Your Time Brisbane July 2015 by My Weekly Preview

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PARADISE LOST BURSTING THE BUBBLE

BRISBANE EDITION 4, JULY 2015

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love where you retire Sunshine Cove has captured the imagination of so many people looking to secure a more relaxed lifestyle. Couples looking to realise their dream of owning a home that’s surrounded by the things they love to do but without the high maintenance of a ‘big block’. Who needs a lawn to mow when you’re surrounded by 25 hectares of parklands and waterways, all interlinked by walking and bike pathways. Whether it’s a home with room for guests, a serene

waterfront terrace overlooking the lake or modern inner city park side townhouse, the range and variety of land options at Sunshine Cove helps you move forward in making the decision to build. And now with our Mackenzie Precinct land available for sale, there is even more reason to look right in the heart of Maroochydore for your perfect homesite. Our ﬁrst land release across the lake, Mackenzie brings even more variety with its waterfront blocks taking full advantage of stunning north facing aspects.

Likewise Mackenzie’s park side allotments offer tranquil views across its landscaped gardens and meandering walkways. Linking your home to the lake and the rest of the Sunshine Cove community facilities and vibrant Maroochy Boulevard. Making the best of our brilliant coastal lifestyle in the home of your own design isn’t a dream, it’s well within your reach at Sunshine Cove.

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Average Waterfront/Waterview $431,900. Average Dry/Park $235,000. Average House and Land $613,333. Prices are subject to availability and are subject to change without notice.

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Some other reasons youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love living at Sunshine Cove % Close to beaches, schools, new public hospital and superb shopping % Covenant protected planning to enhance your freehold, lifestyle investment % 25 hectares of lakes and landscaped parklands % Timber boardwalks, jetties, bike and pathways % An adventure playground and BBQ areas

Waterfront from $345,000 House and Land from $585,000

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Editor’s note

etiring offshore has been coming up a lot of late with stories of happy retirees heading off to a palm-lined paradise where the living is easy and cheap. It sounds idyllic and it probably is – for a while. I plead guilty to seeing myself retiring to some far-flung, exotic shore sipping cocktails before dinner on a beach as the sun sets, all for less than the weekly grocery bill at home. Then the bubble bursts and, having been an expat at various times of my life, I jolt back to reality. It’s not all that it seems. I followed with interest the exodus of British heading to retirement in the warmer climate of Spain, only a couple of hours away by air. They bought houses on various Costas and settled into what were essentially British enclaves, as few spoke the language. Within a decade though, many were heading home for health or family reasons.

Contents They missed their grandkids and friends and needed access to the kind of health services that become unavoidable as bodies start to wear out. The housing market plummeted and their Spanish villas were worth a fraction of what they had paid, if they could sell it at all. That was 2010 and it hasn’t improved. For Australians, heading to South-East Asia it’s a similar deal. Julie Lake investigates some of the big problems, such as property ownership laws, tax requirements, visas and currency, but there are also simple daily things that we take for granted, to consider. Power, wi-fi connection and clean water for example, may not be what you expect them to be, if you have them at all. In my experience, the biggest issue is loneliness. As much as you try, you never really belong. You miss family, neighbours, old friends and comfortable conversations in your own language. Once the novelty wears off, the exotic and romantic slowly but inexorably become alien to your spirit. It’s not to say it won’t work for you, it’s just presenting another side to the story.

5 COVER STORY 8 WHINE LOVERS 10 LETTERS 12 HISTORY 14 COMMUNITY NEWS 18 WEALTH

24 HEALTH 27 SOCIALS 30 WHAT’S ON 32 FOOD & WINE 34 MOTORING 36 TRAVEL 43 COMPUTERS 44 BOOK REVIEW 45 MEMORIES

46 PUZZLES

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COVER STORY

Paradise lost – bursting the bubble Growing numbers of retirees are exploring the option of heading offshore, but as JULIE LAKE reports, there’s a lot more to life as an expat in a foreign land than being a holidaymaker.

t all looks very alluring from a distance – retirement in a luxury condominium in a sun-drenched country where taxes and living costs are low, servants and golf fees are cheap and the pension goes much further than it does in Australia. Where a family can dine out for under $10 and life looks sweeter surrounded by a simpler, lessmaterialistic culture. “After years of hard work,” says one enthusiastic website promoting luxury

condominiums, “it makes sense to seek out new experiences and moving to a new country can offer you a valuable opportunity to pursue new interests and an exciting lifestyle”. There are many such websites promoting the benefits of retirement in places such as Bali, Thailand and Malaysia. Most are maintained by those with a vested interest in attracting the expatriate dollar, but there are also blogs written by expatriates full of

enthusiasm for their new home and willing to share useful information. From these and other sources, it appears that more Australians are choosing to retire offshore – a Centrelink spokesperson says about 700,000 Australian pensioners are living abroad, plus an unknown but undoubtedly larger number of selffunded retirees. It’s equally apparent that of those who leave, many return; usually within five to 10 years.

The reasons vary from concerns about crime and political instability, to a general frustration with dealing with an alien culture. But the main issues are health, finance and taxation, for there are many pitfalls facing retirees seeking an offshore paradise. And that’s not taking into account all the personal and emotional issues – missing grandchildren, neighbours and friends and retaining contact with aging relatives. Tim Garnett, 67, lived in Bangkok for several years as an expatriate with a large international company. He retains a great affection for Thailand and visits regularly – but he wouldn’t retire there. He cites the problems of property ownership, visa renewal and Thai bureaucracy as the main reasons. Foreigners buying condominiums should check their ownership status very carefully, he says, because some expatriates – and even some Thais – have lost money through being tied up in contracts they didn’t understand. “Thailand is still a pleasant place, but when you’re older you need security and certainty and I don’t think you get that to the degree that we do in Australia,” he says. Other Thailand veterans Bruce Wallace and Dee Kidd agree. Bruce, who worked in Bangkok for 17 years also decided against retiring there, and says there is a subtle prejudice against foreigners so “you never quite fit in”. More strongly, he speaks of an “undercurrent of evil” in Thai society with deep-rooted socio-political continued over>

July 2015 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 5

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COVER STORY <from previous page

problems that most expatriates just don’t see. His advice to anyone planning to retire there is: “Don’t. And if you do, don’t believe anything anyone tells you!” Dee, now living back in Brisbane, found life in a typical Chiang Mai expatriate condominium community incompatible but her attempts at voluntary work enjoyable, though frustrating due to the very different approach by Thais to issues such as insurance and workplace health and safety. “You want to make a difference, but it’s not easy,” she says. Several Thai provincial cities, notably Chiang Mai, have positioned themselves as retirement destinations for Australians and other expatriates, and some retirement complexes are developed for specific national groups. For instance, there is a condominium community of retired Swedes wryly referred to by one Aussie expat as “all Ikea and raw meatballs”. Thailand offers retiring expatriates a special visa, allowing multiple entry-exit travel that’s renewable annually in-country. To comply, you must have at least $32,350 in a Thai bank or $2630 monthly income or a combination of both (this amount is doubled for a couple). This deposit can be used during the year, but must be replenished three months in advance of visa renewal. Also required is a local police report to show you have no criminal record and a doctor’s certificate stating that

“Several countries in South-East Asia and the Pacific now compete for the retiree dollar although Thailand and Bali remain the top destinations” you are in reasonable health. The latter may be of particular concern if you have a chronic health condition. All this takes considerable negotiation and most expatriates employ specialist Thai legal firms to handle it for them, an added cost to take into consideration. Indonesia offers similar visa and retirement conditions, though negotiating with officialdom there is generally considered tougher than Thailand, and there are fewer reliable specialist legal firms available. Applicants must be 55 years or older and are required to submit a range of documents including a statement from an Australian pension fund foundation or bank of funds available, to a minimum of $19,400 a month; plus a statement of living accommodation to a minimum cost of $45,000 for a purchased house or apartment, or

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rental cost of $647 a month. All this must be accompanied by a statement declaring employment of an Indonesian maidservant. Extra costs include immigration fee and a sponsor letter from an appointed travel agency. The “retirement” visa costs between $490 and $685 and is extendable up to five years, after which you may apply for permanent residency. According to Indonesian Government sources, even on a retirement visa you will be required to pay Indonesian personal income tax of 35 per cent for annual incomes over a certain amount. Foreigners are not allowed to own land in either Thailand or Indonesia. In Thailand, all those glamorous and temptingly-priced condominiums are purchased on long leases; the land remains in Thai ownership. It’s the

same in Bali. Dentist Don Harvey “owns” a house in Bali which he had built, and which he uses on his periodic visits there and also rents out to holidaymakers. In fact his tenure is leasehold, with the resale value of the house determined by the length of time left on the lease. “After that you renegotiate the lease or just let it go back to the landowners,” he says, adding that with the comparatively cheap price of building and his return on holiday rentals, he’s quite satisfied with the deal. Despite optimistic reports by Indonesian-based realtors to the contrary, the Indonesian government is currently cracking down on ownership of land by foreigners. While the leasehold period may be extended to 60 years, buyers should be very wary indeed of so-called

WůĞĂƐĞ ĐĂůů ƵƐ ĨŽƌ ĨƵůů ŝƚŝŶĞƌĂƌǇ ĚĞƚĂŝůƐ WƌĞĨĞƌ ƚŽ ƚƌĂǀĞů ŝŶĚĞƉĞŶĚĞŶƚůǇ͍ Ăůů ƵƐ ĨŽƌ Ă ƋƵŽƚĞ

d ZD^ Θ KE /d/KE^ ΎWƌŝĐĞ ŝƐ ƉĞƌ ƉĞƌƐŽŶ dǁŝŶ ^ŚĂƌĞ ĨƵůůǇ ŝŶĐůƵƐŝǀĞ͘ ^ŝŶŐůĞ ^ƵƉƉůĞŵĞŶƚ ĂƉƉůŝĞƐ͘ ƌĞĚŝƚ ĐĂƌĚ ƐƵƌĐŚĂƌŐĞƐ ĂƉƉůǇ͘ ĞƉŽƐŝƚ ŽĨ h ΨϱϬϬͲΨϴϬϬ ƉĞƌ ƉĞƌƐŽŶ ŝƐ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ ƚŽ ƐĞĐƵƌĞ ƚŽƵƌ͘ dŽƵƌ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞƐ Ă ŵŝŶŝŵƵŵ ŶƵŵďĞƌ ŽĨ ƉĂƐƐĞŶŐĞƌƐ ƚŽ ĚĞƉĂƌƚ͘ WƌŝĐĞƐ ŵĂǇ ŇƵĐƚƵĂƚĞ ŝĨ ƐƵƌĐŚĂƌŐĞƐ͕ ĨĞĞ͕ ƚĂǆĞƐ Žƌ ĐƵƌƌĞŶĐǇ ĐŚĂŶŐĞ͘ WƌŝĐĞƐ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚ ĂƐ Ăƚ ϵ :ƵŶĞ ϮϬϭϱ͘ 'Ž ^ĞĞ dŽƵƌŝŶŐ WƚǇ >ƚĚ dͬ 'Ž ^ĞĞ dŽƵƌŝŶŐ DĞŵďĞƌ ŽĨ ,ĞůůŽǁŽƌůĚ Y> >ŝĐ EŽ͗ ϯϭϵϴϳϳϮ E͗ ϳϮϮϮϮϱϮϮϮϳϲ

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6 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / July 2015

