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Tony Bonner ... on life, sobriety and the meaning of family

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DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Merry Christmas to you

INDEX 3 News - From the heart of Brisbane 4 Cover Story - Tony Bonner 8 Talk n Thoughts 21 Wellbeing 26 Community notes 29 Wanderlust 30 Living 47 Puzzles

8

New ways to check driving skills

41

Gail Forrer Seniors Group Editor IT’S seems such a long time ago when the mention of a whole year ahead felt like an eternity, but these days I know I’m not alone when I say that every Christmas seems to come around faster than the last one!

Just a couple of weeks ago, I was blessed with my second grandchild, a healthy little girl. I feel there is absolutely nothing that could be a better Christmas gift than the safe delivery of this little one.

But I will also be spending time with my other grandchild, five-year-old Maryam who has reached the age of pondering team activities.

“GG (stands for Grandma Gail), she says looking up at me with her big brown eyes: ‘What can we do today’?”

Fortunately, thanks to a number of community groups who answered our call-out for ideas, I have a list that will keep both of us busy. I hope it gives you some ideas too.

This year we have filled many pages sharing the latest news on activities for the mind and body. On that line, I’m happy to say at age 61, I have completed nearly five years of part-time study and gained a Masters of Arts in

Literature (research). I now happily join a fast-growing list of people in my age group who have completed post-grad study. I’m one of those people that find study more natural that exercise! But I’m naming 2019 as my active body year – so watch out for plenty of physical exercise stories.

Christmas is time for friends, families and community. I’d like say Merry Christmas to our community of Seniors Newspaper readers, to our advertisers, to all those who contribute community notes and articles, to the great people who have let us interview and write stories about their lives and to my talented work colleagues.

Personally, I’m off to spend time with my three sisters and families and hope to catch up with my favourite Aunty Gem and cousins.

Best wishes Gail

CONTACT US General Manager Geoff Crockett – 07 5430 1006 geoff.crockett@news.com.au Editor Gail Forrer – 07 5435 3203 gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Brett Mauger – 07 5435 3203 brett.mauger@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Brisbane Seniors Newspaper”.

The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales.

The Seniors newspaper stable includes Toowoomba, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern NSW, Coffs and Clarence and Central Coast publications.

Published by News Corp Australia.

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Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspapers are not necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endorsement by the owner/publisher.

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SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

NEWS

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‘‘

Easton and Pearson are unique story-tellers of fashion FASHION PASSION: The Designers' Guide: Easton Pearson Archive exhibition on show at the Museum of Brisbane.

Photo: Jono Searle

From the heart of Brisbane

Gail Forrer FOR 28 years, two quietly spoken, dynamic fashion designers created, travelled, explored and did business together.

As imaginative and artistic women of their time they picked up on ethnic influences, the penchant for juxtaposing opposing looks and new design freedoms that had surged in on waves of fabrics, weaves, golden threads and silver sequins since the 1960s.

These resourceful young women met during the ’70s, married, birthed children, and worked on creating exciting, original styles that in a relatively short while catapulted them on

to the world’s most fashionable stages.

But the hurtle into global communications had not peaked and their decision to stay in Brisbane, which post Expo 88 was just beginning to shed its country town image, meant they were often framed within a small town picture.

Still, they stayed with the ease and warmth of their hometown ensuring their initials are elegantly embroidered into story of the new Brisbane.

Museum of Brisbane (MoB) chair Sallyanne Atkinson AO said that from their base in Brisbane, Easton Pearson took their unique designs to the world, showing in Paris in 1997 and stocked by Browns in London, New York’s Bergdof Goodman,

L’Eclaireur in Paris, Joyce in Hong Kong and David Jones across Australia, as well as Japan, Italy and the Middle East at the brand’s height.

Now in their early 60s and having closed the Easton Pearson label in 2017, the talented team remain close friends, equally delighted to present their show: The Designer’s Guide: Easton Pearson Archives.

When Easton and Pearson closed their business, they sent out a joint press release which explained their departure and provided insight into the workings of their extraordinary career.

“While we’ve loved every minute designing six collections a year, travelling twice yearly to the shows in Paris, appearances in prestigious stores in

Japan, England and the United States, and spending months at a time in India working with crafts people, artisan and ateliers, we have also missed out on so many important events in the lives of our loved ones and friends.

“This is a time to re-evaluate and put some balance back into our lives.”

And so it was perfect timing when Dr Paul Eliadis through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts programs gifted this archival collection to the Museum of Brisbane.

This November, Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson, decked out in their unique style of vintage, prints, patterns and assembled colour stepped lightly through the elegant entrance of

the Brisbane City Hall, made their way upstairs to the beautifully curated show and breezed gracefully between the rows of exquisite clothing, encased sketches and work books.

An attentive audience listened to Lydia Pearson share genuine yet understated thoughts on the show, business partnership and career.

So it was left up to MoB director Renai Grace to colour the big parts of their history: “Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson were the storytellers of Australian Fashion.

“Their unique approach referenced art, travel, film, literature and music to create a bold aesthetic characterised by daring patterns, innovative materials

meticulous techniques and a sustainable ethos.

“Their designs remain cutting-edge, even today, due to Easton Pearson’s experimental, demicouture processes and their passion for creating bespoke textiles, prints and embellishments as diverse as champagne bottle tops, raffia, silver thread and sequins, copper chain, felt, feathers and beads of almost every variety.”

Tickets to The Designers Guide: Easton Pearson Archive, Museum of Brisbane, level 3, City Hall, King George Square, runs until April 22, 2019.

Prices: $12/concessions $9. Children under 12 free.

Bookings: museumofBrisbane. com.au

4

COVER STORY

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Digging deep

Bonner’s life rates high on satisfaction, just not happiness

A BIG LIFE: Tony Bonner looks back at history and future dreams.

Photo: Tracey Johnstone

Tracey Johnstone TONY Bonner is sitting on a bench on the balcony of his beloved Manly Life Saving Club. In the background the ocean waves crash. A group of novice surfboard riders tentatively head out under the watchful eye of an instructor. The Norfolk Pines sway in the gentle breeze. Horns honk, running bare feet slap on the pathway below. All is seemingly very everyday.

For this internationally recognised actor, it’s his normal. It’s his safety zone. There, he is king of the club – immediate past-president for the fourth time, newly minted Life Member, grandson of the first club president, and still active patrol man. It’s where he comes every day he is at home.

More than 50 years of acting, directing, singing, dancing, coaching, teaching and mentoring isn’t enough. Bonner is still looking for happiness in his life.

He has travelled the world, worked alongside the likes of Kirk Douglas, Roger Moore, Tom

Selleck, Tony Curtis and Paul Hogan. He will also be forever remembered for stint as the helicopter pilot in the iconic Australian television series Skippy which went to air 50 years ago this year.

Some readers will remember when Cosmopolitan boldly launched its male centrefold series in 1972 with Burt Reynolds in America and then Bonner in Australia.

“I thought it was great and always have,” Bonner said.

Last year’s awarding of an Australian Medal remains one of his Bonner’s fondest life moments. He has received many peer awards, but to also be recognised publicly for his entertainment industry roles, along with his contribution to lifesaving and to several high-profile charities; there has been nothing more precious to him.

Bonners’s most recent work was as a feature actor in the Australian crime thriller film Landfall which is due in cinemas this month.

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COVER STORY

5

to get to Tony Bonner Unlike America, Bonner says there are less and less roles in Australia open to veteran actors.

“Once you hit 50 you kind of start to become invisible,” Bonner said. “ But for Bonner, he has two more films “in the air”, awarded writer and journalist Matthew Condon is working on Bonner’s biography and Katie Rae is painting his portrait for next year’s Archibald Prize.

Even with all that to Bonner’s credit, it just seems that still isn’t enough.

Bonner’s slight tilt of the head to the left and a gentle creasing of the brow introduces the intense side of the still

very handsome, single, 75-year-old.

That intensity is a product of his tempestuous life journey and its outcomes.

Bonner ran away from a violent home scene just after he had turned 14.

“I caught a daylight train to Melbourne, rented a little room in east Melbourne, and started,” Bonner said.

He battled alcoholism from the age of 14 through to 46.

“I danced with the devil back then,” Bonner added.

He put down the booze and the cigarettes, once and for all. His work improved. His relationships improved.

“It’s only been pluses,” he said.

Next year Bonner will proudly mark 30 years of staying dry.

“If there is such a thing as miracles in the life, and I believe there is, I am one,” he said.

About 14 years ago he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Bonner has since then mentored both men diagnosed with the disease and their partners about the experience, reminding them, “your life is more important that your erection”.

So, will he know when he has found his happiness?

“I don’t know; I’m sure there will be a feeling that

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says to me, this is what you have missed all your life,” he said.

A slight lowering of the direct gaze. His tense shoulders ease ever so slightly. The corners of his mouth give way to a gentle, loving smile. The pall over Bonner’s life lifts as he talks about his family; his greatest personal pride.

Bonner’s continuing strong relationship with his ex-wife, Nola Clark, and enduring connection with his three daughters and their children are what he says have kept him alive.

Living long enough to become a greatgrandfather is absolutely

FROM LEFT: Tony Bonner was the first Australian centrefold for the Cosmopolitan magazine, published in 1972; young Tony (as flight ranger Jerry King) with Skippy the Bush Kangaroo; and Tony with actor Shawn Brack in Travis Bain’s new thriller movie Landfall, in cinemas from this month. at the top of Bonner’s list for the future.

“To even say that from someone who didn’t think he would get past the age of 20 because of the way I was living; for me to still be here at 75 and to think, holy crap, there is a distinct possibility you are going to be a greatgrandfather; to me it’s nearly incomprehensible,” he said.

Bonner started the day with a swim in the ocean at first light. By the end of the day he has turned his mind to hosting a

fundraising function at the surf club, before heading off to coach aspiring actors and continue his charity work for The Smith Family, Bravehearts, the Variety Club and the Wesley Mission suicide prevention program.

“It’s in my nature,” he said.

“I have been blessed to have been in a battle and knocked around a bit, and survived. I get great pleasure if I can be of assistance to someone; if I can put a hand out, then I am really blessed.”

6

NEWS

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Valley history-makers

What Will Be Worn details tales of McWhirter’s rich story

By Ann Rickard MCWHIRTERS, the once celebrated department store in Fortitude Valley is an iconic Brisbane building, heritage-listed, grand and imposing on the corner of Brunswick and Wickham Streets, but many do not know the full story of its fascinating history.

Reading Melissa Fagin’s newly released book, What Will Be Worn, will bring the building to life.

Melissa has written lyrically in superb prose about her mother’s family, the McWhirters, headed

by James McWhirter, a Scottish draper who came to Brisbane in 1884, established the Fortitude Valley store and embedded his family into Brisbane society and history.

Even though the McWhirters façade is all that remains of its rich past – the building is now home to small retail outlets on the ground floor

and apartments above it – it holds a significant place in Brisbane, a stand-out landmark that represents part of the social history of Brisbane.

Researching the book meant Melissa had to reach back in time and then stretch her imagination to its limits, writing facts and then then writing what she imagined took place over the decades.

Melissa slips seamlessly from 19th Century Scotland to present day and then draws us back into history again without distraction or confusion.

When James McWhirter arrived in Brisbane from Scotland in 1884 he began work at TC Beirne’s, an already established department store. In 1896 he went out on his own and became a rival.

The business originally operated on Brunswick Street before James

INTERESTING LIVES: McWhirters family 1893, and (inset) Melissa Fagin wrote the family history of Brisbane Retailers.

acquired an acre of retail premise fronting Warner, Wickham and Brunswick Streets.

“So much of Brisbane has been torn down,” Melissa said. “I look at the McWhirters building

from so many angles.

There is a sense of great pride and in terms of the façade and also some sense of loss in the way it has been renovated. It is very difficult to walk in and imagine it as it was.”

James McWhirter was Melissa’s great-great grandfather. He had one brother and six sisters. In

Australia his own family grew to one son and six daughters.

“Although James was surrounded by women, the women didn’t have any official role in the business,” Melissa said.

“He was immersed in feminine spaces.”

By the mid-19th century department stores were

developing all over the world, Aristide Boucicault’s Bon Marche in Paris in 1852, followed

by Macy’s in New York. In Australia the department store was the logical extension of the general store or drapery.

“In the early 20th century, Fortitude Valley centered around the intersection of Wickham and Brunswick Streets and was one of the most important shopping centres in Brisbane and the women flocked to buy clothes and hats in beautiful fabrics,” Melissa said.

“The detail recorded of the fashion at the time was extraordinary. The colours and cut and the materials were important’’ The flowery and detailed descriptions of socialites at weddings, gala fund-raising and charity balls covered in the social pages of The Courier Mail are delightful to read and Melissa has quoted many of them through the bo Published by Transit Lounge, In bookstores now.

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

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DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

New method to monitor driving

Talk 'n' thoughts

Gail Forrer Group Editor

DRIVER SAFETY: New technology can help us identify the state of our capacity to keep driving.

‘‘

Sensors are also installed to measure the driver’s reaction times

FOR many people realising it’s time to let go of a driver’s license can be one of life’s greatest challenges.

Often the ability to drive has meant the freedom to travel when and where you like, no need to rely on other people or deal with public transport.

It’s recognition that your body and mind are still fine tuned enough to handle the roads without danger to yourself or others.

If you don’t come to terms with ageing (poorer eyesight, less hearing, perhaps some frailty or memory loss) and make your own choice to relinquish your licence, it may mean you have had to concede to the wishes

of people younger (perhaps ones that you may not even feel are wiser) than you and that can be difficult.

So it’s heartening to see that modern technology has been employed which can assist with the driving experience.

For instance a federally funded project has developed a new Virtual Reality Driving Simulator for Older Drivers targeting people between 70 and 80 years of age.

This project is now being trialled in the Inverell district of northern New South Wales and aims to check the driving skills of senior Australians and improve road safety.

Called Hector VR, it is touted as a groundbreaking innovation, to enable Australian seniors to live longer, better lives as they are supported to maintain their proficiency on the road.

It can also be used to test driving skills and

make the decision to keep driving or not.

Developed by aged care provider McLean Care in partnership with Deakin University’s School of Engineering, the trial uses emerging interactive virtual reality, linked with smart sensor technology.

The driving simulator is contained in the shell of a Holden Captiva vehicle, to increase the sense of reality for drivers.

“Sensors are also installed to measure the driver’s reaction times and heart rate to assess their responses to a variety of situations that can arise when driving,” Member for New England Barnaby Joyce told the National Seniors.

