Seniors Central Coast, May-June 2020

May-June, 2020

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How Gerry Zwart lived through a world at war

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COMING OUT OF COVID-19 EPIDEMIC

Although the exit strategy is uncertain, at this stage, eventual release from the restrictions is inevitable.

Australia has thankfully emerged from the epidemic in a relatively better state than many other parts of the world.

Historically the world has been subjected to numerous serious epidemics. In the hundred years there have been six major world flu epidemics 1890, 1919, 1956, 1968, 2003 (SARS) and now Covid-19.

History teaches us that epidemics have always occurred and will therefore always occur.

The lesson we must all learn from these epidemics is that given the future resumption of rapid international travel between countries, new viruses may arise and spread at any time. Viruses may also mutate and render existing vaccines useless.

responded to lockdown with fabulous online initiatives, as have many other institutions – yes, I’ve done a couple of beginner classes with the Australian Ballet and really felt good about it.

A LOOK at our gorgeous blue autumn Importantly, our Telehealth feature skies is a beautiful reminder that nature (p.14) explains a good deal of the latest beats on at its own rhythm regardless of news on new ways to communicate with how out of sync we may feel our lives our professional services. have become. To see this wonderful sky These days there’s extra time to dream brings on a feeling that in Danish might and plan, so we have included a doublebe referred to as “Hygge’’ (pronounced page Australian road trip feature on the hoo-ga).

Travel pages for future reference.

In 2016, Meik Wiking wrote The Little Wiking attributed the Danes’ happiness Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy to their ability to decouple wealth and Living (The Happiness Institute Series). wellbeing: “We focus on the small things Now, I do like Scandi interiors, fashion that really matter.’’ and crime movies, and I know the Danish During this period, I hope Seniors News lifestyle came in as No. 1 in the Happiest assists you to do just that.

People in the World Index, so I thought in these troubled times, this philosophy might give us a sense a sense of comfort and wellbeing – a Hygge experience.

Wiking says Hygge is all about gratitude and savouring the simple pleasures in life.

I hope our stories give you that. For instance, our feature story on Patsy Fayne, who displays such a joyous and daring spirit in her chosen sport – you have to love that. Our libraries have

Gail Forrer Seniors Group Editor

INDEX 04 10 12 15 18 21 24 27

As rapid international travel is maintained future epidemics are inevitable.

The majority of victims of viral epidemics are either seniors or those suffering pre-existing medical conditions or both.

The best precaution we can take is to continue sensible social distancing and where possible to have our relatives and friends tested for known viruses. The lessons learnt from COVID-19 must be acknowledged and maintained.

03 Community chorists find the joy of linking online.

The other legal precaution we can take is to ensure that we have current Wills, Powers of Attorney and Enduring Guardianships in place as the next viral epidemic could be just around the corner.

12 Find out what’s going on in your neighbourhood.

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Feature – Ex-Test cricketer Patsy Fayne Feature – Gerry Zwart’s wartime survival Community Notes Wanderlust Wellbeing Living Money Puzzles

CONTACT US General Manager Geoff Crockett – 0413 988 333 geoff.crockett@news.com.au Editor Gail Forrer – 1300 880 265 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 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 “Central Coast Seniors”.

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

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.

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Finding a happy place

We are all looking forward to coming out of the “lock-down” and social restrictions imposed by the government aimed to prevent the spread of the “Corona” virus.

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Time to plan a road trip around Australia.

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FOR THE JOY: Members of Terrigal's The Joy Project choir singing The Real Thing’s You to Me Are Everything from their own homes for a virtual performance.

Virtually as good as real thing Alison Houston

Each person was sent their part and, singing along with Hayley’s audio track, recorded it to camera in their own home.

This was mixed and edited together with the help of choir member, film graduate and editing sensation Yanni Markovina.

Within two weeks, the song had attracted 2800 views on Facebook.

“It was great fun, harder than you think recording and singing with no music, so just wonderful to see and

hear it all come together,” said one participant.

Others, “amazed” by how good they sounded, said they had “loved every minute of it”, wondered “when can we do it again?” and hailed Hayley “the bee’s blinking knees!”.

The Joy Project is a casual choir – no auditions, no reading music, no pressure, just the joy of getting together each fortnight (or whenever you can make it) to “sing your head off” with other like-minded songsters.

It’s an adult choir, with the oldest member in her 90s, but Hayley said people sometimes brought children and grandchildren as young as 12 along.