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COVER STORY Convertible Lease agreements, deals involving Indonesian nominees or any other property “purchase”. The website expat.or.id/info/ buyingproperty has essential information for anyone intending to retire to Bali. Diana Hesse went to live in Bali six years ago to write a book after she was made redundant at the age of 60. She was seeking a simpler and more spiritually attuned lifestyle in a beautiful place where her money would go further than in Australia and thought she had found it in a village near the popular expat retirement destination of Ubud. She rented what she describes as her “dream” Balinese-style home and proceeded to write her book, Seeking Simplicity, which gives a good idea of what it’s like to live among the local people, rather than in an expat community. She soon found her idyll marred by annoyances such as frequent burning of plastic rubbish and lots of crowing roosters. She moved into Ubud but became increasingly concerned about the relentless destruction of rice paddies for building development, increasing traffic, corruption, distance from a “decent” hospital, harmful agricultural practices, poor litter control and disposal and the increasing materialism overlaying what she believes is still a strong traditional culture. She also began to miss things about Australia, such as libraries and beaches and today lives back on the Sunshine Coast, although she’s investigating the feasibility of living in Chiang Mai, Thailand for part of each year. Several countries in South-East Asia and the Pacific now compete for the retiree dollar and although Thailand and Bali remain the top destinations, Malaysia is offering inducements such as renewable 10-year multiple entry visas and exemption from income tax on pensions under its “Malaysia – My Second Home” program. Yet older Australians are wary of committing themselves to countries with different political systems, human rights practices and – above all – rigidly moral and inflexible religious beliefs. Other common constraints include corruption, difficulties dealing with tradespeople and officials, language problems, low sanitation standards, traffic congestion and poor roads, poor communications, lack of environmental controls and different legal codes. As Tim Garnett says: “In Thailand

the law tends to favour Thai men in high positions!” Above all, those contemplating a life abroad must consider the issues of finance and taxation for both pensioners and self-funded retirees. These can be complex and legally confusing in terms of pension and Medicare eligibility (for returnees), taxation of Australian income and assets, management requirements for super funds, and taxation agreements between Australia and other countries. Nobody should even consider retiring overseas without prior discussions with Centrelink, reputable Australian financial advisors and the ATO – and checking out this website: afrsmartinvestor.com.au/p/newinvestor/how_to_retire_ abroad_5WtanqcdvRRyuYPSJPNHYI. Retired builder Brendan Torrens, 73, first tried retiring to the Philippines but found the political situation too uncertain and the strain of everyday life just too taxing. “Try getting anything done there!” he says now. “You need to speak the language, understand the system, know who has influence – just to get your plumbing fixed! We went there for a simpler life and what we found was aggro! And the poverty everywhere gets to you after a while.” He then tried Thailand, which he found easier and more compatible but still not what he’d hoped. “You always hear how wonderful the medical system is there and in many ways it is, but what people overlook is that in Australia we not only have free medical for those who can’t afford insurance, we also have a whole range of subsidised rehabilitation and aged care options which you just don’t get in Asia-Pacific countries. “There’s a big difference between retiring early in your 60s to some exotic place when you’re still fit and finding yourself in your 70s and 80s, ill and helpless among foreigners. “In South-East Queensland we have it all really – sunshine, great beaches, clean cities, some degree of environmental protection, generally good, accessible and inexpensive health care.” And at the end of the day, it’s home!

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July 2015 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 7

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WHINE LOVERS

Hung up on attitude of phone companies Communications companies seem to be very bad at communicating, especially when things go wrong.

tility companies that ensure complaints or even inquiries are directed to machines rather than people, must be working on the theory that if you make it hard enough for them, your customers will

give up. The telcos in particular have got this down to a fine art. Call them about anything and there’s a good chance you’ll be tearing your hair out before you make human contact. For communications businesses, they are very bad at communicating and every time I express this sentiment I am hard pressed to find anyone to contradict me. In fact, the reaction is usually hearty and sometimes heated, agreement. I’ve yet to find someone who will say: “I don’t understand your problem. My provider is fantastic and the customer service is fast and efficient.” How many times have you called

Prepared to wait for my GP Whine lover, if you find waiting for a GP such a problem perhaps you should look for another GP. I would not go to such a practice because I don’t believe it has my best interests at heart. My doctor works long hours to fit all the patients in. Patients before me may have underestimated the time they need and did not ask for a longer appointment. Earlier patients may not have prepared for their appointment and left it until the end of a consultation to mention something really important. I hope that if I get it wrong my

ow Buy n e! av and s HS

T MON* E FRE

doctor will look after me even though that means he will have to work late. I like it that my doctor will squeeze me in if I am worried about something. I appreciate that if he didn’t do this I might have to wait days for a booking. I am also appreciative that my doctor will continue to treat patients that ignore advice about healthy living. You go for a doctor that will treat you on time. I’ll stick with my caring doctor and live with the minor delays I have to bear. John Wellness

your phone company only to be transferred from department to department while you repeat your sad story 10 times in the vague hope that someone might actually be able to solve it for you? There’s also the chance that after saying it a dozen times you’ll get cut off and have to start again or alternatively, end up right back with the department where you started. For me, the annoyance starts the minute the telco’s number is answered by an anonymous and exceedingly irritating recorded voice. “I’m sorry. I didn’t hear that …” Since I’m already annoyed at having to contact them at all, it’s not a good start.

It gets better. “Enter your pin.” “I don’t have one.” “Enter your pin.” “I don’t have one.” Just how long can this go on? “Enter your pin.” “I hate you and all your kin and your ancestors and your grandchildren.” “Enter your pin.” “Would you like to know where I would like to stick this telephone?” “Enter your pin.” I swear it’s a telco plot to keep complaint numbers down because there’s a good chance that by now the customer is either a jibbering wreck or has given up and hung up. Whine Lover

Invisible client

am with my daughter, they all say hi to her on entering! It is so bad that when they are giving away samples, I have to walk up to these people myself and ask for it! I would be the best Mystery Shopper ever, because I am apparently invisible! I am not old and do not look weird, just invisible. The only exception seems to be Myer where the staff are always friendly. K. Hanssen

My whine is that I never seem to get any service wherever I go. I can honestly walk around in a shop for half an hour without anybody paying any attention to me at all. The other day I was at an electronic store looking to buy a new washing machine, but left after not being helped or asked to be helped. This happens all the time. If I ask for help when I need it, like last time I visited a phone store to ask how some button on my phone worked, the shop assistant had no patience with me and started helping someone else. I find I am invisible in a shop when I am by myself, yet when I

Send your story to Whine Lovers, Your Time Magazine PO Box 717, Spring Hill 4004, or email editor@ yourtimemagazine.com.au

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U3A conference learns of social capital of retirees The University of the Third Age international conference discusses the value of an active mind, as ANGELA BENSTED reports.

Delegates at the U3A international conference in Brisbane.

elegates to the University of the Third Age (U3A) Asia Pacific conference heard that an educated person is more likely to live a longer and more active life and is more likely to contribute to the community outside of paid employment. The conference, at Brisbane City Hall, on May 28-29, attracted more than 200 third agers – the age of active retirement – from around the world,

including Singapore, India and the UK. Keynote speaker, Professor Jan Thomas, vice chancellor of the University of Southern Queensland, said while the economic advantages of education for the individual were often discussed in policy debates, the economic impact of education for society could also be quantified accurately. “One additional year of education in

a country’s educational attainment represents a three to six per cent increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and a one per cent increase in rate of growth for the national economy,” she said. Prof Thomas said the value human society placed on education was one of its defining features. Unlike newborns from other animal species, the long period of vulnerability and dependence of human children gives them more time to learn. “It is no wonder education is given such a high priority,” she said, noting its inclusion in the 1948 Declaration of Human Rights. Prof Thomas said rather than talking about the burden on the increasing number of retirees caring for their grandchildren, we should be grateful children have this access to a rich source of knowledge and learning. “What an absolute privilege it is for those children to have access to those grandparents for a much longer period of time, much longer than their grandparents had in the past,” she said.

Queensland Department of Communities regional manager Gary Humphries, also drew on statistics to refocus attention on the value of society’s senior citizens. He said it was generally only the last two years of their lives that older citizens did not contribute to the economy. “Based on this, the economy can actually accommodate nine times more seniors than young people,” he said. Brendan Fitzgerald of Infoxchange said training must be included as part of Australian communications policy. “It’s not just about access to technology. It’s about having the confidence to use it,” he said. U3A is a self-help organisation promoting learning for personal enjoyment and satisfaction. Classes are offered in subject areas as diverse as philosophy, cryptic crosswords, history and iPad for beginners. No assessment or academic qualifications are required. For more information visit u3abrisbane.org.au

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Letters

TOWING TUITION A GOOD IDEA

We have towed a caravan for 14 years and had never towed one before we started out. We both have open licences. We think there is a need to have some tuition at least before embarking on a caravan tour. As you have rightly pointed out, the full weight of car plus caravan can be frightening, particularly when things start to go wrong. Fortunately, we never had a disaster but we have found if you use common sense, road conditions (wet or rough highways) will decide your speed, distance from vehicles in front and, importantly, keeping up with the general traffic. No one likes to add more red tape, but after having experienced many quite shocking examples of towing drivers, it would be beneficial if all intending and existing tow-ers were to

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Have your say. Send letters to Editor, Your Time Magazine, PO Box 717, Spring Hill 4004 or email editor@yourtimemagazine.com.au attend a mandatory tuition school, a once-only with stamped certificate of attendance produced at initial registration transfer or the next registration renewal in the case of existing caravan owners. Perhaps this could be run by a heavy transport association or licence tester. These people can attest to the issues associated with heavy load vehicle risk factors & how vehicles react under differing circumstances. One of the bugbears of note, is travelling along a busy highway, trying to keep up with traffic so as to avoid the impatient driver risk takers and coming across the “80kmh caravanner” whose main aim seems to be to conserve fuel and to hell with all other users. It may well be that many of these people aren’t comfortable in towing above that speed, which suggests they need some tuition as much as anyone else. Tom and Kathy O’Dea

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ALL CARAVANNERS STILL HAVE SOMETHING TO LEARN Unfortunately, we all like to feel we are invincible and we see the people who get the golden handshake rush out and buy the latest 4WD and caravan with bells and whistles (why leave home?) to head off into the big Aussie outback. My husband and I travelled for 12 months with a van in tow and did so with complete confidence, as he could park that vehicle on a one cent piece. What we saw on our travels was mind-boggling: vehicles with incorrect balance and poor coupling, people going the wrong way at roundabouts and drivers who had no idea how to reverse. It is such now that many parks take your van into their care and park it for you, to prevent the damage people do to their properties. We saw vans wiped out on outback bridges due to speed and van sway and the folk who love to travel in tandem, causing massive

traffic build up and frustration. Considering the length, weight and height of the vans and the speed variations of our roads, NOBODY should be able to tow a van without a licence specific to towing, which should require testing. On outback roads, road trains nearly blast you off the road, causing considerable van sway so inexperienced drivers have big trouble regaining control. Yes, your article was a good read but I guess not too many folk would think it applies to them and that, sadly, is the world we live in. Carol Edwards

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10 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / July 2015

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SPECIAL LICENCE ONLY FAIR I think that any person who wants to tow a trailer should have to participate in a course and at least pass a test to say that they have done it. For me to get my articulated licence, I had to pass a driving test to tow a trailer behind a rigid, or a fifth wheeler behind a prime mover and that covers a fifth wheel caravan also. So why can someone with a very limited knowledge hook on a caravan or any trailer and drive at high speed along a highway? Why do I have to have a special licence and they don’t. John Parkin

JOYS MAKE VANS WORTHWHILE Since reading your column, I Googled caravan training and to my surprise there are quite a few courses available, one through RACQ and some to download free training. I have found many people have had experience towing larger boats and it was a natural progression from campervan to poptop and gradually upgrade to a larger van. It all comes with experience. Some people I spoke to started going on very short trips about an hour away just to get used to the towing.

