Iremember a conversation years ago with my girlfriends about what we expected to leave the kids when we pass on.
I was firmly in the camp of our legacy financially setting up our two sons (then only young teens) for the rest of their lives or at least leaving them a bricks-and-mortar inheritance they could put to good use.
Hubby and I have worked hard and always wanted our children’s lives to be a little easier – as I’m sure our parents and our parents’ parents did, too. But that casual conversation certainly highlighted a different school of thought: that the independence we instil in our children should also extend to them standing on their own two feet when we’re gone.
It says that we’ve worked so hard to get where we are today, we deserve to reap the rewards of our labours. We should allow ourselves the peace of mind to spend our money in our retirement and twilight years as we see fit, to live life to the fullest.
Much has changed in Australia since that conversation. The high cost of living and skyrocketing house prices are hindering many of the younger generations
from ever attaining ‘the Great Australian Dream’ of home ownership. So, do we help our adult children now with a ‘living gift’, to pay off education debts or perhaps as a deposit on a first home, and see those benefits? Our feature article this month from journalist Carrol Baker looks at the idea of spending the kids’ inheritance from various viewpoints and it’s sure to make many rethink long-held views.
But if you do want to live the good life, check out our travel feature on southeast Tasmania, where Jennifer Johnston takes a road trip to encounter some stunning landscapes and a new gourmet trail.
On a final, sad note, I want to tell you of the sudden passing of our ‘trivia king’ Allan Blackburn. Allan was a stalwart of the Your Time family, and as his wife revealed, “he loved his trivia” and got such a kick from seeing it in print.
Founding Your Time editor Dot Whittington says ‘The Quizmaster’ was a great asset to the team. “He began coming up with his monthly trivia quiz only a few months after we launched in April 2015,” Dot recalls. “On top of that, he was a true gentleman. I feel privileged to have known him for many years.”
The trooper that he was, Allan already had provided instalments in the section for the near future. Vale Allan Blackburn.
Shirley Sinclair Editor
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Debating whether to spend the kids’ inheritance
CARROL BAKER looks into how living longer in retirement and other factors have seen older Aussies rethink traditional views on how much money and assets to leave offspring in their will.
There’s a new way of thinking that has Aussies firmly divided. It’s called spending the kids’ inheritance (SKI) which means splashing out on travel, hobbies and living life, rather than saving and penny pinching so your children will have a tidy sum when you’re gone.
Some label this way of thinking as selfish. Others believe it’s their cash and they’re entitled to spend it any way they choose.
Mandy Watson, 57, is an advocate of the SKI philosophy – so much so that she’s set up a Facebook group where she
posts on social media from far-flung, exotic destinations.
“I was writing a travel blog, and the domain ‘Spending the Kids Inheritance’ was available, so I scooped it up,” she says.
Mandy and husband Trevor, 64, have four kids between them.
“It’s not about spending it all – it’s about living as best we can,” Mandy says.
“We’ve worked hard, and the kids know the sacrifices we have made over the years. They’re all on board with what we are doing.”
With a few wise investments along the way, Mandy says there will still
be a nest egg when they’re gone for their offspring.
As for today, Mandy and Trevor also spend up on sharing their love of travel with their family.
“We shouted the kids and grandkids a South Pacific cruise with two conditions: we all had to wear the same family T-shirt and meet up at night for dinner,” Mandy says.
“I asked one of our sons what his favourite part of the holiday was and he said the family dinners.
“It was like our family Christmas table, and on that 11-night cruise, we had
11 years’ worth of Christmases all in a row. It was wonderful.”
It is a balancing act to live the retirement you’ve always dreamed of with having enough money to last the distance.
But the reality is that when mum and dad fall off their perch, many Aussie kids are set to inherit their parents’ money and often sizeable assets.
Financial adviser Lachlan Money, from Stream Financial (yes, that’s his name) says we are looking at an unprecedented scenario.
“Those in the industry are talking about this being the largest transfer of wealth in history,” he says.
A 2024 report by Vanguard revealed that an expected $4.9 trillion will be passed down from the current baby boomer custodians in the next 10 to 15 years.
That’s big bickies.
The same report showed 10 per cent of baby boomers believe they should spend every cent before they pass away.
In the Gen Z cohort (those aged 18-27), it’s a very different story. More than 10 per cent believe retirees should be leaving as much as they can to their kids.
In the Millennial group (aged 28-42), 45 per cent believe money should be left to the kids if they can live comfortably.
In Gen X (aged 43-47), 44 per cent believe retirees should prioritise enjoying their hard-earned cash before leaving money to their children.
Baby boomers represent the first generation to have accumulated a nice chunk of superannuation, after the Superannuation Guarantee was introduced in 1992, when it was made compulsory for employers to add a superannuation contribution for their workers.
The housing boom that has seen prices of homes skyrocket over a generation has also meant many retirees
are worth a quid or two. And if they downsize the family home in retirement, there’s even more cash in their pockets.
But here’s the rub. Retirees are living a lot longer than previous generations – so their hard-earned cash has to go further.
In the middle of last century, the average lifespan for males was 66.5, and 71.5 for females, the Institute of Health and Welfare reports. Fast forward 70 years and the average lifespan of males has jumped to 81.3, and for females it’s 85.4.
We are living longer and living well with advancements in preventative health outcomes and more information geared towards positive and healthy ageing at our fingertips.
Lachlan says it is a vastly changing financial landscape these days.
“If we go back to the 1940s, most people on average didn’t reach the pension age,” he says.
“Now, we are generally living 18 years or so past when we are entitled to the aged pension.”
The conscious debate about SKI is fuelled by crippling housing prices, soaring cost of living, and higher education debts many retirees’ offspring are struggling to pay.
Mum-of-one Gaynor Williams, 62, took her son with her when she updated her will.
“He said to me, ‘This is hell awkward, mum, and I don’t want what you have when you go’. But I said to him, ‘I think you are going to need it’,” she says.
Whatever you decide to do with your savings and superannuation, it’s important to share with your adult children what your plans are, so they can take that into account when planning their own financial future.
Seventy-year-old Ian Harrison says that when his daughter couldn’t get a home loan because she had an
outstanding university HELP debt, he decided to step in.
“House prices kept going up and up and she simply couldn’t afford the repayments on top of the HELP,” he says.
“Paying it out for her just seemed like the right thing to do.”
The hard truth is that many parents are worried that their kids might never realise the ‘Great Australian Dream’ of owning their own home.
In a 2020 report, the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute says that almost half of today’s young Australians may not own property by the age of 54.
So, unless cashed-up retirees continue to watch their kids line the pockets of investors with rent money, they have a decision to make.
Lee Heseltine, 61, says giving the kids a hand up doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a handout.
“The ‘bank of mum and dad’ has become so important for kids buying houses. We have helped both kids and
“I say to clients, ‘Put your own life vest on first before helping others’. You don’t know what the future holds”
they’ve paid back what we loaned them,” she says.
Her husband Bruce, 61, says they don’t plan on dolling out lots of money when they go, but plan to gift some money to the kids.
“The future for everyone is uncertain. We’re leaving the house to the kids,but may need the cash at some point for a nursing home,” he says.
Bruce’s children have a light-hearted dig at the couple, every time they’re off on a new adventure overseas.
“It’s very tongue in cheek, but they joke, ‘Hey, you are going on this trip and that trip – what’s left for us?’. We say, ‘Well, you’ll get the dog and the
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budgerigar,” Bruce laughs. They know a couple who have just cashed out a cool $600,000 from their superannuation to buy their kids a house. There are also those who believe handing over cash to their kids isn’t a good idea. They’ve worked hard all their lives, so they are entitled to enjoy the spoils.
Many of Australia’s uber wealthy have instilled a ‘money doesn’t grow on trees’ philosophy in the next generation.
Former rugby league player Wes Maas is reportedly valued at $814 million, and told The Financial Review: “I want to make sure that my kids are hungry, because I’ve always been hungry. Then they get a sense of satisfaction or achievement when they achieve things.”
Lachlan says when working out your financial future, it’s important to look after your own needs.
“I say to clients, ‘Put your own life vest on first before helping others’. You don’t know what the future holds,” he says.
“You could decide on a loan with a formal arrangement in place, give them education bonds, or start the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSS) for your kids or grandkids (this allows you to make voluntary contributions towards their super. Concessional contributions are taxed at only 15 per cent, which is usually less than the marginal income tax rate. Assessable FHSS amounts also benefit from a 30 per cent FHSS tax offset).”
Before you retire, Lachlan says it’s always a good idea to seek professional guidance on how to manage your finances, moving forward: “You might have gone through your life without needing financial advice, but in retirement, you might not know the right questions to ask.
“Sometimes it is a big shock to my clients (that) we don’t have death taxes, but there can be taxes that apply to inheritances on superannuation funds.”
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What’s
What to book
IF YOU want to sip sake in Kyoto, cruise the Mekong or see the Terracotta Warriors in Xian, Wendy Wu Tours can bring you closer to your bucket-list dreams. The Ready, Set, Travel sale, until February 28, offers up to $4000 off per couple and exclusive deals for solo travellers. Score savings on 709 group tour departures in 2025 and 2026 to a variety of destinations, including Japan, Southeast Asia, India, Sri Lanka, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Europe, Africa, Latin America, Central Asia and the Middle East. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or planning your first big adventure, enjoy twin-share savings on destinations worldwide, and 50-100 per cent off single supplements for solo travellers on a selection of tours. Visit wendywutours.com.au or call 1300 727 998.
What to see
TAKE your seat in the company of Hobbits when Home Of The Arts (HOTA) in Surfers Paradise hosts The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale from July 4-20. The production of this timeless tale will star some of Australia’s most acclaimed musical theatre performers and actor-musicians, including Jemma Rix as Galadriel, Ian Stenlake as Saruman, Rob Mallett as Strider and Rarmian Newton as Frodo Baggins. What The Guardian hailed as “the greatest show on Middle-earth” is sure to enchant lifelong JRR Tolkien fans and new generations of admirers. Go to hota.com.au/ whats-on/live/theatre/the-lord-of-the-rings-a-musical-tale
What to watch
IT’S time to play ‘spot the Southeast Queensland filming location’. The muchanticipated Season 2 of Black Snow, starring Vikings and Boy Swallows Universe favourite Travis Fimmel, is streaming on Stan. And many of the scenes from each episode have been shot on the Gold and Sunshine coasts and in Brisbane, taking our quirky landmarks and stunning scenery to a global audience. The Glass House Mountains, especially, provide a dramatic backdrop for the thrilling murder mystery. Fimmel is Detective James Cormack in this six-part series, which reopens the cold case of the mysterious disappearance of a young woman from her 21st birthday party in 2003. Wild Horse Mountain Scenic Lookout is easy to spot in early episodes, along with Marina Mirage on the Goldie. Rewatch each episode and see how many locations you can guess, while also salivating over some very desirable private properties.
