Your Time SunshineCoast April 2023

Apart of the past 50 years, I've had the great privilege of telling the wartime stories of soldiers, sailors and airmen for Anzac Day.

And it was indeed a huge privilege because most of them, veterans of World War II, had not spoken much about their experiences once they returned home, and for many, it was still painful to recount decades later.

They are gone now, but their stories remain strong in my mind for these were ordinary men – workers, sons, boyfriends, husbands, and fathers –who stepped out of their ordinary lives to do extraordinary things in the service of their country.

For a lucky few, it was a grand

adventure, travelling to faraway and exotic places where they were on patrol but never called to frontline service, but for most it was a nightmare, the sort of thing only an adrenaline junkie would put their hands up for today.

They saw the bodies of their mates float down the river to Milne Bay in New Guinea; they spent time in brutal prisoner of war camps – one came home speaking fluent German – in Europe, and they fought in the searing desert heat of North Africa.

Many a good man sat and cried for his mates, as he recalled the horrors of combat and yet there was little bitterness. It was accepted as simply a part of his life story.

Although as kids we were marched up to the cenotaph every April 25, it didn't make much sense until I began hearing the personal stories of the veterans whose sacrifice became real.

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arned that

This month, 108 years after the first Anzac Day, Julie Lake examines the changing role of Australia’s military and our place in the world today. It would seem we haven't really learned that much from history.

Dorothy Whittington Editor

War and peace – a changing military since the Anzacs

targeting of bombs, artillery and missiles due to computer-age technology.

Back then it was compasses and maps, today it is drones and rocket launchers.

As we have learned lately, even in comparatively peaceful Australia, intelligence-gathering has become a major international military strategy which has, Terry says, “progressed from grainy aerial photo, dangerous reconnaissance patrols and military attaches with their gin and tonics, to drones, satellite and ‘listening’ technology of mind-boggling invasiveness and accuracy”.

just another public holiday without thinking much about it, there is still enough public sentiment for politicians and the media to take it seriously.

Nigel Waistell and Dee Handyside have both retired from careers in the military and it was only after they found themselves living in the same Queensland town that they learned they had shared many postings in places such as Cyprus, Northern Ireland and Germany.

In many parts of the world, war is very much an everyday reality.

According to one world leader, we face the most dangerous decade since World War II – and that leader, surprisingly, is Vladimir Putin!

Of course, he blames what he calls “Western elites”, while the Western allies, and others, blame Russia and China for the looming menace of major global conflict.

Whoever would have thought we’d come to hear the once rigidly communist Russians claiming that their war against Ukraine was “in defence of Christian values”? For those of us old enough to remember the Cold War the world has indeed turned topsy-turvy – and this Anzac Day is a good time to consider the changing role of Australia’s military in such a world.

In his poem The Family Trenches at Home retired soldier Brigadier George

Mansford recalls the way we felt about going to war back in the day:

Remember those farewells, strong hugs and comforting hands

The sounds of blaring busy airports, and perhaps military bands

Or a noisy siren beckoning from a troop ship eager to sail

So many heavy hearts, yet duty and love of country prevail

But those of us who grew up in the Vietnam years became disillusioned with such notions of duty and patriotism and our children and grandchildren have no understanding of war unless they are in the military or have worked with refugees in war zones.

George’s old friend Terry Holland, who also retired with the rank of brigadier, says the fighting of wars has changed considerably since he became a career soldier. Such changes include precision

Terry, now in his early 80s, served first in Malaya (in the SAS) and then with the Royal Australian Regiment in Vietnam. Later he became Australian Military Attache to Indonesia.

He is very knowledgeable about Australian military history and sees clearly that not only have the weapons changed since he saw combat, but also our social attitudes towards war.

That change was summed up in Marilyn Lake and Henry Reynolds’ controversial 2010 book What’s Wrong with Anzac? The Militarisation of Australian History.

It argued that the Anzac “obsession” distorted our understanding of the past, replacing historical fact with mythology.

While it’s true that myth plays its part in all of history’s great events, and also true that most Australians treat Anzac Day as

Dee, a sergeant in the military police, illustrates the stresses and dangers of such postings by saying that “for 16 years I never failed to check under my car for a bomb”.

Today she is best known as co-founder of the Silk Rags Project which is dedicated to increasing cancer awareness.

Major Nigel Waistell served in both the British and Australian armies before retiring here with his Australian-born wife Pam.

Neither Nigel nor Dee see direct conflict between Australia and China as an imminent threat, despite recent media reports. Nor, looking back, do they think we should have been involved in Vietnam, Northern Ireland, Iraq or Afghanistan.

They are not at all gung ho in their views but, rather, exemplify the attitude today of many retired service men and women – thoughtful, analytical, not condemnatory of military policy but not blindly obedient to it or admiring of it, either.

For example, they strongly condemn gratuitous violence such as the alleged Australian SAS excesses in Afghanistan.

Both think Anzac Day is still relevant in terms of remembering those who have given their lives, including, in their own

As Australia prepares for another Anzac Day to honour past heroes and pray for a peaceful future, JULIE LAKE talks to military veterans about the state of the world today.

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cases, personal loss to combat or terrorist attack. Nigel adds that Anzac Day is also important because it reminds us of “how ghastly and stupid war is”.

As for the attitude towards women in the miliary, Dee says that while it has improved since she joined up at the age of 18, there is still room for improvement.

She was physically bullied during her training and saw other women suffer also. Sexual abuse used to be swept under the carpet – now it is better dealt with.

One area she would like to see improved is the lack of preparation for those entering civilian life when they leave the armed services.

Retired submarine commander Neil Dearborn firmly believes Australia needs to maintain an effective military presence in the world, in order to contribute meaningfully to strategic alliances. He says a military career offers many job opportunities to young Australians. He still attends Anzac Day services, along with his wife, children and grandchildren.

“My father was a prisoner-of-war,” he says, “And though he lived a long and full life afterwards he never forgot his experiences or forgave his enemies. I believe in peace and most of those with whom I served feel the same.

“But I also believe that to ensure peace we need to always be ready for war, sad as that may seem. That’s why we have a standing army, navy and air force.”

Neil, born in 1948, does not see this situation changing in his lifetime, because the main historical reasons for war –territory, resources, ideological difference – still exist and while he hopes for a war-free world of the future he says it’s dangerously naïve to think that we are anywhere near to achieving it.

Australian military analysts have identified the 10 conflicts to watch in 2023 as Ukraine, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Iran, Yemen, Ethiopia, Congo, the Sahel, Haiti, Pakistan and, of course, Taiwan.

It’s the latter that looms as Australia’s elephant in the room in terms of direct conflict, though a barrage of recent media reports has made us increasingly more aware of our vulnerability should the unthinkable happen and we find ourselves at war with China. Is it scaremongering, as some claim? Or is it a wake-up call?

Australia is currently ranked 21st in the world in military strength, behind countries such as Germany, France, Japan and Pakistan and 16th in terms of global firepower out of 145 considered for the annual GFP review.

Over 60 individual factors determine a nation’s Power Index score, with categories ranging from quantity of military units and financial standing to logistical capabilities and geography.

So we are not as insignificant in military terms as is often believed.

Our defence budget is expected to be close to $50 billion this year. Active military comprises about 60,000 personnel (small by world standards but strong in technology), we have 59 combat tanks, 2040 armoured fighting vehicles, 38 commissioned warships and 251 air force planes, of which 83 are combat aircraft.

But still, some of our military analysts claim, these forces are designed mainly for overseas offensives, and we need a lot more to defend Australia against attack –after all, our military organisation is called the Australian Defence Force.

Since 1916, the Returned and Services League of Australia has been identified with the interests of returned servicemen but it, too, has changed in response to changing public attitudes.

Even the name has morphed into that of a more inclusive organisation that recognises not just combat veterans but also the role of all men and women who have served in the Australian military.

Those once exclusively male bastions, the RSL clubs, have bowed to the reality of shrinking veteran numbers and become licensed social clubs, in some cases merged with local sporting clubs, where all are welcome. They still retain honour boards naming fallen and wounded veterans and usually a selection of military memorabilia – and some still serve the traditional Anzac Day breakfast.

The ethnicity of our population, too, has considerably changed since we last went to war as a nation.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics just over 29 per cent of Australians today were born overseas and there is a belief among older Australians of Anglo-Celtic and post-World War II European origin, that more recent migrants would be less enthusiastic about going to war than the conscripts of the two previous world wars.

If it was against a nation for which many of them retained an affinity the old rallying cry of “for King and country” would have little appeal.

Others disagree, saying that while newer Australians may not be so keen to fight for a distant king, or even understand why we still celebrate what late playwright Alan Seymour called our “one day of the year”, they would certainly rally to support the country that has given them citizenship.

Pushpendra “Pat” Shah migrated to Australia from the UK 15 years ago and says his grandfather, who fought proudly with the British troops in World War II, always praised the courage of Australian soldiers. Asked whether he believed today’s Australians of foreign birth would be prepared to fight for Australia, Pat makes the distinction between “fight” and “defend”.

“This is my home,” he says, “and my sons’ home. We would fight to defend our home and I believe most migrants would feel the same, wherever they come from.”

Brisbane World War II veteran Keith Buck said on his 100th birthday in February that Anzac Day still meant a lot to him “because of the memories that I’ve had. They’ve been terrific. It’s something that you don’t lose.”

But it’s more than just the memories. At the Anzac Day services this year there will be representatives of many different nations and beliefs, and different ages too, united by the one thing that all can believe in – a hope for peaceful solutions to today’s conflicts.

Nigel Waistell and Dee Handyside have both retired from careers in the military.

PATRICIA Heron (YT Mar), Thank you so much for taking the time to write your letter.

If I had received a call like that, they’d have had me too!

I have spoken to PayPal in the past via an (02) phone number. They’d have got me. Thanks to you I am now forewarned and forearmed.

All the very best to you, and I acknowledge your courage in sharing.

Have your say. Send letters to Editor, Your Time Magazine, PO Box 6362, Maroochydore BC 4558 or email editor@ yourtimemagazine.com.au

ORCHID SPECTACULAR

THE Sunshine Coast Orchid Society

Caloundra’s annual orchid show promises to be spectacular with displays from eight societies between Gympie and Bribie Island as well as hundreds of orchids, bromeliads, anthuriums, ferns and foliage for sale.

Experts will be on hand to answer any questions about growing orchids.

Toni C

COLLEEN’S LIFE STORY A BIG SURPRISE — EVEN FOR HER

IT was a very special Christmas gift from her daughter when Colleen Kildey was able to read her own life story.

She was presented with her precious memoir at her Bribie Island home, prepared after an interview with Your Life Your Words.

“I didn’t know what to expect but I could not be happier,” she said. “I can’t believe how beautifully the writer has captured my life.

IN THE GARDEN

with Penny

THE first month of Autumn has been warm, or even hot on many days so rain has been very welcome.

Prune roses to shape, fertilise and spray for scale and black spot if needed. Plant sweet peas, pansies, stocks, snapdragons for a long-lasting display. Cabbage, cauliflower, corn, broccoli, coriander and lettuce can be planted now.

Keeps weeds at bay by pulling out when small and definitely before they go to seed.

Plan to take your mower in for a service and new blades over the winter months, which are also a great time to tackle any landscaping jobs.

There are some beautiful dwarf, grafted flowering eucalyptus available at the moment. Lots of bulbs are ready to plant including, ranunculi, anemones, freesias, daffodils, jonquils and many more that do well in our climate.

Keep a check on hippeastrum bulbs for grubs that eventually bore into the bulb and destroy it. Bare root roses will be available soon. My latest acquisition is a floribunda named Adorable, a beautiful deep mauve with a strong perfume. Another favourite is Blue for You.

If you are looking for low edging plants, petunias, bedding begonias and alyssum are good choices.

Floral art arrangements and orchid supplies will also be on offer.