“In addition to helping older drivers maintain and test their skills, Hector VR is designed to help those with medical conditions, such as dementia and who can no longer drive, to re-live the driving experience.

“The virtual driving

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scenarios are modelled on the township of Inverell, including important local buildings, major shopping centres, retail outlets and landmarks, to make the user’s experience as realistic as possible.

“The simulator includes differing road environments and realistic scenarios such as country driving and various levels of traffic.”

Development of the virtual reality driving simulator was funded through the government’s $34 million Dementia and Aged Care Services grants scheme, which is promoting innovation across the country. * The Federal Government funded $726,000 towards the project. * Info sourced from NationalSeniors: https://nationalseniors. com.au/news/latest/ high-tech-boost-to-road -safety-for-seniors .

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

NEWS

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10

NEWS

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Reflections

O’Brien’s life in historical context Tracey Johnstone

turned television into an instantaneous medium.

“The second thing is where print always saw itself, in my early years, as the superior news medium, these days it is scrambling to keep up and we are converging on each other,” Kerry said.

‘‘

The fundamentals of journalism are absolutely still the same, but the trappings have changed massively “The fundamentals of journalism are absolutely still the same, but the trappings have changed massively and the means of delivery have changed massively.”

When he started working in television in the 60s the newsroom waited three or four days for the film of major events to reach Australia.

The digital storm, as Kerry describes it, has

“It’s only a matter of time, and not far away before we are fundamentally using exactly the same means of delivery. In other words, we will be sharing common spaces and not just one space because there will be many means of delivery. I guess the days of hard copy newspapers are all but gone.”

These changes are

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NEWS LEGEND: Kerry O'Brien, political journalist and author writes his own story.

I CAN remember growing into social and political awareness at the hands of journalist Kerry O’Brien.

He was at the dinner table with my parents and then myself for almost 30 years that Kerry reported for the ABC on This Day Tonight, Four Corners and 7.30.

Kerry’s recently released A Memoir sits on top of my pile of books that I have been quietly and carefully collecting over the last three months in preparation for a few weeks of summer holiday reading.

It’s a thick book, but my initial review of it indicates it is going to be well worth taking the time to read it as the veteran journalist takes me on a journey through his experiences of living and working during Australia’s social, political, media and cultural evolution from the 40s through to 2015.

Throughout his 50-year

career Kerry has borne witness to significant changes to it Australia’s political landscape and the processes in which is reported.

“We are certainly in a different era of journalism than the one I grew up in, in many ways,” Kerry said.

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

NEWS

11

from an Australian reporter driving a reduction in journalism staff, but no decrease in the workload.

“That is having an impact on the quality of news,” Kerry said.

The other key change in journalism Kerry notes is the 24-hour news cycle which has impacted on political reporting.

“It’s this kind of blind desire to fill the digital space simply because it is there whether you have something worth reporting, something worth analysing, or not,” he said.

“So, we have wall-to-wall mountain of words that sometimes has something to offer, and often doesn’t.

“And we have politicians who feel compelled to be available when they are asked, no matter how frequently and regardless of whether they have got something to say, or not, because they worry that if they don’t fill the space, somebody on the other side of politics will fill it for them. The overall quality, I think, has plummeted in many ways.”

But Kerry remains a strong advocate for the

ABC arguing that now, more than ever, as the social and political landscape changes dramatically, Australia needs the public broadcasting service.

“Yet, here we are, watching the place being hit from one side to the other with a wall of hostility from the government, constant attacks from Rupert Murdoch who happens to own 70 per cent of the print output of the country as well as television influence and radio,” Kerry said. “Although I know from personal experience the ABC has been an enormously resilient institution, you can’t simply assume that it can continue with its resilience and can continue just battle on regardless no matter what harpoons are being thrown at it.”

The young, carrot-top boy who spent his formative years in the small town of Brisbane and once dreamt of being a jackaroo, came to interview some of the world’s most influential decision-makers and to drive hard Australia’s

understanding of the political changes occurring around them.

His decision to chronicle his journey and that of his family, including their Irish

heritage, has been made possible by drawing on his published articles and spending countless hours reading transcripts and watching

his interviews which he rarely watched once recorded, and from going through his extensive collection of notebooks and diaries.

“I have been able to take the interviews and look at what John Howard was telling us in response to the questions, compare it with what we now know of those events like East Timor, Iraq, kids overboard, the boarding of the Tampa, gun control laws, the Wik Native Title judgement, the Stolen Generation reports, John Howard’s kind of obsession with the wars and the waterfront dispute, and I think new patterns emerge which I think might help in the next round of interpretation of that part of history,” Kerry said.

While former prime minister Paul Keating said in his 2015 Sydney Opera House interview with Kerry O’Brien, “anyone who is any good never wrote about themselves”, while discussing the motivation to chronicle his life, Kerry neatly side-steps this comment by claiming he believed Mr Keating was referring to

politicians at the time, not to someone like Kerry.

“The biggest motivator (for me) really was the realisation that simply the accident of the different places I worked in my 50-year journey through journalism, I had a ringside seat for many, many milestone moments in post-war history, not just within Australia, but globally,” he said.

“I was standing on the steps of Parliament House when Gough came out to make his famous utterance about Kerr’s cur.

“I then followed, for Four Corners, Whitlam through that campaign while a colleague, Alan Hogan, followed Malcolm Fraser. I have very vivid memories of that event and the election that followed.”

Kerry’s book encapsulates this and many other significant milestones and offers a fascinating personal insight, with a few cheeky side observations, while keeping true to the historical facts.

Published by Allen & Unwin, Kerry O’Brien, A Memoir is in bookshops now. RRP$44.99.

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NEWS

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Amazing work is recognised THE founder of Celebrating Ageing, Dr Catherine Barrett has been named a finalist for one of the most pretigious awards of its kind Australia - the 2018 Human Rights medal After a long nursing career and with a goal to make older people visible, safe and receive the respect and dignity they deserve, Dr Barrett established Celebrate Ageing.

The organisation raises awareness through events, educational services and other programs to draw attention to issues such as elder abuse, sexual assault, dementia, ageism and the media, aged-care facilities and more.

Dr Barrett is also a national and international leader in the rights of older people. She has also worked extensively with the ageing LGBTI+ communities.

The Human Rights judging panel evaluates over 70 outstanding nominations from around the country to identify an impressive list of finalists.

"It is without a doubt

that these finalists, along with their supporters, peers and colleagues, have driven remarkable and lasting change to the lives of thousands of individuals of all backgrounds," said Commission President, Rosalind Croucher.

"Such achievements must be celebrated and acknowledged and what better way to do this than with the Human Rights Awards and of course, the highly coveted Human Rights Medal," she said.

Other finalists are: Antoinette Braybrook Armed with little more than a mobile phone, a laptop and a modest grant, Antoinette established Djirra (then called the Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention Legal Service Victoria) in 2002.

She remains the CEO of the organisation and is the national convenor of the National Family Violence Prevention Legal Services Forum – which she campaigned to establish.

Through her leadership and vision, Antoinette played a key role in the establishment of

HUMAN RIGHTS MEDAL FINALISTS (L to R) Dr Barri Phatarfod, Father Rod Bower, Antoinette Braybrook, (bottom left to right) The Hon Peter McClellan AM QC, Chrissie Foster and Dr Catherine Barrett.

‘‘

Dr Barrett is a national and international leader in the rights of older people. culturally appropriate legal services and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families experiencing violence.

Dr Barri Phatarfod Dr Phatarfod founded Doctors 4 Refugees five years ago, with the goal of helping asylum seekers and refugees access quality medical care, both on and offshore.

Currently the membership is over 700 with more than 100 of these doctors including specialists actively reviewing the medical records and management of over 400 asylum seekers and refugees.

Dr Phatarfod and her group challenged the Australian Border Force

Act and its contentious Secrecy provisions, which were eventually removed.

Dr Phatarfod was last year recognised by Amnesty as one of Australia’s top human rights defenders.

Father Rod Bower The venerable Father Rod Bower is an Anglican priest and Rector of Gosford where he has served for 19 years and Archdeacon of the Central Coast.

The ambassador for the Refugee Council of Australia is also an advocate for a broad range of social justice issues, including marriage equality.

Despite attacks on himself and his parish, Father Bower has refused

to be silenced and is well-known for the thought-provoking signs outside his church that promote equality, justice and human rights for all.

The Hon Peter McClellan AM QC and Chrissie Foster Justice McClellan led the five-year Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

It was unprecedented in Australian history in terms of length, size or complexity and led to the Prime Minister’s National Apology to Victims and Survivors in October 2018. Justice McClellan demonstrated remarkable compassion and leadership in the conduct

of these hearings.

Chrissie Foster has long campaigned for justice for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. Two of Mrs Foster’s daughters were sexually abused by a Catholic priest - one has since passed away. With dignity, grace and strength, Mrs Foster and her family have publicly held institutions to account in the hope that history will not repeat itself.

■ The winner of the 2018 Human Rights Medal will be announced at the Human Rights Awards ceremony on Friday, December 14, in Sydney.

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NEWS

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CULINARY ARTS

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Authentic Greek fare

Chef’s inspiration has philosophical source IT’S been four months since internationally trained and renowned chef David Tsirekas’ menu hit Nostimo Restaurant Bar at The Greek Club, West End. Drawing inspiration from his journey of understanding authentic Greek fare – by reading ancient literary texts – David’s signature dishes balance traditional Greek food with a much-loved contemporary spin and sense of fun.

“My signature dishes focus on tradition while still being contemporary and fun, and hero everything that is celebrated about Greek cuisine: produce, quality, seasonality and freshness,” he said.

Two of the new dishes he has introduced include: Pork Belly Baklava, roasted pork belly, pistachios, dates, pork crackling, date mustard mastiha sauce; and Ancient Salmon cured in ouzo, lemon zest and pepper, smoked skordalia, mulberry, blackberry, fish sauce, honey, shaved fennel.

The Pork Belly Baklava, an original dish

by David, represents a merging of savoury and sweet with the layering of meat and fat echoing pastry and nuts in the traditional baklava incarnation.

“I dream about new dishes quite regularly, and when I dreamt about this dish back in 2001 while I was at Perama, I jumped in the kitchen the next day and started experimenting. I always wanted to create a savoury baklava and using pork – one of the most used proteins in Greece – works perfectly in terms of flavour and balance.”

The belly is steamed, vinegar-soaked, roasted, sliced then layered with mustard, date puree, pistachios and pastry.

Salty tiles of crackling on top work nicely with the sweetness of the dates, the whole dish served with a light date and mastic sauce.

David started his culinary journey when he dived into ancient Greek scripture to gain a true understanding of traditional Greek cooking methods.

“I began my journey of understanding Greek cuisine by going back through history and reading ancient literary texts to help me understand better where Greek cuisine had come from, what path it travelled and how it has evolved to where it is today. In essence, my signature dishes and dishes overall reflect Greece through the ages, portraying elements of each period.”

Derived from a translated 3rd century scripture by Archestratus – a traveller of the Greek colonies who kept a record of how food was prepared differently across the ancient Greek world – David’s Ancient Salmon dish is based on an ancient Greek technique which involved preserving fish in distilled spirits and fermented anchovy sauce.

For more recipes go to: seniorsnews.com.au The Greek Club Address: 29 Edmondstone St, South Brisbane Phone: (07) 3844 1166

GOURMET GREEK: Pork Belly Baklava, (inset) chef David Tsirekas.

Delicious cinnamon spiced apple chips cinnamon sugar.

METHOD ■ Preheat oven to 100°C fan forced.

■ Lightly spray two large wire racks with cooking oil and place over a baking tray.

■ Using a mandolin or sharp knife, cut 2 apples into paper-thin rounds.

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■ Place in single layer onto the wire racks, making sure they don’t touch.

■ Sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar.

■ Bake for 90 minutes or until apples feel dry.

■ Note that they will become crisp on cooling.

■ Remove to a tray to cool

and repeat with remaining apples and cinnamon sugar.

Makes about 60 chips.

Cooking time: 3 hours (90 mins per batch of 30).

Preparation time: 15 minutes. ✰Good tip. To make your

own cinnamon sugar, combine 1 tablespoon white sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. ✰To store. Apple chips store for up to two weeks.

They are best stored in an airtight glass jar.

Or you can line an airtight container with foil.

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SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

NEWS

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NEWS

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

ATTACKING LONELINESS: It’s important to say something to someone, every day.

Overcoming loneliness Tracey Johnstone IT’S a simple question, but just how many of us fear reaching out this way as we confront being lonely while life swirls around us during the Christmas period.

Wanting to connect with other people at this time isn’t a weakness, says Australian Coalition to End Loneliness scientific chair and Swinburne University of Technology lecturer and clinical psychologist Dr Michelle

Lim – it’s a fundamental need.

“I think a lot of people are reluctant to ask because they think something is wrong with them,” she said.

“In fact, there is nothing wrong with them.

Wanting company at Christmas is a really normal thing.”

There are several ways you can avoid loneliness: ■ Get involved with local council services and community events being held during the holiday period.

■ Join in with your local church’s activities.

■ Ask the members of your interest groups if they have an activity that you can join in with.

■ Don’t be shy to let people know you want to be included in activities.

Tell your friends, family and neighbours.

“We know from our research that we are poorly connected to neighbours, but they can be a really good resource for support,” Dr Lim said.

When someone says no when you ask to join in,

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consider whether it may not be convenient or it’s too short notice or whether you can schedule with them to join in at another time.

“It’s not necessarily a rejection,” Dr Lim said.

If you can’t find someone within your network who can help you manage your loneliness, look outside for others who can step in Dr Lim recommends.

One 24/7 organisation you can contact for phone, online chat and video counselling support

is www.ontheline.org.au.

It’s important to say something to someone, every day, at a library or shop or anywhere else within your community. Try to start a conversation with a person you don’t know. Look at them while you talk; smile; show positive body language; try to make eye contact.

This way you ensure you don’t lose the confidence to reach out.

“Even if it’s a superficial conversation, it can actually build into a more meaningful conversation

over time,” Dr Lim said.

Your pet can also be a great help in reducing your feeling of isolation.

Talking to your cat or dog is a good start.

Another is regularly taking your dog for a walk in the park where you can meet and talk to other dog owners.

And, if you know a business that is hosting members of your community for Christmas, you could suggest it takes bookings from single people and then groups them together.