Back in the day…
THERE was Australia’s first supergroup, The Seekers. In February 1965, their Tom Springfield-penned single I’ll Never Find Another You reached No.1 in the music charts in the UK and Australia, and No.4 in the United States – the first recording by an Aussie act to sell more than one million copies (eventually more than 1.75 million). The Seekers at times outsold The Beatles and the Rolling Stones here and overseas. Athol Guy on double bass, Keith Potger on 12-string guitar and Bruce Woodley on guitar formed the band in Melbourne in 1962. Judith Durham joined the group the next year. The late soprano, who died from complications from chronic lung disease in August 2022, lived with husband Ron Edgeworth on the Sunny Coast in the 1980s.
What to do for free
THE Riverwalk has become a much-loved staple of Brisbane city life. And in the warm sunshine, there is nothing better to do for free than to stroll, cycle, run or skate along this permanent, over-water pathway. The majestic views of the grand old grey dame, the Story Bridge, and city skyline are ever-changing as you wind your way from New Farm to Howard Smith Wharves and on to the CBD. For more free things to do in our state capital, see visit.brisbane. qld.au/inspiration/free-things-to-do
Retiree GARRY REYNOLDS shares his thoughts on the world around us.
WAVES OF KINDNESS
OVER Christmas, I watched the reactions to my 20-month-old grandson waving his pudgy little hands furiously to people having to work.
A garbage truck driver waved his gnarly hands and front forks, bringing a smile to the little man’s face – especially when the truck tooted.
Kindness is contagious. When rubbish spilled, a young bloke jumped out of his car
SCONETIME EVENTS
SCONETIME creates meaningful community connections where seniors come together with family and business owners over hot scones loaded with homemade jam and whipped cream.
Cost is $8 per person.
Book Sconetime Buderim, held on Wednesdays at 10am at Buderim Memorial Hall, 1 Main Street, on: February 5, trybooking.com/CXPQN; May 7, trybooking.com/CYEYE; August 6, trybooking.com/CYEYF; and November 12, trybooking.com/CYEYI.
Sconetime has been serving up scones and Noosa Black Coffee in Cooroy
MUSINGS WITH GARRY
to help the old truckie gather up the mess. Acts of kindness can have a ripple effect across our community.
If enough of us have a go, we can join the ripples into waves of kindness to outweigh the powerful negative forces outside our control and our country that affect our daily lives.
Small gestures given often and by many can shape our community.
These moments of compassion remind us of our shared humanity and ability to make a difference in each other’s lives.
Let’s thrive in ’25 through creating waves of kindness.
Editor’s note: Random Acts of Kindness Day is on February 17.
Memorial Hall in Maple Street, for seven years. Book Sconetime Cooroy on Tuesdays at 10am on: February 11, trybooking.com/ CXPRI; April 8, trybooking.com/ CYFNA; and the anniversary party on June 10, trybooking.com/CYFNC.
Sconetime Caloundra will be held in the CWA Hall at 17 Kalinga Street, Caloundra, on Wednesdays at 10am on: February 26, trybooking.com/CXQVA; and March 26, trybooking.com/CYMWQ.
Find out more at sconetime.com.au
Place names tell our history
What’s in a name? AUDIENNE BLYTH finds out the backstory to some of our landmarks, towns and suburbs.
Place names have a story to tell and give us an insight into our history. On the Sunshine Coast, we have a rich heritage of Aboriginal words, European names of early settlers and dignitaries, flora, fauna and events.
Sunshine Coast Council has the responsibility to decide on appropriate names after they have been submitted by developers or members of the public.
Our rich heritage of Aboriginal names includes Caloundra, meaning ‘beautiful place’. Mooloolaba is ‘black snake’, while Coolum refers to its blunt shape.
Noosa means ‘shaded’ but was originally referred to as Bracefield’s Head or Cape Bracefield (Bracefield was a runaway convict found by Andrew Petrie).
Maroochydore, ‘place of the black swan’, was named by Petrie on a journey of discovery in the 1840s. He was impressed with abundant black swans in the river.
As cars speed down Aerodrome Road, once an airfield, we may consider it is well named. It is hard to imagine that it was once an expanse of wildflowers and coastal heath. There were dairy farms around Maroochydore in the 1930s. William Parker’s dairy farm faced Aerodrome Road. His four daughters hand
milked the cows. Three of their names, Maud, May and Rose, remained as street names when their farm was subdivided.
On June 5, 1965, then premier GFR Nicklin officially opened the Nicklin Way: a new road from Caloundra to Mooloolaba. Until then, the area had only a few sandy tracks through the wallum, with direct access by boat along Mooloolah River.
That same day, the McKenzie Bridge was opened. It was named after Roy and Gwen McKenzie and their family who came from Sydney to settle in the region in 1956. Roy had previously worked as a boat builder. He set up a fibreglass boat-building company – a first for Queensland.
Adjacent to the bridge, they built their home and a boat wharf and started a seafood shop. Roy combined being a professional fisherman with boat building.
An earlier bridge along the Nicklin Way was the Ahern Bridge, opened on January 18, 1964. It was named after Mike (Michael John) Ahern, member for Landsborough from 1968 to 1990, and also premier of Queensland from 1987 to 1989. Both Mike and his father Jack gave long service to state politics. The bridge is now known as the Currimundi Lake Ahern Bridge. Mike’s wife is honoured with the
McKenzie family members proudly stand in front of the bridge named after them.
name of the Andrea Ahern Hospital. Tucker Creek Bridge took its name from ‘Butcher’ Tucker and his wife Elizabeth who, in the 1920s, purchased 167 acres (67.6ha) of land at Mooloolaba with a creek running through. ‘Butcher’ was one of the three sons of Nambour blacksmith Henry Tucker. He and his wife were prominent in community organisations.
‘Butcher’ was a professional fisherman and his wife ran a guesthouse, shop and post office. Their cows roamed Mooloolaba, and milk was sold for sixpence (five cents) a quart (one litre).
Audienne Blyth is a member of the Nambour Historical Museum, open 1-4pm Wednesday to Friday, and 10am-3pm Saturday.
BECOME A VITAL PART OF THE BUDERIM STORY
PERHAPS you have gone along to the Buderim Jazz in the Park or attended the Community Christmas Carols.
Maybe you have joined in the solemn Dawn Service on Anzac Day, or your local organisation has received a grant to undertake important community work.
Behind the scenes is an army of passionate volunteers working hard to maintain Buderim’s envied reputation as a place with a big heart and a special community spirit. These volunteers are likely to be members of the Buderim War Memorial Community Association and/or Buderim Foundation ambassadors.
BWMCA is a remarkable community organisation with its proud 79-year history of honouring service, managing community assets, hosting community events and welcoming new residents.
Buderim Foundation is celebrating its 21st anniversary. In that time, it has become one of Australia’s foremost community foundations and a role model for building a stronger area by harnessing the power of giving.
Join the BWMCA for $20 a year, or $175 for lifetime membership; or become a Buderim Foundation ambassador for free. Call into the Old Buderim Post Office from 10am-3pm, Monday-Friday, to speak to volunteers or visit bwmca.com. au and buderimfoundation.org.au
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OSCAR NEEDS FOREVER HOME
OSCAR is a five-month-old Maltese-crossShih Tzu which was sadly surrendered to Sunshine Coast Animal Rescue (SCARS).
He is a delightful little pup and is doing well with his toilet training and sleeping through the night. Oscar needs a family to call his own. He weighs 4kg. SCARS is seeking a forever home for Oscar with another dog and children aged over 10. He is $750 to adopt.
Visit sippycreek.com.au to apply.
HANDMADE MARKET
A VARIETY of stallholders with a selection of different products will be available at the Golden Beach/Caloundra Handmade Boutique market on Saturday, February 8, from 8am-1pm.
Outdoor and indoor (air-conditioned) stalls will be on-site at Caloundra Indoor Bowling Association at 55 Burke Street, Golden Beach.
Food and coffee will be available, along with plenty of parking.
BRIDGE FOR BEGINNERS
BEGINNER classes at the Sunshine Coast Bridge Club start on Monday, March 3, at 9am.
Even if you’ve never played cards before, you will be able to play bridge in just six lessons. The course cost is $60 and includes the lesson book.
The clubhouse is at the Elizabeth Daniels Sports Complex, off Syd Lingard Drive, Buderim, and instructor Lisa Phillips is a bridge director and titleholder.
Visit suncoastbridge.com.au or call Lisa on 0412 196 457.
HAVANA NIGHTS
IT’S a whole new world in 2025 for the popular Havana Nights Markets at Peregian Springs.
The markets have a new time slot, on the first and third Friday of each month.
Kick off the weekend with a Friday night session featuring:
• live music hosted by The Pool Cafe in Peregian Springs
• food trucks and desserts to satisfy every craving
The next markets are on Friday, February 7 and 21, at The Pool Cafe, 222 The Avenue, Peregian Springs, from 4-8pm
• 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
Life in the slow lane
By Mocco Wollert
GARDENING might not be good for your back, but it is certainly good for your soul.
I love plants and I love trees.
Trees, to me, have a strong life force of their own and I often touch the bark or even put my arms around them when nobody can see me. Maybe the tree will share its magic with me.
I had a husband who had the proverbial green thumb. Whatever he stuck into the soil would take hold and grow strong and healthy. Alas, I am not gifted in that way. Whatever I planted withered and died within a short time.
Flowers are nature’s miracle.
The shapes and colours are of never-ending variety.
