Your Time Sunshine Coast September 2024

Ihave a confession to make: I’ve never owned a new car. Nor has my husband or our two adult sons.

It’s not that we wouldn’t like to. We just never saw the need. And we have better things to spend our money on.

Sure, we like to look at the flashy new big-ass ute parked next to us at the shopping centre. We drool as the Lamborghini/Maserati/Ferrari (insert any exotic make here) zooms past us on the highway. And boy, wasn’t it nice that one time to be cocooned in comfort in the gold Mercedes belonging to my brother’s new in-laws on the way to his wedding reception.

Truth is, we only ever needed a reliable vehicle to get us from Point A to Point B. And we looked after those vehicles just enough to clock up the kilometres and run them into the ground more than a decade later. My eyes start to glaze over at any mention of adaptive cruise control, smart suspension and hybrids. I leave all that up to hubby, whose pride and joy was his first secondhand car: a Holden LH Torana Plus 4 sedan. He’s never been able to top that. He

gave it up when we conceded that we needed a more sensible car while saving for a house.

In the second-hand department, he’s never steered us wrong – poring over advertisements, scoping used car yards and test-driving models until we find ‘the one’. Hence, no need for a brand-spanking new car. Over 45 years together, we’ve shared a short but memorable parade of Volkswagens (my first car: a Passat, and the 1974 pop-top Kombi van we used to travel Oz and still own), Holden Commodores (sedans and wagons), a Ford or two (Falcon XD and Focus sedans), one Toyota Corolla in the ’90s and my current zip-zip car: a Mazda 3 hatchback.

One of these days – probably when I join the retirement ranks – we might just shout ourselves a new car. So, Bruce McMahon’s cover story this month certainly proves to be an interesting read before heading down that road.

Speaking of roads, our travel story this month takes a pleasant drive to the Blackall Range. My stay at Montville Estate meandered through the history of the property and the families who helped make the town what it is today.

And don’t miss Our People, featuring Australian music legend Russell Morris, touring with The Fabulous Caprettos. Cheers to that!

Shirley Sinclair Editor

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Shillings, Six Pences, Three

JEWELLERY

Hunting down a great new car deal

BRUCE McMAHON looks into the age-old dilemma of upgrading your vehicle, while also being mindful of needs in our senior years.

Buying a new car is as exciting (sometimes as daunting) as it ever has been.

Today, there’s a wider choice than ever with more than 50 brands of vehicles on sale and a host of model variants – from compact city cars to family hatchbacks to swaggering four-wheel drives. There are cars and wagons and utes from just about every corner of the planet these days – aside from Australia, that is.

Yet many, if not most, of the old rules apply, whether looking to

downsize, chasing a tow vehicle for a new campervan or helping a family member decide on fresh wheels.

Just remember, if a more mature motorist, to think about ease of use.

Maybe a manual V8 Mustang isn’t the right machine for the later years.

Leaving aside the Lotto win, budgeting for the new car purchase should be right up there with deciding on the type of vehicle you’re chasing.

These two decisions go hand in hand. No point looking at Range Rovers if the budget is limited to Mitsubishis. No point looking at seven-seater SUVs if the budget won’t stretch beyond a compact hatchback.

So, do the homework, with most of it made easier in 2024 through internet access to specialist motoring websites, newspap ers and motoring magazines plus manufacturers’ websites.

Perhaps look out for owners of vehicles you’re considering and consider comfort levels as an older driver. SUVs sell well for a number of reasons, including a higher ride height which makes it easier for access, easier on the back if strapping grandkids into child seats and, generally, offer more cargo space.

Be thorough when checking vehicle specifications. Can you live without a full-sized spare tyre? Will the dream 21st century machine fit in your 1960s garage? How long’s the warranty? Will that gorgeous body colour cost extra? Is this model about to be superseded? Is there room for the dog?

And remember, optional extras can add considerably to the final bill. Do you want personalised number plates? Extra tint for the windows? A tow bar?

Then, it’s not only a vehicle’s recommended retail price and the extras to consider. There are registration and insurance costs, plus estimated running costs including fuel and service imposts. Resale values need thought –particularly if looking to upgrade a car every few years: ‘cheaper’ models may depreciate faster than others.

Check whether there’s fixed-price servicing and how that may affect the budget. The RACQ and other state

motoring organisations publish annual reviews of running costs for popular models which can help with purchase decisions. Day-to day costs need to be balanced against purchase costs and resale values.

A conventional petrol-engined car could well be more economical, more cost-effective transport than a dearer petrol-electric hybrid version unless you are intending to own the latter for some years. A battery-electric vehicle –often more expensive than internal combustion-engined models – may take time (and cheap home solar power) to recoup the extra cost of the vehicle in fossil-fuel savings.

While battery-electric vehicles will become more mainstream, early data from the Australian Automotive Dealers Association and automotive analysts AutoGrab suggest electric vehicle (EV) value falls quickly after two years and takes longer to sell. North American

“Buying a new car from a licensed dealer is less fraught with risk than buying a used car from under a mango tree”

rental car company Hertz has dropped 20,000 EVs from its fleet, citing greater repair costs and higher depreciation.

The RACQ recommends shopping around for competitive finance before heading off to the showrooms. Don’t accept a loan or finance agreement just because it’s quick, easy or convenient.

The club suggests considering obtaining finance beforehand, or be well aware of rates of finance available, before visiting a dealership.

Buying a new car from a licensed motor dealer is less fraught with risk than buying a used car from under a backyard mango tree. Licensed dealers and motor manufacturers are bound by any number of rules and regulations to help make sales safe and sure.

Take a test drive (buying something this important online is not recommended) and maybe best on a route you know, or chose, rather than one determined by a salesperson.

Try, where feasible, to include a mix of road conditions and road speeds. A tip from consumer advocate CHOICE: take a ride as a passenger as well for another perspective. Perhaps it’s not quite so comfortable or quiet in the back seat?

Best to chase up at least three quotes. Having now sorted the choice of car and with a good idea of the best prices, there may still be haggling to be done on the floor – in particular if trading in a car.

Be wary of one-time-only deals and remember that it’s the bottom line that counts or how much is needed at the end of the day: the changeover cost. It may make little difference if dollars offered for the trade sound too good to be true while the price for the new machine remains high, or vice-versa.

Here CHOICE suggests pre-approved finance can be a handy bargaining tool and that buyers should hold firm if salespeople begin up-selling options such as upholstery protection. Extended warranties may be worth consideration, although today many standard manufacturer warranties extend to seven or more years. And remember that roadside assistance packages may be dependent on the vehicle being serviced by the manufacturers’ dealers.

When a final changeover price is agreed, time to check the paperwork and all detail (money owed, car model, colour and options, delivery date) before signing any contract.

If getting finance, ensure the contract specifies ‘subject to finance’ in case those funds fall through.

On delivery of the new machine, take a good look over the vehicle. Check off all the options, check the build plate and the odometer to make sure it’s an all-new car. Make sure you understand the car’s controls, check any Bluetooth connectivity and the workings and meanings of any newfangled infotainment screen and digital graphics.

Have you lined up insurance before driving away? While Compulsory Third Party insurance (CTP) is part of a car’s registration in Queensland, the RACQ reminds buyers more protection may be needed. CTP insurance only covers personal injuries sustained by passengers in your vehicle, not at-fault drivers and other users. CTP Insurance does not cover damage caused to or by your vehicle.

Get comfortable behind the wheel, check the fuel gauge (or battery charge) and mirrors. Drive off with a smile.

Now, some buyers side-step all this business by using a car broker: a buying agent who, through their network of dealer contacts, sources the right car at the best price. Here, a customer should be close to 100 per cent of the essential details of the preferred vehicle to ensure a timely, and successful, hunt across the country.

So, you still need to do the initial homework to decide on the right car, arrange finance and insurance. But a broker can find and complete a good deal, right through to registration.

The broker earns money from dealers’ commissions and can save hassles, headaches and dollars when buying a car … but it does take away some of those thrills and spills of a century-old process.

What’s hip

What to book

TRUE-blue Aussie John Williamson celebrates his 55th year in the music industry in 2025. He will also turn 80. From his humble beginnings as the son of a wheat farmer, Williamson has done pretty well for himself. See him perform his hits including True Blue live in My Travellin’ Days are Done on February 14 at 7pm at QPAC’s Concert Hall. For tickets, go to qpac.n.qtix.com.au and search for ‘John Williamson’.

What to drink

Nil Desperandum Rum has taken out the prestigious Best Rum trophy at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards in Melbourne, adding to its list of accolades. The winning drop was Nil Desperandum’s The Double Ton: a limited edition of 169 bottles that was pot distilled and aged for three years in barrels emptied of bourbon and sherry. The rum was the first batch from a 200-litre barrel. On November 2, Nil Desperandum will celebrate Queensland Rum Day – an annual celebration of producers using sugar cane to create their own drops – with its annual RumFire event on the Sunshine Coast. Head to nildesperandum.com.au for updates.

Where to take the grandkids

DIG It is Australia’s first mini excavator park at Thunderbird Park, Tamborine Mountain. Put the grandkids in the driver’s seat, operating their own mini-excavator, just like a real construction worker, in an outdoor construction zone on a mountain famous for rocks. It’s fun, educational and engaging, with children learning about the construction industry, earthworks, engineering, building, the importance of safety, plus teamwork. The superstars of Dig It are the nine, CAT 1.7-tonne miniexcavators that are the real deal, requiring hard hats and high-vis gear on site. The kids’ experience sees children sit in the driver’s seat alone or on the lap of their parent or carer, trying a range of skills, from digging up the dirt, to using a claw to stack and moving tyres, or manoeuvring a hook. Book a two-hour session these September school holidays at digit.com.au

Back in the day…

THERE was Gilligan’s Island – a sitcom Aussie families took to their heart. The tales of seven people marooned on a deserted island somewhere in the Pacific debuted in the US on CBS on September 26, 1964, and played out for three seasons and 98 episodes. But millions have watched it across the world and the generations through syndication.

Where to dine

LUXURY boutique lodge

Beechmont Estate in the Gold Coast hinterland has just appointed a dynamic young husband-and-wife team to lead award-winning The Paddock restaurant.   Chris Norman as executive chef and Alex Norman as executive sous and pastry chef are passionate advocates for local produce and paddock-to-plate philosophies. The acclaimed chefs come with extensive experience in Michelin-starred restaurants overseas and lauded dining establishments, including One&Only Hayman Island, Palazzo Versace, Emporium Hotel South Bank and Herve’s Restaurant & Bar in Brisbane. Since February this year, they have been gradually hitting their stride in the two-hatted restaurant, building their network of local growers and embracing the region’s vibrant and thriving food bowl. Book at beechmontestate.com.au/restaurant

APPLIANCE ARMAGEDDON

WHILE all our home appliances are going well, we’re going well.

However, when they break down –often just out of the brief warranty period – we struggle to find a repairer at reasonable cost and call-out fee. Then we find there are no spare parts for our ‘obsolete’ model.

Many appliances are designed in a way that makes repairs impossible. The manufacturers call it ‘planned obsolescence’ to increase sales.

With cars, we would find it unacceptable. A whole industry has been built up around the servicing of vehicles, complemented by wrecking yards and the spare parts industry.

With home appliances, it is almost virgin territory. Invariably we are pointed

towards buying a new appliance. In the days of rising living costs and waste dumps piling up, this is no longer acceptable.

While repair cafes can handle a minuscule volume of work, the problem has blown out like our family budget.

Under Australia’s consumer laws, we have a right to a repair, a refund or a replacement for defective goods. However, manufacturers are not required to provide spare parts or repair services.

In contrast, the UK and EU have passed laws to ensure manufacturers must support their products for more than one or two years. They must make spare parts available to consumers and third-party companies. Effectively, the life cycles of appliances are extended by up to 10 years.