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We are 58 and absolutely love caravanning and the wonderful people we are meeting and the towns we are helping to sustain. I have heard several comments in the media regarding nomads looking for free camping. Yes, a couple of days here and there help out as councils are taking over a lot of parks and charging higher site rates but we still contribute to the economy as we have to eat, sleep and drink while we are away. Kim and Mick Cumiskey

WARNING: CHECK PHONE BILL I would urge everyone to check every telephone bill carefully. Our March/April Telstra bill had 78 calls to 1902 252 513 (astrology information) from our home phone and three mobiles. There were times/dates/ duration listed, total cost $485. We did not make these calls. In one list, there were 14 calls in 12 minutes. Telstra tried to help us, but the charges were from a third party. Telstra did give us a 50 per cent credit. The third party in Sydney told us basically, they are your calls, you pay. Telstra put a block on future calls to this number. The next month, there were a number of third party calls from

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As a homeopath since 1970, I have found it a modality allowing people to heal quickly and safely from many health problems, without the damaging side effects that chemical drugs cause. I endorse Kerry Larkman’s comments in your May issue. Many people prefer homeopathy to pharmaceuticals. Sheila Giles

TOO MANY WORDS Further to Ann Dehass (May), here are some more expressions that a lot of us use: “All of a sudden” (suddenly); the hideous American, “had gotten” and then there is “be that as it may” and “it stands to reason”, “we done good” and “he done it”. As I always say to people, “why use three words when one will suffice?” Ken Martin

Why do we seem to care more for ‘the dead past’ than we do for people living now? On Anzac Day, PM Tony Abbot announced a proposed $100 million war museum/interpretive centre at the Villers-Bretonneux Australian memorial. There is already much information on the Australian Remembrance Trail along the Western Front and at the Franco-Australian Museum located in the nearby village of VillersBretonneux (to which Australia is contributing $2.1 million for a major refurbishment now underway). We also have a wonderful and easily accessible War Memorial in Canberra. Who decides it is a good idea to spend obscene amounts of money on projects that have no practical benefit to people most in need? And where is this money coming from at a time when funding is being withdrawn from really worthwhile community projects? Lorraine Oats Send your letter to the Editor, Your Time Magazine, P O Box 717, Spring Hill 4004, or email editor@ yourtimemagazine.com.au

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HISTORY

With malice aforethought While Richard Jones was busy making a name for himself in the colony as a hard worker, his wife became known for entirely different reasons, as historian Audienne Blyth discovers.

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ichard Jones, alias Bullock, a convict, top sawyer, bushman and timbergetter built quite a reputation at Moreton Bay, Moggill, the Sunshine Coast and Gympie. But in the end, it was his wife, Jane, who gained real notoriety. Jones was one of 270 convicts transported to Sydney from England on the James Pattison on October 25, 1837. From there he was transferred to Moreton Bay as a second offender on board the Schooner Curlew on July 31, 1839. The register of the James Pattison shows he was 24 years old, from Montgomeryshire, single, protestant and unable to read or write. His occupation was given as top sawyer. He was tried at the Montgomery Assizes on June 30, 1836, found guilty of housebreaking and sentenced to seven years. His previous conviction was four months. Most of the convicts on the James Pattison were transported for seven years and were second offenders. A personal description was included: 5ft 6.5in tall, complexion fair ruddy, light brown hair and blue eyes, a burn mark centre forehead, a scar on the left side of same and a round scar on the right side of the upper lip. Jones, occupation top sawyer, was put to good use as a convict. Perhaps his alias came about from his ability to work like a bullock. When Andrew Petrie, from 18381841, explored the districts to the north of Brisbane, Jones travelled with him and gained valuable knowledge about the stands of timber. His ticket of leave was issued on November 8, 1841 and his certificate of Freedom on December 22, 1841. He was in demand as a timbergetter at Moggill, on the Pine River in the 1850s and on the Maroochy River in the 1860s. A skilled bushman, he accompanied William Pettigrew by horseback along the Blackall Range to look at timber reserves west of Nambour in 1865. Lieutenant Heath conducted a survey in 1861 of the Maroochy and Mooloolah river mouths as a prelude to

ships crossing the bars to load timber, when he met Jones who was in charge of a band of timbergetters for Brisbane businessman R. S. Warry. The men were cutting and rafting from 18 miles up the Maroochy River at what is now North Arm. Jane McCartney had migrated on the Wilson, arriving in Sydney in January 1842. The ship’s register shows her occupation as house servant. She was employed by a Mrs Brookes of Queen’s Place at 14 shillings a month and rations supplied. For whatever reason, she soon left for Moreton Bay on one of the little schooners that plied between the two settlements. Just as soon, she found a husband in Richard Jones. The Register of Convicts’ Application to Marry (1826-1851) records their names on May 23, 1842. Richard Jones, 29, and Jane McCartney, 21, were married by the Rev I.C.S. Handt on June 13, 1842 at Moreton Bay. Jane Jones’ name appeared regularly in newspapers. Her husband was often away in the bush and Jane was left to her own devices in Brisbane. In 1852 she was under investigation for theft but was acquitted. Later that year she was given seven days imprisonment for false evidence over a bottle of brandy. Other charges related to her improper behaviour. Generally she was acquitted or let off with a caution when faced with the law. By 1866, his wife and children had joined Richard on the Maroochy River and were living in a slab hut near other timbergetters upstream where logs were received by rafting. Timbergetter camps attracted unsavoury characters and were often scenes of drunkenness and disorderliness, so a murder in the camp

Rafting the valuable timbers.

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HISTORY

The rafting ground at Moggill Creek.

was not a surprise to critics. Newspapers had a field day. On March 24, 1866 Jane Jones was indicted on a murder charge that she did feloniously, wilfully, and of her malice aforethought kill and murder one Martin Farrell. Witnesses, perpetrator and victim were all well known to one another over many years of working together in the timber industry in Moggill and on the Maroochy. Timber workers, William Wilson, Charlie Chambers and

his wife Anne, her brother James McMahon, Charles Brown, Charles Marshall and George Knight were close by when the shooting occurred. Mrs Jones admitted to taking a double-barrelled shotgun and discharging it into fellow timber-getter Martin Farrell. Brisbane sawmiller William Pettigrew, Justice of the Peace, took depositions from Constable Thomas Tyrrell, Detective Craven, Captain Watson and the timbergetters.

then rode to the Gneering and immediately returned with Detective Craven and Captain Watson. (Detective Craven was aboard the Gneering, having come from Brisbane to investigate another murder, that of botanist Stephens). He established that neither Farrell nor Mrs Jones was drunk although they had been drinking. Charles Brown’s double-barrelled shotgun was found nearby, recently discharged. It had been loaded with duck shot. Craven took possession of it as evidence. Mrs Jones readily confessed and was taken aboard the Gneering to face a criminal charge of murder at the Brisbane Court. Farrell’s body was buried nearby the following day. At her trial, witnesses recounted the events and the court provided the evidence. Jane Jones was adamant, she had shot him while trying to protect her honour. A verdict of acquittal was returned and she was discharged. In 1867, with the discovery of gold, Richard Jones set off for Gympie. His wife and family later followed. In Gympie, Jones Reef and Jones Hill are named after them, but that’s another story.

William Wilson and James McMahon were both called at her trial. Both knew well the prisoner and the dead man. Both had seen them shortly before the shooting as their huts were neighbouring. Witnesses said that Mrs Jones had been asking for some grog. Farrell had told her that he had some earlier but she had drunk it all. She then called him a liar. The comments of one only served to provoke the other. No one had any grog but there was a suggestion that some might be found in Charles Brown’s hut. Mrs Jones had also asked the deceased for a smoke of his pipe which he refused. However, he followed her to Brown’s hut. Mrs Jones claimed that Farrell tried to take liberties with her and threw her on the bed. A gun was lying at the end of the bed and she grabbed it, telling him she would shoot him if he did not leave her alone. Farrell ran outside as she fired at him without aiming. He attempted to take the gun from her but in the struggle the gun was again fired and Farrell was fatally shot through the left side of his chest. Hearing the gunfire, Wilson investigated and found Farrell dead. He

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COMMUNITY NEWS

BUSH POETS TELL A TALE

Game builds fun, social bridges

Keen players enjoy the company as well as the game.

ridge is a card game for all ages. Some players are not long out of school, while others are more than 90. Bridge can be whatever you want it to be. For some, it remains simply fun, or a social activity, while others develop a passion for the game that leads to the pursuit of excellence. Mental exercise, social interaction, and change of environment are all proven

factors in good mental health, especially as we get older. Playing bridge can be a real help in addressing all of these issues, especially in a club environment. For retirees, playing bridge can provide a new challenge when the challenge of daily working life is no longer there. The Arana Bridge Club has a modern air-conditioned clubhouse set in pleasant parklands at Tramways St. Ferny Grove.

Members are friendly and helpful. Fun days such as the Melbourne Cup day and Christmas party help develop the social atmosphere at the club. It is a great environment in which to make new friends from all walks of life. There are free lessons, followed by assisted play sessions to ease you into the real thing. The next series of lessons starts on Saturday, July 18, at 10am. Bridge is one of the most affordable pastimes you will ever find. Four-hour sessions cost just $5, with morning tea and bikkies. There are sessions every day except Sunday and evening sessions on Monday and Wednesday.

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24/06/2015 3:20:22 PM

FASHION

Fashion dictates that brides must be young and thin Bride-to-be JACQUI BALL continues her quest to find a wedding gown for the mature woman – and learns that 14 is considered a “plus size”.

ho will take my money? Looking for a dream wedding dress is difficult enough with so many styles, shapes, internet sites and shops, but as an older bride there is a lot more to consider. And I’m not convinced designers and bridal shops cater to the tastes of this market. In my first two bridal shop experiences I didn’t really enjoy gown shopping, as I had thought I would. While initially confident and self-assured, by the time I had tried on a few gowns I was deflated and “over” the whole experience. In contrast, my previous bridal shopping in 1988 was a simple affair; a quick Saturday morning visit to Toowoomba with my mother. I purchased a traditional 1980s-style taffeta ball gown with a large train and big leg-of-mutton sleeves. Yes, really. In my defence, it was fashionable then. I was never really “in love” with that dress though, so I decided that this time it would be have to be exceptional and unique, something that really tipped the radar and made me feel

Jacqui Ball is ready to pay for her dream.

excited. With that in mind, it was time to start exploring the local bridal shops to see what would suit. The first shop had only a silver drape gown to offer. No blip on the “exceptional and unique” radar there. For the next, I was well prepared and had researched their website beforehand, writing down the styles of gowns I liked. The assistant advised I should have brought in pictures as their computer had a virus and could not be accessed to look them up. I looked around but couldn’t see anything my size. In desperation, the

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assistant brought forth a gown that almost fitted, just so I could try something on, but I could sense her agitation when she realised there really was actually nothing in the whole shop that would fit me. The next shop I was booked into had a large selection of fine gowns, many of them strapless, today’s fashion. Again, I produced a wellresearched list of gowns to try. “I’d like a vibrant, sophisticated dress that would be comfortable for a garden wedding,” I said hopefully. The assistant, a mature-aged woman with a kind, impeccable manner and a wealth of experience, was impressive. She consulted the service desk computer and carefully checked my list of gowns. Alas, there were none in the shop at all. Several alternative gowns were brought, forth including a sheath style lace number and a classic A-line which were the only two that fitted, but in spite of the efforts, none excited me. My biggest issue with bridal gown

shopping as a much older bride is how I now appear to be plus-size and not the stick figure I was as a 20-something. I hadn’t realised my size 14 figure is considered a plus-size, but there you go. This meant I wasn’t able to try on some of the more unique styles of dresses I saw and really liked. Besides, I did not look good in the plus sizes. My gown-shopping anxiety was rising. I have visited about half of the local stores so far and while I was treated kindly and respectfully everywhere I went, it was disappointing that with so many styles and shapes on the racks to think about, so few fitted. I decided the best thing was to stay cheerful, keep my sense of humour and keep going. Every dress I try on will add to my knowledge base of what I want and with persistence, the right gown will come along. One thing is becoming apparent though – somehow several kilos of weight need to be relocated from this mature-age bride’s body to improve the odds of finding dresses to try.

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Take a tour today Call 1800 550 550

Buderim Gardens

an inspired lifestyle choice

Join latest wave of “inspirees” embracing the Buderim Gardens lifestyle! You may have heard about the positive changes underway at Buderim Gardens retirement village. Dozens of homes have been refurbished and a new wave of “retirement inspirees” is moving in. Homes for sale at Buderim Gardens have brand new interiors with modern neutral colour schemes and quality ﬁttings. The village is set within an unmatched garden, lake and rainforest environment and feels like an exclusive suburb.