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NEWS

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Retire with everything you want and more at Aveo Durack Support the retirement lifestyle you want now, and in the future.

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NEWS

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Classical Corner WITH QUEENSLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

AN ORCHESTRA FOR EVERYONE WHETHER YOU COME...

To experience the big emotions of a symphony… To watch a great movie come to life…

To feel the room shake from that massive brass sound… To witness a world-class musician perform a breathtaking solo…

To experience the familiar… To try something new…

To relax… To be roused… To feel your spine tingle…

Whatever the reason, whoever you are Queensland Symphony Orchestra is an ORCHESTRA FOR EVERYONE In 2019 Queensland Symphony Orchestra will perform something for everyone. There will be mighty symphonies, intimate chamber music, captivating live movies, and much more. We will play music that spans the arc of history.

Whether you are new to orchestral music or have been part of our family for years, I am certain you will find much to look forward to.

Music Director Alondra de la Parra

Our set series packages allow you to enjoy ticket savings and the same great seat for every concert in the beautiful QPAC Concert Hall. The bigger the package, the more you will save.

In 2019 we offer the following set-series packages: Maestro Package Enjoy orchestral favourites by the greatest composers who ever lived, performed by the world’s finest soloists and the musicians of Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Choose from 10 or 12 evening concerts.

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If you like your orchestral music fun and entertaining, these are the concerts for you. Sundays at 11.30am.

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Or just have a busy schedule? Whatever your reason, you’re flexible! With ChooseYour-Own packages, select three or more concerts from our 2019 season and enjoy discounted tickets and subscriber benefits.

Phone (07) 3833 5044 Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm to request a copy of our brochure, or visit qso.com.au to find out more. << Renée Jones

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

NEWS

REIGNING ROYALS: British Royal family on the balcony during celebration of the Trooping the Colour in London.

19

hoto: Utrecht Robin/ABACAPRESS.COM

What’s behind our big love affair with the Royal family WHAT is it about “the Royals” which so intrigues us?

Why do we, as an independent country which prides itself on its own identity and its multicultural and non-class-based society, many of whom embrace the notion of a republic, seem so eager to follow every move that particularly Princes William and Harry and their wives make?

Could we be moving towards a new generation or regeneration of monarchists?

Popular culture expert, Dr Jess Carniel (pictured) from the University of Southern Queensland, doesn’t think so.

“I think it would be wrong to make an assumption about how we feel regarding a republic or monarchy based on our response to royal tours,” she said.

“It’s definitely more about celebrity these days.

“We know the Queen is technically our Head of State, but there is a disconnection – most people don’t really attach

our government system to their thinking about these people.”

While the Royal fascination crosses the generations, Dr Carniel said the reasoning behind it does change.

For the younger generation it is simply about the chance of “a selfie” with a famous person.

“The Royals are more attractive, personable and accessible than many celebrities because part of their modus operandi is to connect with local communities, unlike Hollywood stars, for instance, who you are more likely to see walking a red carpet.”

However, she said, there is also the historic fascination with the family, and for many over-55s that connection, whether back to the Queen and Queen Mother, fighting for Queen and Commonwealth, or simply to the Queen of Hearts, Princess Diana, is very real.

Princes William and Harry are very much their mother’s sons in their more relaxed and friendly approach, she said, and have now been adopted as “the people’s princes”

‘‘

The Royal fascination crosses the generations

just as their mother was once “the people’s princess”.

“They are the type of young men you’d want as your son,” she said.

“They are positive role models for young people and probably a symbol of hope for all of us.”

And that element of romance shouldn’t be overlooked, from right back to the “fairytale wedding” of Prince Charles and Lady Di, to watching their grief-stricken boys grow to men, with very public romances and weddings.

“There is definitely that nostalgic attachment,” Dr Carniel said.

And while Harry in particular had enjoyed his “wild days”, both have matured into their public roles including taking the lead in mental health, the environment and helping returned service people.

Asked if she thought a referendum on a republic would bring different results to those almost 20 years ago in 1999, Dr Carniel said there was certainly a greater “distancing” of current generations from “Queen and Commonwealth”.

Past generations, she pointed out, grew up singing “God Save the Queen”, with a picture of the Queen in every classroom and on every stamp, and the Queen’s annual message an important part of Christmas formalities.

Today, our only concrete connection is the Queen’s

profile on our money.

We see the Royals today more as “real people” even if they do have a rarified life, with the princes as likely to been seen at sporting events in jeans and rolled up shirts as in their military regalia, being cheeky and joking around as making formal speeches.

Dr Carniel said she believed that marketing of the princes as “young and fresh” was a “very deliberate thing” on the

part of Buckingham Palace, and pointed to television series such as The Crown giving us a different, more human perspective of the Queen as well.

“They are romantic figures, but they also embody many of the values we still hold dear,” she said.

And ultimately, unlike our ever-changing political figures and their spats, they really don’t impact our daily lives – and that’s got to be good.

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DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

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WELLBEING

Medical checks 24/7 Professionals on-hand to deal with emergency situations BRAND INSIGHTS “DON’T self-monitor a medical alert device. Just DON’T do it.” Paul Joseph, the heart and soul behind Emergency Medical Services Pty Ltd, is emphatic on this point.

His company supplies the safeTwear medical alert device but more importantly also provide 24/7 monitoring for them.

“I’ve heard so many horror stories over the years from customers who come to us because self-monitoring went horribly, horribly wrong,” he said.

“Having a family member or friend responsible for the medical alerts is a terrible idea. It puts enormous pressure on them to be by their phone and available to take the call.

“Imagine the guilt you would carry if you missed a call from your loved one that resulted in injury or worse, death! I would never want to put that

kind of pressure onto the people I love.

“As well as that, often the person wearing the medical alert device won’t push the button because they don’t want to be a nuisance.

“Having a professional, independent, specialist response centre with experienced responders manage the emergencies is far better than relying on friends and family.

“Our response team are trained professionals who deal with medical emergencies every day.

They are calm, fast acting, and know the right information to collect to ensure the ambulance has everything they need, including the customers exact location and full medical history on screen brcause in an emergency situation, every second and the small details count.”

Paul’s extensive experience in this medical alert and the home security industry has equipped him well to put

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‘‘

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“We actually call it the ‘Danger of Self-Monitoring’ because to us, it really is that serious. Friends and family will often panic in these situations and fail to collect the relevant information the ambulance will need. Just don’t do it, I can’t stress it enough.”

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DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Easy home care app A simple and safe way to find a local carer with the app Kynd

BRAND INSIGHTS FOR decades now, we’ve seen more and more people choosing to live and stay in the homes they know and love.

It sounds romantic, right? But too often, the reality can be far from romantic. Navigating Australia’s home care ecosystem can be complex, costly and confusing.

While we live in a lucky country, there’s real challenges and with over 105,000 Australian’s on the government’s waiting list for care packages, planning ahead is key.

So what are your options and how can you access the right help at home?

The first step is understanding what funding you’re eligible for.

Maybe a Home Care Package or depending on your age, even NDIS funding.

When it’s time to start organising care, it’s

important to check your options. Many people lose 30% to 50% of their package funds to high admin fees and then incur higher hourly rates fees, meaning they receive far less support.

A new service that’s created a better way for people to save money, get more support and have real choice… is called Kynd. It’s a mobile app and flexible care service for all ages and abilities, where locals care for locals.

You can signup free, post jobs, browse nearby carers, request a free “meet & greet” and set-up carer support. It was created to really empower people.

With Kynd, you can choose a “self-managed” home care package, or if you have a provider already, ask them about choosing the carer you want through Kynd. It’s the best way to get bang for buck and with lower hourly rates that you agree, some people double or

SIMPLE AND SAFE: With Kynd, you can choose a 'self-managed' home care package, or if you have a provider already, ask them about choosing the carer you want through Kynd. triple, their hours of support.

Need someone who loves to cook, has experience with dementia and lives nearby?

Kynd helps find them. If you’re waiting for funding, Kynd is the simple way to find short-term and ongoing help, based on your needs.

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Leave the concert recharged for 2019 and just in time to watch the fireworks on the Brisbane River

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

WELLBEING

Lift for eye’s droopy lids

23

Examinations point to proper help Tracey Johnstone HAVE you ever wondered why you have dropping skin about your eyes?

Wondered if there is anything you can do about it?

Ophthalmologist Dr Elizabeth Livingstone has some advice to help you find a solution.

Droopy eyelids are a condition where ageing skin comes down over the eye which may obstruct a person’s vision.

This often occurs at the corner of an eye which will impact more on your side vision than your direct vision and which can have a significant impact on your vision, including when driving.

Dr Livingstone, who works with elderly patients in her Livingstone Clinics at the Gold Coast and Sydney, says some of the reasons for droopy eyelids are: ■ As we age the skin above the eye can becomes less elastic and stretches. The skin can then rest on your eyelashes, making them feel heavy ■ Having a lot of fat tissue under the skin ■ Some medical

conditions including thyroid disease, and those that cause fluid retention ■ Atrophy, or allergies, which causes lots of swelling of the eyelids early in life ■ Senile ptosis, which is where the ageing muscle in the top lid stretches, causing the eyelid not to open properly ■ Having a genetic disposition Surgery is an option for dealing with droopy eyelids, but Dr Livingstone cautions against having it before you have an essential eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

“We need to make sure your eyesight is good,” Dr Livingstone said.

“You may need a field examination done.

“Ideally you would get a referral from your GP or optometrist for an ophthalmologist.”

If you object to the way your eyelids look, cosmetic, plastic, ENT and ophthalmologist surgeons can rectify the condition.

But the cost of this surgery isn’t covered by Medicare and can be expensive.

“The satisfaction of the

patient is a lot harder to achieve because they are younger and more critical,” Dr Livingstone said.

“They are not getting it just for the eyelids, they are looking at it from every point of their face, from all directions, and tend to notice differences after the surgery more than before.”

Because of that, medical indemnity for that sort of procedure is much higher.

“For the elderly patients, they just want to see better – and if they look better they are so happy.”

To rectify a skin problem, the surgery is similar to a cosmetic treatment.

“If it’s skin and fat, again it’s pretty much the same surgery but just a bit more involved,” Dr Livingstone said.

“But if you are starting to get stretching of the muscle and the drooping of the top eyelid margins so it’s coming down over the pupil, then it belongs in the domain of the ophthalmologist.

“That operation requires relocating the muscle and stitching down onto the eyelid.”

PROBLEM: The eye of a woman showing a drooping eyelid.

Photo: ElFlacodelNorte

How to manage cramps

SORE LEGS NO MORE: Here’s a few tips for managing cramps, and some background as to why they may occur.

Photo: Jovanmandic

CRAMPS are fairly common among older Australians – almost 50 per cent of us suffer the often incredibly painful spasming of the muscles.

They are an involuntary and painful contraction of a skeletal muscle which can last for anywhere between seconds and a few minutes.

What causes them is still a mystery says Professor Alan Hayes, Assistant Dean of the Western Centre for Health Research and Medicine at Victoria University and Deputy Director of the Australian Institute for Muscoskeltal Science.

“The common theory is they are neurological in nature,” he said.

“Our muscles get activated by neurons in the spinal cord, called alcomon neurons, and it seems they over-fire more than they should.”

Cramps tend to occur at night and mostly affect the calf area.

“Certain disorders affect certain parts of the body, but certainly cramps in general tend to affect the lower extremities,” Prof Hayes added.

“We do lose motor neurons as we age. It may be then that there is less there carrying a larger load, so they fire up more often. We certainly lose more motor neurons in our legs than in our arms which is why it may occur in our legs.

“One of the difficulties with the causes is a lot of other causes like electrolyte deficiencies, you argue that if they occur, they should occur everywhere, but we really only get cramps generally in our legs and most commonly in our calves.”

Sitting for long periods with your knee bent can also bring on a cramp.

Some tips for managing cramps are: ■ During the day stretch the leg muscles out is one way to get relief from a

cramp and help avoid cramps occurring in the first place ■ Pre-stretch your calf muscles before you go to bed. Try this stretch – keep your feet flat on the floor, then carefully lean forward and touch a wall ■ Keep well hydrated, particularly during the hotter months He said there is no real evidence that taking magnesium or salt is useful unless you have an electrolyte issue.

“If they are getting worse and worse, there may be an underlying condition,” Prof Hayes said.

“They appear to be more prevalent in diabetics and can be more prevalent in hypertension and venous insufficiency. Cramps have been linked diuretics, aerosol beta agonists and some statins which in some people does cause lower leg weakness.”

24

NEWS

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Tangara Village is an affordable inner city lifestyle.

Easy Retirement

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Located in the heart of West End, Tangara Village is within easy reach of transport, shops, services and the Cultural Precinct at Southbank.The Mater and Princess Alexandra Hospitals are also nearby.

Enjoy affordable living in an elevated position at West End with views of Brisbane City and surrounding suburbs. Each fully self-contained one bedroom apartment is refurbished to a quality standard, delivering an easy retirement lifestyle.

Access a range of Blue Care services, including assistance with housework, transport, allied health services, social support and personal care.

To book an inspection at Tangara Village call 07 3155 2120 Tangara Village 35 Sussex St, West End • Email info@easylivingretirementvillages.com.au • www.easylivingretirementvillages.com.au

Brassall Village gives you a quiet convenient lifestyle.

Indicative internal photo

Easy Retirement

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Experience the freedom of not having to take care of home maintenance and gardening.Your home is safe and secure.

With maintenance free community areas and organised social activities, you are free to enjoy the best years of your life.

Affordable living in a refurbished one-bedroom unit from $168,000*.

Or take advantage of our refurbished studio apartments where midday meals, cleaning and a linen service are provided from $95,000**.

Access a range of Blue Care services, including assistance with housework, transport, and allied health services.

Blue Care also has an aged care facility co-located within the village.

To book an inspection at Brassall Village call 07 3155 2121 *Typical price for 1 bedroom apartment. **Typical price for a studio apartment.

Brassall Village 9 Charles St, Brassall • Email info@easylivingretirementvillages.com.au • www.easylivingretirementvillages.com.au

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

Discover a new way to retire Azure Blue Carina is a lifestyle community offering easy retirement living for over 65s.

Sales Manager Mark Burrows said the village presented the perfect home for those wanting to step up and enjoy the best years of their lives with modern, spacious and quality apartments.

“The resort-style facility, with in-home support if required and modern amenities, is nestled in a bushland hilltop location with stunning views.” he said.

“Azure Blue Carina is a welcoming, friendly and safe community where it’s so easy for you to relax, socialise and enjoy the best years of your life,” he said.