“The line-up changes every single week,” Hayley said. “I don’t think age or experience come into it.

“I think anyone who comes gets something out of it – there’s no judgment, just a really fun, friendly vibe.”

One thing they are missing is a few extra guys,

so gents, if you feel like joining in, you’d be very welcome.

The Joy Project meets at the CWA Hall Terrigal on alternate Thursdays from 7.30pm, and you can find their virtual performance at www.facebook.com/ thejoyprojectchoir/videos/ 2432953953681697/.

For more information, go to @thejoyproject on Facebook, call Hayley on 0411 873 910 or email thejoyprojectchoir@gmail .com.

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IF YOU have a song in your heart, nothing (not even COVID-19 regulations) will stop you getting it out there, according to The Joy Project’s Hayley-Jane Langwith.

Long-time performer and singing teacher Hayley, whose credits include performing Priscilla in London’s West End, started The Joy Project, a community choir in Terrigal,

three years ago. Since then, she says about 400 people have taken part, with a solid base of 40-odd singers each fortnight.

With the choir unable to meet due to the gathering restrictions, Hayley organised a virtual performance, “something uplifting”. The result, however, was worth it, with about 36 choir members of all ages seemingly singing, as one, British pop sensation The Real Thing’s 1976 classic You to Me Are Everything.

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Bowled over Humble ex-Aussie rep guides rookies Tracey Johnstone

GROUND-BREAKER: Ex-cricketer Patsy Fayne broke gender barriers in the 1970s when she represented Australia in England. Now she’s passing on her skills to Noosa players.

WITH the summer of cricket over, the women’s team at Noosa (Qld), have kicked up their heels to celebrate their friendship with mentor Patsy Fayne.

The Tewantin Noosa (Qld) Cricket Club team has just played its second year of the eight-team Coast competition with Patsy’s strong support.

She gently led the lively group out of the first-year blues and through a second season, with plans for the next campaign already on the table.

At first glance, the 72year-old may have seemed an unlikely mentor for this fledgling, youthful team – until Patsy’s cricketing heritage was revealed.

Patsy was a member of the first Australian women’s team to compete at Lord’s.

This was the first time women had competed at the famed venue. And bowler Patsy was also the first to take an Australian women’s wicket at Lord’s.

Sadly, that year England trounced Australia.

Patsy started playing backyard cricket as a child.

Her older brother – who was bigger and stronger than her – owned the bat but he needed a bowler.

“He took his little sister (Patsy) and bashed her up,” Patsy reminisces. “I used to practise at One Tree or one stump just to get my brother out. I didn’t plan to play for Australia.”

Once at university, Patsy rediscovered her love for cricket, playing for her tertiary institution, then for NSW and then Australia.

But by 1976 Patsy decided to give up cricket.

She was broke. Everything she did had to be paid out of

her own pocket. Then in 2018 a news piece in the local paper caught Patsy’s eye and she showed the story to her proud husband, Michael.

“I hadn’t been around cricket for 40 years, but then I thought maybe I can just go visit them and see if I can help, just while they get started,” Patsy said.

“A week or two. Teach them to run between wickets. Just the basics of the game.”

When Patsy walked into the come-and-try day for the newly formed Tewantin Noosa Cricket Club women’s team, no one there had any idea who this sprightly older woman was and why she had turned up.

“I told them I had played a bit of cricket and I was happy to help out as I lived in the area,” the understated Patsy said.

One of the women trying

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by history-making mentor ‘‘ The impact Patsy has had from the getgo has been incredible.

out on the first day mentioned her aunt was Miriam Knee, the captain of the Australian women’s team that competed at Lord’s in 1976. Patsy piped up: “She was my captain.’’

The team’s co-founder and now captain Paula McKie said when she found out about Patsy’s history, “it was like a celebrity coming in”.

Patsy has consciously stayed in the background as much as possible, allowing the women to manage the team’s development.

Paula said Patsy had attended the training and

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PITCHING IN: Patsy with Noosa team members Kirsty Patten, Trina Feuerherdt and captain Paula McKie. The side has been inspired by Patsy’s expert input.

meetings and helped iron out some of the intricacies of a women’s cricket team.

“Her contribution has been huge,” Paula said.

Fellow team member Trina Feuerherdt said: “The

impact Patsy has had from the get-go has been incredible.

“What she has brought with her to the girls has been empowering. To think this woman played for Australia

and she wants to come and help us. For me, that was huge.”

