Seniors Central Coast, April-May 2020

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’YOU CAN’T STOP AGEING – SO LET’S EMBRACE IT’ Australia’s much loved comedienne and author Jean Kittson shares her life experience supporting her ageing parents.

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COVID-19 The facts and figures and Hotlines MONEY

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POP-UP LAW FIRMS

Gail Forrer Seniors Group Editor LIFE has changed in a heartbeat.

Some six weeks ago, I took a month’s holiday leave. I love the rural parts of Bali, the gentle culture, the flowers and rice terraces and it’s one of the places that is always on my agenda when I think of having a break.

However, news had started to circulate about a dangerous virus, its rate of transmission and related quarantine periods.

Fortunately I stayed at home.

The decision to stay at home in Australia led me to find some great local

Promotion of university studies by successive federal governments has caused a glut of law graduates entering the community. In 2015 alone the Financial Review reported that 14,600 law graduates joined the ranks of 66,000 lawyers already in practice.

Most of these law graduates cannot find jobs.

Legal practices have been struggling in the current economic downturn to maintain profitability. This has meant many lawyers have returned to the ranks of the unemployed to join the swelling numbers of law graduates.

In desperation to stay alive many of these unemployed lawyers have started “pop-up” law firms renting small spaces or even work stations in serviced offices whilst working from home. These serviced offices are usually hidden away in upper floors of commercial buildings and are difficult for clients to find. In order to promote business these fledglings offer discounts and special deals by way of internet advertising.

Generally, due to their comparative invisibility, lack of knowledge and inexperience these “pop-up” firms close down within a short period of time leaving their few clients searching for them and any important documents which may have been placed in their safe custody.

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places – places that I may well have never visited had I travelled overseas.

Likewise, while I’m at home, I’m endeavouring to do things that would otherwise have passed me by.

For instance, I’m looking forward to playing a few more card games with the family, practising my quiz game skills and doing online yoga. Who knows, I may even cook up some intricate meals – though that would be a stretch (I relinquished much of my home-cooking skills when the kids left home).

Most of all, I have promised myself to stay calm in this time of chaos and challenges and as an elder in society act as a

role model for younger generations.

As Seniors News editor, I look forward to giving you some fine reading material. This month, it’s great to feature the irrepressible and pragmatic Jean Kittson on the front cover. Jean is in good company with a range of other personalities whose meaningful lives, I’m sure, will make inspiring reading.

Take care.

Cover story: Jean Kittson Profile — Kathy Quirk Community Notes Wanderlust Wellbeing Money Living Puzzles

18 COMMUNITY NOTES: Your neighbourhood news.

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PROFILE: Kathy Quirk’s inspiring life as a nurse.

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 Sue Germany - 0408 286 539 sue.germany@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 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 361604 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.

Printed by News Corp Australia, Yandina. 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.

Responsibility for election material in this paper is taken by Gail Forrer, cnr Mayne Road & Campbell Street, Bowen Hills, QLD 4006.

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Anzac Day in a new light Respects to be paid at dawn on driveways and balconies

IF PEOPLE CAN TRY THESE INITIATIVES, IT’S A SMALL GESTURE BUT IT HELPS KEEP THE ANZAC SPIRIT ALIVE.

Alison Houston GREG MAWSON

19 have impacted veterans across the country, meaning the RSL’s services have been in high demand.

From January to March, DefenceCare provided $317,916 in financial assistance; assisted 26 veterans experiencing homelessness; helped 134 veterans to lodge 374 DVA claims; and provided 47 counselling sessions to veterans and family members in need.

FALLEN HONOURED: A driveway vigil is proposed as one way for people to pay their respects on Anzac Day in 2020 without breaching self-isolation laws.

members,” Greg said of being unable to march, hold services or even get together.

“If people can try these initiatives, it’s a small gesture but it helps keep the Anzac spirit alive.”

Greg is also Gosford RSL sub-branch president and Gosford City National Servicemen’s Association secretary, and said they had looked at every angle to try to have a Coast-specific remembrance in some format.

He was particularly disappointed that no service could this year be taken to

aged care and retirement villages as sub-branches usually would.

He also felt for those unable to farewell family and mates as they would like to, given current travel restrictions and funerals being restricted to 10 attendees.

Greg paid tribute to much-loved and respected Nashos member Ken Lyons, a past president of the Gosford City Sub-branch, Sergeant Major of the National Service Reenactment Unit and heavily involved in the Masonic movement, who “would do

anything for anyone” and passed away on April 3.

“He had done so much for us and for society in general and he deserved a massive funeral,” Greg said.

He said the last time members of Gosford RSL Sub-Branch met was for their 100th Annual General Meeting on March 1, but they, like other subbranches across the Coast, were trying to keep in contact with members and ensure they were there for anyone who needed help.

The Australian War Memorial will hold a private Anzac Day commemorative

service broadcast live by the ABC and streamed online.

A nationwide fundraising campaign has been launched to help support veterans and their families.

Your gift can help provide veterans with crisis accommodation, emergency financial help, or physical and mental health support.

Go to https://anzac appeal.com.au for more information.

RSL NSW is dedicated to helping veterans and their families through the services provided by RSL DefenceCare.

The bushfires and COVID-

The Ode “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.”

Why a dawn remembrance?

It was as the sun rose on April 25, 1915, that Australian and New Zealand soldiers rowed towards the shores of Gallipoli and into a courageous but fruitless battle in which so many lost their lives, but the Anzac legend was born.

Ever since, as the sun rises on that day, Australians have gathered across the country to remember their legacy and that of those who followed.

Lest We Forget.

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KEEPING the Anzac spirit alive on the Central Coast is perhaps even more important this year than usual, even if we can’t mark Anzac Day as we traditionally would.

Anzac Day marches and services across the country on April 25 have been cancelled, like so many other events, due to coronavirus restrictions on gatherings.

“At 6am, go to the end of your drive or onto your balcony and face east – if you have a candle light it, recite the Ode if you know it, or just pause for a minute’s silence,” said Central Coast District Council of RSLs president Greg Mawson.

“We are trying to get the word out to the general public so everyone can participate.”

Greg added that if you own a bugle and can sound Last Post, wait a minute and then blow Reveille, that would be very appropriate – “but check with your neighbours first!”

He also supported historian Merril Jackson’s #anzacletterbox2020 promotion to dress mailboxes in red as a visible sign of respect to those who have served (see separate article).

“This has obviously affected everybody, but particularly our older

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COVER STORY

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My parental Part of the Sandwich Generation, Kittson pours Gail Forrer

CLOSE FAMILY: Comedienne Jean Kittson with her parents Elaine and Roy. Kittson has written a book sharing advice about how to care for elderly parents.

Picture: Rob Palmer

IF you are experiencing your fifth or sixth decade of life, then it’s likely you understand the meaning of “Sandwich Generation’’ perhaps a tad too well.

The label identifies a generation who may still have children at home (or even grandchildren), are actively engaged in their own careers and providing support for their parents as they transition into the final stage of life.

If you’re not organised it can be a giant headache.

Now the lady who shot to fame with her comedienne gig in the ABC’s late 1980s show The Big Gig, and who is also an accomplished actor, writer and public speaker, has come to the stage where she, too, has joined the “Sandwich Generation’’.

Sixty-four-year-old Jean Kittson has written a book

around her experiences with her ageing parents, Dad Roy (94) and Mum Elaine (95).

She said that as people were having children later and our parents were living longer, we found ourselves in this “sandwich’’ situation

‘‘

My parents are not a burden – their humanity adds to the fabric of life. whereby we were often doing more for other family members than we expected at this age.

“The important thing is to find ways of not stressing about it. Having a wholly supportive family is my

secret ingredient. I don’t do it alone,” Kittson said.

In vintage Kittson style, her family’s story is written with love, humour, wit and warmth.

She said watching her parents age had taught her about “dignity, grace and courage’’.

Her book We need to talk about Mum and Dad had been four years in the making and offered a practical and complete guide full of expert advice and first-hand experience.

It shows you the best ways to: * Navigate the bureaucratic maze while remaining sane. * Understand what is needed for your elder’s health and wellbeing and how to get it, especially in a medical emergency. * Survive the avalanche of legal papers and official forms.

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guidance love, laughs into book about caring for parents * Choose the best place for them to live – home, retirement village, residential aged care, or granny and grandpa flat – and help your elders relocate with love and respect.

“But I really wrote it for my daughters,” she laughed.

“So they would know how to look after me.”

Kittson’s daughters are 28 and 22 and she sees them as lucky to have two grandparents still living.

“It means your kids really have to think about someone else,” she said.

“They learn about social responsibility.

“My parents are not a burden – their humanity adds to the fabric of life.”

But for a smooth passage, Kittson emphasises using the book as a manual and “staying a chapter ahead’’.

She acknowledged that ensuring her parents were in the proper place with proper

care at the right time had been a long journey.

She believes a particular incident – when her father was washing the car, got caught up in the hose and ended up in hospital – signalled the need for an extra level of care.

“That was when he was 75,” she recalled.

She talks naturally about role reversal and of her now “parenting her parents’’.

However, while that’s most of the time, at times it reverses back.

