Coast Seniors
Pet Friendly
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Visit Red Rock and Corindi Surrounded by National Parks and Red Rock and Corindi are both quaint seaside villages with beautiful beaches that offer all the charm of small fishing hamlets. Only 6kms off the highway, half way between Coffs Harbour and Grafton, Red Rock, named for the striking Jasper containing formations on it’s beaches and headlands, is the perfect place to get away from it all. Red Rock’s best-kept secret is the Red Rock Bowling and Recreation Club - who knew? A visit to the club to enjoy the friendly hospitality and chat with the locals is a must. The club boasts a Chinese restaurant which is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday, with a regular smorgasbord every Friday night. Just down the track, heading towards Coffs Harbour is Corindi. Corindi’s famous landmark is ‘the local’ Amble Inn. Built over 30 years ago with local hardwood timbers, blended with
brickwork and stained glass, the Amble Inn is nestled in the picturesque rolling coastal plains and only minutes away from miles of unspoiled beaches. This is definitely the place to enjoy a cozy night in front of the fire on a cold winters night, or you can relax in the winter sun over lunch in the beer garden. The menu is extensive and has something for everyone.The majority of the garden is covered and protected from the weather and also has heating for the cooler winter months when the sun refuses to shine - this doesn’t happen very often. The Amble Inn is a great spot to catch up with friends over lunch or or simply enjoy a drink at the bar. Both Red Rock and Corindi are great fishing locations, and if fishing’s not your thing, then you can always enjoy a walk along the beach or through the National Park. Whatever you choose to do - stay for a day or stay for a week - you must take the time to turn off the highway.
Arial view of Corindi Beach Image courtesy: Destination NSW Images: Fran Dowsett
Red Rock Bowling & Recreation Club 1 Rudder St, Red Rock Phone: 6649 2729
Come in and enjoy great food and beverages in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
LS $12.50 LUNCH SPECIA DAILY 12PM - 2PM
NSW 6649 2622 7 Tasman St, Corindi Beach
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Friday night weekly Smorgasbord
OPEN 7 DAYS 40
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Penguin to Cradle Mountain Trail Whether your walks are a couple of kilometres or multi-day trails get out there and do it. I met Mark at the Launceston airport baggage pickup, he had just flown in from Cairns and this would be the start of our fourth attempt at the Black Bluff Range section of the Penguin to Cradle trail. We originally decided to do the Penguin to Cradle Mountain hike together in August 2014 as Mark was fairly new to remote bushwalking and was keen to gain experience. I normally walk solo but Mark had become a firm friend over the years and was very dependable and enthusiastic. The 80km trail starts in the seaside village of Penguin which is located on the north coast and is a couple of hours drive west of Launceston. Classified as one of the top ten walks in Tasmania, this little-used trail takes you through remote woodland, rainforest, and some rural areas. Combine these with rugged mountain ranges, a canyon with a wild river running through it, some idyllic lakes and vistas of snow-capped peaks provides you with six or seven days of pure isolation. Our first trip came to an abrupt end three days later, we watched a cold front dumping snow on the Bluff with predicted 80km.winds.