Homes from $110,000

Don’t miss out! Make an inspired lifestyle choice with a move to Buderim Gardens. Call today for a personalised tour. 405 Mooloolaba Road, Buderim. Tel: 1800 550 550. www.retirementbylendlease.com.au Pricing is correct at the time of printing and subject to change. Information about the services and facilities is correct at the time of printing but may change as the needs of residents change. Photographs are for illustrative purposes. Some images may depict display homes and items not provided by Lend Lease within the units such as furniture and other decorative items. June 2015. LL_15_092

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WEALTH

How strong is your will power? Many people have a will but as succession law specialist JOHN DE GROOT points out, it may not be up to date and tax effective

rom the simplest will to complex estate planning, making a will is one of the greatest acts of love you can carry out for your family. By making a will you are protecting the interests of your loved ones and will be freeing them from financial worries at a time of emotional distress

and bereavement. Estate planning involves more than just making a will. Not only should we review our will from time to time but also our insurances (personal and property), our â&#x20AC;&#x153;virtualâ&#x20AC;? assets and the entities that protect our assets, such as companies and trusts.

Entry into the retirement phase of a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life involves different considerations from that of young families when it comes to estate planning. Ensure sufficient life insurance is in place to pay out any remaining mortgages or other debts and that adequate provision has been made for any dependant adult children who are unable to care completely for themselves. Ensure that your wishes for the distribution of the estate (i.e. specific gifts such as family heirlooms, treasured jewellery pieces and artworks) are dealt with. Your superannuation fund must have the necessary death nominations in place. Many lapse after three years, has yours? Ensure that your self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF), if applicable, has suitable succession strategies in place on the death of a member.

Ensure tax effectiveness in estate distribution, including implementing testamentary trusts for grandchildren. Have an enduring power of attorney in place for the management of your affairs in the event you lose the capacity to do so. Have an advanced health directive in place providing guidance to loved ones for your future health care in case you have an accident or stroke. Whether your estate plan is still relevant to your current situation is a recurring question, in particular, if your circumstances have changed through starting or ending relationships, more grandchildren, or as the needs or an adult dependent child evolve. Do not delay in implementing an estate plan that is tailored to your current needs. Dr John de Groot is Special Counsel at de Groots wills and estate lawyers. Visit degroots.com.au

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“COME SWING AGAIN” with Patrick Pickett and the QUEENSLAND POPS ORCHESTRA On August 29 the Queensland Pops Orchestra is back – bigger and brighter than ever – with its next stunning season concert “Come Swing Again”, presenting an all-time greats swing music showcase. The highly entertaining JMI New Orleans Street Band will open this unforgettable event, transporting the listener back to the birthplace of traditional jazz with a roving ‘street-style’ presentation that will set the pace for this carnival of concerts. Comprising staff and students of the Jazz Music Institute in Brisbane’s Bowen Hills, this ebullient ensemble values the importance of early jazz and they’re sure to have audiences smiling, tapping their feet and even dancing in the aisles to their cheerful and lively music throughout the concert – encapsulating the very best of traditional melodies and rhythms of the streets of New Orleans. Headline artist, internationally renowned pianist Joe Chindamo, will tinkle the ivories with a suite of music by the legendary Duke Ellington arranged for piano and orchestra. Joining Joe on stage will be special guest artists Deborah O’Toole and the Empire

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Swing Dancers. The ever-suave Qld Pops Big Band will be in full swing mode of course, adding their special sound to this delectable musical feast. As they say, variety is the spice of life ... and Pops audiences are assured of a dazzling display of talent for this third series concert of 2015. With 23 CDs under his belt (including several Japanese chart toppers), countless world tours and a plethora of awards, Joe Chindamo is routinely described as one of the best jazz pianists in the world. Joe’s creative talents transcend jazz – he’s also composed concertos, chamber music and film music, and his formidable performing technique has earned him international praise across the genre divide. Invited to perform concerts in Italy by celebrated classical pianist Michele Campanella and renowned piano maker Paolo Fazioli, Joe appears regularly in Australia at jazz clubs, festivals and concerts ranging from intimate house to large-scale orchestral. Joe has twice won the MO award for Jazz Instrumental Performer Of the Year, two Bell Awards for best album and the APRA award for

best jazz composition of the year ... and then there’s his classical compositions and hit CDs. Joe has worked on more than 60 film soundtracks, and his piano playing is featured on such iconic Australian films as Phar Lap, Man From Snowy River II and The Sound of One Hand Clapping. Born and bred in Melbourne, special guest vocalist Deborah O’Toole has enjoyed a varied professional career – everything from vocal tutor, cover band vocalist and freelance session singer to musical theatre and television performer, appearing in productions of Into The Woods, The Dusty Springfield Story and Les Miserables among many others. A popular member of ABBA tribute band BABBA, Deborah joined the Australian Army Band in November 2002 and has since shared the stage across Australia with guest artists such as Marina Prior, Rhonda Burchmore, Tom Burlinson and Guy Sebastian. Deborah’s warm rapport with audiences has seen her tour the world – whether it be entertaining the troops on deployments to Iraq, East Timor and the Solomon Islands, or feature performances

for Anzac Day dawn services at Gallipoli and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. In 2006 Deborah was honoured to receive an Army Commendation, a medal awarded for her excellence as a vocalist representing the Australian Army. Adding to the excitement and enjoyment of this “Come Swing Again” program, maestro Patrick Pickett CSM and the Queensland Pops Orchestra are proud to introduce one of Brisbane’s most appealing specialist ensembles, the Empire Swing Dancers. Empire Swing is Brisbane’s premier Swing Dance School and this talented troupe’s number one priority is to have fun ... so there’ll be colour and movement a ’plenty as they wow the crowd with dance moves ranging from Lindy Hop and Charleston to Balboa and Blues.

“Come Swing Again” with the Queensland Pops Orchestra and special guest artists at QPAC Concert Hall, Saturday 29 August, 2.30 and 7.30pm.

25/06/2015 9:25:31 AM

2015

New Year’s Eve Gala Concerts 6.30pm and 9.30pm

ARTISTS INCLUDE: Silvie Paladino Jason Barry-Smith Cherin Lee and the full orchestra

BLACK TIE PACKAGE includes: • A Reserve ticket and access to the roof top after late concert to watch the fireworks on the river, mingling with the stars • Moët & Chandon Champagne and a delectable supper

Each performance comes out in time for you to go out and watch the spectacular fireworks.

NEW YEAR’S EVE TICKETS ON SALE NOW Bookings: www.qpac.com.au or phone 136 246

Cherin Lee Cherin Lee, aged 13, began playing the violin at four years old and is currently studying with Igor Orlovskiy. She has been a first prize winner in various competitions including the AUSTA Q Concerto Competition and the Junior String Championship in the Redlands Eisteddfod. She was awarded the Most Promising String Player in the Redlands Eisteddfod in 2011 and the Encouragement Award in the Southeast Queensland Aria and Concerto Competition(25 years old and under) in 2012. Cherin was the 2014 winner of the English Family Prize for Young Instrumentalists and for her prize, performed the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. At the age of 10, Cherin was awarded her AMusA with Distinction in violin and her LMusA with Distinction in violin at 11 years old. She was invited to perform at the AMEB Annual Diploma Concert in 2012. Cherin was the concertmaster of the Queensland Korean Orchestra Junior and the Combined Senior Primary School Orchestra. In 2014, Cherin has led the Somerville House Europe Tour Chamber Orchestra, performing solos in various cities in Europe. She is currently in grade nine at Somerville House on a scholarship

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WANT TO FIND OUT MORE? To see more upcoming events or to become a Friends of the Pops and special members offers and pricing visit: www.qldpops.com

25/06/2015 9:03:30 AM

WEALTH

Blind Faith Transitioning to retirement is tricky and, as SAM PATTERSON points out, odd jobs must be a lifestyle choice and not a financial obligation.

he years leading into your retirement are some of the most, if not the most, important years of your life, as they determine what comfort levels you have for the rest of your life. Take a moment to really consider that statement. Your ability to earn an income is the largest contributor to building your financial savings. Once you stop working, you have absolutely no ability to generate additional savings. So what you have when you retire is most likely all that you’re ever going to have until you die. The only solution to this dilemma is returning to work, which is exactly the opposite of retirement. Now some of you are thinking, “well, I don’t intend to retire completely, so this isn’t true” and you are 100 per cent correct. This was the exact comment of my

mum’s partner when we were discussing their retirement plans and desired lifestyle. Les is one of those people who can’t sit still for five minutes, let alone retire completely and wishes to do the “odd job” in retirement. He is a painter. My response to Les was, “shouldn’t working in retirement be a lifestyle choice and not an obligation?” Retirement should be about enjoying the lifestyle you choose, safe in the knowledge that should you prefer to work more, you can, but if circumstances such as ill health, prevent this, then you also have enough that no longer working doesn’t impact your lifestyle. Baby Boomers were asked in the “Reclaiming the Future” survey, what was their greatest fear – dying or outliving their money in retirement. A massive 61 per cent said

they feared outliving their money more than death. I don’t mean to fear monger but to highlight the importance of knowing what you have moving forward to the next stage of your life, so you can enjoy the freedom as opposed to just getting by, or worse, not having enough. If you aren’t talking to someone about this, you should be. If you don’t, you are walking into your final years blindfolded, rather than making the most of your situation while you can. Over the coming months we will examine some strategies and considerations for a smooth transition with minimal stress. Sam Patterson is principal of LifeStages Wealth Management. Email sam@lifestages.net.au Any advice is of a general nature and you should consider your own personal circumstances or contact a professional for tailored advice appropriate to your situation.

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HEALTH

Peace not to be snorted at Snoring is annoying, but this side effect of sleep apnea can have much more serious implications, as BRYCE PERRON of CPAP Direct explains.

hen we are asleep, our airways relax and start to narrow, which leads to excessive snoring. For those with sleep apnea, the airway can completely close over, causing it to become blocked which in turn starves the body of oxygen. Once the brain realises that the body isn’t breathing, it sends a shot of adrenalin to alert the body to wake up. We then take a deep breath (or loud snort) and go back to sleep. The cycle repeats and can occur several hundred times a night so it’s exhausting for everyone. If you are always tired, craving a nanna nap and finding it difficult to concentrate, you could be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It’s a common affliction that affects thousands but it can be more than the snoring that’s annoying. It could lead to choking, a sensation of having stopped breathing and waking up with a loud snort. Quality of your sleep is more important than quantity, so those

suffering sleep apnea will wake up tired and exhausted. And things aren’t much better for their partners. Health risks linked with apnea include Type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and dementia. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The most effective treatment is with a CPAP or APAP machine that delivers pressurised air through a tube and mask to your face. The airways are held open by the higher air pressure providing better quality, uninterrupted sleep. CPAP Direct sleep experts arrange a free consultation to discuss taking a sleep test and to explain the different kinds of treatment options available, including equipment rental.

PUTTING THE MISUNDERSTANDINGS TO BED With Sleep Awareness Week coming up on July 6-12, it’s a good time to consider the importance of sleep as a fundamental pillar of good health. Many older Australians spend more time in bed than they need to, sleep experts say. Sleep psychologist Professor Dorothy Bruck said people were endlessly interested in how much sleep they should be getting each night, even though what each individual felt they needed often varied a lot. “We are now armed with some clear, science-based sleep times that many people will find interesting and reassuring,” she said. One of the most interesting changes found in new research was among those aged 65 and over. Prof Bruck said in her experience many older people, particularly those reporting insomnia, spent too long in bed. That’s because as you age, your body clock wants you to go to bed earlier, yet many seniors still expect to wake up at the same time. “Many older people are spending 10 hours in bed and possibly fretting that they should be sleeping that whole time,” Prof Bruck said. She said her study found

Australians of all ages had an unrealistic idea of sleep, believing wrongly that healthy sleep should involve no awakening at night. “We know that it is quite normal at all ages to wake up several times during the night, and older adults are more likely to wake more often. This is normal,” she said. “Older people don’t necessarily have a sleep problem. They just don’t require as much sleep as they needed in middle age.” For those frustrated by early waking, the Sleep Health Foundation recommends trying a few weeks of going to bed several hours later.