And I can’t help it: I have to have fresh flowers in my house all the time, although they cost a fortune.
Long gone are the days when small, individual flower shops were scattered through the suburbs. You could put your own arrangements together, and choose flowers that suited the budget or the mood.
Now only the big supermarkets offer bunches of flowers, and it is hard to find an individual flower shop.
King Charles used to sing to his plants and play music for them.
He was regarded as a bit nutty, but now this is more accepted and not seen as so funny.
I also believe that plants have feelings, and I talk to them –especially flowers.
I had one beautiful white orchid (the ones you buy at Woolies) and I gave it pride of place in a sunny but not hot place, out of the wind.
It was so beautiful that one day I gave it a very soft kiss. I think it might have been ‘the kiss of death’ because the beautiful white blooms shrivelled up shortly after!
Flowers make you happy, whether you give them, receive them, smell them in parks and flower shops or just admire them on paintings.
A garden is a garden is a garden no matter what size it is: a tiny piece of earth in front of your house, a flowerbox in front of your window or a large plot in your backyard.
Manicured, formal French garden or joyously wild English cottage garden, it does not matter. It might be easier to walk in one of
those incredible creations that are a mixture of plants, lakes and statues in some European castle where everything is orderly, but you might also lie down in a wildly overgrown garden, lulled into sleep by the sound of happy insects.
My retirement village has a community garden for all to enjoy and to work in. So, the people who do not have any kind of garden can dig in the dirt and reconnect to the earth and the spirit of all living things.
Do not worry if you don’t have the knowledge to create a great garden, or if your plants die.
Enjoy whatever you plant and if all else fails, you can always ring Annette McFarlane on the ABC on Saturday mornings for help.
May your plants be happy and your flowers bloom.
Email mocco.wollert@bigpond.com
Life’s an adventure
By Cheryl Lockwood
THERE are a lot of activities you can do barefooted. Walking on a beach or swimming? Nicer without shoes.
Apparently, barefoot bowls is another.
I went along with a couple of gal pals to the Pomona Bowls Club in the Noosa hinterland to try it out. We had not tried this activity before, but fronted up full of enthusiasm.
At $5, which included the use of a set of bowls, it was certainly fair-priced fun.
For the record, you can wear flat-soled shoes, but I had taken things literally and kicked off my thongs.
My grandparents were keen bowlers and I have photos of them wielding trophies to prove they excelled at their local club. This led me to believe that bowls was for old people.
Visits to my hometown revealed that the sporty lads who were heroes on the basketball court in my school days were now featured in the local paper on the bowling green. This means that either lawn bowls is fun for all ages or I got old.
The other thing I learnt is that the sport is trickier than it looks.
Many readers would be more familiar with lawn bowls than me, but here are the basics.
The game is played on a flat, grassed surface, the maintenance of which must be a feat in itself. Some
bowling greens are made of a synthetic material and each option has pros and cons. I’m sure that those who take their bowling seriously have their own preference.
The equipment required is simple: a mat, which you stand on to deliver the bowl, and a set of bowls in various colours. This helps tell which bowl belongs to whom, once the whole set has been rolled.
The jack (or kitty) is the little white ball that the bowlers aim for. Each player has a set of four bowls and the idea is to get at least one of them closest to the jack.
Seeing as each bowl weighs 1-1.5kg, I wondered if it was a good activity for bare toes.
The green is divided into rinks, so several groups can play at the same time. Each bowl has a bias, meaning that as it rolls, it will curve to either the left or right,
depending on how it is held when released.
Giving it the right amount of momentum is important. Remembering the right way to hold it helps, too.
There is even a nifty device for those who have difficulty bending tired knees. It’s like a claw which holds the bowl at the end of a stick. This allows the bowler to release the bowl without having to get so low.
“Bowls or boules?” I pondered.
Bowls is a specific game, whereas boules refers to a range of games with similar rules and equipment.
With tips from the helpful members of the club, we were soon bowling with gusto.
We sometimes bowled straight past the jack and into the gutter or across to the neighbouring rink.
With a quick apology, bowls were retrieved and our game continued.
By the end of it, we all had some decent shots and lots of laughs at the ones that didn’t go to plan. Our pleasant evening continued with a drink and a meal from the on-site Chinese restaurant.
Every Thursday night, anyone is welcome to try barefoot bowls at Pomona.
For me, improving the bowling action will probably take multiple visits and then some.
If you can talk a few mates into kicking off their shoes and joining in, it makes for a fun night.
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What to do with your old tech
EDIN READ explains how we can recycle, donate and repurpose our old devices and gadgets to give them a second life.
As technology continues to advance, it’s easy to find ourselves with a collection of old phones, tablets and computers gathering dust.
Rather than letting these devices take up space, why not give them a new lease on life?
If your old gadget still works, consider donating it. Many local charities, community centres and schools are happy to accept functional devices.
Your old computer or tablet could be a lifeline for someone who needs it but can’t afford a new one.
If donating isn’t an option, there are plenty of ways to repurpose your old devices. Turn an old smartphone into a backup phone, a music player for your car, or even a digital photo frame to display your favourite memories.
Tablets can be set up as dedicated e-readers or used as kitchen helpers for looking up recipes. Giving your tech a second life is a great way to reduce waste and help others.
However, if your device has truly reached the end of its life, it’s important to recycle it responsibly. E-waste, which includes old electronics such as phones and laptops, contains hazardous materials
that can harm the environment if not disposed of correctly.
Before you drop off any old device for recycling or donation, make sure to securely erase all personal data. This is a critical step to protect your privacy and prevent any chance of identity theft.
For computers, this typically involves performing a factory reset and deleting all files. Smartphones and tablets should be reset to factory settings, and any cloud accounts should be signed out of.
Batteries – one common mistake is throwing used batteries directly in the bin. Batteries can be hazardous when disposed of improperly. They can leak toxic chemicals and even cause fires in bins or garbage trucks. Instead, put electrical tape on the ends of your used batteries and take them to a Bunnings store for recycling. Bunnings has a dedicated battery recycling program, making it a safe and convenient option.
Printer cartridges – these can’t be tossed in the regular bin. Fortunately, recycling them is easy. The Cartridges 4 Planet Ark program allows you to drop off used cartridges at participating stores such as Officeworks and Australia Post. These collection points ensure that
cartridges are recycled properly, reducing environmental impact. You can search your nearest one online.
If all of this sounds a bit confusing, don’t worry. Greyology can assist you with securely wiping your data, determining if your device can be repurposed, and guiding you to the best recycling options.
Whether it’s an old phone, a tired laptop, or even a stack of printer cartridges, we’ll make sure it’s handled responsibly.
By taking a little time to donate, repurpose, or recycle your old tech, you’re not only clearing out clutter but also doing your part to protect the environment. It’s a win-win.
Edin Read is founder and chief technician at Greyology Tech Support for Seniors. Visit greyology.com.au
Where to recycle your items safely
IF YOU’RE ready to part with your old gadgets, Brisbane has several reliable options for recycling:
1. E-Waste Connection: this facility offers dedicated e-waste recycling at locations including: Kenmore: 98 Brookfield Road; Yeronga: 167 Hyde Road; and North Booval: 83 Oxford Street. A wide range of electronics is accepted, making it easy for you to drop off old computers, phones and other small devices.
2. Brisbane City Council Recycling Centres: they accept various items, including old computers, monitors and tablets.
The Sunshine Coast Council website states that e-waste including printers, televisions, scanners, video game consoles, computers, laptops and monitors, multi-function devices and computer peripherals (keyboard, mouse, disc drives, web cameras, game pads, electrical transformers or motherboards) can be disposed of at any council waste facility for free to be recycled.
Resort-style living on the Sunshine Coast
Brand new retirement villas available now!
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Step into retirement living with our newly-built two and three bedroom retirement villas, thoughtfully designed for comfort and style. Featuring open-plan layouts that seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces, these villas provide the perfect balance of quality and space.
Make your move with confidence, with several payment options available for you to choose from, further supported by Aveo’s money back guarantee.
The lowdown on lower back pain
CAITLYN HUTH begins a two-part series that explodes the myths on a very common problem.
Afew thoughts and beliefs have been proven wrong with regard to experiencing intermittent or chronic lower back pain. As science continues to learn more about the body, we must address some prior ways of thinking to update our support.
Your back is ‘out’ – it is extremely hard to dislocate a joint. Rugby players, gymnastics and divers all experience sharp blows to their back, and while this may be uncomfortable, they can get back up with their spine still intact. So, to think that living our everyday life while sleeping or standing can prove to dislodge our back is something that we can think more on. We’re led to believe that the popping sound we feel when our back is cracked is the spine realigning. This popping feeling is often associated with the joint feeling better, which is more likely the joint fluid being loosened up than the actual joint shifting. We are incredibly robust and resilient and we cannot change the
orientation of a joint with our bare hands and a deep breath. Rest assured that friendly motion is all we need to loosen things up and get back into our day. Bed rest is best – lying down after a big day can really leave us feeling much more rested and rejuvenated, though we each know this can’t last forever. When we’re experiencing a new episode of back pain, we’re right in thinking that resting is a good tool to let our body recover, yet we know everything should be done in moderation. If we follow the law of “movement is medicine and rest is rust”, we know there will have to be a middle ground in which we must
get back into moving. The saying: “Bed rest is best” may have some truth to it, but motion will always be the best lotion in the recovery journey.
Lifting is bad – cars often wear out over time because they are not alive. Trees grow taller, animals grow larger and people become stronger when challenged the right amount. So, to hear that lifting weights is bad for your back is too polarising and likely a story of moderation than avoidance. Picking up a car is likely not good for you, though that would depend on what you’ve practised or built yourself up to beforehand. Our body can handle things we prepare it for, so the “not too much, not too soon” mentality will help our living and constantly adapting bodies to be prepared for our evolving lives.
We will address two more common myths next time.
Caitlyn Huth is an exercise physiologist at Full Circle Wellness. Call 5456 1599 or visit fullcirclewellness.com.au
FIT HAPPENS with Tom Law
WALKING along the footpath/ bikeway at the foreshore at Redcliffe is my regular daily exercise program.
Yes, I do other things such as visiting the gym, jogging, running a few classes a week and a couple of personal training sessions also.