Her dad, a former mechanic and Mr Fix-it, and her mother, a businesswoman and early feminist, have always been engaged with the bigger world.

However, today Elaine and Roy are dealing with increasing ill health.

Elaine suffers from macular degeneration and after 30 years is now legally

blind. Roy has macular dystrophy, “We are a close family. I do things with my own family whenever they let me and we all try to visit my parents once or twice a week,” Jean said.

She said the whole family pitched in and she gave as an example her nephews, who live in Newcastle, would often drive them to Sydney for their ophthalmology appointments, while her sister is exceptional at navigating the aged care system to find the right help.

And as their world becomes smaller, she wants to ensure it still has meaning for them.

Ultimately, Kittson advises to put our own fears behind us.

“Ageing, end of life, is confronting,” she said.

“But we can’t avoid it, so let’s go about embracing it.”

ADVICE: With expert advice complemented by first-hand experience, Kittson’s book helps people tackle the many complex issues affecting care for their elderly parents.

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Recipe for morale boost CWA serves up weekly ideas to make most of pantry shortfalls Alison Houston SELF-ISOLATION can be tough but self-isolation without snacks is even tougher.

That’s the thinking behind Woy Woy CWA’s Facebook page Recipe of the Week – just one of the ways branch president Jane Bowtell is keeping up morale in lieu of meetings.

She is also urging the entire community to stay in touch and support each other, with even a simple phone call “going a long way”.

“It’s exhausting,” Jane said of the coronavirusrelated restrictions that have left members feeling a little lost without their weekly get-togethers and fundraising activities.

“I think everyone is feeling the same – a sense of

loss, that there’s no urgency to what we are doing and questioning our purpose because for most of us the CWA is such a big part of our lives.”

The Woy Woy branch has an 88-year history and last year was the second-fastest growing branch in NSW, with a membership of just under 50 women from 30–92 years old, and more than 1000 followers on Facebook.

Members are currently keeping in touch through a “phone tree”, as well as Facebook, and Jane welcomed anyone to contact them if they needed help or just a chat.

The group is involved in a slew of activities, including most recently making about 700 cooling neck ties, containing water-soaked crystals, to help local firies combat the immense heat

Why pay thousands of dollars in fees for a Granny Flat, plus weeks of approvals, when NSW Legislation allows you to have a caravan in your backyard for family accommodation?

COOL CREW: Some of the Woy Woy CWA members with president Jane Bowtell (in pants, centre), showing off the cooling neck ties they made for local firies.

when in the field.

They are also running a Pulling Our Socks Up For The Firies campaign with Central Coast Disaster Relief to provide all Coast firies with fire-rated socks.

At time of writing they had raised more than $7500 towards their $20,000 goal, including a $600 cheque from Terrigal Inner Wheel.

But Jane said the group had been hit hard by a large

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number of the events that it normally supports and others from which it would gain revenue, including hall hire, being cancelled due to coronavirus.

“We gave away about

$9000 last year to charities and community organisations, and we just won’t be able to do that this year,” she said.

“If people have ideas about how to help everyone get through this … maybe there are some seniors who have lived through really tough situations and can tell us, ‘this is what we used to do’, we’d love to hear from them.”

Jane’s weekly Recipes of the Week are based around pantries not at their fullest, and she encourages us rather than halving ingredients to share our cooking with a neighbour.

The group normally meets at 9.30am each Wednesday for craft and chat, and at 10am on the fourth Wednesday for the monthly meeting.

For more information, get in touch through Facebook at www.facebook.com/ CWAWoyWoy/ or phone Jane on 0411 434 785.

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Coast Shelter asking for help Alison Houston COAST Shelter is still operating for everyone who requires its help, through meals, crisis accommodation and information about services, but it’s not easy.

“It’s a daily challenge at the moment,” said CEO Rachel Willis. “The pace of change, both practice and lifestyle, is hard for most people to get their heads around.”

Rachel said the impact of coronavirus was no more harshly felt than by people already doing it tough.

On top of its regular homeless and at-risk clients, the shelter has increasingly been contacted by families and people who have lost jobs, are feeling financial pressures and unsure who to ask for help.

“We are certainly putting systems in place and keeping ourselves up with current changes so people looking for information at a time when they are already overburdened and stressed have a nice clean gateway to the services they need,” she said.

The Shelter has “rethought” many of its services, including offering its weekday lunches as takeaways from 11am-1pm, still providing basic food and toiletries, as well as laundry and shower facilities in shifts, adding to cleaning demands.

However, with most of their volunteer base comprising seniors, and therefore more vulnerable to the effects of coronavirus, she said many found themselves unable to continue helping.

Food donations and second-hand goods can also no longer be accepted due to infection control, putting added pressure on the service, including staff spending hours shopping.

Most of the events that regularly fundraise for Coast Shelter have also been cancelled or postponed. To help, the shelter has started the #Givit19 campaign, seeking donations towards the purchase of food.

“I have been absolutely blown away by the Central Coast community and their generosity,” Rachel said of the more than $20,000 raised to early April.

To find out more about Coast Shelter or to make a donation, go to https:// coastshelter.org.au/, phone 4325 3540, find them on Facebook or go to bit.ly/ Givit19ForCoastShelter.

STILL THERE: The crew at Coast Shelter are still giving meals and other aid in the most difficult of circumstances. You can help with a donation to #Givit19.

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Much-loved nurse leaves Kathy calls it quits after half-century of service OVER 50 years, nurse Kathy Quirk has seen the landscape of the Atherton Tableland town of Herberton change ever so slowly as she watched the ebb and flow of the generations.

At the far end of the town where it might take no more than a few minutes to drive from one end to the other, we sit in an old-fashioned timber booth in the quirky Jacaranda Coffee Lounge savouring our tea and coffee, hidden from the searing north Queensland heat.

It’s just along the street from the Royal Hotel and the little convenience store that services the town’s 900 residents. Follow the road either way alongside Wild River, up the hill to find Mount St Bernard boarding school, three churches, a historic village and the Herberton Mining Museum overflowing with historical treasures.

‘‘

Authorised by Emma McBride MP ALP 204/1 Bryant Drive, Tuggerah NSW 2259

I have nursed a lot of people and they’ve had babies.

Now those kids are parents.

Kathy sits with her chin tilted down, eyes on the table, wary of the tape recorder, hoping no one she knows will stroll in.

Hardly possible, one could assume. The 67-yearold has been an enrolled nurse at Herberton Hospital for 50, actually as of March it will be 51, extraordinary years.

She’s a shy, quietly spoken indigenous woman who is reticent to talk about herself until you invite her to speak about her time working in her home town’s hospital.

Then Kathy’s chin lifts, her voice raises a notch and her eyes sparkle with pride.

“Families that I have known over the 50 years or so come over and ask if I am still working,” she said.

“I have to stop and think, who are you? Then they have to tell me their name because I forget. I meet so many people.

“I have nursed a lot of people in the old hospital and they have had babies.

Now those kids are now parents themselves.”

It was Kathy’s first job after leaving Herberton State School and it’s remained her only job throughout her working life.

Once Kathy finished high school she went looking for a job. She knew it was going to be hard to find one in the local area. There was only a college, school, hospital and small local businesses and

SHINING EXAMPLE: Humble nurse Kathy Quirk has been devoted to Herberton Hospital patients’ care for 51 years but is bidding her work farewell while looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren.

Picture: Tracey Johnstone

not enough jobs to go around.

At that time Herberton Hospital delivered general care to the surrounding Atherton Tableland population, which was farming the rich soil or working in mining. It was the first established town in the Tableland. The local historians will tell you mining gave the town wealth, two newspapers and 24 pubs.

A family affair Kathy always wanted to be a nurse. She had a dream of working at Cootharinga in Townsville, which provides support to children and adults with disabilities.

But really, she didn’t want to leave town, where her single mother and five siblings were still living, and where the family’s previous generations lived.

“Mum worked hard and supported us,” Kathy said.

She cleaned the local pub for many years before securing the cleaning job at the Herberton Hospital.

Luckily for Kathy, her mother found out the matron was looking for a nurse’s aide. Kathy got the job on a three-month trial.

“From there I just stuck it out,” Kathy said.

“It was like a family thing.”

Her mother worked at the

hospital for some 30 years.

One of Kathy’s sisters also worked there for 20 years, in the laundry and kitchen.

Kathy worked as an unregistered nurse’s aide for about 10 years before she headed 100km down the hill to the TAFE college in Cairns to do her nursing certification course.

She remembers the early days of the busy maternity ward and when some mothers had to adopt out their babies. These are family secrets she holds close to her chest.

“We got attached to those little babies; it was sad when we had to say

goodbye to them,” Kathy said.

With progress comes change Gone now are those days as the hospital changed dramatically about 35 years ago.

While the town’s history has been proudly preserved, its population gradually depleted as the nature of the farming and mining changed, and the commercial and social centre of the region moved to the nearby town of Atherton.

All the general and maternity care was moved 15 minutes along the ridge to

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big mark on small town

Herberton Hospital director of nursing Deanne Hellsten with Kathy in front of a photo of the original hospital.

the major health hub at Atherton District Memorial Hospital, leaving Herberton Hospital with 38 beds for aged care and palliative care patients.

