My mum was the typical post-World War II housewife in Brisbane. She did the majority of the cooking, cleaning, shopping, paying bills and raising children.
My dad was a postal clerk and Justice of the Peace after his service in the RAAF during the war. He took care of everything ‘official’: letter writing, meetings with bank managers and builders, and anything to do with my schooling.
I was in Year 12 when he died. And as hard as that was for me, my mum was beside herself with grief. An uncle and one of my brothers stepped up in the following days and weeks to help her with funeral arrangements, hospital red tape, the Public Trustee and a myriad other pressing ‘official’ duties. I remember her telling me: “I’d never even addressed a letter – dad did everything for me”. But day by day, she picked up the pieces of her life as she knew it.
Being one half of a married couple for 47 years, then suddenly finding herself a widow, must have felt emotionally isolating. As a selfish teenager caught up in my own pain, I didn’t even realise. Our fabulous
neighbours rallied around her but each day presented new challenges – especially after I moved more than two hours away to my first full-time job.
Mum’s life 2.0 began slowly – joining a neighbour, also a widow, at senior citizens’ meetings, going on bus trips, and volunteering at the local Meals on Wheels.
Then dad’s sister asked mum to apply for her first passport and travel together overseas – first to New Zealand, then to family and on tour in the US, and an extended holiday in Europe. Never in her wildest dreams did she expect to see the world. Dad hated the thought of motels and, without a driver’s licence between them, they rarely went anywhere.
Mum was forced to reinvent herself. Once she did, she realised there was a whole lot more life to live. She unlocked a new person deep inside. The festive season can be brutal for those who have lost their partners. But creating a life after death –despite the loneliness, the numbness, the feelings of helplessness – is possible.
That’s the solace we can take away from this month’s cover story from seasoned journalist Julie Lake, herself a widow. She offers her advice, and gathers tips from others, on how to navigate life after the loss of a partner.
Take care, be safe and best wishes for a wonderful festive season.
Shirley Sinclair Editor
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Tips for how to cope with ‘flying solo’
JULIE LAKE knows how difficult every day can be after the loss of a partner but also realises that ‘reinventing yourself’ as a single person can help you to continue leading a fulfilling life.
Di Phillips and her husband Ted spent the morning at one of Southeast Queensland’s biggest shopping malls and decided to have a coffee.
“The usual?” Ted asked and went to order the drinks while Di found a table. They were the last words he ever spoke to her. Shortly afterwards, she heard what she describes as a “kerfuffle” and a call for the ambulance – Ted had dropped dead of heart failure.
“And just like that, I was a widow,” Di says now, after six years.
Gary Westerbrook’s wife Liz died two years ago from breast cancer.
“It was such a long, miserable death,” says Gary, recalling that time. “And the collateral damage on the whole family was terrible, too. I thought I would never get over it. I went through the motions, but for a long time I just wasn’t there.”
Di and Gary have become good friends after meeting at a U3A course. They enjoy each other’s company and go on outings together but are not a couple.
“I was a late-teen bride,” says Di.
“I was married to Ted for 51 years. The
me? What happened to ‘us’? What do I do now? How do I do it?
Those who have bravely faced reality and made sensible preparations fare better than those who don’t. Wills, end-of-life planning, advanced care directives, financial information and access sharing should be in place for couples of any age.
But the list of post-mortem requirements can be long and grim –funeral arrangements, death certificate distribution, notification to Centrelink and other government agencies/authorities, financial institutions and all those with whom you had accounts in joint names (from service providers to body corporate managers, if you live in a unit).
When my husband of 56 years died, I found he had left me a closely-typed, four-page list of instructions. They included his passwords, people to be notified and even a schedule for getting the car serviced.
We’d discussed it all in advance and had plenty of time to plan but there were still things that got overlooked.
For example, he had set up the system for automatic toll payment, linked to his credit card. After he died, and I had cancelled his card, windowed envelopes with the word ‘Linkt’ on them kept arriving, addressed to him.
hardest thing I’ve ever had to do was learn how to go it alone. But I did it, I learned a lot and now I value my independence.”
When you find yourself on your own after losing the partner with whom you’ve spent most of your years, it can feel like the end of life as you’ve known it.
You’ve lost your shared history and the future planned together.
If the loss is sudden, as with Di, the shock alone can be severe to the point of mental paralysis. And even if the partner’s death has been expected, there is still a sense of disbelief. How can this happen to
The name meant nothing to me and, thinking the envelopes must be from one of the several societies to which he belonged, I gaily chucked them in the bin … until the day I opened one and realised it was a demand notice for several hundred dollars’ worth of motorway tolls I’d run up for two years, including penalties – linked to my licence plate but in his name. I rang Linkt and explained. Fortunately, they were very understanding.
I consider myself to be a ‘successful’ widow: one who just carried on without resorting to booze, pills or counselling. I’d always had a good circle of friends and social activities independent of my husband, plus some paid work and many
interests and hobbies. To counter the loneliness, I tried to fill every day with meaningful activities and reward myself with little treats – and a few big ones such as an overseas trip.
For me, it was important to reinvent myself as a single person and that means finding new things to do that I didn’t do with ‘him’.
People tell you memories are a consolation but I haven’t yet found that to be so. Instead, I try never to look back and never to look down and I take pride in having tackled the challenges, such as learning to manage my finances, fixing things around the house (despite once super-glueing my hair to the bench when mending a broken ornament) and travelling alone.
On overseas trips, I now go (mostly) on curated tours and cruises, where I meet people with similar interests. I favour those that discount or waive the dreaded single supplement because I like my privacy, but others love the adventure of sharing with strangers and say you meet some interesting people that way. I know that life will never be the same, but life is still good.
Retired aged care worker Kathleen Kirkpatrick agrees. When her husband
Ronnie died unexpectedly this year, she organised a large memorial party and was the first of several speakers. She did this with great humour, admirably concealing her grief.
Yet, she has not been afraid to share it with her girlfriends when the tears come, finding this more consoling than going to a professional counsellor, and has carried on with her favourite activities such as singing with a chorus and running art classes for a community group.
Her outlook is determinedly positive –because she’s always been that way: “You just get on with it!”
Iain MacPhail admits that when his wife died after two hard years of battling cancer, he was a physical and emotional wreck and it has taken some time for him to get on his feet emotionally.
His friends admired his stoical exterior, not realising how much he was suffering because, like most of us who have lost our nearest and dearest, he put on a happy face when out and about.
Iain sought counselling and says, now, that it helped him learn how to live with his loss. He tried a new relationship but it was too soon and for now he prefers to remain unattached while enjoying the company of close women friends.
The tendency to rush into new relationships to appease loneliness is common among older people who miss their long-time spouse and feel there is no time to waste in finding the same sort of love and comfort again.
Sex, too, is a factor here. Despite what our grandchildren may think, many people over retirement age and indeed well into their eighties still enjoy active sexual lives.
To quote one widower who says he has found several willing partners through joining a walking group, “We might do it differently but we still do it”.
Certainly, I’ve found that it’s important for men and women now facing life alone to have the company of the opposite sex.
As Di says, “It gives you someone to dress up for. I love my women friends but I’d go mad if I saw nobody else.”
In her experience, if you don’t already belong to organisations that offer activities shared with like-minded people, now is the time to join one (or more).
“Only the selfish are lonely,” she says.
There is no shortage of advice out there from friends, family and medical professional as to how to deal with your loss and go forward alone.
The internet offers access to an overwhelming range of professional counselling, some of it a cunningly disguised trawl for customers who know,
“I try never to look back and never to look down and I take pride in having tackled the challenges”
as do many scammers and con artists, that the grief-stricken are vulnerable. But there’s also some good stuff there. Based on this and the advice of those who agreed to share their experiences for this article, here are the top tips for a successful solo flight:
• Keep fit. Older age really isn’t for wimps and grief can knock you sideways, physically and mentally. It’s easy to let go when you feel you have nothing left to live for. Prioritise a good diet, sound sleep and exercise.
• If you feel you need help, reach out. Depression is a common sequel to bereavement and it can manifest itself in subtle, insidious ways. Talk to your doctor about finding a psychotherapist who specialises in counselling for your situation and can help you move forward.
• People will tell you that time will heal: it
won’t. You just learn to get accustomed to your new solo status. The loss of a partner is not an illness you can get over. The wound heals but you’ll always bear the scar. So, don’t feel bad if you’re still bursting into sudden tears three years after the loss.
• Have a project. The new you needs new challenges and absorbing yourself in something with outcomes is great for self-esteem.
• If you’re not already fully functional with smart devices, get with the program. We are lucky to live in an age where the world in all its aspects is at our fingertips. You can do anything online –from learning the bassoon to uni courses, from knitting patterns to studying Swahili – and find others who share your situation and feelings.
• Have fun. Do things you’ve always wanted to do – perhaps even those that you would not have done with your partner.
“I’m off to Antarctica,” says Di. “My husband hated the cold but I don’t mind it and I’ve long wanted to go there.”
She plans three more overseas adventures before she turns 80. “I’m paying for it by reverse-mortgaging my home,” she says. “After all, you can’t take it with you.”
Others who find they have insufficient funds to spread their wings and fly solo can consider personal bank loans of the government’s home equity scheme. So, there is life after death for those left behind after the loss of a partner.
If you remember the 1960s, you’ll recall how psychiatrist Elizabeth Kubler-Ross made waves by describing the stages of grief as: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.
In my own experience and that of others mentioned here, acceptance comes when you realise that you don’t leave your heart behind you: you take it forward with you. Because, as the Titanic song says, “you know that the heart will go on”.
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Di Phillips with her late husband Ted, taken on their wedding anniversary just a few weeks before he died.
What’s hip
Where to go
THE fully restored MV Lucinda has begun plying the waters as the first regular passenger ferry service between Mooloolaba and Kawana Waters, with stops at key waterfront destinations. With space for 52 passengers, the ferry is designed to accommodate people, pushbikes and pets. The ferry service will initially operate Thursday to Sunday, offering six to seven trips per day. Each 45-minute journey will connect to some of the Coast’s most popular locations: The Kawana Waters Hotel at Buddina (with easy access to Kawana Shoppingworld); Pier 33 waterfront venue on The Spit, Mooloolaba (close to the seafood markets and restaurants); La Balsa Park near Point Cartwright; and The Wharf Mooloolaba dining and tourism hub (near the beach). Visit mooloolabaferry.com.au
Where to visit
THE Enchanted Garden at Roma Street Parkland will bring extra sparkle to your festive season from now until December 21. Twinkling LED lights, glittering lasers and sparkling nighttime projections cast across more than 22,000sqm of inner-city parks and gardens will put wide-eyed wonderment on the faces of visitors of all ages from 6.30-9.15pm. This year, a luminous new interactive tale beams visitors into a magical wonderland constructed by two otherworldly beings, Willow and Marigold, for An Enchanted Eve: A Garden of Mystical Marvels. The festive narrative guides ticketholders through multiple zones, with interactive elements and imaginative storytelling. The self-guided and wheelchair-accessible trail is almost a kilometre long. Visit enchantedgarden.com.au
What’s for free
IF YOU’RE sadly lacking in Christmas spirit, the Mooloolaba Christmas Boat Parade never fails to put smiles on faces. Organised by Mooloolaba Yacht Club, the 2024 event on Saturday, December 14, from 7pm will go anti-clockwise from Penny Lane in Mooloolaba to the end of Mooloolah Island, then down the main Kawana canal to Lawrie’s Marina, back to the river, past La Balsa Park and returning to Penny Lane via the coast guard for judging. Join in the fun by entering your boat, house or building in the parade, or by grabbing a spot along the canals to watch. Best vantage points are: Charles Clarke Reserve, River Esplanade in Mooloolaba, Penny Lane and La Balsa Park, Buddina. See christmasboatparade.net
Back in the day…
There were Christmas Bells (Blandfordia grandiflora) –for sale beside the roadways between Landsborough and Caloundra, most notably in the 1940s and 1950s. Your Time Sunshine Coast history columnist Audienne Blyth was going through her files and found a magazine snippet, fondly recalling these wildflowers that flowered spectacularly at Christmas time in the wallum, the swamplands of poor sandy soil from Fraser Island to central New South Wales. Sadly, they have been lost locally to changes in their natural habitat, subdivisions and housing and infrastructure construction.