Black Bluff in summertime
Later that night Mark called the ranger at Cradle Mountain on his satphone and got the latest update, four to five days of snow and wind. Not having enough supplies and time we retreated back to Launceston and flew home very disappointed. We soon realised that the extreme weather in Tasmania at any time of the year is one of its drawcards but you needed a plan B if you weren’t going to spend a fortune on airfares. Our next attempt in March 2015 ended in Launceston as a cold front came through and snow down to 500m on the trail had us heading down to Hobart to attempt the seven-day South Coast Track. The same weather system kept us in Hobart for two days before we got the call that we had a short window of opportunity to be airlifted into the south western area of Tasmania by small charter plane. The South Coast Track is completely different to the Penguin – Cradle trail and lived up to its reputation of being
North Coast Seniors
Cradle Mountain
one of the most interesting, muddy and demanding walks. Attempt number three was in November the following year; a friend drove us out to the base of Black Bluff and would pick us up at Cradle four days later. Mark looked at me as the snow came down and the Bluff was shrouded in storm clouds, it was time for a cup of tea and fruit cake to calm the situation, frustration was clearly evident. We drove to a small town called Sheffield and booked into a motel to figure out what to do, the weather was freezing and we were glad we didn’t try to push our luck on the mountain range. We decided to access the range early the next morning via a link road which was at a lower elevation and if conditions weren’t too bad we would meet our friend in Cradle as previously planned in about two days. The day dawned icy and very cold; we located the trail with the GPS and off into the clouds and mist, we went. The trail exposed itself as the day rolled along, snow on the hi peaks but as we were descending quite rapidly we ended up below the snow line. Reaching Cradle Mountain was a bit of an anticlimax as we both knew we hadn’t been successful in experiencing the most beautiful part of the trail. I have a picture of Black Bluff covered in snow and cloud as a screen saver on my computer, we both had done other walks in the interim but the failure to finish the trail kept niggling away. A phone call to Mark late in 2016 had our fourth attempt under way. I was pretty confident with the weather this time as the continuing low-pressure systems of the last couple of years were being replaced with high-pressure gradients that traditionally made January and February the optimum times to walk in the area. An experienced bushwalker friend of Mark’s had asked to join us in the attempt and Johanna turned out to be a great addition to the team. Jo rolled up at the hotel later that night after the airline misplaced her gear
in transit from Cairns. Our shuttle was prearranged for the trip out to the start and arrived as scheduled next morning at 8.30am. A couple of k’s from Black Bluff we met bridge closed signs due to the damage done earlier in the year with the major flood events. We waved goodbye to the shuttle and walked the remaining distance to the start of the ascent of the Bluff. The day was perfect for walking except for the plagues of March flies which tried to chew your arms and ears off.
Paddy’s Lake from the Bluff
The view of the Bluff was the first time we had seen it without snow and cloud and the climb up to Paddy’s Lake took about four hours along a well-defined trail. The transition between woodland and the alpine terrain is quite dramatic, we ventured out onto the barren landscape to be met by an icy wind from the north-west that continued to increase in velocity as night approached. Paddy’s Lake is very exposed to all winds and the only level area is limited to three or four small tents. We were greeted by a platypus on the edge of the lake; I’m still wondering how he or she got up to this isolated lake and survives the winters. The wind and squalls brought misty clouds and rain which battered our tents throughout the night which made sleeping near impossible. The morning dawned to a weather report of high winds to 60kmh and low temperatures but the following day sounded positive as the wind was going around to the north-east and moderating for most of the day before returning to the north-
Words and Images
|MARK CLAPSHAW
west and bringing rain and high winds. We decided to stay where we were and leave early the next morning and attempt to do two days walk in one so as to be off the range before the bad weather returned. After another night of flapping tents and rain we awoke to a shroud of mist and cloud, we had breakfast and packed up for the long day ahead. The topo map gave us a bearing to follow in the cloud and we were soon on the trail which would take us across one of the most exposed areas of Tasmania. The day cleared to reveal a wonderful landscape of rock and alpine grasses, the walking conditions were perfect and away in the distance our goal of Cradle Mountain came into view. Cradle was a minimum two days walk away and the trail did a semi circle along Black Bluff range and eventually joins up with the Cradle Mountain park system. Our next campsite with water was finally located in thick scrub sixteen hours later just before darkness set in. We pitched our tents and cooked our dinner whilst the wind and rain returned; the site was well protected but infested with leeches which left bloody trails after feasting on you all night. We were only a day’s walk from the finish but we decided to spend an extra day trout fishing and generally taking our time to enjoy the wonderful diverse terrain of dark forests open button grass plains and ancient mountain peaks. The next day we entered the grounds of the Peppers resort at Cradle Mountain and enjoyed the knowledge that we had finally finished the Penguin to Cradle trail. Mark and Jo are in their mid-fifties and I am in my sixty-fifth year, pack weight was about 20kgs each and the need to be totally independent a necessity. Navigation is normally pretty basic on most of the trails in Tasmania except when you get bushed or cloud and mist obscure your view. That’s when good planning and gear comes into play. We carry a satphone instead of an EPIRB because of the ability to contact others in an emergency or get an up to date weather report. Whether your walks are a couple of kilometres or multi-day trails get out there and do it.