HOW MUCH SLEEP do you need? Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours a day. Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hrs. Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hrs. Pre-schoolers (3-5): 10-13 hrs. Primary school (6-13): 9-11 hrs Teenagers (14-17): 8-10 hrs. Younger adults (18-25): 7-9 hrs. Adults (26-64): 7-9 hrs. Older adults (65+): 7-8 hrs.

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HEALTH

Antibiotic use over the top

new national strategy will aim to reduce the threat of antibiotic resistance following statistics showing Australia’s consumption of antibiotics is among the highest in the developed world. Australia’s first Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy will address the decreasing effectiveness of antibiotics because of the rise of resistance in disease-causing bacteria. Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, parasites and other disease-causing organisms become resistant to the medicines used to treat the infections they cause. In 2013, more than 29 million prescriptions for antibiotics were supplied under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Repatriation PBS to more than 10 million patients or 45 per cent of all Australians. “The over and misuse of antibiotics has been identified as a significant contributor to the emergence of resistant bacteria,” Federal Minister for Health Sussan Ley said. “The new national approach focuses on measures that will prevent disease-

causing bacteria from developing resistance to antibiotics as well as driving down the inappropriate use of antibiotics. “This strategy is not about removing access but about providing guidance to using them in the most effective way.” A recent survey showed 65 per cent of Australians believed antibiotics would help them recover from a cold or flu more quickly, one-in-five people expect antibiotics for colds and flu and nearly 60 per cent of GPs surveyed would prescribe antibiotics to meet patient demands. Australia’s consumption of antibiotics is one of the highest among developed countries and well above the OECD average.

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MORE CHOICES FOR END OF LIFE CARE A NEW State Government strategy for end-of-life care has been designed to ensure those confronting a terminal illness and their families, receive a high standard of care. The strategy aims to support Queenslanders to think about their wishes and discuss them with their family and general practitioner. Health Minister Cameron Dick said local healthcare providers would have the freedom to drive local implementation of the strategy. It comes at the same time as the Queensland Clinical Senate’s Charter for care of adult patients at the end of life, which aims to further educate health professionals on how to recognise the care needs of terminally ill patients. The Queensland Clinical Senate represents clinicians across the health

system and provides expert advice on the delivery of quality, affordable and efficient patient care within Queensland. The two documents will provide platforms for people nearing the end of their life, their families, carers and healthcare workers to talk about a patient’s wishes. ‘‘Each community in Queensland has its own needs and challenges, which is why we’re asking local healthcare providers to work together to ensure the best possible care is available to those at the end of their life,” Mr Dick said. ‘‘The heart of both of these documents is to inform the public about the choices they can make so they are more in control, more prepared and more able to find a greater level of peace at the end of life.”

ABC PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH To coincide with 2015 World Mental Health Day on October 10, the ABC will again focus a week of programming on mental health and illness. ABC managing director Mark Scott said there was strong support in the mental health sector for the return of the program Mental As, which attracted a TV audience of 5.9 million in 2014 over the week of programming. It helped raise $1.5 million for mental health research.

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RETIREMENT LIVING

Take action against chronic pain

iving with chronic pain often becomes more challenging as you get older. Chronic pain can cause physical problems and emotional strain that leaves you feeling isolated, worried, angry, or just generally in a bad mood. If you’re feeling this way, help is available. St Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane offers Australia’s most comprehensive range of pain management services and specialties in one location. The goal is to help manage, reduce and/or eliminate pain. You don’t have to go it alone. The Brisbane Centre for Pain Management opened in 2013 to provide consultation, assessment, treatment and management of pain, specialising in personalised care. Treatment options include

reviewing or introducing a medication plan, undergoing an interventional treatment plan or participating in a rehabilitation or pain management program. If you need a new or revised medication plan, specialists will work with you, offering expert advice and guidance. If you need an

interventional treatment it will be in a state-of-the-art dedicated pain theatre, equipped with the latest technologies. If a program is the right approach for you, you will be supported by a team of dedicated, experienced and qualified health professionals. Only when you are completely comfortable and have made a decision about a specific approach will we embark on that path. As you progress adjustments may be needed and if so, your specialist will be with you to advise and guide you along the way. Making an appointment with one of our pain specialists could be the first step on your journey to better manage your pain, minimise it or live pain free. To find out more call the Pain Services Manager 3456 1770.

BLI BLI – BABY BOOMER BOOM TOWN With one sold out community at Bli Bli and another in the planning stages, award winning over 50s developer Halcyon are part of the half a billion dollar transformation of the riverside town. According to PRD Sunshine Coast Project Marketer Damian Brown, Bli Bli is destined to become a property hotspot following major spending in the area. “There is more than $522 million in infrastructure investment planned for the area over the next decade to cater for the ongoing growth,” he said. “This includes a major new housing project, new retail, medical and commercial developments, transport and recreation infrastructure.” Mr Brown said the new Maroochy River Golf Course opened last month and plans were revealed for a new 4000sq m three-level Bli Bli

Village Centre beside the recently upgraded Supa IGA and River Markets shopping complex. “All this is good news for Baby Boomers who are selling up and heading for the region in record numbers,” he said. Set on 11ha, Halcyon Lakeside will feature paved walking tracks and two lakes with 450m of lake frontage. Halcyon joint managing director Dr Bevan Geissmann said Halcyon Lakeside would offer homes at varying price points, some with lake frontage, some elevated with views, and some of the most affordable homes seen on the Sunshine Coast in years. For more call 1800 050 050.

Final stages now selling from $265,500! lifestyle community living

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• Community centre with library and reading area, pool table, stage, dance ﬂoor and grand piano and large entertaining kitchen • Landscaped and maintained gardens • On-site Manager

Be quick to secure your new home in this wonderful retirement lifestyle community. Power Road, Buderim | Sales Oﬃce open daily 10am–4pm | 5456 1300 | customerservice@irt.org.au | www.irt.org.au 26 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / July 2015

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SOCIALS

SUNNYBANK THEATRE COMPANY BAREFOOT IN THE PARK JUNE SEASON For two weeks in June, the Sunnybank Theatre Company (STG) made clever use of its intimate theatre on Mains Rd to recreate a tiny New York apartment and take audience members along for the bumpy ride of a newlywed couple. Under the direction of Deidre Robinson a small but talented cast breathed life into words penned over 50 years ago but still getting laughs today. Neil Simon’s play Barefoot in the Park took the audience back to a time when Polaroid cameras were high-tech and ‘wife’ was a job title. Any venue offering a Riesling before the show, a Cornetto at interval and a cup of tea at curtain-down is definitely worth another visit. Theatre-lovers can now look forward to STG’s next production Pack of Lies, a drama by Hugh Whitemore, which runs from July 24 to August 8. The play is set in the 1960s, when espionage came to London. A stranger arrives on their doorstep, supposedly from the police, and proceeds to coerce the Jacksons into allowing their house to be used as a surveillance post. Audiences will be captivated by this intriguing drama and the fascinating way the writer draws us into the lives of a family, whose suburban domesticity is confronted with such a compelling and intense situation. Tickets $18-$25 at stg.org.au or phone the theatre on 3345 3964, Press Option 1 for bookings.

Ted Hobbs, Beryl Hobbs, Jeanette Clark, Graeme Clark

Ishwar Mehta, Indu Mehta

Ryll Bucknell, Meg Hinselwood

Diane Novicky, Kert A. Lerps

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Jan Hills, Wendy Pola

Jan Read, Brian Hinselwood

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SOCIALS

CELLIST STEVEN ISSERLIS, PIANIST CONNIE SHIH QUEENSLAND CONSERVATORIUM, JUNE 10 Steven Isserlis is a performer of such visual magnetism that you want to watch him play as well as listen. In this year’s Musica Viva tour he and Canadian pianist Connie Shih form such a dynamic duo that they received a standing ovation. They presented a program of sonatas with a strong and utterly delightful French connection. Choosing Saint-Saens C minor Opus 32, as a starter was an inspiration because it seduced the audience into a state of enchantment from the start with all that power and passion. Then Gabriel Faure’s much-loved G minor Opus 117 filled with rapturous romanticism, prepared the audience for the very modernist piece - a sort of sonata in four movements – by Thomas Adès. This work was written especially for Isserlis and first performed by him in company with the composer himself at the piano. The first movement is surprisingly melodious in its evocation of nature; the second tramples the senses, the third pushes the bow to seemingly impossible heights and the strange, wild fourth movement is so fiendishly difficult to play that at the end I found

myself almost unbearably tense with suspense – though Isserlis made it seem deceptively easy. A truly masterful performance of one of the most exciting cello works in the modernist repertoire. Traditionalists won’t find it easy to like this movement but it’s worth making the effort to understand it. During the Franck cello sonata in A Major finale I came to fully appreciate Isserlis’ mastery of vibrato. This sonata, perhaps because it was originally written for the violin, has often proved a trap for young cellists, tempting them into vibrato overkill. The bow of Steven Isserlis is both experienced and subtle and right from the first lovely, yearning, warm notes I was enraptured because I so dearly love this sonata. For Queenslanders this was a rare chance to see and hear one of the world’s greatest living musicians and musical educators, teamed with a pianist of such tempestuous commitment that she defines the very spirit of con brio. Altogether a powerful, thrilling and emotionally-satisfying evening of music. Words: Julie Lake Photos: Bridie Devereaux

Peter Fredericks, Judy Fredericks, Jan George

Charles Girardi, Grahame Maxwell, John Elkins

Lee McGregor, Nola Fulwood

Chris Ayres, Col Cunnington

Jeraldine Just, Chris Gargett

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David and Ruth Jones

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28 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / July 2015

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Halcyon Glades C ABOOLT UR E

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WHAT’S ON

ON THE ROAD AGAIN A Brisbane duo is heading deep into Outback Queensland to raise funds for drought-hit farmers and their families but before they go, will host two charity concerts in Brisbane. Vocalist Sandra Beynon and guitarist/musical director Sean Mullen will set off on their “I didn’t come here and I ain’t leaving” tour next month, to cover almost 5000kms in support of drought-relief charity Aussie Helpers. Titled the “Willie Nelson’s Love

Child Show” it’s in the spirit of Willie Nelson’s own Farm Aid concerts. The duo will raise awareness of the Aussie Helpers charity which supports farmers and families struggling to survive in the grip of drought. “Fodder, groceries and a huge dollop of love are donated to farmers in need and, with no government assistance, the charity provides much-needed aid,” says Beynon. “I’m asking Brisbane women to donate personal items for their outback sisters – moisturisers, face creams, lip balms, perfumes, any nice bits and pieces which will give a little comfort - as well as home-made treats. We’ll be taking everything with us to give away as we go.” She said they were inspired by Nelson’s own stamina for being on the road and in the studio - at 82 years of age he is still travelling and recording with just about everybody. “Nelson is a real “grey nomad” – a rare breed of entertainer who has spent most of his life on the road,” says Mullen, a lawyer by day and virtuosic guitarist by night. “Our greatest achievement to date is putting this show together, both working day jobs as well as

performing regularly around Brisbane as a duo performing a wide variety of styles.” The pair also show that despite being no spring chickens, they are getting out among the action – age is no barrier to musicality and love of life.

Visit bodyandsoulmusic.com.au. Sandra Beynon and Sean Mullen Sunday, August 2: Sandgate Town Hall. Friday, August 14: Bulimba Golf Club. Tickets eventbrite.com.au

FREE MUSIC IN THE OPEN AIR Free music will be presented every Friday evening from 5pm at the cultural precinct at South Bank, from June 19 until September 25. QPAC’s free Front Yard Music program, on the Melbourne Street Green, will include an eclectic mix of country, world and contemporary music featuring local artists. There will be performances by selected SEED artists as part of the QPAC and Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University partnership. Simply turn up and enjoy.