But the walk is not only good exercise for me, it also gives me the chance to chat to other regulars who are up that early in the morning. Exercise has been my life for many years. So, naturally I find ways to regularly exercise and I am lucky to be able to do this. Not everyone can.
Recently on an early morning walk, I ran into my mate John. I regularly see him because he also walks early and takes some fantastic photos of the local area that he posts on Facebook.
We talked about getting older and still trying to keep fit by walking and keeping to some sort of exercise routine. John and I spoke about our children who, from time to time, tell us both to slow down and sleep in more.
We mentioned that we tell
our kids we actually enjoy getting up early, although sometimes we have to fight the urge to sleep in because, like everyone, we do get tired and we are a lot older than our children. Older people, retired or not, seldom burn the candle at both ends. So, an early start is not surprising for some of us and, particularly in summer, it is the best time of day to exercise.
Don’t get me wrong here: I know many mature-aged people, as well as youngsters, who would not contemplate rising early to exercise. But many find it the best time of the day to do so.
The one thing John and I agreed on was the fact that our children think that because we rise early, we are both sleep deprived. John told me he had the perfect answer for his daughter when she said he needed more sleep: “I will sleep for a long time soon”.
Tom Law is the author of health and exercise-related books. Visit facebook.com/tomslawtraining or call 0409 274 502.
An Avenger with character, grunt
BRUCE McMAHON marvels at a new front-drive, all-electric, small SUV from a car-making superhero.
It looks like a rough road ahead for some motor vehicle makers in 2025, caught between building old-style, combustion-engined cars or flash electric machines.
Many are hedging bets – yet losing market share – as a tsunami of cheap and cheaper EVs floods out of China.
Pity, then, the likes of the legendary Jeep brand: a showroom stalwart since World War II and renowned for off-road abilities, trying to straddle new gullies. Part of Jeep’s answer now includes a front-drive, all-electric, small SUV.
The European-built Avenger, already well-feted in the Northern Hemisphere, is the most compact of Jeeps, priced from $49,990 retail and a flagship for the next generation of battery electric Jeeps.
First up, the Avenger has some style, particularly in bold colours, that helps set it apart from rivals.
It’s compact (at a tick over four metres long), yet there’s a big-boy character with the likes of a little less hip in the profile, short front and rear body overhangs, ‘off-road’ black
cladding for lower body edges, a cute rear end and seven blanked-off ‘slots’ (a traditional Jeep signature) for the grille. It’s a perky-looking machine.
That clean and functional character is carried through to a tidy interior with straight lines (with a deal of hard-plastic surfaces), informative and simple instrument panel with good graphics and a 10.25-inch touchscreen for infotainment (blessed with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).
A tad different are the push-buttons, lower down on the centre dash, for selecting gears.
Front seats are supportive, the rear seat has room for an old six-footer to sit behind another old six-footer (if maybe only as far as Brisbane to the coast).
Allowing for the Jeep Avenger’s compact nature, there’s reasonable luggage space. No spare wheel, but there’s a tyre repair kit for the 18-inch rubber on the fancier Summit version. Those big wheels allow for a little bump-thump through city potholes. Yet, generally, the ride is good and quite composed. It is a confident car to steer, and it
sits well on the road. Driving’s helped out by the usual array of aids from blind-spot monitoring to trafficsign recognition.
Then there’s the 115kW and 260Nm of torque from a 54kWh battery which, with some judicious driving, should allow for 390km of driving range and a week’s to-ing and fro-ing around the town. Best of it, though, is the smart and silent acceleration of the 1.5-tonne Avenger, even in Eco mode.
(Here’s a perplexing issue with all electric cars: regenerative braking feeds power back to the battery as the vehicle slows. So, the more a driver brakes, the more charge is returned which may lead
to more folk leaning on the brakes and baulking traffic and there’s enough of them already, thank you.)
The Jeep runs a selection of drive modes plus hill-descent control, SelecTerrain for different ground types and a claimed 200mm of ground clearance. So, there’s some rough track ability here to go with the hatchback’s polite road manners.
Retail prices for the Jeep Avenger run from the $40,990 through to $60,990 for the top of the range. This may not be the cheapest compact SUV, electric or otherwise, but it’s one with character and capabilities not always found in this niche.
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Why we need sleep without pills
KAILAS ROBERTS explains why regular and prolonged use of sleeping tablets is associated with a higher risk of dementia.
It has long been known among experts in the field of dementia that taking certain medications regularly increases your risk of developing the condition.
Among the culprits that have been associated with an increased risk of dementia are sleeping tablets, including temazepam and ‘Z’ drugs (zolpidem and zopiclone). But this is a controversial topic for two reasons.
One is that the finding is not universal (some studies do not show this is the case) and the other is that there may be other variables that might be influencing the risk: that is, something else about people who use these medications that causes a higher risk of dementia, rather than the medication itself.
In the case of sleeping tablets, this might be that the person is more anxious and depressed (so, not sleeping well) and these conditions themselves might be increasing the risk of dementia, or even a harbinger of the condition.
In trying to unravel the complexity, looking at how a medication might increase risk can be illuminating. It is this that piqued my interest recently when a study was published that looked at
FLIPSIDE
zolpidem, and specifically its effect on deep sleep.
I have discussed in a previous column a wonderfully elegant mechanism that is initiated when you are in the deepest stages of slumber. This is known as the glymphatic system – similar to the lymphatic system but made up of glial cells in the brain (giving the ‘g’ at the start of the word). The glymphatics are responsible for washing your brain. This might sound ominous, but it is a critical part of brain health and maintenance.
Every metabolic process in the body, including in the brain, results in the build-up of debris – particles that, if not removed, may cause damage to the cells.
The glymphatic system is the waste disposal unit that completes this removal.
Among the debris that needs to be cleared is amyloid – the accumulation of which in the brain is considered to be a critical part of the pathway that leads to Alzheimer’s dementia.
Studies have shown that even one night of sleep deprivation results in a build-up of amyloid, as it has not been cleared properly. If this is happening consistently over a long term, it is a worry.
One of the chief mechanisms by which the glymphatics works is through the small blood vessels in the brain pulsing regularly.
This pulsatility pushes fluid from the blood into the brain matter. It then travels across the brain, collecting the debris and amyloid on its way, before being drained away.
Where does zolpidem fit in? Well, the recent study showed that this medication reduces the pulsatility through affecting noradrenaline: a chemical in the brain.
Here, then, we have a plausible explanation about how the medication might cause the problem.
Insomnia is an extremely common problem and in itself is a risk factor for dementia if severe and prolonged.
Sleeping tablets are used by many people. Their occasional use is not a problem when it comes to dementia, but if they are used regularly and over a long time, this is a concern to me.
It’s only pain, after all, so try to stay positive
It might feel as if you are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, but it is important to understand where medications fit in when it comes to managing sleeplessness and not lose sight of all the other things you can do to help promote sleep: exercising, managing stress, seeing the early morning light, reducing bright lights (and screen time) in the evening, sleeping in a cool and quiet environment, avoiding caffeine beyond noon and alcohol, and so on.
All these are elements of good sleep hygiene. If you are contemplating taking sleeping tablets, or are on them already, don’t forget to discuss with your doctor the pros and cons and other strategies for managing poor sleep.
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 stop complaining
CHARLIE GRIFFITHS prefers to be pragmatic when it comes to managing his chronic pain, and live life to the fullest regardless.
Ican’t imagine how many Mondays I limped around job sites grimacing every time I had to bend down to pick up a tool. Or for that matter, wondering if I did make it to the top rung of the ladder, how the hell I would manage to return to earth without falling at it – all because I put in 110 per cent at my chosen sport on the weekend.
Occasionally, a caring client or colleague would ask me if I was all right –to which I would flippantly reply: “It only hurts while the pain lasts.”
I’ve been known to wake up on a Sunday morning (afternoon, whatever) with a hangover that would kill a brown dog, only to smile slyly and think: “That must have been a great night!”
My heart has been broken by relationship break-ups and when, after losing interest in recalling the good times and realising the blame game made things worse, I would take a good look in the mirror at my unshaven face and puffy bloodshot eyes and confidently declare: “Her loss!”
At 5pm on Christmas Eve, I finished building a 40sqm deck, complete with balustrade, café umbrella and bar. It was a two-month project during which I endured COVID, forcibly realigned my scoliosis and
decorated several boards with blood and sweat. The scars on my shins from miscalculated stumbles over joists and bearers remind me to think twice before committing to such ambitious projects again. Nah, sometimes pain can be fun. We love that deck!
All pain – whether self-inflicted, accidental or collateral damage – is bearable when we can find a positive
aspect. The line blurs when there is no clear reason for the suffering or it seems unjust, such as being struck down with a chronic condition. The two big problems with chronic disease pain is that it’s not fair and it’s permanent.
We didn’t do anything to deserve the affliction, and we now have to manage it for the rest of our lives. How can we find a silver lining in this callous cumulonimbus?
Things changed for me when I had this conversation:
P*ssed-off Charlie: “What did I do to deserve this?”
Pragmatic Charlie: “You’ve lived.”
P*ssed-off Charlie: “How am I going to handle this for the rest of my life?”
Pragmatic Charlie: “Keep living.”
I’m not big on long-winded internal dialogue but I am a huge believer in the power of positive, concise self-talk. I’ve had hundreds of introspective conversations that end quickly when Mr Pragmatic thumps the desk.
The insidious thing about chronic disease is that it carries physical and psychological pain and it’s the latter that causes the most woe. Anger, regret, confusion, resentment, denial, blame and depression don’t respond to paracetamol or ibuprofen. These are forms of emotional
anguish that require psychological strategies to eliminate them or change their meaning within our own lives.
Treatment can be long-term or instant, depending on the individual and their practitioner.
I’ve always said there are two ways of doing any job: the hard way or the easy way. Guess which one I always go for?
The sooner we deal with bad stuff, the more time there is left for living. A good life is about facing and overcoming challenges, and chronic disease will throw enough of those at us over time. Bring it on, I say.
Modern drugs are awesome for managing physical discomfort and if we look at emotional anguish as just pain, then we can justify it and be confident that it is temporary. Like muscle soreness, a hangover, love sickness or loss of shin bone bark, embrace it as your special throbbing, knowing that it will soon be gone.