The two Marks
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Are you looking at traveling in a group environment, meeting new friends and enjoying the amazing scenic wonders of our ever changing world? The Casino Travel Shoppe team have prepared a wide range of group travel options for the remainder of 2017 and for 2018. We have added a small number of selected cruise and rail journey options for you to choose your next adventure. For the stay in Australia travellers, we have selected escorted tours covering every state including the Top End (some including the Ghan), the Kimberley, Western Australia, Tasmania, Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island. We are delighted to offer for the first time our 10 day fully escorted Sydney, Jenolan Caves and Blue Mountain Adventure departing on July 28, 2017. The package, priced from $2,725pp sharing includes a home pick up service, first class rail with NSW trains to Sydney and return, all accommodation, a river cruise to Parramatta where you will enjoy an afternoon matinee of Miss Saigon at the Riverside Theatre, City Rail to Katoomba, dinner at Chisolm’s at Jenolan Caves, afternoon tea at the Hydro Majestic and two day Blue Trolley Pass and much more. We continue to offer some selected ocean cruise options including the South Pacific, New Zealand, Asia, Cruises to Nowhere and many more on all cruise lines. Our overseas departures include Canada and Alaska. The USA is well covered from east to west including,
Travel with Simes Bros Coaches Simes Bros Coaches is a family-owned coach company in Lismore and has been operating for 65 years. Specialising in day trips, tours and coach and show packages for seniors, they pride themselves on providing a safe, worry free and cost effective way to travel. With their experienced drivers behind the wheel, you are free to sit back, relax, and enjoy your trip. They can even help you plan an itinerary to suit your requirements and budget, and even assist in organising accommodation for overnight tours. They have an ‘Around the Bend’ outings club doing day trips plus shows and tours as well. Upcoming shows include The Bodyguard and Kinky Boots at QPAC and the Tivoli shows at Twin Towns.
the Rockies, the glaciers, snowcapped mountains and azure blue lakes. For Europe we have provided a wide range of options including Italy, Greece, Eastern and Western Mediterranean Cruising and the best of traditional European destinations, including Ireland, Scotland, Portugal, Spain, Slovenia, and Croatia as well as Scandinavia and Iceland. We continue to offer many choices on European river cruises We have included two great tours to South America covering spectacular Rio, Iguassu Falls and the icons of Peru with Machu Picchu and a cruise to Antarctica in February 2018. In Asia we have Japan, China, Tibet, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand included in a variety of tours. Many of our Wendy Wu tours are fully inclusive of airfares, all meals, tipping, visas, sightseeing etc. Finally Africa for the sense of adventure, the animals in the wild, Cape Town, Table Mountain and the power of Victoria Falls. We also have departures to the magnificent Serengeti and Masai Mara National Parks, where if you hurry we may still be able to get you a space on the departure to experience the spectacular migration of the animals. For 2017 and 2018 the Casino Travel Shoppe have you covered in our Group Departure Book. Pick up your copy today. Remember we are also there to assist you with all your air, accommodation, transport and cruise needs.
Why not make 2017 your year to go ‘around Australia’ with the friendly team at Simes Bros Coaches. They have an extensive list of trips and tours to choose from, from 2 to 46 days in duration. Call them today on 6621 5416 or call in and see them at Shop 8, Wyrallah Road Shopping Centre, East Lismore. www.simesbros.com.au
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Travel in style aboard Simes Bros Luxury Coaches.