What to do
MUSEUM of Brisbane is taking its expertise to the streets. Free walking tours of The Star Brisbane and Queen’s Wharf Brisbane precinct have begun on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and will continue until at least the end of January, exploring the art, history and architecture. The bespoke 45-minute walking tours showcase Brisbane’s newest multi-million-dollar public outdoor art gallery, as well as visits to key heritage sites in the precinct. Discover large-scale artworks by First Nations, Queensland and international artists, al fresco murals, digital light projections, sculpture and floating botanical gardens, as well as the historic surrounds of the riverfront site. For more information or to book, visit museumofbrisbane.com.au/whats-on/queens-wharfprecinct-public-art-tour/.
Retiree GARRY REYNOLDS shares his thoughts on the world around us.
GRAND DAME ‘IN DISREPAIR’
IN PLANNING our 50-cent train exploits from Nambour to Fortitude Valley, friends said we had to see the McWhirters building, whose interior exudes the charm of a bygone era with graceful staircases and polished timber floors.
We had to see its soaring ceilings crowned with a stunning glass dome, flooding floors with Queensland sunshine.
However, our spirits were dashed when I peeked through a dingy door below the grand Art Deco entrance and told my girlfriend I was shocked to see the degradation from squatters and vandals.
One of Australia’s oldest and most loved department stores in a bygone era today resembles a ghost town.
Surely, we learned from the Bellevue Hotel and Cloudland fiascos not to let our heritage gems suffer a similar fate.
Clutching the corner of Wickham and Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley, the striking brick façade of McWhirters Department store has stood tall since 1896.
A vast five-storey structure was completed behind the façade in 1912, followed by additional buildings –dominating an acre of prestige shopping
precinct. The store boasted five grand street entrances, copper mouldings, ornate leadlighting, three swift elevators and the state’s largest pneumatic cash tube system.
Its 50 departments were bursting with manchester, fancy fabrics, prestige luggage, millinery and homewares. A pleasant tearoom provided refuge from hectic Fortitude Valley and a relaxing view to the river. In genteel times, shoppers tethered their horses to hitching posts before a motor garage was built in 1918.
It was taken over by Myer Emporium in 1955. In 1989, the bowels of the building were redeveloped as McWhirters Marketplace, while upper storeys were converted to apartments. Today, residents would be gravely concerned by the cancer spreading below them, as would proud Queenslanders who feel that they have seen this horror movie before.
A time when the North Shore was a lonely place
AUDIENNE BLYTH steps back to an era when the golden sands and dense bushland that led to Double Island Point Lighthouse were deserted and only a few souls dared make the area their home.
Tourists love the trip from the North Shore of the Noosa River to Double Island Point Lighthouse.
Double Island Point was named by Captain Cook. It has a double headland but is not an island.
In 1933, Nambour Chronicle reported a hunting and fishing trip by three local men who set out to see the sights of the North Shore. One was Harry Walker, the then member of parliament for Wide Bay and known as the ‘father of the House’: one of the longest-serving members.
He lived on the North Shore of the Noosa River and intended looking at his cattle. The others were Bert McFadden, part-owner of Nambour Chronicle and a friend, Patrick Blackburn.
The men travelled in an old Ford, a ‘Tin Lizzie’. Sometimes such vehicles were modified with corrugated iron mudguards and extra wooden boards to stop sand flying up. Boxes on either side were built for the hunting dogs.
Carefully watching the beach tide, they managed 40mph (almost 65kmh) along the hard sand, past the impressive coloured sands of Teewah. They passed a fishermen’s camp and met some linesmen repairing the telephone line from Tiaro to
Double Island Point Lighthouse – a vital connection. Having just shot three scrub turkeys, they gave one to the gang.
They climbed the steep slopes of the headland and spent a pleasant hour with the lighthouse keeper and his family. The view was, and still is, magnificent from 150m above sea level. Within 800m of the lighthouse out to sea is Wolf Rock, with good fishing. It was said that Noosa fishermen, Massoud and Sons, caught 20 cases of snapper there on one occasion.
The lighthouse was built in 1884, with cottages for staff. Mr Fuller, the lighthouse keeper, and his assistant alternated their hours: 6pm to midnight, midnight to 6am and so on.
In 1933, the lighthouse was a lonely place and the group was grateful for Mrs Fuller’s offer of tea and hot scones.
The children were busy at their correspondence lessons.
The men gave the family another of the scrub turkeys and information on cooking it (regrettably, no recipe is available and scrub turkeys – or brush turkeys – are now protected).
There was plenty of wildlife. A lurking danger was the number of death adders. On the beach, they found a turtle washed
up and an abundance of worms and eugarie for fishing. Dingoes came down to investigate the camp but a few shots frightened them away.
Further along the beach, they came across the camp of two cattlemen with 400 head of cattle on agistment from Wolvi and Kenilworth. The men came down to their camp for a yarn.
One was an Aboriginal man who told how he drove 200 head from the Gulf to Adelaide.
There was not another soul to be seen.
The scrub country showed snigging tracks of early timbergetters. Further inland, Hyne & Son, of Maryborough, were cutting kauri. On Sunday morning, the party returned to Harry Walker’s house on the North Shore of the Noosa River, having covered 120 miles (193km).
The area is now national park, with no cattle agisted, no timber getting, no shooting and no eating the scrub turkeys.
In 2024, there are many, many tourists – enough to trample down this lovely wilderness.
Audienne Blyth is a member of the Nambour Historical Museum, open 1-4pm Wednesday to Friday and 10am-3pm Saturday.
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Built in 1884, Double Island Point Lighthouse had an oil wick burner. In 1923, the light was altered to a kerosene burner. Ten years later, the light was converted to electric operation. The light was automated in 1991, reducing the work of the lightkeeper to that of caretaker – with no need for staff.
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TAKE EASY STEPS TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM OF CRIME
SUNSHINE Coast Police are working with the local community as a team to reduce the risk of opportunistic theft and provide insights into the everyday ways to protect property.
District Officer Superintendent Craig Hawkins is asking for the community to support each another and help reduce the risk of opportunistic theft.
“Through intelligence and understanding offender motives, we know there are opportunistic offenders who travel from other areas of Southeast Queensland to the Sunshine Coast, in an attempt to take advantage of our relaxed way of life, perceiving that many people who live here often leave their property unsecured,” he says.
Max, a resident of Maleny, has recently experienced property theft first-hand. Between the hours of midnight and 6am on September 1, Max’s house was allegedly entered through an unlocked door, behind a gate, on the side of his house. The offenders allegedly entered the house and stole his keys and wallet from the kitchen bench before using his keys to steal his Honda Accord which was parked in the driveway.
Police later located the car in Pelican Waters and investigations, under Operation Cornmeal, led the Child Protection Investigation Unit to arrest a 13-year-old Currimundi girl, a 14-year-old
Bli Bli boy and a 14-year-old Baringa girl over the incident.
Superintendent Hawkins sees on a daily basis the impact these confronting experiences have on day-to-day life and is asking for the community’s help to make that change.
“Having your car, keys or wallet stolen can not only be a significant financial loss through having to pay insurance excess or replacing what was stolen, but it can also cause great challenges in getting to and from work or school, buying groceries without a bank card, having to replace the locks in your home, but most importantly, how you feel thereafter in your own home,”
Superintendent Hawkins says.
“I can assure you that police, including our Property Crime Taskforce and Criminal Investigation Branch, are working hard to put offenders into custody. However, putting a stop to property crime on the Sunshine Coast will always be a team effort.
“It’s important for everyone to play their part in this effort by continuing to lock doors, gates and windows to your homes and vehicles and keep valuables, like keys and wallets, out of plain sight.
“We ask that you help your police to help you.”
For more tips, visit police.qld.gov.au/ safety-and-preventing-crime
• New kitchens fitted with new appliances
• New flooring and furnishings
• Freshly painted internally and externally
• Spacious courtyard, landscaped gardens
• 2 Swimming Pools
• Men’s Shed and Bowling Green • Hairdresser
• Craft Hall with BBQ Area and Pool Tables
• Modern Community Centre
• Walking distance to Translink Bus with transport to local medical centres and Stockland Shopping Centre
IN 1996, my husband Niclas and I sat in Santa’s sleigh, way up in the Arctic Circle.
We also went into Santa’s house and workshop. Not an elf to be seen.
I guess they made themselves scarce to avoid all those pesty tourists.
However, there was a big barrel full of letters and cards, all addressed to Santa Claus. No matter where they came from or in what language they were written, they all had made it to the Arctic Circle and into Santa’s house.
We were on a coach tour of the Arctic Circle and felt quite privileged to be able to see the ‘inner workings’ of that famous old man in the red suit.
We met the Sami People (Laplanders) in their colourful clothes of bright blue and red and, of course, walked among the reindeer.
They were smaller than I had expected but quite well used to people petting them.
We also ate them – well, probably just one of them (don’t tell that to your grandchildren!). A special dinner had
been put on for our tour in one of the big tepees and as a speciality, reindeer stew was served. After overcoming some initial hesitation, I quite enjoyed the dish. A bit like pulled pork, but just a bit gamier.
I wonder whether children will still write letters to Santa in the future? They probably will text him a wish list on their mobile phones.
As Santa travels all over the planet, he might have to change networks regularly. We can only hope that the old man is computer/ mobile phone savvy to receive and read all those messages.
Will modern technology allow Santa to keep his mystery, his surprises?
What role will artificial intelligence) play in all of this? Will the children all have a special ‘Santa app’ on their phones, iPads or whatever devices people will use in the future?
Will they be able to track the delivery of their presents and put a claim in with Santa if they are not delivered on time?
Will they actually still believe in Santa Claus or his origins?
What about the children of different faiths who are probably quite bewildered by a festival that honours a child they know nothing
about? Sometimes I wonder whether we remember what Christmas actually means.
Like most people in Australia, I will celebrate Christmas with my family, have a festive dinner and something nice to drink, while poor children — some living in cars — will be glad just to have some food from a charity and hopefully the odd toy.
I can’t shake a feeling of guilt. That’s when I would like to change our world …
My heart goes out to all the children in the world who are caught up in the current conflicts in the many parts of the globe who will have no presents, food or medicine.
Hopefully, their next Christmas will bring peace and joy.
May your Christmas be a happy one, in a safe country.
Email mocco.wollert@bigpond.com
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RangeCare
Life in the slow lane Life’s an adventure
By Cheryl Lockwood
CHRISTMAS is upon us again.
You can’t miss it, given that the decorations seem to go up earlier every year and an avalanche of ads prompt us to buy perfect gifts for our loved ones.
Choosing gifts may not be my strong point, but it irks me to buy something useless.
A recent example was a toilet brush. Not a gift, but a replacement for the well-used one which had moulted so many plastic bristles, it was almost bald.
I use the term ‘brush’ rather loosely as the new one was more like a rubber spatula on a handle. I’m up for trying something new and the tool, which was also on clearance, promised to leave the porcelain sparkling. So, I thought, “Why not?”
Given its purpose, I won’t go into detail of what it did not remove, but it got me thinking about items that have been invented and purchased over the years that turn out to be a waste of money.
These things seemed like a good idea, but ended up in the back of a cupboard, where they wait to be discarded in the future. Has anyone else noticed multiple exercise machines on the kerb on hard rubbish day?
It’s bad enough buying something that didn’t deliver the results advertised, but there’s also the cheap and nasty goods that break on first use, such as clothing that doesn’t survive its first wash.
life!