There will be raffles and refreshments available – Devonshire Tea, sandwiches and freshly brewed coffee.

Caloundra Uniting Church Hall, Cnr Queen and Ulm Streets. Friday, April 14, 9am-4pm; Saturday 15 9am-2pm. Entry $4

“I knew I had lived that life but reading my memoir and seeing my life written down this way just amazes me. It was a wonderful journey.”

Visit yourlifeyourwords.com.au or call Caroline 0401 544 153

Garden Expos are coming up in Melbourne, Wondai, Nambour and Toowoomba/Pittsworth and there are also great orchid shows in the area. Few visitors leave empty handed.

Happy gardening

Penny Hegarty

Long-time Member, Lyn Stehr with one of her cattleyas.

DID YOU KNOW?

ROYAL Flying Doctor Service pilot Nick Tully has come up with a diesel lantern kit to ensure airstrips are reliably lit-up for night landings.

In a night emergency, pilots rely on private airstrips maintained by outback stations, but it is often challenging.

LED flares can be unreliable and solar lights are expensive and appear dim from above.

Property owners have even been known to direct car headlights at the airstrip and making flares from dieselsoaked toilet rolls.

When a number of LED flares failed at a remote station during a night landing, Nick decided to try and find a low cost,

low maintenance, safe and practical alternative. After extensive research he found a solution – simple, specially made diesel lantern kits.

They are a fraction of the cost of solar lights, can be seen up to 48km away, are safer, convenient, low maintenance and simple to set up, requiring only a match and fuel which are readily available on outback properties.

His new airstrip lanterns help reduce the time it takes to respond safely to an night emergency and with the support of the RFDS, Nick is now making them available to rural and remote Queensland.

Visit flyingdoctor.org.au/qld

by Mocco Wollert

from the ashes, more popular than ever.

Allow me to reminisce about the old movies, after all you are over 50 and know what I am writing about.

The appearance of colour movies was a milestone in most people’s lives. After the horrors of World War II, a glamorous world suddenly appeared; a world in which we could forget reality, and immerse ourselves in fantasy, even if it was for just two hours.

There were the blockbusters like Ben Hur with Charlton Heston’s famous chariot race. Who could forget Elizabeth Taylor walking down the endless staircase in Cleopatra without once looking down?

unwashed, greasy but oh so sexy idol of many movies.

It was such a treat to go to the movies, and to watch heroes accomplish impossible feats.

It foxed me though how Ether Williams’s hair would not be out of place when she emerged from the depth of a pool, glittering and not a lock out of place.

My hair was never anything near it. When I went swimming it just hung in tangled disorder around my face.

by Cheryl Lockwood

ONE of my favourite channels on TV is channel 32. It is a veritable treasure trove for movies old and new, Australian or international.

What amazes me is the fact that we still have movies and movie theatres.

Once CDs and cassettes arrived, the danger of movie theatres closing was great and many did.

Then some sort of miracle happened, and cinemas survived the attack from Netflix, Stan and dozens of other free-to-air devices and channels.

They not only survived but rose

I loved the dancing and singing movies and Singin’ in the Rain still gets my feet tapping. We danced with the stars, we cried with Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca and we cringed with fear when Alfred Hitchcock released his killer birds.

We swooned when Mario Lanza filled the theatre with his huge voice, singing in some colourful marketplace to his beloved girl. We fell in love with the leading men or ladies.

As a teenager and young adult, I swooned over Tyrone Power, and had a huge poster of James Dean hanging in my room.

But none could hold a cup to Anthony Quinn, in my mind, the

But that was the magic of the movies, a fantasy world of glamorous people with unrealistic hairdos and bras that made bosoms stand out like twin peaks of a high mountain.

So, we are going to the movies again. While I find it hard to find a movie without violence or bad language, there are also wonderful movies being made, thoughtprovoking or simply entertaining.

The times when cinema seats were uncomfortable and the sound distorted are gone and a little chocolate or ice cream is no longer the utmost of treats, but to me the magic of the movies, the “opting out” for a couple of hours, still exists.

May you enjoy a good movie and walk out of a bad one.

Email mocco.wollert@bigpond.com

“NOTHING lasts like it used to” is a lament often uttered about the quality, or lack thereof, of just about anything we purchase.

My new computer, I won’t mention the brand, has been back to the shop for repair twice in less than 12 months. Each time meant about seven to 10 days of waiting for word on how long the fix would take.

Fortunately, it was covered under warranty, but I thought I could expect a longer run than a year. How long before the next hiccup and weighing up the worth when a repair costs money?

The only lemons I want to buy are the tangy fruit variety.

The other downside was borrowing hubby’s laptop to complete and send off work that could not wait. It’s more than 10 years

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old, and quite the dinosaur in technological terms. Some patience is required while it works and the keypad has several letters which don’t work at all.

I found out how much I use the letter C. It’s hard to type my name without it.

And without the letters, N, B and S, swept became wept, broom became room, and finery became fiery. Not ideal if I wanted to write “I need a broom to sweep …”. A room to weep??

I forgave it because it lasted very well before it tired of producing the whole alphabet. It decided that the number 6 was not required either. After a stern word, it retaliated by dropping the number 3. Luckily, it also has a touchscreen, so once activated, I poked laboriously at the screen with my fingertips.

Everyone has a story of how well things used to last. My mother-in-law had a washing machine similar to Noah’s and she once commented that she expected at least 30 years from any appliance.

My longest survivor is my iron, which I inherited from my grandmother, who died 38 years ago. Maybe not the best example as a lack of use could play a part.

My first sewing machine also lasted over 30 years. Back then, I made some of my own clothes. I went on to make my children’s clothes and curtains and sometimes, clothes from curtains.

Admittedly, the lure of cheap clothing negates the need to sew. A new machine

will last quite well if it’s not used to actually sew. (Similar to the iron scenario)

Perhaps my new computer should have carried the warning, “For display purposes only”.

Single-use plastics have been banned and recycling features heavily among global concerns, yet it seems our more expensive items are becoming disposable.

I’m all for recycling, but no one wants my old TV because it’s not “smart”. Fridges come with screens so we don’t miss the news while we make our breakfast.

The old ones with their bland, white fronts are destined for landfill. At best, they spend their retirement as beer fridges.

Computer technology has become standard in most electrical appliances, which has left me with a fear of the word “update”. I spend more time updating phone features than actually talking on the thing.

Like everyone else, I’m not about to attempt life without one. I’m just not sure what to do with all the other devices it has made obsolete. My camera, sat-nav and CD player gather dust in a cupboard.

I’m not suggesting we go back to scrubbing our clothes on a washboard or keeping food cool in underground cellars, but some fancy gadgets make me want to scrap new technology altogether.

I’m afraid my brain cannot take any more upgrades and soon I really will need a room to weep.

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Royal visitor’s whistlestop tour draws crowds

With the coronation of King Charles III coming up next month, AUDIENNE BLYTH writes about the brief visit of another Prince of Wales, his grandfather’s brother, more than a century ago.

The train stopped, the Prince of Wales made a quick speech and then he was gone! His schedule showed: Arrival, 4.23pm. Departure, 4.30 pm.

In 1920, the Prince of Wales visited Australia for three months on a goodwill mission.

He was proclaimed Edward VIII on the death of his father in 1936, although he famously abdicated before he was crowned but during the 1920s he often represented his father King George V.

He visited 110 cities and towns while in Australia travelled in a special royal train preceded by a pilot train to warn the various stations. His visit to Nambour was on Monday, August 2, 1920.

Nambour Railway Station was transformed. It was decorated with piccabeen palms and fan palms and the red carpet was rolled out to a special dais built in station square.

It too was decorated with flags and tree ferns.

The Town Band played God Bless the Prince of Wales when the train arrived and then God Save the King on his departure.

Two thousand people gathered.

There were about 300 returned soldiers from the Great War (World War I), some in uniform and some wearing decorations.

Seventy-five-year-old Thomas Nicholls was there wearing his decorations from the Afghan War of 1878-1880. There were also some soldiers from the Boer War as well as war widows and children.

Hundreds of school children and townspeople assembled as well.

The engine of the Prince’s train carried the his coat of arms and was decorated with Prince

of Wales feathers. Bouquets were presented by three little girls. One was Evelyn Eggmolesse.

The Prince was handed a box of strawberries and a pineapple which he found very prickly.

Women were ready to swoon around him, not surprisingly as he was a fashionable bachelor of rank and good looks who at one time was the most photographed celebrity of his time.

At Nambour, his speech had to be short.

He said he was pleased to be there and thanked everyone for their welcome.

He also thanked all the soldiers and sailors for their part in the Great War and gave all the school children an extra holiday. The cheering was enormous.

The next whistle stop was Landsborough for the same quick welcome, the short

speeches and the prompt departure.

As usual, the people of Nambour had a great time seeing old friends and they took a long time chatting before going home. The local Dramatic Society put on an entertainment that evening.

Residents had a story to tell the grandchildren of the day they saw the Prince of Wales in Nambour.

Members of the Royal family have visited the district on only a few occasions.

The Duke of Gloucester stayed a night in the 1930s, Princess Alexandra passed through in 1959, Prince Charles and Princess Diana visited in 1983 and most recently, Queen Elizabeth II came to Coolum for CHOGM in 2002.

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

The Prince arrives in Sydney in June 1920. Image: National Museum of Australia

OLD ANAESTHETIC APPARATUS ON SHOW AT EUMUNDI MUSEUM

A NEW exhibition at Eumundi Museum features old and kind-of-scary-looking machines that were used over the last century to put patients to sleep and keep them alive during surgery.

Called Antiquated Anaesthetic Apparatus, the fascinating display is presented in collaboration with the University of Queensland’s MarksHirschfeld Museum of Medical History.

Some of the objects look surprisingly basic while other machines and techniques are surprisingly recent.

The pulmoflator (pictured) for example was a prototype ventilator – a type of artificial respirator.

When a patient is put to sleep with a general anaesthetic, they are also paralysed. Being unable to move is useful for surgery but can affect normal breathing, yet these machines were not invented until the 1940s.

Eumundi Museum reopened in June last year after significant renovations to the beautiful 1911 church where it is based.

It provides an excellent narrative of the town’s history illustrated with objects and large photos on the walls which have been carefully chosen from its si g nificant collection of 3500

historical photographs.

It also has touchscreens with videos and information about the social history, natural history and military service history of Eumundi.

Eumundi Museum, 73 Memorial Drive, Eumundi. Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-3pm, until July 31. Entr y free.

KEEPING AUSTRALIANS SAFE AND INDEPENDENT IN THEIR OWN HOMES

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Remember, dementia comes in many forms

Dementia isn’t only Alzheimer’s disease. KAILAS ROBERTS explains lesser-known frontotemporal dementia and recommends taking action if changes are observed, even if there are no memory problems.

As you may have read, the family of actor Bruce Willis – he of Die Hard fame – has recently announced that he has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, commonly shortened to FTD.

I have been asked what this is on several occasions so this month will highlight this lesser-known condition.

First, it is worth recapping some definitions. Dementia is not a diagnosis in of itself, but a syndrome of cognitive loss sufficient to interfere with your day-today function. It is an umbrella term and can be due to a large number of conditions (over 100 in fact).

Once you are understood to have dementia, you then need to understand the cause of it. Now, Alzheimer’s disease, which I suspect you have heard of, is by far the most common cause.

The typical early symptom of this condition is an inability to remember new things, due to damage to the hippocampus, a small structure in your temporal lobe. This leads to forgetfulness and all its daily ramifications.

Vascular disease – problems with blood supply – is the second most common cause.

This can present with different symptoms, often involving changes in mood and motivation.

Frontotemporal dementia is considerably less common (though does account for up to 10 per cent of cases of young onset dementia – those developing under the age of 65), but I continue to regularly see people with frontotemporal dementia in my clinic.