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“A well-connected inner-city location in proximity to family, friends, major shopping centres, vital health services and beautiful parklands ensures Azure Blue Carina is central to all your living needs.”

Mr Burrows said Azure Blue’s impressive range of resortstyle recreational and entertainment facilities included a swimming pool, barbecue area, gym, café, library and media room, hair and beauty salon and children’s playground.

“Azure Blue has an extensive range of apartments, complete with designer kitchens, modern bathrooms and beautifully landscaped gardens,” he said. “All have been designed to enhance your lifestyle choices at an affordable price”.

Mr Burrows said many residents have told him that the village felt like home and they loved the fact they don’t have to worry about maintenance or mowing.

Other domestic chores, including window and home cleaning, can be arranged for residents so they can get on with doing what they enjoy most”.

“ In addition to the $3,000 Easy Moving Rebate, we are offering a Sleepy’s bed package valued at over $4,000 for a limited time” he said.

AZURE BLUE CARINA MAKES IT EASIER TO DECLUTTER & MOVE To take advantage of this incredible offer purchase an apartment by 31 January 2019 and we’ll help take the stress out of moving.

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Email info@AzureBlueCarina.com.au www.AzureBlueCarina.com.au

25

26

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Community notes

Community group guide TO ALLOW for readers’ requests for the publication of more neighbourhood news, please keep notices short and to the point (100 word maximum). If you would like to submit a photo ensure it is at least 180dpi or 500kb to 1mb in size and of faces, in a nice bright setting. Email editor@seniors newspaper.com.au.

FREE TAOIST TAI CHI OPEN HOUSE

THE Taoist Tai Chi Society of Australia, a volunteer, non-profit and charitable organisation, promotes the health and well being benefits of tai chi and offers it to all. At this free Open House at Level 1, 566 Lutwyche Road, Lutwyche on February 2, 2019 from 1-2.30pm, you will see a demonstration of taoist tai chi and be given the opportunity to “have a go”. You will also receive information about how to become a member of the society and new beginner classes starting from February 4, 2019.

Afternoon tea will be provided.

healthy world for our children to grow up in.

Our engaging Plant Trees Please flyers are in cafes and eateries throughout the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

We are looking for volunteers to help us distribute flyers into more locations throughout Brisbane and southeast Queensland. This would be as simple as just to maintain the supply of flyers in their own local areas. We already have the flyers. If you are interested in being a part of this wonderful movement, please email treesforourlife@gmail.com or go to our Facebook page Planttreesplease.org and send us a message.

PLANT TREES VOLUNTEERS

AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS

WE ARE an environmental education and support organisation that encourages and educates people about planting trees. By planting trees we can all change our world for the better and improve air quality, provide natural habitats, increase rainfall and provide a secure and

MEMBERS of the Western Suburbs Branch will come together in early December over lunch at Women’s College to celebrate a successful year. A number of fundraising activities in 2018 resulted in over $9000 being distributed to support projects in Australia and overseas,

Australian Red Cross members from the Trauma Teddies Team are Judith Weston, Sue Lawrence and June Hay. including drought relief in Queensland. The branch is also involved in helping others in a number of ways. The Trauma Teddies Project, co-ordinated by Sue Lawrence, sees each month on average 100 handmade teddy bears delivered to a number of centres including the Queensland Children’s Hospital.

No fundraising at the Christmas lunch, however, just a friendly time, sharing plans for Christmas and another successful year in 2019.

Join us on February 4 at our first meeting for the year at the Kenmore Village Library from 9.30am for morning tea followed by the meeting.

There is no need to book.

Turn up on the day and you will be most welcome.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Relaxed living at Lewani Palms

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: The Plant Trees Please Team are looking for volunteers to help distribute flyers into more locations throughout Brisbane.

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SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

COMMUNITY

27

FREE 4 SALE

FROM PAGE 26

MITCHELTON GARDEN CLUB

THE date for our next meeting is February 7, 2019. Some 2018 memories have been good, some sad. A valued member passed away in January. The oldest member aged 92 suffered a stroke, and the treasurer had a fall, resulting in a broken arm and her resignation after more than twelve years’ service. On the bright side there have been new members, many visitors and wonderful guest speakers. Despite adverse climatic conditions members’ exhibits always produced an attractive show bench with judges commenting on the number of entries from such a low membership. This club meets on the first Thursday of the calendar month, except January.

There are vacancies for new members. Seasons greetings to all. Phone (07) 3356 1256.

U3A

Pine Rivers WE HAVE two vibrant choral groups The Concordia Choir and Kumbartcho Singers. The groups are combining to present an afternoon of popular songs and Christmas carols. This concert will be held on Saturday, December 8 at 2pm at the Rivers Baptist Church, 70 Francis Road, Lawnton. Entry is by a gold coin donation.

ENOGGERA & DISTRICTS HISTORY SOCIETY

THANK you the people of Enoggera and surrounding districts for the support you gave our society during 2018; the interest shown in our displays when we ‘go public’ is very encouraging. We really enjoyed being part of the Mitchelton Railway Station Centenary on November 4. Our last Thursday opening at Enoggera Memorial Hall will be on December 13. We will resume on January 17, to begin celebrating our silver anniversary year. In the meantime our 2019

calendar will be on sale at Brookside Shopping Centre and available at our library up to and including December 13.

With the passing of Remembrance Day we completed four years commemoration of the centenary of World War I. We know that peoples suffering continued for longer. Before the war concluded and into the early 20s, a ‘Spanish Flu’ pandemic ravaged the world over, causing hundreds of thousands, if not millions of fatalities.

Australia too was affected. The pandemic was perhaps comparable with the Black Death that wiped out up to 25 per cent of the known world’s population in the 14th century. The flu may have affected families of those who were young children at the time. The society wishes you the compliments of the festive season and implores all of you, in whatever way you celebrate to be safe.

Phone Dave on (07) 3366 3191.

GET your feet moving again and keep your body fit. We welcome you at 50 Plus Centre held in the Brisbane City Hall, every Thursday morning from 10am-12.30pm for the small sum of $2. That includes morning tea at 11am. We dance old-time, new vogue dances to well known bands played on CDs. Code KK. Contact Marie D’Alton on (07) 3371 3707 for more.

QUOTA INTERNATIONAL OF REDCLIFFE INC.

QUEENSLAND FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

CHRISTMAS Festival of Trees Webb Hall, Redcliffe Showgrounds on Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9 from 9am-3pm. Vote for your choice of the best tree displayed by local businesses, community organisations and schools. Purchase hand-made Christmas gifts from craft stalls. Free children’s christmas decoration workshop on Sunday, sausage sizzle, sandwiches and Devonshire teas available.

Entry $5 per adult (includes six voting tickets), children are free.

Supporting Drought Relief Queensland. For more, email rsvpqi redcliffe @gmail.com.

50 PLUS MOVIE CAMERA

CINEMATOGRAPHERS are people who can make a short movie of your video and photos you have taken with your camera adding background music, your own voice

announcements? Come to my meetings and learn how to do it. I use Linux and Windows. My group, JDs 50 Plus Cinematographers holds two meetings per month, the first and fourth Tuesdays, 9.30am to about 12.30pm at the 50 Plus Centre in the Brisbane City Hall which is quite central. $2 per day.

Code KK. Contact John D’Alton, phone weekdays (but NOT between 12-2pm). Phone (07) 3371 3707 or email jcdalton @paradox.com.au.

OLD TIME DANCERS

NEED a Christmas present idea? We have single or double memberships that provide 24/7 access to MyHeritage a worldwide genealogy database from your own home PC. Are you interested in researching your family?

For only $84 for a single

membership or $119 for a dual membership you can access My Heritage Library edition: access to over eight billion worldwide records; access to UK and USA censuses with images; directories, guides, biographies, wills and probate records; government, land and court records; access to subscription journals, QFHS publications and more. Go to qfhs.org.au/join-us/ join-qfhs-or-renewmembership.

ACTIVITIES IN CLEVELAND

ACT II – Drama for Film, new class now commenced at DSC. All ages welcome. Every Wednesday from 2-4pm.

Guitar class every Tuesday from 3-4pm at DSC. Yoga classes now running evening classes on Thursday 5.30-6.45pm at DSC. Held at Donald Simpson Community Centre, 172 Bloomfield Street, Cleveland. Phone (07) 3821 1089.

PROBUS CLUBS

Forest Lake ON NOVEMBER 9, members attended the Morning Melodies and Morning Tea at the Logan Entertainment Centre for an Olivia Newton-John and Peter Allen tribute show which was very well done.

It is that time of the year when clubs are planning their Christmas parties.

Forest Lake Probus Club is celebrating theirs at The Lion, Richlands on December 11 and, from all

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the hard work our activities officer Lyn is putting into this event, it should be a very enjoyable day. As there is no meeting in December, our club will not meet again until the January 8, 2019.

We welcome visitors to our meetings which are held on the second Tuesday of each month at the Uniting Church Complex, 528 Waterford Road, Ellen Grove. Phone Ellen on (07) 3879 7784 or Barbara on 0422 817 924 if interested.

Redcliffe City Mixed WE CELEBRATED our 20th anniversary and book launch on November 24. It was a gala dress up occasion with 102 members, friends and guests including Councillor Koliana Winchester who on behalf of Moreton Bay Regional Council contributed substantially to the cost of the producing the book.

Presidents from three neighbouring Probus clubs were also in attendance.

Emcee Rosemary Levack opened the event by a loyal toast then continued to entertain us during the evening with her banter and good humour while introducing the various speakers. President Jenny Russo welcomed everybody highlighting invited guests and making special mention of our six foundation members and past presidents in attendance. Susan Hearfield, the driving force behind the five-member team who wrote the book,

presented Councillor Koliana Winchester with a bouquet and a copy of the book in appreciation.

VIEW CLUBS

Centenary Evening OUR final dinner meeting for 2018 will be held on Monday, December 10. This will be at the McLeod Country Golf Club, 61 Gertrude McLeod Cres, Middle Park. Guests should arrive between 6.30-7pm. The cost is $35 and bookings are essential. The theme for the evening will be Christmas and there will be fun and entertainment for all. Among the raffle and lucky door prizes will be stacks of Christmas hampers loaded with Christmas treats. There will also be a bring and buy table again with a Christmas flavour. All funds raised go to The Smith Family’s Learning for Life Program which helps Australian children with educational expenses. Email centenaryeveview@ gmail.com or phone Rita CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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WILDLIFE OUTING: The Forest Lake Fifty Plus Club’s November trip was to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast.

Chapel Hill VIEW Club fashion parade winners Elizabeth Lange (Most Elegant Hat), Laurie Slaughter (Best Novelty Hat) and Anne Ridge (Most Elegant Outfit).

Email your ‘Free 4 sale’ classified to advertising@seniors newspaper.com.au.

The maximum price of your item to sell is $500 and only one item can be advertised per month. Maximum 20 words supplied.

KEROSENE WICK LAMP: glass funnel, hand-painted pottery base with handle. $30. PH (07) 3890 7241.

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28

COMMUNITY

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

TIME TO CELEBRATE: Helen Przybysz and Alan Le May from The Smith Family cut the cake at the Logan VIEW Club’s 10th birthday celebration.

Redcliffe City Mixed Probus club members (left to right): Susan Hearfield, Ed May, Darryl Webb, Max Barton, OAM Jenny Russo and Rosemary Levack.

FROM PAGE 27

Pine Rivers WE WOULD love for you to join our club. VIEW is the only national women’s organisation solely focused on supporting and advocating for the education of young disadvantaged Australians. It is a non-religious and non-political organisation.

Next luncheon at the Murrumba Downs Tavern on the December 12 at 10.30am for an 11am start.

This is a Christmas luncheon and there will be no formal meeting in December. Our regular

before noon Friday, December 7 on 0413 138 967.

Chapel Hill WE CELEBRATED the first Tuesday in November – Melbourne Cup Day Lunch, not at Flemington but at Mt Ommaney Hotel/Apartments. Smart hats and fascinators, frocks and outfits rivalled those on display at the home of the Big Race!

Members and their guests thoroughly enjoyed the day. There were raffles, several Melbourne Cup sweeps and, of course, a

fashion parade. Judges given the task of picking most elegant hat, best novelty hat and most elegant outfit had a difficult time. In December, on the first Tuesday, the highlight of the lunch will be Christmas favourites sung by the Chapel Hill VIEW Choir.

Visitors welcome.

Phone Denise on 0409 261 488 if you would like to attend our Christmas function or email the club at chapel hillview@gmail.com.

Logan OUR ladies are urging

the local community to support disadvantaged children and young people with their education by joining the club which sponsors three school children.

We meet at 11am on the second Wednesday of the month at the Rec Club, Alba Lane (off Jacaranda Avenue), Kingston. Cost of $25 includes a two course lunch and a guest speaker.

Proceeds from the day go to The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program.

Phone Pat on (07) 3804 6931.

meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month at the Murrumba Downs Tavern. For the price of lunch, come along and meet us and become a member. Phone Elizabeth (07) 3886 4937 or Sandra 0448 862 518.

DALLAS LINEDANCERS BEGINNERS

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FOREST LAKE FIFTY PLUS CLUB

OUR November Day trip was to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. The Forest Lake Fifty Plus Club meet on the third Friday of the month at The Lion, Pine Road, Richlands at 10.30am. Date claimers for the next two meetings are January 18 and our AGM on February 15, 2019. Phone Leonie (president) on 0427 846 057 or Les (activities officer) on 0466 377 618 to register your interest.

Share the Good News If you’ve got big news, a heart-warming story or community event coming up, spread the word and share it online with Seniors!

Opening Doors to the Seniors Lifestyle

Visit seniorsnews.com.au today!

29

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

Cruise into new cultures And taste the difference

PAGES 32-33

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30

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

A new winter cruise tour NORWAY and Iceland – two of the most popular destinations for Australians right now – are showcased in a new 2020 winter cruise tour combination package released by Cruise Express.

The 23-night combo tour, which includes 15 nights on land and six at sea, features Norway’s spectacular Northern Lights, a husky sleigh ride, a hotel made of ice, stunning fjords and snow-shrouded villages as well as the volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, glaciers and whales.

The journey begins with the 15-night ‘Northern Lights of Norway’ cruise tour which will see Australians fly on January 25, 2020, to Norway’s capital, Oslo, for a two-night stay and tour showcasing the city’s Viking heritage.

Guests depart Oslo by train to the renowned fjord country for overnight stays in Voss and Bergen.