BRAVO! A RARE TRIP TO ITALY One of the world’s most renowned chamber orchestras, Italy’s I Musici, will be in Brisbane for a one-night only performance in Australia, to celebrate QPAC’s 30th anniversary. The oldest continuously active chamber group in Italy, I Musici is famed in the world of music as both remarkable and rare. The last time they were in Australia was for their 60th anniversary tour in February 2012. They also performed at QPAC in 1985, the centre’s opening year. This time they return only to Brisbane and only for one concert, playing an all Italian program including works by Verdi and Rossini as well as Vivaldi’s masterwork The Four Seasons. I Musici - an Italian Odyssey. QPAC Concert Hall. Saturday July 18, 7.30pm. Tickets qpac.com.au or phone 136 246

NOW SHOWING AT SUNNYBANK THEATRE Written by Hugh Whitemore by arrangement with ORIGIN THEATRICAL

A DRAMATIC THRILLER Directed by Chris Guyler

PACK OF

LIES “How would you react if you found out that things around your neighbourhood weren’t quite what they seemed?” SEASON RUNS FROM JULY 24 TO AUGUST 8 Friday 24, 31 July + 7 August 8pm Saturday 25 July + 1, 8 August 2pm & 8pm TICKET PRICES Adults $20-$25 Concessions, Seniors $18-$22

BOOK NOW AT THE BOX OFFICE

Sunnybank Theatre Group. Cnr Mains and Beenleigh Rds, Sunnybank Phone Box Office 3345 3964 www.stg.org.au

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WHAT’S ON

COME SWING WITH THE POPS BIG BAND The music of Duke Ellington is some of the most recognisable in the world. Tunes such as Take the A Train, Mood Indigo, Satin Doll, Sophisticated Lady and Caravan are just part of the great music that you will hear on this program. Special guest artist, Australian pianist Joe Chindamo will lead the orchestra with memorable jazz piano classics, including compositions by Oscar Peterson. Empire Swing brings the stage

alight with their high energy swing dance routines and JMI New Orleans marching band will open the night with the flair and style of the traditional street band. The Pops Big Band, with the strings and winds, returns to the stage to make this a truly fun and exciting performance. Queensland Pops Orchestra QPAC Concert Hall. Saturday, August 29, 2.30pm and 7.30pm Tickets $80-$87 at qtix.com.au

COUNTRY SONG RELIVES THE LITTLE YEARS A fictionalised celebration of the music and life of Jimmy Little, Country Song is a beautiful, musical, witty and heart-warming journey that celebrates the healing power of music. Presented by Queensland Theatre Company together with QPAC, this exciting work it makes its world premiere in Brisbane. In Country Song, Jimmy is whisked on a fictional road trip to his past as his story weaves through the history of major social changes of the 1970s. Along the way we hear stories of singers Auriel Andrew, Bobby McLeod

and Lionel Rose in this tribute to the era and the music that was a soundtrack for a generation. Acclaimed actor and musician Michael Tuahine came up with the original idea for Country Song after being inspired by the Johnny Cash story in Walk the Line. Tuahine who will play the lead, Jimmy Little, had a close relationship with the performer after the pair met in 2001. For his part, Reg Cribb won the 2013 Rodney Seaborn Playwright’s Award for new work.

LAUGH AND LEARN WITH THE BUSH POETS See and hear some of your favourite old poems mixed in with some interesting new ones when the North Pine Bush Poets Group performs a mixture of traditional, modern and original poetry, most with an emphasis on comedy. Be prepared to laugh out loud as you enjoy an art form from our heritage and see how pioneers entertained themselves. Samford Farmers Hall, 30 Main St, Samford. Sunday, July 12, 1.30pm. Entry $15 includes afternoon tea Contact Mary 5495 5110 or email wmbear1@bigpond.com

SUBMISSIONS

QPAC Cremorne Theatre. July 4 – August 8. Tickets $45-$68 at queenslandtheatre.com.au or call 136 246.

If you have an event coming up in July and would like it to be included in our What’s On section, email details to editor@ yourtimemagazine.com.au or post to PO Box 717, Spring Hill 4004 by July 13.

MUSICA VIVA 2015 INTERNATIONAL CONCERT SERIES

Eight voices in perfect harmony – I Fagiolini present a stunning program of old and new. Lovers of great singing and choral music will welcome making the acquaintance of this superb group.

Wednesday 5 August 7pm Concert Hall, Queensland Performing Arts Centre

Book Now! Call qpac.com.au or 136 246 visit musicaviva.com.au/IFagiolini

July 2015 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 31

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FOOD AND WINE

MAKE IT SIMPLE AND TASTY USING JUST 4 INGREDIENTS FETA & TOMATO STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST Serves 4 (or halve the mix)

Ingredients 4 chicken breasts 200g feta cheese, crumbled or cut into small pieces 100g semi-dried tomatoes, chopped ¼ cup fresh tarragon

Method Preheat oven to 180. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Using a long, thin knife cut a pocket into the thick part of each breast, being careful not to cut through. Mix together tomatoes, feta and tarragon in a bowl. Fill the pockets with the tomato mixture and secure the opening with a toothpick. Rub the breasts with the oil from the tomatoes, season with sea salt and cracked pepper, and place on the baking tray. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes basting halfway through. Let rest for 5 minutes before with lightly steamed green vegetables or a green salad. From 4 Ingredients Celebrations, page 72. 4 Ingredients aims to SIMPLIFY all forms of cooking by creating quick, easy and delicious recipes which are made with 4 or fewer ingredients, using ingredients found in your local supermarket and all easily explained.

Kim McCosker |

4ingredientspage | 4ingredients.com.au

IN RED AND WHITE BARBADILLO “PEDRO XIMINEZ”

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The grapes are sourced from the stunning mountainous valleys of Otago and the wine displays flavours of peach, lychee and soft floral notes. Drink it with all things seafood … it likes a little spice, so think barbecued prawns with garlic, chilli, parsley and fresh lemon!

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When not consuming wine you can find Tony at one of his two Sunshine Coast eateries, Hello Harry The Burger Joint and Junk.

Tony Kelly

Hello Harry The Burger J oint

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FOOD

So, just what are these superfoods all about? We hear a lot about superfoods these days, but just what does it all mean? Dietitian and nutritionist SARAH GRAY explains.

“W

hat exactly is a superfood?” I hear you ask, as you picture some obscure vegetable wearing a mask and cape. If you’ve heard the term “superfood” you’ve most likely heard it used to describe foods such as kale, quinoa, chia, macca, bee pollen (yes, bee pollen) or some kind of foreign-sounding berry (goji berry or acai berry). According to the Oxford Dictionary a superfood is “a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and wellbeing”. In truth though, there’s no criteria set by any professional nutrition or health body that determines whether or not a food can be called a superfood. This means that the word superfood is no more than a marketing term that can used to describe just about any food. Many so-called superfoods do have a high nutrient density, especially when compared to a lot of the processed foods in our diets. And they

can be a great addition to a healthy diet and encourage us to try new foods we haven’t tried before. My favourite “superfood” discovery is chia seeds! However, there are downsides to superfoods, and caution needs to be taken. Firstly, superfoods often come at an exorbitant cost, especially if they come in the form of a powder, extract or supplement – $11.99 per 100g for powdered kale compared to 99c per 100g for kale from the supermarket. Secondly, sometimes superfoods are processed to make them tastier or are added to a processed food to try attract consumers who are trying to be healthy when in fact they may have a lot of the original goodness removed and sugar added. A good example of this is the acai bowls that are often served at cafes as a breakfast food that are made with an acai sorbet and added cane sugar. The National Health Survey (2004-2008) revealed that 90 per cent of Australians were not meeting the

Australian Government’s recommended amount of serves of vegetables and this number was on the decline. If there’s one thing that health professionals everywhere agree on, it’s that we don’t consume enough vegetables. So remember, while superfoods can be of value, before adding them into your diet make sure you are stocking up on five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit a day. A serve of fruit is 150g or one medium size piece of fruit and a serve of vegetables is 75g or ½ a cup of cooked vegetables or 1 cup of salad. Inexpensive fruits and vegetables such as bananas, apples, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach are true everyday hero foods and don’t receive enough praise in the shadow of the superfood. Any questions for Sarah? Email editor@ yourtimemagazine.com.au or write to PO Box 6362, Maroochydore BC 4558

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July 2015 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 33

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MOTORING

Eyes on the road not the high-tech dash Buying a car is no longer about just the engine and the ride, it’s about a whole new and distracting world of technology, writes retired solicitor and third-year psychology student KATE CALLAHAN.

ast month I bought a new car. Not a brand spanking new car, but a new car for me. It came without any of the tell-tale signs of a life hard-lived. It has straight panels, spotless duco, low kilometres and no burn marks on the upholstery. Important for me, it has impressive safety features; and important for my husband, it has a real spare wheel. None of this space-saver or run-to-flat rubbish for him. There is a genuine spare tyre in the boot. But I digress. When all the papers were signed, it was time for the “tutorial”. These days buying a car, even a second-hand one, involves more than just handing over the money, shaking hands and waving goodbye. There’s the tutorial because everything is so high-tech and complicated. Schooling buyers in advance apparently saves those pesky phone calls to the dealership later on. My 30-something tutor started with the basics. Okay, so the fuel cap is on the driver’s side. Ah, that’s where the bonnet catch is hidden. Right, not a lot to look at under the bonnet, is there? So if I need a new battery, I have to bring the car in to the service centre? Understand. And when he asked if I’d like my phone synced with the car, I said “you beauty” or words to that effect and promptly handed over the smartphone which I can tell you, dear readers, is way too smart for this owner. I tuned out while he was tuning in, but was jolted back to reality when he asked a most curious question.

“Would you like to read your text messages in the car,” he said? Read my what? “Your text messages,” he replied with the deliberate patience one uses with a small child. “Would you like to read your text messages here on the dash, Kate?” You have to be kidding, I thought, but I managed to articulate a polite no, thank you, Kyle, it’s probably safer if I stick to reading my text messages when I’m not behind the wheel. Here we are in the midst of a worldwide epidemic of distracted driving that is having tragic consequences on a daily basis and car manufacturers are offering more and more in the way of distracting gadgetry. And just when you think in-cabin technology can’t get any more complicated, the next generation of cars appears with new extras to make motoring more fun, more entertaining, more convenient – and potentially a lot more dangerous. Even for the most experienced, driving is a cognitively complex activity that requires full concentration and undivided attention. If you’re using a mobile phone, fiddling with the GPS or the radio, or chatting with your passenger, your brain is dancing back and forth

$100

between competing tasks to the detriment of the main business – safe driving. Now multi-tasking is okay if you’re doing mundane things like ironing shirts and watching TV or preparing dinner and talking to your beloved about the events of the day. What’s the worst that can happen? You burn a shirt or the dinner. Engaging in secondary tasks, such as talking on the mobile, while you’re engaged in the primary task of driving is another matter altogether. It can make you take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, and your mind off the driving environment. It’s an impact known as secondary task interference, the end result of which is impaired driving performance, with all the attendant consequences of delayed reaction time, difficulty staying in the right lane and maintaining a safe distance from the car in front and so on. If you’ve ever missed your exit off the Bruce Highway because your mind was elsewhere, you’ll know what I’m talking about. And why is secondary task interference so dangerous? One explanation is that our attentional resources are finite, so when we’re doing two things at once,

we’re actually splitting our attention between two tasks and doing neither one very well. From September, Queenslanders caught twice in a year using their mobile while driving will face double demerit points, similar to current arrangements for repeat seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and high-range speeding offences. So where does this leave the hands-free? From a legal perspective, you can use the hands-free while you’re driving provided you have an open licence. However, if you start driving erratically, you may breach other driving rules. A final word on the power of age and experience. Although we frequently hear that older people are less capable drivers, studies have shown that this is just not true. However, the bad news is that as we age our ability to successfully multitask declines, which means that folk our age should focus on driving and not allow ourselves to be distracted by the bells and whistles that are going off on the dashboard. Remember, such is the power of the mobile phone that its insistent ring can transform a responsible motorist into a menace and a car into a weapon.

Tell us what you think. Email me at kate@yourtimemagazine.com.au or write to Kate Callahan, Your Time Magazine, PO Box 717 Spring Hill, 4004.