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North Coast Seniors
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Explore Yamba and its surrounds
Image: Lynne Mowbray
Located at the mouth of the Clarence River, Yamba is the Clarence Valley’s principal coastal resort and a beach lover’s paradise. With its relaxed, laid back lifestyle, award-winning restaurants, and cafés, boutique shops and art galleries there is so much to see and do in Yamba. Yamba’s eleven pristine beaches are great for snorkelling, swimming and surfing and the main beach also has an ocean pool - perfect for those looking for the salt water experience without the waves. The Clarence River provides some of the most well-protected waterways on the east coast of Australia. Extending from the ocean to the foothills of the Great
Dividing Range, the river is home to 100 islands and is perfect for boating, fishing, and exploring. Yamba and its surrounds have so much to offer visitors and locals, and without the knowledge of a local, you can frequently miss much of the beauty of this area and many of its attractions. Just one great reason to take a tour of the area. Yamba Tours is run by Rick and Vickie to showcase the Clarence Valley and its surrounding areas and reveal the natural beauty to those who may never have really experienced this picturesque area before. Catering mainly to seniors groups, the tours are fun, informative and entertaining. Each day consists of a different drive through
the area and guests are invited to take part in nature walks, shopping expeditions, sightseeing and tours through the many museums, and galleries this area has to offer. Rick and Vickie offer a professional, personal service with a smile, ensuring guests enjoy their stay and see all the Clarence Valley has to offer. The tours are for five nights and four days with guests arriving on Sunday and departing the following Friday or you can grab a group of 30 or more for a personalised valley highlights day tour. For information and bookings phone free call 1800 813 033 or email info@yambatours.com.au. Rick and Vickie look forward to welcoming you on their next tour.
NEWLY RENOVATED
Aston Motel
While in Yamba there is no better place to stay than the Aston Motel - one of Yamba’s premier accommodation venues. Ideally located near the heart of Yamba, the Aston Motel is only a short stroll to the town’s shopping precinct, clubs, restaurants, and beaches. Complete with all modern facilities such as swimming pool and BBQ area, this truly is a great option for those looking for an affordable place to stay - complete with a home cooked breakfast. With great rates and great rooms the Aston Motel truly is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a fun filled day in Yamba. It is Yamba Tours preferred accommodation location. The Aston Motel is located at 37 Coldstream Street, Yamba. Contact them for reservations or more details on 6646 2199. Check them out on Trip Advisor.
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02 6646 2199 37 Coldstream Street Yamba 2464 44
April 2017 - Revolution
ALL INCLUSIVE TOURS! CONTACT VICKIE AND RICK LEA FOR AN INFORMATION PACK
P: 1800 813 033 E: www.yambatours.com.au North Coast Seniors
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Join me to experience the magic of Beautiful Bhutan Julie Larkey has been travelling to Bhutan for the last 5 years and continues to be drawn back after being captivated by this beautiful and serene destination. Julie would love to share the warmth and sincerity of the local people with you. Join her on her next visit to this stunning country. Flying into the country’s only airport, in the beautiful valley of Paro, the clear mountain air, forested ridges, imposing monasteries and welcoming Bhutanese people in their striking national dress, provides a breath-taking first