So, what are the symptoms of FTD? Well, as the name suggests, it affects the frontal and/or the temporal lobes of the brain. Depending on what type of FTD you have, you may have initial symptoms related to either of these lobes not working well. These are then often known as a

language variant (type) if the temporal lobe is the problem, or the behavioural variant with frontal lobe problems.

If language is the main problem, you might struggle with either the mechanics of speech leading to stuttering or broken speech; or the meaning of words, leading to clear and fluent speech, but the wrong words being used. This seems to be the main concern with Bruce Willis.

If behavioural changes are prominent, these can be varied but can include apathy, disinhibition (where you say or do things that are not socially appropriate), a loss of empathy (becoming ‘colder’ and emotionally distant) and increased impulsivity (acting on things without thinking about the consequences).

Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive (repetitive) symptoms can also occur.

As time goes on, the distinction between the language and behavioural types becomes more blurred and the symptoms may overlap.

As you can see, these symptoms are quite different to the typical memory problems encountered in dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, at least early on, someone with FTD may have a good

memory, leading to a disbelief that they could be experiencing dementia.

Treatment is different in some ways to other types of dementia, but unfortunately it is not something that can be cured.

The medications we use for improving cognitive symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease do not work well in FTD, though the psychological and behavioural changes can often be well treated.

As with all types of dementia, the focus should also be on supporting the person with the condition as well as, importantly, those caring for them.

The other message here is that if you are concerned about a change, either in you or a loved one, you should speak with your or their doctor – even if there are no memory problems.

Kailas Roberts is a psychogeriatrician and author of Mind your brain

The Essential Australian Guide to Dementia now available at all good bookstores and online. Visit yourbraininmind.com or uqp.com.au

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WHY NOT AN ADJUSTABLE!

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Friends tackle ageism one wrinkle at a time

Aging is how we move through life, and more of us are doing more of it than ever before in human history. Two Brisbane friends plan to “iron out the wrinkles” and show that it isn’t a problem to be solved, a disease to be cured or something icky that old people do.

actress and vocalist, joined her as cohost to ensure a quality production for listener enjoyment.

“Cate’s voice has a soothing, calming effect. Politely interjecting with questions, she ensures listeners are given practical solutions to their issues, devoid of confusing psychobabble,” was the result.

Married for 48 years, Cate is quietly spoken, feminine, favours black figurehugging attire and botox.

Approaching 70, she’s missing the many opportunities of youth – a time when she wasn’t affected by ageism in the entertainment industry.

Many will relate to the issue of workplace ageism and one podcast guest is ageism activist Ashton Applewhite, who speaks passionately on the topic.

In contrast, Ros is more upbeat and unapologetically loud. She washes her face with soap, and will drive miles in search of the best thrift shops. At 61, she’s always looking ahead for the next adventure to challenge herself.

She takes a humorous and stoic approach with their guests.

Newly single when she was in her 50s, Ros learns the do’s and don’ts of dating apps from the Dating Doctor, while Cate’s becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable as she discovers new ways of approaching “older-hood”.

To help move through the “afternoon of life” with less fear, Ros McMaster and Cate Shaw have teamed up with professionals from many fields of expertise to educate, motivate, support, and inspire, in their recently-launched podcast Ironing Out the Wrinkles

The pair say they plan to take the age out of agism one wrinkle at a time, as they chat to guests who can help change the mindset and perception

around what it means to be older.

Ros came up with the idea years ago, but the opportunity to get it off the ground came when her last child finally flew from the nest. (Or did she push him? She can’t quite recall.)

Ros, a counsellor and author, leant the old mattress against the windows, creating a soundproof recording studio, and Ironing Out the Wrinkles podcast came to life.

Her long-term friend Cate Shaw, an

After interviewing Ros and Cate on his radio program, Spencer Howson said they have a Yin Yang vibe.

They are totally different and it’s this that makes the podcast work so well – wherever you’re at on your journey through aging they can, between them, relate and guests are selected accordingly.

But they’re not just hosts of Ironing Out the Wrinkles . They’re also learning from guests, with topics such as how to set boundaries with adult children, and why it’s important to update the will.

One thing the pair do have in common is the strength they draw from their spiritual practices – the practices that kept them strong and helped them heal when they developed cancer in their 50s. Cate had breast cancer, and Ros stage 4 bowel cancer.

For them every new wrinkle is a sign that they got to be here another day; and that getting older is a cause for celebration.

Visit rosmcmaster.com/

The gift of your body could make a real difference to medical innovation

The opportunity to be able to examine a real human body is a privilege, and the ultimate gift that someone can give to science and medicine.

The QUT Body Bequest Program is a key component of medical education and training at QUT. It is through the generous gift of their body that members of the public play an important role in the training of health professionals such as surgeons, doctors, nurses and allied health workers.

QUT needs your support to continue this essential training and ongoing research.

More information

The main acceptance areas will be Sunshine Coast, to Toowoomba, Greater Brisbane and Gold Coast, but may not be confined to these areas.

The and Gold Coast, but not to areas.

To request a Body Bequest Kit that will include additional information and registration forms, please phone 3138 6944 or email bodybequestofficer@qut.edu.au

Cate Shaw and Ros McMaster at work on their podcast Ironing Out the Wrinkles.

“Wherever you’re at on your journey through ageing they can, between them, relate.”

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Suicide risk is not confined to the young

Loneliness and a loss of self-worth increases the suicide risk in elderly people. KENDALL MORTON examines the problem and suggests how to protect and support your family.

In Australia, eight to nine people a day take their own lives. That’s up to 3100 people each year.

But this is not just a young person’s health crisis – older people, particularly men, are at risk too.

This in borne out in other countries as well. In the US, older adults are 12 per cent of the population, yet they account for about 18 per cent of suicide cases.

In 2017, researchers used the Queensland Suicide Register to study suicide factors among 978 older Australians. They found suicide rates for men increased with age.

Risk factors changed with age too. Younger men were more burdened by financial loss and relationship breakdowns while older men struggled with the death of a spouse, chronic health issues and loneliness.

According to researcher Diego De Leo, older men suicide at alarming rates. Men over 80

are particularly vulnerable. Accurate figures are hard to ascertain as some actions, such as skipping an essential medicine, appear to be accidental.

It is often the accumulation of many factors that leads to thoughts of suicide. Some are chronic pain, dependence on others, loneliness, loss of physical strength, feeling of abandonment and loss of meaning in life. Another influence is knowing others who have suicided.

These challenges do not automatically lead to depression

and suicidal thoughts. The pandemic showed older people who lived more in the moment coped better than young people.

De Leo lists some warning signs that can indicate someone is considering suicide.

These include appearing sad or depressed most of the time, being unable to sleep or sleeping all the time, frequent and dramatic mood swings, neglecting personal hygiene, and personal appearance, not wanting to see friends or family or engage in social activities,

putting their business in order and making a will. Other signs can be giving away objects of emotional significance, talking about death – “I’ve had enough” – and making unexpected visits to relatives and friends.

Older people are often invisible. They are told they are a burden on resources, weak and vulnerable. This can prey on someone’s mind. Changing these social attitudes will help reduce feelings of worthlessness and suicidal thoughts.

As for treatment, if you have concerns about a family member speak to their doctor or health professional. Suicidal ideas are a serious concern. Watchfulness and professional help are needed.

Sometimes the underlying reasons for despair can be addressed. For instance, with chronic pain, perhaps a new drug or a hypnosis program will help.

Sometimes there are losses that can’t be recovered, such as the death of a child or a lifelong

partner. Counselling, drug treatment and social support is the best way forward.

If you are caring for an elderly family member, don’t wait for a crisis. You can protect your loved one’s health by enriching their social life.

Encourage them to join a club or join with them. Work with their personality, skills and preferences. Men may prefer attending information talks at the library to coffee mornings.

Start with activities that don’t have high conversational demands – visit a beach and watch the swimmers, see a movie, or arrange transport to church. Loneliness is a risk factor for suicide we can all do something about.

If you need support call Lifeline 131 114 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.

Kendall Morton is director of Home Care Assistance Sunshine Coast to Wide Bay. Call 5491 6888 or email kmorton@ homecareassistance.com

Your quality time starts now

A vibrant community awaits

From Moreton Bay to the Sunshine Coast, enjoy a quality lifestyle in a Stockland Halcyon Community. With resort-style facilities, low-maintenance living and luxury finishes, move into a new home from $559K*. Tailor your over 50s lifestyle to be the start of something exceptional.

Call 1800 050 050 or Halcyon Communities

*All photographs, illustrations, statements, pricing and information in this advertisement, are for illustrative purposes only and are based on information available to and the intention of Stockland at the time of creation November 2022 and are subject to change without notice. No diagram, photograph, illustration, statement or information amounts to a legally binding obligation on or warranty by Stockland and Stockland accepts no liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person who relies on them either wholly or in part. Indications of location, distance or size are approximate and for indicative purposes only. Subject to change.

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 June 2021, 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 maxillar y sinuses, throat, middle ears, laryngopharynx, airways and lungs. For more information visit xrayimaging.com.au/reflux-testing

Patient preparing to undergo Gastroesophageal Reflux Testing

Making Zeds – Nissan coupe revives the good ol’ days

Once upon a motoring time, droves of British sports cars roamed Brisbane streets. Or, writes BRUCE McMAHON, so it seemed.

with the playful Mazda MX-5, now in its fourth generation.

Then there’s the Z car, Nissan’s long-standing answer to the likes of hairy-chested Austin Healeys.

The 240Z coupe appeared in 1969 and was followed by the 260Z, 280Z, 300Z, 350Z and 370Z in 2008. And the Zed’s not dead, not by a long shot.

Now known simply as the Nissan Z coupe, this remains a long-nosed, bob-tailed, real-wheel drive sports car, these days with extra retro styling cues to honour a 50-year heritage.

It’s not, perhaps, a two-seater for picking up grandkids from school, maybe not for practical folk.

Maybe the low-slung cabin means cutting back on after-dinner choc mints for less-awkward access but the reward is snuggling into a cockpit designed for a driver – comfortable but firm seat, gear stick easy to hand, a full range of instruments plus extras on the dashboard – one to tell how much the turbochargers are helping out.

For up under that low, sleek bonnet is a three litre, twin-turbocharged V6 with 298kW to send to the back wheels (sitting not far behind driver and passenger.)

Back when rock ‘n’ roll George ruled in his Holden 48-215 other lads –and some lasses – motored around in MGAs and Bees, Triumph TRs, Austin Healeys and Sprites with the odd Morgan, Lotus and Jaguar in the mix.

Many of these sporting machines of the 1950s and swinging ‘60s weren’t always as fast or well-bred as touted.

Many were culled from catalogues as Monaros, Falcon coupes and the Chrysler Charger thundered into showrooms.

And it was left to the Japanese to counter with the likes of Toyota’s Celica and Datsun’s 2000.

It was the Japanese, too, who in 1989 paid proper homage to open-topped British classics, such as the Lotus Elan,

But this is a $73,00 car to dream about, nestled in beside the sensible family car, to be wheeled out for weekend trips to the beach or a trot to the top of Mount Glorious for coffee with mates.

This is the car to bring back memories of long drives down quiet roads; one to recall days when cars had some mumblegrumble and, dare it be said, more macho to the soul.

This Z is an old-fashioned concept of sporting machines well-tweaked for the 21st century.

There’s a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. The auto comes with steering wheel paddles to shift between ratios, the manual shift is a bold affair, demands respect and recollections of balancing engine revs and the sweet spot where the clutch bites.

The Z goes, steers, handles and rides with superb confidence, brings smiles as the driver drops a gear, turns into a corner and the car squats a tad as it’s powered out. Change on up.

It’s a mighty handsome car for old-fashioned sporting fun, albeit kitted out with all today’s safety and convenience features to enhance .

That’s it. I’m off to buy a Lotto ticket.

Build the core and reduce risk of a hernia

Hernias can be painful, unsightly, limit everyday activities and sometimes require surgery.

