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Apart of the past 50 years, I've had the great privilege of telling the wartime stories of soldiers, sailors and airmen for Anzac Day.
And it was indeed a huge privilege because most of them, veterans of World War II, had not spoken much about their experiences once they returned home, and for many, it was still painful to recount decades later.
They are gone now, but their stories remain strong in my mind for these were ordinary men – workers, sons, boyfriends, husbands, and fathers –who stepped out of their ordinary lives to do extraordinary things in the service of their country.
For a lucky few, it was a grand
adventure, travelling to faraway and exotic places where they were on patrol but never called to frontline service, but for most it was a nightmare, the sort of thing only an adrenaline junkie would put their hands up for today.
They saw the bodies of their mates float down the river to Milne Bay in New Guinea; they spent time in brutal prisoner of war camps – one came home speaking fluent German – in Europe, and they fought in the searing desert heat of North Africa.
Many a good man sat and cried for his mates, as he recalled the horrors of combat and yet there was little bitterness. It was accepted as simply a part of his life story.
Although as kids we were marched up to the cenotaph every April 25, it didn't make much sense until I began hearing the personal stories of the veterans whose sacrifice became real.
This month, 108 years after the first Anzac Day, Julie Lake examines the changing role of Australia’s military and our place in the world today. It would seem we haven't really learned that much from history.
targeting of bombs, artillery and missiles due to computer-age technology.
Back then it was compasses and maps, today it is drones and rocket launchers.
As we have learned lately, even in comparatively peaceful Australia, intelligence-gathering has become a major international military strategy which has, Terry says, “progressed from grainy aerial photo, dangerous reconnaissance patrols and military attaches with their gin and tonics, to drones, satellite and ‘listening’ technology of mind-boggling invasiveness and accuracy”.
just another public holiday without thinking much about it, there is still enough public sentiment for politicians and the media to take it seriously.
Nigel Waistell and Dee Handyside have both retired from careers in the military and it was only after they found themselves living in the same Queensland town that they learned they had shared many postings in places such as Cyprus, Northern Ireland and Germany.
In many parts of the world, war is very much an everyday reality.
According to one world leader, we face the most dangerous decade since World War II – and that leader, surprisingly, is Vladimir Putin!
Of course, he blames what he calls “Western elites”, while the Western allies, and others, blame Russia and China for the looming menace of major global conflict.
Whoever would have thought we’d come to hear the once rigidly communist Russians claiming that their war against Ukraine was “in defence of Christian values”? For those of us old enough to remember the Cold War the world has indeed turned topsy-turvy – and this Anzac Day is a good time to consider the changing role of Australia’s military in such a world.
In his poem The Family Trenches at Home retired soldier Brigadier George
Mansford recalls the way we felt about going to war back in the day:
Remember those farewells, strong hugs and comforting hands
The sounds of blaring busy airports, and perhaps military bands
Or a noisy siren beckoning from a troop ship eager to sail
So many heavy hearts, yet duty and love of country prevail
But those of us who grew up in the Vietnam years became disillusioned with such notions of duty and patriotism and our children and grandchildren have no understanding of war unless they are in the military or have worked with refugees in war zones.
George’s old friend Terry Holland, who also retired with the rank of brigadier, says the fighting of wars has changed considerably since he became a career soldier. Such changes include precision
Terry, now in his early 80s, served first in Malaya (in the SAS) and then with the Royal Australian Regiment in Vietnam. Later he became Australian Military Attache to Indonesia.
He is very knowledgeable about Australian military history and sees clearly that not only have the weapons changed since he saw combat, but also our social attitudes towards war.
That change was summed up in Marilyn Lake and Henry Reynolds’ controversial 2010 book What’s Wrong with Anzac? The Militarisation of Australian History.
It argued that the Anzac “obsession” distorted our understanding of the past, replacing historical fact with mythology.
While it’s true that myth plays its part in all of history’s great events, and also true that most Australians treat Anzac Day as
Dee, a sergeant in the military police, illustrates the stresses and dangers of such postings by saying that “for 16 years I never failed to check under my car for a bomb”.
Today she is best known as co-founder of the Silk Rags Project which is dedicated to increasing cancer awareness.
Major Nigel Waistell served in both the British and Australian armies before retiring here with his Australian-born wife Pam.
Neither Nigel nor Dee see direct conflict between Australia and China as an imminent threat, despite recent media reports. Nor, looking back, do they think we should have been involved in Vietnam, Northern Ireland, Iraq or Afghanistan.
They are not at all gung ho in their views but, rather, exemplify the attitude today of many retired service men and women – thoughtful, analytical, not condemnatory of military policy but not blindly obedient to it or admiring of it, either.
For example, they strongly condemn gratuitous violence such as the alleged Australian SAS excesses in Afghanistan.
Both think Anzac Day is still relevant in terms of remembering those who have given their lives, including, in their own
As Australia prepares for another Anzac Day to honour past heroes and pray for a peaceful future, JULIE LAKE talks to military veterans about the state of the world today.
cases, personal loss to combat or terrorist attack. Nigel adds that Anzac Day is also important because it reminds us of “how ghastly and stupid war is”.
As for the attitude towards women in the miliary, Dee says that while it has improved since she joined up at the age of 18, there is still room for improvement.
She was physically bullied during her training and saw other women suffer also. Sexual abuse used to be swept under the carpet – now it is better dealt with.
One area she would like to see improved is the lack of preparation for those entering civilian life when they leave the armed services.
Retired submarine commander Neil Dearborn firmly believes Australia needs to maintain an effective military presence in the world, in order to contribute meaningfully to strategic alliances. He says a military career offers many job opportunities to young Australians. He still attends Anzac Day services, along with his wife, children and grandchildren.
“My father was a prisoner-of-war,” he says, “And though he lived a long and full life afterwards he never forgot his experiences or forgave his enemies. I believe in peace and most of those with whom I served feel the same.
“But I also believe that to ensure peace we need to always be ready for war, sad as that may seem. That’s why we have a standing army, navy and air force.”
Neil, born in 1948, does not see this situation changing in his lifetime, because the main historical reasons for war –territory, resources, ideological difference – still exist and while he hopes for a war-free world of the future he says it’s dangerously naïve to think that we are anywhere near to achieving it.
Australian military analysts have identified the 10 conflicts to watch in 2023 as Ukraine, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Iran, Yemen, Ethiopia, Congo, the Sahel, Haiti, Pakistan and, of course, Taiwan.
It’s the latter that looms as Australia’s elephant in the room in terms of direct conflict, though a barrage of recent media reports has made us increasingly more aware of our vulnerability should the unthinkable happen and we find ourselves at war with China. Is it scaremongering, as some claim? Or is it a wake-up call?
Australia is currently ranked 21st in the world in military strength, behind countries such as Germany, France, Japan and Pakistan and 16th in terms of global firepower out of 145 considered for the annual GFP review.
Over 60 individual factors determine a nation’s Power Index score, with categories ranging from quantity of military units and financial standing to logistical capabilities and geography.
So we are not as insignificant in military terms as is often believed.
Our defence budget is expected to be close to $50 billion this year. Active military comprises about 60,000 personnel (small by world standards but strong in technology), we have 59 combat tanks, 2040 armoured fighting vehicles, 38 commissioned warships and 251 air force planes, of which 83 are combat aircraft.
But still, some of our military analysts claim, these forces are designed mainly for overseas offensives, and we need a lot more to defend Australia against attack –after all, our military organisation is called the Australian Defence Force.
Since 1916, the Returned and Services League of Australia has been identified with the interests of returned servicemen but it, too, has changed in response to changing public attitudes.
Even the name has morphed into that of a more inclusive organisation that recognises not just combat veterans but also the role of all men and women who have served in the Australian military.
Those once exclusively male bastions, the RSL clubs, have bowed to the reality of shrinking veteran numbers and become licensed social clubs, in some cases merged with local sporting clubs, where all are welcome. They still retain honour boards naming fallen and wounded veterans and usually a selection of military memorabilia – and some still serve the traditional Anzac Day breakfast.
The ethnicity of our population, too, has considerably changed since we last went to war as a nation.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics just over 29 per cent of Australians today were born overseas and there is a belief among older Australians of Anglo-Celtic and post-World War II European origin, that more recent migrants would be less enthusiastic about going to war than the conscripts of the two previous world wars.
If it was against a nation for which many of them retained an affinity the old rallying cry of “for King and country” would have little appeal.
Others disagree, saying that while newer Australians may not be so keen to fight for a distant king, or even understand why we still celebrate what late playwright Alan Seymour called our “one day of the year”, they would certainly rally to support the country that has given them citizenship.
Pushpendra “Pat” Shah migrated to Australia from the UK 15 years ago and says his grandfather, who fought proudly with the British troops in World War II, always praised the courage of Australian soldiers. Asked whether he believed today’s Australians of foreign birth would be prepared to fight for Australia, Pat makes the distinction between “fight” and “defend”.
“This is my home,” he says, “and my sons’ home. We would fight to defend our home and I believe most migrants would feel the same, wherever they come from.”
Brisbane World War II veteran Keith Buck said on his 100th birthday in February that Anzac Day still meant a lot to him “because of the memories that I’ve had. They’ve been terrific. It’s something that you don’t lose.”
But it’s more than just the memories.
At the Anzac Day services this year there will be representatives of many different nations and beliefs, and different ages too, united by the one thing that all can believe in – a hope for peaceful solutions to today’s conflicts.
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PATRICIA Heron (YT Mar), Thank you so much for taking the time to write your letter.
If I had received a call like that, they’d have had me too!
I have spoken to PayPal in the past via an (02) phone number. They’d have got me. Thanks to you I am now forewarned and forearmed.
All the very best to you, and I acknowledge your courage in sharing. Toni C
Have your say. Send letters to Editor, Your Time Magazine, PO Box 6362, Maroochydore BC 4558 or email editor@ yourtimemagazine.com.au
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IT was a very special Christmas gift from her daughter when Colleen Kildey was able to read her own life story.
She was presented with her precious memoir at her Bribie Island home, and was prepared after an interview with Your Life Your Words.
“I didn’t know what to expect but I could not be happier,” she said. “I can’t believe how beautifully the writer has captured my life.
“I knew I had lived that life but reading my memoir and seeing my life written down this way just amazes me. It was a wonderful journey.”
Visit yourlifeyourwords.com.au or call Caroline 0401 544 153
THE first month of Autumn has been warm, or even hot on many days so rain has been very welcome.
Prune roses to shape, fertilise and spray for scale and black spot if needed. Plant sweet peas, pansies, stocks, snapdragons for a long-lasting display. Cabbage, cauliflower, corn, broccoli, coriander and lettuce can be planted now.
Keeps weeds at bay by pulling out when small and definitely before they go to seed.
Plan to take your mower in for a service and new blades over the winter months, which are also a great time to tackle any landscaping jobs.
There are some beautiful dwarf, grafted flowering eucalyptus available at the moment. Lots of bulbs are ready to plant including, ranunculi, anemones, freesias, daffodils, jonquils and many more that do well in our climate.
Keep a check on hippeastrum bulbs for grubs that eventually bore into the bulb and destroy it. Bare root roses will be available soon. My latest acquisition is a floribunda named Adorable, a beautiful deep mauve with a strong perfume. Another favourite is Blue for You.
If you are looking for low edging plants, petunias, bedding begonias and alyssum are good choices.
Garden Expos are coming up in Melbourne, Wondai, Nambour and Toowoomba/Pittsworth and there are also great orchid shows in the area. Few visitors leave empty handed.
Happy gardening
Penny HegartyROYAL Flying Doctor Service pilot Nick Tully has come up with a diesel lantern kit to ensure airstrips are reliably lit-up for night landings.