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In my younger days, I bought numerous things that I would not bother to buy now: pointy-toed, must-have shoes which, in hindsight, probably damaged my feet; the graphic equaliser for my car’s sound system that I thought was worth spending a week’s wage on at the time. I’m not sure if the music quality improved, but I couldn’t tell the difference. I won’t bore you with a comprehensive list.
The piano I accidentally bought at an auction once doesn’t count. The fact that I never learnt to play it is completely my own fault.
I don’t like to collect too many dustattracting knick-knacks, but for several years, there was a big, heavy, piano-shaped one in my lounge room.
It seems that Christmas time can inspire some silly purchases and I found several examples while browsing online. Keep in mind, this is just my opinion
and there could be someone who would love these yuletide trinkets.
In case you’re interested, you can purchase baubles in the shape of a breast. Should they be called ‘boobles’?
On further research, I found other decorations inspired by body parts, which made the booby ones look decent.
Santa and Mrs Claus ornaments could be cute to hang on the tree, except when they’re naked. Let’s just say the Claus couple had some bits that were well and truly hanging.
There’s a sequinned Christmas stocking with an image of Nicolas Cage, which appears when the sequins are brushed. I guess fans of Nic might enjoy it or maybe they would buy the actor’s face on a plastic, green pickle, named ‘Picolas Cage’. Sorry, but I really did see these for sale.
How about a nativity scene in which all the characters are dogs? Or cats, if you prefer.
I enjoy making my home look festive as much as the next person, but some of these trimmings might make my baby Jesus ornament roll in his manger.
As you open those advent calendars, also available in a myriad of themes from Bluey to Barbie, may the season be filled with love and laughter.
May your Christmas gifts be useful and I sincerely hope that no one gets a rubber spatula pretending to be a toilet brush.
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One door closes, a window opens
EDIN READ looks at what the end of Windows 10 next year will mean for everyday Australians using their devices.
Microsoft has announced that October 14, 2025, will mark the end of the road for Windows 10.
While it may seem far away, it’s actually the ideal time to start planning your next steps.
After this date, Windows 10 will no longer receive updates, including crucial security patches that keep your computer safe from evolving cyber threats.
For many of us, this change will mean making some important decisions about our trusty devices.
Here’s the reality: about 50 per cent of computers across Australia and New Zealand won’t be able to upgrade to Windows 11. That’s roughly 3.3 million devices left behind.
One of the main reasons is the age of the machines. The average computer running Windows 10 is currently 5.7 years old, and older devices typically don’t meet the stricter system requirements of Windows 11. If your computer has been with you for several years, it’s likely to be affected, too.
What does this mean for your daily use? Think of it as like owning a car that your mechanic has decided they won’t service anymore.
The car still runs but over time, problems will crop up that you won’t be able to fix.
When Windows 10 support ends, your computer will still work, but it won’t get any new updates or fixes from Microsoft. This can leave your device vulnerable to viruses, malware and other cyberattacks, particularly if you’re using it for online banking, shopping or handling personal information.
If your computer is new enough to handle it, upgrading to Windows 11 is the simplest solution. For most users, the upgrade is free, and it brings a fresh look along with improved security features.
Microsoft offers a tool to check if your device is eligible. It’s worth running this check to see if your computer can handle the switch. If it can, upgrading sooner rather than later can help you stay secure and get used to the new system.
But what if your computer can’t make the leap? For many, this will mean considering a new device. While the idea of buying a new computer might sound daunting, it’s often the best option if your current one is already showing its age.
A new device doesn’t have to be the latest and greatest model. There are many
affordable options that are more than capable of handling everyday tasks such as emails, browsing the web and watching videos. If you do decide to invest in a new computer, focus on the features that matter most to you, such as a larger screen, a lightweight design or more storage space.
If you choose to stick with Windows 10 after support ends, you’ll ne ed to take some extra precautions.
Using an unsupported system is like driving that unserviced car: it can be risky, especially for sensitive activities including online banking.
To help protect yourself, avoid entering any financial information and be mindful of what you do online. It’s also a good idea to regularly back up your important files to an external drive or a
cloud service. This way, even if something goes wrong, your documents and photos will be safe.
The end of Windows 10 is a reminder that technology, like our trusty cars, needs regular upkeep to stay in good shape. Planning ahead now will save you from headaches down the track.
Whether you’re ready to embrace Windows 11 or prefer to keep things as they are for now, being informed and prepared is key. And remember, if you ever need guidance, we’re a call away.
Wishing you a merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season. May it be filled with joy, laughter and, of course, smooth and hassle-free tech experiences.
Edin Read is founder and chief technician at Greyology Tech Support for Seniors. Visit greyology.com.au
Dive into your own rhythm
Ingenia Lifestyle Drift is a premium over-50s community located in Bargara, along the beautiful Fraser Coast. The community features a new bowling green, perfect for those who enjoy an active and social lifestyle. Residents will also enjoy a relaxed and vibrant environment with resort-style facilities and an oceanfront clubhouse to come.
Two and three-bedroom completed homes are now selling from $625,000*.
The health benefits of hydrotherapy
CAITLYN HUTH recommends diving into something new that will make you feel great.
Hydrotherapy serves as an effective method for exercise and treatment across various conditions.
The relief offered by the water and buoyancy makes it especially beneficial for reducing pain and promoting recovery after physical activity.
This approach can aid in managing chronic pain, enhancing cardiovascular health, improving metabolic conditioning and weight management, and addressing neurological issues. It also supports mental health and helps with inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.
There are numerous ways to engage in exercise in the pool, including swimming laps, performing rehab exercises or actions typically done on land, or even simply walking laps.
To know where to start, it may be best seeking the advice of an exercise specialist.
And similar to other modalities of exercise, it would
be wise to introduce movements, activities and intensities that are comfortable to manage, with slow progressions from there.
Hydrotherapy can often be provided in group classes such as aqua aerobics, making it the ideal environment to work towards your health and fitness goals, while nourishing social engagement with others’ support.
Do not overlook this
invigorating approach to fitness. Hydrotherapy caters to individuals of all skill levels, from seasoned athletes to beginners.
So, don your swimsuit, immerse yourself in the waves, and engage in a revitalising workout that rejuvenates your body and mind.
Caitlyn Huth is an exercise physiologist at Full Circle Wellness. Call 5456 1599 or visit fullcirclewellness.com.au
FIT HAPPENS with Tom Law
DO YOU still run, jog or attempt to? Well done, if you do, and if you can do so without further injury or incapacity, then that’s a bonus.
I like the song Run to Paradise by the Australian group The Choirboys. Although the song is apparently about misspent youth, I associate the tune with how good running can be for your health. Although I still jog from time to time, I have never really enjoyed it, but have always appreciated how good it has been for my health.
If you walk, swim, play tennis or any other form of exercise and you enjoy doing so, good for you. Enjoying the exercise is a great way to keep motivated.
The physical activity guidelines from the Australian Government Department of Health detail that we should accumulate 150 -300 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity or 75 -150 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week. This information applies to people aged 18-64.
Vigorous activity can mean activity that substantially raises the heart rate, takes effort and produces rapid breathing. Of course, many of us may not be able to meet the guidelines as set out, so we can only do the best we can. Movement of any sort is much better than nothing.
I have worked with people at most stages of life and the way they exercise and the intensity is directly related to their capability and motivation. If you have not yet found your preferred way to exercise safely, there is still time.
Gyms have plenty of older adult programs. Aged care and gated communities have exercise equipment and pools, and often yoga and Pilates classes are provided. Local government provides exercise programs –often free or for low cost.
Find your exercise paradise (but always check with your doctor first).
Tom Law is the author of health and exercise-related books. Visit facebook.com/tomslawtraining or call 0409 274 502.
The hidden signs of reflux
Could Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) be the cause of your chronic, unexplained cough?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common condition.
Silent reflux affects approximately 40 to 50% of patients who have GORD. It is referred to as ‘silent reflux’ because it does not present with the classic symptoms of reflux, being heartburn, lump in the throat and regurgitation.
Symptoms of silent reflux range from chronic cough, recurrent sore throats, loss of voice, persistent throat clearing, chest pain, choking, wheezing and shortness of breath.
When diagnosis and treatment are delayed, chronic GORD can increase the risk for serious health complications.
In recent years, X-Ray & Imaging partnered with Professor Hans Van der Wall and introduced the Gastroesophageal Reflux Test to the Sunshine Coast. The first of its kind, this patented nuclear medicine imaging technique precisely identifies contamination of reflux fluid throughout the head, throat, and chest.
“Many patients do not present with classic symptoms of GORD but are suffering from typical upper respiratory tract symptoms such
as chronic cough, dysphonia and globus. This is due to reflux fluid contaminating the maxillary sinuses, throat, middle ears and laryngopharynx. It may also contaminate the airways and lungs causing asthma-like symptoms, breathing difficulties, chronic cough and recurrent bronchitis or pneumonia. We frequently see patients with a diagnosis of “atypical asthma”, which often turns out to be GORD with entry of reflux into the airways”, says Professor Van der Wall.
Historically, GORD has been diagnosed using pH monitoring, fluoroscopy, or endoscopy.
So how does the Gastroesophageal Reflux Test differ to these tests?
Although PH Monitoring is 50-80% sensitive and 77–100% specific in the presence of heartburn & regurgitation, it is limited to oesophageal disease only, particularly the lower oesophagus. Endoscopy is effective as an anatomical diagnostic tool but has a poor sensitivity for GORD (less than 30%) and is limited to detecting reflux disease that is severe enough to damage the oesophagus.
Fluoroscopy or Barium Swallow is insensitive
and has a high radiation burden and only demonstrates oesophageal disease.
The Gastroesophageal Reflux Test is 90% sensitive and provides an effective, inexpensive, simple, and non-invasive screening
tool for reflux and lung aspiration, detecting contamination throughout the maxillary sinuses, throat, middle ears, laryngopharynx, airways and lungs. For more information visit xrayimaging.com.au/reflux-testing
Patient preparing to undergo Gastroesophageal Reflux Testing
How we’re polluting our minds
KAILAS ROBERTS reports on another risk factor in our modern-day world that is being associated with dementia.
In Australia, we are blessed in many ways, including the quality of the air we breathe every day.
Although we are a fully industrialised country, our air quality ranks among the highest in the world.
The importance of air quality is in some ways obvious. High levels of pollution are known to increase the risk of respiratory diseases and cancer, for instance, along with heart disease and strokes.
What is becoming increasingly clear, however, is that air pollution increases the risk of dementia. Such is the strength of the association that the recent Lancet Commission report into modifiable risk factors for dementia placed pollution among its list of 14.
Though it is a complicated topic, one of the types of pollution that seems to be of most concern is fine particulate matter.
This is also known as PM 2.5, denoting its size of 2.5 microns in diameter. To give you an indication of how small this is, the diameter of a strand of human hair is 50 to 70 microns.
So, we’re dealing with tiny particles –ones that are invisible to the naked eye.
The Global Burden of Disease Study goes so far as to say that outdoor PM 2.5 is the most important environmental risk factor for disease in Australia.
These pollutants are small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs and ultimately may end up in the brain, causing a cascade of inflammation and oxidative stress which damages and kills off nerve cells. The negative effects of these chemicals on our blood vessels may also explain the increased dementia risk.
Some research has also shown that certain chemicals in the fine particulate matter are found within amyloid plaques in the brain.
Amyloid is thought to have an initial protective effect on the brain and perhaps forms to contain these chemicals in some way. But ultimately, too much amyloid can lead to other processes which further damage the brain and lead to Alzheimer’s dementia.
There are many sources of air pollution, including agriculture, road and other traffic and the burning of coals. Perhaps of specific relevance to Australia, though, and especially as another scorching summer beckons, are wildfires.
It’s the silly season all-year round
CHARLIE GRIFFITHS encourages us to have a laugh and be a little absurd if you want to, at any time of the year.