TRISTAN HALL shares some simple ways to reduce the risk of developing a hernia.

As you age, you become more susceptible to hernias. With less activity your core and abdominal muscles lose condition and can become thinner and weaker.

These muscles need to be strong to hold your organs in place.

A hernia is a protrusion of part of an organ such as the intestines, through a weakened section of the abdominal wall. The most common site for hernias is the groin.

Men tend to get more hernias than women and they tend to wait longer before seeking treatment.

About 40,000 Australians have hernia surgery each year. But the risk of getting a hernia can be reduced.

First up, manage how and what you lift. Be prepared to ask for help with heavy objects or use trolleys. Say no if you feel unsafe lifting an object.

Divide heavy items such as bags of potting mix into lighter loads.

Secondly, if your current activities have led to muscular strain, seek out an exercise physiologist to help you improve your muscle strength and revise your lifting habits.

If left unchecked, muscular strain can result in weakness and lead to reinjury. Over time this can lead to a hernia.

Thirdly, strengthen your core and abdominal muscles so they are ready for life’s challenges.

Here are some simple exercises to do at home from the comfort of a dining chair.

LEG LIFTS: Sit in a dining chair with your back straight. Sit slightly forward so your back is upright and not against the back of the chair. Lift one leg up, bending the knee up, hold for 5 to 10 seconds, then switch to the other leg. Do 10 repetitions for each leg. Notice your core muscles engaging.

BICYCLES MOVES: Lean back in your chair holding the sides. Lift your legs and move them as if you are riding a bike. Continue for 20 rotations.

KICKS: Hold the side of the chair, put your legs out in front of you and kick them up and down slightly. This should look like a swimming motion.

SIT TO STAND: Sit on the chair with both feet planted in front of you. Tighten your core muscles then stand up. Take care to stand evenly, not favouring one side. Try to avoid using your arms to propel yourself. Simply use your legs and core muscles. Repeat this 10 times. For a higher challenge, switch to standing up from a low bench.

Finally, if you do need hernia surgery, your recovery can be improved with an exercise program before you go into hospital and with rehabilitation afterwards.

Tristan Hall is an exercise physiologist with Full Circle Wellness. Call 0431 192 284 or visit fullcirclewellness.com.au

Access a Potential New Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Do your part to help advance breakthroughs in clinical research for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Register your interest here

FIT HAPPENS With Tom Law

The abdominal muscles, between the ribs and pelvis at the front of the body, are a very important group of muscles.

The abdominals are made up of number of muscles or bands of muscle, each named separately and with its own reason for being. Abdominals are collectively called “core muscles”.

They help support the body, and hold the internal organs in place. Core muscles keep your body stable, and the abdominals generally protect your spine.

Indirectly, poor abdominal strength can affect your posture, so abdominal strength is really important. How can you develop or maintain good abdominal strength?

Regular exercise is the solution. Yes, you can target your core muscles with a variety of exercises, too many to mention here, but you are probably aware of the crunch or a crunch variation.

An abdominal crunch is best explained as bringing the shoulders off the ground and the legs doing the same thing as

they move towards one another from a prone position. The name crunch comes from the effect of lying on your back and crunching your legs and shoulders towards one another. There are more variations of crunches and many more actual abdominal exercises available and provided you are not hurting yourself, or going against doctor’s orders, it’s good to do some core exercise at least two to three times a week. A lot of exercises that do not specifically target the core area may actually be good for abdominal strength. An example is push-ups. Abdominal action is apparent when doing push-ups, also walking, swimming and cycling. Some sports require good abdominal strength and by playing you will be exercising abdominals. Think golf and the growing sport of pickleball. Do yourself a favour and include abdominal activity in your exercise routine.

Tom Law is author of Tom’s Law Fit Happens. Visit tomslaw. com.au

The Rheumatology Research Unit in Maroochydore is currently recruiting for a clinical trial assessing the safety and efficacy of a new treatment that may be effective in treating Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterised by a persistent immune response that can affect many joints, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. The new treatment being investigated is using live bacterial therapy. Bacteria are naturally found in the digestive tract and are a research focus for their important role in many health conditions such as regulating inflammation.

To be considered to take part in the study, you must meet all of the following:

• You are aged 18 – 80 years old

• You have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and experiencing joint pain/stiffness

If this sounds like you or someone you know, we would like to invite you to take part in this important study investigating a potential new treatment. If you agree to take part, and the study is suitable for you, your participation in the study is expected to last up to 16 weeks. This includes:

• 12-week treatment period

• 4-week follow-up period

• 5 study visits and 1 phone call

If you take part in this research study, there will be:

• Reimbursement of costs for out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel

• Free study-related medical care, you may gain access to new treatmentsbefore they are widely available

• No overnight stays, all study visits are out-patient only

https://myclinicalstudy.com.au

This study has been approved by an independent ethics committee.

LEARN

The next meeting is April 20, 1.30 pm with our training officer Trisha Hyde as guest speaker.

Trisha has a background in database administration and years of experience researching her own family history.

Since retiring, she has added a Diploma of Family History from the University of Tasmania to her accomplishments.

CURRIMUNDI PROBUSMUSEUM SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

PROBUS Club of Currimundi Combined started the new year with its annual Australia Day Picnic at Crumunda Park.

Many members turned up for the barbecue, watermelons, lamingtons and a thong throwing competition won by Jack with a distance of 14.9m. Lady winner was Judi with a distance of 14.2m.

NAMBOUR Museum is looking for volunteers to assist on Saturdays 10am-3pm and Wednesday-Friday afternoons 1-4pm.

CALOUNDRA Family History Research group holds its general meeting with interesting guest speakers on the third Thursday of each month.

Everyone is welcome to attend either in person or via Zoom.

JOIN THE CALOUNDRA

SENIORS

CALOUNDRA Senior Citizens Club welcomes new residents and visitors to join them to connect with like-minded people and social companionship.

The club has an extensive range of activities, entertainment, and excursions.

All recreational facilities are disability and wheelchair accessible with inclusion and social companionship for members and guests over 50.

Call Monica or Ray 5438 1403.

CLUBS FOR STAMP COLLECTORS

Trisha will speak on World War I case studies at the Australian War Memorial. The names of soldiers submitted by CFHRI members will be used to demonstrate what information can be found using the AWW’s vast collection without having to travel to Canberra.

Meetings are at the CFHR rooms, Corbould Park, via Gate 2, Pierce Ave, Caloundra.

Email hello@caloundrafamilyhistory. org.au to register attendance.

CLUBS WITH A VIEW

Visit view.org.au

All senior and retired residents of the Caloundra area are invited to attend meetings to discover a lively and happy club with many interests.

Meetings are the second Wednesday of each month at the Caloundra Indoor Bowls Club, Burke St, Golden Beach, 9.30am-noon.

General meetings are followed by morning tea and interesting guest speakers.

To attend call Anne on 0409 120 586 or visit probuscurrimundi.org

The museum showcases the rich heritage of the district since the first settlers arrived, from the sugar cane industry to country life.

It is at 18 Mitchell St, Nambour, and showcases the rich history of the local district through permanent collections, special exhibits and community events.

Assistance is needed with reception, visitor engagement, guiding school visits, maintaining exhibits, research and computer work, and trade-based tasks.

All ages and skill levels welcome.

Call Cherry 0490 508 943 or email nambourmuseum@gmail.com

Glasshouse Mountains with guest speaker Martin Cavanagh from Bank of Queensland who will talk to about banking scams.

The club raises currently supports 5 Learning for Life students.

Any ladies interested in attending an event or joining, should contact Adrienne 0408 486 124 or Janet 0448 845 303. Visit view.org.au or follow on Facebook.

SUNSHINE Coast Stamp Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month, 1pm-4pm, at the Red Cross Hall, Price St, Nambour. Activities include stamp trading through Club Exchange Books, mini-auctions; quizzes, Stamp of the Month competition. Visitors welcome. Call 0438 589 181 or visit suncoaststamps.org.au

CALOUNDRA Stamp Club meets on the fourth Thursday of each month, 12.30pm-3.30pm at the Bellvista Community Centre, Lomond Cresc, Bellvista. Activities include stamp trading through Club Exchange Books, a bargain table where members sell surplus items, mini-auctions, quizzes, stamp treasure hunt and a Stamp of the Month.

Visitors are welcome. Call 5494 7233 or 0432 937 311.

BUDERIM VIEW Club is looking for new members who would like to give back to their community while making new connections with other women in the area.

President Antoinette O’Connor said social events were now back on the calendar after the pandemic.

“We have had so much fun organising upcoming events for our club this year, including a trip to Hobart for the National Convention,” she said.

“These always feature fabulous dinners and speakers, but it is also a great way to understand how we help children and young people through The Smith Family. We hear from inspirational young people whose education has been sponsored by our members.It is heartwarming.”

The Learning for Life education support program provides children with financial assistance for essential school supplies, access to out of school tutoring and mentoring programs, and support with specific needs and interests.

Buderim club supports the education of seven students.

It also has social events such as fashion parades, outings to museums and sometimes bus trips.

“We are always looking for women of all backgrounds and ages to join us and look forward to welcoming new faces at our next monthly meeting,” Antoinette said.

Meetings are at the Buderim Tavern on the first Wednesday of the month, 11am for 11.30am start.

RSVP by the previous Saturday.

Call Gail 5476 7163 or visit view.org.au

GLASSHOUSE Country View Club last month visited Caboolture Art Gallery with morning tea at a local café and had an interesting guest speaker for its lunch meeting.

Helen Butcher, who is on the committee of Glasshouse Country Senior Citizens Club, discussed their activities and discussed events where the clubs could join together.

This month morning tea is in Turner Park Beerwah with an Easter theme which will include an easter egg hunt.

The lunch meeting is on April 19, 11am Glasshouse Country RSL, 1 Reed St,

WOMEN over 50 who would like to meet new friends for social activities are invited to join the Older Women’s Network Maroochydore. Branch meetings are on the third Monday of the month at The Avenue Retirement Community, 32 Baden Powell St. Members enjoy a chat, discuss a range of topics, try a range of activities and have fun while making new friends.

Call Lee 0429 831 414

Vice president Lynda Flannigan with guest speaker Helen Butcher

Trisha Hyde

President Antoinette O’Connor (left) presents Ruth Ormerod with her 10-year badge

Julie Peake received her 20-year badge

Live life, don’t retire from it at Oak Tree Pelican Waters

At Oak Tree Pelican Waters, you’ll enjoy a vibrant retirement in a boutique apartment setting at the quiet end of the coast, purposely designed to meet your needs now and into the future.

Here you can make the most of your lifestyle and spend more time doing the things that you love, as we manage maintenance and repairs in your apartment and the common areas. With a range of recreation facilities on site, there’s ample opportunity to socialise and explore new pursuits with your likeminded neighbours.

Our residents enjoy a full social calendar, with various activities and events throughout the year, planned and driven from within by the wonderful social committee.

1 Boat Shed Way, Pelican Waters

Oak Tree Pelican Waters resident Keith loves the genuine sense of community at the village. “There’s a really nice crowd of people here. We have some really lovely get togethers and everyone is always welcomealthough attendance is voluntary, of course.”

Since moving in, resident Trish loves that there’s always a social activity to look forward to. “We all enjoy watching things together, like the football, and we always love having morning teas and happy hours on the rooftop. We bring our drinks and a plate of nibbles to share and enjoy each other’s company.”

As well as making the most of the village facilities, the residents love to organise outings and discover all that the beautiful Sunshine Coast has to offer.

Resident Neil loves joining in on the various village outings and enjoying the company of the other residents. “We try to get out and do something social once a month,” says Neil.

“We’ve got a sunset boat cruise coming up, there’s a day at the races planned, and we’ll go out together to see a dinner and a show occasionally.”

“Whatever it is we’re doing, we always have a bit of fun.”