This was brought home to me when my washing machine broke down. I discovered it was designed in the UK and built in Turkey, making the supply of spare parts problematic.

It was my lucky day when I found a local young repairman with reasonable call-out charges and a nose for sniffing out rare spare parts. Thankfully, my appliance blues were soon washed away.

Unfortunately, the exception will prove the rule until our consumer laws are updated. If not, we could face appliance armageddon where Australia becomes a dumping ground for a stream of poorly designed, low-quality, imports without regulatory consumer support for repairs.

A murderous tale to tell

AUDIENNE BLYTH looks deeper into an unusual crime in the Sunshine Coast’s history.

We regularly see headlines in newspapers sensationalising murders. And so it was in 1866 when William Stephens was murdered.

From Brisbane, he was in the habit of travelling by the paddle steamer Gneering to the Mooloolah Heads timber depot.

His habit also included walking back to Brisbane, about 100 kilometres, collecting native plants on the way.

Stephens was on instructions from Walter Hill, curator of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. On this last journey, it was said, he was collecting rare specimens for the Melbourne and Paris exhibitions and not in a hurry.

He would usually buy supplies at the timber-getters’ store and employ Aborigines as guides to help him. There was much to collect – seeds, berries, fruits, ferns, orchids, wildflowers, bark, leaves and vines as he searched the dry heath and wallum woodlands as well as the sandy coast.

The bunya nuts he took back from the hinterland may have grown into the very bunya trees that can still be seen growing in the city’s Botanic Gardens.

A young Aborigine, Tommy Skyring, was employed as his guide for a payment of five shillings and half a pound of tobacco.

Stephens had a reputation for being generous and got along well with Tommy.

Perhaps it was the sight of the silver coins Stephens used to pay for goods that attracted two other Aborigines, Johnny Griffin and Captain Piper, who followed him.

When he stopped to make camp for the evening and was bending over cooking Johnny cakes, he was killed by blows to the back of the neck. The place later became known as Dead Man’s Water Hole and is near the Caloundra turn-off from the Bruce Highway.

The penalty for killing a white man was severe – a hanging offence – and the three men were accused of the murder.

Tommy Skyring had been a trusted employee of the timber getter’s. Johnny Griffin was only about 14 years old, while Captain Piper had already served time in jail.

Constable Nalty from the mounted police at Maryborough had been sent

to investigate with a detachment of native police.

Captain Piper and Tommy Skyring were captured and taken to the Gneering. Captain Piper escaped by slipping his handcuffs and swimming ashore. Tommy Skyring met a tragic end: he died a month later in Brisbane Gaol as a death in custody.

The warrant for the arrest of Captain Piper was made in 1866 but he was not captured until 1879 when Constable Smith arrested him at Cobb’s Camp, Woombye.

After waiting six months, his trial began. Johnny Griffin was called to give Queen’s evidence and Piper was accused of feloniously and wilfully and, of malice aforethought, murdering one William Stephens.

There was a difficulty about whether or not Johnny Griffin understood that he was under oath and the court explained

what would happen in the hereafter to clarify: “You would be going to heaven or you would have damnation in hell”.

Johnny explained that Tommy Skyring had struck the first blow and he was to blame.

Tommy was unable to speak for himself as he was long dead. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty.

The Attorney-General stated he did not intend to take any further proceedings against either of the two men. His Honour ordered both to be discharged.

What became of Stephens’ collection that awful day of his murder?

We can only say that our native plants are great survivors.

Audienne Blyth is a member of the Nambour Historical Museum, open 1-4pm Wednesday to Friday, and 10am-3pm Saturday.

VIGILANCE URGED AMID GIFT CARD SCAM REPORTS

POLICE have received reports of a scam that involves elderly members of the community being asked for assistance to ‘scam the scammer’ by purchasing thousands of dollars of gift cards.

Victims are reporting that a scammer, pretending to be someone from the fraud or security team of banks or telcos, rings to alert the victim of suspicious activity in their bank account.

The scammer proceeds to ask the victim to purchase gift cards, provide the details of those gift cards to the security team to help with a ‘sting’ on the scammer, with a promise that the institution will reimburse them for the purchase of the cards at the end of the day.

An example of this incident occurred on June 21, when a 66-year-old man, on behalf of a 91-year-old man, purchased $28,000 of gift cards from a shop in Kawana in one day.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Mansfield says police are working to educate Sunshine Coast businesses that sell gift cards about these types of scams.

Officers are also warning anyone in the community that may receive a phone call like this one.

“Scams are ever-changing, and though this exact scenario may not be repeated, it’s

important to be vigilant when engaging with people on the phone or online,” Det Snr Sgnt Mansfield says.

“Being asked to purchase gift cards or transfer or withdraw money is a red flag.

“If in doubt, don’t engage, speak to your bank or telco directly, and report the potential scam. Please also look out for your older parents, neighbours or friends and encourage them to be weary.”

Members of the public can report a scam via Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre ReportCyber via cyber.gov.au/reportand-recover/report.

Crime can also be reported anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

• New kitchens fitted with new appliances

• New flooring and furnishings

• Freshly painted internally and externally

• Spacious courtyard, landscaped gardens

• 2 Swimming Pools

• Men’s Shed and Bowling Green • Hairdresser

• Craft Hall with BBQ Area and Pool Tables

• Modern Community Centre

• Walking distance to Translink Bus with transport to local medical centres and Stockland Shopping Centre

By Mocco Wollert

DO WE need secrets? Is it dangerous to keep a secret? Should we refuse to keep a secret?

So many questions and, I am sure, many different answers. How important is the role of secrets in the world and our lives?

We would not have any fairy tales without secrets. Many operas would not have been created, no crime novels written, no spy films made without an element of secrecy. All the wonderful whodunit stories would never have come to life.

But what about in our ‘small’, humdrum life? Do we all have secrets? Would it be so bad if they were revealed? I had a big secret once. My husband and I gave up smoking – cold turkey – but I kept a packet of cigarettes hidden at my best friend Annette’s house for a quick puff when we visited.

While I enjoyed the quick smoke, it made me feel very guilty. It did not last long before I gave it up.

Annette and I also had a well-

guarded secret for years: our running-away-from-home money. It was just a few pounds in very small tin boxes but it gave us the feeling we were not totally dependent on the heads of the household, should things get bad in our marriages.

We told each other where we had hidden the little boxes in case one of us died and the other one c ould retrieve the money. It was a ridiculously small amount, not even enough for a bus ticket, but it made us feel ‘independent’. Of course, in my generation, housekeeping money was doled out once a week. We had no money of our own.

Could there be situations where it would be better to lie – or to keep silent, at least?

We have all seen a movie where the protagonist tearfully confesses to his wife that he has been cheating on her … with her best friend. After the confession, he feels hugely relieved.

The slate clean, he rides happily into the sunset.

Wouldn’t it have been better if he would have kept his ‘secret’, especially if it was a one-off? His wife would have kept her happiness and her best friend.

Sometimes it might be wiser to

keep a secret than to let it all hang out, just to feel personally better.

What about keeping our age secret? A lot of people do not want to reveal their age, especially women.

As you get older, there are two ways you can go: have surgery, spend a fortune on cosmetics and pretend you are still young. Or, you can be proud of your age.

To me, nothing looks worse than mutton dressed up as lamb: old wrinkly cheeks smothered in make-up and too much rouge.

Children love secrets.

I think they fit well into their minds that are still full of fantasy and imagination.

Just don’t ever ask them to keep them.

They usually can’t wait to tell their secret to somebody.

May you have nice secrets and keep them.

Email mocco.wollert@bigpond.com

Life in the slow lane Life’s an adventure

By Cheryl Lockwood

YOU’D have to be living under a rock to have missed the hype surrounding the 2024 Summer Olympics – even if, like me, you’re not the biggest sports fan. My lack of sporting knowledge would probably be considered un-Australian, but like many others, I eagerly watched the highlights as Australia celebrated our most fruitful Olympics to date.

It’s hard not to get swept up in the event that only comes around every four years (unless affected by wars or pandemics). The hard work, determination and sheer guts that it takes for an athlete (such as Gold Medal-winning swimmer Kaylee McKeown, pictured) to reach that level of competition amazes me.

This year, we have witnessed first-time medals for this country in a variety of events. Cyclist Grace Brown scored gold in the Women’s Time Trial. Saya Sakakibara became the first Aussie to win a BMX Racing title. Nina Kennedy – the country’s first-ever gold medal in Pole Vault, with a record-breaking jump. Matthew Denny got a bronze and our first medal for the Men’s Discus. Jess Hull’s silver was the first for Aussie women in the 1500 metres.

Records fell and a beaming Arisa Trew became our youngest medal winner at the age of 14 years and 86 days as she showed her skateboarding skills. At that age, I think I was dedicated to watching

Authorised by the Queensland Government, William Street, Brisbane.

reruns of American sitcoms.

While I understand the idea of running or swimming a race and the attempt to throw objects the furthest distance or heave the heaviest weights, I do wonder how some of the sports came about.

Who decided it would be a good idea to grab a very long pole and use it to launch themselves as high into the air as possible? Who thought that 10 metres would be a good height to twist and somersault into a pool with barely a splash?

I’ve created a bigger splash just getting in the bath tub. And the hand stand on the edge of that board is incredible. I couldn’t do a handstand in my lounge room with multiple cushions and someone holding my legs. I know because I’ve tried!

Shot put? Surely it would go further if they held it in two hands and swung it back and forth between their legs and then hurled it forward. Just a suggestion.

My apologies for not enjoying the

Artistic Swimming. I’m sure it’s quite the feat to synchronise those movements and, clearly, a great deal of strength and breath-holding is involved, but all those limbs shooting in and out of the water just looks a bit weird to me. Maybe, it’s more impressive seen in person.

Regardless of the event, the fanfare surrounding the Olympics captivates us all. I recall, back in 2000, I dressed the children in Olympics-themed outfits for school fancy dress days. My home-made Olympic torch was quite the handicraft project.

On holidays, their Nanna gathered all of her grandchildren at her beach house and staged the mini-Olympics. Competitive natures were revealed in such events as the egg and spoon race and marshmallow eating. Plastic medals were awarded before she fed the little athletes with the food of champions – her famous lasagne. Before sending them off to bed, they continued learning the value of sportsmanship with games of bingo, with chocolates for prizes.

As the action took place in Paris, I cheered the green and gold from the comfort of my lounge. I admit to shedding a tear at the emotions shown by athletes realising their medal-winning dreams and marvelled at spectacular performances played in slow motion with inspiring music. Congratulations to the athletes and let’s keep the support going for the Paralympics.

Visit lockwoodfreelance.com

Resort-style living on the Sunshine Coast

Secure your slice of idyllic retirement living in the heart of the Sunshine Coast at Sunset Palms Retirement Living, a welcoming community with resort-style facilities.

Enjoy a modern coastal lifestyle, just a 15-minute drive from lush hinterland and golden Sunshine Coast beaches. With limited stage 3 villas remaining and ready to move into this year, seize the opportunity to embrace the lifestyle you’ve always imagined.

1. Who are you? The Sunshine Coast Friendship Force is focused on creating inter-cultural friendships across the world through home-hosting members from other Friendship Force clubs. It is an international organisation with 300 clubs across the world and 19 clubs in Australia. Each year, our club is allocated travel to one or more international clubs and to one Australian club. We always stay with members in their home for one week. Also each year, our club home-host members from two international clubs and one Australian club for a week. By living in a Friendship Force member’s home for seven nights, members may meet as strangers but leave as friends with a genuine understanding of their culture and environment.