Life’s short and full of seriousness. So, my advice is to be as silly as you can, as often as you can.
The silly season shouldn’t be confined to mid-December into January.
It should apply any time life is being a drag (showing my age here) and the moment needs to be lightened and the cycle broken.
I’m not encouraging foolhardiness or rampant stupidity. Risky behaviour can lead to physical harm or incarceration –neither of which will improve quality of life, and they reduce options.
Considering someone to be silly is judgmental. The person who says, “I wouldn’t be seen dead in that outfit” is really saying, “That outfit doesn’t reflect my personality”, but it may well suit the person who is wearing it, or at least the message or mood they are conveying. In fact, the knocker – simply by taking time to judge – is probably envious that they don’t have the courage to stand out and be noticed.
A person with a chronic condition is constantly being judged. Their appearance, behaviour or attitude is constantly under scrutiny by medical professionals, peers, friends
If you are doubtful of the link between wildfire smoke and the disorder, a study recently reported at a leading dementia conference might convince you otherwise.
This study evaluated more than a million people in southern California (another area of the world frequently beset by wildfires) over a decade and concluded that the risk of dementia from wildfire smoke was greater than the risk conferred by other sources of fine particulate matter.
Another study that supports the link between pollution and dementia is one from 2016. In this case, 6.6 million people living in Ontario, Canada, were examined and it was found that those living within 50m of a major road were seven per cent more likely to develop dementia than those living more than 300m away.
Now, of course, it is impossible to avoid all pollution (and it’s not easy for those
who live next to major highways to simply relocate) but there is some evidence that wearing certain face masks can reduce the exposure to PM 2.5.
Air-conditioning with a high-efficiency particulate air filter can also be helpful when there is air pollution outside of the home. Staying indoors when there is a risk of bushfire smoke inhalation also seems prudent if practical and safe.
It seems that impacts from the modern world (traffic and industrialisation) and time immemorial (bushfires have been around a long time!) can be detrimental and create another factor to consider when trying to optimise brain health.
Kailas Roberts is a psychogeriatrician and author of Mind Your Brain: The Essential Australian Guide to Dementia, available at bookstores and online. Visit yourbraininmind.com or uqp.com.au
and family. Caring family members can be the harshest judges since they don’t want to see their loved-one suffer physically, mentally or emotionally. They tend to be overprotective, stifling the sufferer and limiting their opportunities.
Often, the sufferer rebels and says or does things that offend the carer which, of course, is not in the best interest of either party.
The rebel may enter a marathon without preparing properly, showing disregard for their physical health.
They may invest in an ill-conceived business venture, placing their mental health in peril, or launch into an impulsive relationship with potentially serious emotional ramifications.
A less-preposterous response could be to travel abroad, buy a new sports car or catch up with an old flame. These actions will attract notice and garner comment but won’t innately cause harm, except in the case of a past romance that didn’t end well or either party is in a relationship. That could be dangerous.
Standing up for yourself or advocating for a cause is not silly, yet people will criticise if they don’t believe you are capable, or they don’t support the cause.
Stand up, be counted, wear a silly hat if you want to.
It’s your life – live it how you want, not how others think you should.
Spontaneous raucous laughter, particularly in a public setting such as a political rally, will turn heads and raise eyebrows. It mightn’t be preferred behaviour, but laughter is contagious.
When a politician makes an outrageous gaff, it’s difficult to hold it in, so let it out.
Others will catch on. Some may chuckle, some just smile, and others laugh along with you. Seriously, if it’s funny, laugh unapologetically.
Advice from over-caring family members, comments from detractors and dismissals from prejudiced individuals are often hilarious.
Unfounded, insensitive, ignorant views, although damaging and hurtful,
are laughable. Do it your way, get the results you want and laugh in their general direction.
So, you’ve done what you want despite gross discouragement, and you’ve had a good time doing it.
You’ve brought joy and inspiration to many of your family and associates.
You are a winner while your disparagers are either converted or left with pie on their faces.
Who’s silly now?
If this article resonates with you, comment at charliegriffithscoaching. com/contact
Charlie Griffiths is a certified life coach and Neuro Linguistic Programming practitioner dedicated to helping fellow professionals thrive with a chronic disease or serious injury.
Did you know? A home equity release loan allows over 55s to access the equity in their home - without needing to downsize or sell the property, enabling you to stay in your home and community.
what you can borrow with a free property estimate - visit inviva.com.au/yourtime
• Release equity from home or investment property
• No proof of income or regular repayments needed
• Funds for any purpose: renovations, travel, debt consolidation, monthly income and more
YOUR LOCAL EYE DOCTOR
Associate Professor
Kristopher Rallah-Baker
TREATMENTS AT A GLANCE
• Cataract Surgery
ker NCE
• General Ophthalmology
• Macular Degeneration
• Pterygium Surgery
TALENTED COMMUNITY
SENSATIONAL singers, dazzling dancers, charming comedians and more talented seniors have shared their skills with the Buderim community at Lutheran Services’ Immanuel Gardens Aged Care’s inaugural talent show.
Wrapping up Seniors Month celebrations, the Immanuel Gardens’ Got Talent Showcase invited residents, friends, families, community groups and local
EMBRACE SPIRIT OF GIVING
BUDERIM VIEW Club is calling on the community to embrace the festive season spirit of giving and help raise funds for The Smith Family’s Christmas Appeal.
The appeal ensures thousands of students experiencing disadvantage can be supported in their education in 2025.
The charity aims to raise $4.91 million nationally through the appeal, which will provide more than 11,700 children with access to critical learning and mentoring programs to help them stay engaged and motivated at school.
This includes programs such as student2student which pairs younger learners with young reading buddies, and after-school Learning Clubs where children receive support with their homework from trained volunteers.
Buderim VIEW Club president Antoinette says this work is more important than ever as families face the ongoing effect of cost-of-living increases.
VIEW clubs support more than 1785 students nationally on the charity’s flagship Learning for Life program.
Visit view.org.au or call Buderim vice-president Gail on 0414 950 949.
school students to take part or support the event on October 30.
Immanuel Gardens Aged Care lifestyle and creative programs officer Julie Emmerson says the event included an art display and stall with a variety of products from soaps to succulents, all created by the residents.
“We had a number of residents who put their hands up to perform, as well as staff members and students from Immanuel Lutheran College, and it was a truly memorable day,” she says.
Ms Emmerson says Immanuel Gardens Aged Care’s art and creative programs offer improved health and wellbeing opportunities for residents, with many of their pieces on show at the art display.
Avid artist and Immanuel Gardens resident Marjie Andrews, a former art teacher, continues her passion for painting in her retirement. “The scenery inspires me. That is what I wanted capture it in my paintings,” she says.
Call 1800 960 433 or go to lutheranservices.org.au
ADOPT A CUTE PAIR
MEET Captain and Willow, a six- yearold bonded brother-and-sister team.
They are currently in short-term foster care, but are seeking their forever home.
Very sweet but initially very timid, Captain and Willow snuggle up to each other but like their own space as well.
They are more suited to a home where they are the only pets.
Visit 4pawsanimalrescue.org.au and complete an adoption application if you can help.
HALLOWEEN FUN
MAROOCHYDORE VIEW Club members dressed up in costume and enjoyed lunch and an intimate audience with a guest speaker for Halloween (pictured).
The club sponsors 11 students as part of The Smith Family’s Learning for Life sponsorship program.
Members meet on the fourth Friday of each month at Maroochy Surf Club and also have a mid-month activity. New members and guests are always welcome.
Phone Claire on 0416 119 053 for more information or to book.
ENJOY SUNDAY EVENINGS AT HAVANA NIGHTS
HAVANA Nights Markets are back every 2nd and 4th Sunday afternoon at the Peregian Springs Pool from 4-8pm. The markets offer a selection of food and dessert options for an epic Sunday session.
Highlights include:
• performances from talented local artists, with the Pool Cafe running the bar and hosting the live music
• gourmet food and drinks from local vendors, offering a variety of options to satisfy all tastes
• artisan stalls with handmade items for gifts or personal treasures
• family-friendly activities that are fun for all ages.
The reimagined markets are free to attend. Visit facebook.com/ havananightsperegianspringsmarkets
INSPIRING ART EXHIBITION
U3A Sunshine Coast artist John Jones’s Coast to Courses exhibition showcases how retirement offers a chance to reinvent ourselves and keep learning.
Jones moved to the Coast in 2017. Now retired, he rekindled his life-long interest in art by completing an Advanced Diploma in Fine Arts. His collection aims to inspire other retirees to discover new creative possibilities. His artwork will be on display at the Maroochydore Library from December 19 to February 15.
LIGHTS ON THE LAKE
THE annual Lights on the Lake in Crummunda Park, Wurtulla, on the banks of Currimundi Lake, is on again on Sunday, December 8, from 4-8 pm.
Entertainment will run all afternoon and evening. Supervised children’s activities will be held from 4-6pm.
Santa will arrive from across the lake about 6pm before the water parade of kayaks and canoes, festooned with Christmas lights and decorations.
Register a parade entry in advance at form.jotform.com/220841223100840
HANDMADE ARTISAN CHRISTMAS MARKET
A VARIETY of stallholders with a selection of products will show their wares at the Golden Beach/Caloundra Handmade Boutique Market on Saturday, December 14, from 8am-1pm.
Food and coffee will be available, along with plenty of parking, plus outdoor and indoor (air-conditioned) stalls.
The market will be held at Caloundra Indoor Bowling Association at 55 Burke Street, Golden Beach.
FOR THE DIARY: December
HERE are some dates to keep in mind this month.
• December 1 Advent begins; first day of summer
• December 3 United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities
• December 4 National Hugging Day
• December 5 International Volunteer Day
• December 10 Human Rights Day
• December 18 International Migrants Day
• December 21 Gravy Day (in the tradition of Paul Kelly’s song How to Make Gravy)
• December 24 Christmas Eve
• December 25 Christmas Day
• December 26 Boxing Day
• December 31 New Year’s Eve.
Make the world’s easiest Christmas ham this year.
Serves 8 SWEET TOUCH TO CHRISTMAS HAM
Ingredients:
• ½ ham on the bone
• 150g ham glaze or a jar of marmalade
• 30 cloves
• 24 fresh, plump cherries.
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 170°C. Remove the outer skin of the ham and reserve (use this when storing ham to keep moist).
2. Using a sharp knife, score the fat into diamond shapes.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting tray and brush with the glaze.
4. Pour 1¼ cups of water into the roasting pan.
5. Bake the ham for 25 minutes until golden. Then, remove from the oven and set aside.
6. If there is liquid in the base of the pan, place this on the stove and reduce over a medium heat until syrupy. Pour that over the ham before serving.
Garnish with cherries before serving.
This recipe is from 4 Ingredients Christmas. Buy the cookbook from 4ingredients.com.au/products/4-ingredients-christmas2nd-edition Cost is $24 including free postage Australia-wide.
Julie Emmerson and Marjie Andrews
Moving forward from sleek sports model to modern SUV commuter
BRUCE McMAHON fondly remembers an Italian motoring brand heritage as he test drives the Tonale Hybrid Q4.
Alfa Romeos can be the most moving of machines, bringing joy to many a driver and tears to some.
Automotive legend Henry Ford in 1938 said: “Every time I see an Alfa Romeo pass by, I raise my hat.”
And there have been any number of Alfas to adulate since then – some perhaps more worthy of a tip of the hat than others.
Yet there remains (in dull drivers’ quarters) a sardonic attitude to these Italian sports cars, sedans and wagons.
Told that a 30-year-old Alfa 33 wagon was headed to Birdsville and beyond, one city chap remarked: “Game. I wouldn’t trust an Alfa to drive across town”.