In a night emergency, pilots rely on private airstrips maintained by outback stations, but it is often challenging.
LED flares can be unreliable and solar lights are expensive and appear dim from above.
Property owners have even been known to direct car headlights at the airstrip and making flares from dieselsoaked toilet rolls.
When a number of LED flares failed at a remote station during a night landing, Nick decided to try and find a low cost,
low maintenance, safe and practical alternative. After extensive research he found a solution – simple, specially made diesel lantern kits.
They are a fraction of the cost of solar lights, can be seen up to 48km away, are safer, convenient, low maintenance and simple to set up, requiring only a match and fuel which are readily available on outback properties.
His new airstrip lanterns help reduce the time it takes to respond safely to an night emergency and with the support of the RFDS, Nick is now making them available to rural and remote Queensland.
Visit flyingdoctor.org.au/qld
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Aging is how we move through life, and more of us are doing more of it than ever before in human history. Two Brisbane friends plan to “iron out the wrinkles” and show that it isn’t a problem to be solved, a disease to be cured or something icky that old people do.
leant the old mattress against the windows, creating a soundproof recording studio, and Ironing Out the Wrinkles podcast came to life.
Her long-term friend Cate Shaw, an actress and vocalist, joined her as cohost to ensure a quality production for listener enjoyment.
“Cate’s voice has a soothing, calming effect. Politely interjecting with questions, she ensures listeners are given practical solutions to their issues, devoid of confusing psychobabble,” was the result.
Ashton Applewhite, who speaks passionately on the topic.
In contrast, Ros is more upbeat and is unapologetically loud.
She washes her face with soap, and will drive miles in search of the best thrift shops. At 61, she’s always looking ahead for the next adventure to challenge herself.
She takes a humorous and stoic approach with their guests.
After interviewing Ros and Cate on his radio program, Spencer Howson said they have a Yin Yang vibe.
and why it’s important to update the will.
Newly single when she was in her 50s, Ros learns the do’s and don’ts of dating apps from the Dating Doctor, while Cate’s becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable as she discovers new ways of approaching “older-hood”.
To help move through the “afternoon of life” with less fear, Ros McMaster and Cate Shaw have teamed up with professionals from many fields of expertise to educate, motivate, support, and inspire, in their recently-launched podcast Ironing Out the Wrinkles
The pair say they plan to take the age out of agism one
wrinkle at a time, as they chat to guests who can help change the mindset and perception around what it means to be older.
Ros came up with the idea years ago, but the opportunity to get it off the ground came when her last child finally flew from the nest. (Or did she push him? She can’t quite recall.)
Ros, a counsellor and author,
Married for 48 years, Cate is quietly spoken, feminine, favours black figure-hugging attire and botox.
Approaching 70, she’s missing the many opportunities of youth – a time when she wasn’t affected by ageism in the entertainment industry.
Many will relate to the issue of workplace ageism and one podcast guest is ageism activist
They are totally different and it’s this that makes the podcast work so well – wherever you’re at on your journey through aging they can, between them, relate and guests are selected accordingly.
But they’re not just hosts of Ironing Out the Wrinkles. They’re also learning from guests, with topics such as how to set boundaries with adult children,
One thing the pair do have in common is the strength they draw from their spiritual practices – the practices that kept them strong and helped them heal when they developed cancer in their 50s. Cate had breast cancer, and Ros stage 4 bowel cancer.
For them every new wrinkle is a sign that they got to be here another day; and that getting older is a cause for celebration.
Visit rosmcmaster. com/ironingout thewrinkles to find upcoming guests and links for listening.
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Secrets of the Freemasons laid bare
T
Just over 50 years later, explorer and fellow Freemason John Oxley sailed up the Brisbane River seeking the site of a new convict settlement and what was to become Brisbane.
Queensland has a long connection with the Freemasons.
The organisation had its first official Queensland meeting in 1859, the year Queensland became a separate colony, and 10 months before the first Queensland parliament met.
Freemasons claim there is no secrecy surrounding their activities nowadays – most of Freemasonry’s principles and workings are available online.
In the 1800s and early 1900s, Masonic temples sprang up all over Queensland, highly visible
Brisbane’s grand Masonic Temple will be part of Brisbane Open Day.
because of their imposing and rather unique architecture. Every decent sized country town seemed to have one of these eye-catching buildings.
There was suspicion because many had high windows that prevented the public from seeing inside where the ceremonies were held. The system of handshakes to identify members was also regarded by the public as a sign of secrecy.
After World War I, lodges were formed by returned soldiers seeking comradeship and to
remember those who didn’t make it home. Members felt it gave them an opportunity to escape their everyday lives to help them deal with what is now recognised as PTSD. As a result of that post-war boom, this year many lodges in Queensland are celebrating their centenary.
By 1920, with almost 300 lodges and 16,000 members statewide, the movement decided to unite and form a Grand United Lodge of Queensland.
The ageing Alice St Masonic Temple built in 1886 had outlived
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The Royal Historical Society of Queensland archives hold the Souvenir Booklet of the Opening and Dedication of the temple in 1930. It describes the five levels, four floors and a basement, with
the grand hall on the top floor featuring 10m high ceilings.
“If this magnificent structure reminds us of our life’s obligations, inspiring and constraining us to fulfil life’s great purposes, then our life’s work will not be in vain,” the Grand Master said.
Many Queenslanders of note, from governors to lord mayors, judges, scientists, academics and business leaders have been Freemasons. Far from keeping its activities secret, the Masonic Temple is a keen participant in Brisbane’s annual Open Day on July 15 and 16.
All aspects of Freemasonry including the traditional regalia, and members will be on hand for tours and to answer questions. Grand organist and choir master Gary Young, a Freemason for 50 years, will also play at a public service on Anzac Day.
Lynda Scott is a volunteer at the Royal Historical Society of Queensland. Visit queenslandhistory.org
Contact
544 153
www.yourlifeyourwords.com.au
from the ashes, more popular than ever.
Allow me to reminisce about the old movies, after all you are over 50 and know what I am writing about.
The appearance of colour movies was a milestone in most people’s lives. After the horrors of World War II, a glamorous world suddenly appeared; a world in which we could forget reality, and immerse ourselves in fantasy, even if it was for just two hours.
There were the blockbusters like Ben Hur with Charlton Heston’s famous chariot race. Who could forget Elizabeth Taylor walking down the endless staircase in Cleopatra without once looking down?
unwashed, greasy but oh so sexy idol of many movies.
It was such a treat to go to the movies, and to watch heroes accomplish impossible feats.
It foxed me though how Ether Williams’s hair would not be out of place when she emerged from the depth of a pool, glittering and not a lock out of place.
My hair was never anything near it. When I went swimming it just hung in tangled disorder around my face.
by Cheryl LockwoodONE of my favourite channels on TV is channel 32. It is a veritable treasure trove for movies old and new, Australian or international.
What amazes me is the fact that we still have movies and movie theatres.
Once CDs and cassettes arrived, the danger of movie theatres closing was great and many did.
Then some sort of miracle happened, and cinemas survived the attack from Netflix, Stan and dozens of other free-to-air devices and channels.
They not only survived but rose
I loved the dancing and singing movies and Singin’ in the Rain still gets my feet tapping. We danced with the stars, we cried with Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca and we cringed with fear when Alfred Hitchcock released his killer birds.
We swooned when Mario Lanza filled the theatre with his huge voice, singing in some colourful marketplace to his beloved girl. We fell in love with the leading men or ladies.
As a teenager and young adult, I swooned over Tyrone Power, and had a huge poster of James Dean hanging in my room.
But none could hold a cup to Anthony Quinn, in my mind, the
But that was the magic of the movies, a fantasy world of glamorous people with unrealistic hairdos and bras that made bosoms stand out like twin peaks of a high mountain.
So, we are going to the movies again. While I find it hard to find a movie without violence or bad language, there are also wonderful movies being made, thoughtprovoking or simply entertaining.
The times when cinema seats were uncomfortable and the sound distorted are gone and a little chocolate or ice cream is no longer the utmost of treats, but to me the magic of the movies, the “opting out” for a couple of hours, still exists.
May you enjoy a good movie and walk out of a bad one.
Email mocco.wollert@bigpond.com
“NOTHING lasts like it used to” is a lament often uttered about the quality, or lack thereof, of just about anything we purchase.
My new computer, I won’t mention the brand, has been back to the shop for repair twice in less than 12 months. Each time meant about seven to 10 days of waiting for word on how long the fix would take.
Fortunately, it was covered under warranty, but I thought I could expect a longer run than a year. How long before the next hiccup and weighing up the worth when a repair costs money?
The only lemons I want to buy are the tangy fruit variety.
The other downside was borrowing hubby’s laptop to complete and send off work that could not wait. It’s more than 10 years
old, and quite the dinosaur in technological terms. Some patience is required while it works and the keypad has several letters which don’t work at all.
I found out how much I use the letter C. It’s hard to type my name without it.
And without the letters, N, B and S, swept became wept, broom became room, and finery became fiery. Not ideal if I wanted to write “I need a broom to sweep …”. A room to weep??
I forgave it because it lasted very well before it tired of producing the whole alphabet. It decided that the number 6 was not required either. After a stern word, it retaliated by dropping the number 3. Luckily, it also has a touchscreen, so once activated, I poked laboriously at the screen with my fingertips.
Everyone has a story of how well things used to last. My mother-in-law had a washing machine similar to Noah’s and she once commented that she expected at least 30 years from any appliance.
My longest survivor is my iron, which I inherited from my grandmother, who died 38 years ago. Maybe not the best example as a lack of use could play a part.
My first sewing machine also lasted over 30 years. Back then, I made some of my own clothes. I went on to make my children’s clothes and curtains and sometimes, clothes from curtains.
Admittedly, the lure of cheap clothing negates the need to sew. A new machine
will last quite well if it’s not used to actually sew. (Similar to the iron scenario)
Perhaps my new computer should have carried the warning, “For display purposes only”.
Single-use plastics have been banned and recycling features heavily among global concerns, yet it seems our more expensive items are becoming disposable.
I’m all for recycling, but no one wants my old TV because it’s not “smart”. Fridges come with screens so we don’t miss the news while we make our breakfast.
The old ones with their bland, white fronts are destined for landfill. At best, they spend their retirement as beer fridges.
Computer technology has become standard in most electrical appliances, which has left me with a fear of the word “update”. I spend more time updating phone features than actually talking on the thing.
Like everyone else, I’m not about to attempt life without one. I’m just not sure what to do with all the other devices it has made obsolete. My camera, sat-nav and CD player gather dust in a cupboard.
I’m not suggesting we go back to scrubbing our clothes on a washboard or keeping food cool in underground cellars, but some fancy gadgets make me want to scrap new technology altogether.
I’m afraid my brain cannot take any more upgrades and soon I really will need a room to weep.
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Loneliness and a loss of self-worth increases the suicide risk in elderly people. KENDALL MORTON examines the problem and suggests how to protect and support your family.
In Australia, eight to nine people a day take their own lives. That’s up to 3100 people each year.
But this is not just a young person’s health crisis – older people, particularly men, are at risk too.
This in borne out in other countries as well. In the US, older adults are 12 per cent of the population, yet they account for about 18 per cent of suicide cases.
In 2017, researchers used the Queensland Suicide Register to study suicide factors among 978 older Australians. They found suicide rates for men increased with age.
Risk factors changed with age too. Younger men were more burdened by financial loss and relationship breakdowns while older men struggled with the death of a spouse, chronic health issues and loneliness.