2. Where do you meet and when? We meet on the fourth Sunday every second month at 9.30am at the Mudjimba Community Hall, 41 Cottonwood Street, Mudjimba. Members pay $5 to cover the hall hire, lucky door prize and morning tea. Guests are free. We usually join for lunch somewhere local after the meeting.

3. Why should people join your club? We have 50 members ranging in age from 50 to 90 years who enjoy the immersive experience of other cultures by living with Friendship Force members from different countries. Our members are residents from all areas of the Sunshine Coast, covering

THE members of Caloundra Evening VIEW have had a busy few weeks attending all the social opportunities organised by the club.

Morning tea at the Caloundra Power Boat Club brought a happy group together for coffee and a chat. The monthly dinner was well attended and the guest speaker, Ralph Devlin QC, regaled the group with his interesting experiences in the Supreme

the coastal strip and the hinterland. We are enthusiastic about travelling, as well as home-hosting visiting members from other clubs. Some of our members have been in the club for over 20 years, enjoying friendship and social connections, even though they do not travel any more. We also enjoy monthly lunches and outings.

5. What meetings, events or activities do you host throughout the year? Our club is busy planning and participating in the week’s program when we host inbound journeys or when we prepare for outbound journeys to travel away. The organising, hosting and travelling is done by separate planning committees. With two international clubs coming this year, the committees plan the full program of activities and outings, which are suited to the visitors’ interests, language and culture to showcase the beautiful environment of the Sunshine Coast.

6. What is your club most looking forward to this year? Our club is most excited that the Sunshine Coast Friendship Force celebrated its 35th anniversary this year. This is a proud achievement for a vibrant and energetic group. The club was formed in March 1989 to organise the first inbound exchange by members from Atlanta, Georgia. Since then, the members have travelled to every continent and have hosted more than 2000 members from other clubs.

Court, including his successful prosecution of the Fine Cotton Affair offenders who spray painted and substituted a winning race horse.

The women have also enjoyed their Sunday walk and breakfast at Bulcock Beach’s Aqua Restaurant. We’ve also gone to a movie and had lunch at CBX Hotel and enjoyed dinner at Doms, Kings Beach.

Although the club has a strong social aspect, the main focus is to raise funds to sponsor 13 financially disadvantaged students who are included in The Smith Family’s Learning for Life Program, which supports and mentors them.

The children communicate with the club with their moving letters and drawings which are truly inspirational.

The Smith Family is a charity seeking to end the cycle of poverty by facilitating the successful education of young people. For membership inquiries, call Di on 0400 473 193.

GIVE PENNY A HOME

THE 4 Paws Animal Rescue provides refuge for homeless cats and dogs on the Sunshine Coast.

It is a 100 per cent, charity organisation run by volunteers.

Introducing the beautiful Penny, who is nine years old and has been reluctantly surrendered. Penny is in a short-term foster home. She needs to find another home immediately due to a change in the carer’s circumstances. The carer describes Penny as adorable, sweet and affectionate.  A quiet home would be ideal.  Can you offer this to her?

Complete an application at 4pawsanimalrescue.org.au

BOWLING CHALLENGE

COOROY Community Bowls Club has held its annual pairs championships over the past few weeks, with the finals held on August 4.

The ultimate winners were Justin Beneke and Graham Leitch, with the runners-up being Maureen Bottomley and Michael Loe.

The competition was close with the scores seesawing until the final end that saw Graham and Justin gain the upper hand.

All four bowlers enjoyed the fun of the challenge, keeping spectators on their toes until the final bowl was delivered.

NAMBOUR ORCHID SOCIETY SPRING SHOW

COLOUR your world with the Nambour Orchid Society Spring Show.

The exhibition is on September 6 from 8am-3.30pm and September 7, from 8am-1pm, at Nambour Uniting Church in Coronation Avenue.

The show includes a benched orchid display plus plant sales, as well as raffles.

Admission is $5, and refreshments will be available.

For more information, email nambourorchids@gmail.com

DON’T MISS CALOUNDRA WOODWORKING CLUB OPEN DAY

THE Caloundra Woodworking Club will open its headquarters to the public on Saturday, October 5.

Choose from a huge offering of gift bargains and participate in the raffle.

The club headquarters at 65 Ulm Street, Caloundra, will be open from 9am to 3pm on the day, with a display of member-made creations including musical instruments, fine tables, bowls, walking sticks, bread boards and clocks.

A barbecue will be available.

Entry is by a $2 donation and free parking is available. Call 0432 453 263.

ACCESS FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH TOOLS

CALOUNDRA Family History Research Inc. (CFHRI) will hold its next meeting on Thursday, September 19 at 1.30pm at the rooms at Corbould Park racecourse.

The guest speaker will be Ralph Gray who will showcase the benefits of using FamilySearch at interest groups and research days and that there is more to being a CFHRI member than the group’s library print collection. Visit caloundrafamilyhistory.org.au.

AN INVITATION TO SENIORS

THE Probus Club of Currimundi Combined meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Caloundra Bowls Club in Burke Street, Golden Beach.

The meeting begins at 9am. Activities include board games, a book club, craft and social activities, the coffee and chat group, bus trips and outings, plus caravan and camping excursions.

There’s an opportunity to stay active with golf, tennis or the walking group. Contact Glenn Birch on 0417431440 or visit probuscurrimundi.org.

ORCHID SPECTACULAR

THE 2024 Glasshouse Country Orchid Society’s Spring Orchid Spectacular is on September 20 and 21.

Doors open 8.30am-4.30pm on the Friday and 8.30am-2.30pm on the Saturday at Beerwah Community Hall (entrance opposite the shopping centre), There will be show orchids, foliage displays, plant sales refreshments and raffle tickets (eftpos available).

Entry for adults is $5; children free. Visit glasshouseorchids.com.au.

Don’t let bills drain your wallet

EDIN READ points out how much you could be saving on internet and mobile phone plans by shopping around.

You might have noticed Aldi’s billboard message suggesting you ‘question your telco plan’.

This bit of valuable marketing is something we should all make plans to do.

I was with a client recently who wanted to swap over their home internet and mobile phone plan to different options, and we saved her $1000 per year in just two hours together.

This is equivalent to an extra trip away per year or that new couch you’ve been putting off. Why aren’t we all doing this?

Sticking with Telstra and Optus because that’s who we’ve always been with means these two giants can continue to charge high prices for their services. Most of the other services are run off the same lines. So, for a lower cost, you’re getting the same service.

The major cost in running technology is your connection to the internet. Getting online through your home internet and mobile phone is fairly essential.

Home internet provides services for your computer, allows you to stream channels on your TV and scroll on Facebook, and offers a home phone if you need one. In comparison, your mobile

phone provides this outside the phone, as well as calling and texting.

For the average senior user who wants to stream a show every now and again, send emails and catch up on the news, fast, flashy, expensive plans are generally not the way to go.

For your home internet, 25Mbps (which is a measure of how much data can be received at once – megabits per second) will suit most. Paying more for services that provide higher rates than this is usually excessive for the average user.

Usually, the home internet plans are ‘unlimited’, which means that there is no cap on how much you can download or view over the month.

In order for the internet to run, you’ll need a modem/router. This is the black or white box that plugs into the wall. Most people use this word interchangeably, which is fine – often they are both a modem and a router.

Optus and Telstra usually provide this in their internet plans if you stay with them for a duration, and might make you pay for it if you cancel early.

Sometimes you have to pay upfront. With alternative service providers, it’s

commonplace for them to sell you a name-brand modem that is pre-set up, or you can BYO and get it set up.

As long as the modem is compatible with your service and new, it should provide decent internet. There are not usually huge upsides to getting the more expensive one versus the cheaper one.

Some providers to look at are Flip, Aussie Broadband, Dodo and Tangerine. They often offer even cheaper deals for the first six months. My client went with a Flip plan for $55.90 per month, saving $30 per month compared with Telstra.

I’ve covered the mobile plan before, but here it is again: as far as I’m concerned, the most cost-efficient plan is Aldi’s 4G 10GB data with unlimited calls and texts for $19 – the SIM Only Plan. It’s got unlimited data

rollover. So, if you don’t use your data, it rolls over to next month’s plan. Aldi’s plans are run on the Telstra network.

To put it in perspective, Optus’ cheapest SIM Only Plan is more than double at $49 per month, and Telstra’s is $62 per month (both with a few more benefits, including 5G and more data). You can also keep your number, and it’s not too complicated to set up. Plus, if you need more data, you can just upgrade your plan.

Take a moment to review your internet and mobile plans – it could lead to substantial savings each year. If you’re unsure where to start or find the process overwhelming, Greyology is here to help. Edin Read is founder and chief technician at Greyology Tech Support for Seniors. Visit greyology.com.au.

Simple steps to feel better mentally

CAITLYN HUTH helps us understand that we can all boost our mental health, little by little each day.

Let’s dive into ways to benefit your mental health on a micro level.  The idea with this strategy is to allow small but frequent moments to build habits that compound and improve the base level of health.

When it comes to supporting mental health, we can use methods to either boost our mood, regulate against stress or encourage better focus on tasks. Setting up little reminders can help break the monotony of our days or allow a moment to ourselves.

Boosting mood: Finding things that bring ‘feel-good’ moments is a helpful tactic to disrupt some negative feelings.  This could be playing a comedy skit on your way home, a quick phone call to a close friend, spending 10 minutes on a new hobby or watching the sunset.  Maybe it’s something that you do at your desk or at a particular location.  Whether it involves activity or not, the idea is that it uniquely brings you joy in the moment.

Regulating stress: For moments of stress in response to acute triggers or persisting pressures, our body and mind need space to regulate for the ability to assess and solve problems well.  Finding ways that help ground ourselves better equips these mental skills.

Breathwork, walking, singing, stretching, writing or repeating mantras/quotes are some ways to address the building pressure and bring opportunity for regulation.  Each person will find different methods that help them, and even this can evolve at different stages of our life.

Enhancing focus: When our

Transform

mental health feels challenged, our ability to concentrate can feel very strained.  Our mind and body work well when we meet our biological needs and allow for recovery.  This is where strategic breaks or switching stimulus can actually help dial in focus.  Using a timer to prompt deep, quality work with regular breaks can be more productive than trying to push through. Another method is to create a ‘readiness routine’ or use triggers to build the brain’s recognition and association to encourage focus. This could be getting momentum by completing simple tasks first, or setting an environment that minimises distractions.

There are many other strategies and variations that may suit you, but the micro doses drip fed throughout the day can bring benefits where changing full routines or lifestyles seems impossible.

Caitlyn Huth is an exercise physiologist at Full Circle Wellness. Call 5456 1599 or visit fullcirclewellness.com.au

home equity to enjoy life now

FIT HAPPENS with Tom Law

LEAD BY EXAMPLE AND EVERYONE WINS

ON SATURDAY mornings, I run an exercise class at Redcliffe on Suttons Beach for people over 55.

One lady who attends is 86 and she has been doing our classes for 14 years.

Last week, my program involved a good bit of movement. So, as per normal, I separated the group into walkers and runners.

This is a loose arrangement I use to differentiate the ability of the group. I consider the ailments and physical ability of the individuals, as most have been attending the classes with me for a number of years.

Allan and his wife Dianne attend on Saturdays and come to our free social walks on Friday mornings.  Allan also attends Boxfit on Tuesdays at 6pm at Peninsular Fitness Gym in Margate. Thursday mornings at 5am at Suttons Beach is another session I conduct and sometimes Allan and Dianne go along.

Last week at the Saturday Suttons Beach class, Allan started in the runners’ group instead of the walkers’ group which is

where he would normally start. We had a series of jogs or walks and a fairly comprehensive stretching session before going into a more advanced workout.

