I’ll never forget the Saturday morning that branches higher up my family tree started appearing.
I already had done a little digging into the life of a paternal grandfather I never knew on a visit to the National War Memorial in Canberra in 1996, and sent away for his military history. But time flies and my research had fallen by the wayside.
Five years ago, I Googled ‘Arthur Leslie Sinclair’ and a State Library of Queensland page immediately popped up. I clicked on the article titled: ‘Sinclair soldiers’ by Marg Powel and Des Crump, from about a year earlier. And I literally fell off my chair with excitement.
The article began: “Indigenous Australian, Joseph Dunbar Sinclair 1871-1930 ... was one of eleven children born to James Sinclair and Jane Ryder. Joe volunteered in May 1917 age 46 and become one of 10 from his family to enlist in the first AIF.”
Joseph Dunbar Sinclair was my great grandfather. Arthur, who arrived on April 25, 1915, on the beach at Gallipoli and was wounded in the eye a week later on May 2,
was listed in the article as one of Joseph’s three sons who served in World War I.
But it was those first two words that totally threw me: “Indigenous Australian”.
I never knew. All my life, people had asked where my ‘tanned’ skin came from. If my family knew of our Aboriginal heritage, it was never spoken about.
I have since learned that those roots can be traced back to Kyanga/Kianga, born about 1835 in Shoalhaven, NSW. Her relationship with convict Patrick Ryder – a married labourer who had been tried in Mayo, Ireland, on March 14, 1837, for sheep stealing and sentenced to transportation for life – produced a daughter: Jane Ryder.
Jane married James Aldolphus Sinclair on September 21, 1867 – my great great grandparents, mother and father to Joseph Dunbar Sinclair – where the link to my maiden name and Scottish heritage begins.
The chase for ancestral clues is addictive and fascinating. A Mother’s Day gift of a DNA kit confirmed my Aboriginality and expanded my known English, Irish, Scottish and German ancestry to include Spanish and even Icelandic connections.
So, I hope this month’s feature article might just be the incentive you need to start your own search or continue connecting the dots in the branches of your own family tree.
Shirley Sinclair Editor
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Planting the seeds of fruitful family tree research
SINCLAIR asks the experts about how to start digging into the past to uncover our ancestors’ stories.
Skeletons in the closet, illegitimate children, secrets and deceptions, criminals and forbidden liaisons it’s the stuff of Hollywood drama, but also part of the rich tapestry of family history research.
When we look into our family history, we take our own private time machine that peers into the past, glimpses the lives of our ancestors and sees how we’re all connected.
We get to know the family members we were never able to meet. They can ‘speak’ to us across the centuries and from around the globe.
Those who came before us on the family tree have helped create our unique story, in some small way. Maybe we have
grandad’s eyes. Perhaps we are named after a favourite aunt. Mystery may surround our red hair and freckles.
Piece by piece, we unravel the ancestral puzzle (though that puzzle grows over time, without end).
Going down the rabbit hole of exploration into family trees is not for the fainthearted, though.
Not everything is as it seems. The past holds many secrets – some that were taken to the grave.
Multiple marriages, similar names and assumed identities also muddy the waters.
Be prepared for genetic curve balls, busting family ‘myths’ and, in some cases, questioning all that you had taken for granted growing up.
Still, there are sure to be many “yahoo” moments – when you uncover an ancestor who led an extraordinary life, and perhaps discover Indigenous heritage, First Fleeters and convicts, links to royalty or wartime bravery.
It’s this adrenaline rush that keeps the ‘inner detective’ on the case.
But where to begin?
Roz Kuss, president of Caloundra Family History Research Inc., agrees that the thought of starting any family research can be daunting.
Her advice is to always start with yourself and work backwards from there.
“Most people know their parents and grandparents, and some are lucky enough to have known their great grandparents,”
she says. “Write down as much as you know in your family tree, including dates and places of birth, deaths, marriages and residences.
“Most records can be checked since civil registration began (1837 in England and 1855 in Scotland).
“A lot of old parish records are available – some dating back to the 1600s.
“This can also be a great project to involve the grandchildren, or to base your next holiday destination on.”
Today’s family history seekers are fortunate to live in a technological age with DNA research at their disposal.
Roz says DNA is usually the first port of call for adoptees (and those who have few living family members they know of), after having accessed their own files.
“DNA is an excellent tool for breaking down brick walls when you are dealing with skeletons or fractured relationships,” she says.
“DNA doesn’t lie when it comes to finally proving a mistake or a fib in parentage. Always be mindful of other people’s right to privacy and be mindful that you may uncover distressing or uncomfortable information about your own family that was kept hidden for a reason.
“Generally, though, do the basics first, as DNA is the ‘cherry on the cake’ in confirming you are on the right track.”
Accurate research means crossreferencing, checking and rechecking. Other people’s information should never be taken as ‘fact’, but it can provide clues or ideas on where to search next.
Without your own, independent research, you may find yourself following lines of ascent over many months that send you on a wild goose chase.
Charlotte Sale, coordinator – research services of Queensland Family History Society, warns that “most online trees are poorly researched”.
“The most common mistake people
SHIRLEY
make when first using the large commercial family history websites is to search for a family member, see a family tree that includes people we recognise –perhaps even our parents – then assume that everything in that tree is correct,” she says.
“Make your own tree using information such as birth, marriage and death certificates, burial registers, newspaper articles and all the types of historical documents available to us.
“Think carefully about each information item to be sure it relates to the person you are researching and consider how accurate it may be.
“Always work from the known to the unknown: start with yourself and work backwards in time.
“Find several pieces of evidence for each of these three links and repeat: the father to the mother; the child to its parents; the child’s birth to its marriage.
“It’s helpful to ‘kill them off’, too (child’s marriage to death), to confirm our conclusions. For example, perhaps someone who vanished from the records didn’t die but came to Australia in the gold rushes or became a convict and was transported.”
Roz adds that subscription sites try to make it easier to add to your tree by presenting you with ‘hints’ to extend your branches, but this can be fraught with errors, especially when families repeat names to honour parents or grandparents.
Even birth, death and marriage (BDM) certificates can be “a minefield of inaccuracies” for varying reasons, and Roz recommends you obtain at least two sources to back up each fact.
“In many cases, a lie was a matter of vanity – such as a woman decreasing her age, or an occupation being made to sound more important,” she says.
“But it can also hide whether or not a person had been married before or was, in fact, still married. Back then, you were
taken at your word. Death certificates can be the most inaccurate sources, containing honest mistakes, purely because those registering the death may a) be grieving and not thinking straight or b) may not be close enough to the deceased to accurately know the information required.
“Also keep in mind that the information on BDM certificates may have been transcribed incorrectly. English in particular, has gone through many changes in its writing form over hundreds of years which is why it is so important to sight the original document. And when dealing with older church records, you may also find that the Latin version of your ancestor’s name was recorded.
“Be aware that in the case of Census records, the enumerators rounded up/ down or sometimes guessed people’s ages.”
Much research into your family tree can be done at home using family members’ records, photos and knowledge, as well as online resources.
But many who have dabbled in this area know that online subscriptions to the popular pay-to-use sites can be expensive. That’s where family history research groups and genealogy societies come in.
“Conducting your research at your group’s facility opens up a world of camaraderie, advice, discussion on discoveries or brick walls with like-minded people, who usually have years of research experience to share,” Roz says.
“Many genealogy groups also bring in guest speakers or ask member experts to give a talk about genealogy research topics and you always come away learning at least one new thing.
“CFHRI, for example, also has special interest groups dedicated to researching particular regions of the world (England/ Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Germany), how to navigate family history software to record your findings, DNA guidance on interpreting and collating your results, and a writing group to encourage members to record their findings.
“CFHRI is also an affiliated library of the Church of Latter-Day Saints FamilySearch site.
“At home you can search millions of records, but affiliated libraries hold so much more.”
Taking the time to seek out the past may be just the legacy you want to pass on to future generations.
Queensland Family History Society’s Charlotte Sale offers some tips on pitfalls to avoid when starting a search. Same name is the same person: Don’t accept the first occurrence of a name as being the person you are researching. Our name is only spelled one way: No matter how sure we are of a particular spelling of family names, historical records may record them differently. Making assumptions: Don’t assume that a family tree, document or family story is right or wrong. Always try to find other independent sources. ‘Known’ dates must be correct: Dates are often mis-remembered, or birth dates may be ‘shifted’ if they are less than nine months after marriage.
* Queensland Family History Society holds extensive resources, provides access to the state’s largest online collection of family history records, recorded presentations and news and journals and to online services such as Ancestry, MyHeritage and Findmypast. The organisation offers talks, classes and workshops online or in person.
HANDY WEBSITES
Queensland Family History Society: qfhs.org.au
Caloundra Family History Research Inc.: caloundrafamilyhistory.org.au
Genealogical Society of Queensland Inc.: gsq.org.au
Queensland State Archives: qld.gov. au/recreation/arts/heritage/archives/ collection/family
Queensland Government’s research tips: qld.gov.au/law/births-deathsmarriages-and-divorces/familyhistory-research/hints-and-tips
State Library of Queensland: slq.qld. gov.au/collections/family-history
What’s
What to book
DON’T miss the final days of Queensland Theatre’s Pride and Prejudice, “the original Regency rom com”. The season continues until March 9 at The Playhouse, QPAC, in South Brisbane. Penned by Patrick White Award-winners Wendy Mocke and Lewis Treston, the theatrical adaptation of the Jane Austen classic novel, featuring independent and smart Elizabeth Bennet and the very eligible Mr Darcy, is described as “fiercely funny, fiercely feminist and fiercely Queensland”. As the world (and especially England) this year commemmorates the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth (on December 16, 1775), this production is a great way to celebrate her much-loved romantic tale. See queenslandtheatre. com.au/plays/pride-and-prejudice
Where to visit
BOKARINA Beach is the new kid on the block in Sunshine Coast tourism. Those frequenting Kawana Waters over the decades may fondly recall uncrowded surf spots such as ‘Whale Grave’ and deserted sandy beaches in the then-untouched stretch of coastline. While new development in more recent years has brought high-rise and a lifeguard tower, it also has welcomed the celebrated Bocca Italian restaurant, artisan ice-cream makers Wallace & Wood and other businesses on the ground floor of snazzy new accommodation offerings. One of those newbies is Stoa Bokarina: the sister venue to popular Moffat Beach brunch institution One Block Back. Stoa offers fresh, seasonally inspired breakfast and lunch dishes (try the poke bowl), then ramps it up with tapas, cocktails and live music at night. Go to stoabokarina.com.au
What to do for free
NOW there’s even more reason to wander the Scenic Rim: the region has just joined the world’s best in achieving ECO Destination Certification with Ecotourism Australia. The certification is a result of meeting best-practice standards in ecotourism, responsible travel and environmental conservation. An hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the region is celebrated for its UNESCO World Heritage Gondwana rainforests, six national parks, award-winning local produce and progressive farming, plus warm hospitality. Covering more than 4200sqkm, it stretches from Canungra to The Lost World, Beaudesert to Boonah, Tamborine Mountain to Kalbar, and boasts adventure parks, farm stays, craft breweries, boutique wineries, eco lodges, gourmet experiences, world-class camping and glamping, plus three dams. Go to visitscenicrim.com.au
Back in the day…
THE Flintstones – that modern Stone Age family from the town of Bedrock – had its first broadcast on ABC TV in the US nearly 65 years ago on September 30, 1960. The Hanna-Barbera cartoon portrayed the ‘domestic bliss’ of mid-20th century suburbia but in a caveman setting. It followed the daily adventures of Fred and Wilma Flintstone, pet dinosaur Dino and their baby girl Pebbles, plus neighbours and best friends Barney and Betty Rubble, their adopted and super-strong baby boy Bamm-Bamm and pet hopparoo called Hoppy. Many TV commentators and fans still rate it the second-greatest TV cartoon ever, after The Simpsons. Watch the reruns, TV spin-offs and films to put more “Yabba Dabba Doo!” into your day.