A tour highlight is a journey on the panoramic Flam Railway – one of the world’s steepest and most picturesque train rides.

SPECTACULAR SHOW: The Northern Lights from Hurtigruten.

Rising over 860m, the track traverses a winter wonderland of snowy peaks, icy waterfalls, mighty rivers and whispering pine forests.

In contrast, a breathtaking cruise through two spectacular

fjords – Naeroyfjord and Aurlandsfjord – provides perspective of this stunning region from sea level.

The tour includes a guided walking tour along the colourful harbour-front of Bergen from where the

Photo: Rjan Bertelsen

itinerary moves to sea for a six-night voyage aboard Hurtigruten’s 690-passenger ship, MS Kong Harald.

Named after the king of Norway, the ship serves as a passenger, freight, mail and car service for

isolated Norwegian towns along the coast.

Magnificent fjords, mighty glaciers and snow-clad mountains are just some of the picture-postcard spectacles on show during the voyage.

Quaint towns like Trondheim and Alesund offer a chance to experience a different way of life high above the Arctic Circle.

After rounding the most northerly point in Europe, North Cape, the voyage ends in the remote town of Kirkenes where guest can stay in accommodation made of snow, see reindeer, join a thrilling husky sled ride and scour the dark, night skies for the swirling colours of the Northern Lights.

The Norway tour ends with a flight back to Oslo for a night before flying back to Australia.

Guests can add on Cruise Express’ eight-night adventure holiday in Iceland which includes return flights from Oslo to Reykjavik, accommodation and extensive touring taking in Iceland’s dramatic landscape of geysers, lava fields, fjords, thundering waterfalls and abundance of humpback and minke whales.

Phone Cruise Express on 1300 766 537 or go to cruiseexpress.com.au.

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DAY TRIPS from Brisbane Saturday 26 January 2019.......... Rudds Pub – Australia Day ................................................$92* Saturday 23 February 2019......... Maleny – Montville – Mapelton ........................................$62 Sunday 24 March 2019................ Kinky Boots – EmpireTheatreToowoomba ....................$125 Saturday 4 May 2019................... Gold Coast Canal Cruise ...................................................$99* *includes lunch

ExtEndEd Holidays 29 december 2018 to 19 to 22 april 2019

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SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

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FEEL SAFE & SECURE FROM START TO FINISH

ToTal Tasmania

sydney mini subs

On the night of 31 May 1942, 3 Japanese This amazing tour takes in the complete circuit midget submarines entered Sydney harbour Including Hobart, Port Arthur, Queenstown, On this fascinating tour we cruise the Gordon River Cruise , Cradle Mtn, Dove Lake, Stanley, Devonport, Cataract Gorge, Launceston Harbour and visit the attack locations Tamar Valley, Legerwood, St Helens, Coles Bay, plus much more !!! 5 Days from $1790 including 1 way flights to SYD. Freycinet NP & Richmond. 11 Days from $3490.

Save $100pp when booking in December for April Departures

The Gahn experienCe

CookToWn

TALENTED: Country singer, comedian and instrumentalist Lindsay Waddington.

Everyone can join in for some serious fun

Cooktown is known for is its well documented history after Captain Cook ran aground.

Later it became a bustling port, exporting gold and had 47 licensed pubs So, step back in time and enjoy the living history paying homage to an era of great hardship. 8 Days from $1490* Plus Pension Rail Fare when travelling by QR Rail*

CoWboys / Caves

This unique tour visits Cowboys at Texas Longhorn Ranch, Historical Charters Towers, Caves at the incredible Undara Lava Tubes and Castle Ruins of Paronella Park. 8 Days from $1390* Plus Pension Rail Fare when travelling by QR Rail*

Join us on the Iconic Ghan Gold Class Adelaide to Darwin and experience the vast Australian Outback in Style and comfort. $3490.

uluru – Field oF liGhTs

Welcome to our special Uluru and Alice Springs tour. The Field of Light is a global phenomenon created by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro which comes to life under a sky brilliant with stars. 7 Days from $3690.

Save $100pp when booking in December for April Departures

Go See Touring invites whole family to come Tracey Johnstone COUNTRY musician and comedian Lindsay Waddington is leading a group on a wonderful adventure to Norfolk Island for the Go See Touring’s 2019 A Little Bit Country tour.

He’s going to have a busy time between performing in three shows with the six other Go See Touring hosts and ensuring his group members are having a fantastic family time during the island visit from July 26 to August 2.

The celebrity host will be entertaining guests with his country rock instrumental and singing talents. He’s also a comedian; quick to share a cheeky joke to brighten up anyone’s day.

Alongside Lindsay for the

concerts will be singer Graeme Hugo and yodeler Wayne Horsburg, rocker Lucky Starr, crooner Fortunato Isgro, singers Rodney Vincent and Geoff James.

“There will be a lot singing, a lot of partying and a lot of fun stories,” Lindsay said.

On the nights when there is no show there will be time to sit back, relax and enjoy the laid back music sessions. “If there are stories to share, a poem to be told; it will be just like a big family get-together, that’s what we want,” he added.

The cost for the tour to Norfolk Island, which has a stunning backdrop to its interesting history, includes a convict settlement tour, a murder mystery dinner, a night as a convict, airfares, accommodation, meals

and much more.

Lindsay’s group already has several bookings locked in, but there is room for more.

“It’s going to be a real family environment for people who just want to have a good time, go sight-seeing, learn about Norfolk Island and enjoy being with other people,” Lindsay said.

“We have a few things up our sleeve, a few little fun things that will happen; I’m a bit a practical joker,” he offered. But, as to what Lindsay’s alluding to means you will have to join the tour to find out more. For full tour information and costs, go to goseetouring.com or phone 07 3868 4760. itunes link: itunes.apple. com/au/album/ nullarbor/ 1433935034.

The majesTiC river murray

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It begins as a small stream in the Australian Alps and 2520 river kilometres later it empties into the Southern Ocean near Goolwa in South Australia. 10 Days from $3495.

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Join us on the wonderful 4 Day tour to Yamba, Byron Bay, Clarence River Cruise, Maclean, Evans Head, Angourie, plus much more. All inclusive with accomm & meals.

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DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

‘‘

Drive toward the Southern Peninsulas and explore grand capes with towering spines

A MAGICAL WORLD: Beautiful view of Halong Bay, Vietnam, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Photo: Nikolay Tsuguliev

Live the travel dream This month we profile destinations and experiences 40 to 36 as we count down the 2018 list of the World’s Best Journeys which we hope will inspire you to live life to the full.

THE top 50 bucket list has been selected by Flight Network and over 500 top travel journalists, agencies, bloggers and editors.

There are travel experiences to suit different styles and budgets.

DRIVE THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY

❚ CRUISING along the Wild Atlantic Way on Ireland’s west coast harmoniously connects rugged landscapes with unique people, many of who still speak Irish Gaelic.

Skirting around the coastline, expansive views and traditional villages captivate drivers along the route from the Northern Headlands down to the Havan Coast.

The road opens up as you steer toward the Surf Coast and the wildness of the seaboard captivates with red-gold beaches.

Continue driving south towards the Bay Coast to discover crystal coves and islands perfect for swimming, kayaking, and kiteboarding. Ride to Cliff Coast and immerse yourself Ireland’s music

capital, spending the day listening to live bands in local pubs.

Drive toward the magnificent Southern Peninsulas and explore grand capes with towering spines extending far out in the ocean before stopping for an overnight stay on the Haven Coast to dine on artisan fare.

Getting there: Choose a small but sturdy rental vehicle when arriving at the airport. All of the major airports in the country whether it be Dublin, Shannon or Cork will get you close to the Wild Atlantic Way, but the closest is Shannon Airport with accessible road links to a number of counties along road and is less than an hour from the Cliffs of Moher. For drivers who decide to start their tour at its southernmost point, Cork Airport is just a 20 mile trip.

CRUISE THE MEKONG RIVER

❚ THE Mekong River is one of the most fascinating on the planet. It starts in the Tibetan plateau and snake its way through China, Myanmar, Laos,

Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. It has been an important medium for transporting people and goods for thousands of years and today is an important international trade route.

Cruise from the very end of the river north through Vietnam’s Mekong Delta area up into Cambodia’s capital city, where it meets that Tonle Sap and travels through the Cambodian countryside. The scenery is unmatchable and the journey unforgettable.

Travellers will transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho Port to board an incredible teak ship that has been specifically built to cruise the Mekong River.

Visit local artisan villages, the Gao Giong bird sanctuary, a beautiful Taoist temple and Koh Okhna Tey, otherwise known as silk island.

Explore Con Phuoc Island, Koh Trong Island and Phnom Penh, visiting the National Museum, Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, and the Killing Fields and Genocide museum. The journey ends in Siem

Reap staring at the famous Angkor Wat monuments.

Getting there: Fly into Tân Son Nhât International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport is the departing airport.

TAKE THE ROAD TO HANA DRIVE

❚ NAVIGATING curves near crashing waves of the Pacific and stopping for tide pool swims beneath waterfalls attracts drivers to a single stretch of Hawaiian coastline.

Unrivaled as the top attraction on the lush island of Maui, the Road to Hana drive winds along the 52-mile stretch of coastline from Pa’ia town to the community of Hana.

If you’re able to lease a convertible, you’ll have panoramic views of the surf and scenery.

Drive from the town of Kahului in central Maui and head towards Hana through the surf town Pa’ia on Maui’s north shore. Tour Maliko Bay before heading to Twin Falls to cool off in one of its natural pools and

waterfalls. Drive up to Honomanu Bay Lookout and stop for a walk on the beach before steering towards the Keanae Peninsula lined with vibrant hibiscus and jagged lava rocks.

Reaching the Koolau Forest Reserve, park the car and explore Wai anapanapa State Park where tide pools turn red several times a year due to the arrival of shrimp.

Follow the signs to Wailua Falls and awe at the waterfalls cascading over the mountains before ending the drive with a stop Waimoku Falls to gaze up at its magnificent 400 foot waterfall.

Getting there: Kahului Airport is east of the Kahului CDP on the island of Maui and is the main airport servicing Maui.

You can also fly into Honolulu International Airport on Oahu before commuting to Maui on a brief, 30-minute flight.

Major car rental companies are at the airport or you can take a taxi or shuttle bus and lease a cruising vehicle like a convertible. There is also daily ferry service to

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SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

Black sand beach,Waianapanapa State Park. Maui, Hawaii.

The epic Irish Landscape and seascape along Ireland’s The Wild Atlantic Way. Champ, down on the valley floor and walk along the crystal stream.

Returning to Chamonix, be sure to take a ride on the city’s world-class cable car and get a bird’s eye view of the Mont Blanc massif.

Getting there: You can hike alone or benefit from a mountain guide’s experience. Several guide companies are available when you arrive in Chamonix. The most direct way is to fly into Geneva Cointrin International Airport.

Once there, you can take an airport transport to Chamonix or hire a car.

Another option is to take the Eurostar or TGV train from Paris or Lyon and connect on local train onto Saint Gervais Les Bains where you can pick up the Mont Blanc Express Train into Chamonix.

Long Son Pagoda, Nha Trang, Vietnam. and from the nearby island of Lanai.

HIKE THE TOUR DU MONT BLANC

❚ REACHING a cumulative 10,000m of descent and ascent, the Tour de Mont Blanc’s 170km hike is a trekker’s dream with plenty of hotels and mountain huts along the way for taking in the

landscape to its fullest with very little gear.

Set out in Chamonix, France, for an 11-day hike towards Les Houches to photo chamois, deer, and eagles during the excursion. Continue ascending to Les Contamines and take in the mountain resort vibe and renowned cuisine.

Hike onward to Les

Photo: AND-ONE

Chapieux, a small hamlet on the tour inhabited by shepherds and their flocks. Refuge Elisabetta is next on the route providing a comfortable overnight stay for walkers.

Trek to the resort of Courmayeur and take a ride on the SkyWay Monte Bianco cable car and peer at peaks of the Matterhorn and Monte

Rosa. Spend some time at La Vachey, the seasonal inn and restaurant, before hiking to La Fouly to scale winding trails of its mountain peaks.

Walk to Champex and take in the culture of the Swiss village. Hike to Trient and take a detour to explore Trent Glacier before continuing to Tre le

MOTORCYCLE FROM HO CHI MINH TO HANOI

❚ TRAVEL from Vietnam’s coast to the highlands with the wind blowing in your face and your heart pumping with excitement the entire way. There is no better way to travel from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi than on a motorcycle, zooming past some incredible scenery.

This 2770km ride is equal parts of beach and

Photo: 7Michael

Photo: upthebanner

mountain, giving travellers the chance to be totally immersed in the beauty of Vietnam.

The ride is an unforgettable. Weave through highlands, mountains and along coast lines, gazing at magnificent undeveloped beaches, stopping in lonely villages and visiting cultural sites like the Ninh Hoa Salt Fields, Imperial City in Hue, and Vinh Moc Tunnels.

Spend time exploring cities, lazing on beaches and sampling regional Vietnamese cuisine. Snap photos of beautiful French colonial architecture, pristine beaches, and the Long Son Pagoda.

Wander around Hoi An’s old town, explore the Tràng An Scenic Complex and ride the Vinpearl Cable Car. Visit must-sees and find hidden gems, but most importantly, enjoy the ride!

Getting there: Fly into Tân Son Nhât International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Check the dates of the 6-day Vietnamese New year before booking your flights to try to avoid motorcycling from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi at this time. The roads will be congested with locals much more dangerous to be on.

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DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

A place to find your music Phil Hawkes

Museum visits are a tour highlight.

MUSIC KEY TO CITY: Leipzig University grounds. a large concert hall (although that could be my next step in a future life) but at the Mendelssohn House, a beautifully restored apartment in a villa where Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy and his family lived.

Apart from carefully curated memorabilia and other exhibits over three floors, a special room has been dedicated to visitors who can conduct the orchestra in virtual performances of Mendelssohn’s music.

There’s a stand with a lighted podium which has a tablet replacing the paper score; you can select from a wide range of his compositions, pick up the baton, press “go” and you’re off.

The musicians follow your desired tempo and dynamics... although it might be more accurate to say that you really follow them!

The technology is simple, yet amazingly

The story of Schumann House. effective. Each section of the orchestra has its own vertical speaker so that you conduct by bringing in the various parts as the score dictates.