During the more intensive phase of the session, Allan went across to the walkers for a gentler approach, as did a few other runners. As the program for the morning approached the hour mark and conclusion, Allan headed back to the runners.

Now, Allan, like many of us, has had his issues medically. Lately, his knees have been giving him some trouble. So, I was surprised to see him at the front of the group and really running –not only strongly on the circuit I had marked out, but fast and leading the pack.  It was like he had turned back time. I was impressed and so were many at the session. Allan is a very youthful 75. He not only inspires me, but many who observe him. I hope this story has inspired you. Tom Law is the author of health and exercise-related books. Visit facebook.com/Tom’sLaw

Bushfires can strike any part of Queensland but being aware and prepared can protect you, your family and your property. For more informationgo to getready.qld.gov.au or qfes.qld.gov.au

YOUR LOCAL EYE DOCTOR

Associate Professor

Kristopher Rallah-Baker

TREATMENTS AT A GLANCE

• Cataract Surgery

ker NCE

• General Ophthalmology

• Macular Degeneration

• Pterygium Surgery

Little changes can all add up

KAILAS ROBERTS outlines the encouraging results of a recent study that looked at slowing the rate of decline in dementia.

Most experts in the field would agree that when it comes to optimising brain health, the earlier the better.

Another perhaps less optimistic way of framing this is that there are diminishing returns as brain health deteriorates.

This has led historically to a widely held view that when dementia – a syndrome of poor brain health – has set in, there is little you can do to help yourself.

Over the past decade, however, this nihilism has been challenged as more research is conducted.

A case in point is a recent study from the US conducted by well-respected physician and researcher Dean Ornish as well as colleagues, and the findings are very encouraging.

The study involved 51 patients with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia, whose mean age was about 73. They were split into two groups: one undergoing a fairly intensive lifestyle intervention and one having ‘usual care’ (a so-called control group which was asked not to change lifestyle) – both over a 20-week period.

The elements of the lifestyle intervention included a specific diet that

focused on minimally processed plant-based wholefoods, high in complex carbohydrates (fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, soy products, seeds and nuts) and low in harmful fats, sweeteners and refined carbs (white bread, pasta, pastries).

The meals and snacks were provided by the researchers so everyone was getting the same food. They were told not to consume other foods.

Exercise was another important ingredient, and participants were asked to do aerobic exercise (such as walking) for at least 30 minutes per day, as well as mild strength training exercises three times a week.

Then there was stress management, which involved relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga and breathing exercise, as well as promotion of sleep.

Group support was also offered to participants and their spouses by way of an hour session three times a week, and they were given a handbook on memory exercises, which was used periodically during these sessions.

Finally, a number of supplements were used, including omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, multivitamins and minerals,

All for one in a world of individuals

CHARLIE GRIFFITHS thinks about all the parts that seem to come together to make the whole system work properly.

Recently, I complained to my doctor that I had a toothache, blocked sinuses, sore eyes and migraine. She said, “Charlie, it’s all in your head”. That got me thinking. It is all in my head. How I feel emotionally, physically, socially and professionally is a response to external stimuli.

Countless people can be simultaneously exposed to the same stimulus but everyone’s response will be unique.

Imagine a famous politician making an outrageously stupid public statement and millions of people responding with exactly the same comment. There would be no debate, no passion, no possibility of change. Social media would shut down and AI would disappear into its own disruptive orifice.

Spring is a hit for billions of birds all bent on building their own nest and rearing their special young. How funny would it be if a thousand cockies all tried to set up home on the same branch fork on a single tree.

As it is, disputes abound, always

resolved quickly with no malice, and many trees enjoy the company of chatty chicks for the season.

As I drive by the ocean of almond blossom along the Murray Valley, resembling an endless pink and white surf breaking on a red shoreline, I imagine the whole complement of millions of honey bees all converging on a single blossom.

Step closer (I’m not allergic to bee stings or pollen) and nearly every flower gets individual treatment by a dedicated pollination specialist.

I marvel at the politeness and cooperation of the drones, unflustered as they go about their hectic rounds. Individuality is what makes the collective work. We each have a role and for the production to be successful, we must be true to our own script.

I have just returned from the open-air funeral service for old mate Pratty who was the epitome of the ‘loveable larrikin’. Pratty was truly one of a kind. He did it his own way, in his own time, always with a joke at hand and never shying away from a bit of good-natured banter.

coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, vitamin B12, magnesium threonate, lion’s mane and a probiotic.

So, what did the study show?

Well, those who had the active lifestyle interventions showed a statistically significant improvement in cognitive and daily function, as well as improvement in several so-called ‘biomarkers’ that are relevant to the severity of the Alzheimer’s disease, including levels of amyloid in the blood.

The study is not without limitations, including that it involved only a small number of people and the fact that multiple different interventions were being studied at the same time – making it hard to know whether certain changes were better than others.

Nonetheless, the results provide hope that even in the early stages of dementia, changes to lifestyle can make a positive difference.

Despite the recent development of

medications that may modify Alzheimer’s disease, we still do not have a cure, and the best we can do in general is slow the rate of decline.

Therefore, it is important and empowering to consider that paying more attention to how we live our lives may influence our experience of dementia.

I hope that further research is conducted to build upon this study.

Until then, there is little harm in incorporating the interventions used (though I would discuss the supplements with your doctor before committing to using them) whatever the state of your brain health.

I suspect the more of them you practise, the better off you’ll be.

Kailas Roberts is a psychogeriatrician and author of Mind Your Brain: The Essential Australian Guide to Dementia, now available at all good bookstores and online. Visit yourbraininmind.com or uqp.com.au

The publican maintained a stock of a specific dark beer that only Pratty drank every night up until a couple of days before vacating his seat at the head of the bar.

Our town has a population of 400 and it was soul-stirring to see well over 100 admirers see him off in style.

Many of Pratty’s pub family toasted his life with a graveside stubby of the horrible black ink that had sustained him for many years.

A whole town united with respect, appreciation and admiration for a single bloke doing his own thing. If this article resonates with you, please comment at charliegriffithscoaching.com/ contact

Charlie Griffiths is a certified life coach and Neuro Linguistic Programming practitioner dedicated to helping fellow professionals thrive with a chronic disease or serious injury.

HANDMADE PERSIAN RUGS

Due to the demolition of our Gold Coast store, stock has been transferred to Brisbane ...

Persian Carpets provide an effortless and enjoyable process of selecting and purchasing the perfect rug for your home. We at the Persian Carpet Gallery believe that every rug has a home. A place where you, the home owner, can enhance the beauty and individuality of a house to create your home.

All of Persian Carpet Gallery carpets are supplied with certificate of originality. You can also exchange the rugs at any of our stores across Australia. We have the most amazing rugs from traditional Persian to modern. For modern rugs, visit rugporter.com.au

Celebrating Sunshine Coast Senior s at the upcom ing Senior s Festival!

The Senior Leadership Award is a distinguished recognition created to pay tribute to individuals during Queensland Seniors Month in October.

Tanya Dave, Gerontologist and founder of the Senior Leadership Award says, the award is a testament to the valuable contribution of our senior community.

Our award winners’ incredible life journey and service to others, serves as inspiration to all of us and showcases the indomitable human spirit.

Recipients of the award will receive their well deserved honours on October 1st.

The awards ceremony will be officially opened by the Honourable Mayor Rosanna Natoli and will feature performances by the Buderim Men’s Choir

and a solo cabaret performance by Christine Hamilton.

The celebration of their outstanding achievements will take place in the presence of 400 plus esteemed guests during a morning high tea at Maroochy RSL.

2024 SENIOR LEADERSHIP AWARD HONOURS REMARKABLE INDIVIDUALS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS

This year, the award is proudly presented to the following recipients.

Roy and Nola Thompson, renowned philanthropists, have been honoured with the 2024 Senior Leadership Award for their exceptional service and dedication to the Sunshine Coast community. Known for their humble lifestyle and quiet generosity, the Thompsons have donated millions to causes including education, mental health, and community healthcare, shaping a brighter future for the region. One of their significant contributions include the establishment of the USC Sunshine Coast Mind & Neuroscience - Thompson Institute, This award recognizes their lasting impact and commitment to uplifting others.

Uncle Alan Parsons has been awarded the 2024 Senior Leadership Award for his outstanding contributions to the community. A respected indigenous elder is a well-known artist, storyteller, and advocate. Uncle Alan has dedicated his life to raising awareness and driving change in the areas of mental health, disability, and Indigenous rights. His Healing Through Connection art workshop which brought together the community to create a collaborative piece symbolizing collective healing, is just one example of his impact. Through his art and advocacy, Uncle Alan continues to inspire and empower others, reminding us that true change comes when we actively engage in the process.

Richards has been honoured with the 2024 Senior Leadership Award for her remarkable contributions in the field of trauma recovery and mental health.

Overcoming unimaginable personal challenges, Judith has transformed her own journey of trauma into a powerful tool for helping others heal. As the creator of the Trauma Recovery Process (TRTP), Judith uses her expertise, empathy, and groundbreaking techniques to guide people toward lasting relief from emotional trauma, phobias, and other struggles. Her work has not only impacted individuals across various communities but also inspired many to reclaim their lives and well-being.

Award sponsored by Sage Care Advice.

is a respected figure and passionate senior activist who works on various platforms to change societal attitudes towards ageing and promote the inclusion and respect of older people. His influence can be seen on national platforms like EveryAGE Counts and U3A both nationally and internationally where he has played a crucial role in promoting lifelong learning and social engagement for retirees, ensuring they remain active and valued members of the community.

On the local front Colin’s role in the Healthy Ageing Partnership aims to promote healthy ageing initiatives, build collaboration and connection.

Award sponsored by Maroochy Home Assist.

Indigenous

who heralds from the Taribelang

is being honoured with the 2024 Senior Leadership Award for creating vital spaces for the celebration and preservation of Aboriginal art, culture, and bush tucker knowledge. Her initiatives have opened doors for many to connect with and appreciate the richness of Indigenous traditions. Through the Nungeena Corporation, she plays a crucial role in guiding the next generation of Indigenous women to embrace their cultural roots, harness their formidable spirit to overcome challenges and to redefine the spirit of community and connection.

Award sponsored by 60 Plus Lifestyle Agent.

Tanya Dave

Roy and Nola Thompson

Judith Richards

Colin Maddocks

Regina Ryan Uncle Alan Parsons

Award sponsored by Blue Care.

Judith

Colin Maddocks

Regina Ryan, is an inspiring

elder,

Bunda tribe. She

Award sponsored by Aveo.

SENIORS EXPO

Connecting Community – Celebrating Life

The festival is a cornerstone of Seniors Month on the Sunshine Coast, highlighting the incredible contributions, talents, and experiences of our senior community. Whether you’re looking to engage with local organizations, learn something new, or simply enjoy a day out, the festival promises a vibrant lineup of activities, exhibits, and seminars.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Expo (9am-2pm):

The event will showcase the best the Sunshine Coast has to offer with a wide range of seminars and exhibits. Visitors can explore topics ranging from health and wellness to technology and hobbies.

Make sure to visit the Maroochydore RSL on October 1st for a day filled with community spirit, celebration, and inspiration.

THANK

SEMINARS TO ATTEND

Rooms 1-3: 12pm-2pm

Book your seat online or on the day. Visit www.scseniorsfestival.com.au

ROOM 1: 12-1PM

Understanding the Dementia Journey: From Symptoms to Management with Dr. Sam Hutson

ROOM 1: 1-2PM

Demystifying Wills and Estates: Essential Knowledge for Planning Your Future with esteemed Lawyer Trent Wakerley

ROOM 2: 1-2PM

Planning for Peace of Mind: A Guide to Advance Care Planning with Dr. Wendy Kinton

ROOM 3: 1-2PM

Walking the Alzheimer’s Journey: A Story of Love, Care, and Resilience with Vincent O’Rourke

A nice ride that gets the job done

BRUCE McMAHON looks at an affordable, competent, fuss-free model that will suit most people wanting to go from Point A to B.