Where to eat
YOU know you’re on a winner in the ‘Let’s try a new restaurant’ game when the menu emphasises fresh, paddock-to-plate flavours and offers a range of carefully selected wines from Australia and around the world. And that’s what chef-sommelier team Phil Poussart and Lachlan Matheson strive for at Gum Bistro in West End. A recent lunch event emphasised Sunshine Coast producers, including Peachester Fresh lamb, The Falls Farm at Mapleton, Benny’s Line Caught fish, Woombye Cheese and Maleny Dairies. Try a Menard-Gaborit Muscadet from France’s Loire Valley to be in gourmand heaven. Go to gumbistro.com
Retiree GARRY REYNOLDS shares his thoughts on the world around us.
FASHIONABLE FRUGALITY
FRUGALITY used to be condemned as dour penny pinching but it has become fashionable as a sensible way of adapting to cost-of-living pressures.
This art of living has morphed from just doing without to creating a sustainable lifestyle based on simplicity, while enjoying a lower threshold for happiness.
Greed is pushed aside to find joy in what we have rather than longing for what we lack and trying to keep up with the Joneses.
True frugality values quality over quantity, and wisdom over wastefulness. However, there is a fine line between not wanting to throw things out and the suffocation of hoarding.
Living in a one-bedroom townhouse imposes a discipline on me to reduce clutter, carefully assess new purchases and donate what I have to share with others.
My parents and grandparents, who
experienced the Great Depression and World War II, taught me: “Do not save what is left after spending but spend what is left after saving”. They prepared me for a life that can be beautiful with the simple pleasures shared and a nest egg to make dreams come true into old age.
The who, when and why behind region’s special place names
AUDIENNE BLYTH pulls back the curtain of time to reveal to today’s residents and visitors why our suburbs, towns and streets are so-named.
Place names give us an insight into our history. They may be of Aboriginal origin, honour pioneers or famous people, refer to flora or fauna, denote man-made structures and even refer to events. Some offer sophistication.
The great explorers Captain James Cook in 1779 and Matthew Flinders in 1799 were two of the earliest Europeans to travel along our coastline.
Cook named the Glass House Mountains after the glass houses in his home of Yorkshire. Flinders named Point Skirmish on Bribie Island after an altercation with Aborigines.
He also named Pumice Stone Passage after seeing pumice stones, from underwater volcanoes in the Pacific, deposited on the sandy beaches.
Tom Petrie, in the 1830s, described how the name of a convict, Bribie the basket maker, became the name of the island.
The name ‘Sunshine Coast’ was adopted by the three local councils in 1966. Previously, we were known as the North Coast and we dutifully added ‘North Coast Line’ to our addresses.
Dicky Beach came from the name of the ship, Dicky, wrecked in 1893.
Moffat Beach is named after the owner of the first holiday cottage. Bulcock Beach is named after Frank Bulcock, an early settler. Kings Beach is also named after an early Caloundra family.
In 1861, Lt Heath is credited with naming Wickham Point after Captain John Wickham, police magistrate.
Petrie Island was named after Andrew Petrie but renamed Mudjimba Island.
Point Raper, renamed Point Cartwright, was possibly first named after Henry Raper, a renowned navigator. The naming of Point Arkwright is a mystery. Both names are from men famous in the Industrial Revolution. Sir Richard Arkwright invented the cotton-spinning system and Edmund Cartwright developed weaving and combing equipment.
Battery Hill in Caloundra was so named because, in World War II, the area was used for artillery training.
Kawana means ‘wildflowers’. Before the region was developed with roads and subdivisions, wildflowers flourished but
have now disappeared except for small, undisturbed pockets.
In the 1960s, the David Low Way and Nicklin Way, were developed and named after two local politicians.
At that time, Marcus Beach and Peregian were named. Marcus was the son of the developer, TM Burke. Peregian is an Aboriginal word said to refer to emu.
Coronation Beach was a name given in Queen Elizabeth’s coronation year and changed to Yaroomba, meaning ‘surf on the beach’ in 1961. Marcoola is a combination of Maroochy and Coolum.
The name Nambour was first used on a map by William Pettigrew in 1865.
William Samwell used the name on his selection in the locality of Naamba where Callistemon salignus, the willow
bottlebrush, grew. The tree was an important resource for Aborigines who used the bark for clothing and bedding. The flowers gave a sweet nectar drink. By 1890, records show that the names Nambour Railway Station and Nambour Post Office were in use.
Windsor Road in Nambour was named after the British Royal family. In 1977, it honoured 25 years since Queen Elizabeth ascended to the throne.
Interesting to know that it was once Puddles Road – so-named after the Puddle Family which owned a farm at the end of the then bush track.
Audienne Blyth is a member of the Nambour Historical Museum, open 1-4pm Wednesday to Friday, and 10am-3pm Saturday.
Point Cartwright in the 1970s, before major developments. Image: Courtesy of Sunshine Coast Council Heritage Library
COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS IS DELAYING RETIREMENT
RISING living costs are forcing Aussies to rejoin the workforce or delay retirement, new research shows.
A Finder survey of 555 respondents over the age of 43 revealed one in six (16 per cent) either had delayed their retirement or returned to the workforce in the past two years.
Almost half of those (seven per cent) cited the rising cost of living as the main driver behind their decision to postpone retirement or re-enter the workforce.
That’s almost 805,000 Aussies who had insufficient funds in super and other investments to stop work or remain retired. A further four per cent of Aussies resumed working to reduce boredom, while one per cent had to stay in their job due to an emergency.
Finder superannuation literacy expert Pascale Helyar-Moray says retirement is a luxury many Australians can’t afford.
“There’s a growing retirement savings crisis in Australia,” she says. “Australians dedicate much of their lives to working hard, often dreaming of the ‘golden years’ of retirement, but for many, stepping back simply isn’t a viable option.”
Finder’s research shows women (eight per cent) were slightly more likely than men (six per cent) to say they weren’t able to stop working or had to come out of retirement early.
The Association of Superannuation
Funds of Australia reports that the median super fund balance in June 2022 for men aged 60–64 was $205,385, compared with $153,685 for women of the same age.
Ms Helyar-Moray says the superannuation gender gap is a stark reminder of the systemic inequalities women face throughout their working lives.
“Factors like the gender pay gap, career breaks for care giving and part-time work disproportionately affect women’s retirement savings,” she says.
“My No.1 rule when it comes to women and super is to just add as much as you can, as early as you can. Contributing even a little extra to your superannuation can make a significant difference over time.”
TIPS TO RETIRE IN COMFORT:
Start saving early: the earlier you begin, the more time your money grows.
Consolidate your super: make sure you only have one super account, otherwise you could be paying two sets of fees and missing out on the compounding power of the combined amount.
Invest wisely: explore different investment options and choose those that suit your risk tolerance and time horizon.
Reduce your spending: look for ways to cut back on unnecessary expenses and create a budget to track your spending.
Seek professional advice: a financial advisor can help with your retirement plan.
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• Walking distance to Translink Bus for transport to medical centres, shopping centres
Life in the slow lane
By Mocco Wollert
THE shopping centre where I buy most of my groceries has trolleys to cart the items to my car – as most do.
People mostly don’t return the trolleys to the place they took them from but leave them ‘stranded’ everywhere in the centre.
Usually, men collect them and, pushing a long ‘snake’, manoeuvre them back to the shopping centre entrance.
It is hard work, especially on a hot day. I watched the young man at my shopping centre, and decided to give him a smile. He was taken aback but then returned the smile.
A few days later, I asked: “How are you?” And now we have a little conversation whenever he sees me.
He is one of a vast crowd of people who work unacknowledged, maybe even unnoticed.
The gym I go to is situated inside a small shopping plaza, where various men or women clean the gutters and sweep the footpath.
They never look up and don’t expect to be noticed. My “Good morning!”
caught the current guy by surprise, but a big smile lit up his face.
It used to be customary to call out “thank you, driver” when leaving the bus. I noticed that lately this doesn’t happen.
Electronic devices in front of their eyes, the passengers leave without an acknowledgement of the man or woman at the wheel.
Do you talk to your ‘garbos’? Do you wave to them as they empty your bins?
“Why should I? They are just doing a job and they get paid for it”, I can hear you say.
But I am sure a “thank you”, called across the road, might just give them the feeling that people actually acknowledge the job they are doing, keeping a city clean and healthy.
We all know the scenario: roadworks ahead stuffing up the traffic flow. If it is an especially hot day like in our Queensland summer, we get so annoyed to be stuck in our air-conditioned car for a short while.
In frustration, we have another suck on our water bottle. There are these annoying men and women who hold up traffic signs, saying ‘stop’ or ‘go’. We usually don’t give them a second thought. We don’t notice how hot and sweaty they must feel, just doing their job. We
just feel annoyed at the hold-up. Somebody cleans the public toilets. Gardeners make sure that public gardens and parks look healthy and beautiful.
It makes me think of the people who looked after the lawns and hedges in the resort in Bali, where I stayed. They always wore a happy smile on their faces because we acknowledged them with a smile of our own.
In a shopping centre, I will compliment a stranger on her outfit but when I see disabled people, pushed about in wheelchairs, I avoid eye contact with them and look the other way because they make me feel uncomfortable. Shouldn’t I brighten their day with a smile?
May you notice the people around you and acknowledge them.
Email mocco.wollert@bigpond.com
an adventure
By Cheryl Lockwood
“FURNITURE is overrated anyway.”
This is what a friend and I decided recently after she had what I’ll call an embarrassing furniture mishap.
My mate explained that she has a small dining table with three chairs in her new unit.