Ignoring the restless queue of would-be conductors waiting for their turn, I manage to hold the musicians

Photos: Phil Hawkes

together with deft baton flourishes and facial contortions that would have frightened my good mother, were she still with us.

Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream and his beautiful violin concerto have never sounded better, modestly speaking.

Leipzig takes its music seriously. On another day we visit the Schumann House for a rather different experience.

The building now houses a school where the children study music from an early age, one of the reasons why Germany is a world leader in instrumental and vocal education.

There’s a treat in store for visitors: by prior arrangement you can enjoy a private recital by renowned American-born mezzo soprano Frances Falling and pianist Anja Kleinmichel performing not only Robert

You can have personal experiences of piano teaching.

The Christmas markets.

Schumann lieder, but songs by Clara Schumann as well.

In fact, Clara was a pianist and composer famous all over Europe – 2019 has been designated as Clara Schumann Year, with many special events.

Music is the key to Leipzig and when you include a Gewandhaus Orchestra performance in their impressive concert

hall, an evening at the Leipzig Opera listening to Wagner, and a Sunday Mass at the historic St Thomas Church where JS Bach was music director for 27 years, what else is there to enjoy?

Perhaps a melodic nightcap at the classy Fuerstenhof Hotel or an evening of jazz at one of the city’s lively jazz cellars to round off your trip on a major key.

Win a double pass to see

Cold Pursuit

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of snow country Colorado, COLD PURSUIT is a pulsepounding revenge thriller with a unique look that will excite filmgoers the world over.

Quiet family man and hard-working snowplow driver Nels is the lifeblood of a glitzy resort town in the Rocky Mountains because he is the one who keeps the winter roads clear.

He and his wife live in a comfortable cabin away from the tourists. The town has just awarded him “Citizen of the Year.” But Nels has to leave his quiet mountain life when his son is murdered by a powerful drug lord.

As a man who has nothing to lose he is stoked by a drive for vengeance. This unlikely hero

uses his hunting skills and transforms from an ordinary man into a skilled killer as he sets out to dismantle the cartel.

Nels’ actions ignite a turf war between a manically unpredictable gangster known as Viking and a Native American gang boss. Justice is served in one final spectacular confrontation that will leave (almost) no-one unscathed.

Want to see the movie? We have 5 double passes to give away! To be in the draw, just fill in our form online at www.seniorsnews.com.au/ competitions

^Visit seniorsnews.com.au/competitionterms for full competition terms and conditions. Promoter is ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd of 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore Qld 4558. Promotional period 03/12/18-10/1/19. Competition drawn 2pm 14/1/19 at Cnr Mayne Rd and Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Winners announced in Seniors February Edition 2019. Total prize value $200.00 (including GST). Entry is open to all permanent residents of Queensland, residing in the Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay Gold Coast and Toowoomba Seniors distribution areas and NSW in the Northern NSW, Central Coast and Coffs & Clarence Seniors distribution areas. NSW Permit Number LTPM/18/03133

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AT the tender age of eight, I had definite ambitions to be a conductor.

The man who sold tickets on our local bus seemed to have a pretty exciting job; he was even allowed to stand on the back step and keep all the schoolkids from falling out. The bus had no doors.

My mother discouraged this worthy ambition and instead filled our house with remarkable music during every waking hour... Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Strauss and even Wagner, who escaped constantly from their bulky albums of 78s, played on a machine which always seemed to need new needles.

Replacing them and listening for scratches became my job, helping to introduce me to the idea of “conducting” by waving arms in time with the music.

Fast forward to 2018: I recall a lifetime of vicarious pleasure going to concerts, mentally conducting orchestras large and small in Australia and various places around the world.

It can be very frustrating, not being able to leap onto the podium and take over from the likes of Sir Colin Davis or Daniel Barenboim.

Wonder of wonders, some of these famous maestros are able to conduct a symphony without a score at all. How cool is that?

At last my chance came.

On a recent trip to Leipzig in Germany, arguably the most musically satisfying city in the world where the famous Gewandhaus Orchestra reigns supreme, I found a sort of conducting nirvana. Not in

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SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

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DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Top tips for fishing round the Snowy Mountains Find out the easiest ways to catch Trout in the lakes Nige Webster THE NSW high country is a personal favourite of mine and I’ve spent years of my life fishing here. If you enjoy freshwater trout fishing then this is one of the premier places in the country to travel to.

Lakes Tantangara, Eucumbene and Jindabyne are regularly stocked with rainbow and brown trout and Atlantic salmon; they also support a self-sustaining population of brown trout.

The rivers that run into these lakes are all well known for fabulous fishing within season.

These rivers are closed to fishing during the spawn run of June to October, but the lakes are open year-round.

There is a lot of accommodation up here in the way of hotels, motels and caravan parks.

SKILLED RELAXTION: Fishing on Lake Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains

Photos: Destination NSW

‘‘

Mid-winter sees the area overrun with ski enthusiasts and expenses rise, so best times of year to travel here include September to May

Mid-winter sees the area overrun with ski enthusiasts and expenses rise, so best times of year to travel here include September to May. I often stay in places like Jindabyne, Kalkite, Old Adaminaby, Providence Portal and the like. My favourite place to stay is Rydges Horizons in Jindabyne which has a beautiful view over the lake.

The easiest ways to catch a trout in the lakes is to bait fish – scrub

Nige Webster. worms, mudeyes, yabbies, powerbait – off the banks or troll a lure behind a boat.

Two to 4kg rods with six to 10lb breaking strain lines will cover most bases.

There are many lures which will catch fish in the lakes: winged Tasmanian Devils, bibbed hardbodies that imitate trout and dive between one and three metres will work well.

Getting lures deeper

beneath downriggers is also popular.

Trolling attractors with baits behind them is deadly when the weather is really good. Sight fishing the dams with a fly rod or casting streamer flies early, late in the day or at night during summer are proven ways to catch trout on a fly rod.

The rivers are simply stunning and walking them with a fishing rod is a treat. Check regulations

ABOVE: Boat on Lake Eucumbene, Snowy Mountains. but most rivers are lure and fly only and closed at times.

Next month I will take you on a Darwin fishing trip.

Nige Webster works for AFN Fishing & Outdoors and presents and produces The Fishing Show on 7Mate.

Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains.

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

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DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Right way to the out back Ann Rickard EVER since he was eight years old, Alan ‘Smithy’ Smith has known the Australian outback is unique to the world.

Way ahead of his time, he held a deep love for the outback and would spend days wandering into the bush from his home in Blackall, Central West Queensland.

“As a child whenever we had visitors, I would take them out to some amazing places,” he said.

“Sometimes the visitors were blown away with the simple things, the bush, the petrified wood, the stories about what the families had done in developing the land, the pioneer shearers.

“My family owned a soft drink factory for 34 years in Blackall.

“I was always engaged in different parts of the community and there was an amazing mix of characters in the community. Lots of stories to tell.”

By the time he was 21, Smithy knew he had to share his love of the bush and his prodigious knowledge with others and start a small tour company. That was 30 years ago in 1988 before our outback had much of a profile.

“There were not the visitors that there are now,” he said.

‘‘

Visitors were blown away with the simple things, the bush, the petrified wood, the stories...

BORN IN THE BUSH: Alan ‘Smithy’ Smith was a natural to lead outback tours.

“I started with a billy made from a three-litre juice tin, a camp oven, a troop carrier, photocopied brochures and an answering machine. I traded in my little 4WD and convinced the bank to lend me $28,000.”

That was the beginning of Outback Aussie Tours.

Surviving in a remote marginal area was tough but Smithy had the confidence, in-depth knowledge and as many stories as there are stars in the sky.

“Looking back, I

realised I pushed (tour guests) them too hard, I was so eager to share,” he said.

“I had no idea what the market could bear. Some of the people did not care for a swag or to be driven all over the place.

“I learnt and developed smaller packages, one was to drive to Longreach, collect wood on the way, light a fire, boil a billy, give them a cup of tea while I mixed the damper, throw the damper in the camp oven, take people to look for petrified wood, come

back and have tea and damper. That worked well.”

Now Smithy, with his wife Sue, runs short break packages from Longreach, Charleville and Brisbane to iconic destinations including Winton, Birdsville, Corner Country, Gulf Savannah and Cape York and the Torres Strait.

“Now it is a lot of fun, but I worked hard in the beginning, juggled three jobs, a cleaning business, packing supermarket

shelves,” Smithy said.

“I had to survive and buy new equipment. Then the grey nomad market started coming. Then the Midlander train twice a week.

“In those early days, the Hall of Fame had just opened in Longreach, I would get down to the train, pull on my jacket and big hat, walk through the train with brochures doing promotion.

“I bought my own little mini bus and doubled my fleet.”

Three decades later,

with the outback now a major tourism destination, Smithy can say he was one of the pioneer tourism operations. He has many return guests and made countless friends.

“A lot of American tourists have stayed in touch,” he said.

“A lot of the traditional grey nomad market, who are finished with driving, will take the train or fly here, do the tours.

“One of our guests is on her fifth tour, the same one every year. She loves it.

“We have fantastic encounters with wildlife, but it is the stories the people love the most and meeting the people who live here. We look after seniors, we don’t have early starts. 8am is a good time.”

To find out more, go to outbackaussietours. com.au.

Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show IMAGINE a coach tour that combines the history and culture of Melbourne with the spectacular scenic beauty of the Dandenong Ranges and the Great Ocean Road.

This is Coastal Variety Tours 13-day trip to the

Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show which departs March 24, 2019 including home pick-ups from the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Gold Coast.

This tour will take you via the Pacific Highway to

Coffs Harbour, Sydney and Albury, arriving at Melbourne for the Southern Hemispheres largest and most loved horticultural event the International flower and garden show.

Your Melbourne tour is

not complete without experiencing the beautiful mountain scenery while travelling aboard the Puffing Billy Stream Train and the spectacular Great Ocean Road.

From the ocean to the

TRAVEL CLUB 2018

famous mining region of Ballarat where you will be transported back in time with a tour of Sovereign Hill.

Another tour highlight is a paddle steamer Boat Cruise on the Murray River at Euhuca.

■ There’s more to this tour than is written here and it’s a journey well worth discovering for yourself.

Phone Coastal Variety Tours for a full Itinerary today on (07) 3343 6722.

ESTABLISHED 1982 Coastal Variety y Tours p/L

MELBOURNE TOUR

GREAT OCEAN ROAD, MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FLOWER SHOW, DANDENONGS, DAYLESFORD, BALLARAT, ECHUCA. $ 2650 13 Days Sun. 24th March - Fri. 5th April, 2019. (inc.GST) $2650 (EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT $150 • Book & pay deposit by 1st Jan. 2019) $2650 Fare includes: Motels, all Breakfasts & Dinners, all admissions & touring, Great Ocean Road, International Flower Show, Dandenong Puffing Billy Steam train, Victoria Markets, Crown Entertainment Complex, Daylesford Historic Town, Ballarat, Sovereign Hill, Echuca Paddlesteamer Boat Cruise, Port of Echuca, Cowra Info Centre, Bathurst, Mudgee, plus more. p & Return: Sunshine Coast,, Brisbane,, Redcliffe,, Redlands,, Ipswich, p , Gold Coast,, Tweed Heads,, Banora Pt,, Kingscliff. g Home Pickup

1699 Jenolan Caves, Warrumbungles, Coonabarabran (inc.GST) 8 Days Sun 26th May - Sun 2nd June 2019 $1699 Fare Includes: Motel Accommodation, All Hot Breakfasts and Dinners, All Admissions, Jenolan Caves, Siding Spring Exploratory, Pilliga Pottery, Crystal Kingdom, Warrumbungle National Park, Lightning Ridge, A Walk-In Mine, Chambers of the Black Hand, Heritage Cottage, Toowoomba Australia’s Most Authentic Japanese Gardens.

Home Pickup & Return: Sunshine Coast, Caboolture, Redcliffe, Brisbane Suburbs, Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads.

Please Phone Coastal Variety Tours 3343 6722 for Free Tour Brochure

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LIGHTNING RIDGE & BLUE MOUNIAINS

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

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Ideas for busy kids Tracey Johnstone WE HAVE reached out to some of the many clubs that contribute their monthly news to Seniors News to share their great ideas for grandkid and great-grandkid holiday activity ideas.

PROBUS CLUB OF BURLEIGH WATERS

Grandchildren can use their imagination to create some wonders, such as: ■ Christmas bells from egg cartons – cut out the raised bell-shaped parts.

■ Christmas pom pom balls using polystyrene balls, wire and art flowers, bows and ribbons.

■ Decorate pine cones using spray paint and glitter.

■ Lanterns – make from coloured paper.

■ Christmas decorations – create stars and other shapes from coloured cardboard.

■ Cooking is so much fun – gingerbread people, Christmas trees, chocolate fudge squares, chocolate or apricot balls, muesli bar squares (these can all be made in a

microwave).

■ Make your own gifts such as lavender-filled pillows about 8cm square, plus allowance for seam.

■ Also, make ribbons and bows for dressing up other gifts.

■ Christmas table – make napkins and design your own centrepiece.

■ Christmas bon bons – use toilet roll, paper towel centres, coloured paper and ribbon.

HERVEY BAY VIEW CLUB

For grandparents to share some activity with the grandchildren, all it takes is a bit of imagination and simple everyday items.

To start, all you need is some white cardboard, scissors, glue, pencil, coloured texta pens, old Christmas cards and you are under way.

Let the kids use their own imagination and ideas.

If able, let them cut out pictures from the old cards and glue onto the blank cardboard cards, use their own words and writing to and from inside the card and enjoy their

CRAFTWORKERS: Bev Cornwell, Edna Down, Heather Ramm, Lyn Smith, Glenda Reinke, Robyn Busk and Mary Pape from the Hervey Bay VIEW Club Committee. display of pride at having made the card themselves.

Decorations for the Christmas tree can be made the same way... bells and more from silver or gold paper.

U3A TWIN TOWNS, TUGUN ■ Creating a cubby from cardboard boxes.

■ Make a Christmas tree from a tree branch, painting it white and hanging it with decorations made by the kids.

■ Cook coconut ice or fudge and make little boxes to hold it – give it as a gift.

■ Go on a walk and get the children to draw what they saw while out, and

accompany it with a short description.

■ Make a book out of folded A4 paper and write a sentence or two on each page with an accompanying drawing.

■ Make up bubble mixture and have fun blowing bubbles.

■ Make a kite with lots of colours and streamers and fly it.

■ Press some flowers.

■ Create a diorama, which is a fun way to build an exciting scene in a small space.