Start an exciting new chapter filled with new friendships more to look forward to at Oak Tree Pelican Waters. Visit the village today and experience the sense of community for yourself.

Apartments are selling fast. Call Greg (Village Manager) to book a private tour.

Do we become more accepting and relaxed as we age, or do we become more intolerant and grumpier? JUDY RAFFERTY discusses personality changes and ageing.

Personality changes over time. We used to think that personality was fully developed by age 30 or thereabouts. Now there is evidence to show that personality changes across the life span.

By our 70s and 80s our personality may have undergone considerable change. If personality is assessed across the life span with smaller time intervals in between each assessment, then the changes are also small.

But when the interval between assessment of personality is increased the

change increases dramatically. One study showed that with a gap of 60-plus years between assessment there was little relationship between the child’s personality and the older adult’s.

This indicates that personality changes are gradual and not obvious as they occur but that they are continuing to occur.

There are five personality traits that are common across cultures and ages.

These are extraversion, openness, neuroticism, conscientiousness and agreeableness.

Extraversion considers how a person

interacts socially. It looks at the extent to which a person is outgoing and sociable.

Openness looks at the person’s curiosity about the world and willingness to try new things.

Neuroticism assesses the degree of emotional stability. If the person is moody or prone to sadness or stress they may score high on this trait.

Conscientiousness relates to a leaning towards being goal directed, organised and disciplined. It includes impulse control.

Agreeableness relates to how you are with others. People with high scores on agreeableness prioritise peaceful relationships and tend to be soft-hearted, friendly and compassionate.

Studies have shown that as we age there is a downward trend on all five traits except for agreeableness.

This means that older people,

LEGAL ISSUES CAN STILL HAUNT THE BABY BOOMERS

THE Baby Boomers worked hard and carried on the ideals and values of their parents and grandparents who lived through the hardships of the Great Depression and World War II, and passed on their work ethic and attitudes.

And with the Baby Boomers now retired or heading into retirement, it’s time for them to relax and put their feet up – but there are still many legal challenges for this generation.

Do you have an adequate will (or any will at all) to ensure that your wishes are carried out and your estate is managed as you intend?

Has a loan been made to a family member? Is it documented? What happens when things don’t work out as intended, either with the lender, or the borrower.

Are you concerned that the “granny flat” agreement you are considering or have already entered into, doesn’t offer the protection that ensures clarity and certainty going forward?

Do you have a desire to be part of a

compared to their scores attained as younger people, had become less extraverted, less open, less neurotic, less conscientious. There is some evidence that indicates that men do not experience the lessening of extraversion as they age.

Considered together, these changes might suggest that as people age they become more content in their own company, less worried about what others think, more cautious about trying new things, less concerned about planning and organisation. On the trait of agreeableness, there is less clarity. It seems that in general it increases but for some it does not change.

Even though personality changes as we age it also stays stable relative to other people. So, if you were a highly extraverted 21-year-old who was always looking for company because you were more outgoing than your friends, then you are likely to

community when feeling lonely and isolated?

Is it time to consider moving to a retirement village to become part of an active and engaging community? What are you signing up for?

Are you considering entering into a contract for an over 50s resort, legally known as a manufactured home park or a land-lease arrangement? What are the legal pros and cons?

Do you have to place a family member into aged care? What does the contract mean?

Are you managing the estate of a deceased family member, and don’t know what to do or how to navigate the complexities involved? They may have died without a will, causing significant additional trouble and expense.

With video conferencing, these issues can be discussed directly among family members, wherever they may be.

Video conferencing means family members in different locations can be directly involved in important discussions.

Don Macpherson is an expert in elder law at Sunshine Coast Elder Law. Call 1800 961 622 or visit sunshinecoastelderlaw.com.au

still be more extraverted than your peers when you are in your mid 60s or 70s.

This contributes to the sense we often have that personality is stable rather than changing. As we age there are other factors that can impact on personality.

For example, agitation and anxiety commonly increase with age. This can lead to irritability and worry which influence perceived personality.

Cognitive decline, depression, medication and hormonal changes are some of the factors that can influence the expression of personality. Often they are slow changes if the conditions are also slow in developing.

The actress Betty Russell said that personality is not a predictor of character. I like this simple statement. It opens another raft of questions and opportunity for debate but for me it is a reminder that despite our often-flawed personality, we can live to our values and be proud of who we are in the world.

Rafferty is the author of Retirement Your Way, A Practical Guide to Knowing What You Want and How to Get It, at all good bookshops and online.

Judy

HEALTH

Edward beats the odds

Edward Rex may have had three rounds of open heart surgery, but that’s not stopping him from living life to the full, writes BONNIE BAYLEY.

Being diagnosed with a heart condition is enough to rattle anyone’s sense of stability. You might suddenly have to dramatically change your diet or lifestyle, start seeing specialists regularly, take medication, or even undergo procedures.

Staying optimistic and getting on with life can be challenging for even the most positive of people.

For Mooloolaba’s Edward Rex, 77, optimism and resilience are traits he’s near perfected after multiple heart health scares over the years.

Having been dealt the cards of hereditary cardiovascular disease and elevated cholesterol, Edward has had multiple heart attacks, three open heart surgeries, and 11 bypasses to date.

Despite that, he remains upbeat about life. He has only recently retired, walks 10-15km a day, is an active member of the surf club, and has recently headed to the US to help his disabled friend after knee replacement surgery, before travelling on to Europe.

Edward suffered his first heart attack in 1992. A year later, he had another heart attack, and his first open heart surgery.

Seven years on, he suffered another

heart attack, and underwent his second open heart surgery.

Feeling disillusioned that no cardiologist had ever given him good news, and struggling with “intolerable” medication regimes, he avoided seeing a cardiologist for years.

A friend suggested he see Dr Peter Larsen, managing director of Heart HQ and former director of cardiology at Sunshine Coast Hospital – and his faith was restored.

“When I went to see him in early 2011, I instantly had a rapport,” Edward says. “It’s thanks to his gentle persuasion and persistence that I’m still here.”

When he started seeing Dr Larsen, Edward was struggling to go up and down stairs, and by mid-2013, his condition was critical.

“Because of my previous open heart surgeries, it was very difficult to find someone who would tackle me, but Dr Larsen persisted and found Dr Peter Tesa, who specialised in taking on cases that no one else wanted to touch,” Edward says.

Edward’s third open heart surgery, performed by Dr Tesa, was a success, and he enjoyed a stretch of stable health –until another curveball hit.

“In 2021, I went to see Dr Larsen for a check-up because I wanted to travel overseas and he gave me the all-clear, then not even a month later I was in hospital with another heart attack, with a 99 per cent stenosis of one of my bypasses,” he says.

The unexpected silver lining was that Dr Larsen managed to get Edward on the trial for a cholesterol-lowering vaccine.

“Since then, my cholesterol has been picture perfect, almost on the low side,” Edward says.

Considering his colourful health history, one might wonder how Edward keeps positive and continues to make big plans.

“Whenever I get down, I just think of my disabled friend or call him and it picks me up. Nothing has gone right for the poor guy since he was 11 years old, but he’s always smiling and optimistic,” Edward says.

“I’m a firm believer that a positive attitude is half the battle and that’s what Dr Tesa instilled in me too. He said he could do his 10 per cent with the operation, but I needed to do the rest.”

Edward is a strong advocate for an active lifestyle and enjoys walks in nature.

He says the amount or intensity of exercise you do doesn’t matter, it’s that you actually do it and stick with it.

Visit hearthq.com.au

STUDY PROBES GUT HEALTH AND RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS LINKS

A WORLD-first microbiome-focused study may offer new hope to rheumatoid arthritis sufferers through improved gut health.

Coolum Beach based biopharmaceutical company Servatus is investigating the gastro-intestinal microbiome in Australian rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients to see if they can corroborate what is being discovered in the US, Europe and Asia.

They will identify the extent of gastrointestinal dysbiosis and the presence

THE NURSE NEXT DOOR

of any bacterial species that have so far been correlated with RA onset, progression and disease activity and assess if select bacterial species can successfully correct gut dysbiosis.

RA is one of the most widespread chronic diseases with 500,000 sufferers in Australia. Early diagnosis can substantially slow progression of joint damage in up to 90 per cent of patients.

The optimal management of RA is needed within 3-6 months after onset of the disease giving a narrow window of

WHEN a 2021 survey found that 7 in 10 Australians prefer to receive care in their own home, Emma and Cam O’Brien decided that they could be part of making it possible.

Their Nurse Next Door Home Care Services has a philosophy they call Happier Ageing.

“Happier Ageing is empowering locals to keep living a life filled with possibility and stay in their own home on their own terms,” Emma says.

Cam grew up on the Sunshine Coast and says he would often help his mum deliver Meals on Wheels.

“I was always amazed at what the power of kindness could achieve, and it inspired me to want to help people,” he says. “Having lived experience with our own son we really care about people who may need some level of support.”

Cam, Emma and their growing team of caregivers and nurses, are passionate about making lives better and giving Sunshine Coast residents the chance to remain independent at home, and stay connected with their community, even if it means getting a little help.

Visit nursenextdoor.com.au or call 1300 600 247.

opportunity to achieve remission.

Servatus hopes to offer a means for those at risk of developing RA, to be identified early through the analysis of their gastrointestinal microbial species, and provide a therapeutic to possibly slow disease progression or induce remission before joint damage starts to occur.

Gastrointestinal microbes play a significant role in joint inflammation as they extensively interact with the immune system.

Visit servatus.com.au

Cataracts and Dry Eyes

WHIMSY WAITING AT 4 PAWS

NOT-for-profit 4 Paws Animal Rescue, run entirely by volunteers, provides refuge for homeless dogs and cats on the Sunshine Coast.

It cannot survive without foster families who take in animals, giving them unconditional love, training, nursing, and rehabilitation so that they are ready for adoption.

Meet Whimsy who needs a new home urgently.

She arrived at 4 Paws Animal Rescue from the pound, so her exact age isn’t known but is believed to be about three.

Smoochy and friendly, she needs a caring, loving home, preferably with no small children. All 4 Paws animals are vet checked, microchipped, wormed, flea treated and de-sexed.

If you have a home for Whimsy, visit 4pawsanimalrescue.org.au

OF THE MONTH

THE benefits of pet ownership are well recognised and there are pets who need owners too. The Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge, established in 1979 to provide temporary refuge and find new homes for abandoned, abused, stray and unwanted cats and dogs, this month introduces:

Buster is an 18-month-old Ragdoll x domestic shorthair.

This friendly boy loves to snuggle and is looking for a home that will include him in the family, preferably with no other cats or dogs.

Buster has had outside access in his previous life and would love a home with a cat run to allow him to feel the breeze in his fur. Adopt him for $49.

Nitro is an 8.5 year old male English Staffordshire Terrier.

He loves his walks, toys and being around people. He is also house trained.

Nitro would prefer to be your only pet. Adopt him for $350

All cats and dogs are vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, desexed, microchipped and medically treated if necessary. The refuge at Sippy Creek Road, Tanawha (adjacent to the Council Pound) is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm. If you’d like to adopt call 5494 5275, email office@sippycreek.com.au or find more details at sippycreek.com.au

Nothing could be more priceless than… YOUR LIFE STORY, TOLD IN YOUR VERY OWN WORDS

A priceless experience it is, to have your very own professional, personal writer visit your home to take you ‘down memory lane’ and compose your memoir… your life story, for you.

All you have to do is talk, and your writer will be by your side every step of the way, making record of your unique life of joys, challenges, adventures and achievements.

Your talented and empathetic writer will open the door to your heart, to let your story come to life.

If you choose to, you may also have a special video recording taken with you speaking directly to the ones you love the most. Our clients absolutely love their videos.

Come and enjoy this priceless, once-in-a-lifetime experience!

IF WE DON’T SHARE OUR STORY TODAY… T OMORROW IT IS LOST, FOREVER!

www.yourlifeyourwords.com.au

NEIL Graham enjoys cycling so much, it’s not unusual for him to take a flight to another state and cycle home.