The fourth chair she had shifted to give her more room. Though she knew the chair was not there, she came to the table, glass of water in hand and sat down.
“There was no seat – just air,” she told me.
She landed unceremoniously on her bottom on the floor. Unhurt, but feeling silly, she swore me to secrecy. I offered to keep her identity to myself, so she relented to being the inspiration for this story.
We both launched into an amusing conversation on whether we need chairs at all.
I suggested covering the floor in cushions so she could flop down when and where she liked. Handy for a quick nanna nap.
We should all feel safe in our own home without potential injury from our furniture – or, in her case, lack of it.
Many cultures don’t use chairs. Though many modern Japanese homes have western-style chairs these days, it was once traditional for people to kneel or sit on mats or cushions on the floor.
A shikibuton is a futon mattress designed to rest on the floor. I’m told it’s good for your spine, but I’m not sure how easy it would be to get up in the morning.
However, falling out of bed would be less of a worry.
The times I’ve slept on the floor have been limited to childhood sleepovers or visiting relatives who didn’t have enough beds. I remember the excitement of dragging bedding outside during extremely hot summers when our non-airconditioned house became unbearable.
Dad became cross because we kids would not shut up and sometimes, in the wee hours, we retreated indoors to escape the mozzies.
Sitting on logs around a campfire can be pleasant, but that’s because it’s temporary and often marshmallows are involved. Nobody wants to pluck splinters from their bums on a regular basis.
I also remember using logs as bedside tables in our first home, until we could afford the real thing.
We used folding deck chairs and a picnic table until dining room furniture was purchased, too.
Everyone’s parents and grandparents seemed to have a story of what they managed without. I can still hear Mum saying, “We hung blankets at the windows for months before we got curtains.”
Imagine the benefits of having less furniture. It would cost less to decorate your home.
Rearranging a room would just involve standing at the doorway and throwing cushions. It might be a trip hazard, but less risky due to the soft landing.
Oh, the pillow fights to be had! Why do we stop those fun things just because we’re adults? Perhaps you haven’t.
If you had siblings like mine, it’s likely battles involving pillows came to an end in the teenage years – not because we grew up, but because older brothers can put enough force into a pillow throw to knock their little sisters clean off of their feet. Add in some tears, a broken ornament and a raised voice from mum and it’s game over.
While we had a good laugh over the missing chair incident, I expect I’ll keep using chairs and tables as all that kneeling on the floor would upset my worn-out knees. It just made me wonder if less clutter in our homes is a safer option as long as we remember to check before sitting, of course.
Visit lockwoodfreelance.com
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Understanding digital payments
EDIN READ offers a simple guide to setting up and successfully using PayPal, Apple Pay and more with your purchases and bills.
Digital payments have become a big part of everyday life, making it easier to shop online or pay in stores without using cash.
For many, the switch can feel intimidating, but with a little guidance, you’ll find these methods are convenient and safe.
Digital payments are any kind of payment made using a smartphone, tablet or computer instead of physical cash. They’re often used for online shopping and are becoming popular in stores, where you can simply tap your phone at the checkout.
One of the most popular services is PayPal, which is widely accepted online.
Setting up PayPal is simple: you need an email address and a linked bank account or credit card.
When you see PayPal as an option while shopping, you just log in to complete the payment, without entering your card details again. This keeps your financial information private.
PayPal also offers strong payment protection. So, you can request a refund if something goes wrong with your purchase.
Another convenient option is Apple Pay, designed for iPhone, iPad and Apple
Watch users. Apple Pay is a digital wallet that stores your credit or debit cards securely on your device. It acts exactly like your physical card, but it’s on your phone.
To set it up, open the Wallet app and follow the prompts to add your card.
When paying in store, hold your phone near the terminal and confirm the payment with Touch ID (fingerprint) or Face ID (facial scan).
It’s quick and doesn’t require a PIN.
For online shopping, Apple Pay allows you to checkout with just your passcode, without entering your card details.
Apple Pay is also very secure. Your actual card number isn’t stored on your device or shared with merchants.
Instead, a unique code is created for each purchase, keeping your information private. This makes it safer than using a physical card in many cases.
Your bank’s app is another great option for digital payments. Most banking apps now allow you to shop online, transfer money and even withdraw cash without your physical card.
Some banks offer cardless cash at ATMs, making it easy to access your money if you’ve left your wallet at home.
You might wonder: “Is it safe to use
digital payments?” The answer is yes, as long as you take a few precautions.
First, enable two-factor authentication if it’s available. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code sent to your phone or email.
When shopping online, always ask yourself if the website looks legitimate.
Avoid entering your payment details if the site seems unfamiliar or poorly designed.
Digital payments offer many benefits. You don’t need to carry as much cash, which can be safer and more convenient.
Services such as PayPal provide buyer protection, giving you peace of mind if there’s an issue with your purchase.
Using mobile wallets, including Apple Pay, also speeds up the checkout process online and in store.
If you’re ready to get started, setting up
these services is simple.
For PayPal, visit the PayPal website or download the app and follow the steps to link your bank account.
For Apple Pay, open the Wallet app on your iPhone, tap ‘Add Card’ and follow the prompts. Once set up, you can use your phone for tap-to-pay purchases and quick online checkouts.
While digital payments may seem daunting at first, they’re often easier than digging through your wallet for the right card.
And if you need help setting up these services or have any questions, Greyology can guide you through the process and make sure you feel confident using digital payments.
Edin Read is founder and chief technician at Greyology Tech Support for Seniors. Visit greyology.com.au
Stylish designs are leaving some better-known brands in the dust
BRUCE McMAHON applauds a Hyundai off-shoot for racing towards a new series of stylish concept, motorsport and road machines.
The Dakar – an annual marathon raced through Middle Eastern deserts and dunes – was handsomely won this year by Australian motorcycle rider Daniel Sanders.
‘Chucky’, as he’s known, led the field most days while fellow Australian Toby Price, twice a Dakar winner on a bike, ran out of luck this time in a raceprepped Toyota when navigator Sam Sunderland took a knock to the head.
This is the world’s toughest motor race on man and machine. Yet, some had more comfort than others with the likes of legendary racer and 1983 Dakar car winner Jacky Ickx driving 6000km to follow this year’s event in a special Desert Edition Genesis GV80.
This GV80 sat wider than the road car with 20-inch bead-rock wheels and all-terrain tyres working with an upgraded, adjustable suspension system for maximum ground clearance, better damping and greater stability on soft sand and rocks.
There was also a dedicated desert
setting through the car’s drive modes for optimum drivetrain performance.
Inside was the usual array of comfort and convenience features, plus an integrated drawer system in the cargo area for full-size spare wheel, tools and emergency gear.
Not long after that special GV80 was parked, Genesis showed off the GV60 Mountain Intervention Vehicle: a snow-tracked concept fitted out with medical supplies, emergency communication and warning systems to support mountain-rescue operations in extreme conditions.
This SUV was all-electric with a vehicle-to-load system to supply power to auxiliary devices.
Now, this Genesis is the luxury offshoot of Hyundai as the Korean company looks to mix it up with premium brands such as Toyota’s Lexus, BMW, Mercedes et al.
And it’s been very proactive in the past 12 months, particularly in the design and motorsport arenas.
In December last year, Genesis unveiled the GMR-001 Hypercar (a high-performance, luxury prototype with hybrid power) to help launch the Genesis Magma Racing division, set up to compete in the WEC and IMSA sports machines series.
Then in February, the stunning Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Concept made its global racetrack debut at Bathurst’s Mount Panorama with Ickx at the wheel, accompanied by the Genesis GV60 Magma Concept car (at the circuit where Ickx won with Allan Moffat in 1977).
All this flurry of motorsport and concept activity comes amid the Genesis brand moving ahead with its stable of road cars: mostly SUV-style machines and generally good-looking
ones, with a touch of British Bentleys about the styling.
This year, the company will open a California design studio.
That part of the world has long been most influential in vehicle design, thanks to the vibrant and forwardlooking culture of the US’s West Coast.
Early last year, Genesis opened specific showrooms in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast for its current range of road-going machines: the G70, G80, electric G80, GV60, GV70, electric GV70 and GV80.
Looks like this mob is here for keeps and full credit to this Hyundai off-shoot for making a splash with eye-catching design, plus motorsport ambitions, at a time when many rivals appear to be treading water.
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More myths about lower back pain
CAITLYN HUTH continues to debunk some long-standing beliefs about our body aches and twinges to better understand what is really happening and how to possibly remedy the situation.
We often hear that core strength is needed for people living with back pain.
And while you can’t go wrong getting strong, there is more to this than meets the eye.
Your core is weak – science has discovered that the core musculature is no more special than any other muscle group or movement. Even the people with the strongest cores can experience back pain.
Generally, acute bouts of lower back pain get better on their own within a couple of months. If you’re looking for exercise to help assist you on your journey, science has discovered that any form of exercise is just as good as core training for aiding lower back pain recovery.
Ultimately, moving is improving and motion is lotion.
So, getting back into any type of moving you like can be the answer. And if that is core training, why not?
Bad posture causes pain –“Sit up straight. It’s good for your back.”
“Don’t slouch. It’s bad for your back.”
It was believed that sitting or standing a certain way was bad for your back.
Well, recent breakthroughs in spine research have challenged this assumption.
Just like holding your arm by your side all day won’t mean it will stay there forever, sitting in a comfortable fashion will not lead
to pain. We are capable of having our spine move in a variety of different positions and we now understand that it is the lack of moving that can leave us feeling sore, rather than the position we chose to be in.
Holding your hand above your head doesn’t hurt, but doing it for too long can be fatiguing.
The moral of the story is, you can sit the way you like –just be sure to keep moving throughout the day in any way that you choose.
All in all, our body is not as fragile or broken as it may feel or as we used to believe.
While pain experiences can be intense, this is usually amplified by sensitive tissues, rather than structural changes or damage occurring.
Applying ‘motion is lotion’ principles will help work through recovery.
Caitlyn Huth is an exercise physiologist at Full Circle Wellness. Call 5456 1599 or visit fullcirclewellness.com.au
FIT HAPPENS
with Tom Law
WEEKLY SHOPPING IS GREAT EXERCISE
MY WIFE Margaret has not been well since December.
An unfortunate accident at Christmas had her in hospital for a lot of the holiday period.
Her right foot was damaged and, as she is a diabetic, we have had to make some adjustments for her recovery.
Our lifestyle has changed a little bit while we make sure Margaret has a full recovery.
One of the things we discovered was the Click and Collect option for shopping. For people who cannot make it to the shops or have trouble moving, it is a fantastic service.
My wife orders what she wants and we drive around and pick it up – packaged, if you want.
The drawback, as I see it, is that once again we have provided an opportunity for people to not exercise.