If this article resonates with you, I would love to hear from you. Contact charliegriffithscoaching.com.
Charlie Griffiths is a certified life coach and Neuro Linguistic Programming practitioner dedicated to helping fellow professionals refocus after being diagnosed with a chronic disease.
expl rer sessions
Learn more about Viking voyages, sailing to all seven continents
You’re invited to attend one of Viking’s complimentary information sessions to dive deep into the world of Viking. We’ll introduce you to The Viking Way of exploration: all the fascinating destinations you can discover, all the intriguing experiences you can immerse yourself in on shore and what makes us so different from other cruise lines.
Learn what’s new at Viking for 2025, with brand new itineraries sailing the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and Europe. Plus, you’ll enjoy complimentary refreshments and receive an exclusive offer for joining us on the day.
Scan the QR code or visit viking.com/explorer-sessions to secure your seat — but be quick, they book out fast!
SESSION DETAILS
MOOLOOLABA
Tuesday, 11 February
10:30AM & 6:30PM
The Lakehouse
Sunshine Coast
NOOSA
Thursday, 13 February
10:30AM & 6:30PM
Noosa Springs
Golf & Spa Resort
BRIBIE ISLAND
Tuesday, 18 February
10:30AM & 6:30PM
Sandstone Point Hotel
The presentation will introduce you to cruising The Viking Way, you’ll learn about the differences between our river, ocean, and expedition voyages and what life is like on board our award-winning ships. Plus, we’ll showcase a selection of our most popular itineraries from the rivers of Europe and Southeast Asia to the ocean voyages through the Mediterranean, the Americas and Scandinavia and our expeditions to the pristine white continent of Antarctica.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We recommend arriving 30 minutes before the start of your session time to enjoy light refreshments and connect with fellow explorers. The presentation will take approximately 75 minutes and will be followed by a Q&A session. Content at both the day and evening sessions is the same, so you only need register for one session time.
IN-HOME CARE PROVIDES A SENSE OF FREEDOM
THE feeling of independence is a wonderful thing. When a loved one is elderly or has a disability, knowing that they can continue to accomplish basic tasks and live as they always have done at home can offer a sense of pride.
Not everyone wants to move to a care facility. Not everyone can find the right place to suit them and their finances.
And there is something to be said for the benefits that familiar surroundings bring. Staying in their home, surrounded by a lifetime of memories and history, their own belongings and even accustomed décor can be comforting, reassuring and gratifying.
The need to retain the status quo – and the freedom that brings – can be a
life force. That’s where having care provided in the home is a godsend.
The home care sector covers care and domestic assistance provided to older people or those with disability in a private residence. The GEN aged care data reports, for example, that as of June 30, 2023, 1334 providers were offering home support through 3744 outlets, and 923 providers were delivering home care through 2448 services.
For those eligible, levels of government funding help ease the financial burden of staying in your own home for as long as possible, according to your ability.
A wide variety of quality services can be found – from occupational therapy for self-care tasks (such as showering/ bathing and cooking) and NDIS/aged care plan management to others providing maintenance workers to change a light bulb or clean out the guttering.
When seeking in-home care and support, prospective clients and their loved ones should do their homework: understand what services are available in their area and associated costs.
Shop around for the providers with good communication, who seem the best ‘fit’ for the client and their families. And don’t be afraid to change providers if necessary, when circumstances change or services do not meet expectations.
WORDS: Shirley Sinclair
MAXIMISE your independence
Feel safer at home with minor home modifications including grab rails, door wedges and hand held showers.
We also subsidise minor home maintenance related to your safety and security.
• Smoke alarm checks
• Changing light globes
• Gutter cleans
• Plumbing
• Electrical
NEEDING A MAJOR HOME MODIFICATION?
Our team of specialists has over 25 years of experience and can provide subsidised modifications to your bathroom, as well as access ramps and stairlifts.
STAYING SAFE DURING THE SUMMER HEAT
HOT summer days can be challenging for everyone, and as we grow older, our bodies may not handle extreme temperatures as efficiently as they once did.
Whether enjoying the outdoors or relaxing at home, taking proactive steps can ensure comfort and health during the warmer months.
Senior clinical nurse Alison Smith, from home care assistance provider All About Living, shares these tips to stay cool and safe.
Create a cool environment – keep your home comfortable by closing windows, curtains and blinds during the hottest parts of the day. Ensure fans or air-conditioning are functioning properly and spend time in the coolest room. If your home remains too warm, consider visiting air-conditioned spaces such as shopping centres or community hubs.
S tay hydrated – sip water regularly throughout the day, even if you’re not thirsty. Aim for six to eight glasses daily and steer clear of dehydrating drinks including coffee, soft drinks and alcohol.
T ake it easy – reserve physical tasks such as gardening for the cooler parts of the day. If you need to be outdoors, wear light clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and
sunscreen, and stick to shady areas. Be alert for symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, heavy sweating or muscle cramps.
If you or someone nearby shows signs of heatstroke, including a high body temperature or fainting, seek immediate medical assistance by calling 000.
By staying mindful and taking these simple precautions, you can enjoy a safer, more comfortable summer. A little care goes a long way. Visit allaboutliving.com.au
OVERWHELMING AND DANGEROUS TASKS SORTED
CLIENTS and their families have always been at the centre of everything that Maroochy Home Assist (MHA) does.
MHA staff understand the challenges that come with ageing. Even small, everyday tasks such as changing a light bulb, clearing a pathway or cleaning fans can become overwhelming, and even dangerous, for older individuals.
Providing state or federal governmentsubsidised assistance helps prevent falls and other accidents that could lead to hospitalisation. Most importantly, MHA helps people maintain their independence at home, where they feel most comfortable.
MHA has long been a beacon of support for older adults and as the organisation continues to evolve, its focus remains on assisting those who need its services the most.
MHA completes a wide range of home maintenance and modification work including: creating level-access bathrooms; installing access ramps, bidets and stairlifts, grab rails and key safes; repairing locks and handles; replacing insect screens and light bulbs; clearing gutters and garden maintenance (eligibility criteria applies); and subsidised plumbing and electrical work.
The organisation empowers its clients by providing other key programs such as: Home Assist Secure (HAS) – a lifeline for eligible Queenslanders aged 60 and over, as
well as individuals with disabilities. HAS provides subsidised assistance for minor home maintenance and modifications.
From fixing a broken step to installing safety rails, the service ensures homes are safe and comfortable.
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) – tailored for individuals aged 65 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 50 and over, this program offers minor and major home modifications. It is designed to help seniors remain independent by making their homes more accessible and safer.
NDIS and Home Care Package support – MHA now extends its services to recipients of Home Care Packages and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants. This expansion means even more individuals can access essential handyman and modification services across the Sunshine Coast.
To learn more, call 5476 6130.
•
Your
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• Services that best suit you, who you are and how you wish to
Retirement villages may be the new Blue Zones for longevity
By LESA MACPHERSON
There has been recent media interest around Blue Zones, where people have been shown to have longer lives than average.
Recently, retirement villages have been identified as having characteristics of these Blue Zones.
Places such as Okinawa and various Mediterranean sites historically have been identified as Blue Zones where people live longer than average.
However, a recent discovery proves that the statistics on which conclusions have been based are questionable, and in some cases are based on fraud (including ‘long-living’ people who are deceased but relatives are still claiming benefits).
However, putting that aside, the ideals and behaviour for longer and healthier living can certainly be adopted in many locations and lifestyles. To live long and live well, these are the vital considerations:
• social connection
• remaining active, mentally as well
as physically
• a sense of purpose (volunteering, looking after grandchildren, or paid work)
• good nutrition (such as the Mediterranean diet)
• a sense of control and independence
• access to health and medical care
• financial security.
Perhaps not surprisingly, quality retirement villages also have been identified as promoting longer, more connected and healthier lives for their residents by providing these characteristics.
Retirement villages focus on community engagement and encouraging involvement in activities which keep mind and body active and healthy, in contrast to sometimes lonely lives spent in isolation.
There are many different retirement living models available to choose from, and Sunshine Coast Elder Law has experience in advising on all of them. Call 1800 961 622 or visit sunshinecoastelderlaw.com.au
THE REASONS WHY A BORROWER WOULD PAY HIGHER INTEREST RATES TO A NON-BANK LENDER
WITH the growth of private credit in Australia, investors in property debt funds often question why a borrower would choose a non-bank lender when traditional banks typically offer lower interest rates.
The answer lies in the advantages non-bank lenders can provide: flexibility, speed and the potential for greater profitability.
Reputable non-bank lenders cater primarily to experienced property developers and businesses that require tailored financial solutions.
These businesses turn to non-bank lenders because these institutions can offer more agile financing options, enabling faster project delivery and, ultimately, higher profits.
Flexibility drives profits – non-bank lenders typically have fewer constraints than traditional banks, allowing developers to begin and complete projects sooner. This means developers can realise profits faster, without the delays often associated with rigid bank processes.
Lower pre-sale requirements – banks frequently require developers to achieve a high level of pre-sales before approving construction loans. To meet these requirements, developers may need to sell units off the plan at discounted prices. Non-bank lenders, on the other hand, often allow projects to commence with
lower pre-sale thresholds, enabling developers to sell completed properties at full market value, increasing overall profitability.
Finance costs are a small component – for most property developments, finance costs make up only 8–10 per cent of total project expenses. While non-bank lenders may charge higher interest rates, the marginal increase in financing costs is often offset by the benefits of faster approvals and increased revenue opportunities.
Streamlined lending for greater focus – traditional banks can involve lengthy approval processes, diverting time and energy from the project itself. Non-bank lenders offer faster, more straightforward lending solutions, allowing developers to focus on their expertise and complete projects efficiently.
Non-bank lenders fill a crucial gap in the market, offering flexible, tailored solutions that prioritise project timelines and profitability.
For developers seeking faster access to funds and the ability to maximise returns, the higher interest rates are often a worthwhile investment.
WORDS: Justine Christie, head of marketing, Capital Property Funds. See capitalpropertyfunds.com.au
WHEN relationships or marriages break down, grandparents can find themselves sidelined.