“It’s hard as when they get in there all they want to do is go home,” Kathy mused about the predominantly former farmers. We have had a few climb fences to get out.”

Kathy has happily stayed as an enrolled nurse working on the frontline.

“I find I can do better with hands-on nursing,” she said.

“I hate paperwork. I would rather look after

them, care for them. I don’t want to be up the top; too much responsibility as an RN.” She admitted she has also struggled with everything being online, from training to patient record-keeping.

As her retirement date approached, Kathy received many accolades from within her community. One she eagerly shared was from Wendy, whose mother was admitted to Herberton Hospital in 1996.

“This was a terribly stressful time for my family and I with two nurses in the family,” Wendy wrote.

“The guilt we felt in having to admit mum to Herberton was overwhelming. We thought we would do all her care at our family home, but soon realised that we could not deliver the complex care that mum needed.

“Kathy was one of the nurses who settled our guilt and grief at leaving mum at Herberton through her personalised care and attention towards mum, but very inclusive of our large family. We never had a reason to question or complain about the care mum received, but when we knew Kathy was on duty our

Kathy as a proud young nurse who went on to become a highly respected fixture at Herberton Hospital.

minds were more at ease.

“Kathy has always demonstrated her gentle, caring, thoughtful nature to residents of Herberton. Her nursing care and encouragement have helped many co-workers thrive in a very complex environment, and many have been fortunate to have Kathy as a professional colleague and friend. This is no mean feat when the pressures of

paperwork, policies, standards and new procedures are pressing down on a cohort who only want to deliver hands-on nursing care.’’

What lies ahead Around the town there were more strangers now, Kathy said. Jobs for the locals have mostly gone to Atherton or to further down the range.

Her husband, Bernie,

drives to Cairns every day to work, leaving home at 4am.

Kathy still rises at 5am every day – it’s a habit she knows will be hard to break.

The little hospital remains proudly atop the town hill watching over the changing community.

There are fewer buildings now, but the garden surrounds are lovingly looked after.

There are younger staff working at the hospital.

Kathy sometimes wonders if they are thinking, “She’s been her too long and it’s time she moved along’’.

“I could have worked another 12 months, but then I thought, it’s time to get out and enjoy my life as I have spent more than half my life working at the hospital,” Kathy said.

“I feel I have had enough.”

Kathy said she would take with her many lovely memories of her time at the hospital and of some of the patients, particularly those who don’t have family visiting them until it’s too late.

“We’re their family,” she said quietly as her chin dipped and she lapsed into deep thought.

But now her eight grandchildren beckon.

Kathy’s daughter wants her to start a hobby. Maybe volunteering at the local Salvation Army shop is on the cards, Kathy suggested, but then added, only as long as the bashful senior can avoid the customers.

But really, looking after the extended family is what she wants to do in retirement along with many more family fishing trips.

Community news and local programs Community notes

WITH the coronavirus preventing clubs from meeting, we welcome any submissions that promote your club’s aims, history and achievements.

Member profiles and photos are welcome.

Email your submissions to editor@seniorsnewspaper

.com.au.

PROGRAMS HEAD ONLINE MEET THE AUTHOR: Talk with local author Lee Christine, presented as a live-stream via the online service Zoom.

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LAKE Mac Libraries and the Museum of Art and Culture

(MAC) will shift an increasing number of programs online to help engage and enrich the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Weekly story-time sessions, talks from local authors and even magic shows will be rolled out via the Lake Mac Libraries and MAC websites, with more to be added in weeks to come.

Lake Macquarie City Council manager arts, culture and tourism, Jacqui Hemsley, said moves were

under way for other programs traditionally provided face-to-face to be presented as a live-stream via online services such as Zoom. Go to mac.lakemac .com.au or phone 02 4921 0382.

SOCIAL DISTANCING FEDERAL Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, is urging people across the Central Coast to respect and adhere to the hygiene and social distancing standards

implemented by the National Cabinet as a result of the impacts of the coronavirus. Ensure you follow hygiene and social distancing protocols to protect not only yourself but those closest to you. Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water; cover your nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing; practise social distancing of 1.5 metres from people at all times, avoiding handshakes, hugging and kissing.

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Because We Care Boutique still busy in crisis Alison Houston IT IS just over a year since the Wyong Neighbourhood Centre’s Because We Care Boutique opened – and what a year it has been, with fire, flood and now virus.

The boutique, officially launched on March 5, 2019, is run by stylist volunteers and the call was successfully

answered by seniors with a passion for fashion and a knack for styling willing to lend a hand. These women help others who have faced “severe challenges in life and are aiming to seek paid employment to improve their lives and the lives of their families” to dress well and feel confident.

WNC’s community relations officer Sharyn

Burgess said while face-toface appointments had to cease due to coronavirus restrictions, the Wings to Success program was cut short and they could not accept clothing donations, organisers were using the present “downtime” well.

That included applying for grant funding, creating a boutique website, filing and packing for their move to a

new space, and brainstorming fundraising events for 2021.

“We will organise a big launch party for our new premises – might even see if our ambassador Melinda Schneider or our top fundraiser Marney McQueen can sing us a tune,” Sharyn said. “There will be a lot to do when everything is back to normal … we feel our

service will be needed more than ever.”

Sharyn has also been nominated by Member for Wyong David Harris in the Westfield Local Heroes Program, with the chance to win $10,000 in prizes for the boutique. The program’s aim is to raise awareness of individuals who make a positive impact in their local communities, with the

winner decided by public vote, so look out for your chance to do so in JulyAugust.

For phone support, information and referral, if you need food basics from WNC, or would simply like to know more about the boutique, call 4353 1750 or go to @wyongneighbour hoodcentre for details through Facebook.

Entertainment in your own home TO help keep you interested in the world around us, here’s a list of online activities put together by COTA NSW. Galleries and museums Many of the world’s great galleries and museums are now offering virtual tours through Google Arts and Culture. For example: • The Guggenheim and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

• The Tate, British Museum and Victoria and Albert

Museum in London.

• The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

• The Acropolis Museum in Athens.

• The Musee D’orsay, Paris.

• The Uffizi in Florence.

• The Hermitage in St Petersburg.

The collection of institutions available, including Australia’s own National Gallery, National Gallery of Victoria and Art Gallery of NSW, is staggering.

Libraries Some libraries are also showing their collections on Google Arts and Culture, including the British Library.

You can also take part in building the digital collection of the National Library of Australia by becoming a contributor to Trove.

You can contribute photos and add tags for search purposes. Trove is also great for researching family history – it’s amazing what you can find in a 19th-century newspaper

when they didn’t have so much to write about!

Music Many musical groups are posting concerts and performances online: • Rotterdam Philharmonic playing Beethoven’s 9th.

• Sydney Opera House has a massive free program of online concerts, talks and podcasts.

• Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

There are also some pretty good parodies around:

• One Day More from Les Miserables • 500 Miles by the Proclaimers • Bohemian Rhapsody • Stayin’ Alive Zoos Zoos are now livestreaming their animals, and you can watch, from the comfort of your own home, a snow leopard sleeping behind a tree or even some meerkats!

Here are a few: • Zoo Victoria.

• Taronga Park Zoo. • San Diego Zoo. • Dublin Zoo. Other things • Wendy’s Garden, the famous secret garden built by artist Brett Whiteley’s widow Wendy at Lavender Bay in Sydney.

• Shakespeare plays and others from the Globe Theatre in London.

• National Archives of Australia online exhibits.

Enjoy!

Embrace the Internet!

It’s time to jump on the social media bandwagon!

Let Seniors ease you into the exciting world of online. Get every news story - big or small, the latest exclusive offers, plus a whole heap more when you connect with Seniors on social media.

Opening Doors to the Seniors Lifestyle

Visit facebook.com/seniorsnews or seniorsnews.com.au

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Decorating for Diggers Novel Anzac Day project aims to have red item on letterboxes Alison Houston FORGET tying a yellow ribbon ’round the old oak tree and find something red to dress your letterbox with instead.

Central Coast historian Merril Jackson, of the Poppy Project, has come up with a simple concept to unite us all this Anzac Day in the face of socialising restrictions.

She asks everyone to attach something red to their letterbox – a piece of ribbon, wool, or craft such as a poppy and, where possible, some rosemary and/or a picture (not original) of someone who served.

Passing these letterboxes as we exercise or in our cars on the way to shop, or sharing photographs of them on Facebook, tagged #anzacletterbox2020 on

@poppyprojectcentralcoast, would be a powerful reminder of Anzac Day and all it meant, Merril said.

“One of the key ideas was that at the moment, with children at home and people in nursing homes in lockdown, it’s something everyone can do,” she said of the campaign to run throughout April.

The importance of the letterbox in keeping up communication and morale during the world wars in particular couldn’t be underestimated, she said.

“Picture a mother waiting for word from the front on her boys …” Merril posted on Facebook. “The letterbox was the source of fear, dread, grief and joy for families in those dark times, when so many didn’t return.”