My wife would not only get her tally of daily steps up when shopping before her hospitalisation, invariably she would buy more than originally intended. All of the steps you
take when shopping add to your daily step count and provide incidental exercise.
Okay, most shopping is done at a leisurely pace and may not be included as intense exercise, but many of you will attest to the fact that a few hours shopping can be tiring. If you have never logged or recorded your steps when shopping, give it a try. You may be surprised at how much exercise you do get.
Not only is the walking good for you, lifting of groceries, bending down and reaching are all great forms of incidental exercise and you should attempt to continue to do your own shopping for as long as you can.
Of course, if you cannot conduct your own walking around the aisles, then you can always count on the good old Click and Collect option.
Life is movement, so keep moving.
Tom Law is the author of health and exercise-related books. Visit facebook.com/tomslawtraining or call 0409 274 502.
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YOUR LOCAL EYE DOCTOR
Kristopher Rallah-Baker Associate Professor
reception@sconoosa.com.au
sconoosa.com.au
ON JANUARY 10, 1953, Joan and Brian Olson began a journey of love and partnership that spanned more than seven decades.
In the lead-up to their 72nd wedding anniversary this year, they reminisced about their beautiful memories and the unique milestones that have made their life together extraordinary.
IN
DOG OF THE MONTH
PABLO is the Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge (SCARS) Dog of the Month – a delightful, nine-year-old staffy which was left unclaimed at the council pound.
Pablo looks to have had a rough life and suffers from some early arthritis in his back legs.
SCARS is seeking a staffy-loving home for him to spend his days. He is a happy and gentle boy who has a typical staffy nature and adores his humans. He is house trained and walks well on the lead. Call 5494 5275 to adopt Pablo.
NEIGHBOURHOOD
WATCH
THE Golden Beach Neighbourhood Watch group holds meetings every three months to keep residents and local businesspeople informed and to create a safer and supportive community.
General meetings are held from 4-6pm at the Caloundra Power Boat Club at 2 Lamerough Parade. The next meeting dates are: April 30, July 30 and October 29. Head along and meet other residents in the area, listen and take part in discussions on issues, concerns and ideas to create a safer and more supportive neighbourhood, and keep this valuable service going. Email the secretary at gb6nhw@ gmail.com
The couple’s long-lasting union earned them royal recognition not once, but twice. On their 60th anniversary, they were thrilled to receive a congratulatory letter from Queen Elizabeth II: a cherished memento commemorating their diamond milestone. The Olsons also were honoured with a celebratory letter from King Charles III – a rare distinction.
“Not too many married couples can say they’ve been congratulated by both monarchs,” Brian says.
The story of their wedding day, much like their life together, holds its own charming quirks and memorable moments.
“It rained all the way to the church,” Brian remembers, “but stopped just as we arrived.”
CALOUNDRA EVENING VIEW
CALOUNDRA Evening VIEW Club members enjoyed a very successful year of fundraising in 2024 to support the 13 Australians students they sponsor through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life Program.
Today in Australia, one-in-six children is growing up in poverty, limiting their ability to make the most of their education.
All funds raised ensure the 1785 students VIEW clubs sponsor nationally have uniforms and schoolbags and can take part in The Smith Family’s evidencebased numeracy, literacy, tutoring, digital and mentoring programs.
Call Caloundra Evening VIEW Club president Diane on 0400473193 to join.
CALOUNDRA STAMP CLUB
CALOUNDRA Stamp Club holds meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month, from January to November, at 12.30pm.
Gatherings are held at Bellvista Meeting Place, 18 Lomond Crescent, Bellvista. New members and visitors are always welcome. A book exchange, bargain table and accessories are available.
For more information, call Jill on 5494 7233, Catherine on 0406 018456 or Paul on 0432 937311.
Despite the weather’s earlier gloom, the couple enjoyed a beautiful ceremony surrounded by loved ones.
Joan carried her favourite flowers — white roses and gardenias — adding an elegant touch to the special day.
One humorous mishap stands out vividly in their memory.
“Our best man forgot to pay the minister,” Brian chuckles, “and had to run back to the church after the ceremony to settle the bill.”
To celebrate their platinum anniversary, the family gathered at their favourite seafood café overlooking the water at Sylvan Beach, Bribie Island.
Joan passed away just before their anniversary, but the family continued the tradition, honouring her memory by celebrating at the same beloved spot.
WORLD-RENOWNED BOWLER
CLUB Kawana is thrilled to welcome Jeremy Henry, a world-renowned bowler with a stellar career, as the new bowls manager for Kawana Thunder.
Jeremy’s achievements, including multiple World Championship gold medals, Commonwealth Games honours, and an impressive history of national and international victories, make his appointment a milestone for the club.
Having relocated to the region with his family – wife Natalie and son Max, Jeremy brings a wealth of experience and a passion for inspiring the next generation.
FRIENDSHIP FORCE
THE Sunshine Coast Friendship Force Club met at the Mapleton Men’s Shed on Australia Day to share food and fun.
A celebration of our nation’s relaxed lifestyle and sporting enthusiasm is always the theme of the club’s first meeting of the year in January.
The Friendship Force of the Sunshine Coast is part of Friendship Force International: a cross-cultural hosting organisation promoting friendship and peace worldwide.
Visit friendshipforcesunshinecoast. org.au for more details.
CHORAL SOCIETY MINIATURE TRAINS
THE Sunshine Coast Miniature Trains operate in the park at Florence Street, Nambour (off Hospital Road) on the 4th Sunday of every month except December.
The railway operates miniature steam, battery and petrol-powered locomotives offering train rides to the public from 10am-2.30pm. Volunteers are needed to be involved in everything from preparing the locomotives and hauling the trains to helping with the barbecue.
Call 0417 769 993 and visit scrms.com.au
OLDER WOMEN’S NETWORK
IF YOU are a woman over 50 who is interested in social activities, meeting new friends and more, head along to the branch meeting of the Older Women’s Network Maroochydore.
Members meet on the third Monday of the month at The Avenue Retirement Community, 32 Baden Powell Street, Maroochydore, and enjoy a chat, discuss a range of topics, listen to guest speakers, try various activities and have some fun while making new friends.
Call Lee on 0429 831 414.
CURRIMUNDI PROBUS
THE Probus Club of Currimundi Combined meets on the second Wednesday of each month at Caloundra Bowls Club in Burke Street, Golden Beach.
The meeting begins at 9am, allowing time for a chat and to browse the many activities that the club has to offer, including a book club and social activities (lunch and dinner outings, coffee and chat group, bus trips and caravan/camping). Stay active with golf, tennis or the walking group, plus the monthly barbecue.
Call Glen Burch on 0417431440 or visit probuscurrimundi.org
BUDERIM MALE CHOIR
WHETHER you’re an experienced singer or just love to sing, Sunshine Coast Choral Society welcomes new members joining its vibrant community.
No auditions are required. Just take along your enthusiasm for music and a willingness to learn. Rehearsals are held weekly on Wednesdays at 6.30pm at 1 Lakeshore Avenue, Buderim.
For more information, email info@ suncoastchoral.org.au or visit suncoastchoral.org.au
BUDERIM Male Choir members have welcomed Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli as their patron.
“It’s an expression of our confidence in the choir’s future and we’re thrilled to have Mayor Natoli’s support,” president Barry Leigh says.
“The choir has just celebrated its 50th anniversary with a series of celebratory concerts. We’re planning to build on this in 2025 by increasing choir numbers and furthering our entertainment appeal.”
Visit buderimmalechoir.org.au
Joan and Brian Olson’s wedding day, 1953
How to stimulate your brain directly
KAILAS ROBERTS sifts through the hype to determine fact from fiction when it comes to improving our brain health.
It appears every time I look at social media, I come across an advertisement for a new supplement that can boost brain power and potentially reduce the risk of dementia later down the track. They generally promise great things, of course, but I’m not convinced that the evidence is really there to back up most of their claims.
I do have certain supplements which I may selectively recommend for long-term brain health, including omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins and curcumin, and there is some data to suggest a number of other supplements may have some benefit for cognition, at least in the short term –including gingko biloba and brahmi, as well as lion’s mane mushroom.
Taking the supplements is not entirely without risk, however – something that many people do not realise. At best, you may be paying for something that is not going to benefit you in any way. At worst, you could do yourself harm, either because of the potential side effects of many supplements or because of the poorly regulated nature of the supplement industry – leading to toxic contaminants being in the pills themselves (or not getting
the dose that is on the label).
Acknowledging the limitation and risks of supplements, I have recently become interested in other interventions which may improve brain health. One is neurostimulation. When performed in a supervised fashion by a professional, these treatments appear at least very safe and free of serious side effects.
There are two main types of neurostimulation. One, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), uses magnets to stimulate various parts of the brain. Another, transcranial direct current stimulation, uses small amounts of electricity to achieve similar effect.
TMS at least is already being used in mainstream psychiatric practice, generally to treat depression. The evidence behind its use is robust, and I have personally seen many individuals who have not responded well to medication but have a very good response to this treatment.
The evidence when it comes to the use of these treatments for cognitive enhancement is less well established. But given its very favourable safety profile and some of the early findings, it is a promising future treatment. In the short term, both
Yeah, baby, the best is yet to come
CHARLIE GRIFFITHS tries to recapture the energy and feelgood vibe of ‘living in the ’70s’ as he contemplates a milestone.
Tomorrow I tick over the big ‘seven zero’, and for the past few months, it’s been doing my head in.
I have questioned everything from health conditions to career-path options to housing locations, and all I’ve achieved is a rather unpleasant disposition and a whole new raft of aches and pains from ridiculously distorted (attempted) sleeping positions.
I refused to have a party, claiming that age is only a number, but we all know it’s denial.
There’s something terrifying about being officially old, so, “avoid at all cost”, I say.
In a desperate attempt to find some inspiration, solace or a moment of distracting humour, I dusted off a copy of what I like to call my first book, Runaway Retiree (available on Amazon in Kindle format and hard copy).
The stories and strategies are intended to get a few laughs and remind the reader that all the cool things they did (and got away with) in the ’70s set them up to achieve anything they set their mind to. What’s changed?
The tagline is: “I grew up in the ’70s. I’m going to do my best work in my 70s”.
treatments may help improve memory (including memories for events in an individual’s life, as well as working memory: the ability to hold information in mind for short periods, such as remembering phone numbers just given to you). Executive function may also benefit, including things such as problem solving, the ability to change your thinking and decision making.
Long term, the research is more scant, but preliminary findings suggest that these stimulation techniques may improve neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to grow and change in response to experience), as well as increasing BDNF: a molecule critical for brain health and the creation of new nerve cells.
There is also some evidence from studies that the improvements in cognition apply not only to healthy individuals, but
also to those experiencing mild memory loss and early dementia.