GLASSHOUSE COUNTRY VIEW CLUB

View clubs struggle each year to make enough library bags for the Smith Family’s Learning for Life

o

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students who are unable to make their own.

These are easy enough for grandparents to teach their grandchildren how to make; all you need is some bright and interesting (for young ones) material.

Doing this activity can help the grandkids feel that they are helping those in less fortunate circumstances.

For more information on what sizes for the bags, phone Janet on 0448 845 303 or Gillian on (07) 5496 9474.

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Some great activites seniors can share with youngsters include: ■ Cooking.

■ Puzzles.

■ Memory games.

■ Reading children’s stories.

■ Charades.

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Our grandmothers suggest: ■ At home – cooking, especially pikelets; French knitting; colouring-in; making Christmas

Free

decorations and cards; making pasta necklaces, button pictures and wooden spoon dolls.

■ Out of the home – join in the local shopping centre activities including painting of plaster moulds, magic sand and tie-dyeing; check out the activities at the local library.

TOOWOOMBA MEN’S SHED

■ Spend time with the grandkids as they cycle around the local park.

■ Get them to take you to a local historical site and ask them to guide you around the site and tell you all about it.

■ Visit your nearest library.

■ Make cards from pieces of paper, cardboard, stamps and anything else you have stored in your craft room or box.

■ Visit the local museum and National Trust locations to see their current exhibitions.

■ Show the grandkids how to fix little things around the house like pumping up bike tyres.

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Clarifying TV audio for those with hearing loss BRAND INSIGHTS

HAPPY HEARING: The TV Voice Pro system is guaranteed to connect in under two minutes to any TV in Australia.

HEARING Specialists have developed a new wireless headset specifically for those with hearing loss to clarify television audio.

The headset was developed following extensive hearing assessments of over 1000 people with hearing loss who struggle to hear the TV clearly.

Hearing specialist Don Hudson says the TV Voice Pro headset will deliver better clarity for TV audio than even the world’s best hearing aids.

This comes down to the fact that the original audio for TV is often highly inconsistent.

“The clarity of the TV audio itself is often highly variable, as many channels differ dramatically in the clarity of the dialogue, and the volume is often changing

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too. We know as hearing specialists that hearing aids find it hard to correct this problem, as the originating problem is how the audio has been mixed for each TV program.”

The new wireless TV Voice Pro headset overcomes this problem by altering the original TV audio.

The adjustment to the TV audio puts a deliberate focus on speech frequencies to clarify TV dialogue for the user.

“The TV Voice Pro headset automatically recalibrates the TV audio to focus on speech frequencies, so the user can hear the dialogue clearly. With adequate volume control function, it will work to clarify TV audio for those with any level of hearing loss.”

The wireless TV Voice Pro headset weighs just 70 grams and allows wearers to listen to

television at their own preferred volume without affecting the audio volume for others in the room.

It uses RF transmission to allow wireless use from anywhere in the house, up to 20 metres.

The TV Voice Pro system is guaranteed to connect in under two minutes to any TV in Australia.

It is a rechargeable device and no batteries are required.

The purchase price is $349. TV Voice Pro comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.

To order, phone 1300 300 446 or order online, go to TvVoicePro.com.au.

TV Voice pro is currently offering free express courier deliver for all pre-Christmas orders.

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

LIVING

41

Do this to stop burglars BEING burgled is traumatic for anyone, but perhaps even more so for the senior who will most likely have great sentiment to many of their belongings.

Surprisingly, most thieves aren’t interested in stealing your TV or surround-sound system – they want only small items they can carry in luggage stolen from your home.

Most interesting of all is the paperwork sitting on your study desk and any files inside – that’s valuable information they can sell.

Even with just your name and address they can clone your identity and sell your credit to the highest bidder.

It will be a nightmare for you to sort out – if they get passports, bank cards and drivers’ licences then all the better.

The festive season is prime time for thieves, with so many homeowners locking up and taking off on holiday.

Natasha Morgan, home security expert and founder of My Home Watch Australia, gives us these tips – most we

Careful, the festive season is a prime time for thieves

already know but some we had not thought of. Always be security aware.

1. Get those ladders off the walls A ladder resting against your house or wall is a welcome sign for any thieves to enter your premises. It offers them a quick and very easy way to crawl through your second-storey window.

Tip: Keep all windows and doors locked when you go out of the house – and that includes those in the upper floors. If you own a ladder, make sure to hide it in your garage or outdoor shed after use.

2. Don’t let newspapers, junk mail or mail pile up Stacked unread mail and newspapers sitting on the driveway are a dead giveaway nobody’s home.

Tip: Before going on holiday, arrange to have your mail collected by a trusted service.

3. Secure rubbish bins Thieves say they often survey the contents of rubbish bins to determine the type of people in their

all owner occupied

target house – and if they have money.

Looking at your rubbish is like browsing a catalogue of the things you own.

Did you just buy a new smart TV? The box will most likely show up in the trash for the thieves to see.

Tip: Never leave boxes of newly purchased items on the footpath for everyone to see.

4. Trim your hedges and move possible hiding spots Tall hedges, overgrown bushes and life-size garden ornaments are a great place for intruders to hide while they case your home.

The bushier your plants, the better it is for them to peek into the window to see what’s inside, or just study the comings and goings of the people in your household.

When they figure out the pattern in your schedule, it will be easier for burglars to plot a plan and escape.

no sTaMp duTy

Tip: Trim your bushes and trees regularly so they don’t create hiding spots for thieves. Another thing that might help is to install a motion-detector lighting system near windows and doors.

5. Don’t broadcast your activities on social media So, you’re going to Thailand and you want everyone to know how excited you are.

The burglar will be, too.

When you brag about your trip on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and similar channels, the burglar might not find value in your post but he or she will certainly love the fact that nobody’s home.

Tip: Stop announcing where you are going to go and for how long you will be away. It might be tempting to keep posting updates of where you are in real-time but that can also be a signal for intruders that it’s time.

While you might only be connected to friends on social media, you never really know who’s watching.

6. Make your home look alive The more alive your

CHRISTMAS COLLECTION: Don’t let newspapers, junk mail or mail pile up in the letterbox or on the driveway.

Arrange to have it collected by trusted family or friends. household looks, the lower the likelihood it will be a burglar’s next target.

Thieves are called so because they don’t want to be seen while they do their thing.

If your home seems like somebody’s inside, they are unlikely to enter.

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Burglars say they often observe houses where the lights have been off for at least two days.

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DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Money

Multiple opinions surround a comfortable living

Tony Kaye THERE’S an old joke that if you ask three economists for their views on the economy, you are likely to get at least four answers.

To an extent, the same variance in views appears to be the case when it comes to answering the question: how much money does one need to live a comfortable retirement?

Or more to the point, do most Australians have enough funds to last them

How much retirement money is enough? through their life?

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia calculates that to have a ‘comfortable’ retirement, single people will need $545,000 in retirement savings, and couples will need $640,000.

Such balances would generate $42,950 per annum for a single, and $60,604 for couples, according to ASFA, which assumes the retirees own their own home outright and are relatively healthy.

Yet, how much is needed to be comfortable in retirement does depend on who you ask.

A new study by the public policy think tank Grattan Institute suggests that the conventional wisdom that Australians don’t save enough for retirement is wrong, and that the vast majority of current and future retirees are likely to be financially comfortable.

Grattan says its modelling shows that,

even after allowing for inflation, most workers can expect a retirement income of at least 91 per cent of their pre-retirement income.

Furthermore, it says that through a combination of the Age Pension and their compulsory superannuation savings, many low-income earners will actually get a pay rise when they retire.

“Australians tend to spend less after they retire, and even less into old age,” according to the study’s authors, John Daley and Brendan Coates.

“Their medical costs increase, but are largely covered by the taxpayer.

“Many retirees are net savers, and current retirees often leave a legacy almost as large as their nest egg on the day they retired.”

They note that loosening the Age Pension assets test could boost retirement incomes for around 20 per cent of

‘‘

Australians tend to spend less after they retire, and even less into old age. retirees, rising to more than 70 per cent of retirees in the future.

This would also deal with anomalies in the system, where some people who save $100 while working increase their total retirement income by less than $100 in real terms.

But the institute has hit a raw nerve with Industry Super Australia (ISA), the umbrella organisation for industry superannuation funds, in suggesting that the legislated plan to increase compulsory superannuation contributions from 9.5 per cent to 12 per cent should be scrapped.

Grattan said because it believes most Australians will be comfortable in

retirement, there is no need to boost retirement incomes across the board.

In addition, it states that superannuation tax breaks and age-based tax breaks should be reduced to ensure the retirement incomes system does not become an excessive burden on future budgets and endanger funding for aged care and health.

However, the ISA says Grattan’s modelling showing the current 9.5 per cent Superannuation Guarantee levy will deliver adequate incomes for future retirees is “deeply flawed”.

ISA says the research’s flaws include assuming that everyone can top up

their super with extra voluntary contributions; that workers have a continuous, uninterrupted 37-year working life and contributions; and that living standards in retirement shouldn’t keep pace with the rest of the community.

Ultimately, most Australians will want to have created a sizeable nest egg for their retirement to ensure they can have a reasonably comfortable lifestyle.

But how much we should have saved for retirement depends on who you ask.

With average life expectancies continuing to rise, one thing is indisputable: the professional number crunchers will need to keep revising up their estimates as many of us have longer lives.

Tony Kaye is the editor of listed financial services group InvestSMART and Eureka Report.

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Will the franking credit changes affect you?

THERE has been significant attention recently regarding the Labor Party’s proposed changes to franking credits received from Australian company dividends.

The largest group of Australians who could be impacted by changes to franking credit refunds are members of large super funds, according to a survey by the Financial Services Council (FSC).

The survey, which looked at 14 retail super funds, found that many super fund members with low balances benefit from refunds.

Refunds of franking credits mean an investor in shares pays the same overall tax as an investor into other assets including bonds, term deposits, property and infrastructure.

In a submission to the House of Representatives

A survey looking at 14 retail super funds found that many super fund members with low balances benefit from refunds Economics Committee, the FSC expressed its support for refunds of franking credits, expressing fear that restricting refunds would impose a potential tax penalty on some low-income earners, retirees and super funds if they invest in shares.

“The FSC considers that franking credit refunds should continue.

They provide substantial support to the retirement savings of millions of Australians – including many with fairly modest savings,” CEO Sally Loane said.

“Constant tinkering with the rules on retirement savings and superannuation, and hitting retirees hardest, will only erode confidence in the system, leaving more

Australians reliant on the age pension.”

In its submission, the FSC said franking credit refunds benefited up to 2.6 million members of large super funds in 2015-16 and up to 3.5 million members in 2014-15.

Returns from funds surveyed increase between 0.26 to 0.3 per cent due to franking credit returns per year.

The FSC noted this increase over a working life of 0.3 of a percentage point would increase retirement savings for a typical full-time worker by about $55,000, based on Productivity Commission methodology.

There were 66,000 retiree accounts in the surveyed funds; if the retirees received the

‘‘

The FSC considers that franking credit refunds should continue. benefit of the refunds then the average benefit per retiree was $850 per year.

According to the study, refunds also provide a significant benefit to small APRA-regulated funds, of many thousands of dollars per year on average, increasing average returns by up to 4.2 per

cent per year.

The FSC says, in addition, more than $100 billion invested in managed funds outside of super receive significant benefits from refunds.

Ms Loane said the FSC supports a moratorium on adverse changes to the superannuation system, including changes to franking credit refunds.

The discussions and lobbying about these proposed changes are in process and many financial associations are opposing them.

For more information, contact Mark Digby at Maher Digby Securities Pty Ltd - Financial Advisers – AFSL No. 230559 (see advert Page 3).

Phone: (07) 5441 1266 or visit our website www.maherdigby.com.au.

This document was prepared without taking into account any person’s particular objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not guaranteed as accurate or complete and should not be relied upon as such. Maher Digby Securities does not accept any responsibility for the opinions, comments, forward looking statements, and analysis contained in this document, all of which are intended to be of a general nature.

Investors should, before acting on this information, consider the appropriateness of this information having regard to their personal objectives, financial situation or needs.

We recommend consulting a financial adviser.

Time to update your jewellery valuations BRAND INSIGHTS

VALUING YOUR JEWELLERY A valuation is an expert independent third-party verification on a piece of jewellery, whether newly purchased, gifted or inherited.

TRUE WORTH: Jewellery valuer Megan Austin.

Photo: Olivia Lam

can show its full value.

We recommend valuations are updated every 2-3 years, this is consistent with insurance company recommendations.

Price increases may mean that you are under-insured and that the item cannot be replaced for the old value.

Price decreases may save you on excessive

premiums from your insurer.

Check your policy for a value threshold above which an item must be formally valued rather than informally listed.

Phone Megan Austin on (07) 3162 5424 for a free no-obligation discussion about your options, or go to meganaustin valuations.com.au.

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Have you ensured your jewellery valuations are up to date before you leave?

An updated insurance replacement valuation is the first step to insuring your precious jewellery against loss and theft.

This value reflects what it would cost to replace the item ‘new for old’ or ‘like for like’.

A valuation provides a comprehensive description of an item, which is very useful if there is a need to have a jewellery item remade.

It’s also an important safeguard in dealing with the police or insurance company when jewellery is lost, stolen or damaged.

Not only will a valuation certificate provide proof of ownership in the happy event that the jewellery is recovered, but also insurance companies are unlikely to provide full compensation for an expensive piece of jewellery unless the owner

44

CLASSIFIEDS

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

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46

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

What's on

SYMBIOTIC EXHIBITIONS

AUSTRALIEN Future – Tales of Migration and Shore Birds. Visit Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland from December 9 for two related exhibitions by southeast Queensland artist Deb Mostert and the Redlands Coast locals she has mentored. Deb Mostert’s exhibition, Australien Future – Tales of Migration, focuses on people, birds and memory.

It was inspired by the artist’s discovery of film footage taken by her grandfather on board a migrant ship that transported him and his family from Holland to Australia in 1955. In the mediums of painting and sculpture, Mostert explores parallels between her family history and the migration stories of the waders that visit our shores.

Migratory birds travel huge distances of thousands of kilometres driven by the basic needs for safety and food, and to be able to reproduce and raise their families in a safe place rather the harsh conditions of their breeding grounds.

Australien Future raises conversation about attitudes to different migrations and why some people and birds are more vulnerable than others.