Merril is best known for her 2014-18 Poppy Project

THE LETTERBOX WAS THE SOURCE OF FEAR, DREAD, GRIEF AND JOY FOR FAMILIES IN THOSE DARK TIMES, WHEN SO MANY DIDN’T RETURN. MERRIL JACKSON

Entrance and key to it becoming a tourist destination, as was the original owner of the Dunleith Guest House, Walter Denniss.

The guesthouse was later home to Miss Ray Davis, an unknown angel to many battle-weary servicemen thanks to her prolific letter writing and sending of parcels to the front line.

Merril is sharing some of this mail from both Corporal Duffy and Miss Davis and providing an insight into its place in Coast and wartime history.

To find out more, go to www.facebook.com/ poppyprojectcentralcoast.

UNITED SPIRIT: The Poppy Project's Merril Jackson decorates a mailbox with red ribbon and a picture of local hero Corporal Edmund Dening Duffy.

marking the centenary of World War I. Thousands of poppies were individually handmade by people throughout the community, including many seniors.

United, these poppies created unforgettable

images when displayed at Terrigal’s Skillion, Gosford waterfront and across the district.

It was during that work that Merril gained access to images, letters and postcards home from E T WET S G LE OR F

Corporal Edmund Dening Duffy, who later helped establish The Entrance War Memorial Hall, through his daughter.

Merril said the Dening, Duffy and Taylor families were pioneers of The

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20 April 2020 Dear Central Coast Senior, I’m writing to you because of the hundreds of emails and phone calls I’ve received for information about COVID-19.

My top priority is helping keep you, your families, friends and loved ones safe.

A big part of that is sharing honest information from sources you can trust.

My Mum, Barbie (pictured above), turned 70 last November. To protect herself, mum is staying at home.

It’s not easy, but older people are more likely to suffer serious symptoms or die if they catch COVID-19.

WHAT IS A CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) AND HOW IS IT SPREAD? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections. These can range from the common cold to more serious diseases. COVID-19 is the disease caused by a new coronavirus.

The virus can spread from person to person through: ✔

Close contact with an infectious person

✔

Contact with droplets from an infected person coughing or sneezing

✔

Touching objects or surfaces (like doorknobs or tables) that have droplets on them from an infected person and then touching your mouth or face

If we slow the spread of COVID-19, we can keep you safe and make sure our health workers and hospitals cope until a vaccine or treatment is available.

Finally, at this time, it’s vital to take care of your mental health. The best way to do that is to stay connected, phone a loved one.

If you need any assistance please call 4353 0127 or email emma.mcbride.mp@aph.gov.au.

Best wishes,

Emma McBride M MP P Federal Member for Do obell Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental H Hea alth Shadow Assistant Minister for Carers

PROTECT YOURSELF 1. Cover coughs or sneezes with your elbow or a tissue.

2. Wash your hands often with soap and water.

3. Clean and disinfect surfaces you have touched.

4. Stay 1.5 metres away from other people (physical distancing).

5. Stay at home and avoid contact with others.

SOURCE: Commonwealth Department of Health

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IF YOU HAVE SERIOUS SYMPTOMS If you experience difficulty breathing 1. CALL 000 2. Ask for an ambulance 3. Inform the officers in advance if you have been in contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19

WHY IS THIS VIRUS SO DANGEROUS FOR OLDER PEOPLE?

IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE LIVES IN AGED CARE Restrictions are in place to protect residents and workers. The following people should not be permitted entry: ✔

Returned from overseas in the last 14 days

You are at greater risk of more serious illness if you contract COVID-19 and are:

✔

Been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days

1.

✔

If you have fever or symptoms of acute respiratory infection (cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath)

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If you’ve not been vaccinated against influenza by 1 May

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Children aged 16 years and under (exemptions assessed case-by-case)

Aged 70 and over, or

2. Aged 65 and over with a compromised immune system, or 3. An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, aged 50 and over.

Care providers should be compassionate, especially for end-of-life, palliative care and dementia care.

KEEP UP TO DATE • National Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080 (24 hours, seven days) • Older Persons Advocacy Network on 1800 237 981 (8am – 8pm Monday to Friday)

THE SYMPTOMS The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to colds and flus and can include: 1. Fever 2. Cough 3. Fatigue 4. Sore throat 5. Shortness of breath

• Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on 1800 951 822 • National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 • The Commonwealth Department of Health www.health.gov.au • The NSW Department of Health also has a useful website www.health.nsw.gov.au • The Central Coast Local Health District www.cclhd.health.nsw.gov.au Authorised by Emma McBride, ALP, 204/1 Bryant Drive, Tuggerah NSW 2259.

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War sacrifice front of mind

FAMILY MATTERS: Back-Roads Touring takes small groups of Australians to Anzac memorials in France and Belgium, and researches travellers’ fallen descendants.

Q&A with Mark Banning, Back-Roads Touring battlefield tour leader.

Q: Where did your passion for this line of work stem from?

A: I’ve been interested in the Great War since a very early age. My dad would entertain me with stories of his own father’s war service, which saw him gassed and then held as a prisoner of war for nearly four years.

Although I never met my grandfather, this sparked a nascent interest in these incredible war stories.

Q: You’ve been working with small-group touring company Back-Roads Touring for a decade, guiding Aussies through the Western Front and sharing the stories of our Anzacs.

Can you tell me about who your guests typically are?

A: Yes, since 2008! It’s

been a real privilege to accompany many Australian visitors to the battlefields of the Western Front in France and Belgium as a tour leader for Back-Roads Touring. My guests are a mixed bunch.

Although some guests are simply wishing to visit these Anzac sites out of interest in the experience, knowing these battlefields are an intrinsic part of Australia’s history, many have chosen these tours very specifically to connect with a fallen family member.

Q: Tell me about the process of uncovering the stories of Aussie travellers’ fallen Anzacs. You receive the name of an ancestor of a Back-Roads guest – then what?

A: My chief research assistant and partner, Mary, and I uncover the unique stories of what these

ancestors faced on the Western Front. Firstly, we establish whether the soldier survived. In all honesty, our research is made a great deal simpler if the soldier was killed as his name will be recorded by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, allowing us to check its database and identify the site where the man is either buried or honoured. For those with graves, I then aim to ensure the guest can visit the military cemetery while on tour. For the many Australian soldiers classed as having no known grave, there are three locations where these men are remembered: the Menin Gate at Ypres, the VC Corner Memorial at Fromelles and the Australian National War Memorial at VillersBretonneux.

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Kimberley’s ancient awe Australian Tourism ONE of the most sparsely populated areas on earth, the Kimberley is the size of Germany but home to only about 40,000 people, nearly half of whom are Aboriginal. Just about everything here is rare and remote, from rock formations that are two billion years old to luxury outback retreats. The Kimberley also contains thousands of tropical foresttopped islands, towering ochre cliffs, flat waterfalls and rock art galleries that scientists believe may be the oldest in the world. Here are a few of the Kimberley’s highlights.

THE 1,000 ISLANDS OF THE BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGO There are few sights more spellbinding than the Buccaneer Archipelago’s 1,000 rocky islands emerging from a cornflour blue ocean. A tiedye colour scheme of grey, white and faded orange is topped with tufts of tropical growth, showing that where there is extreme age, there is also youth. A scenic trip with Buccaneer Explorer flies you over the islands, but to truly fall in love, take a four-day discovery cruise aboard a luxury houseboat, equipped with a helicopter and speedboat, to reach those unV1 - SECE01Z01MA

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THE BIZZARRE HORIZONTAL FALLS The extremes of Mother Nature are revealed y at the Horizontal Falls, a phenomenon in which tonnes of water squeeze through a gap in twin mountain ranges. The Kimberley’s tropical tides are some of the biggest in the world – rising and falling by up to 13 metres (43 feet) – and result in remote, flat whitewater rapids that can be experienced from above on a scenic flight, or, if you’re game, from the surface. The jet boat ride through the churning falls is one heck of a thrill.

THE ANCIENT DOMES OF THE BUNGLE BUNGLES The towering, tigerstriped rock formations of the Bungle Bungles, eroded into beehive-like domes, emerge from an otherwise flat landscape like sunflowers leaning skyward to the light. They’re part of the 360-million-year-old Bungle Bungle Range in World Heritage Purnululu National Park. This grand expanse, which also harbours sacred Aboriginal rock art, was only “discovered” by Europeans in the 1980s. Tour the Bungle Bungles on foot, or from the air. Better still, do it both ways for the ultimate experience, and stay nearby at eco-wilderness retreat Bun-

gle Bungle Savannah Lodge.

BOAB TREES The Kimberley’s boab trees come in so many shapes and sizes they almost take on individual personalities. Related to Africa’s baobab, the boab resembles a bottle, with a wide base and thin neck that leads to a tangle of branches, like a messy hair-do. Aboriginal lore has many dreaming stories to explain their unusual look. Boabs dot the outback along the Gibb River Road, but can also be seen in the grounds of Broome’s Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa, out the front of Kununurra’s Kimberley Grande Resort and lining the main street of Derby. You can eat the nutritious boab tuber (root) at some cafés, in season.

RUSTY RED CHAMBERLAIN GORGE In the afternoon sun, a flaming red wall of rock seems to rise with every metre of the three-kilometre (1.9-mile) boat journey along Chamberlain Gorge’s pancake flat waters. The escarpment can be found at an outback station, El Questro Wilderness Park, and the guided cruise is an essential part of any stay. El Questro has several different types of accommodation dotted around the property, including the exclusive, private Homesteads.