When it comes to promoting brain health in general, we must never forget the big levers: that is, physical exercise, healthy eating, optimisation of sleep, adequate socialisation, stress management, keeping your brain active and challenged, and avoiding too much alcohol.
These form the cornerstone of good brain health, but other treatments such as neurostimulation may provide additional benefits for certain individuals.
Though it sounds rather ‘sci-fi’, it is already with us and I look forward to seeing more research into its benefits.
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
The aim is to help baby boomers rediscover how they felt in the ’70s by telling outrageous (but true) stories of my teens and early 20s that my readers can relate to.
I’m sure there are some sly smiles as similar memories are recalled, and my wife laughed out loud several times before asking, “Did you really…?”
“Yep.”
By immersing ourselves in the best music of all time (very loudly, I hope), our body and spirit come alive with feelings of freedom, optimism and adventure.
Don’t be afraid to bop and bob your head as you soak in the incorrigible ’70s vibes. After all, it was this positivity that got us started on our life’s journey and carried us to where we are now.
The ’70s was an era of meaningful protest, for peace, equality and environmental awareness.
We drew inspiration from the Franklin Dam boycott, Greenpeace whale rescues, anti-war marches and rallies promoting equality and anti-discrimination.
Back then, it was all about being cool.
The coolest thing you could do was rebel and it was even cooler if you were
fighting for a cause. Survival was important, too, giving credibility to the crazy stunts that the oldies shook their heads at in disgust.
We call it risk versus reward these days, but we just did it because we could.
Think of all the super-cool technology that we can’t live without today.
Mobile phones, personal computers and the internet were all invented and actualised by baby boomers.
Hell, we were good! We were bulletproof, fearless, defiant, misunderstood, inspired, angry, impertinent, daring, playful, zany, sociable and open minded. And proud of all of it.
Allow me to quote from Page 30: “It is important to rekindle the feelings we experienced in the ’70s so we can tackle the causes that exist in our 70s. In the 1970s, we were fighting for the underdogs. Now, in our 70s, we are the
underdogs.” This is the first time since my book was published that I have read it through and truly felt the value of recapturing the feelings of my youth as the reality of maturation shakes me to the core.
I realise that I can’t do what I used to, but I can definitely feel the same emotions and have the same self-belief. No point being grumpy – that’s for old people.
I’ve got my whole life ahead of me: not as much timewise as in 1975 but with a sh*tload of experience.
So, sock it to me, baby, and I’ll catch you on the flipside.
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.
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CHAMPIONING BETTER SLEEP
SLEEP apnea affects millions of people worldwide.
It disrupts sleep and impacts overall health.
CPAP Direct is dedicated to helping individuals regain restful nights and improved wellbeing through effective continuous positive airway pressure therapy solutions.
As a leading provider of CPAP machines, masks and accessories, the business understands that every user’s needs are unique.
Its extensive range of products ensures that customers can find the right fit for their lifestyle and comfort preferences.
From advanced CPAP
machines with cutting-edge technology to comfortable, high-performance masks, CPAP Direct offers solutions that make therapy easier and more effective.
Its commitment to customer care goes beyond just providing products.
A team of experts is always available to guide users through the process, from initial consultations to ongoing support.
Whether it’s selecting the right equipment, understanding how to use it, or troubleshooting any issues, the team is there every step of the way.
Education and empowerment are also at the heart of its mission, providing valuable resources and information, helping users understand their condition and to make informed decisions about their therapy.
With a customer-centric approach and a passion for improving sleep health, CPAP Direct continues to be a trusted partner for those seeking effective sleep apnea solutions.
Visit cpap.com.au
AS QUEENSLAND grapples with rising tooth decay rates, World Oral Health Day 2025 highlights the importance of preventive care.
While much of the state continues to debate fluoridation, the Sunshine Coast remains a region that maintains this public health measure.
In late 2024, a University of Queensland study further dispelled concerns in the fluoride debate, confirming that fluoride does not negatively affect brain development, countering persistent myths around its safety.
Yet, while fluoridation is a proven public health measure, it is not a silver bullet.
“Fluoride helps, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle,” says Dr Joseph Hollywood, practice principal at Blackall Terrace Dental in Nambour. “We need to focus on comprehensive oral health habits, from regular brushing to low sugar intake and professional dental health checks.”
Visit blackallterracedental. com.au or call 5441 3583.
GLAUCOMA is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often caused by high intraocular pressure (IOP).
It can lead to irreversible vision loss if untreated.
The optic nerve is the conduit that transmits visual information from the eye to the brain, and damage to this nerve can impair vision. Glaucoma is the ‘silent thief of sight’ because it develops slowly without noticeable symptoms in early stages.
The most common is openangle glaucoma. This occurs when the drainage system of the
eye becomes less efficient over time leading to a gradual increase in IOP. Angle-closure glaucoma is less common but more urgent. It occurs when the drainage angle of the eye is blocked with subsequent rapid and severe increase in IOP. This can cause immediate pain and potential vision loss.
Early detection and treatment are key in preventing vision loss, so regular eye exams are crucial. Call 1800 EYE DOC to book with Sunshine Coast Ophthalmologists Noosa’s Dr Kris Rallah-Baker.
MANAGE YOUR FATIGUE FOR SAFER DRIVING
EFFECTIVELY managing your fatigue is an important part of maintaining safety for yourself and others while driving.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads reports that more than 50 per cent of fatigue-related crashes happen within 25km of the departure point.
Five tips to manage fatigue: • talk to your doctor about how your medical conditions or medications may affect you
• sleep well before driving
• plan for short rest breaks
• educate yourself on the warning signs of fatigue
• when you know or think you might be fatigued, avoid driving. Let someone else take the wheel, take public transport, or book a drive/taxi.
WORDS: Kyle Ringsell, managing director, Stay Connected Australia Call 0438 771 343 or visit stayconnectedsc.com.au
•
The hidden signs of reflux
Could Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) be the cause of your chronic, unexplained cough?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common condition.
Silent reflux affects approximately 40 to 50% of patients who have GORD. It is referred to as ‘silent reflux’ because it does not present with the classic symptoms of reflux, being heartburn, lump in the throat and regurgitation.
Symptoms of silent reflux range from chronic cough, recurrent sore throats, loss of voice, persistent throat clearing, chest pain, choking, wheezing and shortness of breath.
When diagnosis and treatment are delayed, chronic GORD can increase the risk for serious health complications.
In recent years, X-Ray & Imaging partnered with Professor Hans Van der Wall and introduced the Gastroesophageal Reflux Test to the Sunshine Coast. The first of its kind, this patented nuclear medicine imaging technique precisely identifies contamination of reflux fluid throughout the head, throat, and chest.
“Many patients do not present with classic symptoms of GORD but are suffering from typical upper respiratory tract symptoms such
as chronic cough, dysphonia and globus. This is due to reflux fluid contaminating the maxillary sinuses, throat, middle ears and laryngopharynx. It may also contaminate the airways and lungs causing asthma-like symptoms, breathing difficulties, chronic cough and recurrent bronchitis or pneumonia. We frequently see patients with a diagnosis of “atypical asthma”, which often turns out to be GORD with entry of reflux into the airways”, says Professor Van der Wall.
Historically, GORD has been diagnosed using pH monitoring, fluoroscopy, or endoscopy.
So how does the Gastroesophageal Reflux Test differ to these tests?
Although PH Monitoring is 50-80% sensitive and 77–100% specific in the presence of heartburn & regurgitation, it is limited to oesophageal disease only, particularly the lower oesophagus. Endoscopy is effective as an anatomical diagnostic tool but has a poor sensitivity for GORD (less than 30%) and is limited to detecting reflux disease that is severe enough to damage the oesophagus.
Fluoroscopy or Barium Swallow is insensitive
and has a high radiation burden and only demonstrates oesophageal disease.
The Gastroesophageal Reflux Test is 90% sensitive and provides an effective, inexpensive, simple, and non-invasive screening
tool for reflux and lung aspiration, detecting contamination throughout the maxillary sinuses, throat, middle ears, laryngopharynx, airways and lungs. For more information visit xrayimaging.com.au/reflux-testing
Patient preparing to undergo Gastroesophageal Reflux Testing
READ THE SIGNS AND GET AN ASSESSMENT
THE signs have been appearing much more frequently lately.
If you’re over 55, you’ll recognise them:
• having to keep turning the TV volume up a notch or two (and then being blasted by the ads!)
• increasing your speaking level to be heard by your partner
• needing to be in the same room for older family members to understand what you’re telling them (when we all used to be able to talk through walls)
• being ‘ignored’ because others haven’t heard you start talking
• having to repeat yourself
• receiving a puzzling response to questions or comments that have been misheard
• muffled sounds, or annoyance at high-pitched/highfrequency noise.
The result of hearing loss certainly can be frustrating for any individual, and annoying for those around them.
Even more concerning as we age is the possible ringing in the ears (tinnitus), withdrawal from social interactions, or an increasing reliance on visual cues such as lip-reading.
The music lovers among us seem to be paying the price for a lifetime of turning up the speakers “to 11” or dancing ourselves stupid by the booming bank of amplifiers at every live music festival or gig. Surfers and swimmers, too, may be suffering as baby boomers after a lifetime in the water. Factors such as genetics and the effects of some medication also can be at play.
The most important thing is to recognise these signs early, and book an appointment for an evaluation to effectively manage your hearing loss.
World Hearing Day on March 3 each year aims to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world. It’s as good an excuse as any to get a hearing test this month.
– SHIRLEY SINCLAIR
MANY of our loved ones have hearing loss, which makes communication more challenging. Here are some simple strategies to help:
1. When speaking: ensure that your face is well-lit and that you are not standing with your back to an open window. Many people with hearing difficulty benefit from having access to speech reading even when they use hearing devices, so avoid turning away from the listener.
2. Meal-time: consider seating arrangements with hearing in mind. Hearing aids work most effectively when the wearer is within 1m from those speaking.
3. Technology: encourage loved ones with hearing aids to use them, even if they are sceptical about their benefit. Notice small improvements in their communication, and comment on these. A little encouragement goes a long way.
WORDS: Dr Dunay Schmulian, clinical audiologist, Cotton Tree Audiology, Maroochydore Call 54718068 or visit cottontreeaudiology.com.au
HEARING is a vital sense that connects us to the world.
Yet, hearing loss is a common issue that affects millions of people globally.
World Hearing Day on March 3 aims to raise awareness about hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care.
In Australia, 3.6 million people experience some level of hearing loss. This number is expected to rise significantly as the population ages.
Hearing loss can result from various factors such as age, genetics and exposure to loud noises. It can have profound impacts on quality of life, affecting communication, social interactions and overall wellbeing.
This year’s theme for World Hearing Day is: ‘Changing mindsets: empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all’. The goal is to encourage individuals to take proactive steps to protect their hearing and support those with hearing loss. By changing our
mindsets and recognising the importance of ear health, we can make a significant difference in our lives and the lives of others.