The compact Nissan Qashqai (nee Dualis) is a decent machine among today’s welter of decent machines.

There may not be a tonne of sport or utility in a five-door Qashqai, yet this Nissan is more often touted as an SUV.

Really, it’s more the urban crossover, blurring lines between old-style hatchbacks and higher-riding SUVs.

It arrives with almost ubiquitous new-age styling: sharp body creases and squinty, angry grasshopper headlights which, in particular body colour combinations, can be quite striking.

That 4.4 metre-long body is helped by excellent surround-camera work when parking and ideal for city streets and car parks.

The Nissan presents with a pleasant, comfortable and well-sorted interior with a long list of convenience and safety features on board – from a tyre-pressure monitor to satellite navigation.

The turbocharged 1.3 litre engine and its 110kW, working with a Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT), is quiet and responsive: quite handy around town.

Nissan reckons it should return just over six litres per 100 kilometres, while in the real world it’s probably closer to eight litres (there’s now an e-Power version with small on-board generator to charge a battery for all-electric drive but, at $52,900, that’s an expensive and premium Qashqai).

Ride, steering and road manners are good and the CVT most civilised, compared with whining CVTs of 10 years back.

So, there’s precious little to complain about (unless you’re shoved into the tightish back seat) for a car costing from around $34,000 before on-road costs.

This is a competent machine among a herd of competent machines, and fuss-free to suit any number of folk.

Yet, it stirs a hankering here for old-school motoring and days with major differences between makes and models – back when few cars had power windows, when only expensive machines had air-conditioning and when most four-wheel drivers needed kidney belts.

Back then, some vehicles would understeer: turn corners after the road

straightened; some would oversteer: turn the corner before the bend arrived.

There were so-called sports machines that couldn’t drive out of sight on a dark night, four-speed automatics were a luxury, and some manual gearboxes would give a bloke a hernia.

These days, differences are more

nuanced, and car-buying decisions are as much about aesthetics and finance and maybe warranties.

There are any number of good cars out there as attested to by Nissan’s Qashqai.

It’s well worth consideration in this corner of a busy market.

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

BALANCING CAPITAL PRESERVATION AND VOLATILITY IN RETIREMENT INVESTMENTS

FOR retirees, preserving capital is generally their highest priority. As the focus shifts toward maintaining a stable income stream, managing the trade-offs between volatility, liquidity and investment returns becomes crucial.

Volatility: A bigger concern for retirees – Volatility, or how much the value of an investment fluctuates, is a significant risk factor, especially for retirees. High volatility can erode capital quickly, posing a substantial risk for those who don’t have time for markets to recover.

Real estate credit funds are less volatile than listed investments because they aren’t subject to daily stock market fluctuations. This capital stability may app eal to retirees who are concerned about preserving their nest egg.

Understanding liquidity and its trade-offs – Liquidity refers to how quickly an investment can be converted into cash. For example, ASX-listed assets offer high liquidity, typically allowing conversion within three business days. This convenience often comes at the expense of lower returns. Some investors may prioritise this flexibility, accepting lower returns to access their funds quickly.

However, real estate credit funds

provide a “liquidity premium,” offering higher returns in exchange for tying up money in less liquid investments.

Unlike listed assets, these funds can take six to 12 months or longer to convert into cash. The reduced liquidity is the trade-off for potentially higher returns, making real estate credit funds more suitable for those willing to commit to a longer-term investment. Key considerations:

When comparing real estate credit funds to listed investments, the key differences are:

• Lower volatility: Real estate credit funds offer a more stable investment with less exposure to market fluctuations, which can help protect capital in retirement.

• Higher returns: The liquidity premium in real estate credit funds can provide higher overall returns compared to listed investments.

• Reduced liquidity: The trade-off for stability and higher returns is reduced liquidity, requiring a somewhat longer-term commitment.

For retirees, understanding these factors can help in selecting investments that align with their goals of capital preservation and stable income, even if it means sacrificing some liquidity. Visit capitalpropertyfunds.com.au.

Choosing

By LESA MACPHERSON

Here’s what to consider when choosing a retirement village.

1. Contracts aren’t all the same – Ask yourself some questions. Do you get capital gain? In what percentage? What are the exit fees? In what percentage? Do you pay for renovation costs when you leave? In what percentage? Do you pay legal costs going in, or going out, or both? What are the ongoing costs you must pay? Can you afford them?

2. Don’t ignore the finances – If you are on a pension or want to qualify for one, the choice of what you pay for your retirement village unit and what is left over from the sale of your house is important. Getting financial advice is strongly recommended. If paying more for the unit means you qualify for a pension, that may be the best long-term decision.

3. Choose the right place for you – Look at many villages from different operators.

4. Consider the geography – Do you still drive? Will you continue to do so? Is the village close to shops and entertainment? If you can’t drive, will you be marooned at the village, or are there shops, for example, within easy walk? Is there a village bus? Is there medical support nearby?

5. Remember the family – How far away are the family members? Can they visit easily or is it a major trip? Can family stay over and for how long?

6. What are the activities available? Does the village offer activities or amenities that interest you? A pool? Tennis? Social club? You don’t want to be bored.

7. What comes next? A retirement village is not usually the last stop on the journey. Is there co-located aged care? If there’s no aged care, where do you go when you need it? How quickly do you receive your payout?

8. Investigate the in-home care options available – If people can stay in the village,

GETTING CENTRELINK RECORDS RIGHT NOW

By NARELLE COOPER, Capa Services co-owner

I’VE talked about why updating your Centrelink records is important. Let’s dive into how to do that.

I was planning to talk about how you would be valuing home contents, cars and caravans, but let’s be real – Centrelink is complicated. Even something as straightforward as valuing your home contents is full of ifs and buts, so I’ll focus on valuing home contents.

First, try to put aside any emotional attachment. That family heirloom from Grandma (built by Grandad) might be a masterpiece to you, but it probably won’t fetch the dollars the family think it’s worth. In today’s market, it’s likely you’ll have to pay to dispose of pre-loved furniture rather than sell it for a decent amount.

So, should you go around your home and slap a price tag on everything? Not exactly. Centrelink typically assesses home contents at $10,000 unless you tell them

otherwise. Social security legislation states that “the value of home contents is to be taken as $10,000, unless advised differently”. So, this is their default value.

Unless you have some high-value antiques, artwork or expensive jewellery, $10,000 is the acceptable figure for home contents, whether you’re single or partnered. But what if you believe your home contents are worth less than $10,000? You can list a lower amount as long as you can justify it.

Centrelink’s rules allow them to accept your assessment unless there’s a strong reason to believe the value is understated. If you’re on the full pension, you might wonder if it’s even worth the hassle.

Getting it right now means you won’t have to worry about it later. It’s always a good strategy to stay on top of things. Call 1300 043 197 and visit capaservices.com.au.

delaying the move to aged care, with support, that’s generally their preference. What support is available at the village to allow you to stay as long as you are able?

9. It’s not all about the money – A retirement village purchase is about lifestyle, not making money. Getting your head around that reality is vital.

10. Do I need specialist advice on the contract? Retirement village contracts are voluminous (often over 100 pages), onerous, technical documents. They vary

from village to village, operator to operator. They are not all the same. They all have their idiosyncrasies and issues. Getting advice from a lawyer who specialises in these contracts is essential.

Sunshine Coast Elder Law has advised people on more than 200 retirement village contracts across all the major and many smaller operators in the retirement village industry. For specialised advice, call 1800 961 622 or visit sunshinecoastelderlaw.com.au.

Brisbane Elder Law has advised people on more than 200 retirement village contracts across all the major and many smaller operators in the retirement village industry. For specialised advice, call 1800 961 622 or visit brisbaneelderlaw.com.au

brisbane change

THE MURDERS AT FLEAT HOUSE

By Lucinda Riley Crime thriller

Reviewed by Jan Kent

FOR lovers of crime drama, as well as fans of the renowned and much-loved Lucinda Riley, this is a must-read.

Investigations into the sudden death of a pupil at an exclusive boarding school, set in the wilds of Norfolk, are not encouraged by a headmaster keen to call it a tragic accident.

As Detective Inspector Jazmine ‘Jazz’ Hunter steps in and more deaths occur, the plot twists and turns, building intrigue in each new chapter.

Complicated by a missing pupil and more suspects popping up without explanation, there is more than enough to c ompel the reader to make assumptions –probably wrongly, if we are to accept Riley as a masterful storyteller.

As the school closes ranks, hiding its dark secrets, Hunter is left to use her masterful skills to wade through it, all the while tackling her own demons.

As the literary world lost a treasure with Riley’s passing, her family has continued her legacy by publishing some of her previous manuscripts for our continued enjoyment.

17 YEARS LATER

I AM PILGRIM

By Terry Hayes Crime thriller

Reviewed by John

Kleinschmidt

THIS book is pure entertainment.

The storyline moves from a murder in a grungy motel where Lead Investigator Ben Bradley notices that the technique of the murderer has been taken from a forensic pathology book that he has been obsessed with, written by a CIA ghost.

Ben tracks down the author –‘Pilgrim’, a top CIA agent who has gone off the grid – and persuades him to speak at a conference.

His exposure results in him being brought back into the CIA to prevent a threat to America from a Jihadist bioterrorist, ‘the Saracen’: a Taliban war hero and later a doctor who has developed an untreatable, genetically modified version of the smallpox vaccine to infect the American population.

Pilgrim enlists Bradley to help unravel the cat-and-mouse games that ensues in various parts of the world.

Well written and very hard to put down.

By JP Pomare, Crime thriller

Reviewed by Annie Grossman, Annie’s Books on Peregian

THIS is the seventh novel from New Zealand’s favourite crime author.

The book revolves around the very wealthy Primrose family, who are all murdered in their home, with the perpetrator safely behind bars.

The town of Cambridge has never really recovered from such a horrific, brutal crime.

Who would kill this popular couple and their two children in cold blood?

And how can this happen in an idyllic town

such as Cambridge?

Seventeen years after the murders, true-crime podcaster Sloane Abbott decides to look into this cold case and visits the town.

While digging into the history of the murders, Sloane disturbs secrets which had been well buried until now.

This is a well-written, compelling story – twisty and unpredictable.

By Anna Johnston, Humorous fiction

Reviewed by Shirley Sinclair

ANNA Johnston’s The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is sprinkled with so many absurd moments, fortuitous situations and seniors-running-wild depictions that it is, at times, laugh-out-loud hilarious.

But no life of any substance and longevity would be without its terribly sad memories, along with some tender, loving episodes and uplifting anecdotes.

Johnston has seen all the raw emotions and spectrum of incidents as a social support coordinator in the nursing home where her grandfather and best friend Fred resided after being diagnosed with dementia. In her debut novel, inspired by Fred and interactions and observations during her time in the industry, she expertly weaves a charming tale about forgiveness, redemption and the meaning of family.

Down-on-his-luck Fred Fife – a kind, widowed gentleman – has hit rock bottom at 82 and is about to become

homeless. A bizarre case of mistaken identity, however, ushers him to a local nursing home and into the shoes, literally, of cranky resident Bernard Greer.

But he is living on borrowed time.

Each day, he runs the gauntlet of his secret being discovered and being turfed out on the street. But will Bernard’s ‘newfound’ warmth and kindness be Fred’s redemption?

Be warned: the story runs a little close to the bone for anyone who has had intimate dealings with those living with heartbreaking dementia.

But I loved this book and its very real characters.