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Our unique wonders Down Under

SENIORS

WORLD CLASS: The beginner-friendly Elabana Falls Track is a half-day walk that branches off the Main Border Track, about 1km from O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.

Plan for post-isolation bliss amid Aussie beauty THE World Heritage List records more than 1000 natural, cultural and mixed sites that are protected by international convention and considered important for the whole world.

The list is administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

World Heritage-listed sites are managed under the World Heritage Convention.

In Australia, World Heritage-listed properties are managed cooperatively by state and federal governments in accordance with the Australian World Heritage Intergovernmental Agreement.

Here is a list of a few of the sites:

THE GREAT BARRIER REEF The Great Barrier Reef was the first Queensland site to be recognised for its representation of major stages of the Earth’s evolutionary history and as the largest coral reef system on the planet.

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia straddles Queensland’s southern border and encompasses Lamington, Springbrook, Mt Barney and the Main Range National Parks. This area is the most extensive remaining area of subtropical rainforest and is home to nearly all of the world’s Antarctic beech rainforest.

A slightly prehistoric twist sees ancient Australian mammals preserved in limestone at the Riversleigh Fossil Mammal site in Outback Queensland on the list. Some fossil deposits date back 25 million years.

WET TROPICS Extending from Cooktown to Townsville and including the Daintree Rainforest, the Wet Tropics of Queensland protects Australia’s largest remaining area of wet tropical rainforest with cultural significance for the Aboriginal people who have called this area home for thousands of years.

Aim to reach all of these World Heritage-listed areas and you’ll have an adventure plan that covers most of our beautiful state!

MOUNT BARNEY Mount Barney, Scenic Rim Area The distinctive peaks of mounts Barney, Maroon, May, Lindesay, Ernest, Ballow and Clunie dominate the skyline in Mount Barney National Park. These rugged peaks are the remains of the ancient Focal Peak shield volcano that erupted 24 million years ago. Mount Barney is the second-highest peak in southeast Queensland and most of the park lies within the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.

The park’s cascading

creeks and pristine forest habitats preserve many rare plants and vulnerable animal species. For a leisurely visit, drive to Yellow Pinch picnic area and photograph kingfishers swooping over the water. Very experienced walkers can climb sheer rugged mountain peaks to awe-inspiring views of craggy ridges and distant ranges. For the less adventurous, there are a few moderate walks around the mountains’ bases.

Facilities: Barbecues, car park.

SPRINGBROOK Springbrook Plateau, Springbrook National Park, Springbrook, Gold Coast Springbrook Plateau, Springbrook National Park, offers breathtaking lookouts, magnificent waterfalls, dense rainforest and ancient Antarctic beech trees. The park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area.

Dominating the Gold Coast’s western skyline, Springbrook’s cool forests and mountain streams offer views of impressive landscapes, and walks among subtropical and temperate rainforest, open eucalypt forest and montane heath. The plateau has many lookouts with fabulous views.

Visit Purling Brook Falls, which cascades 100 metres

FRASER ISLAND Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and is noted for its exceptional beauty, ever-evolving coastal sand-dune formations and habitats, as well as 250km of sandy beaches.

RIVERSLEIGH FOSSIL MAMMAL SITE

Please check with Government advice before leaving your home and visiting any of the sites mentioned in this story.

into a deep rainforest valley lined with palms, tree ferns and stream lilies. From Goomoolahra picnic area, walk 50 metres to another waterfall and two striking lookouts. Stroll 300 metres from the Tallanbana picnic area, just past Canyon Lookout, to the top of Twin Falls; or continue on a longer walk through the canyon.

NSW THE NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) manages four World Heritage areas that are either entirely within the national parks estate or partially in the NSW national park estate. These are: Australian Convict Sites – Old Great North Road, Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, Greater Blue Mountains Area, Willandra Lakes Region.

GREATER BLUE MOUNTAINS Greater Blue Mountains is a World Heritage-listed area of diverse landscapes filled with plants, wildlife, caves

and rock formations in NSW national parks. It’s full of cultural significance, with six Aboriginal groups having connection to the Country of the Area, as it’s tied with Dreaming and rock art.

The Greater Blue Mountains Area is one of the largest and most intact tracts of protected bushland in Australia. The area is a deeply incised sandstone tableland covering 1 million hectares spread across eight adjacent conservation reserves. The landscapes of this property lie inland to the west of Sydney and extend almost 250 kilometres from the edge of the Hunter Valley to the Southern Highlands near Mittagong.

An enormous variety of plants occur here, but eucalypts dominate the landscape: the area is home to 96 species (13 per cent of all eucalypt species).

WILLANDRA LAKES Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area is an ancient landscape formed by wind and water. The area

includes a small section that is Mungo National Park, where Mungo Lady and Mungo Man were uncovered. Dating human habitation back to more than 40,000 years, the discovery is believed to be the world’s oldest site of ritual ceremony. Preserved in the arid environment are ancient fireplaces, calcified plants, stone tools, and animal bones.

AUSTRALIAN CONVICT SITES Australian convict sites present the late-18thcentury story of forced convict migration from Britain to Australia. The Old Great North Road is one of four convict sites in NSW that, together with seven other sites across Tasmania, Norfolk Island and Western Australia, make up the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property.

Finished in 1836 using convict labour, Devines Hill and Finchs Line were completed as part of Old Great North Road – which SECE01Z01MA - V1

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The Walls of China in Mungo National Park at Willandra Lakes, NSW. Picture: NSW Tourism/Don Fuchs

a walking track, on a driving route, or by staying in nearby accommodation.

DORRIGO NATIONAL PARK

originally spanned 264km and connected Sydney and the Hunter Valley. Today 43km of road remains alongside Dharug and Yengo national parks.

extensive areas of subtropical rainforest in the world, large areas of warm temperate rainforest, and the majority of the world’s Antarctic beech cooltemperature rainforest.

These extraordinary areas still contain ancient and primitive plants and animals from which life on Earth evolved. Get to know Gondwana Rainforests along

GONDWANA RAINFORESTS OF AUSTRALIA The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area contains the most

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The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia comprises 50 separate reserves scattered between Newcastle and Brisbane. With a combined area of 366,500 hectares, this World Heritage site is the most extensive area of subtropical rainforest in the world. Providing an essential habitat for more than 270 threatened plant and animal species, the Gondwana Rainforests are a priceless feature of eastern Australia’s landscape.

Just 90 minutes from Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo National Park is one of the Gondwana Rainforests’ most beautiful areas. This park is known for its excellent birdwatching, as well as its beautiful waterfall walks and barbecue areas. Start at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre before making your way onto the boardwalk.

This 70-metre-long platform brings guests to stunning Skywalk Lookout, where you can take in panoramic views of the Rosewood rainforest basin, the Bellinger Valley and beyond from 21 metres above the rainforest floor.

LORD HOWE ISLAND GROUP The Lord Howe Island Group is a collection of 28 islands, islets and rocks situated about 600km east of Port Macquarie, in the Tasman Sea. The largest of these islands is Lord Howe itself, a 10km-by-2km land mass formed by volcanic activity some 7 million years ago.

Heritage listed in 1982, the Lord Howe Island Group has been recognised for its endemic species as well as its stunning – and largely untouched – terrain. The islands also sit on the southernmost coral reef in the world, which is home to more than 90 species of coral and 500 species of fish. The west coast of Lord Howe Island features a sheltered, sandy coral reef lagoon with excellent snorkelling opportunities, while the island’s south is covered by forested hills that rise to the highest point on the island: Mount Gower.

In most cases, Lord Howe Island can only be reached by air. However, this very isolation has allowed the region to develop such an impressive range of unique flora and fauna. Visitor numbers have been limited to 400 people a night in an effort to reduce the impact of tourism on the island.

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Be spoilt for choice in Springbrook National Park, home to native wildlife and four sections of walking trails with stunning lookouts.

Capture the flowing water stream at the Natural Bridge or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Springbrook Plateau to be blown away by waterfalls, breathtaking views and lush rainforest.

Enjoy more than 160 kilometres of walking trails scattered with waterfalls and ancient fauna and flora through Lamington National Park. Or walk among the treetops on the 1.5-kilometre Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, which takes you from the canopy floor up to a 40-metre cantilever with a viewing platform over Cedar Creek.

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WELLBEING

APRIL, 2020//

Wellbeing

Prescription for survival important to remember, at this stage, that most people displaying symptoms may be suffering from a cold, flu, allergies or other respiratory illness — not Covid-19.

Blueprint for protection with measures for seniors in place THIS information is sourced from a Federal Government fact sheet dedicated to specific advice for older Australians. It outlines the Covid-19 facts and the measures you, your family and friends can take to protect older Australians.

The spread of Covid-19 and Australia’s response is evolving. For more details, go to www.health.gov.

WHAT IS COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS)?

DO I NEED TO BE TESTED IF I HAVE THOSE SYMPTOMS?

LAYING DOWN THE LAW: Heeding the ever-changing behavioural rules as the coronavirus outbreak worsens is even more important for seniors, who are at most risk.