Redland Art Gallery Director Emma Bain said a second exhibition featuring shore bird sculptures by Redlands-based artists would run concurrently with Mostert’s solo exhibition. Both exhibitions will be open at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland from Sunday, December 9 2018 until Sunday, January 20, with free entry. Members of

the public are invited to the following happenings.

Opening Event on Friday, December 7 from 6.30pm at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland (RAG), corner of Middle and Bloomfield Streets. Floor Talk with artist Deb Mostert (and morning tea) on Sunday, December 9 from 10am at RAG, Cleveland. Join us for morning tea and hear from exhibiting artist Deb Mostert. Located: 46 Middle Street, Cleveland.

Phone (07) 3829 8899 or go to artgallery.redland. qld.gov.au.

LORD MAYOR’S CHRISTMAS CAROLS

This much-loved free family event will host some of Australia’s most renowned singers and entertainers, as they ignite the big stage in this joyous and magical celebration of Christmas.

On Saturday, December 8 at the Riverstage, Brisbane City. Gates open at 4pm with pre-concert entertainment at 4.15pm.

The Carols concert is on 7-9.15pm.

ASHGROVE CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

THIS free concert is a part of the Rotary Club Ashgrove/The Gap in Action program, that centres on the local community in the Ashgrove and Enoggera area. The program features the local Westside Orchestra, Rocus Jazz Band and Ignite Choir providing an exciting convert program and fireworks finale. On Saturday, December 15 at Dorrington Park, Ashgrove from 4.30-8pm.

PLAYING WITH LIGHT AT IPSWICH ART GALLERY

FINE WORK: Deb Mostert’s new exhibition, Australien Future – Tales of Migration, focuses on people, birds and memory at the Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland.

LET there be light – Light is intrinsic to our lives, from natural phenomenon like rainbows to advanced technologies including communication, security and medicine, to the simple light bulb. It has a multitude of applications and influences how we see the world. Step out of the darkness and into Playing with Light.

This full-body interactive exhibition explores the big bright, colourful world full of light, lasers and lenses. With over 22 interactive exhibits, Playing with Light explores the role light plays in life and in the world. Sneak past laser light security beams; Step inside a giant kaleidoscope; Freeze your shadow on a wall; Build a telescope.

These are just some of the exhibits that will delight your visual senses and test your ingenuity.

Prepare to be illuminated from December 1, 2018 to April 28, 2019. For more, email info@ipswichart gallery.qld.gov.au or (07) 3810 7222.

MOONLIGHT

CINEMA IN THE HEART OF BRISBANE

GET ready for a summer of cinematic wonder Brisbane! Moonlight Cinema, presented by NAB, has found a new home in the heart of Brisbane City. Taking over The Amphitheatre at Roma Street Parkland, Australia’s favourite outdoor cinema runs from November 29, 2018 to March 31, 2019, providing Brisbane with a bigger, four month long season of balmy summer picnics and blockbuster films.

The December/January program is jam-packed with eight advanced screenings, over 25 new releases and a bunch of fan favourite films. Set amongst Roma Street Parkland’s oasis of designer gardens and sprawling lawns, film-lovers across Australia can recline on a picnic rug underneath the stars and catch a flick on the big screen for the quintessential summer cinema experience.

The huge program includes advanced screenings of summer’s

must-see films; The Favourite, Mary Queen of Scots and Second Act, flicks for the family; Incredibles 2, Smallfoot and Bumblebee, the top picks for award-season; Bohemian Rhapsody, A Star is Born, Green Book and Widows, and a showcase of Australia’s very best talents; Storm Boy, Boy Erased and Ladies in Black.

There are a stack of new releases on offer.

Head on over to Moonlight where you can kick back with a drink, catch up with friends and enjoy films such as Aquaman, Vice, Bad Times at the El Royale, Mission: Impossible – Fallout and Crazy Rich Asians under the stars in picturesque park settings.

In the week leading up to the holidays, Moonlight will screen new and beloved Christmas films to get film fans in the mood for the silly season.

Catch the fantastical new take on a classic tale with The Nutcracker and the Four Realms and rally the family together for the animated remake of The Grinch. Moonlight’s fan

favourite program will screen two of the biggest Christmas blockbusters ever, Love Actually and Elf, at a discounted Fan Favourite price.

Other family flicks include a host of the most hotly anticipated kid friendly films. Enter the hidden world of the Yeti in Smallfoot; Fight evil masterminds with everyone’s favourite superhero family in Incredibles 2; and cast a spell with Newt Scamander in Fantastic Beats: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Once January hits, gather the family and warm the vocal cords for a special sing-along screening of last year’s smash hit The Greatest Showman. Family saver passes to select G and PG rated films at Moonlight are also offered at a special discount, so it’s one of the most affordable outings a family of four can have!

The Amphitheatre, Roma Street Parkland.

BYO alcohol is not permitted at Brisbane’s Moonlight Cinema. For more go to moonlight.com.au.

Forgotten souls rewrite future An exciting tale with a twist IN THE small, sleepy Australian coastal town of Rosella Cove there are three damaged souls and a house which stands empty.

Why isn’t there anyone living in there? Nicole arrives into Rosella Cove, leaving behind her city life for the little of Rosella Cove. She finds a old cottage by the water to rent. Nicole plans to keep to herself, but when she uncovers in the house a hidden box of wartime love letters, she realises she’s not the first person living in this cottage to hide secrets and pain.

Ivy’s quiet life in Rosella Cove is tainted by the events of World War II, with ramifications felt for many years to come. But one night a drifter appears and changes

everything. Is his soul the one she’s meant to save?

Charlie is too afraid of his past to form any lasting ties in the cove. He knows he must make amends for his tragic deeds long ago, but he can’t do it alone.

Maybe the new tenant in the cottage will help him fulfil a promise and find the redemption he isn’t sure he deserves. Can the cottage help these lost, found and forgotten souls rewrite their futures.

Published by Penguin Random House, The Cottage at Rosella Cove.

RRP$32.99.

LORD Jeffrey Archer might be on the cusp of 79, but his skills as a master storyteller have not waned as he serves up his latest thrilling offering, Heads You Win. One man, two lives, a family divided.

It’s 1968 in Leningrad, Russia. Young Alexander Karpenko’s fate is about to be determined by the toss of a coin.

He’s no ordinary child.

From an early age it is clear he is destined to lead his countrymen. But when his father is assassinated by the KGB for defying the state, he

and his mother have to escape from Russia if they hope to survive.

At the docks they are

confronted with an irreversible choice – should they board a container ship bound for America or Great Britain?

In a single moment, a double twist decides Alexander’s future.

During an epic tale of fate and great fortune spanning two continents and 30 years, Alexander’s triumphs and defeats are laid bare.

The final twist will shock even Jeffrey Archer’s most ardent of fans.

RRP $39.99. Published by Pan Macmillan Australia.

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

G E N E R A L K N O W L E D G E

1

2

3

4

5

Across 1 In Russia, what is a grandmother called? (8) 7/8 Whose 1956 album was the first to sell over one million copies? (5,9) 9 Which television broadcasting system is used in most of Europe? (3) 10 What is the resting place of a wild animal? (4) 11 In croquet, with what does a player strike a ball? (6) 13 What is the upward projecting part at the front of a horse saddle? (6) 14 Crossing the Pacific in 1520, Magellan lost more than 80 per cent of his crew to what? (6) 17 Which jungle dweller had a monkey friend named N’kima? (6) 18 What is a protective crust over a healing wound? (4) 20 In billiards, with what does a player strike a ball? (3) 22 What is a skilful teller of anecdotes called? (9) 23 What colour comes from Urdu for “dust-coloured”? (5) 24 Which sea lies between the West Indies and the Azores? (8)

6

7 8 9 11

10 12 13

14

15

16 17

18

19

21

20 22 23

PUZZLES

47

Down 1 In the Bible, which tower was built in an attempt to reach heaven? (5) 2 Detective Hercule Poirot came from which country? (7) 3 What strong, lockable cabinet protects valuables? (4) 4 Aviator Amelia Earhart was born in which US state? (6) 5 What is an underground vault beneath a church? (5) 6 Which branch of medical science is concerned with muscles? (7) 7 Socrates died by drinking what? (7) 12 From 2000 to 2004, Michael Schumacher won five consecutive world drivers’ titles with which team? (7) 13 What might you eat on Shrove Tuesday? (7) 15 Which weapons of war had their origins in China over 2000 years ago? (7) 16 What board covers the ends of rafters? (6) 17 “I Don’t Want a Lover” was the 1986 debut single for which Scottish band? (5) 19 From Spanish, what is a small donkey used as a pack animal? (5) 21 What word for “sausage” originated in Australia in the 1940s? (4)

1/12

24

SUDOKU

Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

6

5

7 8

9

5x5

ALPHAGRAMS

Insert the missing letters to make ten words — five reading across the grid and five reading down.

Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the five solutions are sequential.

For example, if the fiveletter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.

P

10

A

11 12

D

13

O

14

17

18

T E

16

N S

E

15

LEASE HOT FUR NOUGHTS TEACHERS SUNLIT SEA

R D

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

19 20

SOLUTIONS about auto BATHHOUSE bathos boast boat boats bosh both bout ethos hoes hose host hots house oast oath obeah obtuse oust sabot shoe shot shote shout south stoa those thou toes tosh

21

G

22

WORD GO ROUND

E N T R Y

Find a finished crossword by deleting one of the two letters in each divided square.

Solution opposite

BLACKOUT

ALPHAGRAMS: EASEL, FOURTH, GUNSHOT, HECTARES, INSULATES. QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 6. Lateral 7. Defer 9. Mad 10. On the road 12. Hardhearted 15.

Acclimatise 17. Boorishly 19. Cap 21. Bares 22. Cadaver.

Down: 1. Carat 2. Few 3. Gain 4. Terrorise 5. Relaxed 8. Threat 11. Tall order 13. Demise 14. Scholar 16. Valet 18. Loan 20. Hay.

DOUBLE CROSS

D O S E D

A H

A G A T E

601

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word.

No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb.

TODAY: Good 16 Very Good 22 Excellent 26

P R O N E

O

WORD GO ROUND

U B

SUDOKU

5x5

S A T E S

T S

E H

Down 1. Gold measurement (5) 2. Not many (3) 3. Profit (4) 4. Intimidate (9) 5. Unstressed (7) 8. Menace (6) 11. Formidable task (4,5) 13. Death (6) 14. Academic (7) 16. Manservant (5) 18. Advance (4) 20. Mown grass (3)

GK CROSSWORD Across: 1 Babushka. 7/8 Harry Belafonte. 9 PAL. 10 Lair. 11 Mallet. 13 Pommel. 14 Scurvy. 17 Tarzan. 18 Scab. 20 Cue. 22 Raconteur. 23 Khaki. 24 Sargasso.

Down: 1 Babel. 2 Belgium. 3 Safe. 4 Kansas. 5 Crypt. 6 Myology. 7 Hemlock.

12 Ferrari. 13 Pancake. 15 Rockets. 16 Fascia. 17 Texas. 19 Burro. 21 Snag.

Across 6. Sideways (7) 7. Postpone (5) 9. Demented (3) 10. Travelling (2,3,4) 12. Uncaring (11) 15. Adjust to a new environment (11) 17. Roughly, crudely (9) 19. Limit (3) 21. Reveals (5) 22. Body (7)

F T A I G A H R F H O B E Y S

J O C L V R P E X O P O M I J

G O B L E T T G R I S T L E C

A K K E J I O I L N E C S L G

S W A G A S I M O N M H I D E

S A A A O A B E O E P E I E R

F S A L O N L N A B C D O D O

X F B Q B E Q G P E C J I E W

N I T P I C K O F A R I S E N

D N P O L H E R F T Y M C X F

S H A M Z P A S T D B P I T O

O A T P K L P O K K P R L R M

V B L Y L A V A F N E E D E D

D I C I W Y G K S E U S W M L

V T H I R S T B T E N S U E U

BLACKOUT

Work out which squares need to be deleted to reveal a completed crossword.

Solution opposite

DOUBLE CROSS

R E G I R I N O S B O T C E L Y I E L S

G A S N T O O W A S I N A B A A T P O I L L E G A L G E O B I C A R T I S A N I K E M E N O A N B E A T R I M H E D I O S D E D E X E O W N

S H A B I A M P L P L A Y A V S O A K T K N E E P R E S I D T R E M D

E N S U E T H I R S T

48

BRISBANE

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Discover a new way to retire Azure Blue Redcliffe offers retirees spacious and quality apartments as well as resortstyle facilities in the heart of the Redcliffe Peninsula.

Sales Manager, Angela Malakai said the lifestyle community offered easy retirement for over 65s.

“Azure Blue Redcliffe is a welcoming, friendly and safe community where it’s so easy for you to relax, socialise and enjoy the best years of your life,” she said.

“It features modern amenities and in-home support if required.

A PREMIUM ADJUSTABLE

BED PACKAGE VALUED AT OVER

$4,000

“From its central Anzac Ave position, the village is within easy reach of award-winning restaurants and cafes, galleries and live theatre, sporting clubs, major shopping as well as hospitals and medical facilities, both private and public.”

Ms Malakai said Azure Blue’s impressive range of resortstyle recreational and entertainment facilities included a swimming pool, barbecue area, gym, cafe, games rooms, beauty salon, media room and treatment room.

“Azure Blue has an extensive range of apartments, complete with designer kitchens, modern bathrooms and beautifully landscaped gardens,” she said.

“All have been designed to enhance your lifestyle choices at an affordable price”.

“Many residents have told me that it really feels like home for them here, and that they love the fact they don’t have to worry about maintenance or mowing,” Other domestic chores, including window and home cleaning, can be arranged for residents so they can get on with doing what they enjoy most.

“ In addition to the Sleepy’s bed package valued at over $4,000 we are offering a $3,000 Easy Moving Rebate for a limited time; with downsizing and decluttering services also available” she said.

Sleepy’s and Azure Blue Redcliffe making it even easier to move in!

Reserve an apartment between 1 November 2018 and 31 January 2019 to go into the draw for your chance to win* a Sleepy’s Premium Adjustable Bed package valued at over $4,000.

Package includes: Adjustable base

Pillows

Mattress and protector

Beautiful sheet set

CALL ANGELA 07 3155 2101 TO INSPECT OUR APARTMENTS *T&Cs apply, see website for details.

Azure Blue Redcliffe 91 Anzac Avenue, Redcliffe Email info@AzureBlueRedcliffe.com.au www.AzureBlueRedcliffe.com.au