According to researcher Diego De Leo, older men suicide at alarming rates. Men over 80
are particularly vulnerable. Accurate figures are hard to ascertain as some actions, such as skipping an essential medicine, appear to be accidental.
It is often the accumulation of many factors that leads to thoughts of suicide.
Some are chronic pain, dependence on others, loneliness, loss of physical strength, feeling of abandonment and loss of meaning in life. Another influence is knowing others who have suicided.
These challenges do not
or engage in social activities, putting their business in order and making a will. Other signs can be giving away objects of emotional significance, talking about death – “I’ve had enough” – and making unexpected visits to relatives and friends.
the death of a child or a lifelong partner. Counselling, drug treatment and social support is the best way forward.
automatically lead to depression and suicidal thoughts. The pandemic showed older people who lived more in the moment coped better than young people.
De Leo lists some warning signs that can indicate someone is considering suicide.
These include appearing sad or depressed most of the time, being unable to sleep or sleeping all the time, frequent and dramatic mood swings, neglecting personal hygiene, and personal appearance, not wanting to see friends or family
Older people are often invisible. They are told they are a burden on resources, weak and vulnerable. This can prey on someone’s mind. Changing these social attitudes will help reduce feelings of worthlessness and suicidal thoughts.
As for treatment, if you have concerns about a family member speak to their doctor or health professional. Suicidal ideas are a serious concern. Watchfulness and professional help are needed.
Sometimes the underlying reasons for despair can be addressed. For instance, with chronic pain, perhaps a new drug or a hypnosis program will help.
Sometimes there are losses that can’t be recovered, such as
If you are caring for an elderly family member, don’t wait for a crisis. You can protect your loved one’s health by enriching their social life.
Encourage them to join a club or join with them. Work with their personality, skills and preferences. Men may prefer attending information talks at the library to coffee mornings.
Start with activities that don’t have high conversational demands – visit a beach and watch the swimmers, see a movie, or arrange transport to church. Loneliness is a risk factor for suicide we can all do something about.
If you need support call Lifeline 131 114 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.
Dementia isn’t only Alzheimer’s disease. KAILAS ROBERTS explains lesser-known frontotemporal dementia and recommends taking action if changes are observed, even if there are no memory problems.
As you may have read, the family of actor Bruce Willis – he of Die Hard fame – has recently announced that he has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, commonly shortened to FTD.
I have been asked what this is on several occasions so this month will highlight this lesser-known condition.
First, it is worth recapping some definitions. Dementia is not a diagnosis in of itself, but a syndrome of cognitive loss sufficient to interfere with your day-today function. It is an umbrella term and can be due to a large number of conditions (over 100 in fact).
Once you are understood to have dementia, you then need to understand the cause of it. Now, Alzheimer’s disease, which I suspect you have heard of, is by far the most common cause.
The typical early symptom of this condition is an inability to remember new things, due to damage to the hippocampus, a small structure in your temporal lobe. This leads to forgetfulness and all its daily ramifications.
Vascular disease – problems with blood supply – is the second most common cause.
This can present with different symptoms, often involving changes in mood and motivation.
Frontotemporal dementia is considerably less common (though does account for up to 10 per cent of cases of young onset dementia – those developing under the age of 65), but I continue to regularly see people with frontotemporal dementia in my clinic.
So, what are the symptoms of FTD? Well, as the name suggests, it affects the frontal and/or the temporal lobes of the brain. Depending on what type of FTD you have, you may have initial symptoms related to either of these lobes not working well. These are then often known as a
language variant (type) if the temporal lobe is the problem, or the behavioural variant with frontal lobe problems.
If language is the main problem, you might struggle with either the mechanics of speech leading to stuttering or broken speech; or the meaning of words, leading to clear and fluent speech, but the wrong words being used. This seems to be the main concern with Bruce Willis.
If behavioural changes are prominent, these can be varied but can include apathy, disinhibition (where you say or do things that are not socially appropriate), a loss of empathy (becoming ‘colder’ and emotionally distant) and increased impulsivity (acting on things without thinking about the consequences).
Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive (repetitive) symptoms can also occur.
As time goes on, the distinction between the language and behavioural types becomes more blurred and the symptoms may overlap.
As you can see, these symptoms are quite different to the typical memory problems encountered in dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, at least early on, someone with FTD may have a good
memory, leading to a disbelief that they could be experiencing dementia.
Treatment is different in some ways to other types of dementia, but unfortunately it is not something that can be cured.
The medications we use for improving cognitive symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease do not work well in FTD, though the psychological and behavioural changes can often be well treated.
As with all types of dementia, the focus should also be on supporting the person with the condition as well as, importantly, those caring for them.
The other message here is that if you are concerned about a change, either in you or a loved one, you should speak with your or their doctor – even if there are no memory problems.
Kailas Roberts is a psychogeriatrician and author of Mind your brain
The Essential Australian Guide to Dementia now available at all good bookstores and online. Visit yourbraininmind.com or uqp.com.au
BRENDALE VIEW
BRENDALE View Club members dressed in all things pink for the club’s 24th Birthday celebrations.
It was also an opportunity to recognise six members for their years of continuous service.
National Councillor Robyn presented Di, Lyn, Trish and Marian with their 30-year continuous service badge and members Doss and Zone Councillor Lyall for their 20
year service badge.
The pins recognise members for their volunteering efforts.
After the presentations, guest speaker Trevor Peacock, a former diplomat, shared stories and information about his experiences.
Last month members supported its first Sausage Sizzle fundraiser at Brendale Bunnings.
At the dinner meeting
members celebrated Easter early author Vicki Bennett spoke about her books on the Anzacs.
View stands for the Voice, Interests and Education of Women.
It provides women with the opportunity to meet regularly with other women from all walks of life, establish lasting friendships and help disadvantaged Australian children
View clubs support the work of children’s charity The Smith Family and their Learning for Life Program.
Brendale club supports eight Learning for Life students.
As well as the monthly dinner meetings, there is a Coffee and Chat on the first Saturday of the month, 10am, at White’s Coffee Co., Bracken Ridge Tavern, 153 Barrett St, Bracken Ridge.
Dinner meetings 7pm on the third Tuesday of the month at Aspley Hornets Football Club, 50 Graham Rd, Carseldine. Booking is required.
Call Shayne 0409 991 428.
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MEMBERS of Enoggera and District Historical Society collect, collate and conserve the history of the greater Enoggera district.
Based at the original Enoggera State School room, now at the rear of the Memorial Hall, Trundle and Wardell Sts, Enoggera, the collection is open to the public Thursdays 9.30am1pm.
Visitors are welcome to come and browse, research or have a chat and a cuppa with members.
The society was the brainchild of “10 Pound Pom” Kate Perry whose wish was to preserve stories and photos of the Parish of Enoggera, County of Stanley. Enoggera and surrounding suburbs were
home to fertile farms and market gardens.
Quality wine was produced and with the coming of the rail line became a much-favoured residential area.
The society maintains a changing photographic display, presents bi-monthly talks on the 4th Sunday 2pm-3pm. Gold coin donation followed by refreshments. There is also a bi-monthly newsletter packed with interesting articles.
Each July, the Society holds an Open Day in the Memorial Hall, in cooperation with other historical societies, displaying many items of interest to the community. Visitors always welcome for a browse and a chat.
WOMEN over 50 who would like to meet new friends for social activities are invited to join the Older Women’s Network. At branch meetings members enjoy a chat, discuss a range of topics, try a range of activities and have fun while making new friends.
To find a branch near you call 3358 2301.
From Moreton Bay to the Sunshine Coast, enjoy a quality lifestyle in a Stockland Halcyon Community. With resort-style facilities, low-maintenance living and luxury finishes, move into a new home from $559K*. Tailor your over 50s lifestyle to be the start of something exceptional.
Call 1800 050 050 or Halcyon Communities
*All photographs, illustrations, statements, pricing and information in this advertisement, are for illustrative purposes only and are based on information available to and the intention of Stockland at the time of creation November 2022 and are subject to change without notice. No diagram, photograph, illustration, statement or information amounts to a legally binding obligation on or warranty by Stockland and Stockland accepts no liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person who relies on them either wholly or in part. Indications of location, distance or size are approximate and for indicative purposes only. Subject to change.
Did you know 2 in 3 of us will be diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70? With one Australian losing their life to melanoma every five hours, it’s important that we know how to keep our skin healthy and safe.
What is skin cancer?
Most skin cancers are locally destructive cancerous growths on the skin. They originate from the cells in the outer layers
of the skin, called the epidermis. There are various types of skin cancers that grow in different cell types. Some types of skin cancer grow larger on the skin and cause disfigurement and pain. Aggressive skin cancers like melanoma can quickly spread to other organs in the body and become deadly.
What causes skin cancer?
Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which damages the cells and
Seborrhoeic Keratosis
Harmless wartlike spots usually developing by the age of 60.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Most common but least dangerous form of skin cancer.
Between professional skin checks, you can self-monitor your skin for any new, changing or unusual lesions.
Start by examining your body in a full-length mirror, checking all skin on your front and back with your arms raised.
Next, look at your underarms, forearms and palms, then your legs, toes and the soles of your feet. Use a hand mirror or ask a loved one for help examining your neck, scalp, ears, back and buttocks.
causes tanning, sunburn, pigmentation, and freckles, and can potentially turn those cells cancerous. Skin cancers will often develop years after sun exposure has occurred. Solarium use significantly increases your chances of growing skin cancer.
Some skin cancers can appear in areas that haven’t been exposed to the sun. For example, melanoma can be hereditary; if your parent, sibling or child has had a melanoma, your own risk increases significantly.
Skin cancer can affect anyone, occur anywhere on the body and come in various shapes and colours.
Dysplastic Naevi
Benign moles which might indicate greater melanoma risk.
Solar Keratoses
Sun damage indicating increased skin cancer risk.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
A more serious form of skin cancer often on areas exposed to the sun.
Did you know?
Melanoma diagnoses in Queensland reach up to 82% above the national average.
Melanoma
The most dangerous form of skin cancer which must be treated urgently.
Asymmetry: The two halves don’t match
Border: The edges are notched or uneven
Colour: There are multiple colours
Diameter: The lesion is larger than a pencil eraser
Evolving: The lesion is changing
Firm: It feels hard to the touch
Growing: It has recently gotten bigger
If anything stands out, see your doctor straight away, even if you aren’t due for your follow-up check.
Remember, skin cancer can be invisible to the naked eye.
During your full-body skin cancer check (recommended for all Queenslanders at least once a year), your doctor will examine any moles, freckles or bumps with a dermatoscope: a skin microscope that allows them to see beneath the skin to identify suspicious characteristics.
“Melanoma can grow very fast and may show no symptoms until an advanced stage,” says Professor David Wilkinson, Chief Medical Officer at National Skin Cancer Centres.
“Special diagnostic tools are necessary to see beneath the skin’s surface to identify suspicious changes. Skin checks are important for early detection and produce life-saving results.”
If your doctor identifies signs indicating a malignancy (skin cancer), a biopsy may be performed. The skin tissue sample is sent to a pathologist to confirm diagnosis, which will determine treatment approaches available to you, including excision or topical creams.
For high-risk patients, total body photography is recommended in addition to your skin check. It is the best method to detect skin cancers accurately and early by monitoring changes over time through the comparison of a series of digital images of your entire skin surface.
“With something as life-threatening as skin cancer, the earlier we detect it, the higher the chance of successful treatment,” says Prof Wilkinson.