Family law specialist Liz Catton says this is despite their growing contribution to childcare, particularly amid rising living costs and daycare fees.
With family separations on the rise, Ms Catton is urging grandparents to understand their rights and explore the legal steps they can take to maintain meaningful relationships with their grandchildren during times of upheaval.
Ms Catton, who is an accredited family law specialist and director at Catton and Tondelstrand Family Lawyers, emphasises that while the law acknowledges the importance of grandparents in children’s lives, it prioritises the child’s rights over granting grandparents automatic visitation rights.
“Grandparents are often the unsung heroes in families,” she says.
“From providing childcare to being primary carers, their role is crucial, especially during times of family crisis. Yet, they can find themselves sidelined after a separation or divorce.”
When relationships break down, children’s contact with grandparents is typically left to the parents to coordinate.
However, strained communication between separated parents – whether due to distance, illness or conflict – can result in
grandparents losing contact with their grandchildren, severing vital bonds.
“Many grandparents don’t realise they have legal options to maintain these relationships,” Ms Catton says.
“Under the Family Law Act, grandparents can apply for parenting orders if it’s in the best interests of the children. Every case is unique.
“The courts increasingly recognise the value of intergenerational relationships, provided they align with the child’s safety and wellbeing.”
Ms Catton encourages grandparents to address potential challenges in maintaining relationships with their grandchildren proactively.
“If grandparents are struggling to maintain contact, seeking legal advice early can help preserve these vital bonds and ensure children receive the love and support they need from all sides of their family,” she says.
TIPS FOR STRESS-FREE DOWNSIZING OF FAMILY HOME
DOWNSIZING is your time to focus on what matters most – whether that’s freeing up finance, moving closer to loved ones or finding a home that just feels right.
Funding, a finance business, has helped many over-50s navigate this important step, and understands it can sometimes feel stressful.
But with the right plan in place, you can approach downsizing with peace of mind.
Here are Funding’s top tips:
1. Find a home for today and tomorrow. Look for a place that will make your life simpler and happier, now and in the years to come. Consider features such as single-level living, lowmaintenance spaces and easy access to healthcare, family, community and other essentials.
2. Explore your options. Take a moment to consider all your financial tools. For example, Funding’s bridging finance helps secure your next home before selling your current one, taking the rush out of the process. Before you start searching, it’s also useful to use an online loan calculator to understand how much you could potentially borrow, so you’ll feel more in control.
3. Lighten the load. Downsizing can mean sorting through years of memories. Break it into small steps and
focus on keeping the things that bring you joy. If the process feels a bit much, enlist professionals such as removalists to give you a hand.
4. Embrace the journey. Moving on from a long-time home can stir up all sorts of feelings. Take the time you need to adjust. Bringing along a few treasured items can help your new home feel more welcoming.
Ready to take your first step? Use the free, online loan calculator at funding.com.au/downsizer-calculator to see how much you could potentially borrow to downsize (the Funding Bridging Loan calculator is an indicative estimate only – it is not a loan quote or loan offer. All loans are subject to the lender’s credit assessment, approval and property valuations).
If you’d like more information on how Funding’s bridging finance can make downsizing stress-free, visit funding.com. au or call 13 44 33 19.
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.
ACT FAST IF YOU SUSPECT THE SIGNS OF A STROKE
THE event of a stroke is becoming increasingly common, especially in 25 to 55-year-olds.
Global statistics currently report that one-in-four people will have a stroke in their lifetime.
A total of 85 per cent of strokes are ischaemic (blockage) strokes.
Many are preventable if more attention is paid to lead-up symptoms.
Transient ischaemic attacks are an indicator that need investigation. Don’t ignore them.
Younger stroke survivors say continual severe headaches may be a serious alert, yet there is less
expectation that you may be having a stroke.
Request a thorough investigation prior to discharge with paracetamol. Make sure ECGs, CT and MRI scans are taken in hospital.
Ask your GP many questions to take more responsibility for your own health.
With low health literacy in Australia, give yourself a better chance of understanding and don’t ignore alerts as the consequence is quality of life.
FAST – stroke signs to look for:
• face – drooping and change in appearance, from one side to another
• arms – can they be lifted to the same height together, or is one less able?
• speech – is there slurring or slow, unusual answers to questions?
• time – is essential, so make sure you call 000 immediately.
An ambulance is the best mode of transport. If further escalation happens on the way to the hospital, a paramedic is the person you want close by. The patient’s condition may be distracting for anyone else driving them to hospital, putting all lives at risk.
The ambulance will be directed to the nearest available hospital admission. Travel in the ambulance to know where the patient has been taken.
WORDS: Bridget Noble, stroke survivor advocate and carer.
ZUMBA YOUR WAY TO FITNESS, FUN AND FRIENDSHIP
ZUMBA dance your way into the new year with special classes designed for the 65-78 age bracket.
The Zumba Gold classes have a moderate dance structure, which is much better for the joints as we age.
Instructor Julie Allen has been teaching for nine years and doesn’t plan on giving up anytime soon.
The sessions are held at Nambour CWA (opposite NAB bank) in Short Street each Friday at 10.30am.
The cost is $5 per class – probably the cheapest of its kind on the Coast.
Julie says that while there is no lock-in membership, consistently turning
up to class will ensure maximum benefits.
The friendly group members all support each other, she says, and “always have a coffee after class at a local coffee shop”.
“My ultimate goal is for ladies – and gents, for that matter – to make new mates for life, as I have done with this group,” Julie says.
“You will never be judged, singled out or made to feel uncomfortable.
“Come along and see for yourself what a great group of gals I have here.”
Call Julie on 0417917303, email Julie.allen709@gmail.com or just turn up.
Dunay Schmulian Clinical Audiologist
Dr
Tanya Dave Director / Gerontologist, MindHubs.
BUBLÉ, BROADWAY & BEYOND
DON’T miss Bublé, Broadway & Beyond featuring story and song.
This uniquely intimate cabaret has stunning vocals and breathtaking piano arrangements of beloved songs from stars such as Michael Bublé, The Beach Boys, The Righteous Brothers and Bee Gees.
The show features acclaimed entertainer and theatre performer
Thomas Armstrong-Robley, renowned Australian vocalist Ashleigh Denning and award-winning classical pianist Matt Rofe. The accomplished trio also tip their cap to famed musicals including The Phantom of the Opera, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Wizard of Oz
WHERE: The Events Centre, 20 Minchinton Street, Caloundra.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 19, at 11am. TICKETS: $30. Call 5491 4240 or visit theeventscentre.com.au
A GIRL’S GUIDE TO WORLD WAR THE MARK PRADELLA BAND
MARK Pradella is a woodwinds player/ band leader/arranger and head of woodwind and bands at St Peter’s Lutheran College in Indooroopilly.
The performance for the Jazz & Blues Collective will feature Pradella playing clarinet, tenor, alto and soprano sax, and his band, along with vocalist Peter Vance, presenting arrangements of tunes from a mixture of musical styles – jazz, swing, blues, funk, Latin and more.
WHERE: Millwell Road Community Centre, 11 Millwell Road East, Maroochydore.
WHEN: Sunday, March 2. Music from 1.30-4pm (doors open 1pm).
TICKETS: Adults $26 and seniors $25 from stickytickets.com.au/ jazzandbluescollective
URBAN COUNTRY MUSIC FEST
THE Urban Country Music Festival has been revamped and returns after a nine-year hiatus. A free launch event with live performances announcing the festival line-up will be held at the Caboolture Country Markets on Sunday, February 9, from 10am.
TICKETS: On sale on Sunday, February 9. Visit urbancountrymusicfestival.com.au
AN AWARD-WINNING, homegrown musical – celebrating two remarkable but scarcely known, pioneering Australian women doctors – returns to the Sunshine Coast for two performances.
Written and composed by locals Katy Forde and Aleathea Monsour, A Girl’s Guide to World War reveals the true story of history-making doctors Lilian Cooper and Agnes Bennett.
In 1891, Dr Cooper became Queensland’s first female doctor and Australia’s first female surgeon. Sydney’s Dr Bennett was forced to leave Australia to pursue her medical career due to prejudices of the time.
Forde says that with the world at war in 1916, the doctors made their way to the Serbian frontline, where together they
AUTHOR IN CONVERSATION
A FREE literary event with author Mary-Lou Stephens in conversation with Noosa Mayor and journalist Frank Wilkie, will launch her new novel The Jam Maker
When Stephens hung up her microphone at ABC Sunshine Coast, she embarked on a new life, living her dream as a bestselling author. She has had two very successful novels with Harper Collins: Last Of The Apple Blossom and The Chocolate Factory, and Annie’s Books
ran a suffragette-funded, all-women hospital. Despite the war setting, the story is alive with the character and humour and loves of its extraordinary protagonists.
WHERE: The Events Centre, 20 Minchinton Street, Caloundra.
WHEN: Friday, March 14, at 7pm; and Saturday, March 15, at 2pm.
TICKETS: $49, or $45 concession. Call 5491 4240 or visit theeventscentre.com.au.
on Peregian is presenting her third romantic historical novel.
The Jam Maker is set in Tasmania at Hobart’s jam factories, and is a story of lies, deceit and danger.
WHERE: On the footpath at Annie’s Books On Peregian, 8 Kingfisher Drive, Peregian Beach.
WHEN: Thursday, February 27, at 6pm, with wine and cheese. BYO folding chair. TICKETS: Free event. Visit anniesbooksonperegian.com.au or facebook.com/AnniesBooks/
A Girl’s Guide To World War
An award-winning, home-grown smash hit musical you won’t want to miss. Told with rollicking humour and stirring live music, this is a TRUE story the history books didn’t want you to know about!
Come meet the Aussie women who line, and became decorated war heroes.
Fri 14 Mar, 7pm & Sat 15 Mar, 2pm
Bublé, Broadway & Beyond
This uniquely intimate cabaret features stunning vocals and breathtaking piano arrangements of beloved songs from Michael Bublé, Elvis Presley, The Righteous Brothers and The Bee Gees, to name a few.
The production lovingly tips its cap to famed musicals including The Phantom of the Opera, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Wizard of Oz.