The sports celebrity of Amber by Living Gems in Logan Village, Neil has been cycling since he was a boy and now, at 89, is unstoppable.

“Something just seemed to click when I got on my first bike at the age of eight,” he says. “It was my dad’s bike. I think it was the feeling of freedom, together with the euphoria and the wind on my face.”

Although Neil has been cycling and competing for decades, he didn’t do his first long-distance ride until 49, when he and a friend flew to Adelaide to cycle back to Melbourne together.

Neil caught the competitive bug and started entering long-distance races.

“My first win was as a 15-year-old amateur, when I won an Aggregate Trophy with the Brunswick Cycle Club in Victoria in 1948,” he says. “But my main success was in a three-day tour with the Northern Vets Cycle Club in Victoria.”

Between 1980 and 1990, he rode the

145km Great Otway Bike Ride every year and has cycled from Melbourne to Sydney return six times.

Neil hopes to inspire more Living Gems residents to start cycling and have a lust for an active life regardless of age.

“I consider myself to have more enthusiasm than ability,” he says.

New high-quality homes with a range of top-notch standard inclusions are now selling at Amber by Living Gems over-50s lifestyle resort, including several move-inready homes. It is a secure, gated environment with premium recreational facilities.

Visit livinggems.com.au/amber or call 1800 317 381.

ENJOY “ME” TIME WITH SUNCARE

Nambour centre, to art and craft at the Kawana Forest activity centre in Meridan Plains, there is always something to do.

Outings that leave from Kawana Forest Meeting Place can also be enjoyed on Monday and Wednesday. Whether it is an early morning walk followed by breakfast or a shopping trip and lunch at North Lakes, outings change weekly and bookings are always welcome.

WHEN Matt Booth bought a home in Stockland’s Halcyon Promenade community at Burpengary, he bought security and happiness for his wife, Marion.

He says he hoped the over-50s, masterplanned and gated community would be somewhere his wife would love to live.

The retired hairdresser has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer and he needed to know his wife wouldn’t be lonely.

“I wanted a place Marion would be surrounded by a community of people her age,” he says.

“I’m not going to be around forever so that was my main motivation to buy into Halcyon.”

The local Moreton Bay Regional councillor, who also happens to be their son Mark, recommended the Halcyon community just down the road from their Burpengary East home.

He particularly liked that visitors could park inside the gated community in the driveways of friends and family they were visiting.

The couple’s house is the second to be built at the Burpengary site and they hope to move in around May next year.

They’ve already met and befriended their neighbour Maureen and made friends with several other couples in the street after attending the regular social catchups.

“We know the neighbours and we’ve got a little social club going,” Matt says.

Marion is excited to have a spare room to set up as a sewing station and is also pleased with the multi-purpose room.

“We like the idea of having lots of company,” Marion says. “I’m looking forward to doing water aerobics, a little gym and joining the community craft group.”

Visit stockland.com.au/halcyoncommunities/Halcyon-Promenade

BOUTIQUE APPROACH REDEFINES RETIREMENT

WHEN Mark Bindon and Franco De Pasquale founded the Oak Tree Group in 2004, they didn’t set out to be the biggest, but to be the best in boutique, independent senior living.

activities, and recreational facilities.”

Fostering a friendly village atmosphere is at the heart of everything Oak Tree does.

ONE of the joys of aging is having more time for yourself – no more rushing to work or getting kids off to school.

Suncare recognises the importance of staying active and in touch with others; making new friends and trying new interests.

Their activity centres on the Sunshine Coast have something for everyone.

From Ageless Grace, a gentle, seated exercise program set to music at Suncare’s

Social activity groups also include sewing, art, and mahjong at the Buddina activity centre. “It’s so good meeting new people who become friends over a game of mahjong and a cuppa” says Jenny. “It’s much better than sitting at home watching telly, although that does have a place too.”

According to its 2022 customer experience survey, customers appreciate how Suncare’s services have helped them maintain an independent and social lifestyle.

Call Suncare 1800 786 227.

Almost 20 years later and with 31 locations on the east coast from Cairns to Tasmania, the motivation is the same – to provide seniors with relaxed, secure, lower maintenance retirement options.

“Oak Tree villages offer quality and stylishly built homes with modern conveniences, ensuring residents are not compromising on home comfort and quality, but are upgrading their lifestyle to an all-inclusive experience,” Mark says.

“Oak Tree villas also come complete with maintenance services, social

With like-minded people who genuinely love their community and embrace their neighbours; and shared facilities and activities that make it easy to meet new people, residents can keep their social calendars as full as they choose.

Oak Tree villages are smaller in scale –an intentional decision to help encourage a closer-knit community environment where residents can form friendships easily and feel a sense of security, while continuing to live independently with privacy.

Call 1300 367 155, or visit the Oak Tree village at 1 Boat Shed Way, Pelican Waters.

DOWNSIZING TO AN EASIER LIFE

THE big decision to downsize and move into a new home at GemLife Palmwoods over-50s lifestyle resort was anything but difficult for Brian and Pauline Ray, who moved from a large home on acreage on the outskirts of Maleny.

“We knew the time was right and although we had amassed more than our fair share of possessions and faced a big job to get rid of everything, we were also keen to break away from the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of a big property,” Brian said.

“We had extensive hillside gardens which I worked on each and every day and I just didn’t want to do it anymore.”

Married for 27 years with five children and nine grandchildren between them, the couple found their family were more sceptical about them downsizing into an over-50s lifestyle resort than Brian and Pauline themselves.

“Our children were taken aback at first when we told them. They didn’t think I would adapt to the lifestyle on offer, but I can tell you now, after just three months in our new home, I’ve taken to it like a duck to water,” Brian said.

Pauline has noticed a big change in Brian already, saying he is much more relaxed and with no maintenance, lawns and garden chores has the freedom to do whatever he wants.

“There is plenty to do at GemLife,” she said.

Other GemLife resorts on the Sunshine Coast include GemLife Pacific Paradise and GemLife Maroochy Quays. All offer premium recreational facilities and beautifully designed, low maintenance homes created exclusively for over 50s.

Visit gemlife.com.au or call 1800 317

Do you really want the grandchildren to inherit?

Consider this scenario: You have two children – Child A and Child B.

Child A has one child (your grandchild).

You give your estate equally to Child A and Child B in your Will.

If Child A dies before you, your grandchild will automatically receive Child A’s half of your estate unless there is a contrary intention clearly expressed in your Will.

This is due to section 33N of the Succession Act 1981 (QLD).

Giving half of your estate to your grandchild might reflect your intentions. But what if it doesn’t? You may not get on with the grandchild. Your preference may be for Child B to receive the entire estate if Child A dies before you.

It’s important that you carefully document your intentions in your Will so as not to get caught out by automatic gifting rules such as section 33N.

With the ageing population and people of advanced years making Wills, we are also seeing an increase in clients intentionally ‘skipping’ their children (who are at retirement age) and gifting the estate to the next generation. The issues to consider regarding this ‘trend’ is the subject of another article.

Non-operative ways to treat pain

Before recommending surgery to someone suffering with hip or knee osteoarthritis, I recommend exhausting all non-operative methods of treatment first. These include physiotherapy, weight management, lifestyle modification, medication and, potentially, injection therapy.

Visit a physiotherapist for range-ofmotion and strengthening exercises for managing the symptoms of joint pain.

Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is vitally important. Ask your GP to check your BMI and suggest effective methods of weight loss if necessary.

It is important to modify the activities you perform if you suffer from joint pain. Choose low-impact activities such as walking, swimming and cycling.

A good medication for joint pain is Panadol Osteo (or equivalent), but always check with your GP before commencing, particularly if you have liver disease. There are also injections available to help treat joint osteoarthritis. These can be discussed at the Sunshine Coast Injection Clinic.

Being educated about your condition is important. Consult an orthopaedic surgeon about the best course of treatment for you or attend one of our knee patient education seminars.

The importance of breast screening

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in Australia, and will affect around 1 in 8 women in their lifetime. It accounts for over a quarter of all cancer diagnoses in women.

The majority of breast cancers, if detected at an early stage, are highly curable and have an excellent prognosis.

Unfortunately, when breast cancer is detected at later stages, there is a significant drop-off on survival, despite great advances in management.

Robust screening programs exist throughout Australia to detect breast cancer at an early stage.

Mammogram and ultrasound screening is advised for all women between the ages of 50-74. Screening is effective, and is an essential part of women’s health checks. Early detection through screening ultimately saves lives.

Self-examination also has an important part to play in early detection.

If you have any concerning symptoms – a new breast or arm pit lump, pain, swelling or redness, changes to the nipple or nipple discharge – get in contact with your GP to book an examination and further investigation.

If you have a family history of breast cancer, have a discussion with your GP about how this affects recommendations for screening and surveillance.

SUNSHINE COAST UNIVERSITY PRIVATE HOSPITAL

DR BRENTON SEIDL MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST SUNSHINE COAST HAEMATOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY CLINIC 10 KING STREET, BUDERIM 5479 0000, SCHOC.COM.AU

KABARET CRACKER COMES TO COOLUM

A KABARET that is loud, proud and in your face is being presented by the Coolum Theatre Players this month.

Les Femmes Sur La Mer weaves a tale of life that is funny, sassy, sexy, stylised, raw, and sharp, of an honest journey of life exploration. Described as a white-knuckle roller-coaster with “lighter” moments thrown in to balance the bitter-sweet, raw, real, sad and poignant, and it’s all held together by the universal glue – humour.

As time hurtles towards the first 25 years of the 21st century it can seem as if life itself is in a state of flux. Director Simon Denver said the show explores this flux from a female perspective, theatrically examining the role of women in modern day society.

Coolum Civic Centre, Park St, April 14-15, 21-22, 7.30pm; April 16, 23, 2pm. Bookings coolumtheatre.com.au or White Tigress & Co. More 0415 421 045

DON’T MISS EASTER FAIR

THE annual Buderim Easter Fair returns to the Buderim War Memorial Hall, Library and Craft Cottage. Hosted by Buderim Craft Cottage, Buderim Lions and Buderim Library, the Easter fair has been held for more than 40 years. Buderim Craft Cottage will present handcrafted creations from their art and craft group members –including pottery, paintings, silver jewellery, patchwork, and calligraphy.

MAROOCHYDORE JOINS INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY

THE Jazz and Blues Collective will join International Jazz Day celebrations with guests the Hot Peppers Swing Jazz Band.

Love songs, marches, blues, extraordinary harmonics, and passion are the hallmark elements of the band.

Millwell Road Community Centre, Maroochydore. April 30. Doors open 1pm. Music 1.30pm-4pm.

Tickets $26, Seniors $24. Bookings ticketebo.com.au/jazz-bluescollective. Call Graeme 0417 633 734.

Tasty treats and cuppas will be served.

Buderim Library book sale offers pre-loved books for all ages while in the hall and grounds, Buderim Lions has market stalls for hire.

Supervised parking is available for $2 at signed locations, with all proceeds going back to the community.

Buderim War Memorial Hall and Buderim Craft Cottage, 3-5 Main St, Buderim. April 8, 8am-2pm. Entry free

EXHIBITION WEAVES MAGIC

THERE will be looms for visitors to try at an exhibition titled Sentience in the Natural World by hand weaver, Suzy Furness.

Woven artworks in the exhibition explore how our sentience (senses and feelings) is affected when we spend time in a bushland setting. There will be two beginner workshops d.

Art and Ecology Centre, Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden, Palm Creek Road, Tanawha. April 17-May 1, 10am-2pm daily (closed Anzac Day). Visit Addicted Weaver on Facebook.

AUTUMN GIFT IDEAS AT CRAFT FAIR

THE Sunshine Coast Arts and Crafts group’s popular Autumn Fair is coming up at the end of the month, when members will showcase their art and craft skills in time for Mother’s Day gift ideas. Beautiful handmade items will be on sale and raffles will be drawn over the weekend while an onsite café will be serving treats. The group has been supporting local craftspeople for almost 40 years.