You are at increased risk for developing skin cancer if you: are aged over 40 have had multiple sunburns
have pale skin, fair hair or blue eyes
have a large number of freckles or moles have had skin cancer before have skin spots that look different to the others often enjoy outdoor activities or work outdoors bleed easily, even with little abrasion
have ever used a tanning bed
“Many patients have sun-damaged skin in Queensland, so they’re at high risk of skin cancer including potentially deadly melanoma, but a lot of people underestimate that risk,” says Prof Wilkinson.
Most skin cancers arise anew rather than developing within existing moles. The majority of skin cancers develop because of exposure to the sun’s UV rays, so to protect yourself this summer it’s important to:
• always wear sunscreen every day, and re-apply every two hours;
• avoid going outside in the middle of the day when UV levels peak;
• cover exposed skin with a hat, sunglasses, and sleeves;
• stick to the shade whenever possible;
• never use a solarium (tanning bed);
• self-monitor your skin for any new or changing moles in between professional skin checks; and
• see a doctor once a year for a professional full-body skin cancer check using dermoscopy for a head-to-toe examination of your entire skin surface.
“It’s important to take steps from prevention to detection in summer when UV levels are highest,” says Prof Wilkinson.
“Early detection through regular full-body skin cancer checks is the best defence. Our mission is to detect skin cancers in the early stages to minimise complex, and expensive treatments, and ultimately save lives.”
Over 1.1 million skin cancers are treated every year in Australia.
Once upon a motoring time, droves of British sports cars roamed Brisbane streets. Or, writes BRUCE McMAHON, so it seemed.
with the playful Mazda MX-5, now in its fourth generation.
Then there’s the Z car, Nissan’s long-standing answer to the likes of hairy-chested Austin Healeys.
The 240Z coupe appeared in 1969 and was followed by the 260Z, 280Z, 300Z, 350Z and 370Z in 2008. And the Zed’s not dead, not by a long shot.
Now known simply as the Nissan Z coupe, this remains a long-nosed, bob-tailed, real-wheel drive sports car, these days with extra retro styling cues to honour a 50-year heritage.
It’s not, perhaps, a two-seater for picking up grandkids from school, maybe not for practical folk.
Maybe the low-slung cabin means cutting back on after-dinner choc mints for less-awkward access but the reward is snuggling into a cockpit designed for a driver – comfortable but firm seat, gear stick easy to hand, a full range of instruments plus extras on the dashboard – one to tell how much the turbochargers are helping out.
For up under that low, sleek bonnet is a three litre, twin-turbocharged V6 with 298kW to send to the back wheels (sitting not far behind driver and passenger.)
Back when rock ‘n’ roll George ruled in his Holden 48-215 other lads –and some lasses – motored around in MGAs and Bees, Triumph TRs, Austin Healeys and Sprites with the odd Morgan, Lotus and Jaguar in the mix.
Many of these sporting machines of the 1950s and swinging ‘60s weren’t always as fast or well-bred as touted.
Many were culled from catalogues as Monaros, Falcon coupes and the Chrysler Charger thundered into showrooms.
And it was left to the Japanese to counter with the likes of Toyota’s Celica and Datsun’s 2000.
It was the Japanese, too, who in 1989 paid proper homage to open-topped British classics, such as the Lotus Elan,
But this is a $73,00 car to dream about, nestled in beside the sensible family car, to be wheeled out for weekend trips to the beach or a trot to the top of Mount Glorious for coffee with mates.
This is the car to bring back memories of long drives down quiet roads; one to recall days when cars had some mumblegrumble and, dare it be said, more macho to the soul.
This Z is an old-fashioned concept of sporting machines well-tweaked for the 21st century.
There’s a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. The auto comes with steering wheel paddles to shift between ratios, the manual shift is a bold affair, demands respect and recollections of balancing engine revs and the sweet spot where the clutch bites.
The Z goes, steers, handles and rides with superb confidence, brings smiles as the driver drops a gear, turns into a corner and the car squats a tad as it’s powered out. Change on up.
It’s a mighty handsome car for old-fashioned sporting fun, albeit kitted out with all today’s safety and convenience features to enhance .
That’s it. I’m off to buy a Lotto ticket.
Build the core and reduce risk of a hernia
Hernias can be painful, unsightly, limit everyday activities and sometimes require surgery. TRISTAN HALL shares some simple ways to reduce the risk of developing a hernia.
A
These muscles need to be strong to hold your organs in place.
A hernia is a protrusion of part of an organ such as the intestines, through a weakened section of the abdominal wall. The most common site for hernias is the groin.
Men tend to get more hernias than
s you age, you become more susceptible to hernias. With less activity your core and abdominal muscles lose condition and can become thinner and weaker.women and they tend to wait longer before seeking treatment.
About 40,000 Australians have hernia surgery each year. But the risk of getting a hernia can be reduced.
First up, manage how and what you lift. Be prepared to ask for help with heavy objects or use trolleys. Say no if you feel unsafe lifting an object.
Divide heavy items such as bags of potting mix into lighter loads.
Secondly, if your current activities have led to muscular strain, seek out an
If you provide care for a loved one, there is help available for you too. Talk to Carer Gateway about free services for carers. 1800 422 737 carergateway.gov.au
If left unchecked, muscular strain can result in weakness and lead to reinjury. Over time this can lead to a hernia.
Thirdly, strengthen your core and abdominal muscles so they are ready for life’s challenges.
Here are some simple exercises to do at home from the comfort of a dining chair.
LEG LIFTS: Sit in a dining chair with your back straight. Sit slightly forward so your back is upright and not against the back of the chair. Lift one leg up, bending the knee up, hold for 5 to 10 seconds, then switch to the other leg. Do 10 repetitions for each leg. Notice your core muscles engaging.
BICYCLES MOVES: Lean back in your chair holding the sides. Lift your legs and
move them as if you are riding a bike. Continue for 20 rotations.
KICKS: Hold the side of the chair, put your legs out in front of you and kick them up and down slightly. This should look like a swimming motion.
SIT TO STAND: Sit on the chair with both feet planted in front of you. Tighten your core muscles then stand up. Take care to stand evenly, not favouring one side. Try to avoid using your arms to propel yourself. Simply use your legs and core muscles. Repeat this 10 times. For a higher challenge, switch to standing up from a low bench.
If surgery is needed, recovery can be improved with an exercise program before, and with rehabilitation after.
FIT HAPPENS With Tom Law
The abdominal muscles, between the ribs and pelvis at the front of the body, are a very important group of muscles.
The abdominals are made up of number of muscles or bands of muscle, each named separately and with its own reason for being. Abdominals are collectively called “core muscles”.
They help support the body, and hold the internal organs in place. Core muscles keep your body stable, and the abdominals generally protect your spine.
Indirectly, poor abdominal strength can affect your posture, so abdominal strength is really important. How can you develop or maintain good abdominal strength?
Regular exercise is the solution. Yes, you can target your core muscles with a variety of exercises, too many to mention here, but you are probably aware of the crunch or a crunch variation.
An abdominal crunch is best explained as bringing the shoulders off the ground and the legs doing the same thing as they move towards one another
There are more variations of crunches and many more actual abdominal exercises available and provided you are not hurting yourself, or going against doctor’s orders, it’s good to do some core exercise at least two to three times a week.
A lot of exercises that do not specifically target the core area may actually be good for abdominal strength. An example is push-ups. Abdominal action is apparent when doing push-ups, also walking, swimming and cycling.
Some sports require good abdominal strength and by playing you will be exercising abdominals. Think golf and the growing sport of pickleball.
Do yourself a favour and include abdominal activity in your exercise routine.
Tom Law is author of Tom’s Law Fit Happens. Visit tomslaw.com.au
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Personality changes over time. We used to think that personality was fully developed by age 30 or thereabouts. Now there is evidence that personality changes across the life span.
By our 70s and 80s our personality may have undergone considerable change. If personality is assessed across the life span with smaller time intervals in between each assessment, then the changes are also small.
But when the interval between assessment of personality is increased the change increases dramatically. One study showed that with a gap of 60-plus years between assessment there was little relationship between the child’s personality and the older adult’s.
This indicates that personality changes are gradual and not obvious as they occur but that they are continuing to occur.
There are five personality traits that are common across cultures and ages –extraversion, openness, neuroticism, conscientiousness and agreeableness.
Extraversion considers how a person interacts socially. It looks at the extent to which a person is outgoing and sociable.
Openness looks at the person’s curiosity about the world and willingness
to try new things. Neuroticism assesses the degree of emotional stability. If the person is moody or prone to sadness or stress they may score high on this trait.
Conscientiousness relates to a leaning towards being goal directed, organised and disciplined. It includes impulse control.
Agreeableness relates to how you are with others. People with high scores prioritise peaceful relationships and tend to be friendly and compassionate.
Studies have shown that as we age there is a downward trend on all five traits except for agreeableness.
This means that older people, compared to their scores attained as younger people, had become less extraverted, less open, less neurotic, less conscientious. There is some evidence that indicates that men do not experience the lessening of extraversion as they age.
Considered together, these changes might suggest that as people age they become more content in their own company, less worried about what others think, more cautious about trying new things, less concerned about planning and organisation. On the trait of agreeableness, there is less clarity. It seems that in general it increases but for some it does not change.
THE Baby Boomers worked hard and carried on the ideals and values of their parents and grandparents who lived through the hardships of the Great Depression and World War II.
Now retired or heading to retirement, they can still face legal challenges.
Do you have an adequate will (or any will at all) to ensure your wishes are carried out? Has a loan been made to a family member? Is it documented? What happens when things don’t work out?
Are you concerned that the “granny flat” agreement doesn’t offer protection that ensures clarity and certainty?
Is it time to consider moving to a retirement village to become part of an
active and engaging community? What are you signing up for? Are you considering a contract for an over 50s resort, legally known as a manufactured home park or a land-lease arrangement?
Do you have to place a family member into aged care? What does the contract mean? Are you managing the estate of a deceased family member, and don’t know how to navigate the complexities?
Video conferencing allows family members to be involved in important discussions wherever the live.
Don Macpherson is an expert in elder law at Brisbane Elder Law. Call 1800 961 622 or visit brisbaneelderlaw. com.au
Even though personality changes as we age it also stays stable relative to other people. So, a 21-year-old who was always looking for company is likely to still be more extraverted than peers.
This contributes to the sense we often have that personality is stable rather than changing. As we age there are other factors that can impact on personality. For example, agitation and anxiety commonly increase with age. This can lead to irritability and worry, and influence
perceived personality. Cognitive decline, depression, medication and hormonal changes are some of the factors that can influence the expression of personality. But despite our often-flawed personality, we can live to our values and be proud of who we are in the world.
What You Want and How to Get It, at good bookshops and online.
Do we become more accepting and relaxed as we age, or do we become intolerant and grumpy? JUDY RAFFERTY discusses personality changes and ageing.J udy Rafferty is author of Retirement Your Way, A Practical Guide to Knowing
Aged care advocates want more people to know about them and how having an advocate by your side can make dealing with the aged care system much easier for you or for your loved ones.
Few people are aware that aged care advocates are available around the country to help older people and their families navigate the aged care system and get the most out of the aged care services that they are entitled to. In Queensland that’s Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia or ADA Australia.
Aged care is not just nursing homes. It’s also the services that are provided to help you, or Mum or Dad, to stay independent at home, or to access temporary care while recovering from a health issue or when a primary carer is away. There are many aspects to Australia’s current aged care system, and an advocate can be your expert guide.
CEO of ADA Australia, Geoff Rowe, thinks that on a big picture level ageism is the root cause of many of the issues people experience with aged care.
“How we value and think of older people trickles down across all the systems that support them. Hence in our current system older people’s needs and individual rights are often overlooked in favour of ‘the system’. That is, what is most convenient, or what costs less.