Wed 19 Mar, 11am
NONE OF THIS IS TRUE
By Lisa Jewell Thriller
Reviewed by Jan Kent
TWO vastly different women have a chance encounter and discover they were born on the same day in the same hospital.
As the story develops, the reader is totally drawn into this dark and chilling psychological thriller.
You begin to doubt both of the main characters, with the title giving a clue as to how this story may unfold.
These characters are cleverly drawn, contrasting the podcaster Alix and her not-so-stable home life with the obsessive and brooding Josie.
After a marriage which has entrenched her with a much older man, Josie seeks out Alix to become part of her life.
Alternating chapters tell the unfolding story from the perspective of these two. However, this is interspersed with a Netflix drama and a podcast script, cleverly adding details and unfolding this multi-layered tale.
This book was so gripping, I couldn’t put it down, with the ending leaving me still wondering – was any of it true?
Highly recommended.
CLEAR
By Carys Davies
Historical fiction
DENIZEN
By James McKenzie Watson
Literary fiction
Reviewed by John
Kleinschmidt
DENIZEN was the Penguin Literary Prize winner in 2021 and, personally, I asked myself: “Why?”.
The characters are so well described that you feel you know them.
The setting is a remote, dying outback town and the storyline varies from unremarkable to interesting to bizarre.
The main character is Parker: a nine-year-old who believes there is something wrong with his brain. And that is where we spend most of our time: in his brain, past and present.
In the past, we deal with his disrespectful and sometimes violent relationship with his mother.
In the second half, I was confused at times – not knowing what was real or fabricated. Partial sentences, leaving words out and repeating phrases did little for clarity.
Ultimately, the story is about Parker confronting the demons of his childhood.
Still worth reading.
Reviewed by Annie Grossman, of Annie’s Books on Peregian
THIS beautifully published little hardback novel is a treasure.
The story is set during the Highland Clearances: a period in the 19th century when whole communities of the rural poor were heartlessly driven off their land to make way for more livestock, primarily sheep, increasing the profitability of the Scottish farming industry and the government coffers.
It was a cruel project, and it changed Scotland forever.
In this novel, an impoverished Scottish minister is sent to a remote island to evict a man, Ivar, who has been living alone there all his life, with only his animals for company.
The minister is reluctant, yet resigned to do his duty, and an unusual relationship is formed between these two men which will change both their lives.
This is a small, but deeply considered novel. I will read more from this author.
LENS
A TOTAL of 42 Sunshine Coast artists are showcased in their individual studio spaces as part of a book by Lake Macdonald photographer Christine Hall.
Hall’s relationship with these artists grew through her initial work photographing their finished pieces for various art competitions, giclee prints and programs for exhibitions.
But as she came to know the artists, she realised each creative space is worth documenting in pictures.
“The studios where many of the artists work are so unique and central to their type of creative practice,” she says.
“Photographing the artist at work, in the process of creating, is as unique as the art they are creating and this hasn’t really been featured this way before.
“There is a whole generation of artists on the Coast who are creating amazing bodies of work, whether they be emerging or established artists.
“The Studio Project is capturing both intimate and special moments with the artists, as well as documenting what the Sunshine Coast arts scene is fostering at this moment in time.”
The book features each artist’s work, studio and portrait, with a QR code to their audio.
Many of the artists featured are creating works in direct relation to their natural and built environment around them across various parts of the region. Beach, hinterland, found objects and responses to change are all featured in the book.
Peter Hudson, an established landscape and portrait painter, based in Maleny, says being part of The Studio Project is an honour.
“There is such a variety and depth of artists who are busy at work creating in typically private environments,” says Hudson, who has previously been an Archibald Prize finalist with a portrait of Paul Kelly, and the Brisbane Portrait Prize Finalist in 2021 and 2024.
“This allows viewers a unique peek into the process of creation and lends a deeper insight into the creative process.”
Among the artists featured in the book are: Stefan Dunlop, Veronica Cay, Gabrielle Jones, Lauren Jones, Pam Walpole, Colin Pennock and Jess Le Clerc.
The Studio Project is available via myphotomotion.com.au/ shop/studio-project
Christine Hall
Road trip Tasmania Tasman Peninsula
On the northern end of Pirates Bay at the shoreline is an impressive geological formation: the tessellated pavement. The ocean ebb and flow has flattened and cracked a section of rock into a pattern of what looks like man-made square tiles (best seen at low tide).
Towards the south of Eaglehawk Neck, do visit Doo town. Locals have had a bit of fun, naming their beach shacks using the word ‘Doo’. Spot names include Doo Nothing, Doodle Doo, Doo Little, We Doo and Love Me Doo
From Doo Town, don’t miss the three ‘rock stars’ in Waterfall Bay: the Blow Hole, the Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen.
Discover Tasmania’s ‘other’ great gourmet tasting trail
JENNIFER JOHNSTON takes a road trip in southeast Tasmania to discover natural wonders, historical places and some of the state’s finest producers.
The Turrakana/Tasman Peninsula, located in southeast Tasmania, is a 75km drive from Hobart. Because much of the region has been declared a national park, there is no shortage of stunning landscapes. Throw in a handful of bespoke regional producers who are giving the Cradle To Coast Tasting Trail a run for their money, and you have plenty of reasons to place Tassie’s southeast on your ‘must-visit’ list. CONVICT HISTORY
The Tasman Peninsula is home to two of Australia’s World Heritage Listed convict sites. Everyone knows the Port Arthur Historic Site. The second, lesser-known Coal Mines Historic Site, overlooking Norfolk Bay, is a 25-minute drive from Port Arthur.
Established in 1839, this settlement site was Tasmania’s first operational mine. The worst repeat offenders from Port Arthur were sent there. The convicts worked underground, mining coal.
UNFORGETTABLE LANDSCAPES
Driving around the Tasman Peninsula, you’ll wonder why they chose such a picturesque region to house convicts.
The geographical isolation no doubt played a part. A 450-metre long isthmus –Teralina/Eaglehawk Neck – connects the Tasman Peninsula to the Forestier Peninsula. This thin sandbar (30m wide at its narrowest point) separates the calm waters of Norfolk Bay and the wild Tasman Sea.
In convict times, the authorities chained vicious dogs in a line along The Neck, to discourage any prisoners thinking of escaping from Port Arthur.
Today, a statue of a dog chained to a barrel marks where the ‘dog line’ finished at the sand dunes. You can only imagine how desperate those convicts must have been to contemplate escaping.
Take the turn-off to the Pirates Bay Lookout for a stunning view of Eaglehawk Neck, overlooking Norfolk Bay.
Over thousands of years, this coastline trio has formed, pounded by the ocean’s mighty power.
Within the Tasman National Park (in three unconnected sections), you’ll find the towering sea cliffs of Cape Raoul, Cape Pillar and Cape Hauy. The trio, known as the Three Capes, are spectacular and popular with hikers.
A DIVINE PLACE TO STAY
For somewhere special, you cannot go past St Martin’s (stmartinsoftasmania.com.au): a beautiful, 100-year-old sandstone church built as a memorial to honour local servicemen killed during World War I.
St Martin’s is in Dunalley, a small seaside town at the entrance to the Tasman Peninsula. It is an ideal location to use as a base to explore the region.
The renovated church is now boutique
accommodation. The new owners purchased the church in 2019, undertaking an extensive restoration project that took four years. There’s an episode on ABC’s Restoration Australia TV show about the transformation. This episode does not include the newer addition of a bathroom and kitchen, at the back of the church.
Waking up in the open-plan church felt divine. The morning light streamed through the stained-glass window at the front, spilling onto the furniture and antique objects selected by the owner Simon Holloway.
St Martin’s sandstone blocks were repurposed from the Commissariat’s Stores building at the Coal Mine Convict site. Some of the clay bricks were handmade. If you look hard, you will see thumbprints (the convicts pressed their thumbs into the soft clay as they came out of the mould).
BESPOKE PRODUCERS
There’s a few good reasons to stay central. Bangor Shed (bangorshed.com.au) is one of them. Not far from St Martin’s, off the Arthur Highway, the almost 2430ha (6000 acre) property has been in the Dunbabin family since the 1820s.
Sheep were the mainstay of the farm. Fifth-generation farmer Matt Dunbabin and his wife Vanessa decided to capitalise on visitors driving past their property en route to Port Arthur (before MONA, Port Arthur was Tasmania’s most popular tourist attraction).
The couple planted vines in 2010. Through trial and error, they have created award-winning wines.
Their Bangor Vineyard Shed houses a tasting room, cellar door and restaurant. Sample a selection of handcrafted wines.
continued over >
Richard Bignell, of Bream Creek Dairy
The facade at St Martin’s, Dunalley
Eaglehawk Neck, Tasman National Park
They range from crisp whites to complex reds. The menu features fresh, local produce. On a sunny day, sit outside under cover on the deck and enjoy majestic views over Boomer Bay (I’ve indulged in long lunches here with friends).
One morning, I visited Bream Creek Dairy (breamcreekdairy.com.au), near Marion Bay, 15 minutes from Dunalley. Richard Bignell and his nephew Jack had recently finished milking their Friesian cows. Richard’s father John, as a 20-year-old, purchased 28ha (70 acres) at Bream Creek.
Starting out with 12 cows, John and his wife Kay added 10 small farms over six decades. The family dairy currently has a milking herd of 800 carefully bred Friesian cows, and the extended Bignell family lives and works on the land.
Bream Creek Dairy produces fresh milk and four types of artisan cheese: blue, brie, truffle brie and black ash brie (I’m partial to the ash, smeared with some of McHenry’s sloe paste, found at Mc Henry’s Distillery, in Mt Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula).
Bream Creek Dairy also makes single malt whisky, Stroud, named after their farm, and wine (riesling and a pinot noir).
A few minutes up the road from the dairy is Bream Creek Vineyard (breamcreekvineyard.com.au): one of the earliest commercial vineyards in Tassie.
The cellar door opened in 2023. With spectacular views overlooking Marion Bay, the tasting room is popular.
On the drive back towards Dunalley is the Daly Farm overlooking the serene waters of Boomer Bay.