One simple, yet impactful step is to get a hearing assessment. This is a straightforward process that involves a series of tests to evaluate your hearing ability.
These tests are non-invasive and can provide valuable insights into your hearing health.
Early detection of hearing loss can lead to timely interventions, such as hearing aids or other assistive devices to improve quality of life.
The other is to encourage those around you to seek help.
Mark Paton is an experienced audiometrist and one of the owners of Hear4Good: an independent hearing clinic at Golden Beach and Caloundra. Visit hear4good.com.au or call 5477 0144.
Why do people choose Hear4Good on the Sunshine Coast when it comes to their hearing?
Hear4Good are proud to be Queenslanders and not foreign-owned. With local clinics at Golden Beach and Caloundra it means you are seen by a local. Unlike other hearing aid shops, we are an independent clinic that offers a choice of hearing aids. Support local business.
• Provide fully funded services to Pensioners and Veterans
• Health Fund benefits available
• Repair and adjust all brands of hearing aids
• Ear wax removal service
• Happy to provide second opinion quotes, don’t get caught!
Dunay Schmulian Clinical Audiologist
Dr
Safeguard for your final wishes
By SHIRLEY SINCLAIR
None of us know what the future holds. And many of us try not to think about it – except maybe to plan events and holidays, put a little money aside for a rainy day or dream of a better job and a more fulfilling life.
We live for the present because, we joke, “we could be hit by a bus tomorrow”.
And to an extent, we’re right: we don’t need to dwell on death and what happens to our friends and loved ones afterwards. The ‘what ifs’ of life are not worth worrying about. But a will protects your final wishes after one of those ‘what ifs’ has occurred.
Making a will is the only way you can ensure your estate will be distributed according to your wishes after you die. This legal document also names who you would like to administer your estate (your executor).
It can cover a diverse range of wishes – from who will look after your pets after you pass on, to naming a legal guardian for your children under 18, plus sharing plans for your funeral. If you die without a will (dying intestate), the distribution of your
money, belongings and assets will be governed by the Succession Act 1981 (Qld). The Queensland Public Trustee website (pt.qld.gov.au) says that a statutory formula will determine who will inherit your estate and in what proportions.
“The Act sets out ‘intestacy’ rules, which means your estate will first go to your next of kin, which is your spouse, your children and grandchildren,” it reports. “If there is no spouse, children or grandchildren, then the estate goes to your parents, then brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, then grandparents, then uncles, aunts and cousins. Under intestacy rules, your estate cannot be distributed to relatives more remote than your first cousins. In-laws, stepparents or stepchildren are not considered next of kin and are not included in the rules for the distribution of your estate.”
WILLS AND ESTATE PLANNING
That means your grandmother’s engagement ring may not necessarily go to your step-daughter as promised. That means your loyal neighbour, who nursed you through your illness when no one else came to visit, will receive nothing.
That means your estranged son, who hasn’t spoken to you in 30 years, could lay claim to some of your estate.
Everyone over the age of 18 should have a will in place. It can be as simple or as detailed as you want it to be.
But a will isn’t a set-and-forget plan, either. The Queensland Public Trustee states that a will should be updated or changed whenever circumstances change: such as a relationship breakdown, starting your own business or buying property.
WHILE having a will should be a priority, it is also important to consider an Enduring Power of Attorney.
A will takes care of what happens after you die, but what if something happens while you’re still alive?
If you become too sick or injured to make decisions for yourself, an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) lets you choose someone to step in and handle things on your behalf.
Without an EPOA, your family may have to go through the courts to get permission to manage your affairs – a slow, expensive and stressful process.
With an EPOA, you decide in advance who will look after your finances, healthcare and personal matters if you’re unable to.
An EPOA will help to make sure:
• your bills, mortgage and everyday expenses are taken care of
• someone you trust makes medical and lifestyle decisions on your behalf
• your financial affairs don’t fall into disarray if you become incapacitated
• family disputes over decision making are avoided.
It’s one of those things that you don’t think you need until it’s too late. Appointing someone you trust as an Enduring Power of Attorney will save you and your family a lot of future heartache.
WORDS: Ben Patrick, business development manager, Bush to Beach Legal. Visit bushtobeachlegal.com.au
It was mum’s fault!
It is not uncommon for parents to exclude children from their Will –especially where the relationship between the parent and the child has soured.
As you can imagine, the reasons for a breakdown of the relationship between a parent and child can be many and varied.
In a recent decision, the New South Wales Supreme Court had to determine whether a challenge by two adult children to their mother’s Will would succeed.
The mother left her $1.6 million estate to her sister and specifically excluded her son and daughter because:
a) they had contested their father’s Will; b) they prevented her seeing her grandchildren; and c) she had no ongoing relationship with either child.
The children’s explanation was that “it was all mum’s doing” – giving examples of their mother’s physical and
verbal abuse toward them.
The Court found that the relationship breakdown was mostly due to the mother’s behaviour and that the children had attempted to reconcile with her.
Ultimately, the Court made Orders that the son receive an amount from the estate of $250,000 and the daughter receive $300,000.
The Court also made some comments on how it deals with estrangement and tensions within family relationships.
Every case is different!
Probate is often misunderstood and may not always be needed
By DON MACPHERSON
Probate is a term commonly mentioned when dealing with estates, but what it means, and what is involved, is often not understood.
Probate is the formal approval of a will by the court.
Importantly, it is not needed in all cases.
The decision whether to seek probate of a will is important because the costs of doing so can be between $3000 and $4000 for an uncomplicated probate, and considerably more where there is complexity.
With small estates, depending on the assets and the financial institution to be
dealt with, the release of funds from a bank or super fund to the beneficiaries of the deceased person can be arranged simply by way of provision of a death certificate and a copy of the will.
However, with more substantial assets, the financial institution will commonly request the executor of the estate obtain probate so that the financial institution has the comfort of knowing that it is paying out on a will that has been officially endorsed by the court.
Banks have different rules depending on their individual requirements.
But generally, if there is an account of more than $30,000, then the bank will require probate to be produced prior to releasing funds.
We come across the need for probate most commonly in relation to retirement village and aged care contracts. Retirement village and aged care contracts are for a substantial sum of money and the usual practice is that the retirement village or aged care operator will require probate to be obtained prior to releasing to the estate (or the beneficiaries) the proceeds of the sale of the retirement village unit or the
WHY ESTATE PLANS SHOULD BE KEPT UP TO DATE
AS WE age, ensuring we have an up-todate estate plan in place becomes increasingly important.
If you are unsure what estate planning is, think of estate planning as your way to control who receives your loot and who takes care of you if you become ill.
Your will lets you decide who receives your loot. This may include who gets the family heirlooms, the holiday home, or your secret recipe collection.
An enduring power of attorney appoints someone you trust to be at the helm managing your affairs, ensuring your best interests and wishes are carried out if you cannot do so yourself. It is vitally important that this responsibility is managed by someone you trust.
Even if you have an estate plan in place, you need to ensure it is not outdated, as
that can lead to unexpected surprises.
Life changes such as marriages, divorces, births, and deaths can render your current plan obsolete, potentially leading to unintended people managing your affairs or receiving your assets. An outdated plan can also lead to legal challenges, which are costly and time consuming.
If you wish to put in place an estate plan or to review your current one, the wills and estates team at Cameron Rogers & Co Solicitors in Buderim would be more than happy to sit down with you and discuss your wishes.
WORDS: Joshua Laurie, solicitor, Cameron Rogers & Co Solicitors. Call 5445 1213 or visit cameronrogers. com.au
Aged Care RAD (Refundable Accommodation Deposit).
The process of probate involves firstly advertising to see whether there are any alternate wills or potential claimants against the estate. Once a 14-day period has expired, then the original will, plus a series of other court documents, must be prepared and filed in the Supreme Court.
The court will then review the will and affidavit material in support and make an assessment as to whether the will seems to be validly executed and should be
endorsed as the true and correct last will of the deceased person.
If satisfied, the court will issue the probate, which can then be presented to the bank, retirement village or aged care home to release the funds to which the estate is entitled. The right to make a family provision claim still exists.
Sunshine Coast Elder Law are experts in relation to probate, estate management and retirement village and aged care contracts. Call 1800 961 622 or visit sunshinecoastelderlaw.com.au
Brisbane Elder Law are experts in relation to probate, estate management,
JOIN in the acrobatic celebration of rhythm and music when the international smash hit The Black Blues Brothers comes to town.
Produced by Mosaico Errante, The Black Blues Brothers has wowed more than 650,000 spectators across 20 countries and established itself as a must-see international show, with numerous sold-out performances, standing ovations and five-star reviews.
In a cabaret scenography with the vintage charm of the ‘Cotton Club’, five artists link jumps, pyramids and the most unbelievable acrobatics, one after the other, in scenes paying tribute to John Landis’ Blues Brothers movie.
A blend of contemporary circus and musical comedy, The Black Blues Brothers is a dynamic show, suitable for audiences of all ages and nationalities.
WHERE: The Events Centre, 20 Minchinton Street, Caloundra.
WHEN: Sunday, March 30, at 6pm.
TICKETS: From $59.90. Call 5491 4240 or visit theeventscentre.com.au
DAVID BENTLEY TRIO FOR THE JAZZ AND BLUES COLLECTIVE
INTERNATIONALLY recognised songwriter-musician David Bentley has had a remarkable career in journalism and music, and released several critically acclaimed albums.
The noted jazz/blues pianist and singer will bring his smoky jazz and blues to the Sunshine Coast for The Jazz & Blues Collective.
David Bentley Trio (aka DB3) features
the nimble and inventive Andrew Shaw on acoustic bass and the swinging percussion of Nathan Goldman. Their performance also presents guest artist Mark Spencer with his soulful sax.
WHEN: Sunday, April 6, at 1.30pm.
WHERE: Millwell Road Community Centre, 71 Millwell Road, Maroochydore.
TICKETS: $25-$30, via stickytickets. com.au
BUBLÉ, BROADWAY & BEYOND
DON’T miss the daytime concert Bublé, Broadway & Beyond with a combination of story and song.
This uniquely intimate cabaret features vocals and piano arrangements of beloved songs from Michael Bublé, The Beach Boys, The Righteous Brothers and The Bee Gees, to name a few. The show features acclaimed entertainer and theatre performer Thomas ArmstrongRobley who comes direct from performances in more than 40 countries, renowned Australian vocalist Ashleigh Denning and award-winning classical pianist Matt Rofe.
The accomplished trio also tips its 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
ORIANA CHOIR: PIANO MEN
GET ready for an unforgettable musical experience as the Sunshine Coast’s ac claimed Oriana Choir brings The Piano Men to the stage.
This is a dynamic concert dedicated to the music of Elton John and Billy Joel.