Yet that unreconstructed, fourwheel-drive Alfa made Birdsville, Boulia up to Winton and back at good speed, with a blown head gasket the only failure (one well-overloaded 33 wagon in the pack made it better than halfway up the famed Big Red dune).
Well before then, a 1.8 litre Alfetta
was a beloved family sedan around here. Quick and comfortable, that was a very special tourer for back-country roads.
The motoring world has, in the main, moved on from twin-cam motors, five-speed manual transmissions and sporting heritages.
These days, there’s more focus on battery kilowatt hours and computeraided auto driving.
And so, on to the Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid Q4: a 21st century plug-in hybrid with hints of heritage in a compact SUV body.
And it is a handsome body. It can’t quite escape that ubiquitous, small SUV profile but the front end, with heartshaped grille and angry lights, has a premium style. And those elegant 20-inch alloy wheels are imposing.
It’s not a big car by any means and while drivers past the old 183cm (6’) mark can get comfortable enough behind the wheel, it’s hard to find the right spot to read all the read-outs – including road speed. Actually, all digital read-outs,
including how much fuel (petrol or electric) is available, are tricky to follow.
Yet the hybrid drivetrain for this Alfa Romeo is easy to understand: a 132kW, 1.3 litre turbocharged, four-cylinder engine with six-speed automatic transmission supplies the giddy-up for the front axle, with an electric motor with up to 90kW of power and 250Nm of torque supplying power to the rear axle.
It’s said that the car can run for up to 60km on electric power only.
What’s nice – almost Alfa-like – is the decent urge when the throttle’s opened wide in Dynamic drive mode. It can be a reasonably lively SUV, well-kitted and
quite the modern commuter.
Trouble is, the price tag starts around $77,500 for a pretty compact machine.
And while time and fashions change and most of us stick with the pace, it’s quite disconcerting to move off in an Alfa under silent electric power rather than the snap, crackle and rasp of Alfa Romeos such as the magical 147 GTA from the early 2000s.
And the chassis of this generic Tonale cannot match the character of older Alfa Romeos.
Today, there are other, often cheaper, hybrids which offer more driver involvement.
’ Tis the season for a lifestyle upgrade with the family’s blessing
By LESA MACPHERSON
This is the time of year when extended families get together and spend time with their loved ones.
It’s often a time for reflection on whether current accommodation is suitable, and whether a change is desirable.
Perhaps our cherished older relatives are not feeling as sprightly as they did last year or are isolated, and maybe the time has come for them to consider moving into a retirement village or even aged care to enjoy an improved lifestyle.
A decision to move into a retirement village is best done as a whole-of-family decision, with the involvement of the senior persons, as well as their supportive children (themselves often in their 50s or more).
Often, it is the children who first see that mum and dad/nanny and pa are only just managing, and a change from the home to a retirement village may be timely and beneficial.
These decisions are not easily made and can be quite sensitive to reflect on.
But over time, there is usually a
recognition that the house seems bigger, the maintenance workload greater, or even the lack of community and communication is becoming burdensome.
Retirement villages inevitably involve a downsizing of accommodation, but often an upsizing of community involvement through the new facilities.
In fact, some in the industry call it ‘right sizing’.
A move into a retirement village is a significant legal decision as well. The terms of retirement village contracts are complex, lengthy and onerous.
It is essential that the elderly persons, and their family, understand the ramifications of what they are signing and what it means to them down the track.
Generalist advice isn’t good enough. Also, we strongly encourage using a financial advisor.
Sunshine Coast Elder Law staff are experts in the area of retirement village and aged care contracts. Call 1800 961 622 or visit sunshinecoastelderlaw.com.au
DEBUNKING COMMON MYTHS ABOUT REVERSE MORTGAGES IN FUNDING YOUR RETIREMENT GOALS
REVERSE mortgages often carry a sense of mystery, leaving many unsure about how they could help.
For over-55s who own property, a reverse mortgage can often help fund a more comfortable retirement and relieve financial stress at this important time.
Inviva, a home equity release loan specialist, debunks some of the more common myths.
One widespread myth about these type of loans is that taking out a reverse mortgage means losing ownership of your home. This is not true. Just like with a traditional mortgage, you remain the owner, benefiting from any potential property appreciation and, if you live in the
home, you can stay as long as you need.
Another misconception is that reverse mortgages are only an option if your home is fully paid off. In reality, you can access one even with an existing mortgage, provided the funds from the reverse mortgage first pay off the existing loan.
“Many customers are also worried that a reverse mortgage could burden their children with debt. Thanks to the ’no negative equity guarantee’, you or your estate will never owe more than the property’s value, with any remaining proceeds going to you or your estate when the property is sold,” Inviva joint founder and CEO Andre Karney says.
“The fear of losing your home or being
forced to move is another common myth that is unfounded as well. As long as you meet loan requirements and maintain the home as your primary residence, you’re free to stay for life.”
Reverse mortgages are not limited to primary residences. Providers such as Inviva offer options for investment properties or holiday homes, unlocking equity to support future plans. So, reverse mortgages can be an effective way for many Australians to fund retirement goals. But they are not for everyone. It’s important to consider if this type of loan is right for you. Seek advice if you are unsure. Visit inviva.com.au/yourtime or call 1300 222 223.
HOW TO COPE WITH THE IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF NATURAL DISASTER
Fires, floods, storms and cyclones are part of Australian life. HELEN BAKER outlines a simple disaster checklist.
FIRST and foremost, should disaster strike, ensure that everyone is out of harm’s way. Once safe, the following checklist will help you begin recovering from Mother Nature’s wrath while minimising any financial losses.
1. Compile identification. Gather all the identity documents you have – being able to prove who you are and where you live will streamline access to disaster assistance and the rebuilding of your life and livelihood. Ideally, include:
• photo ID – driver’s licences and passports
• bank details – for accessing cash and receiving financial assistance deposits
• medical information and medications, their dosage and the prescribing doctor
• photos of assets and any proof of purchase
• leases.
2. Check your list. Sadly, the speed with which disasters unfold can mean most or all your identification documents are lost
– along with everything else you own. This is where a back-up list of key contacts and logins is useful. Save it in a special place – online and with relatives. Your list should include names, contacts
and reference numbers for your:
• general insurance broker – their help will be invaluable to lodge and track claims
• utilities – contact companies about restoring connections, cancelling services to a destroyed property and accessing disaster relief. They can also help verify your identity and address if all your documentation has been lost
• advisers, who have your relevant records on file. Your financial adviser will have your superannuation details, investment records, your personal insurance details (life, trauma, income protection cover), possibly even your Centrelink details. Your accountant will have tax, company and trust records, bank account numbers and your tax file number
• family, friends and neighbours. If your phone is lost, so, too, is your means of contacting them in an emergency.
3. Seek help. Don’t let pride stand in the way of valuable support. Help is available:
• disaster assistance comes in various forms, including emergency cash grants
• charities offer food, clothing, shelter and personal supplies for evacuees and those whose homes have been lost
• the State Emergency Service offers practical support (such as flood rescues and removing fallen trees)
• talk to your bank if you have a mortgage, landlord/agent if you are renting, or local council if you are a ratepayer – to access disaster relief such as paused payments
• if your health has suffered, including mental health, you may have a claim on your personal insurances.
4. Lodge claims ASAP. Insurance claims can take time to process – especially when a large-scale disaster means many people are submitting claims. It pays to lodge your claims as soon as possible. Photos of the damage and documentation from official disaster assessment teams will help. Depending on the impacts and your policies, claims may cover:
• property and contents loss/damage
• vehicle loss/damage
• health cover for any injuries
• lost income
• business interruption.
Some policies include emergency accommodation or transport.
5. Avoid debt blowouts. Relying on your credit card to pay for essentials, repairs and
income gaps while awaiting insurance payouts can create a nasty debt hangover that adds to your woes.
Where possible, reshuffle your affairs to ensure you can:
• access your emergency fund or savings account (which you can top up again once you’re back on your feet)
• sell surviving assets
• use cheaper temporary accommodation (caravans, tiny homes, staying with friends) instead of a hotel or renting
• spend points (frequent flyer, loyalty) and gift cards to conserve cash
• cancel/pause unnecessary subscriptions and direct debits.
6. Protect what’s most important. Have an evacuation plan. Keep insurances and other protections updated. Know what you need to pack in a hurry. Everything else can be replaced.
Helen Baker is a licensed Australian financial adviser and author of the book, On Your Own Two Feet: The Essential Guide to Financial Independence for all Women. Visit onyourowntwofeet.com.au
Disclaimer: The information in these articles is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal financial or product advice. Any opinions or views expressed are those of the authors and do not represent those of this publication, or people, institutions or organisations they may be associated with in a professional or personal capacity unless explicitly stated.
THOUSANDS
THE festive season can be a special time for people to come together. And for those who are single, it presents the opportunity to meet that special someone at end-of-year get-togethers and parties.
Elizabeth Jane is a respected wellbeing and mindfulness keynote speaker, relationships coach and author of Amazon best-seller Free and First – Unlocking Your Ultimate Life. She says these types of celebrations can open the door to meeting someone new and to start afresh. However, it is important to put yourself in the right headspace first to attract the right person.
Jane experienced a sudden and traumatic divorce after 25 years of marriage. During her difficult and lifechanging journey of rebuilding her life and finding her new path, she journaled the process, translating her insights and learnings into a self-help book.
Jane now speaks all over the world and shares her insights and tools on how to survive and overcome difficult and challenging life experiences, as well as how to find joy and rediscover yourself.
SOWING THE SEEDS OF SUCCESS IN COMMUNITY
THROUGHOUT retiree Marg’s childhood, many days were spent in her family garden, helping her father to keep it looking fresh and beautiful.
While most children would opt for play
that you are not going to tolerate any verbal, emotional or physical mistreatment.”
Practise gratitude – “Gratitude shifts your mindset and attracts positive experiences and people. By focusing on the good in your life, you naturally lift your energy, making you more attractive to those who resonate with a similar vibe.”
She outlines ways to elevate your vibe and attract someone special.
Embrace the festive spirit – “Get involved in festive activities, such as attending holiday parties, community events or volunteering. Being present in joyful environments naturally increases your vibe and opens opportunities to meet like-minded people.”
Cultivate self-confidence – “Wear outfits that make you feel great, practise positive self-talk and focus on activities that bring you joy and fulfilment. When you feel good about yourself, you project an inviting and positive energy. Most importantly, this higher energy reinforces
over work, gardening quickly became her favourite hobby, with one of her most cherished memories being the smell of fresh lawn cuttings after her dad finished mowing. Gardening has been a constant for Marg throughout her life, with the Seasons resident becoming one of the inaugural members of the retirement community’s Gardening Club.
The devoted group of resident green thumbs have met every week for the past two years, to give the on-site gardens some extra love.
They have completely revitalised the community in the process.
In addition to the joy their work brings other residents of Seasons and their visitors, studies show the act of gardening itself provides remarkable health benefits.
The National Institute of Health reports that gardening improves the self-esteem, fulfilment and fitness of seniors, while
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Be open to new experiences – “Stepping out of your comfort zone and being open to new opportunities can lead to exciting connections. Attend events or gatherings you might not usually consider or try a new hobby or class.”
Stay authentic – “Authenticity attracts the right kind of people who appreciate you for who you are. Be yourself and let your genuine personality shine through.”
Focus on positive intentions – “By focusing on positive intentions, you align your energy with what you truly want. Visualise yourself meeting someone who shares your values and keep an optimistic mindset about love and connections.”
Take care of your wellbeing – “Self-care plays a big role in lifting your vibe. Prioritise rest, eat well and stay active to maintain your physical and emotional health. A balanced and happy mindset not only boosts your energy but also makes you
joining a gardening club increases social connectedness, a sense of belonging and productivity.
“It’s so relaxing being out in the garden, but you also get to meet nice, friendly people and make new friends through the club, which is really important at my age,” Marg says.
Another founding member of the club is resident Jacqui, who was taught everything she knows about gardening by her mother-in-law.