Montville Village Hall. April 29-30, from 9am. Admission free

BOOK NOW FOR A LAUGH

REHEARSALS are continuing for the next BATS production, Our Perfect Home, written and directed by award-winning playwright Bruce Olive.

Vicky Gray is a free-spirited real estate agent selling peaceful and private rural retreats (just don’t mention the rat infestation). Meet first home buyers, real estate agents, neighbours, a builder, an Italian mamma and even a ghost, in this comedy about finding a home.

There’s table seating and the Belfry Bar and kitchen will be open Buderim War Memorial Hall, Cnr. Main and Church St, Buderim. April 21-22, 28-29, 7.30pm; April 22 and 29, 2pm. Tickets $30, concessions $26. Bookings batstheatre.com or call Alice 0427 856 680.

A WALK INTO H ISTORY

AS PART of the Heritage Festival 2023, Caloundra Family History Research with National Trust Queensland, are conducting historic walking tours of Bulcock Street and Bulcock Beach.

The Bulcock Street Walks cover Caloundra’s growth since Robert Bulcock Snr. bought land in 1875.

Bulcock St Walk – April 15, 22; May 6, 13, 9.30-10.15am. Bulcock Beach Walk – April 15, 22; May 6, 13, 2-2,45pm. Sign up at caloundrafamilyhistory.org.au

The WORLD in Your Hands Travel in Your Time

Cruise industry sails back into the world’s waters

Ocean cruising is back, cheaper and safer than ever. Retired journalist, now travel writer PAUL HUGHES outlines the many good reasons for why it’s hard to go past booking a cruise.

One reason we like cruising is that there is minimal stress.

Once booked, your most challenging decision is what foods and activities you want to experience. Like most pensioners, our other key reason is that cruising is probably the best overall “value holiday” option anywhere in the world.

Where in Australia can you find a fully-serviced two-person holiday bed-sitter overlooking the water for $160 a night?

while sitting in a hot spa, then had breakfast and dozed for a while on one of the many lounges.

Other days we were spoilt with breakfast in our stateroom, or caught up with friends in one of the dining rooms. Therein lies another bonus.

My wife and I always enjoy cruising, especially as it’s probably the most economical and stress-free way to travel.

We’ve cruised quite extensively, including a 10-day cruise through the Baltic in late 2019 and then a 10-day relocation cruise from Vancouver to Hawaii. Then Covid hit Australia and the world! Apart from its massive health impacts, the pandemic stopped the cruise industry “dead in the water” and almost two million employees lost their job.

Tens of thousands of businesses that relied on cruise companies and tourists also collapsed.

Many of the 30 million people who cruised in 2019 felt they had lost their second home.

There was a two-year crisis in many industries, especially cruising, until late last year when the world finally reopened to travel. Like many other Baby Boomers we were extremely hesitant to put our toes back on a ship.

Uncertain about travel in the northern hemisphere, we finally took the plunge

and cruised to the South Pacific Islands last November and again in January this year.

We can happily say cruising is back and, in many ways, it’s safer, cheaper and better than ever.

Currently you cannot cruise unless you are fully vaccinated and have a negative PCR test within 24 hours of boarding. Positive health changes include hand sanitisers spread extensively throughout the ship and, unlike many places on land, they all worked.

It’s compulsory to use a new handwashing facility to enter the main dining area, with a costumed staffer reminding everyone to “washy washy”.

Rather than squashing around the lifeboats for a 20-minute safety briefing, this was completed online with a twominute, one-on-one check-in.

Staff constantly cleaned public surfaces and all staff had the option of wearing masks.

And there’s a fully-staffed medical centre only a few minutes away for any emergency, which is much quicker than calling an ambulance at home.

Our recent 10-day cruise from Brisbane to several tropical islands was less than $80 a day each for a balcony stateroom.

That included all transport; quality serviced accommodation; delicious all-we-could-eat high-quality food on tap all day; recent release movies and amazing live shows.

There were fabulous pools and spas; a casino; bargain shopping and dozens of different adult activities ranging from Zumba and other exercise sessions to trivia, games, puzzles, classes, and a library.

Then there’s the sports activities to suit all ages. The onboard entertainment is as good as you will find in most theatres around the world.

One live show we loved was Jason Singh’s Heaven’s Greatest Hits, which is playing at the Sydney Opera House on April 24. While all these activities and events might seem hectic, cruising is where you can do everything at your own pace, joining in when you choose, or just relaxing.

Some days we watched the sun rise

You can choose to dine with “singles” groups if you are unattached; as a couple if you’re seeking romantic time together; at a set table with friends or strangers, forging new relationships; or randomly with different people each night.

In addition to all this, we spent three wonderful days in Vanuatu and Noumea

If you’ve never cruised before, it’s worth taking a look at a cruise option that might suit you.

Australia’s great weather means cruises operate year-round, with a peak from early Spring until late Autumn.

While half a dozen major cruise companies operate from Brisbane’s international cruise terminal, we prefer Royal Caribbean. It has the world’s biggest ships, above average food and more entertainment and activities.

Finally, unless you’re travelling with kids or grandkids, we suggest you book outside school holidays and perhaps not on the Disney cruises that start this December.

Paul and Vi Hughes launched a website in 2008 to help others experience better travel. Visit holidaydestinations.au

Lake Eyre Flight Adventure - 2 Days

Tweed Cruise, Waterfall Way, Pt Macquarie, Coffs

Longreach, Winton, Cloncurry, Mt Isa

Taste of the Top End – Darwin, Tiwi Isl, Kakadu

Childers Festival & Whale Watching

Classic Country Gold - QPAC

Sinclair 18th Birthday Lunch

Mamma Mia - QPAC

Tangalooma - 3 Days

Lightning Ridge, Cobar, Bourke, Broken Hill

Up the Murray River Tour

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers 3 days

Cross the Nullarbor to Perth (and beyond!)

Highlights of Japan - 10 Days

There’s never a dull moment on board and, inset, Quantum’s adult pool.

Jason Singh performs on a cruise and then heads to the Opera House

NORFOLK ISLAND DISCOVERY TOUR

DISCOVER THE OUTBACK’S TREASURES THE EASY WAY

ACCOUNTING for two-thirds of the state, Outback Queensland is big skies and wide, open spaces packed with history and adventure – and it’s right in our own backyard.

Some areas are household names, others are little out of the way places with big appeal and often the old thing stopping you getting out to see them are the vast distances along the way.

Paul Brockhurst of CT Travel has solved that problem with an Outback to Coast tour for 10 days from June 23, that includes the big ticket items as well as little treasures; famous names and obscure history.

“Outback Queensland has always been a place for the adventurous, independent, and inventive people to create a life far from the city,” he says. “It’s not hard to see how the lifestyle shaped our outback characters.”

There’s a lot of ground to cover, literally, so the tour begins with a flight to Mount Isa, then returns more than 2000km overland from the outback back to the coast in a luxury coach.

At the Outback at Isa complex, head underground on the thrilling Hard Times mine tour. John Flynn Place Museum and Art Gallery in Cloncurry is a tribute to the Royal Flying Doctor Service which began there in 1928.

There’s the tiny settlement of Mackinlay with its population of about 20, and Crocodile Dundee’s Walkabout Creek Hotel.

Pass through the home of dinosaurs and see the largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils.

Winton’s Waltzing Matilda Centre is the only museum in the world dedicated to a song.

At Nogo Station near Longreach, board a doubledecker coach for a tour of the vast plains.

Get to know Australia’s most famous cattle duffer Harry Redford – Captain

Experience THE BEST THIS COUNTRY has to Offer

TRAVEL CT

Coolum Tours & Travel

SENIOR COACH TOURS

INCLUDING:

5 Star Coach Travel

All Accommodation

Tours and Entry Fees

All Dinners & Breakfasts

Most Lunches

Home Pickup & Return*

2023 Tour Program

APRIL 2023

SEPTEMBER 2023

Carnarvon Gorge & Wallaroo (7 Days)

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (4 Days)

JUNE 2023

Spring Gardens Tour (12 Days)

Red Centre - Adelaide to Darwin (18 Days)

OCTOBER 2023

Queensland Savannah (12 Days)

Bookings

FEBRUARY 2023

Gold Coast - Northern Rivers Escape (4 Days)

King Island (4 Days)

JUNE 2023

Murray River & Kangaroo Island (11 Days)

Red Centre - Adelaide to Darwin (18 Days)

MARCH 2023

Outback Queensland to Coast (10 Days)

Fraser Island Explorer (4 Days)

JULY 2023

O’Reillys Escape (4 Days)

Carnarvon Gorge & Wallaroo (7 Days)

APRIL 2023

AUGUST 2023

2023 Autumn Tour (9 Days)

O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat (4 Days)

High Country to Murray Delta (11 Days)

Fraser Coast inc Lady Musgrave Island ( 5 Days )

JULY 2023

NOVEMBER 2023

Carnarvon Gorge & Wallaroo (7 Days)

PHONE (07) 5391 1648

M 0409 278 971

AUGUST 2023

NSW Central Coast & Blue Mountains (10 Days)

O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat (4 Days)

2024 Preview

Carnarvon Gorge & Wallaroo (7 Days)

MARCH: Norfolk Island (9 Days)

Lightning Ridge (7 Days)

E tours@cttravel.com.au

MAY 2023

Carnarvon Gorge & Wallaroo (7 Days)

Lightning Ridge (7 Days)

Norfolk Island (9 Days)

Fraser Island Whale Watch (4 Days)

Fraser Island Whale Watch (4 Days)

APRIL: Great Ocean Road ( 12 Days)

JUNE: SW Outback to Coast (12 Days)

SEPTEMBER 2023

NQ Coast Run - Townsville to Port Douglas

Carnarvon Gorge & Wallaroo (7 Days)

JULY: NQ Savannah Way ( 12 Days )

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (4 Days)

SEPT / OCT: Darling R Run (10

Spring Gardens Tour (12 Days)

Flinders Rangers (10 Days)

For more detailed itinerary information on any of these tours, please visit our website: www.cttravel.com.au

Starlight. And any trip to Longreach must include a visit to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Museum and a dinner cruise on the Thompson River.

Barcaldine has the Australian Worker’s Heritage Centre; Alpha is the “gateway to the West”; and Emerald has the Centenary of Federation Mosaic Pathway and the 25m Van Gogh Sunflower.

Head to the coast to see Rockhampton’s Capricorn Caves, and the port of Gladstone,.

“There’s so much to see on this tour,” Paul says. “Some are places we have all heard about and some will come as a surprise.”

For a shorter adventure, seven-day escapes to Carnarvon Gorge and Wallaroo leave on July 17, August 7 and September 4.

After a visit to the famous Roma saleyards, stay at the Wallaroo Outback Retreat. Capturing the magnificent scenery of the Carnarvon Ranges it is the perfect base for day trips to the spectacular Carnarvon Gorge National Park.

For more Outback adventure, try your luck looking for opal on a seven-day tour to Lightning Ridge, departing August 17.

Full itineraries and other tours can be found on the CT Travel website. Visit cttravel.com.au or call 5391 1648.

ESCAPE AND EXPLORE

COASTAL Variety Tours has planned a four-day escape to the Gold Coast and Byron Bay region.

The tour combines spectacular ocean views and the rainforest of the Gold Coast hinterland.

Seaworld’s evening dinner cruise includes great food and entertainment while cruising past the skyline and landmarks of the Gold Coast Broadwater.

Other tour highlights include Mt Tamborine’s botanic gardens, the Gallery Walk, wine tasting and glow worm caves at Cedar Creek estate, lunch at Tropical Fruit World, the Margaret Olley Art Centre and Tweed Regional gallery.