“But older people are not second-class citizens. They have the same human rights as everyone. We need to look at older people not as a burden but as our elders who have built the country and given us what we have today. They should be able to expect to age well and with good quality care and support.”
On a practical level, an advocate is someone who works alongside you to give you a voice and help you navigate and resolve a range of issues impacting your rights in aged care.
Whether it’s not knowing where to start, not getting the right support, not receiving the quality of care you would expect, difficulties dealing with your service provider, or more worryingly, being subject to abuse and neglect – having an advocate by your side can give you the guidance, confidence and support to speak up.
Importantly, advocacy is free, and an advocate works for you. They are on your side and are directed by you. They won’t do or say anything without your permission and they’re focus is solely on a positive outcome for you.
No issue is too big or too small when it comes to your life or the lives of your older loved ones. Chat with an advocate at ADA Australia today on 1800 700 600.
Aunty Irene and Sheba are well known in their community and could be seen around town on Irene’s mobility scooter.
However, Aunty Irene’s mobility scooter, which she bought second hand, has seen some mileage and the battery stopped charging. This was a major problem for Aunty who could now not get out and about.
Aunty Irene was worried. “I just didn’t know what I was going to do. I couldn’t afford another scooter. I’m 70 and living independently and have plenty of things in my life I need to do. I was especially worried about how I was going to get to my medical appointments.”
ADA Australia’s local aged care advocate, Barry, was able to help. He referred Aunty Irene for an
urgent assessment for aged care services (known as an ACAT assessment) and she was recommended and approved for a Home Care Package Level 3 within a week. This means around $35,000 of funded aged care support for the year from the Australian Government.
Aunty Irene is now planning to use this funding towards purchasing a new scooter as part of her care needs and hopes to be back on the go in no time. This will include an occupational therapist assessment and recommendation for a mobility scooter which has the right fit and power suitability for her situation.
When it comes to accessing aged care services and support, having an advocate by your side can make all the difference. An advocate understands the aged care system, what support is available, and can
Patricia Allison has been on both sides of the advocacy equation – working as an advocate and as a client receiving advocacy support. She knows the important role it can play in improving lives.
“I’ve seen advocacy in action. I’ve been an active advocate myself whilst volunteering with Spinal Life Australia and have seen it work to get good outcomes for people that really do improve the quality of their lives.”
“Recently I have also sought advocacy support myself. I am currently on a home care package through My Aged Care and the recent changes to home care packages have been tricky to navigate.”
“Aged care advocates have an in-depth knowledge of the aged care system and your rights when receiving services. They can act on your behalf or empower you to get your voice back when you feel like you haven’t been listened to.”
“My local aged care advocate was able to visit me in my home and talk through my rights and responsibilities. They then supported me to talk with my provider about my specific needs.”
“I want more people to know about what advocacy is, and the benefits. It’s a free service funded by the Australian Government to make sure all older people in the aged care system can speak up and get the support they need”.
If you would like more information about your rights and feel like you need a hand with communicating with your service provider, then please contact ADA Australia on 1800 700 600.
help you find solutions. It’s what they do, and chances are they have dealt with a similar issue before.
Aunty Irene is very happy with the outcome. “I was so relieved once I spoke to Barry. He listened, gave me information about the aged care support available for older people, and then helped me through the process. I wouldn’t have done it on my own, and it took a huge amount of stress off my situation.
Help from an advocate doesn’t cost you anything and I think more older people and families need to know about this service.”
Farewelling the old scooter.
for a pet can help ease loneliness, relieve stress, anxiety and depression and provide unconditional love,” she said.
“Sadly, many elderly pet owners who depend on in-home assisted living and the daily companionship of their animals, lack the government support they desperately need.”
the home care packages to prevent animals from being euthanised or surrendered to shelters and maximise the physical and emotional health of our pet-loving elderly,” Ms Ennis said.
THE benefits of pet ownership are well recognised and there are pets who need owners too. RSPCA Queensland has more than 47,000 animals arrive each year – strays, surrenders, rescues, or victims of cruelty.Meet:
WITH Australia’s in-home aged care system under federal government review, Australia Companion Animal Network is inviting participation in a Pet Friendly Aged Care Survey to help preserve the bond between people and their pets.
Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, but there is an absence of government support for elderly pet owners in in-home care.
“Only 9 per cent of in-home care providers offer a pet friendly service,” says Trish Ennis, CEO of Australia CAN, which runs the Pet Friendly Aged Care program.
“Many studies show caring
A Federal Government Service List Advisory Body will consider pet care assistance/pet support as part of the new federally funded In-Home Aged Care Program.
The decision will be critically important for thousands of frail-aged people dependent on care at home and who rely on and benefit from daily pet companionship.
Australia CAN’s Pet Friendly Aged Care Survey aims to provide federal government decision-makers with valuable information about what older pet owners need and want in the new national In-Home Aged Care Program.
“Our aim is to support the elderly and their pets by talking to the government about including pet support options in
“Please help to make pet care assistance/pet support possible by completing the quick survey on in-home pet support.”
Few aged care settings permit people to keep or have access to companion animals.
Research shows only 18 per cent of aged care facilities consider allowing residents to keep a pet.
“If people were allowed to keep their pets, aged care take-up by elderly people will increase and the number of pets being surrendered to animal shelters will decrease. Now is the time to understand the value of pets and develop policies that recognise their role.”
Information from the survey will be used to inform both the aged care industry and government of what is truly required.
Visit petfriendlyagedcare. com.au/surveys
CLEO is a female American staffy cross Bull Arab who is seven years and nine months old.
She has been looking for a loving retirement home since November.
She will give you her paw for a shake and is a kind-hearted dog keen to be a companion. Despite her age, she’s still happy to play and go for short walks every day.
Desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, worm and flea treated. Adoption price $450, which includes a bag of Royal Canin food.
DRUMSTICK is a male domestic short hair aged five years and four months.
His name comes from his love of eating chicken. A sweet cat that will “chat” and want a pat, he will run his head against your legs. He will need a bit of time to himself to settle in, but the tasty treats will soon make him a perfect buddy for a lap cuddle.
Desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, worm and flea treated. Adoption price $185, which includes a bag of Royal Canin food.
To adopt, apply online rspcaqld.org.au/adopt or call the RSPCA adoption line 1300 364 443
Edward Rex may have had three rounds of open heart surgery, but that’s not stopping him from living life to the full, writes
Being diagnosed with a heart condition is enough to rattle anyone’s sense of stability. You might suddenly have to dramatically change your diet or lifestyle, start seeing specialists regularly, take medication, or even undergo procedures.
Staying optimistic and getting on with life can be challenging for even the most positive of people.
For Edward Rex, 77, optimism and resilience are traits he’s near perfected after multiple heart health scares over the years.
Having been dealt the cards of hereditary cardiovascular disease and elevated cholesterol, Edward has had multiple heart attacks, three open heart surgeries, and 11 bypasses to date.
Despite that, he remains upbeat about life. He has only recently retired, walks 10-15km a day, is an active member of the surf club, and has recently headed to the US to help his disabled friend after knee replacement surgery, before travelling on to Europe.
Edward suffered his first heart attack in 1992. A year later, he had another heart
attack, and his first open heart surgery.
Seven years on, he suffered another heart attack, and underwent his second open heart surgery.
Feeling disillusioned that no cardiologist had ever given him good news, and struggling with “intolerable” medication regimes, he avoided seeing a cardiologist for years.
A friend suggested he see Dr Peter Larsen, managing director of Heart HQ and former director of cardiology at Sunshine Coast Hospital.
“When I went to see him in early 2011, I instantly had a rapport,” Edward says. “It’s thanks to his gentle persuasion and persistence that I’m still here.”
When he started seeing Dr Larsen, Edward was struggling to go up and down stairs, and by mid-2013, his condition was critical.
“Because of my previous open heart surgeries, it was very difficult to find someone who would tackle me, but Dr Larsen persisted and found Dr Peter Tesa, who specialised in taking on cases that no one else wanted to touch,” Edward says.
Edward’s third open heart surgery,
A WORLD-first microbiome-focused study may offer new hope to rheumatoid arthritis sufferers through improved gut health. Coolum Beach based biopharmaceutical company Servatus is investigating the gastro-intestinal microbiome in Australian rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients to see if they can corroborate what is being discovered in the US, Europe and Asia.
They will identify the extent of gastrointestinal dysbiosis and the presence of any bacterial species that have so far been correlated with RA onset, progression and disease activity and assess if select bacterial species can successfully correct gut dysbiosis.
RA is one of the most widespread chronic diseases with 500,000 sufferers in
Australia. Early diagnosis can substantially slow progression of joint damage in up to 90 per cent of patients.
The optimal management of RA is needed within 3-6 months after onset of the disease giving a narrow window of opportunity to achieve remission.
Servatus hopes to offer a means for those at risk of developing RA, to be identified early through the analysis of their gastrointestinal microbial species, and provide a therapeutic to possibly slow disease progression or induce remission before joint damage starts to occur.
Gastrointestinal microbes play a significant role in joint inflammation as they extensively interact with the immune system.
Visit servatus.com.au
was a success, and he enjoyed a stretch of stable health – until another curveball hit.
“In 2021, I was in hospital with another heart attack, with a 99 per cent stenosis of one of my bypasses,” he says.
The unexpected silver lining was that Dr Larsen managed to get Edward on the trial for a cholesterol-lowering vaccine.
“Since then, my cholesterol has been picture perfect, almost on the low side,” Edward says.
Considering his health history, one
BONNIE BAYLEY.
might wonder how Edward stays positive and continues to make big plans.
“I’m a firm believer that a positive attitude is half the battle and that’s what Dr Tesa instilled in me too,” he says. “He said he could do his 10 per cent with the operation, but I needed to do the rest.”
Edward is a strong advocate for an active lifestyle.
He believes the amount or intensity of exercise you do doesn’t matter, it’s that you actually do it and stick with it.
NEIL Graham enjoys cycling so much, it’s not unusual for him to take a flight to another state and cycle home.
The sports celebrity of Amber by Living Gems in Logan Village, Neil has been cycling since he was a boy and now, at 89, is unstoppable.
“Something just seemed to click when I got on my first bike at the age of eight,” he says. “It was my dad’s bike. I think it was the feeling of freedom, together with the euphoria and the wind on my face.”
Although Neil has been cycling and competing for decades, he didn’t do his first long-distance ride until 49, when he and a friend flew to Adelaide to cycle back to Melbourne together.
Neil caught the competitive bug and started entering long-distance races.
“My first win was as a 15-year-old amateur, when I won an Aggregate Trophy with the Brunswick Cycle Club in Victoria in 1948,” he says. “But my main success was in a three-day tour with the Northern Vets Cycle Club in Victoria.”
Between 1980 and 1990, he rode the
145km Great Otway Bike Ride every year and has cycled from Melbourne to Sydney return six times.
Neil hopes to inspire more Living Gems residents to start cycling and have a lust for an active life regardless of age.
“I consider myself to have more enthusiasm than ability,” he says.
New high-quality homes with a range of top-notch standard inclusions are now selling at Amber by Living Gems over-50s lifestyle resort, including several move-inready homes. It is a secure, gated environment with premium recreational facilities.
Visit livinggems.com.au/amber or call 1800 317 381.
for visitors to come and look around at a fun open day.
It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with residents, meet the team, ask questions, take a private tour of homes for sale and amenities, and enjoy memorable moments with conversation, food, music and entertainment.
BRISBANE’S newest vertical retirement development offers resort-style living in the heart of Newstead.
Rendu Towers, opening soon, is setting a new benchmark for retirement living.
Ozcare’s landmark dual-tower village is home to 135 luxury one, two and threebedroom apartments including an exclusive collection of Sky Homes and Sky Pavilions.