Picture: AP/Vadim Ghirda

in Wuhan City in China. It has now become a global pandemic.

HOW IS IT SPREAD?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections. These can range from the common cold to more serious diseases. Covid-19 is the disease caused by a new coronavirus. It was first reported in December 2019

The virus can spread from person to person through: • Close contact with an infectious person (including in the 24 hours before they start showing symptoms).

• Contact with droplets from an infected person coughing or sneezing.

• Touching objects or

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surfaces (such as doorknobs or tables) that have droplets on them from an infected person, and then touching your mouth or face.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? The symptoms of Covid-19 are similar to colds and flus and can include: fever, fatigue, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath.

While the Covid-19 virus is of serious concern, it is

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If you develop symptoms within 14 days of last contact with a confirmed Covid-19 case or returning to Australia, you should seek medical attention. Your doctor will tell you if you need to get tested. There is a global shortage of test kits, so the medical advice so far is to limit testing and target it towards people who may have been exposed to the virus.

WHY IS THIS VIRUS SO DANGEROUS FOR OLDER PEOPLE? The risk of serious illness from Covid-19 increases with age. The highest rate of fatalities is among older people, particularly those with other serious health conditions or a weakened immune system. There is currently no cure or vaccine for Covid-19, or immunity in the community.

For people living with dementia or some form of cognitive impairment, the ability to follow instructions or to alert others about potential symptoms may be a challenge. This is especially so where there is a limited capacity to communicate verbally or express pain and discomfort. In this situation, observation by someone who knows the person with dementia may assist in identifying changes in their health.

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Even if you are feeling well, it is important to take steps to prevent the virus spreading. Good hygiene and taking care when interacting with other people are the best defences for you and your family against Covid-19.

This includes: • Covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue.

• Disposing of tissues immediately they are used, into a dedicated waste bin, and washing your hands.

• Washing your hands often, with soap and water,

including before and after eating and after going to the toilet, and when you have been out to shops or other places.

• Using alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces you have touched.

• Where possible, stay 1.5 metres away from other people, an example of “social distancing”.

• If you are sick, avoiding contact with others.

If you start to feel unwell, phone the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 or your GP, who will be able to provide you with further advice.

Older people aged 70+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), or people with chronic conditions, are able to seek medical support from their GPs through bulkbilled telehealth (videolink) and telephone services.

Examples of possible video applications include FaceTime and Skype.

CAN I GO TO THE SHOPS OR CATCH THE BUS, OR SHOULD I STAY IN MY OWN HOME? All Australians are being asked to practise “social distancing”, including staying 1.5 metres away from other people where possible.

Only people diagnosed with, or exposed to Covid-19 and those returning from overseas are required to self-isolate in their homes.

ARE OTHER VACCINATIONS IMPORTANT? There is no vaccine for Covid-19, however, it is important that you get the 2020 flu vaccination as soon as it is available from your GP or pharmacy.

Discuss with your doctor whether you should have a pneumococcal vaccination against pneumonia, which is recommended for everyone over 65. You should also discuss having a shingles vaccination.

WHAT IF I NEED URGENT ASSISTANCE THAT CANNOT BE PROVIDED BY MY CURRENT CARER? Older Australians can access short-term home support services (such as meals or

personal care) in an emergency without having had an aged-care assessment. Assessments can also be conducted using telehealth rather than face to face where appropriate.

Speak with a home-care provider about these measures.

I HAVE A HOME CARE PACKAGE. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME? Consumers with Home Care packages have flexibility with how they spend their funds over a wide range of care and services to support them to stay safe, healthy and independent in their home.

The Government will ensure home-care providers have even greater support to meet the changing needs of clients as the virus unfolds.

With support from the Government, home-care providers are working hard to meet people’s needs during the crisis.

The services you currently receive through your Home Care Package will continue.

However, there may be some changes to the way the services are delivered.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I’VE SPENT ALL THE MONEY IN MY HOME CARE PACKAGE THIS MONTH? In emergencies, if you have fully allocated your Home Care Package, you may access short-term home support services (for a range of services, including nursing, personal care and meals). Speak with your home-care provider about these measures.

I NEED ADDITIONAL MEDICAL / HEALTH SERVICES. WHERE CAN I GO? As part of the Covid-19 National Health Plan, the Australian Government has increased access to bulkbilled MBS telehealth and telephone services and fasttracked electronic prescribing of medicines.

The Government’s Telehealth scheme allows doctors, nurses and mental health professionals to deliver services via telehealth or by telephone, provided those services are bulk billed, to those people who are 70+ years of age.

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WELLBEING

\\APRIL, 2020

21

Ex-judge keen to raise bar in fitness pursuit

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ON THE RUN: Former Judge Adrian Roden, 94, participating in a parkrun.

by all the obvious sensible things.

North Sydney parkrun Run director Paul Harper revealed Judge Roden’s competitive spirit.

“Before attempting his first parkrun, Adrian watched for a few weeks, seated on a nearby park bench,” Mr Harper said.

“The interesting participation data that parkrun produces for parkrunners appeals to Adrian’s analytical mind. It allows members to compare their own performance against others in the same age group and Adrian was delighted to find he was not alone.

“Everyone relates to and enjoys Adrian’s company, despite him not listening to their gentle cautions to slow down a little – he is very competitive, regularly completing 5km in around 50 minutes.” parkrun’s strategic director of Asia Pacific Tim Oberg said community connection and inclusion was what parkrun was all about.

“It’s very special that as the largest mass participation sporting event on the planet, parkrun has this incredible ability to connect people in such a

personal way,’’ he said.

“The decision to suspend parkrun events worldwide in response to the COVID-19 pandemic weighs heavily on us, so to see communities like North Sydney continuing to offer support to each other outside the usual event format is truly heartening.’’

Judge Roden was introduced to his local North Sydney parkrun by nephew Leigh Roden and Leigh’s wife, Sue, both trail runner’s in their 60s. Suitable for all ages and abilities, parkrun is a free 5km run or walk that takes place every Saturday morning at more than 380 urban and regional locations throughout Australia.

In line with government advice regarding the COVID19 pandemic, parkrun is currently suspended around the world until further notice.

For updates, see https:// www.parkrun.com/news /2020/03/12/covid-19.

To stay in touch with parkrun Australia, members can also search for @parkrunAU on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for fun ways (such as the Great Big parkrun Quiz held online on March 21) to keep spirits up and stay connected during this difficult time.

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ONE walk was all it took to get former NSW Supreme Court judge, 94-year-old The Honourable Adrian Roden, hooked on parkrun, proving age is no barrier when it comes to being active and healthy.

Judge Roden completed his first parkrun in North Sydney in February last year, and recently completed his 30th parkrun, placing him slightly ahead of the schedule he set for himself.

Having chalked up 150 kilometres in just over 12 months, Judge Roden hit 25 parkruns on 25 January this year, one week before his 94th birthday, and said he planned to reach 50 before turning 95 in 2021.

“My plan is to do 25 parkruns before my next birthday and the same again for another two years, in order to reach my 100th parkrun,” Judge Roden said. “parkrun has added an extra dimension to my life.

I’m really not sure what I would do without it.”

When not walking the regular 5km free community event, Judge Roden was hoping to volunteer so he could maintain weekly contact with the parkrun community.

“People say it’s like a second family. The friendship of the people at North Sydney is quite remarkable. It’s the nicest group of people that you could imagine meeting, who previously were complete strangers to me.

“On the day of my 25th parkrun they put on a party for me and presented me with a special T-shirt where we normally go for coffee after the run. There was a cake and speeches, it was wonderful.

“They still keep in touch with me even now that parkrun has been suspended due to the coronavirus.’’

Often asked what is the secret to a long and healthy life, Judge Roden insists it isn’t a secret. Just the luck of the genetic draw, followed

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WELLBEING

Living LIKE all of us, the RSPCA is closely monitoring the coronavirus/COVID-19 situation.

The RSPCA website says: “We’re very aware of the possible risk to our people and impact on animals. “ It’s possible that minimising this risk may require some changes to our operations.

“For helpful advice to avoid inconvenience, check the website and social media regularly.’’

The RSPCA has this information on COVID-19 and how it relates to care of companion animals.

There is no evidence that companion animals play a role in the spread of this human disease or that they become sick if they are exposed to the virus.

However, you should stay informed about how to minimise the effects of selfisolation or hospitalisation on your pets.

APRIL, 2020//

SENIORS

Paws to consider pets All the organisation’s articles related to COVID-19 can be viewed on the RSPCA Knowledgebase.

Queensland RSPCA director Michael Beatty had these tips for pet owners for the coming weeks.

1. Make sure that you have at least two weeks’ worth of food for your pet. If they are on any medications or a prescription veterinary diet, have at least a month’s stock of both.

For cats, ensure you have enough cat litter and if your dog does have to stay inside with you for a few weeks, consider having enough poo bags.

To keep your pet healthy, have at least a month of parasite prevention.

Call your vet before visiting, to ensure they have the food or medicine ready for you, to help with social distancing.

2. Contact and designate someone to look after your pet if you need to go to hospital.

Make sure they have a

way to access your house and know your pets and their requirements.