OFF THE LEASH IN AUSTRALIA: THE BEST OF DOG-FRIENDLY TRAVEL

By Shandos Cleaver

THIS guidebook to the best dogfriendly options in Australia includes practical advice from travel blogger Shandos Cleaver (@travelnuity and travelnuity.com).

Sydney-based Cleaver has travelled extensively throughout Australia, including six months in a campervan, as well as the United States and Europe, with her miniature dachshund Schnitzel in tow.

She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs.

Dog owners the world over know how stressful planning travel with Fido can be.

This book provides information on the top destinations in each state,

I can’t wait for the movie. with recommended pet-friendly accommodation, sightseeing, nature experiences and bucket-list trips you can do with your pooch.

It will come in handy whether you’re a seasoned traveller with your canine or you’re keen to start. With a sleek design and heaps of practical information and helpful overview maps, Off the Leash in Australia will help you find inspiration for day trips or longer adventures that will make for lasting memories with your favourite furry family member.

Journey to restful nights and renewed health

In today’s busy world, good sleep is vital, but it’s not just about how much you sleep, but how well you sleep, which affects how well you perform every day and how healthy you stay overall. At CPAP Direct, we know how important sleep is for you, and we are dedicated to giving you the best solutions for quieter, more restful nights and brighter, more energetic days. Learn about the benefits of good sleep, the common problems people face, and how we can help you improve your sleep. The impact of quality sleep

Quality sleep is crucial for overall health, impacting heart function, hormonal balance, weight management, immune system strength, energy levels and mental sharpness:

1. Heart health: Good sleep helps your heart relax and repair blood vessels, lowering the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.

2. Hormonal balance: Regular sleep regulates hormones that control appetite and stress, supporting overall wellbeing and alertness.

3. Weight management: Adequate sleep maintains a healthy metabolism and reduces the risk of weight gain by regulating hunger hormones.

4. Immune system: Quality sleep strengthens immunity by producing

cytokines that fight infection and inflammation.

5. Energy and recovery: Sleep allows your body to regenerate cells, maintain energy levels and repair tissues crucial for daily activities.

6. Mental sharpness: Sleep enhances focus, memory and problem-solving skills, essential for clear thinking. Strategies for achieving quality sleep

To benefit from a better quality sleep, try using these strategies:

• Stick to a schedule: Maintain a consistent sleep routine, going to bed and waking up at the same time daily.

• Optimise your sleep environment: Ensure your bedroom promotes restful sleep by keeping it cool, dark and quiet. Invest in comfortable bedding.

• Limit screen time: Minimise exposure to screens before bed. The blue light from phones, tablets and computers can disrupt your sleep.

• Take strategic breaks: Incorporate short, intentional rest periods throughout the day to recharge and prevent excessive tiredness. What is obstructive Obstructive sleep when your throat muscles during sleep, causing and start repeatedly. fragmented sleep and

Rheumatology Research

Sunshine Coast

Do you wish to take part in a trial for a treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The trial is testing a combination oral drug containing and/or Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate

levels in your blood. Symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air and daytime fatigue. Untreated OSA can impact focus and increase heart disease risk. Treatment options include lifestyle changes and devices like CPAP machines to keep the airway open. Seeking medical help is crucial to manage OSA and improve sleep and overall health. Navigating sleep challenges For those grappling with sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep

GOOD REASONS TO ATTEND A DISABILITY EXPO

THIS year’s RDE – Regional Disability Expos plus Seniors Expo will be held at Caloundra Indoor Stadium in North Street, Golden Beach, on October 17.

In regional Queensland, people living with a disability and their carers struggle to find the same resources as those who live in larger cities.

Why? Often, it’s down to not knowing what local services and support is available to them. The good news is there’s often more resources available.

As a senior, you may ask yourself why would I want to attend a disability expo? For many people approaching retirement age and beyond, now is the time in your life when you are feeling your body more than ever, or perhaps you have a loved one such as a child or are a grandparent to someone with a disability.

Disability can and does affect people of all ages and whether you require a hearing aid, to assist with hearing your loved ones or a walking stick or scooter to be mobile, there are a number of exhibitors who can assist you with living life to its fullest isn’t

• Are you aged 18 or over?

• Have you been medically diagnosed with Rheumatoid 3 months ago?

• Have you been on stable treatment excluding Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate for the last 3 months? What do you need to know?

• Are you able to attend monthly on-site clinic visits?

• Are you able to complete a daily diary for compliance reporting?

• Are you able to self-administer trial medication? Who can take part in this study?

How long will the study take?

• The expected study duration is up to 24 weeks, not including visit to determine eligibility.

If you meet the above criteria and are interested in helping to advance future treatment in Rheumatoid Arthritis, please contact the email below for further information:

Cricket legend Merv Hughes

FOR THE DIARY: September

HERE are some dates to keep in mind this month.

• September 1-30, World Alzheimer’s Month; Prostate Cancer Awareness Month; STEPtember Month (for cerebral palsy)

• September 1, Father’s Day

• September 2-6, Women’s Health Week

• September 5, International Day of Charity

• September 6, Walk to Work Day

• September 7, National Threatened Species Day

• September 6, Bravehearts Day (during National Child Protection Week)

• September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day

• September 12, R U OK? Day

• September 13-October 7, The 75th Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

• September 21, International Day of Peace; World Alzheimer’s Day

• September 22, World Car-Free Day

• September 24, World Rivers Day

• September 27, World Tourism Day

• September 29, World Heart Day.

LEMON MINT LYCHEE QUENCHER

With spring upon us, there’s no better time to revitalise beverage choices. Skinny Mocktail offers a range of delightful, health-conscious mocktails using natural ingredients, ensuring a clean, refreshing taste without any artificial additives. Each mocktail is crafted to be low in calories, making it an excellent choice for those who are health conscious or watching their calorie intake.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbs honey

• 1 lemon

• 2 tbs ginger

• 5 grams mint leaves

• Skinny Mocktail’s Apple-Lychee Cooler Powder

• 500ml of chilled water.

Method:

Wash and roughly chop the ginger. Blend it with a little water to make a smooth paste, then strain it to obtain the ginger juice. In a tumbler or glass, add Skinny Mocktails Apple-Lychee Cooler Powder and adjust the consistency to your preference. Add lemon juice, honey, and two tablespoons of ginger juice. Mix well with a spoon, garnish with mint leaves, add ice cubes and serve chilled.

COOROY BUTTER FACTORY ARTS CENTRE EXHIBITIONS

THE Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre opens the spring exhibition season with three new local exhibitions.

The exhibition explore diverse themes such as painting the face in the computer age and documenting the growing cycle of a flower farm.

Face by David Parker, A Sense of Place: A year at the Acres by Helen Evans and C’est la vie by Michele Rudder provide an intriguing insight into artistic process.

Also continuing is Threads of Unity, an exhibition of weaving.

WHEN: New exhibitions run until September 29. The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday, 10am-4pm and

GUEST JAZZ VOCALIST

Artwork: Farm Track by Helen Evans

Saturday and Sunday, 9am-1pm.

WHERE: Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre, 11 Maple Street, Cooroy.

TICKETS: Free entry.

THE Jazz and Blues Collective presents The Braben Jenner Hot Five with guest vocalist Grace Rigby for its October concert.

An enchanting, effervescent performer, Rigby truly acts the songs she sings on stage. A former student of Irene Bartlett at Queensland Conservatorium, Rigby graduated with a Bachelor of Musical Theatre, now plays saxophone and sings with the UQ Big Band. She joins John Braben (trumpet), Jo Hawthorn (keys), Peter Freeman (bass), Dave Burrows (guitar) and Paul Williams (wind).

The band will be playing the music of early to mid-20th century America. Sidney Bechet, Johnny Dodds, Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton and King Oliver feature in a diversified mix of vocals and instrumentals.

WHERE: Millwell Road Community Centre, 11 Millwell Road East, Maroochydore.

WHEN: Sunday, October 6. Music from 1.30pm to 4pm (doors open 1pm).

TICKETS: $26, seniors $25, via ticketebo.com.au/jazz-blues-collective.

MILESTONE CONCERTS WITH BUDERIM MALE CHOIR

THE Buderim Male Choir will present a series of three gala concerts to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

The concerts will feature music performed at concerts produced by the choir over recent decades, including contemporary, Celtic, stage and screen. Guest artists will also feature.

WHEN AND WHERE: School of Arts Hall, Landsborough, Saturday, September 14 at 2pm; St Peter’s Catholic Church, Coolum, Sunday, September 29 at 2pm; and Buderim War Memorial Hall, on Sunday, October 13, at 2pm.

TICKETS: $20 at the door or phone 0478 589 517 to reserve seats.

SPRING ART EXHIBITION

SPRING is approaching and the Coolum Art Collective is presenting its second exhibition for 2024 in the extended four-day format.

More than 200 original artworks by 20 local artists are offered for sale. Watercolours, pastels and oils will be on display with subjects including local scenes of beaches and the hinterland.

The Sunshine Cobbers  will be providing some catchy music on Saturday before the opening at 3pm.

WHEN: Friday to Sunday, October 4-6, 9am-5pm, Monday, October 7, 9am-3pm.

WHERE: Coolum Civic Centre, 2-4 Park Street, Coolum Beach.

TICKETS: Free entry.

DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF BUSHLAND IMPRESSIONS

THE upcoming exhibition Makers Perspective Bushland Impressions II draws inspiration from the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens and will add an extra dimension for visitors to the setting.

The event is being held in support of Compass Social Enterprise. Proceeds from previous exhibitions have enabled the Gardens Café to purchase much-needed ceiling fans and umbrellas.

This year, the pottery artists will be Kristina Pearson, Kath Melzer, Dennis Forshaw and Maria Brown. Together, these innovative and creative potters will

present an exciting display showcasing a wide variety of pottery skills and techniques ranging from garden sculpture to fine porcelain pots.

Artworks by Bronwyn Barton whose work references the natural bush will adorn the walls. There will be daily demonstrations and artist meet and greets.

WHEN: Until Sunday, September 8, daily from 10am-3pm.

WHERE: Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens, Arts and Ecology Centre, 33 Palm Creek Road, Tanawha.

TICKETS: Free entry.

PALMWOODS IS THE PLACE FOR GOOD SPORTS

KEEN golfer Terry O’Day is spoiled for choice at GemLife Palmwoods.

While golf is a driving passion, the range of sporting facilities available at the over-50s lifestyle resort in the Sunshine Coast hinterland means Terry also enjoys regular rounds of tennis and pickleball.

In the spirit of the Olympics and Paralympics, the resort is playing host to the GemLife Games this month.

The two-day sporting competition invites residents from GemLife resorts around Australia to compete in one of seven sports.

Having participated in the golf simulator competition last year, Terry now has his eye on a different sport.

“I thought this time I would try something different and having played tennis and table tennis for most of my life, they seemed like good options.

“A couple of us are trying to get our skill level up and that’s just to make our Palmwoods’ teams,” Terry says.

“It’s really competitive this year. Everyone wants to be involved and make a good impression on visiting teams.”

Terry says, tongue-in-cheek, that he is an untapped source who doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.

“I’d be an asset on a team – even just for the entertainment value alone,” he says.

If you’re looking for a gold-medal lifestyle in a luxurious new home in a stunning location, make a time to inspect

There are four exclusive home designs to select from, each featuring luxury upgraded inclusions, designer finishes and elevated decks created to optimise an impressive bush outlook aspect that puts nature at your fingertips.

Priced at $1.8-$2 million, these homes are located close to the newly opened multimillion-dollar Country Club and an elevated treetop boardwalk.

For further information on GemLife Palmwoods and to book your inspection of the premium bush outlook homes, contact 1800 718 414 or visit the website: gemlife.com.au/gemlifepalmwoods-resort/.