Rendu Towers is centred on care and connection. Evoking the aesthetic of a 5-star hotel, the exclusive Club Rendu features dedicated community facilities linking the two towers and residents with carefully thought-out spaces.
A club lounge overlooks a palm-lined heated resort pool with river views while a 22-seat cinema, private dining room, dedicated library, chapel, and gym and yoga rooms with floor to ceiling glass give a sense of being on top of the world.
It is part of Ozcare’s vision to deliver a continuum of care to retirees. Villa Rosalie, Ozcare’s state-of-the-art 120-bed aged care
facility, co-located with Rendu Towers, is set to open on project completion.
Housed on levels 3-6 with its own private entry, Villa Rosalie will offer permanent respite and secure residential aged care options in premium surrounds so residents can enjoy peace of mind knowing that 24-hour care can be provided in familiar surroundings if needed.
Village residents also benefit from VIP access to Ozcare home services, including discounts on home care packages.
Stage 2 has two and three bedroom apartments priced from $605,000. Visit rendutowers.org.au
ONE of the joys of aging is having more time for yourself – no more rushing to work or getting kids off to school.
Suncare recognises the importance of staying active and in touch with others; making new friends and trying new interests, so they broadened their Community Outings program and now offer Social Support groups for those in the Bribie Island and Caboolture areas.
breakfast in bed or a social outing. Or both.
A SERIES of Lendlease Retirement Living open days will offer insight to village life, from The Lakes in Bundaberg surrounded by tropical rainforests, to the pristine beaches near Sippy Downs’ Hibiscus Chancellor Park and the colourful native gardens that define The Gardens on Lindfield in Helensvale.
Each village has its own character and charm but a common theme of exceptional amenities, friendly neighbours, convenience and community spirit in locations surrounded by nature.
Each village will be opening its doors
While The Lakes Bundaberg, The Gardens on Lindfield and Hibiscus Chancellor Park have scheduled open days, Lendlease operates 14 villages in a variety of enviable locations around Queensland. Call and book a tour.
For an exceptional lifestyle defined by natural beauty, community connection and low-maintenance comfort, visit a village that suits and experience it for yourself.
Open Days and private tours may be an exciting next step on the journey to finding the place to live well.
Visit retirementbylendlease.com.au
Every Thursday sees a new adventure – chats and laughter at the Sip and Dip Paint Class or lunch at the waterfront. A time to meet new people and share stories. Play cards and enjoy a delicious morning tea.
And staying on the beautiful Bribie Island, Suncare’s Boronia Cottage, fondly referred to by many as “home away from home” is a respite cottage with a difference.
It’s not just about a change of scenery. It’s about genuine care and companionship. It’s about planning your own day and whether that means
The spacious bedrooms and all-ability ensuite bathrooms ensure a comfortable stay, but the real treat is the warm and welcoming atmosphere.
As regular customer Jim says, “My time there feels like a holiday with the qualified staff always up for an easy conversation, an outing and a good meal.” Suncare has specialised in the delivery of in-home services for older Australians throughout central and southeast Queensland since 1970. Their dedication ensures that getting older doesn’t have to mean moving into residential aged care.
Call Suncare 1800 786 227 or visit suncare.org.au
RICK Everingham has made a living as an artist for more than 50 years but doesn’t usually take commissions.
“I prefer to paint what I see,” the Brisbane artist says.
The work pictured here, titled Memory Board for Jane, is a notable exception.
Rick painted the canvas to capture one of disability advocate Jane Britt’s most treasured memories, of a December day in Sorrento, Italy when she was 15.
He revealed his painting to Jane for the first time at the Queensland Eye Institute Foundation (QEIF) in South Brisbane.
Jane’s vision is limited, affected by congenital rubella syndrome and glaucoma, but she can still distinguish colours and shapes.
“It’s beautiful,” she says.
Rick and Jane met through QEIF’s Last Seen initiative, a fundraising project teaming vision-impaired people with renowned and emerging artists to depict their last, or most cherished memories.
Jane says a lot of people who lose their sight choose to repress memories of things they could once see, because the loss is too painful. But the 36-year-old, who’s deaf in one ear and has only partial vision in one eye, jumped at the chance to immortalise a special day on canvas.
Jane described that December day over lunch with Rick and his wife Desley.
“The memories aren’t linear,” Jane says, “and some of them are based on smell and sound.”
Rick pondered Jane’s words, then painted a series of snapshots “like postcards,” he says. “I wanted to paint something authentic, something identifiably Sorrento”.
Rick’s artwork is one of 10 being auctioned to raise money for QEIF, the state’s largest independent academic institute devoted to eye-related health and diseases.
All artworks created for Last Seen can be viewed at a free exhibition at the Grey St Gallery, Queensland College of Art, April 18-29.
Another fundraiser is a concert of original compositions performed by the Queensland Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra on April 21. Visit lastseen.com.au
● Fixed rate with no hidden fees
● Fully licenced Property Manager
● Regular routine inspections with photo reports
● Flexible owner payments, and same day statements
● Strict property application processes with thorough tenant checks
● Limited number of managed properties to ensure top quality service
By Paul Ashford Harris
Reviewed by Jan Kent
THIS tale rolls from London to Australia to Persia and cleverly weaves real-life characters into historical events leading up to World War I.
Each chapter names the location, which goes some way to assisting the story being told from different characters’ perspectives. The three protagonists vary in outlook, experience and background but have a commonality of passion and eccentricity. As the story unfolds, the reader is drawn into wondering how these diverse people could be connected.
Harris contrives this masterfully. Gertrude Bell is an unconventional archaeologist involved in the quest for oil discovery in Persia. It’s led by William Darcy, a shady Queensland businessman, to fuel the British Navy’s submarine fleet, led by Jacky Fisher, in its attempt to conquer that of Germany.
What makes this novel intriguing is the way the author has brought real events and personalities to life.
By Hanya Yanagihara
Reviewed by Jo Bourke
THIS sat in my bookcase for months before I dared to start reading. It had been given to me with a warning that it would pull me into its poignant story and that the characters would live with me forever. Totally true!
Hanya Yanagihara has written a haunting and emotionally devastating novel that is not for the faint of heart. The book follows the lives of four friends – Jude, Willem, Malcolm, and JB – as they navigate their way through life in New York City.
At the centre of the novel is Jude, a brilliant and enigmatic lawyer with a painful and traumatic past that haunts him throughout the book.
The novel is over 700 pages long, and at times I nearly gave up due to the painstaking detail which seemed to slow the flow towards the climax. But Yanagihara’s prose captures the beauty and brutality of life with equal measure. She has a remarkable ability to bring her characters to life, to make them feel real and flawed and human. She dares us to look at our own frailties.
THE Lee Child “Reacher” novels have a huge following and always provide a good read.
Better Off Dead is co-written with his younger brother Andrew, an accomplished author in his own right.
In my opinion you can notice a difference in writing style, more descriptive, particularly with characters and locations, sometimes unnecessarily lengthy.
Reacher is not quite as aggressive and assertive in the fights he has against far superior numbers or as innovative in extricating himself from trouble.
The story line is as good as most of the Reacher books but I felt Reacher lost a little of his macho charisma this time around. Still entertaining and a very easy read.
Reviewed by Graeme Bowden.
WILLOWMAN follows the lives of two main characters – Allan Reader, the cricket bat maker, and Todd Harrow, the aspiring Test cricket player. But it is much more than that.
It is also about the people who surround the two, particularly, in my opinion, Allan’s daughter Katie and Liv, Todd’s sister.
Inge has a real gift of being able to bring all of her characters to life and have you share in their difficulties and simple triumphs.
We have loved her writing since Mr Wigg in 2013.
This is a beautifully told story with many different aspects to enjoy, such as Allan’s friend Graeme, the musician.
NOVELS set in the world of Greek mythology are growing in popularity, resulting in quite a crowded genre; but there are a number of good ones to enjoy.
Atalanta, who features in this new novel, is a lesser-known character. Some texts say she was the only woman on the voyage of the Argo with Jason and his crew
of heroes. However, the story of Jason and the Argonauts here is familiar – one of the greatest adventure stories of all time, and very well told by Jennifer Saint. Atalanta fits seamlessly into the Argo’s crew of strong, heroic men, who grudgingly come to realise that she is as much a hero as any one of them – strong at the oar, swift of foot and with surprising and enviable bravery.
Atalanta, after being abandoned in the woods as a baby and rescued by a mother bear, was rescued by the goddess Artemis. She was raised in an all-female community in the forest until one day she was instructed to join Jason’s crew and go in search of the fabled Golden Fleece. Excitement and escapism awaits in the pages of this book.
AN intriguing mystery spanning generations, Kate Morton’s much-anticipated novel is well worth the wait. Morton transports us between the tragic death of a woman and her children in 1959, and the return of journalist Jess to Australia from London in 2018, as
she slowly discovers her family connection to the tragedy.
Morton artfully weaves together dual time periods and plotlines without compromising the reader’s connections with any of the characters. While not as gothic as some of her books I’ve loved, typical of Morton’s style the Adelaide mansions are characters in their own right.
This is a long read but the twists and turns and evocative writing will sweep you along until the surprising end.
IT will be a night of stunning athleticism and heart-stopping acrobatics when Circa returns to the Redland Performing Arts Centre stage
After the smash-hits of Humans 2.0, Carnival of the Animals and Peepshow, Brisbane’s globally renowned Circa returns with their newest creation.
On by Circa follows eight strangers whose lives cross in the courtyard of an apartment block. Over the course of a single night they will fight, love, laugh and find moments of beauty and transcendence.
Created by circus visionary Yaron
YOU don’t have to have a fascination with dinosaurs to appreciate the latest exhibition at the Queensland Museum –and the grandchildren will love it too.
Dinosaurs of Patagonia features the world’s largest dinosaurs to walk the earth.
Developed by the Museo Paleontológico Egidio Feruglio (MEF) in Argentina, the exhibition spans most of the dinosaur eras of Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous and features 13 dinosaurs from massive meat eaters to pint-sized herbivores,16 skeleton casts, and incredible real fossils from South America.
Visitors will come face-to-face with a
life-size replica of Patagotitan mayorum, a plant-eating dinosaur that lived about 100 million years ago. It measures 38m long –three times the size of a Brisbane bus –and is almost 8m high.
Queensland Museum Network CEO Dr Jim Thompson said since the first dinosaur discovery in the 1800s, dinosaurs had sparked the imagination of both children and adults.
“Patagotitan is the largest known creature to have walked our planet and is more than 15 times heavier than our own herbivore ornithopod dinosaur Muttaburrasaurus and more than 20m longer than the Queensland humpback whale at the Cultural Precinct.”
Lifschitz, with a pulsating score from Melbourne composer Jethro Woodward and striking lighting design from Paul Jackson, On by Circa is a powerful new work infused with fierce humanity and exceptional acrobatics.
According to Limelight magazine “the ensemble’s extraordinary strength, flexibility, timing, co-ordination and sheer trust in one another thrills and delights”.
Redland Performing Art Centre Saturday, May 27, 7.30pm. Tickets $25-$40. Bookings Call RPAC Box Office 3829 8131 or visit rpac.com.au (booking fees $5 by phone and $6 online).
“Visitors will experience an interactive exhibition like never before as they walk beneath the towering Patagotitan and measure themselves beside the real life 2.4m femur fossil,” curator Florencia Gigena said.
Queensland Museum. Until October 2. Visit museum.qld.gov.au/patagonia
Their first offering will be a musical penned by Andrew Munslow, a local Act 1 Theatre member involved at the Theatre for the past 11 years in areas such as lighting and sound for productions, the Act 1 theatre house band (The Actones) providing live music for the annual theatre restaurant offering, and also performing on stage in various Theatre productions at least once every year.