Audiences will be transported through the timeless hits and stirring melodies of two of the most influential musicians of our time.
Hear beloved classics such as Rocket Man, Uptown Girl, I’m Still Standing and Always a Woman to Me
These well-loved songs will come to life through the choir’s rich harmonies, the vibrant, energetic direction of conductor Elisabeth Wallis Gaedtke, and the accompaniment of the talented Oriana Band.
It’s an event that promises to be filled with nostalgia, passion and virtuosity.
Also performing will be the Sunshine Coast Youth Choir, conducted by Annie Wilson, bringing youthful enthusiasm to these timeless classics.
WHERE and WHEN: March 29 at 2pm at the Matthew Flinders Performance Centre, 1-47 Stringybark Road, Buderim; and April 5 at 1.30pm and 7.30pm at The J, 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa.
TICKETS: Visit oriana.org.au. For the Noosa events, tickets are available from the venue (thej.com.au or call 5329 6560). For inquiries, call 0431 542 343.
Shakespeare’s gripping tragedy of ambition, power, and fate.
Tue 22 Jul, 10.30am & 7pm
A Sport For Jove production.
Puccini’s beloved opera of love, loss, and passion. Sat 2 Aug, 7pm
Big Brother is back!
FINAL CHANCE TO SECURE PREMIUM RESORT HOMES
THE final homes at GemLife Palmwoods are under construction, which means it’s the last chance to secure a premium residence in the sought-after over-50s lifestyle resort in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
GemLife Palmwoods sales coordinator Liz Millroy says there are five thoughtfully designed homes to choose from, featuring open-plan layouts, stylish kitchens with walk-in
WHY MORE OVER-50S ARE DOWNSIZING WITH BRIDGING FINANCE
FOR many over-50s, downsizing into a more manageable home is a chance to simplify life, free up funds and focus on what matters most.
But making the move can come with its challenges.
Age and income requirements from traditional lenders can make it harder to access the finance you need.
Slow approvals and rigid processes might mean extra waiting, which can take the fun out of what should be an exciting transition.
That’s where bridging finance comes in. A bridging loan unlocks the value of your current home by using it as security, giving you the funds to buy your next property before selling your existing one. Once your current property is sold, the proceeds can help repay the loan. This takes the pressure off.
pantries, and spacious living areas.
“For those seeking something extra, there are also premium split-level homes (some with RV garages), along with our exclusive Emerald Collection homes, which have more designer finishes and breathtaking bushland views,” Liz says.
Residents enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with access to world-class amenities, including the newly opened $12.5 million Country Club.
Featuring a heated indoor pool and spa, gym, tennis and pickleball courts, tenpin bowling lanes, a luxury cinema, an arts and crafts studio and an undercover lawn bowls green, the resort is designed with active living and wellbeing in mind.
For Nigel and Patsy Cundy, the resort’s pet-friendly policy was the deciding factor in choosing the resort.
“It was the icing on the cake,” Patsy says.
“Other places didn’t allow our Labrador Gloria.
“Here, we have a beautiful home in a stunning location and our dog is welcome, too.”
Nestled in the scenic Blackall Range, GemLife Palmwoods was a finalist in the prestigious Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) 2024 Queensland Awards for Excellence in Seniors’ Living.
With the final stage under construction and completion expected in the middle of this year, now is the ideal time to secure your dream home.
Call 1800 490 705 or visit gemlife. com.au/gemlife-palmwoods-resort/
You won’t have to sell quickly, settle for less than your home is worth or make temporary plans.
Instead, you’ll have time to find the right buyer and move when it suits you.
For more than a decade, Queenslandbased, non-bank lender Funding has been helping Australians make their next move with confidence. With fast approvals, flexible loan terms and
friendly, personal support, Funding is committed to making downsizing easy. Call 1300 44 33 19 or visit funding. com.au/yourtime
The information provided here is general in nature and does not constitute personal financial advice. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your circumstances before acting on it or seek financial advice.
HOW TO GENERATE A RELIABLE INCOME IN RETIREMENT
FOR retirees seeking reliable regular income, exploring private credit investments could be a viable option. Private credit refers to loans made by non-bank lenders to businesses, property developers or other borrowers. Private credit funds pool capital from investors to provide loans to borrowers.
However, not all private credit is created equal. Among other things, understanding how a loan is secured is an important component to assessing its risk. What does ‘secured’ mean? – A secured loan is backed by a tangible asset, such as real estate, that serves as collateral, meaning the lender has a claim over the asset if the borrower fails to repay the loan. This collateral provides a level of protection for investors, as it can be sold to recover the loan amount if necessary. Real estate private credit is an example of a secured private credit loan.
In contrast, loans secured by intangible assets such as business goodwill or future revenue carry higher risk, as these forms of collateral may lose value or be difficult to liquidate and are generally referred to as unsecured loans. Investing in private credit can provide high yield to retirees through regular interest payments. These returns are generated by lending capital to borrowers who require funding for projects, acquisitions or business growth. Why private credit is suitable for retirees:
1. High returns: some private credit funds offer attractive income returns.
2. Regular income streams: many private credit funds distribute income on a monthly or quarterly basis.
3. Security and stability: loans secured by real estate can provide excellent security and good capital stability.
4. Diversification: private credit investments are largely uncorrelated with stock markets, reducing volatility in a retirement portfolio.
WORDS: Justine Christie, head of marketing, Capital Property Funds. Visit capitalpropertyfunds.com.au
Guided tour Italy The Sassi of Matera
It feels like we are giants on the edge of an ant city, peering down into the slow-paced daily life of its inhabitants and visitors. Nothing to this point has hinted at the vista now unfolding before us.
We have arrived in Matera on the right bank of the Gravina River in this southern Italian region of Basilicata as part of a TripADeal package holiday touring Puglia, Amalfi and the Med.
We have walked down the bustling paved streets of the ‘new’ historic city and sought out the famed bread and focaccia made from local durum wheat, plus cured meats such as salami, mortadella and prosciutto. We have sampled olives and the handmade ring-shaped cracker called taralli. We have sipped espresso and had lunchtime aperitivos in the Piazza Del Sedile, ‘the living room of Matera’, as string rehearsals waft from the conservatorium.
And we have marvelled at the town clock atop the grand yellow sandstone building in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the main square in the Piano open plain area.
But then our group is ushered onto a nearby terrace for the start of the main
Matera is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating to the early Neolithic period, about 8000 BC. At that time, nomads, gatherers and hunters stayed in the natural caves made of orange/ pink hard, calcareous rock. Our local guide, Cosimo Rondinone, tells us that it was only in the Bronze Age (3300-1200 BC) that shepherds and farmers began the excavation of caves in the soft sandstone to house animals, store food and protect themselves from the rain and wind, and taking advantage of two streams which flow into the canyon. The ancient city grew from permanent cave settlements on the right bank around 3000 years ago.
Italy’s ‘caves of wonder’
SHIRLEY SINCLAIR steps carefully back in time on the ancient streets of one of the oldest, continuously inhabited areas in the world.
event: ‘medieval Matera’, and the most complete view of one of the twin cliffside neighbourhoods known as the Sassi.
While it was once considered “the shame of Italy”, the unique UNESCO Heritage-Listed landscape that makes up the Sassi (or ‘Stones’) of Matera is much more polished these days, welcoming an estimated three million visitors in 2024.
At the top is the Civita old city, comprising Matera Cathedral (Romanesque style, circa early 1200s) with its Piazza Duomo square in front, and fortifications. It peels away to Sasso Barisano, with a labyrinth of paths, stairways, courtyards and dwellings atop other dwellings. The buildings and man-made caves burrow into the sheer rock faces clinging to the edge of the 20km canyon that forms a geological boundary between the hill country of Basilicata to the southwest and the Murgia plateau of Puglia to the northeast.
In a second valley nearby, out of view and completely separated from this neighbourhood, is Sasso Caveoso, with even more man-made caves and a similar maze of structures.
Today’s man-made caves – some up to 65-70m deep – are disguised, however, by gardens and courtyards. It is only when visitors are up close with the residences, hotels, restaurants and tourist businesses that the sheer cave sizes become apparent.
“Much better than to say ‘an underground city’, the Sassi are like a beehive city or like Swiss cheese. Only when you go in do you realise there is another world: the caves,” Cosimo says.
“This name Sassi (Stones) was given in the Middle Ages – the 1200s, in a time here where there weren’t all these houses.
“There were around us only caves. You could see the rock everywhere and there were stones that gave the name to the Sassi.
“The majority of these houses are from the 1600-1700s. Up to five centuries ago in the Sassi, there were only caves.”
A class shift occurred in the 16th and 17th centuries, when the centre of public life moved outside the fortified walls to the
the ‘elevated’ elite. At the start of the 20th century, poverty and overcrowding forced more farmers, shepherds and workers back to the caves where they shared daily life with the farm and work animals. With no sanitation facilities, little light, dampness, smoke and poor ventilation, infection and disease spread quickly in the Sassi.
“In 1938, 50 per cent of our babies died in the caves before they were aged one,” Cosimo tells us.
“We suffered from cholera, tuberculosis, typhus and malaria in the marshy fields. Nobody knew what happened in the Sassi, and then there was a war that worsened it.
“Only in 1945 – and thanks to the publication of a novel, Christ Stopped at Eboli by Carlo Levi which is really one of the most popular books ever published in Italy – was it reported the sad life in the Sassi. So, the politicians wanted to see and they came down and called Matera the ‘shame of Italy’ –1948. This beautiful jewel was, in the ‘50s, a ghetto, and one of the worst places in Italy to live. More than 20,000 people overpopulated the Sassi.”
In 1952, the Sassi were declared unsanitary and uninhabitable. All the peasants living in the caves were relocated into new public housing outside the plain (but now close to the city) in the 1950-60s.
Not everyone left. Cosimo’s grandfather lived in a more habitable home in the Sassi
continued over >
IMAGES: SHIRLEY SINCLAIR
A labyrinth of dwellings, churches and businesses
and was allowed to stay. Cosimo has fond memories of the abandoned Sassi as his own private playground. From the early 1990s, the government began granting long-term leases, negotiating renovations to be carried out by residents in lieu of rent.
Cosimo describes Matera today as a “work in progress”. About 1500 people now live there, out of the 60,000 in Matera City.
Washing hangs from clotheslines and curtains line windows of the occupied homes. The well-heeled dine in restaurants including a cave once used to store wine barrels, or stay in the presidential suite of a hotel where 007 James Bond (aka Daniel Craig) lived while filming No Time To Die.
Cosimo acknowledges that much is changing. Tourism’s now the city’s lifeblood.
“Once it was the worst place in Italy to live. Now the Sassi, for the UNESCO, is one of the best examples all over the world that can tell you how people have lived in the same place for so long a time,” Cosimo says.