Have all food clearly marked with feeding instructions.

If your pet is on medications, have instructions on what and when, and to make it easier have at least two weeks of medications pre-dispensed into labelled pill organisers.

Write up a day planner of your pet’s normal routine and quirks so that whoever is looking after it can keep its routine as stable as possible.

Have a call list that includes your veterinarian, alternative nearby veterinarian and available boarding facilities.

3. Gather up all the essential documents relating to your pet and have them easily accessible.

Make sure your microchip registration details are up to date and consider a secondary form of identification for your pet such as a collar and tag.

Have a full list of emergency

THINK AHEAD: Planning is the key to ensuring your loyal fourlegged mates are looked after during these unpredictable times brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

Picture: Steve Pohlner

contacts, including your family and friends’ phone numbers and email addresses.

4. Research and contact local boarding or petminding facilities near you in the event that your pet requires emergency accommodation.

Ask them to email you their boarding paperwork so this can be pre-filled out and also send them any

vaccination or registration paperwork in advance so that even a stranger could get them to safe accommodation.

Have appropriate transport crates or leashes and place these within easy access.

5. If you and your pet do need to self-isolate, make sure you keep their mind and body active.

For cats, this includes at

least 30 minutes of one-onone playtime or interaction; new toys that can be brought out for stimulation and indoor cat grass for nibbling on.

For dogs that are usually walked, you will have to find alternative ways to keep them active, with lots of one-on-one games. Rotate dog toys and have a stock of new ones, play hide and seek, teach them new tricks, and give them treat balls that make them work for the reward.

Post-Easter advice: Don’t leave chocolate, lollies or wrappers lying around.

Methylxanthines, which are present in chocolate and include agents like caffeine and theobromine, are extremely toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of chocolate can result in vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity, seizures, increased heart rate and potentially death.

Xylitol, a sugar substitute, is another extremely dangerous ingredient.

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LIVING

\\APRIL, 2020

23

Hats off to spirit of unity Alison Houston QUEEN Lilimarlene is keeping up the morale of the Central Coast’s Roving Rubies through the current crisis just as the song of the same name made famous by Marlene Dietrich and Vera Lynn did back in World War II. The Roving Rubies Red Hatters, comprising women from 50-96 years of age, like everyone else these days can’t be as social as they would like.

Many of the women, including Marlene, live on their own, so she plans to keep them smiling and looking forward to when

they can all meet again.

She even hunted up photos of a 2014 club novelty race of the ladies transferring toilet rolls to one another via toilet brushes held between the knees, with the team with the biggest stockpile winning. Who knew their cargo would one day be so precious!

For April Fool’s Day, Marlene encouraged the ladies to put on their lipstick, red hats, grab a coffee and take a selfie – receiving photos from as far afield as Spain, South Australia and Tasmania.

“Cheers if you would like it to be a glass of wine

MORALE-BOOSTER: Judy Tackenberg gets into the fun of the Roving Rubies' online activities as groups across the Coast attempt to keep smiling and stay social as best they can.

Picture: Facebook

instead; it will be lunchtime somewhere in the world,” she posted.

And that was just the start – the next project was

helping the Easter Bunny by getting the ladies to take photos with their bonnets, ears or eggs … and we can only wait to see what’s next!

Marlene hopes they will have the all-clear by the club’s birthday in September – and promises it will be quite a party. To find out

more about the club, call Marlene on 0412 760 725 or find the Roving Rubies Red Hat Society of the Central Coast on Facebook.

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Your retirement savings maY have to work longer than You do

APRIL, 2020//

SENIORS

Money

On average, Australians expect to live to about 81. We expect to start work at about 20 and then retire at 65. Which means that you would have 45 years of work in which to save enough to live on for 16 years of retirement.

Our research shows a vastly different picture.

Longevity is trending upwards.

Life expectancy data changes as you attain older ages:

WORTH THE WAIT: Try to avoid accessing your super early, as its strength lies in the long term.

Dipping into super should be last resort

• A couple both aged 65 today has a 50% chance that one will live beyond 90 • A couple both aged 70 today has a 50% chance that one will live beyond 95 So what is becoming more likely is this: • Work for 34 years, Retire at 54, Check out at 91.

That would give you only 34 years to finance 47 years of retirement. Of course life may not turn out that way for you and many factors could influence what happens and when, but the point is this. It makes sense to plan for what’s likely rather than just hope for something better.

Paul Clitheroe Finance

The information contained within, including taxation, does not consider your personal circumstances and is of a general nature only. RI Advice Group Pty Ltd ABN 23 001 774 125, AFSL 238429.

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IN RESPONSE to the coronavirus outbreak, the Federal Government relaxed the rules around early access to super.

It’s now possible to withdraw up to $20,000 from super if you’re unemployed, eligible for JobKeeper payments, or if you’ve been made redundant or had your working hours cut by 20 per cent. If you’re selfemployed, and your turnover has dropped 20 per cent since the start of 2020, you too have the option to withdraw money from super.

What’s on offer is one withdrawal for up to $10,000 before July 1, 2020, with a further $10,000 available between July 1 and September 24, 2020. The Australian Taxation Office says you don’t need to provide evidence of financial stress

to pull cash out of super (though keeping records always makes sense). And in a departure from normal conditions, the money is taxfree and won’t count towards Centrelink benefits.

The downside of taking money out of super today is that it can make a tremendous difference to the value of your final retirement savings.

Industry Super Australia (ISA) estimates that a 50year-old withdrawing $20,000 from their account could be worse off by $41,165 on retiring at age 67.

A 25-year-old could lose up to $120,511 from their final super balance. These outcomes reflect the power of compounding returns.

The ISA numbers assume returns on super of 7 per cent annually. However, data from SuperRatings shows the top-10performing funds earned average annual returns as high as 8.45 per cent over the past five years. So the impact on your super could be far higher.

The bottom line is to make an early withdrawal from super your last resort.

In addition, the sharemarket falls we saw in March can make it tempting to switch your super’s investment strategy from “balanced’’, which is how most Australians have their super invested, to a “conservative’’ option.

History shows this too can come with a cost.

According to ISA, during the global financial crisis, fund members who moved their super from balanced options into cash-based strategies were $13,800 worse off after one year, $34,800 worse off after five years, and after seven years would have lost a whopping $46,000 of potential retirement savings.

Your super is designed to be a very long-term asset. If you can afford to, keep it that way. If you don’t have to dip into your fund for emergency money, the best action can be to do nothing.

– Paul Clitheroe is chairman of InvestSMART, chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money Magazine.

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LIFESTYLE

\\APRIL, 2020

25

Try a slice of something nice IF YOU’VE caught the baking craze, then this sweet treat would be perfect alongside a cuppa. A delicious no-bake slice, it combines Jersey Caramels, Butternut Snap biscuits and cheesecake.

MAKES: 25 PREP: 5 hours 30 minutes COOK: 5 minutes

Ingredients 335g Butternut Snap Cookies 100g butter, melted

55g (¼ cup) caster sugar 500g cream cheese, at room temperature, chopped 300ml thickened cream 2 tsp vanilla extract 180g white chocolate, melted 2 tbsp boiling water 3 tsp gelatine powder 150g Jersey Caramels, chopped, plus extra, sliced, to decorate 55g (¼ cup, firmly packed) brown sugar

Method 1. Grease a square 20cm cake pan and line the base and sides with baking paper, allowing the paper to overhang the sides.

2. Place the biscuits in a food processor and process until they resemble fine crumbs. Add the butter and process until combined. Transfer to prepared pan and press firmly into the base. Place in the fridge until required.

3. Place the caster sugar, 250g cream cheese, 125ml (½

Healthy nuts and bolts slice

cup) cream and 1 tsp vanilla in the food processor and process until combined. Add the chocolate. Process until smooth.

4. Place 1 tablespoon boiling water in a small heatproof bowl. Sprinkle with 1 ½ teaspoons gelatine. Stir until the gelatine dissolves. Add to the cream cheese mixture and process until combined. Pour over the biscuit base. Place in the fridge for 1 hour or until the filling is just set.

5. Place the chopped caramels and 50ml of remaining WITH nuts, seeds and dried fruit, this healthy gluten-free baked slice makes for a filling morning or afternoon tea snack.

MAKES: 20 PREP: 15 COOK: 20

Ingredients 100g pitted fresh dates, chopped 150g (1 cup) salted peanuts 80g (½ cup) natural almonds, chopped 45g (¼ cup) pepitas 35g puffed rice 2 tbsp honey 2 tbsp almond butter 2 tbsp macadamia oil V1 - SECE01Z01MA

cream in a small saucepan over a low heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

6. Place the brown sugar, remaining cream cheese, remaining vanilla and remaining cream in the food processor and process until combined.

Add the caramel mixture and process until smooth.

7. Place the remaining boiling water in a small heatproof bowl. Sprinkle over the remaining gelatine. Stir until the 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Method 1. Preheat oven to 160/140C fan-forced. Lightly spray a 20 x 30cm baking pan with oil and line the base and two long sides with baking paper.

2. Place the dates and 2 tablespoons boiling water in a small bowl. Set aside for 3 minutes to soak. Use a fork to coarsely mash.