RECORD NUMBER OF AUSSIES ‘LIKELY TO RUN OUT OF MONEY IN RETIREMENT’

WITH Aussies struggling to meet basic cost-of-living expenses, retirees are being hit the hardest.

Alex Jamieson, founder of finance advisory firm Jamieson Financial Planning, says while many families are finding current conditions tough, retirees are hurting the most.

“Retirees have retired: they don’t have the time or the capacity to keep working to make up for challenging times,” he says.

“They simply need to find a way to make ends meet on their existing retirement funds. Unfortunately, many people are having to dig into their retirement savings more than they would like to get through.

“The big question many retirees are facing is: am I going to have enough money to live out my life?”

Mr Jamieson says people just want enough money to enjoy their retirement.

“If you are wanting to exhaust your savings and retirement funds over the retirement period, it is first important to run a Monte Carlo projection, which provides a probability of up to 90 per cent accuracy of what might be possible to determine your maximum income levels in retirement, with the view to exhaust the capital base and utilising the worstcase scenario,” he says.

“The difficult element when running such a simulation is understanding how

THE RISING POPULARITY OF REVERSE MORTGAGES

IN Australia, reverse mortgages, also known as home equity release loans, are becoming increasingly popular with over 55s to supplement their retirement income.

Many older Australians are turning to these loans as a way to access funds without needing to sell their property.

A reverse mortgage allows homeowners 55 and over to borrow money using their home as security. Repayments on a reverse mortgage are

GOOD TIMES IN BAD ISCHL

Lustrous Daydreams From The Hapsburg’s Spa

A sublime indulgence presented by Coastal Cadenzas Luxuriate in serene bliss on Alpine lakes and muse upon old Byzan um at the most passionate concert of 2024.

Saturday, 21st September, 3pm - Good Shepherd Noosaville

Sunday, 22nd September, 3pm - Immanuel Lutheran Buderim

Sunday, 29th September, 3pm - Maleny Community Hall

typically not required until the borrower sells their home, moves into long-term care or passes away – although borrowers can choose to repay the loan at any time.

A reverse mortgage can provide retirees with a valuable source of income, which can be used to cover daily living expenses, healthcare costs, or travel.

“Many of our customers have built up significant wealth in their home, and releasing that wealth can substantially

long you might live and utilising life expectancy tables, combined with your current health position plus also the family health history can provide one with some guide on what you might expect.”

Mr Jamieson emphasises that many people have already done this and have planned and saved accordingly. However, unexpectedly high inflation has undermined the plan.

“My strong advice is to talk to someone about a recalibration of the plan,” he says.

“If you need to make changes, do it.

“The most common reasons retirees run out of money is due to overspending, having to deal with unexpected issues or not planning properly. Don’t leave things too late. Act now and act quickly. Retirement is too important to get wrong.”

Disclaimer: The information in these articles is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal financial or product advice. Any opinions or views expressed are those of the authors and do not represent those of this publication or people, institutions or organisations they may be associated with in a professional or personal capacity unless explicitly stated.

Visit ajfp.com.au

improve their lifestyle,” says Inviva cofounder and CEO Andre Karney.

While reverse mortgages come with important government protections, like the no negative equity guarantee, it’s important for potential borrowers to understand the terms and implications, including the impact on their estate and the potential reduction in equity over time.

Visit inviva.com.au/yourtime or call 1300 222 223.

Works by Glazunov, Brahms, Bowen and Schumann for Clarinet and String Quartet

TICKETS ONLINE & AT THE DOOR

$40 Adults

$35 Concessions

Sacha Gibbs-McPhee Clarinet

Daniel Kossov & Anna Moores Violins

Daniel Williams Viola

Daniel Chiou Cello

GemLife Palmwoods’ Premium Bush Outlook homes.

AUSTRALIAN music legend Russell Morris has had a career spanning 55 years and has never been content to rest on his early chart success.

The Aria Hall of Famer and awardwinning artist continues to write songs and tour in solo shows and with The Fabulous Caprettos – whose current line-up also includes Dave Gleeson (The Screaming Jets/ The Angels), Jack Jones (Southern Sons) and Rai Thistlethwayte  (Thirsty Merc/Joe Satriani/Sammy Hagar).

This fab four are on the road in October and will perform together on stage for the entire concert, combining their unique musical virtuosities and stage presence to reimagine some of Australian rock music history’s most memorable moments from the ’60s to the present day, plus new songs and surprises.

They will play at The Events Centre, Caloundra, on October 3. Visit bit.ly/TFCTickets2024.

The Real Thing was groundbreaking as an Aussie-produced psychedelic rock single in 1969 – and a monumental gamble over six minutes and 40 seconds. If you went back, how would you explain to your 20-year-old self that he will still be hearing it on the radio and playing the song 55 years later? What specifically about the music endeared it as part of the soundtrack of baby boomers’ lives? I think The Real Thing has a lot of nostalgia for a lot of people, being probably the first really psychedelic Australian single (maybe debatable). Nevertheless, the most successful.  It was a thrill to hear it for the first time on radio. Never imagined I would be playing it 50 years later.

There would be a riot at your gigs today if you didn’t include your great Aussie rock classics in the setlist. Some performers refuse to play certain hits from their past, but you always give concertgoers what they want. How do you keep your music ‘fresh’ for you and the fans? Each performance is different due to the size of the venue, the size of the audience and factors that may come into play. It’s like dancing with a different partner each time. So, it always seems fresh to me.

Fans at your gigs not only love singing along to the hits, but they are also just so grateful to still see you playing live. You have recently turned 76. Have you discovered some sort of magic elixir?  I think my favourite thing to do is write songs – sometimes a great experience, other times not so much. I love lots of different styles of music. So, exploring different genres is fun. It keeps me interested, but sometimes it confuses the people who follow me, not knowing if my next recording might be polka or something else.

Is age just a number? How long will you keep touring and making music?

Touring is like a piece of string, like life. You really don’t know how long it is.

What do you think of today’s music and the hits topping the charts in the 2020s? What advice do you have for anyone wanting to break into the industry as a singer-songwriter? Is it tougher to shine as an artist today? It’s tougher these days for young artists. To get a record deal is usually impossible for most. Heaven knows CDs are drifting into the realm of non-existence; record stores are all closing. Streaming seems to be the only way to be discovered – or social media –and you need to be savvy when it comes to manipulating it. Every now and then, one breaks through, and it is great to see.

Fans have seen you on TV since the days of Uptight as a solo artist and more recently with the guys in The Fabulous Caprettos. How is it that your voice and your musicianship are as strong as ever (if not better)? How have you adapted your warm-up routine in your later life? I have always been fortunate when it comes to performance. I never do any warm-up –the exception being the orchestra shows. And foods don’t seem to bother me. So, I guess I am fortunate.

You all look like you’re having so much fun on stage in The Fabulous Caprettos. Is it a mutual admiration society of beloved Australian hits and enjoying each other’s company? Playing with the other Caprettos for me is an honour [and I’m] not just saying that, either. Rai and Jack’s musicality is worldclass. I am in awe of both of them. Dave is off the Richter scale as a performer. He entertains us, as well as the audience. What can we expect from the latest tour by The Fabulous Caprettos? I bet Dave Gleeson will shake things up on stage? We will probably introduce some new songs and let Dave off the leash.

What are your favourite things to do on the Sunshine Coast when you’re here? Well, I live in Queensland, so I usually enjoy everywhere I travel in this great state. I like the subtropical feeling you get in the hills.

INDUSTRY EXPERTS

LEGAL

The defacto and the $1.2m text

Unlike a divorce, where you actually receive a piece of paper from the Court confirming a marriage has ended, there can be uncertainty as to when a defacto relationship ends.

The Court had to recently consider whether a text message, sent on the morning of a deceased person’s death to his sister, was sufficient evidence of the termination of the deceased’s relationship with his defacto partner.

The text stated that the deceased wanted his family to receive his assets and that his partner was to receive nothing.

There was no other evidence to suggest the deceased had taken any other step to inform his partner that the deceased considered the relationship was over.

The outcome of the Court’s decision would dictate who would receive payment of the deceased’s $1.2 million superannuation benefit.

Ultimately, the Court found that a defacto relationship may not end purely by one party forming the intention to terminate it. In this case, the text message sent to the deceased’s sister alone did not terminate the relationship.

What do you do if you want to clearly demonstrate a defacto relationship has ended?

As usual, the answer is to seek advice.

COSMETIC

Solution for a range of skin concerns

ProStamp is a cutting-edge, skin-needling treatment designed to tighten and sculpt almost any area of concern on your body. It is an excellent solution for men who want to minimise more-obvious signs of ageing without looking as though they’ve overdone it.

The advanced needling device creates controlled micro-lacerate, prompting your body to respond by starting the healing process. The result is firm, tightened skin and a plumped, youthful appearance.

ProStamp is your go-to solution for a range of skin concerns, including:

• wrinkles and lax skin

• acne

• pigmentation

• scarring

• stretchmarks

• enlarged pores

• rosacea.

Signature Cosmetic and Beauty staff believe that beauty knows no age, and that everyone deserves personalised care tailored to their unique skin concerns.

We understand that the desire for youthful, radiant skin is universal, regardless of age. Don’t let age limit your journey to radiant skin. Book now for a ProStamp skin-needling treatment and experience improved skin rejuvenation.

ROAD TRIP on the Blackall Range,CoastSunshine Montville

As we go about our everyday lives, seldom do we realise that we are making history in some small way.

Most of us only comprehend the contribution we add to our family, town or city – even the nation – when we are much older or as the next generations look back at our accomplishments, big and small. But what we do day to day are the building blocks that assemble and create ‘tomorrow’.

Certainly, as they brought up a family of 12 and went about their daily business, Henry and Jane Smith had little inkling of what a proud legacy they were leaving their descendants and how their pioneering spirit was helping to build today’s Montville.

Stay in the home they built within the

the businesses were then leased. Present-day owner and manager Nichola Spain and her partner Jordan painstakingly undertook a four-year renovation project to restore Montville Estate, going above and beyond to reclaim its ‘glory days’. Their passion project, completed in late 2023, pays homage to the property’s history and old-world charm but with added layers of contemporary elegance, welcoming comfort and luxury.

The main homestead at 15 Western Avenue is a rose-coloured Queenslander, built in 1895, originally called Eastnor (named after Jane Smith’s former place of employment at Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire) and now known as Eastnor House. Across the manicured lawn with circular water feature, past the firepit, is what is now affectionately called The Postman’s Cottage: an authentic Palmwoods railway cottage moved onto the estate about 1970.

Nichola, Jordan and son Indigo also called Eastnor House home during the renovations but have now decided to permanently open the estate up to be enjoyed by those who appreciate history, fine architecture and simple pleasures.

“I have always loved older homes,” Nichola says during a tour of the estate.

“I grew up with my dad restoring old homes for as long as I can remember.

A hinterland estate, with its 1895 homestead and unique railway cottage, has opened its doors to visitors once again.

grounds of Montville Estate (montvilleestate.com.au) and you can’t help but embrace that family’s Sunshine Coast hinterland roots, admire the work of those who followed them and see how they left their mark on the quaint Blackall Range village itself.

Montville Estate is a stone’s throw from Main Street and one of the first properties to be built before the town was settled in 1897.

Not only did the comfortable homestead act as the Smith family home, Henry and Jane also ran the area’s first Receiving Office from there between 1897 until 1910, when Henry built a separate store and post office on the corner of Main Street and Western Road. The couple continued to run these until 1913 when

Montville Estate is set back from the road, hidden from passers-by down a hedge-covered driveway, but with verandas framing hinterland views across the magnesium pool and the lush, surrounding gardens (boasting what is believed to be a 200-year-old Queensland blue gum and two jacarandas on either side of the driveway).