The retiree says looking after her own garden became an enjoyable experience she would share with her husband – with the most satisfying part of the process being when the carnations bloomed.
And when it comes to growing the perfect garden, Jacqui says it all comes down to love.
“Nurture your garden, treat your garden with respect and thank it every
more approachable and radiant. Additionally, finding ‘me time’ allows you to reflect on what your needs and values are and what is important to you in relation to a partnership.”
Engage with others in a meaningful way – “Rather than just attending events to meet someone, focus on genuine interactions with people you encounter. Showing interest in others and being present in the moment creates a positive, approachable energy.”
Surround yourself with positive people – “Positive energy is contagious, and being around supportive people will naturally raise your vibe, making it easier to attract a healthy, fulfilling relationship.”
Let go of past baggage – “It is important not to keep stirring up old relationship wounds. Understand and learn the lessons from failed relationships and let go of heavy emotions such as judgment, grudges, blame, anger and the victim mentality which only serve to keep your vibe low.”
Let go of pressure – “The festive season can bring pressure to meet someone or be in a relationship but try to let go of those expectations. Relax, have fun and enjoy the moment.”
Visit elizabethjane.com.au
single day,” she says.
The Garden Club members also sell their beautiful homegrown plants at the Seasons markets.
The club and markets are part of the Seasons Lifestyle Calendar.
For more information, visit seasonsliving.com.au
Marg
Jacqui
Elizabeth Jane
A WORLD War II veteran who served on the Kokoda Track has celebrated his 103rd birthday, and been hailed for his contribution.
Kawana Waters RSL Sub Branch member Adrian Nall marked the occasion at an event with family and friends.
Christopher Mullins says his grandfather served as a signals officer and lieutenant with the 55th Battalion and 55/53 Battalion in Papua New Guinea during World War II. He was part of Australia’s Armed Forces which defended bravely against the Japanese Imperial Force along the Kokoda Track.
“He basically spent most of his time on the Kokoda Track for a few years before being medically discharged to Townsville,” Mr Mullins says.
During his teenage years and most of his adult life, Mr Nall lived in and around Sydney but later moved up to the Sunshine Coast, where he has been living for more than 40 years. He resides at the Arcare Aged Care facility at Birtinya, where the birthday celebration was held.
Kawana Waters RSL Sub Branch deputy president Gary Penney, RSL
A HAIRDRESSER’S JOURNEY FROM LONDON TO COAST
NEIL Harvey had always wanted to be a hairdresser and to travel.
His school in Cambridgeshire, about 100km north of London, had invited a high-profile British hairdresser to talk with students about careers in hairdressing. And when Neil finished high school in 1974, that hairdresser offered him an apprenticeship.
Neil completed his training and opened his own salon in London. With his affable nature and expertise, business grew quickly and he employed a large staff. But it was becoming timeconsuming and stressful.
It’s a long journey by ship from the UK to Queensland but when Neil became the resident hair stylist aboard some of the world’s best-known cruise ships –QE2, Canberra and Oriana, and the Italian cruise lines – he had time to dream of a future for himself, his wife and their family. He had cruised into Brisbane a few times and was keen to consider the opportunities of moving Down Under.
Neil’s shipboard dreams of owning
Queensland deputy president Wendy Taylor, federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace and Brigadier Richard Pearce from 11 Brigade were also in attendance. Mr Penney says it was a privilege to be a part of the celebration.
“To honour a veteran that served so long ago and in such a terrible area such as Kokoda is just incredible,” he says.
“He is a very special person who wears his medals every day. He is so proud of his service.”
Mr Nall’s grandson, daughter and stepdaughter spoke to his enduring legacy, generous nature and the humbling experience it was to have so many people attend this special milestone for him. and running a small hairdressing salon on the beach with no employees were realised when he found a vacant hairdresser’s shop on David Low Way in Marcoola.
“Was it a risk?” he wondered. The two previous owners had lasted just six months each. Neil recalled his own apprenticeship where he was noted for his friendly enthusiasm and easy-going attitude and, using this for motivation, he opened the salon again and soon built up a regular clientele. Surf Hair is a play on the name ‘Surfair’: the first resort in Marcoola in the early 1970s.
The salon is smack-bang in the middle of Marcoola’s holiday resorts and it’s across the road from Surfair. Resort guests made up about 20 per cent of the salon’s customers. Neil also signed up his daughter Charlotte as an apprentice – a job she loves and undertakes with the same family enthusiasm.
But heading towards 50 years in the cut, colour and curl business, Neil has called full-time on his tenure at Surf Hair.
Charlotte became a mother in 2021 and again early in 2024. So, her commitments, plus the increasing cost of rent and power, made Neil’s decision to join the work-from-home brigade easy.
The last day for Surf Hair salon was October 31. Surf Hair has now moved to a private, appointment-only premises in Yaroomba. Connect with Neil and Charlotte via facebook.com/ surfhairmarcoola. You’ll find Neil most mornings running along the beach and surfing anywhere between Yaroomba and Mudjimba, sans scissors and comb.
INDUSTRY EXPERTS
LEGAL
It’s about time …
I noted with interest the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced penalty proceedings against the Construction and Building Unions Superannuation Fund (CBUS).
ASIC alleges CBUS failed to act efficiently when CBUS handled claims being made for Death Benefits.
ASIC asserts CBUS failed its members at their most vulnerable time.
I certainly agree delays in family members being able to receive Death Benefits following the loss of a loved one causes significant distress.
A Trustee of a Superannuation Fund has an obligation to pay a member’s entitlements as soon as practicable after their death.
The ASIC proceedings highlight the importance of making sure you have, as part of your estate plan, arrangements with respect to your superannuation in place.
Typically, a member can give a direction to the Trustee through a Binding Death Benefit Nomination (‘BDBN’) as to how their Death Benefits are to be paid.
If you don’t have a BDBN in place, the payment of your Death Benefit is left to the discretion of the Trustee.
By leaving matters to the discretion of a Trustee, you can significantly delay the payment of your Death Benefit.
A BDBN removes the Trustee’s discretion and gives certainty as to whom benefits are to be paid.
WORDS: Peter Finch.
COSMETIC
Cosmetic tattooing gives nature a hand
As we age, our facial structure changes. Our eyebrows thin, eyelashes start to lose colour and the ease of applying eyeliner becomes more difficult.
Eyebrows start to look sparse due to the natural decline of testosterone (in men) and estrogen (in women) that begins in the 40s. Both of these hormones affect the hairgrowth cycle and the structure of the hair follicles.
Whether you have patchy and thin natural eyebrows, or want to reduce your morning makeup routine, or simply seek to enhance your natural, beautiful features, cosmetic eyebrow tattoos and eyeliner may be the solution you need.
With more than seven years of experience and knowledge in eyebrow and eyeliner tattooing, Signature Cosmetic & Beauty owner Sam Holmes believes that everyone is unique and that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to cosmetic tattooing.
The clinic offers a bespoke service where your brows are designed around your individual facial features and skin tone. Known for her natural tattoo style, Sam was one of the first on the Sunshine Coast to offer the ‘combination’ brow technique.
It is her most-popular eyebrow style and is suited to everyone.
Christopher Mullins and his grandfather Adrian Nall
IF YOU’VE ever found yourself waking up but feeling more tired than when you went to bed, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy might be the key to finally achieving restful sleep.
For many older adults, sleep apnea — a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep — goes undiagnosed, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.
CPAP Direct staff are dedicated to making your journey to better sleep as simple and effective as possible.
Sleep apnea can lead to a variety of health challenges, from high blood pressure to cardiovascular issues, especially as we age.
CPAP machines work by gently pushing a steady flow of air through a mask to keep your airways open, helping you breathe continuously through the night. This results in fewer interruptions to your sleep cycle, which means deeper, more restorative rest.
Finding the right CPAP machine and mask are key to a
comfortable experience.
With CPAP Direct, you’re not just choosing a machine, you’re choosing a team dedicated to your comfort and results.
The team offers a wide selection of CPAP devices from top brands such as ResMed, Fisher & Paykel and SmartMed. Each machine provides advanced features tailored to your lifestyle, whether you’re at home or on the go.
Your choice of mask also makes a big difference.
Full-face masks are great for those who breathe through their mouth or have nasal congestion, while nasal masks and pillows provide a lighter, more minimal feel.
The CPAP Direct team can
guide you through selecting the right model and fit for your needs.
The benefits of CPAP therapy reach far beyond simply getting more sleep.
Consistent, quality rest can improve focus, reduce daytime sleepiness and help you feel more energetic.
Many people report feeling sharper and more engaged after a week or two of CPAP therapy, with some even noticing improvements in their blood pressure and general wellness.
Starting such therapy might feel overwhelming, but CPAP Direct’s team is committed to making it as easy and seamless as possible.
Visit cpap.com.au or call 1300 133 298.
THE BreastScreen Queensland team is bringing its free mobile screening service to the Beerwah Community Centre from now until December 20.
“Our mobile service visits Beerwah every year, so there will be many women from this area who will be receiving a reminder from us to have their two-yearly breast screen,”
BreastScreen Sunshine Coast health promotion officer Kelly Hart says.
BreastScreen Queensland offers free breast screening to women aged 40 and over.
“Appointments are really quick – generally around 20 minutes, and you don’t need a doctor’s referral,” Ms Hart says.
Women aged 50-74 are encouraged to have a breast screen every two years.
Studies show that this age group benefits the most from regular screening.
A breast screen can find very small cancers that can’t be seen or felt by a woman or her doctor.
“Finding breast cancer early is really important,” Ms Hart
says. “Early detection means greater treatment options for women and better outcomes from those treatments.”
To make a booking at the mobile service at Beerwah, visit the BreastScreen website or call 13 20 50.
Appointments are available from 7.20am.
Free screening is also available at Caloundra, Gympie, Maroochydore, Nambour and Noosaville all-year round.
THE FACTS:
• 75 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer are over 50. Younger women do get breast cancer, but the risk of breast cancer increases dramatically after the age of 50
• nine-out-of-10 women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. While females with a family history of breast cancer are more at risk, most women diagnosed have no family history of the disease at all • a breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early, well before you or your doctor can feel any lump.
Merv Hughes, Aussie cricket legend
DENTAL IMPLANTS CAN BE USED AS A PERMANENT TOOTH LOSS SOLUTION
DON’T put up with poor teeth or dentures any longer.
Reclaim the ability to eat, chew and smile with confidence, knowing that your smile is restored long term.
Dental implants look, feel and function just like a natural tooth.
They are small titanium screws inserted directly into your jaw at the site of tooth loss.
These are most often placed during the same procedure as the tooth removal. They may then be left for three to six months to allow the implant to fuse with the bone to create a strong and functional support.
Once this is complete, your prosthodontist or restorative dentist will construct implantsupported removable dentures, dental crowns or bridges to complete the treatment.
If all your teeth are lost or require removal, full arch bridges can be constructed with temporaries inserted
WELCOME TO WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS
EMBRACE midweek
within a day of your teeth being removed.
Suncoast Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) staff want to provide you with the best results possible. The highest-quality implants and surgical techniques available are used. And with Dr Ian Wilson, many procedures associated
mindfulness at Wellness Wednesdays – a chance to relax, rejuvenate and opt for healthy living in the heart of the new Maroochydore City Centre.
with dental implants may be claimable through Medicare.
Dr Wilson is one of the most experienced surgeons in this field on the Sunshine Coast.
Call Suncoast OMS on 5452 5146 to make a consultation with Dr Ian Wilson to discuss your dental implant requirements.
Wellness Wednesdays initially will offer free group stretch and mobility sessions, from 7-8am each Wednesday, in conjunction with FlowSt8 Studios.
This event will offer a range of health-focused activities, from yoga and meditation sessions to wellness workshops and healthy food options.