Inspired by The Pirates of Penzance, The Pirates is, in essence, of the word, a World Premiere. Directed by Deb Hossack, a stalwart of the Brisbane theatre scene theatre for 30 years, this unique story with a blend of some of the classic Penzance songs, some 80s song mashups and some originals which, when put together with the storyline tells a familiar yet unique story of a boy bound by duty and thwarted by fate as he searches for love. When Andrew, the writer and Musical Director, was asked about the play he had written, he said, Although Pirates contains many of the original characters of the Penzance production, I believe it is also an Alice through the looking glass take on Mabel’s journey into fantasy or maybe her reality, as she joins the Octo-pirates on their flying/floating steampunk adventures. This play is not just Pirates of Penzance done in a steampunk costume. This musical will be steampunk in its purest creative form and creatively explores new ideas and concepts.
This unique theatre production has already received support from the Brisbane steampunk community and the Brisbane Pirate community, so do not be surprised to find yourself sitting next to a Captain Hook look-alike or a part-human part-steam creation.
The Pirates was born out of Director Deb Hossack’s love of the classical Pirates of Penzance production, but fueled by a desire to modernize it and Musical director/creator Andrew Munslow’s love of writing and performing and a deep seeded desire to create something new, culminating in this unique style of Musical Production. From concept to staging, the Show has been a 2-year project in the making!
The Pirates consists of a 25-strong cast and crew, including a 4-piece rock band who are also Pirates on the Elysium(the Octo-pirates ship). There are 11 pirates (including pirate twins), a very groovy police force, and a very modern Modern Major General and his Daughters.
Act 1 Theatre is super excited to showcase this family-friendly, entertaining and very different Musical Production with an ending that no one will expect.
To book tickets and select your seats, please visit
www.trybooking.com/CGINF
PERFORMANCE DATES:
May 5, 6, 7, 12, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26 and 27.*
The shows on Friday and Saturday nights start at 7:30pm promptly. Sunday Matinee shows start at 2pm promptly.
*There is no show on Sat 13 May.
May 5, 6, 7, 12, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26 & 27
$30 non-members; $27 concessions $25 members
Ocean cruising is back, cheaper and safer than ever. Retired journalist, now travel writer PAUL HUGHES outlines the many good reasons for why it’s hard to go past booking a cruise.
One reason we like cruising is that there is minimal stress.
Once booked, your most challenging decision is what foods and activities you want to experience. Like most pensioners, our other key reason is that cruising is probably the best overall “value holiday” option anywhere in the world.
Where in Australia can you find a fully-serviced two-person holiday bed-sitter overlooking the water for $160 a night?
while sitting in a hot spa, then had breakfast and dozed for a while on one of the many lounges.
Other days we were spoilt with breakfast in our stateroom, or caught up with friends in one of the dining rooms. Therein lies another bonus.
My wife and I always enjoy cruising, especially as it’s probably the most economical and stress-free way to travel.
We’ve cruised quite extensively, including a 10-day cruise through the Baltic in late 2019 and then a 10-day relocation cruise from Vancouver to Hawaii. Then Covid hit Australia and the world! Apart from its massive health impacts, the pandemic stopped the cruise industry “dead in the water” and almost two million employees lost their job.
Tens of thousands of businesses that relied on cruise companies and tourists also collapsed.
Many of the 30 million people who cruised in 2019 felt they had lost their second home.
There was a two-year crisis in many industries, especially cruising, until late last year when the world finally reopened to travel. Like many other Baby Boomers we were extremely hesitant to put our toes back on a ship.
Uncertain about travel in the northern hemisphere, we finally took the plunge
and cruised to the South Pacific Islands last November and again in January this year.
We can happily say cruising is back and, in many ways, it’s safer, cheaper and better than ever.
Currently you cannot cruise unless you are fully vaccinated and have a negative PCR test within 24 hours of boarding. Positive health changes include hand sanitisers spread extensively throughout the ship and, unlike many places on land, they all worked.
It’s compulsory to use a new handwashing facility to enter the main dining area, with a costumed staffer reminding everyone to “washy washy”.
Rather than squashing around the lifeboats for a 20-minute safety briefing, this was completed online with a twominute, one-on-one check-in.
Staff constantly cleaned public surfaces and all staff had the option of wearing masks.
And there’s a fully-staffed medical centre only a few minutes away for any emergency, which is much quicker than calling an ambulance at home.
Our recent 10-day cruise from Brisbane to several tropical islands was less than $80 a day each for a balcony stateroom.
That included all transport; quality serviced accommodation; delicious all-we-could-eat high-quality food on tap all day; recent release movies and amazing live shows.
There were fabulous pools and spas; a casino; bargain shopping and dozens of different adult activities ranging from Zumba and other exercise sessions to trivia, games, puzzles, classes, and a library. Then there’s the sports activities to suit all ages. The onboard entertainment is as good as you will find in most theatres around the world.
One live show we loved was Jason Singh’s Heaven’s Greatest Hits, which is playing at the Sydney Opera House on April 24. While all these activities and events might seem hectic, cruising is where you can do everything at your own pace, joining in when you choose, or just relaxing.
Some days we watched the sun rise
Sat, 29 April: Tweed Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre ..................... $ 68
Sat, 17 June: Maleny – featuring Chocolate Shop & Maleny Cheese ... $113*
Sat, 8 July: Queensland Garden Expo – Nambour .............................. $ 60
Sat, 22 July: Christmas in July – Gold Coast to Brisbane Cruise .......... $188**
Sat, 9 September: Mooloolaba Lunch Cruise .................................... $152*
Sat, 7 October: Eumundi Markets ...................................................... $ 42
You can choose to dine with “singles” groups if you are unattached; as a couple if you’re seeking romantic time together; at a set table with friends or strangers, forging new relationships; or randomly with different people each night.
In addition to all this, we spent three wonderful days in Vanuatu and Noumea If you’ve never cruised before, it’s worth taking a look at a cruise option that might suit you.
Australia’s great weather means cruises operate year-round, with a peak from early Spring until late Autumn.
While half a dozen major cruise companies operate from Brisbane’s international cruise terminal, we prefer Royal Caribbean. It has the world’s biggest ships, above average food and more entertainment and activities.
Finally, unless you’re travelling with kids or grandkids, we suggest you book outside school holidays and perhaps not on the Disney cruises that start this December.
Paul and Vi Hughes launched a website in 2008 to help others experience better travel. Visit holidaydestinations.au
TRAVELLERS on the world’s only luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot, had an exclusive wildlife experience when they reached the emperor penguin colony on Snow Hill Island, in the Weddell Sea.
East of the Antarctic Peninsula, is renowned for its emperor penguin rookery, but is notoriously difficult to reach. It is surrounded by ecologically critical fast ice and dense pack ice.
Le Commandant Charcot’s technical features and specialist ice navigation systems, along with its expert captain, navigated a route through the pack ice to reach the edge of the fast ice, where the guests landed.
“All I can say is wow! Today has to be rated in my top three all-time wildlife experiences,” Ponant sales director Julie Rogers said. “We visited Snow Hill and quietly watched the Emperor penguins for hours. It was almost a 2.5km hike in deep snow to get there but worth every step.”
Call Ponant 1300 737 178.
COASTAL Variety Tours has planned a four-day escape to the Gold Coast and Byron Bay region.
The tour combines spectacular ocean views and the rainforest of the Gold Coast hinterland.
Seaworld’s evening dinner cruise includes great food and entertainment while cruising past the skyline and landmarks of the Gold Coast Broadwater. Other tour highlights include Mt Tamborine’s botanic gardens, the Gallery Walk, wine tasting and glow worm caves at Cedar Creek estate, lunch at Tropical Fruit World, the Margaret Olley Art Centre and Tweed Regional gallery.
In the Byron Bay Region see the world’s first solar train, Cape Byron lighthouse, Lennox Heads and the hinterland village of Bangalow.
Accommodation is at the 5-star Meriton Suites Southport.
Call 5530 2363 or 0408 727 687.
INCLUSIONS: • Premium 4-star accommodation
ESCORTED
• Meals & activities (per itinerary) • Locally guided by Intrepid
• Small group (max. 14 travellers) • Internal economy class flights
EXCLUSIONS: • International flights • Personal expenses • Optional activities
FROM $8,665 * PER PERSON
PRICE IS BASED ON TWIN SHARE. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT IS $4,565. Optional Varanasi Extension (3 days/2 nights) from $3,199* per person (based on twin share). Single supplement is $925.
Book with us at Helloworld Travel Eatons Hill 3264 6222. eatonshill@helloworld.com.au
Spring Hill 3832 0833. springhill@helloworld.com.au
Kenmore 3378 8555. kenmore@helloworld.com.au
Tuesday 18th APRIL
MA MA CREEK - BULL & BARLEY INN
CAMBOOYA & WELL CAMP AIRPORT
Morning Tea & Lunch included
Thursday 4th MAY
BRIBIE ISLAND BUTTERFLY HOUSE
Morning Tea, Admission & Lunch included
Tuesday 6th JUNE
TRADE COAST HERITAGE PARK, EAGLE
FARM & PORT OF BRISBANE GUIDED TOUR
Morning Tea, POB Guide & Lunch included
Tuesday 4th JULY
CHRISTMAS IN JULY LUNCHEON AT ST BERNAR D’S TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN
Morning Tea & Lunch included
PH: 3269 6466
Email: info@redandwhitecoaches.com.au
www.redandwhitecoaches.com.au
$6500 per person
$9000 per person $7000 per person $9000 per person
GOLD COAST, BYRON BAY, MT. TAMBORINE & NORTHERN RIVERS
FARE INCLUDES: Meriton Suites Southport, All Dinners, Breakfasts, All Admissions and Touring, Four Winds Revolving Restaurant, Gold Coast Dinner Cruise, Tropical Fruit Word Lunch, Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre, Byron Bay Light House, Byron Solar Train, Cedar Creek Estate Winery and Glow Worms, Botanic Gardens, Gallery Walk.
PICKUP AND RETURN:
Brisbane, Redcliffe, Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Sunshine Coast, Bribie Island and Caboolture.
4 DAY TOUR: 28th - 31st May, 2023 or 4th - 7th June, 2023.
HERVEY BAY WHALE WATCHING, MARY VALLEY RATTLER & AUSTRALIA ZOO
FARE INCLUDES: Good Motel Accommodation, Breakfast & Dinners.
ALL ADMISSIONS:
Australia Zoo, Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise, Mary Valley Rattler Heritage Railway, Childers Tour - Old Pharmacy Heritage Centre, Brennan and Geraghty’s Store Museum.
PICKUP AND RETURN:
Brisbane, Redcliffe, Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Sunshine Coast, Bribie Island and Caboolture.
4 DAY TOUR: 31st Aug - 3rd Sept, 2023.
OUTBACK QLD AND
MAGNETIC ISLAND, WHITSUNDAYS, HAMILTON ISLAND
CHARLEVILLE, LONGREACH, WINTON, CHARTERS TOWNS, TOWNSVILLE, AIRLIE BEACH, TOWN OF 1770
FARE INCLUDES: Motel Accommodation and All Breakfasts and Dinners, All Admissions and Touring - Charleville Bilby Experience, Longreach Hall of Fame, Qantas Museum, Thompson River Sunset - dinner and show, Winton Age of Dinosaurs, Royal Open Air Theatre, Historic North Gregory Hotel, Charters Towers Venus Gold Battery, Townsville tour, Magnetic Island, Whitsunday cruise Hamilton Island, Town of 1770.