3. Meanwhile, process the peanuts, almonds and pepitas in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the puffed rice and stir to combine.

4. Place the date mixture,

gelatine dissolves. Add to the caramel cream cheese mixture and process until combined.

Carefully pour over the vanilla layer. Place in the fridge for 4 hours or until set.

8. Top the slice with extra caramels. Use the baking paper to carefully lift the cheesecake from the pan. Use a sharp knife to cut the slice into small squares to serve.

Recipe by Liz Macri Photo by Guy Bailey honey, almond butter, oil and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add to the nut mixture and stir until well combined.

5. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon.

6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a deep golden brown.

Set aside to cool completely in the pan.

7. Cut the slice into 20 pieces. Store in an airtight container for up to five days.

Recipe by Chrissy Freer Photo by Jeremy Simons

26

LIVING

APRIL, 2020//

SENIORS

Positivity best weapon Eva Bennett WITH all the drama going on with the coronavirus, would you rather stay cool-calmcollected or panickingparanoid-pessimistic?

How we constantly think affects our emotions and then our physical health, especially if we are stressed a lot of the time.

In fact, research has shown that 80 per cent of our illnesses are caused by the way we may constantly think in a negative way –

worry, anger, fear, etc. In fact, the book that helped me turn my life around 30 years ago was You Can Heal Your Body, written by Louise Hay in 1976 and reprinted many times since then.

I travelled around Australia a few years ago, giving a presentation I created, called The 4 Levels of Fitness, which showed people how the way we think – our mental health – affects the way we feel, which in turn affects our physical health, and how

social fitness also can keep us healthy.

A bit hard at the moment with all the social distancing we have to do! So it is really important to focus on our mental health during this health crisis.

When I was running presentation skills courses for many years, participants would often have stressful thoughts about forgetting the words of their speech.

So, early in the two-day course we would do some “legal sniffing’’. Using my

aromatherapy background, I would give each of the participants a few drops of rosemary essential oil (good for memory and flu) on a tissue. Then they walked around the room, saying to themselves: “I now remember the words of my speech.”

Amazing how much more confident and less stressed they became with their talks when they stopped telling themselves how they always forgot the words.

They were much more

effective being able to make regular eye contact with their listeners rather than needing to read the whole speech and not looking up at the audience.

So, catch any negative thoughts that may be running around in your mind about the coronavirus and change them to more positive ones, as you deepen your breathing and say a few times every day: “I now stay cool, calm and collected and look after my health.”

It’s better to strengthen

MIND OVER MATTER: Eva Bennett urges people to think positively for better mental and physical health.

your immune system with positive thoughts than let worry and panic weaken it.

Good luck and good health!

Full steam ahead for local rockers Gail Forrer HIGH-ENERGY local band Round Mountain Girls (RMG) are ready to roll into your lounge rooms with a brand new tune.

The five-member band, who use a collection of instruments to stir your heart with a Celt-country blend of roots music, are renowned for their electric live audience connection.

And while the current situation means there’s a hiatus on live performances, a touch of serendipity can get you online with their latest recording and more.

Firstly, RMG have been named as one of the 119 musicians recorded on the Bluesfest Isolation Playlist

2020.

This is the best of Bluesfest offerings designed to get you through Easter isolation.

Additionally, RMG have just released their brand new single, First To Let Go. Band member Chris Brooker said the timing of the release had much to do with the current pandemic.

“We’re releasing now so people can hear new music, which we know is what people want while pubs and clubs are in turmoil – all our shows have more than 100 people so they’ve had to be rescheduled.”

Like many artists, RMG are finding inventive ways to engage with their fans.

“We plan to do some live concerts from “The Deck’’ in

the coming weeks, which we’ll be streaming on Facebook.”

The Deck is the extension from RMG’s banjo player’s home that backs onto Cabarita Creek. One of the tracks they’ll be playing from “The Deck’’ is First To Let Go, a track that was inspired by fleeting moments that can never quite be captured.

It’s a song about loss and reflecting on the good things you have.

“You never know when your time is up, so cherish the little moments,” Brooker said.

Booker said the theme was founded on an experience with his son.

“You know when you hug someone? How do you know when it’s the right

FRESH IS BEST: Celt-country roots band Round Mountain Girls are reaching out to fans with new music and streamed concerts.

time to let go? I tend to let the other person go first.

“This became a game with one of my sons. He eventually worked out what I was doing and that hugs could go on for an eternity if we want them to.”

The songs were recorded at La Ceuva Studios in Byron Bay. First To Let Go was engineered by Nick DiDia, who has worked with artists ranging from Kasey Chambers to Bruce

Springsteen and Incubus.

The release comes the year after the Round Mountain Girls completed a UK tour.

“We played some massive festivals and tiny pubs, slept on floors and toured in a flash bus,” Brooker said.

“That included festivals like Lakefest, Belladrum and Edinburgh Fringe Festival.”

Though live shows are off the table for now, the Round Mountain Girls are hoping to

be back playing gigs in September or October, depending on how things pan out.

Until then, the best way to support the band – and every band – is to buy merchandise, follow them on Spotify and send them as many messages as you can.

Don’t be the first to let go of your favourite artists.

For more information. go to https://www.facebook .com/roundmountaingirls/?

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!

Visit seniorsnews.com.au today!

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SENIORS

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

PUZZLES

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ACROSS 7 Which character did Albert Finney play in the 1974 film Murder on the Orient Express? (7,6) 8 What disease is caused by dietary deficiency of Vitamin B1? (8) 9 What small construction houses pigeons and doves? (4) 10 What is an informal expression for “absolutely correct”? (4,2) 12 What is a corpse supposedly revived by witchcraft in certain African and Caribbean religions? (6) 14 In cloisonné work, what substance fills the divisions in the design? (6) 16 Which US president said “Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realise that it bears a very close resemblance to the first”? (6) 18 What do the Swiss call their capital city? (4) 20 What is a filmy thread of spider’s web seen floating on the wind? (8) 22 Which 1982 television adaptation of a John Le Carré novel starred Alec Guinness? (7,6)

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DOWN 1 Sir Noel Coward appeared on stage at age 14 in which play? (5,3) 2 What type of layered rock got its name from the Greek for “split”? (6) 3 Juice from what succulent, thick-leaved plant was once used as a strong laxative? (4) 4 What drink is a mixture of wine and soda water? (8) 5 What term describes a TV comedy series with a continuing cast of characters? (6) 6 What is a short, heavy arrow shot from a crossbow? (4) 11 Which English actress was a mistress of Charles II, bearing him two sons? (4,4) 13 Which queen supported Columbus’s famous expedition of 1492? (8) 15 What is the capital of the Philippines? (6) 17 Which major river is navigable to oceangoing vessels as far as 3700km upstream? (6) 19 What was the first name of Lord Nelson’s mistress? (4) 21 What is a groove in the tread of a tyre to improve its grip? (4)

27 18/4

22

SUDOKU

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

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

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DOUBLECROSS 4

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7

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

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10 11 12

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14 15 16 17

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Down 1. Sudden raid (5) 2. Illuminated (3) 3. Fraudulent (4) 4. Relevant (9) 5. Stays (7) 8. Spurn (6) 11. Easily recalled (9) 13. Slipped back into bad habits (6) 14. Put in place (7) 16. Bet (5) 18. Unsightly (4) 20. Arid (3)

Across 6. A token amount (7) 7. At no time (5) 9. Inexpert actor (3) 10. Heavenly (9) 12. Having good intentions (4-7) 15. Ineffective, bungling (11) 17. Angry (colloq) (7,2) 19. Press tightly together (3) 21. Deceitfully (5) 22. Frightened (7)

SOLUTIONS

5x5 N E S T S

D R E S S

ALPHAGRAMS: DENIM, EAGLET, FREIGHT, GROUNDED, HINDSIGHT. GK CROSSWORD Across: 7 Hercule Poirot, 8 Beriberi, 9 Cote, 10 Spot on, 12 Zombie, 14 Enamel, 16 Reagan, 18 Bern, 20 Gossamer, 22 Smiley’s People.

Down: 1 Peter Pan, 2 Schist, 3 Aloe, 4 Spritzer, 5 Sitcom, 6 Bolt, 11 Nell Gwyn, 13 Isabella, 15 Manila, 17 Amazon, 19 Emma, 21 Sipe.

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 five-letter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.

MINED LEGATE FIGHTER UNDERDOG HID THINGS

5x5 T

DOUBLECROSS

QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 6. Nominal 7. Never 9. Ham 10. Celestial 12. Well-meaning 15.

Incompetent 17. Steamed up 19. Jam 21. Slyly 22. Alarmed.

Down: 1. Foray 2. Lit 3. Fake 4. Pertinent 5. Remains 8. Reject 11. Memorable 13. Lapsed 14. Install 16. Wager 18. Ugly 20. Dry.

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Note: more than one solution may be possible.

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

S S

All puzzles © The Puzzle Company

TODAY: Good 15 Very Good 19 Excellent 23

shmo sitcom skim slim smith smock smolt

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T A M E R

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

S C A R P

WORD GO ROUND

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SUDOKU

ALPHAGRAMS

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