impression. Our first stop is Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s Royal family. We will visit the National Memorial Chorten built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (built in 1974). It is a must visit place with its grandeur and splendid structures. After a visit to the Dupthop Lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan we will continue on to the traditional institute of Zorig Chusum (the institute of the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan). The next day we will drive to Gangtey. As we drive across Dochu-La Pass (alt. 11,400 ft) we will see the snow-capped eastern Himalayan ranges. Once you cross the pass, we wind down into a warm fertile valley and meander along a gentle flowing aquamarine
river leading to Lobesa. On our third day we take a hike up to Gangtey Monastery, a very old and significant monastery in the history of Bhutan. We visit Chimi Lhakhang which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (popularly known as “The Devine Madman”) in the 15th Century. He subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunder bolt”. In Punakha, we will visit the Dzong, built in 1637. The Dzong has played a pivotal role in the history of Bhutan. The embalmed bodies of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Terton Pema Lingpa are housed in the main tower. On our fourth day we drive up towards Gasa. Gasa is one of the remotest places in Bhutan and has only recently been connected with road access, electricity, the internet and other facilities. Roads are still not tarred, yet are fully accessible. On the way, we will visit the Khamsum Yueley Zangtolepri (the heavenly abbot), built by the Royal Queen mother. We will be staying at the Gasa Hot Spring Guest
House. Note: Gasa is a very remote place with no luxury hotels or lodges. On our fifth day, we will visit the Gasa Dzong and meet the governor of Gasa for tea and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong in the afternoon. After breakfast on our sixth day, we drive back to Paro taking a short break to see the glorious mountains from Dochula. We also visit the Tac Chog monastery which has a hanging iron bridge built by a Buddhist saint and master - the yogi – Drupthop Chakzampa. Day seven sees us drive to the base of the Tiger’s Nest. This is only about 20 minutes from our hotel and it will take probably two hours to climb. We take constant breaks and it will be a very gradual climb. We depart on our eighth day and soon the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian mountains. For more information about this wonderful trip, please contact me at CFS Travel on 6652 6555 or email julie@cfstravel.com.au
͵ΚΤΔΠΧΖΣ͑ΆΝΦΣΦ͑͝͵ΒΣΨΚΟ͑ΒΟΕ͑ΥΙΖ͑ͿΠΣΥΙΖΣΟ͑΅ΖΣΣΚΥΠΣΪ͑ Australia is a land of wonder and there is nothing more beautiful in our wide brown land than the sights and adventures that await you in the Top End. Territory Tracks is a 7 day short break which lets you discover the Northern Territory, home to some of Australia’s most beautiful natural landscapes and rich history of Aboriginal culture. From the Top End, down to the Red Centre, there isn’t a
shortage of things to do in this unspoiled frontier-land. One of the most recognizable landmarks of Australia is Uluru (Ayers Rock) and with its home being the Red Centre, you’ll find there’s plenty more to do than magnificent Uluru itself. Head North to the Top End and you’ve got tropical Darwin, an incredible mix of beach town vibes and impressive history.
Explore Kakadu, Australia’s largest national park. Kakadu’s rivers, plains and wetlands are home to over a third of Australia’s bird species as well as crocodiles, kangaroos, wallabies, reptiles and fish. A trip this good will sell out fast. To book your place contact CFS Travel on 6652 6555 or call in and see them at Shop 27a Park Beach Plaza, Coffs Harbour.