Ian and Jenny Russell relandscaped around the house from 1980 and for the next 30 years. Nearby Russell Family Park is named for them.

“I was literally walking through holes in floors pretty much my whole life.

“They’ve just built this big, modern house. So, when I rang them and showed them this property, (dad) was really also quite sentimental about it. How exciting being able to be a part of restoring another old home because he thought he’d probably never do it again. So, we’ve got a real appreciation for this.

“I’m from Victoria originally and I never really connected with the south end of the Coast so much. I miss all the historic old buildings I would see all the time in Victoria. So, when I came to the hinterland and there was a bit more history, I felt more at home here. “

Nichola has left her mark on the 2024 property with her interior decorating skills – an eye for detail that also helped create the vision for her parents’ latest modern home that featured on ABC-TV’s Grand Designs: Season 8, Episode 1.

She admits that plenty of “sourcing, searching and stalking” went into some of the eye-catching pieces and vintage furnishings inside and out.

Some of the homestead standouts include: the 150-year-old, original marble

IMAGES: SHIRLEY SINCLAIR

The Postman's Cottage clawfoot bath

The Long Apron dining room

fireplace with ornate mirror; an historic laundry press; a century-old meat safecum-pantry from a Kingaroy family; colourful leadlighting between the master king room and its ensuite; patterned copper ceilings; original drawings from the 1980s, plus a framed Montville cadastral map showing initial property boundaries and allotment numbers; and an antique sideboard from an artist in Witta, upcycled with a stonemason’s marble factory offcut slab, in the main bathroom.

“We had all these pieces from old, historic homes that (my parents) had in storage because they couldn’t part with them,” Nichola says.

“So, I brought up things like mirrors to put in here.

"Our intention was always to do the cottage as accommodation and restore the home. As we continued on with our life, we realised that it wasn’t so suitable for our growing family and the time we’re at, at the moment, but it is a beautiful space to be able to share with people.

“I love Australian and I love interiors and being able to share that from the perspective of offering accommodation was a big passion of mine. The ‘wow factor’ is the house itself. Everything else just needs to complement it.”

As one of the Sunshine Coast’s newest uber-relaxed hinterland getaways, the 0.6-hectare (1.5-acre) estate can be booked as a whole for small gatherings and wedding parties, singularly as Eastnor House (sleeping eight) and The Postman’s Cottage (sleeping two), or half of Eastnor

House. The property is a short stroll to the restaurants, cafes, boutiques, artisan galleries and curiosity shops timeless Montville is known for.

Guests can spend hours shopping and browsing Main Street, perhaps stopping to refuel and take in the glorious views for breakfast at The Edge and lunch at Poet’s Café, with a sneaky coffee and snack at Little Mays or Priscilla’s Gallery. Or, they can venture further afield to savour the tastes of Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry for paddock-to-plate dining and beverages –maybe at Flame Hill Winery, Mapleton Pub and Flaxton Gardens.

In keeping with hyper-local flavours, The Long Apron (thelongapron.com.au) –less than two kilometres from Montville Estate – is a special treat for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Geoff Abel and his team at chef hatted restaurant in the grounds of Spicers Clovelly Estate are more than innovative stars of the kitchen. They are ingredient technicians, flavour scientists. and presentation artists.

The menus enliven the senses –inspired by traditional French cuisine, but with wider European influences. Pore over the three-course a la carte and five-course degustation menus, devour photos of the dishes online, and look up unfamiliar ingredients and cooking terms before your arrival to make informed choices.

Sampling the taste sensation of the Degustation Omnivore and Vegetarian menus is highly recommended for dinner.

The kitchen makes local produce the hero of the dishes, placing great importance on sourcing the best and freshest, sustainable and single-origin ingredients and developing relationships with farmers and providores (there’s even a map with the menu, showing the main suppliers and their locations within a one-hour radius).

And just like the Smiths and Nichola and Jordan at Montville Estate, the distinguished restaurant is adding to the pages of history in the Sunshine Coast hinterland story.

*The writer was a guest of Montville Estate and The Long Apron but paid for all other expenses.

SLOW DOWN AND TAKE IN JAPAN'S BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDS

ALL aboard for a journey where the past and present collide.

Whether you’re speeding along at over 300 kilometres per hour or leisurely meandering on a steam train through forested ravines, a rail adventure with Imagine Holidays is an enchanting way to discover Japan’s memorable blend of tradition and innovation.

Uniquely curated by in-house travel experts with a ‘one life’ ethos in mind, seize the moment and live life to the full with more experiences, memories, excitement and value.

While lightning-fast bullet trains might be synonymous with train travel in Japan, there are nostalgic railways that intertwine history with nature to deliver more from your trip than just a holiday.

Make sure to have your camera at hand when boarding the Sagano Romantic Train. Part of the Sagano Scenic Railway, this sightseeing train line used to be a small freight line transporting goods to places difficult to service by trucks or standard rail.

Running through a scenic valley along the Hozugawa River, the charming, old-fashioned trains – complete with wooden bench seating – wind their way through the mountains at a slow pace, taking about 25 minutes to make the seven-kilometre journey from Arashiyama through the forested ravine and into rural Kameoka. The views along the line change with the seasons, and the route is

particularly popular during autumn as the leaves along the ravine change colour.

Japan’s Southern Alps, the lower region of the majestic mountain chain that runs down the centre of Honshu island, are home to some of its highest peaks, including the Yatsugatake Mountains and Mount Warusawa. Beautiful stretches of nature, bridges and tea fields afford spectacular views from the Southern Alps Abt Scenic Steam Train, which is made up of small carriages to accommodate the turns and narrow tunnels as it traverses through gorges along the Oi River.

Named for the Swiss engineer who invented the system, the train can travel up steep slopes with its rack wheel pinions meshing with a toothed rack system running in the middle of the railway. Few modern trains in Japan have windows that can be opened, but you can on this locomotive. You’ll feel as if you can reach out and touch the scenery.

With Imagine Holidays, enjoy once-ina-lifetime adventures for exceptional value in some of the world’s most spectacular places. These holidays go beyond standard tours, immersing you in local culture. Plus, enjoy the added bonus of included flights.

From the hustle and bustle of Tokyo’s streets to the serene beauty of the countryside, this rail journey will uncover the natural and modern marvels that place Japan at the top of many travel bucket lists. Contact your local Travellers Choice agent at travellerschoice.com.au.

The Long Apron sunflower tart

Singapore Grand Prix™ & Southeast Asia Discovery Cruise

Discover the delights of Southeast Asia as you board the Genting Dream for a classic resort experienceandfeelthethrilloflifeinthefastlanewiththreedaysatthe2025Singapore experience and feel the thrill of life in the fast lane with three days at the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix™

Highlights Singapore • Phuket

Includes 3 nights full-board luxury cruise on board Genting Dream • 4 nights hotel stay in Singapore • Padang Grandstand Tickets to the Singapore Grand Prix™ including Practice, Qualifying and Race Day

Departs 29 September 2025

8 days from $4,299*pp

Enchanting Japan Discovery & Rail Adventure

From high-speed bullet trains reaching over 300 kilometres per hour to steam trains meandering through forested ravines, this journey will show you Japan’s natural and modern wonders by rail.

Highlights Tokyo • Shizuoka • Takayama • Kanazawa • Kyoto • Hiroshima • Miyajima • Osaka

Includes TOURS: Tokyo, Mount Fuji 5th Station • Southern Japan Alps • Kyoto • Hiroshima

• Miyajima Island • & More

RAIL JOURNEYS: Southern Alps Abt Scenic Steam Train • Bullet Train

• Sagano Scenic Railway • Thunderbird Train

Valid for travel 28 May - 05 November 2025

16 days from $7,999*pp

Luxury Cunard Voyage, Victoria Falls Discovery & Safari Adventure

Explore one of the world’s Seven Natural Wonders and experience the thrill of game safaris Queen Anne

Highlights Singapore • Port Klang (Kula Lumpur) • Penang • Port Louis • Durban

• Cape Town • Livingstone • Pilanesberg

Includes 12 nights full-board cruise on board Queen Anne • Walking tour of Victoria Falls

• Royal Livingstone Express train journey • Lady Livingstone river safari

• Pilanesberg National Park Game Drives* • & More

Departs 24 March 2025

28 days from $9,999*pp

With Quizmaster Allan Blackburn

1. Which of these words is spelled with American English: colour, jewellery, theater?

2. What instrument was Duke Ellington renowned for playing?

3. “I hear the train a-comin” is from what Johnny Cash song?

4. How many vertices does a cube have?

5. What is the slowest Olympic swimming stroke?

6. What is the first date of spring in Australia this year?

7. What is the simplest letter in Morse Code?

8. What kind of transport is a packet?

9. How many red picture cards are in a standard deck of playing cards?

10. According to the saying, what is next to godliness?

11. Who was the AFL legend who was born in 1936 and died in September 2023?

12. What is the demonym of a person from Naples?

13. What kind of stock market trend is indicated by a bear market?

14. How many degrees spread is each segment in a standard dart board?

15. Who was the only child of King George VI to become British monarch?

16. What is the main alcoholic ingredient of a Tom Collins cocktail?

17. An Imam is a leader in what religion?

18. What is the official country residence of the President of the US?

20. What mathematical name is given to 3.14159…?

13. Downward. 14. 18.

6. September 1.

19. In what literary genre did Barbara Cartland write her novels?

1. Theater (theatre). 2. Piano. 3. Folsom Prison Blues 4. Eight. 5. Breaststroke.

7. E. 8. Ship. 9. Six. 10. Cleanliness. 11. Ron Barassi. 12. Neapolitan.

15. Elizabeth II. 16. Gin. 17. Islam. 18. Camp David. 19. Romance. 20. Pi.

mCa

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1 Style of speech copper noticed in medical application(8)

5 Small place has arranged an ostentatious display(6)

9 Present an arrangement of guitar by Tommy at the beginning and end(8)

10 Speak irritably to entering argument(4,2)

12 Staff accompanying one with a mental disorder(5) 13 greater charge paid to carriers?(9)

dry region of WA(6,6)

17 Inept postman mixed up dates(12)

22 Mentally disturbed person caught in a photo is disguised(9)

23 Characters in charge of onslaught crack up(5)

24 Ecstasy found in possession of a gang and a low-life?(6)

25 Remastered single, bundled

26 Middle section of trench and drain is full(6)

27 Veteran fronting press broadcast does well(8)

Down

1 Vegetable paste stored in shelter(6)

2 Clubs looked after New York’s secret place(6)

3 Male in a unit’s worked out by a earthquake(7)

4 Stretchable line is put across pot the wrong way(7,5)

6 Chief taking part in long walkabout(4-3)

7 A soft fruit, mostly red, came out(8)

8 Time put into successful show by lead actor so far(8)

11 Shark that’s reddishbrown and hazel-brown of Ecuador(6,6)

15 Collar and lead turned up close to the poison(8)

16 experience a drug-induced state of euphoria(5,3)

18 End chopped off tree with

19 Time taken by seller unsettled bank employees(7)

20 curtailed anger(6)

21 Some bits of meat get heated initially in this(6)

QUICK CROSSWORD

24 Bow to(9)

25 False gods(5)

26 Bearing foliage throughout the year(9)

27 Abode of the dead(Grk)(5)

Soft(6) 2 Prohibited(7) 3 Relating to the natural emblem of a clan or tribe(7) 4 Title(4)

5 Determination(7)

6 Shimmer(7)

7 Remedy(8)

10 Australian animal(8)

13 Leads an orchestra(8) 15 Divided(8) 16 Slanting(7) 17

18 English explorer, Sir Walter –(7)

19 Forbidden(7)

20 Shuts down(6)

23 Uncharitable(4)

WORD STEP