CAR SERVICE VOUCHER* when you buy 4 selected Goodyear tyres Ends Saturday 11 July, 2015 *Ends Saturday 11 July, 2015 or while stocks k llast at participating ii i G Goodyear d A Autocare stores. $$100 car service i voucher h is provided at time of and upon purchase of Goodyear branded tyres excluding 13”, 14” and 15” sizes, and DuraPlus and Assurance DuraPlus ranges. Voucher has one year validity. Voucher must be used on a car vehicle type on a future visit to the store where qualifying tyre purchase was made and is only redeemable for automotive services. Tyres must be purchased and fitted in sets of four in one transaction. Additional service and fitting charges may apply to all tyres. Excludes fleet, commercial and account customers. Not available with other offers.

Cnr George & Boundary St, BEENLEIGH | Phone 07 3287 3326 34 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / July 2015

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July 2015 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 35

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TRAVEL

Crossing the bridges of Bruges With its canals, cobbles and centuries-old architecture, not to mention chocolates and patats, DOT WHITTINGTON recommends putting Bruges on the “bucket list”.

Canals, grand facades and chocolates flavour a visit to Bruges.

ne of the really nice things about Belgium’s UNESCO World Heritage city of Bruges is that it can best be appreciated by simply wandering the streets, without the need for guidebooks or traipsing from church to museum. Of course, the latter is a worthwhile endeavour too if that’s your thing, but Bruges has so many interesting and enchanting streetscapes, avenues, alleys and alcoves as well as quaint bridges over its crosshatch of canals, that it is entirely possible to say “been there, done that” without entering a single historic building. I am clearly not the first to have come to this conclusion, as the local tourist guide Bruges on Foot doesn’t dwell too long on indoor sightseeing either. There are also canal boats and horses and buggies to relish the views from a different perspective. Bruges is a Flemish city with a strong Dutch influence and, as its name

translates to “bridges” “bridges”, it’s not surprising there’s lots of them, some lifting or turning to allow broad barges to pass through narrow canals, others small and quaint and part of the town’s essential charm. It was a bitterly cold day in March when I set off to discover the attraction of Bruges, a chill wind turning light rain into a flurry of sleet as I memorised street names and landmarks en route to the city centre. This pleasant walk made it clear that Bruges is not about a street of fine houses or an occasional example of medieval architecture – it is a complete city full of well-preserved buildings continued page 38>

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36 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / July 2015

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July 2015 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 37

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TRAVEL <from page 36

from the 15th century onwards, with a few older examples thrown in for good measure. By simply following my nose, the random choice of streets brought me to the picture postcard street Groene Rei, where prime views of the buildings lining the opposite side of the canal have turned it into one of the most popular spots for photographers and artists. Yet another Bruges bridge emerges beside the magnificent Gothic town hall. Built between 1376 and 1400, its towering white façade is topped with turrets and drips with ornamentation and neatly stacked statues. Nearby is the crypt of St Basil and the Chapel of the Holy Blood where a heavily gilded shrine is said to contain a vial of the blood of Christ, brought back from the crusades by Count Thierry of the Alsace. A magnificent white and gold overhead bridge beckons towards the narrow Blinde Ezelstraat (Blind Donkey Street) which eventually leads to the main Market Square. Here, it’s a 360-degree view, from the 83m belfry tower and its narrow flight of 366 stairs around to the Gothic

revival Government Palace and Post Office building and then the signature row of colourful old houses with their quaint step-gables. Different objects on each façade identify the original purpose of each building. Sit in the square and enjoy and you’ve met the prerequisites of a good tourist. From here, it’s the simple

pleasure of wandering through the maze of tiny cobbled streets, each offering up a surprise, whether it’s an ornamental dome, a gilded doorway, a stone coat of arms or yet another quaint bridge. There are two big advantages to seeing Bruges in the off-season, as not only does the weather enhance its

fairytale magic, but it also means that it is not over-run with tourists, and it is unmistakably a popular tourist destination. There are so many chocolatiers it is obvious that whole population of Belgium could never consume it all, even if it is superb. Along with the Belgian lace, it’s the perfect souvenir.

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Inclusion: All flights with taxes and fuel surcharge, meals, 4-5* hotels, sightseeing & transfers, English Speaking Tour Guide, tipping for most of tours. *Travel insurance, visa are excluded. 38 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / July 2015

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TRAVEL

EXPERIENCE SUITS YOUR OWN From the soaring peaks of the Rockies to the wonders of New York, there’s much to be discovered in the USA and Canada. After 70 years in the business, Trafalgar has an unparalleled network of local connections, from passionate historians and naturalists to famous chefs. With this in-depth knowledge, Insider Experiences are carefully crafted to make sure you don’t miss the real insights of each destination. You could be invited into the home of a local family to hear their stories at a traditional barbecue cookout, on an exclusive Be My Guest dining experience. Or wake up in history at a unique Authentic Accommodation, selected for its architecture, décor and cultural significance. Discover lesser-known tales behind cities such as Washington DC, while exploring with an expert Local Specialist. Get to grips with traditional crafts and try your hand yourself on an exclusive Cultural Insight. With unique Insider Experiences such as these on every trip, Trafalgar

ensures you’ll experience each destination like a local. And there’s something for all styles of travellers. An At Leisure trip with stays of two to three nights and no starts before 9am is perfect for the independent traveller while the Family Experience is designed for families to learn and have fun together and the smaller group Hidden Journeys goes into places less-visited. Trafalgar prides itself on its combination of local knowledge, in-depth experiences and perfectly planned extras. More information 1300 78 78 58 or visit travellerschoice.com.au

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July 2015 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 39

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TRAVEL < The majesty of the Canadian Rockies is calling.

Going it alone made easy

ravel is a whole different ball game for solo travellers, from paying often unreasonable single supplements to having nobody to share the joy of a moment and the fear of not having a “buddy” if something goes wrong. There’s not much fun in sharing a room with a total stranger, but neither is it amusing to spend a holiday sitting alone at the dinner table. The fear of the unknown can be offputting when you’re alone but this

should not mean your travel days are over. Finding the balance has been tricky for singles, but with a growing number of Baby Boomers and beyond finding themselves widowed, divorced, single or with a partner who doesn’t want to travel, times are changing. Recognising this need for travel options for single travellers, Solo Connections has come up with a solution so singles need never worry again – solo travelling in company.

door each night to update on what can be expected the next day. Each tour has a qualified escort to make sure your holiday is everything you want it to be and to give local advice and make sure you are not caught short on customs, social expectations or personal safety awareness. Exclusive gatherings are held before departure to get to know fellow travellers and again on return home to debrief. Nightly get-togethers provide company on the trip if you choose to attend. All guests receive a VIP Solo Connections travel pack. The tours bring together the best of both worlds – travelling alone in company without the fear of being alone if something goes wrong. The full 2016/2017 brochure will be released later this year, but preregistration is open now for all itineraries. As a bonus to Your Time readers, Solo Connections is offering a 15 per cent discount on travel insurance and all Go Travel accessories. Simply mention Your Time when you call.

First of all, the good news is that fully escorted tours come without a singles supplement. And then there is the all-inclusive itinerary to ensure a hassle free holiday in the company of like-minded travellers if you choose. There’s no fear of sharing a room with a stranger or feeling alone. Itineraries have been designed with the solo traveller in mind, offering tailor-made activities daily and no nasty surprises when you get home. If you want the company of the group, it’s there. If you want to take time out alone, then that’s there too. If you need assistance, that’s on hand from the experienced escort 24 hours. And the world is your oyster. Destinations next year are Australia in April, South Africa in July, Canada and Alaska in September, European River Cruise in October and Vietnam and Cambodia in November. Plan ahead to 2017, and set off to South America in February or India in March. Popular destinations have been selected and itineraries designed to ensure pure enjoyment with unique experiences. Daily planners are delivered to the

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WE’VE BEEN WHERE YOU’RE GOING - CALL THE EXPERTS 1300 463 472 41.indd 3

24/06/2015 3:36:52 PM

TRAVEL

A cruise through Pacific war history A war history buff and a recent convert to the joys of cruising, ANTHONY STAUNTON found the dawn service on board the Sun Princess in the Coral Sea a special way to commemorate Anzac Day.

Passengers on board the Sun Princess take part in a dawn service while sailing the Coral Sea.

fter a wonderful trip to New Zealand early this year, my wife Anna and I became hooked on cruising, so when we spotted a deal for a 13-day cruise to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands we couldn’t resist. The offer was half the price of our earlier cruise. The

catch? It departed Sydney in less than a week. The bonus? We would be at sea for Anzac Day and could commemorate on board. The Sun Princess sailed at 4pm with the band playing as we sailed out of the harbour. The atmosphere was exhilarating. The focus this year has

understandably been on Gallipoli but few realised the Sun Princess was sailing through or visiting four of the six battle sites credited with saving Australia in 1942 during the Second World War. Our first port of call was Alotau, the capital of the Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea. A short walk from the port was the impressive Milne Bay Memorial behind which were information panels on the battle. One commemorates the Queensland-born Corporal John French who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. The following two days we visited Doini Island and Kiriwina Island. Neither had terminals that could handle cruise ships and we used the lifeboats to shuttle to and from

the shore. We negotiated with a taxi driver to get to and from the Guadalcanal American Memorial at Honiara in the Solomon Islands. The highlight of the cruise though, was attending and helping organise the Anzac Day dawn service. The Sun Princess events coordinator consulted veterans who were keen to ensure the format and wording for the service was respectable and fitting. It was an unexpected pleasure to find that Major Robert Morrison (retd), a former federal president of the Military Historical Society was on the cruise with his wife. The service, supported by a choir formed by passengers, was extremely moving. There were tears from veterans and relatives of veterans as they

A short walk from the port is the memorial to the historic battle for Milne Bay.

reflected on the service of family and comrades. The sun rose in shades of orange above the sea while we sailed through the Coral Sea. More than 600 passengers attended the service, the wreath was thrown into the swimming pool since protocol forbad it being thrown overboard. It sank. The Anzac service aboard the Sun Princess was excellent; the ports visited were extraordinary and the whole experience is heartily recommended.

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Learning & Leisure

42 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / July 2015

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HOME HINTS

Light, water, action with indoor plants If keeping the pot plants happy tests your green thumb, then choose one of the Top Ten.

ost “indoor” plants are those from the hot, wet jungles of the world and have large, fleshy, patterned leaves or glossy fronds. Of these, I’ve listed the best plants for growing inside the average suburban home, chosen not just for appearance but also longevity, ease of growing and tolerance of subtropical indoor growing conditions year round. They are: Aglaeonema, Anthurium, Aspidistra, Calathea, Dieffenbachia, Dracaena, Lady Palm, Maranta, Philodendron and Peace Lily or Spathiphyllum. All are readily available from garden centres. The enemies of successful indoor plant growing are too much light, too little light and air conditioning. Choose a position where there is good light but no direct sunlight. Philodendrons, Maranta and Lady Palm can take darker conditions. As an easy guide, plants with large, fleshy, dark green leaves tolerate lower light conditions than those with lighter, patterned leaves (for example Aglaeonema) and spathes (Spathiphyllum and Anthurium). Try to maintain a minimum temperature of 23C. If it drops below that for a long period, as in our cool season, then some plants will die back,

The Anthurium which comes in a multitude of colours, prefers brighter conditions and enjoys the humidity.

only to flourish again when the weather warms up. Watering is the most important part of an indoor plant care regime. Don’t let the growing mix dry out completely or become too wet. Test with your finger every couple of days. Usually a light watering around the roots twice a week is enough but the really important thing is regular use of a hand mister on the leaves – a recycled household spray bottle will do. This is particularly important to counteract the drying effect of airconditioning. Feed your plants with controlled-release granules at the rate recommended on the carton. Don’t use foliar fertilisers. Choose a good quality potting and avoid cheap mixes that “slump” too

easily. I personally prefer a special mix for successfully growing indoor plants. Indoor plants don’t suffer from many problems but infestations by insects such as scale and mealy bug can occur. The best practice is to be vigilant and watch for the first signs of blotching and discolouration of leaf surface, webbing under the leaf, and woolly or waxy white substance under the leaf. Usually it’s sufficient to wash the leaves with a weak solution of detergent and water. If the problem persists consult your local garden centre. For more information on growing indoor plants go to gardenezi.com. Or see the ebook Ten Best Indoor Plants at amazon.com/Ten-BestIndoor-Plants-GardenEzi-ebook/dp/ B00GT66HQK.