Highlights • • • • • • •
The Ghan train journey Uluru sunset and sunrise Explore the domes of magical Kata Tjuta Discover the wilderness of Kakadu National park View ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr Discover teeming wildlife on the Yellow Water Billabong Aboriginal guide on Guluyambi Cruise, East Alligator River
7 day Short Break from $2899 per person twin share* Ayers Rock to Darwin
code: YRD7
Territory Tracks
CFS Travel – Shop 27a Park Beach Plaza Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 • Phone: hone: 02 6652 6555
*Conditions: Prices are per person twin share, land & rail only and are based on low season departures. Subject to availability and seasonal surcharge. Valid for travel on departures from 1 April 2017 – 30 Nov 2017. Kings Club past guest discount of 5% available to those who have previously travelled with AAT Kings. Ask us for details. AAT Kings and CFS booking conditions apply. ATAS No. 10527. 11979a
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Planning to travel? Check out these top travel tips
|COREY BERTALLI
If you have a holiday planned, there should be a checklist that you go through before you depart. Below is a couple things you can think about to help things go smoothly. Ticket and travel documents - When you receive your travel documents, sit down and read through them, they may have some important information in them. Travel advice - Travelling to a foreign country and not knowing a lot about its legal system, religion, medical and more can be fraught with danger. It’s always a good idea to do a little bit of research before you arrive. Check what health issues you might need to be aware of before you arrive such as vaccinations for malaria, cholera, and yellow fever. The government also has a website on how safe the country you are visiting. Check out dfat.gov.au. Travel insurance - Travel insurance is one of those added extras that might not be factored into your holiday, but it should be the first thing you consider. Without it you could be faced with tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills. Travel insurance can be costly especially if you are travelling for any length of time but the alternative is not worth thinking about. Access to money - It is always a good idea to have a couple of ways to access money while you are away. Have some money on you at all times for incidentals as well as a credit card which can
be used to pay for dinner at a restaurant or any major purchases. Never let your credit card out of your sight. You go where your card goes. Cash passport cards are the new way of taking money with you. They act like a debit card where you load x amount of money in the currency that you want before you go and then you use that money while you are away. Mobile phones - Mobiles are a hard one because every telco has their own rates for overseas travel and not every phone can be used outside Australia. If you are intending to take your mobile with you overseas please double check with your provider first. You would hate to get a bill of hundred maybe thousands of dollars when you get home. It is always important to make sure your luggage is secured with a lock of some description. Always leave emergency contact details with someone while you are away. The Federal Government has a website which is excellent. You can log onto the Smart Traveller website and register your details on it before you depart. If something bad happens in that country whilst you are away the Australian Government will know approximately where you are. The website address is www.smartraveller.gov.au Corey Bertalli is the Manager of Grafton Travel Agency
Your local bus network in Yamba and Grafton Getting you where you need to go Busways provide route services covering the Clarence Valley and adjoining coastal region, taking passengers to and from work, shopping centres and major trip destinations such as Grafton and Yamba. Our services can form part of your daily travel requirements and help you get where you need to go. Unlimited bus travel with the Regional Excursion Daily Ticket The Regional Excursion Daily (RED) ticket offers eligible seniors and pensioners unlimited travel all day on most rural and regional bus services. The $2.50 RED ticket allows multiple bus trips within our bus network, making it affordable for you to get around by bus in your local area. The RED ticket is available from drivers to those who hold a valid Australian Government Pensioner Concession Card, NSW Seniors Card or War Widow/ers Card. Easy access services Busways’ easy access services improve accessibility for people with disabilities, elderly and less mobile passengers. These services are operated by buses with ultra-low floors and ramped entry and feature additional priority seating for the elderly and less mobile people. Easy access services are identified in our timetables with a wheelchair symbol. Talk to us about your transport options We regularly hold information stalls at shopping centres and events in Grafton and Yamba, which aim to provide information about the network, bus timetables and an opportunity for to provide feedback on your service. Come and chat to our friendly
staff at Busways about your transport options. Plan your trip Visit www.busways.com.au to find bus timetables, route maps, region guides and ticket information. Visit transportnsw.info and use the trip planner to plan your trip.
Busways’ easy access services improve accessibility for people with disabilities, elderly
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REGIONAL EXCURSION
DAILY TICKET Purchase a ticket from your driver
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P (02) 6642 2954 A 70 Skinner St, South Grafton NSW 2460 H 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
P (02) 6645 8941 A 4 Favourite Ave, Yamba NSW 2464 H 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
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The perfect match
When it comes to in-home care, having a carer who understands you makes a world of difference. Jayne and Bill’s mutual love of motorcycles is the perfect example: rediscovering his passion for bikes has completely changed Bill’s outlook on life. Now Jayne works with Bill to create and maintain activities around his interest, while giving him a hand with his day-to-day needs, so he can enjoy living at home. At Whiddon, we pride ourselves on our wonderful qualified and dedicated staff always going the extra mile to support our clients at home, living fuller and more independent lives for longer.
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