One of Tasmania’s leading potato producers, the farm also makes smallbatch craft spirits under the banner Hellfire Bluff Distillery (hellfirebluff.com. au). It crafts bespoke vodka, gins and liqueurs using ingredients harvested on the farm, including Tasmanian rainwater. The Potato Vodka and Summer Floral Gin have won awards. And while you’re sampling Hellfire’s finest on top of the hill, enjoy the spectacular view of the water.
Near Dunalley is the region’s only oyster farmgate, Blue Lagoon Oysters. The business sells fresh oysters grown in nearby Boomer Bay.
Yet another tasty reason why you will want to linger longer in this special region.
BROOME TO DARWIN BY COMFORTABLE COACH
THE Kimberley region, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and awe-inspiring natural wonders, sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure from Broome to Darwin in July.
The CT Travel Broome to Darwin coach tour promises remarkable landscapes, a rich history and unique cultural experiences that encapsulate the essence of the Kimberley. Tour highlights include:
• Horizontal Falls half-day tour: kickstart your journey with one of the most stunning natural wonders in the Kimberley. This tour, operated by Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, includes a seaplane flight and thrilling boat ride through the falls.
• Willie Creek Pearl Farm tour: this tour gives an in-depth understanding of the cultivation process and the opportunity to witness these gems first-hand.
• Geikie Gorge cruise: experience the dramatic landscapes of this natural masterpiece, carved by the Fitzroy River.
• The Hoochery Distillery tour: visit the oldest, continuously operating legal distillery in Western Australia. Sample some of its finest spirits crafted from local ingredients.
• Bungle Bungle Adventurer scenic flight: the aerial perspective reveals the striking beehive-shaped formations and intricate patterns that make this
landscape so captivating.
• Argyle Homestead Museum: learn about the pioneering history of the Kimberley region. The museum is set in the relocated homestead of the Durack family, which was instrumental in the region’s agricultural development.
• Lake Argyle to Kununurra cruise: Embark on a scenic cruise with Triple J Tours which showcases the majestic landscapes and serene waterways.
• NitNit Dreaming 2 Gorge tour: this tour takes you through two of Nitmiluk National Park’s spectacular gorges, revealing ancient rock art and breathtaking landscapes.
• Royal Flying Doctor Service: learn about the life-saving work of the RFDS at its Darwin facility and critical healthcare delivered to remote communities.
• Dinner cruise: conclude your journey with Spirit of Darwin Cruises on Darwin Harbour, taking in the sunset views. Visit cttravel.com.au/broome-todarwin/ or call 539 11 648.
FEBRUARY 2025
Border Ranges / Lions Road / Scenic Rim (3 Days)
Brisbane Sights at the Star Casino (3 Days)
MARCH 2025
O’Reillys (4 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 (5 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
Broome to Darwin (12 Days)
Carnarvon & Wallaroo (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
Tasmania (15 Days)
O’Reillys (4 Days)
Bream Creek Vineyard cellar door
IMAGE: JENNIFER JOHNSTON
$500* Save per couple
Latin Rendezvous
Discover the charm of Buenos Aires, the energy of Rio de Janeiro, and the majesty of Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfalls in the world and a sight to behold.
Highlights Buenos Aires • Iguazu Falls
• Rio De Janeiro
9 days from $4,699*pp
Authentic Chile
Explore the enchanting Patagonia with a conservation safari all with the backdrop of the mountain peaks of Torres del Paine National Park.
Highlights Santiago • San Pedro de Atacama • Punta Arenas
• Torres del Paine National Park
11 days from $11,505*pp
Authentic Peru
Take a Peruvian adventure where you stay in the heart of the Amazon, at the wonders of Machu Picchu.
Highlights Lima • Amazon Lodge • Sacred Valley
• Machu Picchu • Cusco • Puno
14 days from $7,905*pp
Insider Galapagos & Machu Picchu
Journey through Ecuador and Peru, from the charm of colonial cities to the spectacular Galapagos Islands and uncover the mystique of Machu Picchu.
Highlights Quito • Galapagos Islands • Española Island
• Floreana Island • Santiago Island • Santa Cruz Island
• Guayaquil • Lima • Sacred Valley • Machu Picchu • Cusco
14 days from $13,079*pp
– Tewantin Travel - 5447 1011
INDUSTRY EXPERTS
LEGAL
To begin, begin Solution for a range of skin concerns
As we welcome the new year, many of us take time to reflect on our goals and aspirations.
We make promises to ourselves to eat healthier, exercise more and do something new.
Amid all the self-improvement, however, it’s easy to overlook one important aspect of our lives: estate planning.
Estate planning involves more than just preparing your Will and Enduring Power of Attorney.
It’s about making sure your loved ones are protected and that your wishes are respected.
Updating your estate plan is actually a very thoughtful and considerate act you can do for the benefit of people you care about and who depend on you.
There are many reasons why updating your estate plan should be high on your list of New Year’s resolutions.
These include:
1. Ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes; and
2. Avoiding costs – dying without an up-to-date estate plan can trigger lengthy and costly processes and occasionally court proceedings.
Updating your estate plan may not be the most glamorous task, but it’s an important one.
ProStamp is a cutting-edge, skin-needling treatment designed to tighten and sculpt almost any area of concern on your body. It is an excellent solution for men who want to minimise more-obvious signs of ageing without looking as though they’ve overdone it.
The advanced needling device creates controlled micro-lacerate, prompting your body to respond by starting the healing process. The result is firm, tightened skin and a plumped, youthful appearance. ProStamp is your go-to solution for a range of skin concerns, including:
• wrinkles and lax skin
• acne
• pigmentation
• scarring
• stretchmarks
• enlarged pores
• rosacea.
Signature Cosmetic and Beauty staff believe that beauty knows no age, and that everyone deserves personalised care tailored to their unique skin concerns.
We understand that the desire for youthful, radiant skin is universal, regardless of age. Don’t let age limit your journey to radiant skin. Book now for a ProStamp skin-needling treatment and experience improved skin rejuvenation.
We are offing 20% off Prostamp treatments for months of February and March.
A DEEP DIVE INTO SOUTH AMERICAN CULTURE
ADVENTURE World offers the ideal way to discover the wonders of South America while minimising your environmental impact and supporting local communities.
South America is renowned for its cultures, landscapes and incredible biodiversity. By working with local organisations and communities, Adventure World ensures that your journey contributes positively to the places you visit. From protecting wildlife to supporting socio-economic initiatives, you’ll be part of a travel movement that cares for the planet and its people.
For eco-conscious travellers, the Galapagos Islands are a must-visit destination. These unique islands teem with wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.
Adventure World partners with organisations such as the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos Conservation Trust, which are at the forefront of initiatives to create a plastic pollution-free Galapagos. These efforts protect the fragile marine ecosystem and ensure the survival of incredible species such as its giant tortoises and marine iguanas for generations to come.
Peru’s Sacred Valley offers not only stunning vistas, but also opportunities to connect with local communities.
At the Racchi lookout, soak in panoramic views of the valley before enjoying lunch at AMA: a restaurant dedicated to empowering marginalised communities. Run by local single mothers,
AMA serves traditional homemade meals crafted with locally sourced ingredients. After your meal, browse exquisite handicrafts created by Andean women weavers. Purchasing these items helps preserve traditional weaving techniques, provides fair compensation and supports skill development.
Learn the tango: a dance of passion, history and cultural pride in Argentina.
Venture to Bolivia’s Lake Titicaca to explore Andean farming techniques that have sustained communities for centuries. Witness locals cultivating crops, including quinoa and potatoes, using methods passed down through generations, showcasing a deep connection to the land.
Adventure World also encourages travellers to participate in workshops, guided tours and cultural exchanges that foster genuine connections with local people.
To start planning your authentic South American adventure, visit travellerschoice.com.au
THE NEW MIX OF DESTINATIONS TRENDING IN 2025
LONDON, Paris, New York and Rome are popular destinations, but there are many other fascinating places to explore.
Viking’s award-winning small ships take curious travellers to ports the larger ships cannot access and include more time in port to immerse in the destination. Guests enjoy destination-focused dining and onboard enrichment in serene Scandinavian comfort, with no kids, no casinos, and state-of-the-art amenities.
These popular destinations offer authentic, culturally rich and simply unforgettable experiences that should be high on your travel wish list.
Tromsø, Norway, is surrounded by snow-dusted landscapes and sparkling turquoise fjords and is the gateway to the Arctic. During winter, it is one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis.
On scenic Suruga Bay and watched over by Mt Fuji is Shimizu, Japan. It thrives on fishing and green tea exports, and UNESCO-protected pine groves reach to a 6.4km stretch of pristine sandy beach – from where Mt Udo and the Miho Peninsula can be admired.
Ephesus, Turkiye, is one of antiquity’s best-preserved cities. Excavations date to 10th century BCE, when it was home to
the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Porto, Portugal, has a rich maritime past, narrow cobblestone streets and a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Its passionate wine scene makes it a must-see for travellers wanting to discover the other side of Europe. Viking provides plenty of time to explore the city at your leisure from its river ships, which dock in the heart of Porto.
The French-influenced, neo-Moorish North African city of Casablanca, Morocco, offers a contrasting blend of modernity and ancient tradition. See ancient relics in museums, visit archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage sites, or shop in the evocative souks. Visit vikingcruises.com.au
Ephesus
Iguazu Falls, Argentina
With Quizmaster Allan Blackburn
1. How many months on our calendar end in ‘ber’?
2. On which continent is Zaire?
3. Who won his first Wimbledon tournament in 1985?
4. Who were the one-eyed giants of Greek mythology?
5. True or false: there are no natural rock outcrops on K’gari (Fraser Island)?
6. In which part of the human body is the sternum?
7. Who was the actor who played Kojak on TV in the 1970s?
8. What is the national airline of Germany?
9. What is the meaning of indemnify: invest money, forget, or compensate for loss?
10. In which state of the US is the Iditarod race held?
11. What is the technical name for the smell of rain?
12. In the old Imperial system, how many pounds made a hundredweight?
13. A pillion passenger is found on what type of vehicle?
14. What is the name for the ancient Egyptian inscriptions found in tombs?
15. In which nation is a country home called a dacha?
16. In which Australian state or territory is the largest electorate?
17. What is normally done with a glockenspiel?
18. What is the second-lightest gas?
19. Which Australian prime minister suffered a disfiguring face wound in World War II?