In the Byron Bay Region see the world’s first solar train, Cape Byron lighthouse, Lennox Heads and the hinterland village of Bangalow.

Accommodation is at the 5-star Meriton Suites Southport.

Call 5530 2363 or 0408 727 687.

SENIOR COACH TOURS

CALL

GOLD COAST, BYRON BAY, MT. TAMBORINE & NORTHERN RIVERS

FARE INCLUDES: Meriton Suites Southport, All Dinners, Breakfasts, All Admissions and Touring, Four Winds Revolving Restaurant, Gold Coast Dinner Cruise, Tropical Fruit Word Lunch, Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre, Byron Bay Light House, Byron Solar Train, Cedar Creek Estate Winery and Glow Worms, Botanic Gardens, Gallery Walk.

PICKUP AND RETURN:

Brisbane, Redcliffe, Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Sunshine Coast, Bribie Island and Caboolture.

4 DAY TOUR: 28th - 31st May, 2023 or 4th - 7th June, 2023.

HERVEY BAY WHALE WATCHING, MARY VALLEY RATTLER & AUSTRALIA ZOO

FARE INCLUDES:

Good Motel Accommodation, Breakfast & Dinners.

ALL ADMISSIONS:

Australia Zoo, Hervey Bay Whale

Watching Cruise, Mary Valley Rattler Heritage Railway, Childers

Tour - Old Pharmacy Heritage Centre, Brennan and Geraghty’s Store Museum.

PICKUP AND RETURN:

Brisbane, Redcliffe, Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Sunshine Coast, Bribie Island and Caboolture.

4 DAY TOUR: 31st Aug - 3rd Sept, 2023.

OUTBACK QLD AND TOWNSVILLE, MAGNETIC ISLAND, WHITSUNDAYS, HAMILTON ISLAND

CHARLEVILLE, LONGREACH, WINTON, CHARTERS TOWNS, TOWNSVILLE, AIRLIE BEACH, TOWN OF 1770

FARE INCLUDES: Motel Accommodation and All Breakfasts and Dinners, All Admissions and Touring - Charleville Bilby Experience, Longreach Hall of Fame, Qantas Museum, Thompson River Sunset - dinner and show, Winton Age of Dinosaurs, Royal Open Air Theatre, Historic North Gregory Hotel, Charters Towers Venus Gold Battery, Townsville tour, Magnetic Island, Whitsunday cruise Hamilton Island, Town of 1770.

PICKUP AND RETURN: Brisbane, Redcliffe, Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Sunshine Coast, Bribie Island and Caboolture.

13 DAY TOUR:

8th - 20th June, 2023.

$1,450 p.p. twin share (inc. GST) $1,450 p.p. twin share (inc. GST) $3,300 p.p. twin share (inc. GST)

COASTAL VARIETY TOURS 0408 727 687 or 0419 668 311

LOVE, OIL AND THE FORTUNES OF WAR

By Paul Ashford Harris

Reviewed by Jan Kent

THIS tale rolls from London to Australia to Persia and cleverly weaves real-life characters into historical events leading up to World War I.

Each chapter names the location, which goes some way to assisting the story being told from different characters’ perspectives. The three protagonists vary in outlook, experience and background but have a commonality of passion and eccentricity. As the story unfolds, the reader is drawn into wondering how these diverse people could be connected.

Harris contrives this masterfully. Gertrude Bell is an unconventional archaeologist involved in the quest for oil discovery in Persia. It’s led by William Darcy, a shady Queensland businessman, to fuel the British Navy’s submarine fleet, led by Jacky Fisher, in its attempt to conquer that of Germany.

What makes this novel intriguing is the way the author has brought real events and personalities to life.

ATALANTA

By Jennifer Saint

A LITTLE LIFE

By Hanya Yanagihara

Reviewed

Jo Bourke

by

THIS sat in my bookcase for months before I dared to start reading. It had been given to me with a warning that it would pull me into its poignant story and that the characters would live with me forever. Totally true!

Hanya Yanagihara has written a haunting and emotionally devastating novel that is not for the faint of heart. The book follows the lives of four friends – Jude, Willem, Malcolm, and JB – as they navigate their way through life in New York City.

At the centre of the novel is Jude, a brilliant and enigmatic lawyer with a painful and traumatic past that haunts him throughout the book.

The novel is over 700 pages long, and at times I nearly gave up due to the painstaking detail which seemed to slow the flow towards the climax. But Yanagihara’s prose captures the beauty and brutality of life with equal measure. She has a remarkable ability to bring her characters to life, to make them feel real and flawed and human. She dares us to look at our own frailties.

Reviewed by Annie Grossman, Annie’s Books on Peregian

NOVELS set in the world of Greek mythology are growing in popularity, resulting in quite a crowded genre; but there are a number of good ones to enjoy.

Atalanta, who features in this new novel, is a lesser-known character. Some texts say she was the only woman on the voyage of the Argo with Jason and his crew

2GO Clear-Space !!

of heroes. However, the story of Jason and the Argonauts here is familiar – one of the greatest adventure stories of all time, and very well told by Jennifer Saint. Atalanta fits seamlessly into the Argo’s crew of strong, heroic men, who grudgingly come to realise that she is as much a hero as any one of them – strong at the oar, swift of foot and with surprising and enviable bravery.

Atalanta, after being abandoned in the woods as a baby and rescued by a mother bear, was rescued by the goddess Artemis. She was raised in an all-female community in the forest until one day she was instructed to join Jason’s crew and go in search of the fabled Golden Fleece. Excitement and escapism awaits in the pages of this book.

Rubbish and Clutter Cleared

Our specialist rubbish removal service, takes away redundant, dis-used, obsolete and worn-out furniture and white goods... beds, mattresses, lounges, fridges etc. Can be one item or several from both low-set and high-rise residence to CLEAR-SPACE !!

BETTER OFF DEAD

By Lee Child and Andrew Child

Reviewed by John Kleinschmidt

THE Lee Child “Reacher” novels have a huge following and always provide a good read.

Better Off Dead is co-written with his younger brother Andrew, an accomplished author in his own right.

In my opinion you can notice a difference in writing style, more descriptive, particularly with characters and locations, sometimes unnecessarily lengthy.

Reacher is not quite as aggressive and assertive in the fights he has against far superior numbers or as innovative in extricating himself from trouble.

The story line is as good as most of the Reacher books but I felt Reacher lost a little of his macho charisma this time around. Still entertaining and a very easy read.

WILLOWMAN

By Inge Simpson

Reviewed by Graeme Bowden. The Bookshop of Caloundra

WILLOWMAN follows the lives of two main characters – Allan Reader, the cricket bat maker, and Todd Harrow, the aspiring Test cricket player. But it is much more than that.

It is also about the people who surround the two, particularly, in my opinion, Allan’s daughter Katie and Liv, Todd’s sister.

Inge has a real gift of being able to bring all of her characters to life and have you share in their difficulties and simple triumphs.

We have loved her writing since Mr Wigg in 2013.

This is a beautifully told story with many different aspects to enjoy, such as Allan’s friend Graeme, the musician.

HOMECOMING

by Kate Morton

Reviewed by Lea Dodd, of Rosetta Books Maleny

she slowly discovers her family connection to the tragedy.

AN intriguing mystery spanning generations, Kate Morton’s much-anticipated novel is well worth the wait. Morton transports us between the tragic death of a woman and her children in 1959, and the return of journalist Jess to Australia from London in 2018, as

Security, Independence & Peace of Mind

Morton artfully weaves together dual time periods and plotlines without compromising the reader’s connections with any of the characters. While not as gothic as some of her books I’ve loved, typical of Morton’s style the Adelaide mansions are characters in their own right.

This is a long read but the twists and turns and evocative writing will sweep you along until the surprising end.

With Quizmaster Allan Blackburn

1. In a standard game of Yahtzee, how many dice are thrown each time?

2. What is a female seal called?

3. What is the national airline of New Zealand?

4. What is the closest distance from Brisbane to Sydney by the Pacific Highway: 788km, 910km, 1096km?

5. Which of the human senses can be umami?

6. The Great Sphinx of Giza has the body of which animal?

7. What is the English meaning of the Spanish phrase, “muchas gracias”?

8. Houses called Gryffindor and Ravenclaw feature in what book series?

9. Which iconic bridge is known as The Coathanger?

10. How many summer solstices would a person born in January 1980 have experienced to date?

11. What kind of living thing is a godwit?

12. In which Hitchcock thriller was Norman Bates a main character?

13. In what year did the USA enter World War II?

14. What is the collective noun for a group of kangaroos?

15. What is the first given name of the woman who became First Lady of the USA in 2021?

16. Colloquially, what part of the human body are “tootsies”?

17. Which of these is a gourd: rockmelon, mango, banana?

18. Clare Stewart was elected mayor of what south-east Queensland region in 2020?

19. What university degree is abbreviated to DD?

20. Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth were the first Europeans to cross what mountains in 1813?

deep, depress, despise, despised, dips, disperse, DISPERSED, drip, drips, espied, espies, peer, peers, pied, pier, preside, presided, presides, press, pressed, pride, prided, prides, pried, pries, prise, prised, prises, ripe, rips, seep, seeps, sips, sped, speed, speeds, spider, spied, spies, spire, spree

1. Five; 2. Cow; 3. Air New Zealand; 4. 910km; 5. Taste; 6. Lion; 7. Thank you very much; 8. Harry Potter;

9. Sydney Harbour Bridge; 10. 43; 11. Bird; 12. Psycho; 13. 1941; 14. Mob; 15. Jill; 16. Feet; 17. Rockmelon;

18. Noosa; 19. Doctor of Divinity; 20. Blue Mountains.

Across

1 Section of hipbone is found east of watering hole(5)

4 He notices promiscuous woman with an advantage(4,5)

9 Church leader taking possession of a powerful generator(7)

10 Very big pole is put back inside labyrinth(3-4)

11 Dog trainer is not right about a preliminary event(7,6)

14 Sound made by bird in bad condition(4)

15 Crim dates doctored employment records(9)

18 Record metal spread around a harbour(9)

19 Trade show is open(4)

21 Fibro pads cobbled together by discerning person with no permanent home(4,2,7)

24 Help erred badly with ship in tow(7)

26 Give up desk not completely put together(7)

27 Some organised time inside main farm building(9)

28 Admissions of hospital especially, made-up stories(5)

Down

1 Bring up icing on the cake(4)

2 Be against involving an accountant(4,7)

3 Line of a union, trade union, maintained in firm(6)

4 Her table ordered a hot drink(6,3)

5 One gunning for promotion turned 25 wearing one?(5)

6 Ritual presentation affected nun’s case(3,5)

7 Black bird heads to area near India(3)

8 The old people getting up may be speculators(10)

12 Look into Murali’s bent delivery arm?(7,4)

13 Most of tribe, held up by father, resolved issue related to delivery(10)

16 Multifaceted characters from Disney worked in Round the Twist (4-5)

17 Religious leader from Rio mobbed by crowd(8)

20 Hound group behind a form of tax(6)

22 Approve drugs on the way out(5)

23 Experts abbreviated ordinary language(4)

25 Nuts served up with a container of water(3)

WORDFIND

QUICK CROSSWORD

No. 3697

9-LETTER WORD

S P

R E D

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

6 Examined (7)

7 Egyptian capital (5)

8 Designers of goods and structures (9)

9 Drop (4)

14 Artifice (9)

16 Incapable of being seen (9)

17 Port, formerly (8)

19 Disrobe (7)

22 Startle (5)

23 Web auction site (4)

25 Dough (5)

26 Food (4)

No. 069

Today’s Aim:

20 words: Good

30 words: Very good

Every row, column and 3x3 outlined square must contain the numbers 1 to 9 once each.

I S

41 words: Excellent D E

WORDSTEP

No. 069

Complete the list by changing one letter at a time to create a new word at each step. One possible answer shown below.

SWORD

CHASE

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters Pty LTD. pagemasters.com