PICKUP AND RETURN:
Brisbane, Redcliffe, Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Sunshine Coast, Bribie Island and Caboolture.
13 DAY TOUR: 8th - 20th June, 2023.
p.p. twin share (inc. GST) $1,450 p.p. twin share (inc. GST) $3,300 p.p. twin share (inc. GST)
311
Guest t Host Rupert t McCall
4 Day y Luxury y Expeditio Cruise Luxury y Balcony y Rooms
Allow yourself to fall under the spell of thissmall-ship cruise specia lly designed for guests looking for unspoiled islands and turquoise lagoons. Set sail aboard Le Lapérousefor a14 day luxury expedi on withPONANTto discoverthe treasures of Queensland before immersing yourself into life at sea to leisurely sail across to Wellington. Join modern-day Poet, Rupert McCall for a li terary experience of Poetry at Sea, depar ng Cairns on 05 November 2023. Rupert will entertain guests with his heart-felt story te lling whilst sharing the inspira on behind his ballads.
This voyage celebrates the natural world and the Arts combined with luxury, relaxa on and a li le indulgence! Book before 30 April 2023 to enjoy free upgrade to Premium Open-bar for unlimited Veuve Clicquot. 14 Day Luxury Expedi on from $8,692
ACCOUNTING for two-thirds of the state, Outback Queensland is big skies and wide, open spaces packed with history and adventure – and it’s right in our own backyard.
Some areas are household names, others are little out of the way places with big appeal and often the old thing stopping you getting out to see them are the vast distances along the way.
Paul Brockhurst of CT Travel has solved that problem with an Outback to Coast tour for 10 days from June 23, that includes the big ticket items as well as little treasures; famous names and obscure history.
“Outback Queensland has always been a place for the adventurous, independent, and inventive people to create a life far from the city,” he says. “It’s not hard to see how the lifestyle shaped our outback characters.”
There’s a lot of ground to cover, literally, so the tour begins with a flight to Mount Isa, then returns more than 2000km overland from the outback back to the coast in a luxury coach.
At the Outback at Isa complex, head underground on the thrilling Hard Times mine tour. John Flynn Place Museum and Art Gallery in Cloncurry is a tribute to the Royal Flying Doctor Service which began there in 1928.
There’s the tiny settlement of Mackinlay with its population of about 20, and Crocodile Dundee’s Walkabout Creek Hotel.
Pass through the home of dinosaurs and see the largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils.
Winton’s Waltzing Matilda Centre is the only museum in the world dedicated to a song.
At Nogo Station near Longreach, board a doubledecker coach for a tour of the vast plains.
Get to know Australia’s most famous cattle duffer Harry Redford –Captain Starlight. And any trip to
Longreach must include a visit to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Museum and a dinner cruise on the Thompson River.
Barcaldine has the Australian Worker’s Heritage Centre; Alpha is the “gateway to the West”; and Emerald has the Centenary of Federation Mosaic Pathway and the 25m Van Gogh Sunflower.
Head to the coast to see Rockhampton’s Capricorn Caves, and the port of Gladstone,.
“There’s so much to see on this tour,” Paul says. “Some are places we have all heard about and some will come as a surprise.”
For a shorter adventure, seven-day escapes to Carnarvon Gorge and Wallaroo leave on July 17, August 7 and September 4.
After a visit to the famous Roma saleyards, stay at the Wallaroo Outback Retreat. Capturing the magnificent scenery of the Carnarvon Ranges it is the perfect base for day trips to the spectacular Carnarvon Gorge National Park.
For more Outback adventure, try your luck looking for opal on a sevenday tour to Lightning Ridge, departing August 17.
Full itineraries and other tours can be found on the CT Travel website. Visit cttravel.com.au or call 5391 1648.
Experience the rich and vibrant culture of Rajasthan on a tailor-made, fully escorted luxury journey from Brisbane.
Over 14 days, explore magnificent forts, wild forests, and energetic cities. From the fabled cities of Agra, Udaipur, and Jaipur to modern Mumbai and Delhi, this premium journey offers a true snapshot of India’s best culture, landscapes and cuisine.
Search for tigers in Ranthambhore National Park, dine under the stars in the sand dunes of Pushkar, and learn about life with families in Rajasthan. Savour Indian cuisine at a dinner with a Rajput family in Bundi and a Brahmin family in Jaipur and try the street food tour in Agra.
At a royal haveli in Jaipur, the owner will show you around the ornatelydecorated property and share photographs and stories of his ancestors who once ruled the nearby provinces.
Stay in some of India’s most luxurious hotels, including The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai, Brij Rama Palace Varanasi, and a hotel with a view of the Taj Mahal in Agra.
Local premium specialty guides provide a deeper understanding of the history, culture, and traditions of the region while there is 24/7 on-ground support and a Helloworld travel manager as escort while you experience the wonders of Rajasthan from Mumbai to Delhi.
Visit Helloworld Travel Eatons Hill and Kenmore
WITH SEATS AVAILABLE
Coolum Tours & Travel
SENIOR COACH TOURS
INCLUDING:
5 Star Coach Travel
All Accommodation
Tours and Entry Fees
All Dinners & Breakfasts
Most Lunches
Home Pickup & Return*
APRIL 2023
SEPTEMBER 2023
Carnarvon Gorge & Wallaroo (7 Days)
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (4 Days)
JUNE 2023
Spring Gardens Tour (12 Days)
Red Centre - Adelaide to Darwin (18 Days)
OCTOBER 2023
Queensland Savannah (12 Days)
Bookings
FEBRUARY 2023
Gold Coast - Northern Rivers Escape (4 Days)
King Island (4 Days)
JUNE 2023
Murray River & Kangaroo Island (11 Days)
Red Centre - Adelaide to Darwin (18 Days)
MARCH 2023
Outback Queensland to Coast (10 Days)
Fraser Island Explorer (4 Days)
JULY 2023
O’Reillys Escape (4 Days)
Carnarvon Gorge & Wallaroo (7 Days)
APRIL 2023
AUGUST 2023
2023 Autumn Tour (9 Days)
O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat (4 Days)
High Country to Murray Delta (11 Days)
Fraser Coast inc Lady Musgrave Island ( 5 Days )
JULY 2023
NOVEMBER 2023
Carnarvon Gorge & Wallaroo (7 Days)
PHONE (07) 5391 1648
M 0409 278 971
AUGUST 2023
NSW Central Coast & Blue Mountains (10 Days)
O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat (4 Days)
2024 Preview
Carnarvon Gorge & Wallaroo (7 Days)
MARCH: Norfolk Island (9 Days)
Lightning Ridge (7 Days)
E tours@cttravel.com.au
MAY 2023
Carnarvon Gorge & Wallaroo (7 Days)
Lightning Ridge (7 Days)
Norfolk Island (9 Days)
Fraser Island Whale Watch (4 Days)
Fraser Island Whale Watch (4 Days)
APRIL: Great Ocean Road ( 12 Days)
JUNE: SW Outback to Coast (12 Days)
SEPTEMBER 2023
NQ Coast Run - Townsville to Port Douglas
Carnarvon Gorge & Wallaroo (7 Days)
JULY: NQ Savannah Way ( 12 Days )
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (4 Days)
For more detailed itinerary information on any of these tours, please visit our website:
Spring Gardens Tour (12 Days)
SEPT / OCT: Darling R Run (10 Days )
Flinders Rangers (10 Days)
www.cttravel.com.au
1. In a standard game of Yahtzee, how many dice are thrown each time?
2. What is a female seal called?
3. What is the national airline of New Zealand?
4. What is the closest distance from Brisbane to Sydney by the Pacific Highway: 788km, 910km, 1096km?
5. Which of the human senses can be umami?
6. The Great Sphinx of Giza has the body of which animal?
7. What is the English meaning of the Spanish phrase, “muchas gracias”?
8. Houses called Gryffindor and Ravenclaw feature in what book series?
9. Which iconic bridge is known as The Coathanger?
10. How many summer solstices would a person born in January 1980 have experienced to date?
11. What kind of living thing is a godwit?
12. In which Hitchcock thriller was Norman Bates a main character?
13. In what year did the USA enter World War II?
14. What is the collective noun for a group of kangaroos?
15. What is the first given name of the woman who became First Lady of the USA in 2021?
16. Colloquially, what part of the human body are “tootsies”?
17. Which of these is a gourd: rockmelon, mango, banana?
18. Clare Stewart was elected mayor of what south-east Queensland region in 2020?
19. What university degree is abbreviated to DD?
20. Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth were the first Europeans to cross what mountains in 1813?
drip, drips, espied, espies, peer, peers, pied, pier, preside, presided, presides, press, pressed, pride, prided, prides, pried, pries, prise, prised, prises, ripe, rips, seep, seeps, sips, sped, speed, speeds, spider, spied, spies, spire, spree
deep, depress, despise, despised, dips, disperse,
1 Section of hipbone is found east of watering hole(5)
4 He notices promiscuous woman with an advantage(4,5)
9 Church leader taking possession of a powerful generator(7)
10 Very big pole is put back inside labyrinth(3-4)
11 Dog trainer is not right about a preliminary event(7,6)
14 Sound made by bird in bad condition(4)
15 Crim dates doctored employment records(9)
18 Record metal spread around a harbour(9)
19 Trade show is open(4)
21 Fibro pads cobbled together by discerning person with no permanent home(4,2,7)
24 Help erred badly with ship in tow(7)
26 Give up desk not completely put together(7)
27 Some organised time inside main farm building(9)
28 Admissions of hospital especially, made-up stories(5)
1 Bring up icing on the cake(4)
2 Be against involving an accountant(4,7)
3 Line of a union, trade union, maintained in firm(6)
4 Her table ordered a hot drink(6,3)
5 One gunning for promotion turned 25 wearing one?(5)
6 Ritual presentation affected nun’s case(3,5)
7 Black bird heads to area near India(3)
8 The old people getting up may be speculators(10)
12 Look into Murali’s bent delivery arm?(7,4)
13 Most of tribe, held up by father, resolved issue related to delivery(10)
16 Multifaceted characters from Disney worked in Round the Twist (4-5)
17 Religious leader from Rio mobbed by crowd(8)
20 Hound group behind a form of tax(6)
22 Approve drugs on the way out(5)
23 Experts abbreviated ordinary language(4)
25 Nuts served up with a container of water(3)
S P
Today’s Aim:
R E D I S
20 words: Good
30 words: Very good
41 words: Excellent D E
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.
Every row, column and 3x3 outlined square must contain the numbers 1 to 9 once each.
ACROSS
1 Support for a column (8)
5 Soul (6)
10 ‘70s dance genre (5)
11 Oceangoing (9)
12 If not (6)
13 16th US president (7)
14 Manacles or fetters (8)
15 Counsel (6)
18 Mournful (6)
20 Island group in the Indian Ocean (8)
21 Silly talk (7)
24 Avoidance road (6)
27 Central American country (9)
28 Cavalry sword (5)
29 Acacia shrub; OJ-andchampagne (6)
30 Partisan (8) DOWN
1 Cushions (4)
2 Release (9)
3 Sleeping grunt (5)
4 Levied (8)
6 Examined (7)
7 Egyptian capital (5)
8 Designers of goods and structures (9)
9 Drop (4)
14 Artifice (9)
16 Incapable of being seen (9)
17 Port, formerly (8)
19 Disrobe (7)
22 Startle (5)
23 Web auction site (4)
25 Dough (5)
26 Food (4)
No. 069
Complete the list by changing one letter at a time to create a new word at each step. One possible answer shown below.
QUEENSLAND'S BEST VARIETY AND VALUE!