Calathea are among the plants best suited to growing indoors.

Decisions, decisions, decisions Not sure if you want a laptop or a tablet? NATHAN WELLINGTON sets out the facts.

oesn’t it seem like we are constantly upgrading to new equipment? Many of my clients who have old computers that are on their last legs ask me what they should upgrade to, a laptop or a tablet. Firstly, think about what you use your computer for – checking emails, surfing the internet, checking the weather, watching movies?

If you take a lot of photos, you definitely suit a tablet. A laptop will better suit if you type a lot of documents, spreadsheets or make presentations and need a larger screen and storage for all your media. Consider these points when weighing up your decision: Laptops generally have about a 1-terabyte hard drive for storing documents, spreadsheets, photos, music and media. A tablet has an average of 32gb-64gb of storage, so it doesn’t hold nearly so much. A laptop has a larger screen to allow you to multitask with many windows open at once, while a tablet generally has a smaller screen to perform one task at a time. A laptop has a keyboard and USB ports. Tablets have onscreen keypads. A tablet is easier to carry around, is

more convenient and the touch screen is easier to navigate. If you want to print an email from a tablet, you will need a compatible wireless printer. Many people I talk to, buy a laptop as their main computer and do away with the old desktop tower. Then they buy a tablet for their partner or to use on holiday. The next question I am asked is, “should I buy an iPad or Samsung tablet?” or “should I buy an Asus laptop or a MacBook Pro?” If you are already using an iPhone, look at the Apple products but if you have always used Windows and have a Samsung phone it may be best to stick with Windows. Email your questions to Nathan@ hometechassist.com.au

YOU CAN do it It’s time to put the ‘too old to learn’ excuse to bed, says the iPad Man COLIN DUNKERLEY. Do you remember your first time driving? Put your foot on the brake and the clutch and change gear down to second and indicate to turn left and do all of that at the same time. “Are you kidding? How am I going to do all that?” Now it’s automatic. So why is it when it comes to technology you tell yourself it is beyond you if you don’t get it right in three tries? Your life has been full of change and another thing you can add to the list of life’s certainties is that it will keep changing. New technology is not beyond you and will continue to invade every part of your life in the future so don’t ignore it, but embrace it and enjoy the benefits it can bring. This year has already seen the Apple Watch with incredible health functionality released. It even asks you to stand up if you have been sitting down too long! Later this year you will see your home lights, locks and other devices added to products you can control with your voice from your watch, phone or computer. By 2018 you will be asked if you would like the Google or Apple version of a new car as the technology from your phone is fully integrated with the vehicle. Already you can use your voice to type, send a message, check the weather, make an appointment, search for anything, get directions – in fact, voice integration is already so advanced there are too many examples to list here. So the next time you accidently engage Siri on your phone or iPad, rather than dismiss it, by being afraid or frustrated, take a little time and learn how to use it. Voice recognition will be soon integrated with every appliance around you. Any questions for the iPad man? Email yourtime@ipadlessons.com.au July 2015 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 43

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BOOK REVIEW

ELIZABETH PASCOE

The Boys In the Boat is such a simple title but this is no simple story. It’s a true and heartfelt journey of one lad, Joe Rantz, whose life takes some twists and turns and he ends up enrolled at the University of Washington. Joe is rather withdrawn and inward-thinking, likes the outdoors and registers for the rowing club. Eventually we meet all the lads who are the crew of the boat, the maker of the boat, the coach – but that’s a long way off. This book is thoughtfully and lovingly constructed by the author and is a triumph of the human spirit. If you read only one book this year or in a lifetime, this is the one.

TONY HARRINGTON

I loved this book. It is an exceptionally well-written and researched non-fiction historical biography with all the elements to make it a great and enjoyable book. The nine “boys”, all from working class families, not only work hard to put themselves through university during the Great Depression, but also row their way to Olympic Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics in front of an angry Adolf Hitler. The life of Joe Rantz is beautifully written and his fight to survive and succeed against all odds brought tears to my eyes. The “boys” form a cohesive team that transcends skill, pain and natural ability in one of the most demanding of all sports. An integral part of this book is how Joseph Goebbels, Nazi Minister of Propaganda, creates a movie set Olympic wonderland to deceive the world of their future intentions. This one is for the boys!

BOOK review JOHN KLEINSCHMIDT This book gives the reader an insight into the desperate years of the Great Depression, describes the determination of unprivileged university students to succeed and drives through the transformation of eight young men from talented individuals to a formidable team. So compelling is the story, that we live with families, appreciate the craft of building racing shells, suffer the torrid training conditions and schedules and appreciate the dedication and support of the people that believe in their charges. It’s the best “true story” I have read. I recommend it to all who like a well-written book that keeps you interested and tells the whole story.

SHEILA BRYDEN

The Boys in the Boat Pan Macmillan

Daniel James Brown celebrates the 1936 US men’s Olympic eight-oar rowing team – nine working class boys who stormed the rowing world, transformed the sport, and galvanised America. The sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers from the American West, the boys took on and defeated successive echelons of privilege and power. They defeated the sons of British aristocrats rowing for Oxford and Cambridge. And finally, in an extraordinary race in Berlin they stunned the Aryan sons of the Nazi state as they rowed for gold in front of Adolf Hitler. Against the grim backdrop of the Great Depression, they reaffirmed the notion that merit, in the end, outweighs birthright.

As someone who freely admits to shunning the sports section and raising a supercilious eyebrow at store displays of ghostwritten cricket or rugby biographies, I thought there was little chance of my reaching the finish line with Daniel James Brown’s The Boys in the Boat. I was wrong. Although often swamped with an excess of nautical terminology and sporting jargon, there were also passages of beautiful descriptive writing: spring mornings on Puget Sound, life in the Hoovervilles of the Depression and Berlin’s streets fluttering with their ominous swastikas. This work of non-fiction demands perseverance – I must confess to skimming through the technical boatbuilding sections – but the rewards are great.

JO BOURKE

MARY BARBER

This book surprised me. It’s a perfect case of “don’t judge a book by its cover”. I am not interested in sports books as a rule, but this was something special. Joe Rantz has had an extremely bleak childhood. He pays his own way to study engineering at the University of Washington, working as a janitor for his board at the YMCA. He’s an outsider in a world of privileged young men from wealthy families. He’s constantly hungry and desperate to get a better life. Rowing offers him this chance. Anyone who works in a team would enjoy this book. It’s about what can be achieved when people trust each other and themselves.

This non-fiction book has been meticulously researched as the Notes and Index at the end attest. Overall, I enjoyed it but at times I found myself skimming over the pages of training and racing trials and tough weather descriptions. No skimming with the human element though. I loved the way the author depicted all the characters. The book led me to Google where I watched and re-watched the actual race filmed by Hitler’s photographer, Leni Riefenstahl. Wow! The message is one of perseverance, courage and belief in oneself. I found this book inspirational and worth reading. A word of warning… it’s likely that it will subconsciously shake those excuses many of us hide behind and instead challenge us to set goals. It certainly has for me!

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44 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / July 2015

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Wedding winners when radio ruled

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS QUICK CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Len and Isobel Friend’s marriage started with a win 60 years ago, writes JEANETTE MORRISON.

“S

20 7

21 8

22 9

23 10

24 11

25 12

26 13

HANDY, BANDYHEADY, BADLYBEADY, BLADEABBEY, BABEL, BIBLE SCATTERWORD FORESHOCK, choker, hooker, kosher, choke, ocker, frock, choko, chook, shock, crook, shook, heck, coke, reck, hock, cook, cork, rock, sock, kero, fork, hook, rook, sook.

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When he retired after 36 years with Queensland Rail, he and Isobel left Brisbane and chose to retire in Nambour. Since then, they have been very active in community affairs including the National Seniors, the Presbyterian Church, the View Club, and RSL. They have two children Neil and Judy who live in Canberra and a granddaughter Samantha Jane. Sadly, Raymond died and Netta now lives with her daughter in Tasmania.

U K G T I N S C X HQ L D

had a couple having a double wedding before.” And, as fate would have it, the four of them became part of the show, sailed through the interview, then the nerve-wracking question time on air winning “fair and square”. “It was a wonderful start to a wonderful marriage,” Len says. Len served part-time military service as a cavalry soldier in the Armoured Corp and because of his age, eventually left the army with the rank of Major.

Raymond Shea, Len Friend, Netta and Isobel with Dick “Cupid” Cranbourne.

SUDOKU (EASY)

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Len and Isobel Friend celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.

SUDOKU (HARD)

o soon,” was how Len and Isobel Friend, felt about their recent 60th wedding anniversary. “Where have the years gone?” They were married on May 7, 1955 at the Milton Congregational Church in Brisbane, an occasion with a special twist. It was a double wedding with Isobel’s sister Netta and Raymond Shea. The couples won a radio jackpot prize for a free honeymoon for a fortnight at the Hotel Australia in Sydney. The radio show was sponsored by Taubman Paints so they also won enough paint for four rooms of their respective homes and the services of a master painter. “My sister insisted we go on the show and we relented rather reluctantly,” Len said. “In an interview before the show, as an engaged couple, we casually said we would be having a double wedding. “That made the sponsor’s ears prick up because they had never

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For further information call: 1800 639 331 or visit www.alzheimersonline.org July 2015 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 45

45.indd 3

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PUZZLES

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

DOWN

8 9 10 11 13

15 18 19 20

The thing that upsets me heaps is stress (9) Gather in fur, you might say (5) The small farm is frequently given little credit (5) Pass the change please (6) Better rhythm for a British law enforcer’s area (4) It comes back very loudly (musically speaking) to a spot of domestic disharmony (4) Relocates work sessions (6) The young bear left the faltering republic in danger (5) That cut of veal you would prefer, perhaps (5) Such deﬁance is sure to rile noble characters (9)

3 4 5 6 7 12 14 16 17

No. 2503

Familiar characters get rid of one with both hands, like dangerous criminals (5) Consistently annoy as rash actions do (6) ‘Disappoint’ the bag? (4) The last man in the shoe did brilliantly! (5) Six-toed, backward primate ﬁnds a security log, perhaps (9) It is time tameness was stripped from politicians (9) Digger loves hot cooking (6) The corrupt ofﬁcer, if removed will reveal who he worked for! (5) I fool around with the dossier (5) Kind of bell, bird, berry and grass! (4)

CODEWORD

No. 694

WORK IT OUT!

SUDOKU WORDFIND

Level: Hard

No. 18

air

low

cloud

mist

cold

pressure

cyclone

rain

event

shine

fog

snow

frost

storm

gale

sun

hail

system

high

trough

hurricane

turbulence

ice

warm

lightning

wind

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46 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / July 2015

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PUZZLES

QUICK CROSSWORD

No. 3604

SCATTERWORD

C S

H F

Today’s Aim: 17 words Good 21 words Very good 23 words Excellent

SUDOKU Level: Easy

No. 731

K O

No. 2940

Form at least one nine letter word from the given letters and as many other words as possible of four or more letters. Each word must contain the letter in the central circle. Simple plurals, formed by adding “s” are not counted as extra words. No preﬁxes or suﬃxes. Reference: The Macquarie Concise Dictionary.

PERMUTATE

ACROSS 1 5 8 10 13 14 15 17 20 21 22 23 26 28 29 31

Takes an oath Fresh Unit of area Storage locations for buses Prizes Part of a television serial Expensive Accept as fact Thwart Craftsman Highs Small remaining part Pressure Comes up Drank (informal) Draw back into safety

32 Small closeﬁtting hat 33 Running slowly (of an engine) out of gear 35 Gambling stake 36 Perceive olfactorily 37 Mufﬂed crackling sound

DOWN 2 3

4 5 6 7

Calamity Processes by which others’ children are legally taken as one’s own Pert Most recent Against Heed

9 10 11 12 16 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30 34

Aerial surveillance systems Medico (informal) Mexican coin Cash register Tender Footpaths Not glossy Suited Unobserved Jewish teachers Something illusory Produced by the air Tilled Against Less moist Domestic animal Nothing

HANDY

_____ _____ _____ _____ BIBLE

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