“Matera is the only city with 3500 caves, not 20 or 30 caves. We are not the only one with the caves but the caves we have are in a city, not scattered in a large, vast territory.
“The Sassi are no longer the city of the poorest people. We have new families and tourism – hotels, Airbnbs, accommodations, restaurants. In some way, we totally changed the idea of the Sassi.”
HOW TO GET THERE – Matera is an hour by car from Bari, which also has an airport.
OUR love of adventure is fuelled by the thrill of journeying to distant shores and seeing them for ourselves.
Dubrovnik’s picture-perfect medieval walls and red-tiled rooftops just ask to be explored in person, as do Japan’s Inari shrines and bountiful gardens.
We’re drawn in by the personality of Halong Bay’s rainforest-topped, towering limestone islands that rise up from emerald waters, while closer to home the colours of the Great Barrier Reef’s corals call to us, as do the turquoise waters and white silica sands of the Whitsundays.
Exploring these incredible destinations with Princess Cruises is a great way to set course for adventure. As your expert guide, Princess offers unrivalled insight into destinations around the globe and has been creating unforgettable, immersive cruise holidays for more than 55 years.
With 15 ships sailing to 330 destinations, you can cruise Alaska, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, California and the Pacific Coast, Canada and New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Japan, Mexico, the Panama Canal, South America, Antarctica, Tahiti and the South Pacific – or even around the world.
There are itineraries ranging from a two-night ‘seacation’ to a 113-night world cruise. Wherever you sail, learn more about your destination with presentations by local experts and enjoy
flavours from the place you are visiting.
A Princess cruise is all about making sure you feel taken care of.
It’s the friendly crew’s job to discover what makes you feel special.
Over the years, Princess guests have enjoyed warm and gracious service in an atmosphere of comfortable elegance.
This experience has been enhanced with a noted breakthrough in the holiday industry: the Princess Medallion – a 20 cent coin-sized, wearable device that enables everything from keyless stateroom entry to locating loved ones anywhere on the ship, and lets you enjoy an even more personalised service, including having whatever you need, delivered directly to you, wherever you are on the ship.
For a limited time, take advantage of the Set Course for Adventure Sale for free stateroom location upgrade and up to $300 onboard spending money per stateroom on select voyages.
JOIN CT Travel for a special Southeast Queensland tour in the first half of the year.
A five-day Easter break on the Gold Coast, from April 17-21, starts with a welcome dinner at Horizons Sky Dining – Queensland’s only revolving restaurant – where you can take in the breathtaking views of the region and discover where natural beauty meets entertainment and adventure.
Then, take in breathtaking 360-degree views at SkyPoint, located on Level 77 of the Q1 building.
Explore the subtropical rainforest of Woonoongoora-Lamington National Park at Binna Burra – a haven of lush landscapes and stunning vistas.
Cruise aboard Spirit of Elston, gliding past stunning sights, including sprawling mansions, the Broadwater, Sea World, Marina Mirage and Home of the Arts.
End your journey at Mount Tamborine, exploring the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk and browsing Gallery Walk’s charming shops and galleries, surrounded by lush rainforest and crystal-clear rock pools.
After lunch at St Bernards Hotel, it’s time to make your way home.
Visit cttravel.com.au or call 5391 1648 for this and other tour deals.
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)
Brisbane Sights at the Star Casino (3 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)
www.cttravel.com.au
Golden Week Southern Islands
8-night Tokyo return cruise aboard Diamond Princess® Japan and Taiwan blend serene landscapes, ancient temples and bustling cities seamlessly. Highlights Tokyo (Yokohama) Taipei (Keelung) Hualien Ishigaki Okinawa Departs 29 April 2026
Balcony with Princess Plus from $3,954*pp
Mediterranean, Aegean & Adriatic
13-night Civitavecchia return cruise aboard Enchanted Princess® Immerse yourself in the Mediterranean where stunning views await around every corner. Highlights Rome (Civitavecchia) Corfu Dubrovnik Kotor Naples Santorini Ephesus (Kusadasi) Olympia (Katakolon) Departs 30 June 2026
Balcony with Princess Plus from $5,343*pp
Vietnam with Halong Bay
9-night Singapore return cruise aboard Diamond Princess® Sail from bustling Ho Chi Minh City to the beauty of Halong Bay and tranquillity of Hue. Highlights Singapore Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My) Cam Ranh Halong Bay/Hanoi (Cai Lan) Da Nang/Hue (Chan May) Departs 20 January 2026
Balcony with Princess Plus from $5,349*pp
THE LITTLE WARTIME LIBRARY
By Kate Thompson, Historical fiction
Reviewed by Jan Kent
THE title doesn’t need much imagination for the reader to divine the subject matter of this inspiring novel.
The book is a tribute to the courage of women facing hardships and challenges that are difficult for us to grasp in our comfortable days of peace and plenty.
After the destruction of the Bethnal Green library during the London Blitz, the librarian Clara and her glamorous friend Ruby recognise the community’s need for some sense of normality in the face of the chaos their lives have descended into.
With resourcefulness and determination, they set up a library in the unused Bethnal Green underground Tube station.
What an extraordinary resource this became, as part of an extensive ‘village’, complete with thousands of bunk beds, a cafe, theatre and nursery.
With the war dragging on, few of those ‘below’ escaped the impact of the relentless bombardment above, finding solace as well as shelter in this extraordinary haven.
This is not just another war story.
In fact, it is based on authentic accounts of survivors of this period in history, who are as real as they are portrayed in the novel and well-explained at the conclusion of the story in the author’s notes (complete with photos verifying the accuracy of the basis of the book).
I was gripped right from the prologue, absorbed in the drama of the time and the vivid portrayal of the characters, and couldn’t put this book down.
MEMORIAL DAYS
By Geraldine Brooks, Memoir
Reviewed by Annie Grossman, of Annie’s Books on Peregian
GRIEVING is a very personal and unique journey.
Bestselling author Geraldine Brooks has shared her story of loss and love in a very intimate and engaging memoir.
Brooks’s husband Tony Horwitz, also a successful author, literally dropped dead during a US book tour in 2019. The early part of this book deals with his wife’s desperation to get her far-flung family together to deal with this tragedy. She writes of the rich,
WILD DOGS
By Michael Trant Action thriller
Reviewed by John
Kleinschmidt
WILD Dogs is the work of another relatively new Australian author and is set in the harsh, dry rural areas of West Australia.
The plot isn’t unusual, with twists and turns that you’d expect from a tale of action and criminal misdeeds.
Author Michael Trant skilfully weaves nuanced and complex deeper issues into the narrative.
The plight of refugees, grief, family, guilt, community and alcoholism all feature heavily, resulting in a tale that is thought provoking.
Trant’s understanding of and love for the outback is clear.
The country is a character in itself, not just a convenient setting for the action that unfolds.
One of the most endearing things about the main character Gabe, a dogger who baits dingoes for farmers, is his dry wit and a sharp sense of humour which brings a lightness to the novel that is original and entertaining.
wonderful life she shared with Tony, and the deep love they had for many years.
Three years after his death, Brooks knew she was not moving on with her life. She made a very brave decision to go to Flinders Island, off the coast of Tasmania, to find the time and emotional space to mourn her loss. The remote and rugged island was the place of many memories for her and where she could replace grief with gratitude and peace.
TRAVELLING INTO A GREEK FAMILY’S PAST
WHO doesn’t need a Greek island escape right about now?
And how about a side order of a fascinating insight into a unique family history?
Sunshine Coast author Shelley Dark has captured readers’ hearts (and a #1 bestseller status on Amazon) with her humorous and heartwarming travel memoir, Hydra in Winter: An Island Escape in Search of a Greek Pirate The book offers a light, breezy escape to the Greek islands – and you don’t have to be on holidays to enjoy it.
But when Dark travelled to Hydra in winter, she wasn’t seeking a typical Greek island holiday. Instead, she was on a mission to uncover the story of her husband’s great-great-grandfather, Ghikas Voulgaris: Australia’s first Greek convict – a pirate who narrowly escaped the gallows and subsequently became a pioneer.
“My goal was to solve a historical mystery, but Hydra had other plans,” Dark says.
“The warmth of the locals, the island’s charm, and the joys of slow travel transformed the trip into something far more memorable.”
The memoir is filled with funny observations, heartwarming moments and vivid descriptions of Hydra’s stunning architecture, fresh seafood and hardworking donkeys. It’s a story that will resonate with Philhellenes, travel lovers, history buffs and anyone who’s ever dreamed of visiting Greece.
Hydra in Winter is available now on Amazon.
THE SCENT OF ORANGES
By Kathy George, Historical fiction
Reviewed by Karen Weiber, Books@Stones, Stones Corner
THIS is a retelling of one of literature’s great novels, Oliver Twist, from the point of view of Nancy: one of the most sympathetic, maligned and tragic of Dickens’ characters.
When Nancy embarks on a relationship with enigmatic gentleman Mr Rufus, it awakens emotions she’s never felt before, and makes a better life feel possible. But when she takes cherubic orphan Oliver Twist under her wing, something even more elusive and
Security, Independence & Peace of Mind
Providing
and independence
appealing seems to be within reach: redemption. Nancy tells her story of how everything came to be. Through her, we learn about her challenging life, plus her involvement with the colourful street criminals led by Fagin. The Scent of Oranges is a bitter-sweet tale that adheres to Dickens’ tragic depiction of the gulf between the rich and poor at that time, but shines with Kathy George’s hopeful possibilities and positive, romantic vision.
With Quizmaster Allan Blackburn
1. What is the trade of a person who cuts, repairs and installs glass in homes?
2. The residents of which state are called ‘banana benders’?
3. What is the basic shape of a baseball field?
4. Which Australian band is known as ‘Acca Dacca’?
5. How many kilograms are in 6500 grams?
6. What is the capital city of the US state of Maine?
7. On the French flag, what colour stripe is closest to the flagpole?
8. What word is closest in meaning to ‘crass’: stupid, angry, smart?
9. Which Australian state is the smallest crossed by the Tropic of Capricorn?
10. In 2024, what did Kia announce would be the name of its ute?
11. Who had a hit with the song Cal ifornia Girls in 1965?
12. What is the correct way to address the Pope?
13. True or false: human babies are born without kneecaps?
14. How many atoms are in an ozone molecule?
15. Who became Premier of NSW in March 2023?
16. In the board game Monopoly, what happens to a player who rolls three doubles in a row?
17. What branch of physics is the study of sound and its properties?
18. Which actor was nominated for his first Oscar for his role in Good Morning, Vietnam?
19. In 2001, Queensland vehicle number plates changed from green text to what colour?
20. Where is the US Open Tennis tournament held?
Holiness. 13. True. 14. Three. 15. Chris Minns. 16. Go straight to jail. 17. Acoustics. 18. Robin