Whether you’re looking to start your day with a stretch, learn more about mindfulness,
or enjoy a nutritious snack, this is the ideal midweek reset.
Roll out your mat, take a moment to stretch out on the grass, and invest in your mental and physical wellbeing.
The Met (The Metropolitan) is the popular Maroochydore City Centre green space. It is located right below the new City Hall, on the corner of First Avenue and South Sea Islander Way, Maroochydore.
To keep updated on upcoming events at The Met, visit mccmetropolitan.com.au/ whats-on/events/ and follow The Met – Maroochydore on socials. All activities at The Met are free and open to the community.
Dr Ian Wilson in surgery
JOIN the Sunshine Coast Symphony Orchestra for a magical evening filled with your favourite movie music.
Get your pulse racing with cinematic pieces from Gladiator, Pirates of The Caribbean, Star Wars and Jaws, and be swept away on romantic adventures with the music from Emma and Romeo and Juliet Reminisce to the classic tunes from Pink Panther, ET and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Shed a tear with the achingly beautiful themes from The Mission and Schindler’s List, and tap your feet to the latin grooves of Mambo from Westside Story
WHEN: Saturday, December 7, at 7pm.
WHERE: The Events Centre Concert Hall, 20 Minchinton Street, Caloundra.
TICKETS: Adults $49, concession $39, children (2-17 years) $14. To book, call 5491 4240 or visit theeventscentre.com.au or sunshinecoastsymphonyorchestra.com
COOLUM Theatre Players Inc. will bring some Dolly Parton memories back into your life when they take 9 To 5 to the stage. Based on the 20th Century Fox picture, the musical was originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt in April 2009.
WHERE: Coolum Civic Centre, 2-4 Park Street, Coolum Beach.
WHEN: The production continues on Saturday, December 7, at 7.30pm, and Sunday, December 8, at 2pm.
TICKETS: Adults $35, concessions $33 and members $30. BYO nibbles and drinks. The room is set up with tables of eight. Book at coolumtheatre.com.au
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS
GET into the festive spirit at the CCTC Theatre with the Caloundra Chorale singing your favourite, timeless Christmas carols and other arrangements. Conducted by Kim Kirkman, the chorale will be joined by its young singers, The Next Generation. WHERE: CCTC Theatre, 3 Piringa Street, Wurtulla.
WHEN: Wednesday, December 4, and Friday, December 6, at 7.30pm; Saturday, December 7, and Sunday, December 8, at 2pm.
TICKETS: Adults $28, concessions $26, groups, members and Friends of the Chorale $23, children $10. Go to trybooking. com/CVKJH or call 0490 329 912.
GATHER loved ones to farewell 2024 and welcome in the new year with a familyfriendly celebration in Mooloolaba.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli says the council is hosting a free community event from 5-10pm along Mooloolaba Esplanade.
“You’ll find a range of family-friendly festivities, leading up to the muchanticipated 8.30pm fireworks display,” Mayor Natoli says.
“The Esplanade will come alive with roving entertainment and face painting for the kids, food trucks and markets, and getting there will be a breeze with a range of active and public transport options.
“As usual, community safety is our priority, so to ensure everyone has an enjoyable evening, this is strictly an alcohol-, drug- and glass-free event.
“Queensland Police will be on site and event partners will be on deck to make this an enjoyable celebration for everyone.
“We’re expecting more than 30,000 people will celebrate New Year’s Eve in Mooloolaba this year, so we encourage attendees to use active and public transport.
“If you’d prefer to escape the crowds, and still want to enjoy the fireworks, you’re in luck.
“Fireworks will be bigger this year, meaning you’ll see them from Cotton Tree in the north to La Balsa in the south.
“You’ll also find fireworks displays at Coolum and Caloundra at 8.30pm as well as a range of local events across the region, funded through council’s Festive and Commemorative Events grants program.”
For more details, visit events. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
The council will not be hosting midnight fireworks at any Sunshine Coast location.
To help shape future festive season celebrations, residents are encouraged to provide feedback on our Have Your Say website.
Shillings, Six Pences, Three
JEWELLERY
Walking tour South Australia MURRAY RIVER
postcard where PS Industry hugs the banks. A long-retired snag remover from her early-1900s heyday, she also helped with the construction of the Murray’s locks, weirs and barrages.
fter the 2022 floods, there was clutch after clutch of chicks. It was like Mother Nature flicked her switch to turbo,” says our guide, Cathy.
“Here in the anabranch of Ral Ral Creek. we’re in prime wetland territory – a rich, native fish habitat and a highway for migratory birds,” she adds, scanning the sky.
“Oh, spot the Australasian darter bird, just flying over the nesting spoonbill.”
Our tender tilts.
So captivating is the continual narrative and so engaging are the sights and sounds, it’s like a moving ‘school of the river’.
You’d think we were environmental
Renmark’s riverfront went from riches to rags during the last major flood. But now suited and booted in newly sewn blooms and walkways, the foreshore today also comes planted with picnicking families and dog-walkers lapping up Riverland life as if it were a film set.
“Of course, we are now in the age of recreation and tourism, but back in 1830, the Murray River was a completely different scene,” Cathy says.
“When Charles Sturt was commissioned to check out the inland rivers, he set off from Sydney for Gundagai Station with bullock and dray, and a whaleboat in pieces. Reaching the Murrumbidgee River, he and his men began rowing.”
However, after failing to find the ship they hoped to meet at the Murray Mouth, they turned back, rowing upstream.
of colours curated by nature, in an outback setting trilling with birdsong.
Oxbow creeks tuck beneath blankets of miniature-leafed azolla fern. Mature box trees perch on higher terraces, looking down on river red gums admiring their own reflections in limpid lagoons. And mosses and lichens sculpt morning dew into webs of glassy beads.
From bark-carved canoes and retired steamships to sensory walks and talks, MARIE BARBIERI has encounters of the woodland and waterway kind on and around the Murray River.
science students out on a field trip or conservationists on a research expedition. But this is no school or university course.
Highly lauded, multi awardwinning Murray River Trails is South Australia’s quintessential Riverland ecotourism operator.
A member of Great Walks of Australia and Australian Wildlife Journeys, its passionate nature guides lead immersive, unrushed wanderings on every four-day Murray River Walk, with a solar-powered houseboat to boot.
Continually refreshed, the itinerary can change as quickly as the river.
Launching from the town of Renmark is like zooming out from a yesteryear
“They travelled a total journey of more than 2900km over 77 days,” Cathy reports.
Luckily for recreationists, we simply sit back and cruise to the beginning of our guided hikes, absorbing the majesty, tranquillity and ecology that this ancient waterway so marvellously showcases.
River deep, rampart high.
Our days blend into an artistic palette
Commonly seen in this Riverland Ramsar Wetland and between the Mallee and valley are white-necked herons, pink-eared ducks, straw-necked ibis and banded stilts, where they sip, feed, frolic and breed.
Forest ambles allow sharp eyes to clock chestnut-rumped thornbills and white-browed babblers.
Along the river itself, cormorants flaunt their drying wings beneath blue skies flecked with yellow rosellas and red-rumped parrots. We marvel at acrobatic welcome swallows and ogle at dragonflies preparing to mate. And pelicans illuminate the trees like black and white lanterns.
Lesser-trodden trails skirt us around river mussel-shell middens.
We find a picturesque Aboriginal ring tree that forms a natural window onto distant cliffs.
We hear how the original owners of the land would fashion bark into raft-like canoes.
IMAGES: MARIE BARBIERI
Clifftop clambering
Pelicans illuminating the trees
The iconic cliffs of the Murray River
Using rocks to carve and hammer, they’d work together, making it a family celebration.
“Bark would be positioned in such a way so that as it dried out, it curled to a specific degree,” Monica says.
“It was a fine art.”
Then comes that sweet siren.
“Let’s have morning tea here,” she calls. “Pull up a log.”
Sofas of the fallen trunk kind become our temporary tearoom where homemade cakes with tea and coffee magically appear from a backpack.
Other rambles reveal temporary, ever-changing landscapes.
“This brand-new sandbar emerged during the floods,” Cathy says.
“The pop-up beach is a great rest stop for rowers and kayakers.”
And now, strippers! With hiking gear (and modesty) thrown to the wind, in we slip for a languid loll. And a yarn.
Cathy grew up on the river.
“The willows we see are introduced,” she begins.
“In the 1990s, there was a concerted effort to get rid of them. It failed.
“But as kids, they were wonderful to play in.”
Nostalgia strokes her face as she wallows on her back.
A sunrise climb to Headings Cliff proves chilly, but ripe with petrichor
from overnight rain. As we ascend its cool, misty sandhills, the Murray’s blissful blur of baby blue hues is revealed.
Orange-tinged hoodoos appear like shadow puppets performing a tableau until the navy sky above them becomes airbrushed with high-cirrus clouds.
Now revealing its true colours, towers of millennia-old cliffs provide an MRI-like window into the Murray’s layers of time.
Its nutrient-rich topsoil, the youngest layer, is why citrus fruit, avocados, olives and almonds are prize crops.
“The darker red and green layers are courtesy of ancient Lake Bungunnia: a freshwater lake from 700,000 years ago that left behind a sediment known as Blanchetown clay,” Monica says.
She explains how the yellow Karoonda clay at the base of the cliff dates 2.3 million years. Such timelines bend the brain.
RIVERBOAT AFLOAT
Hiking days are rewarded by lazy nights luxuriating on High River, the familyowned company’s houseboat.
Chef-designed meals of sous-vide kangaroo fillet, Murray Cod chowder and lemon myrtle-marinated duck are menu highlights.
Dishes come marinated in Andrew Fielke bush spices, deftly paired with Riverland wines until we bed down in bright white ensuite bedrooms.
When we wake to scrambled eggs dressed in the saltbush leaves that we foraged for the day before, we understand forest-to-plate breakfasting.
Our journey culminates at historic Wilkadene Woolshed Brewery. The restaurant is backed by mural-painted shearing sheds and fronted by mature gums raucous with corellas.
Riverside tables echo with chatter, over Bunyip Reach lamb cutlets and kale fritters barbecued by our very own guides. It’s like a family lunch at home.
Be it the native trees, the effervescent birdlife, the timeless striated cliffs, or the produce plated up before you, a journey with Murray River Trails changes you inside.
Visit murrayrivertrails.com.au
SEYDISFJORDUR, in the Eastern Fjords of Iceland, is one of the prettiest ports in all the Nordic countries. Easy hiking along the ridge overlooking the little fishing village is the best way to soak up the epic scenery, while a stroll through the streets brings visitors up close with familiar movie locations such as the blue church, Hotel Aldan and nearby highway for skateboarding scenes, from the quirky film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
High River at its mooring
STEP into a world of elegance, adventure and discovery with Cunard’s illustrious fleet of ‘queens’.
These four regal ships – Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and the newly debuted Queen Anne – each bring their own unique flair to your holiday.
Together, they create a journey to some of the most beautiful corners of the globe.
Begin in the charming maritime city of Southampton: the historic gateway to countless seafaring adventures. Soon, you’ll step aboard the newest jewel in Cunard’s crown, Queen Anne With her blend of contemporary luxury and classic sophistication, Queen Anne will whisk you away to the majestic Norwegian fjords. Picture gliding through glassy waters flanked by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. A stunning feast for the senses.
The second queen that you will be embarking on is Queen Victoria: a ship as graceful as her name suggests. Cruise through the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean, uncovering hidden treasures such as Palma de Mallorca’s Gothic charm and Cádiz’s historic allure. Each port offers its own unique experiences, from exploring ancient castles to wandering cobbled streets and markets.
As the journey unfolds, it’s time to board the legendary Queen Mary 2: the last true ocean liner of her kind. A transatlantic crossing on this ship is not
CRAVING a memorable Australian adventure in comfort and style?
just a voyage, it’s a step back in time to the golden age of travel. Your destination is the electrifying city of New York, where the skyline beckons and dreams come alive. Soak up the lights of Broadway, stroll through Central Park and lose yourself in the energy of the ‘Big Apple’.
After embracing New York’s magic, head to Miami, where you’ll board Queen Elizabeth for a journey to the sun-drenched Caribbean. Picture yourself lounging on pristine beaches, exploring local cultures and soaking in the beauty of these idyllic islands.
With Imagine Holidays, enjoy once-ina-lifetime adventures in some of the world’s most spectacular places. These holidays go beyond standard tours, immersing you in local culture and placing you in the heart of a destination. Plus, enjoy the added bonus of included flights. Contact your local Travellers Choice agent and discover the Imagine Holidays collection. Visit travellerschoice.com.au
Coolum Tours and Travel invites you to explore some of Australia’s most breathtaking landscapes with expertly curated tours departing from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. The exciting tour line-up for 2025 brings the best of Australia right to you.
Whether you’re drawn to the lush landscapes of Queensland or looking for rugged, Outback exploration, there’s something for every traveller.
• O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat – Begin 2025 with an extraordinary four-day escape to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. Dive into the serenity of magnificent rainforests, witness wildlife in their natural habitats and enjoy three nights of luxurious accommodations, complete with gourmet meals in a beautiful dining room setting.
• Carnarvon Gorge and Wallaroo Station – Nothing can compare to the expanse and natural beauty of the Carnarvon region of southern inland Queensland. The Carnarvon Gorge and Wallaroo Station Tour visits Outback museums, discovers the Moss Garden with its sandstone walls and crystal-clear waters, and spends a day in the Arcadia Valley. With seven days to this tour, there is plenty of time to soak in this scenic
natural gem.
• The South Burnett – Enter another world where history and nature collide. This four-day escape captures the Bunya Mountains, Darling Downs and the Southeast Queensland corner, uncovering the history and panoramic scenery of the region and introducing you to some of the lesser-known beauty spots and the heritage of this pioneer country.
• Norfolk Island – Be immersed in the warm embrace of local living and discover the rich heritage of the landscape. Steep clifftops and patches of subtropical rainforest are set among convict ruins and Norfolk pines.
You’ll travel with like-minded explorers who enjoy hassle-free journeys and memorable experiences.
The tours foster a sense of community, making each trip an opportunity to meet new friends and share Australia’s wonders together.
The air-conditioned, luxury coaches are crafted for comfort.
They feature generous seating and ample legroom, easy-access boarding, onboard restroom facilities and expansive panoramic windows that are ideal for soaking up the views that keep rolling on.
Visit cttravel.com.au or call 5391 1648.
FEBRUARY 2025
Border Ranges / Lions Road / Scenic Rim (3 Days)
Brisbane - Mystery - 2 nights - (3 Days)
MARCH 2025
O’Reillys (4 Days)
Carnarvon & Wallaroo #1 (8 Days)
South Burnett - Darling Downs (4 Days)
APRIL 2025
Norfolk Island (8 Days)
Alpine High Country to Murray Delta (12 Days)
Easter on the Gold Coast (4 Days)
MAY 2025
Red Centre to Top End (18 Days)
JUNE 2025
South-West Queensland Outback Loop (12 Days)
Lightning Ridge (7 Days)
JULY 2025
Carnarvon & Wallaroo #2 (8 Days)
Christmas in July - Mystery location (3 Days)
AUGUST 2025
North Queensland Savannah (12 Days)
SEPTEMBER 2025
Fraser Island Whale Watch (4 Days)
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (4 Days)
Flinders Ranges (11 Days)
OCTOBER 2025
Murray Princess & Kangaroo Island (11 Days)
NOVEMBER 2025
O’Reillys (4 Days)
Mallorca
Wonders of the Murray River & Kangaroo Island Tour
Luxury Mediterranean Cunard Vo ge, Duo of Italian Lakes & Scenic Swiss Rail
Disscover the enchanting Mediterrran a eane n, from the Italian Lakes
scatttereed al a ong its coastlinne b by crruise and rail. Highlights Inc Inclusions
Four Queens of Cunard Cruise from London to Miami
Let Cunard’s four Queens take you to som the majestic Norwegian fjords to beautiful destinations, from m the Caribbean. the sunlit shores of C ghts Highlights
o some of the world’s most
• Stavanger • Barcelona • Palma de Mallorca • Cartagena •S
• Cádiz • Vigo • La Coruña • New York • Miami • San Juan
Queen Anne cruise on board Queen Victoria board Queen Mary 2
Queen Elizabeth • Winchester walking tour
DIRT TOWN
By Hayley Scrivenor Crime fiction
Reviewed by Jan Kent
IT’S always a joy to discover a new author whose debut novel absorbs me from the first chapter and, in Hayley Scrivenor’s case, opens the way for more promising works to come.
The setting is the dusty, remote Outback town of Durton, nicknamed ‘Dirt Town’ by bored children with little to inspire them to a better life.
When a girl goes missing on her way home from school and an out-of-town detective is assigned to the case, the lies and secrets hiding in the lives of residents are cleverly interwoven with the challenges of this way of life.
While the subject is none too original, the manner in which the author addresses it from varied angles certainly is. Innuendos caused by hidden hurts and unresolved tensions lead the reader to draw conclusions that invariably alter in each fresh chapter. Life in a small town such as Durton conceals domestic violence, control and trauma, but the revelation of these issues is subtle and heart-warming.
I was impressed with the way each chapter is from the perspective of a different character, including ‘We’, the children’s voice, which is often overlooked in the adult world of crime.
I look forward to more contributions to crime fiction by this outstanding Australian author.
DUSK
PACIFIC
By Judy Nunn
Contemporary
Reviewed by John
fiction
Kleinschmidt
LIKE so many novels, this story takes us on two separate, but entwined journeys.
The first is with Jane Thackeray: a nurse who meets, falls in love, marries and moves to the New Hebrides with an army captain injured on the beaches at Dunkirk.
Jane witnesses the devastating effect the war has on the island people, cares for them and becomes ‘Mamma Tack’ – their protector and guardian – with support from charismatic fighter pilot ‘Wolf Baker’ and despite the evil intrusion of powerful plantation owner Jean-Francois Marat.
In the present era, Australian actress Samantha Lindsay scores her first lead movie role playing a character based on ‘Mamma Tack’.
During filming in Vanuatu, uncanny parallels between history and fiction emerge, revealing bygone secrets and Samantha’s destiny.
A good read.
Judy Nunn at her best.
By Robbie Arnott, Adventure fiction
Reviewed by Annie Grossman, of Annie’s Books on Peregian
NOW and again, we hear rumours of a large panther, or something similar, roaming around in the Australian wilderness.
Whether or not this is true, these stories add to the mystery of the Australian bush which is so enmeshed with our history and mythology. Robbie Arnott has taken this as his theme, with a puma wreaking havoc in the Tasmanian highlands.
A bounty has been placed on the head of
this animal which has been named ‘Dusk’. A number of people are keen to track and find this elusive and disturbingly savage animal, including twins Iris and Floyd: two wonderfully drawn characters.
It is a great story, but the real star here is Arnott’s writing. He has the ability to draw us deeply into the story of Dusk, and place us in the wild Tasmanian forest where we can hear, smell and feel the atmosphere. Arnott is a gifted storyteller and master of the nature writing genre.
By Dr Jenny Brockis, Non-fiction/self-help.
EVER wonder why a short walk outside reduces your stress levels and helps you resolve a problem?
We are so deeply connected to work, technology and daily demands that we forget the positive impact nature has on our health and wellbeing.
In the new book, The Natural Advantage (Major Street Publishing), Dr Jenny Brockis (pictured) provides an evidence-based guide exploring the powerful ways nature positively impacts our lifestyle choices around nutrition, exercise and sleep to elevate our health, wellbeing and happiness.
Drawing upon four decades of experience in lifestyle medicine, Dr Brockis shows how more time in nature not only makes us feel better, it also enhances our quality of life and contributes to a healthier and longer life.
“While medical treatments have advanced enormously, it is often the smallest and simplest of activities, such as spending time enjoying our own backyard or walking the dog, that can bring about profound positive and transformational changes to people’s lives,” Dr Brockis says.
Her book outlines proven and effective, nature-based activities for home or work that enrich our lives – all backed by scientific evidence.
In this enlightening guide, readers learn:
• how nature can help improve our physical, mental and emotional health through greater connection
• simple, nature-based activities that promote wellness – no matter how
much time you have or how busy you are
• how to develop healthier balance and get more time outdoors.
Practical, entertaining and insightful, The Natural Advantage is an essential read for anyone looking for simple ways to improve their relationship with nature to create a happier and healthier life.
Dr Jenny Brockis is a bestselling author, board-certified lifestyle medicine practitioner and workplace health and wellbeing consultant.
Working with business leaders, busy professionals and individuals, her aim is to educate, inform and inspire positive and transformational lifestyle change, providing practical, achievable and evidence-based solutions to mitigate, resolve and help prevent many of the modern maladies of life.
Visit drjennybrockis.com
Security, Independence & Peace of Mind
With Quizmaster Allan Blackburn
1. What is the only mammal to give birth while upside down?
2. In the computer device known as a USB, what does the ‘B’ stand for?
3. What continent is the only one with land in all four hemispheres?
4. What is the value of factorial 3?
5. Which noted TV presenter often used the phrase: “Why is it so?”.
6. What is the meaning of androgynous: is it – hates women, has both male and female characteristics, or very dry?
7. What was the former English name of Beijing?
8. What prefix means one million?
9. Name one of the three prime ministers of Australia during 1941.
10. What is the kitchen on an airliner called?
11. Who became premier of Victoria in September 2023?
12. In what season does Halloween occur in Australia?
13. What word can be an underground shelter and a golf hazard?
14. In what country is the city with the largest French-speaking population?
15. On what form of transport is a bowsprit found?
16. What part of a rabbit’s foot is supposed to bring good luck?
17. Where on the human body is a lunula found?
18. What kind of edible thing is a Melting Moment?
19. Who coached the Queensland State of Origin Rugby League team in 2024?
20. In what Shakespearean play did Prospero appear?
.
9. Menzies, Fadden, Curtin. 10. Galley. 11. Jacinta Allan. 12. Spring. 13. Bunker. 14. Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa). 15. Boat. 16. Foot. 17. Fingernail (crescent-shaped area at base of fingernail). 18. Biscuit. 19. Billy Slater.
Bat. 2. Bus. 3. Africa. 4. 6 (3x2x1). 5. Professor Julius Sumner Miller. 6. Has both male and female characteristics. 7. Peking.
1.
8. Mega.
20. The Tempest
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
DOWN
1 by boat, interfered with navigation in coastal waters(8)
2 Finish work carrying gun in a clumsy way(4,3)
3 Her son played with a Portuguese fellow(6)
4 Anti-unionist is, in short time, associated with awful stigma(10)
5 Walk unsteadily to stop(4)
6 Sailor involved in on-air broadcast with community club member(8)
7 Captured image lad touched up is a disgrace(7)
8 Publisher is backed by litigator(6)
13 At home, unruly lot aren’t chauvinistic(10)
1 Section is skin(5)
4 Hindu teacher, one in ashram, disrupted greeting(9)
9 Sweet nuts left in hole in the ground(6,5)
10 Girl starting late is a fool(3)
11 Entire ring pushed in all the way(8)
12 Restrain newlywed crossing threshold of love-nest(6)
14 Blast employees of legal eagle?(4)
15 People keep score in the head(8)
18 Manufactured seal for sealing carbon in the open air(8)
20 Nobleman is outstanding around king(4)
24 German wife deceives gutless con men?(6)
25 Salesman before broadcast is put right(8)
28 Man I worked with everywhere is a zoophile(6,5)
29 New state, ahead of time, established consumer research(5,4)
30 Blue glaze coating a large dish(5)
16 Measure out a drug prepared at back of house(8)