Both Paula and Trina acknowledged the team probably wouldn’t have made it through to the

second season without Patsy’s unwavering belief in their abilities and her willingness to share both her cricket knowledge and life experiences.

“We want to make her proud of us,” Paula said.

Just not cricket “They wouldn’t be allowed to print a photo like that now,” Patsy said of the above front-page story, which ran in a Sydney newspaper in 1976. “That was our first time at Lord’s.

We were just practising.

They took photos of people

playing cricket, but that’s what hit the paper. They broke into our changeroom – ran in, took a photo and ran out.”

Patsy remembers being almost shouldered as the photographer burst in.

“If I was smarter, I would have shouldered them back,” she said.

“I think we were so desperate for publicity that we just appreciated the publicity. But it was the wrong publicity we were getting. I felt violated, a little bit really; how dare they?”

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Handiwork warms hearts Alison Houston WITH winter approaching, the ladies of the Inner Wheel Club of Wyong are again brightening the lives of people in need with colourful handmade blankets.

Publicity officer Margaret Unwin said the club had donated 18 single bed-sized knitted blankets to Wyong Neighbourhood Centre at the end of April.

The 20-member-strong club has been making and donating up to 30 blankets and children’s or adult knee rugs annually for about a decade.

Each blanket comprises 28 knitted squares, made by members and community knitters, all lovingly sewn together by club historian and dab hand Pauline Gunness.

While numbers were down this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, the blankets were warmly

welcomed by staff at the neighbourhood centre, who said “our hearts are overflowing with gratitude”.

It’s just one of many causes the 61-year-old club is involved in, and Margaret said making that difference to the community was special.

Inner Wheel, which grew from Rotary in 1924, is one of the largest women’s volunteer organisations in the world, with more than 108,000 members across 104 countries.

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?

Margaret has been a Wyong member for 23 years since moving to the Coast, and said others had notched up more than 40 years.

“All through my life I’vVe been involved in different organisations helping the community … I love doing that and I think that’s a very important thing for people to do,” Margaret said.

“But it’s also about the friendships made, that’s what I’ve really appreciated over the years.”

The group’s youngest

WINTER-READY: Inner Wheel Club of Wyong’s Lorraine Hyde drops off hand-knitted blankets to grateful Wyong Neighbourhood Centre manager Kylie Hopkins. Left: the blankets displayed before delivery.

members are in their early 50s and the oldest is a “wonderful lady at 96”, Olive Winspear.

New members are always welcome.

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The Wyong club also supports a participant each year at San Remo’s Camp Breakaway, providing respite for people with disabilities and their carers.

The group meets monthly at Wyong Golf Club. To find out more, phone Margaret on 4389 2040 or Lorraine on 4393 2755, or email iiw.au.wyong@gmail.com.

Contact us on 1300 558 512, or visit our website for more information!

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Shining light in darkest times Fire, flood and virus – relief group answers constant calls for basics Alison Houston ONLY formed on November 9, 2019, to answer the call for emergency bushfire aid, Central Coast Disaster Relief (CCDR) has now also helped the community cope with floods and virus in its short life.

Carly Pal is the energy behind the group, which now has almost 8500 Facebook followers and strong support from the seniors community.

“I’d have to say the majority of our support is from the older community,” Carly said.

A recent donation had her close to tears, when an elderly woman handed over $100 in groceries that she had saved up over three pension cheques for CCDR’s food hampers.

“This woman was struggling herself and she

made this huge gesture to help others,” Carly said.

Having previously made and distributed care packages for the homeless with her children, Carly said wanting to do her bit when the bushfire crisis hit NSW had been the catalyst for CCDR. She put out the call for books, clothes, blankets and other provisions people would need immediately, and was overwhelmed by the support.

“It just snowballed from there; within a couple of days I had thousands of responses,” she said.

Wyong’s That Big SelfStorage Place in Amy Cl got behind her, offering Carly storage … and with the help of her teenage kids Shayli and Caleb, supporters and an army of older volunteers, she has not looked back.

“You hear so much negativity about teens, but my kids spend their

HELPING HANDS: Central Coast Disaster Relief's Carly Pal delivers donated clothes and other items to fellow support service We Care Connect's Derryck Klarkowski.

weekends and holidays at the storage facility sorting and helping out; I’m super proud of them,” Carly said.

She said CCDR had helped people across the state from the Victorian to the Queensland borders, with the demand from people in need in fire-affected

communities “really heartbreaking”.

CCDR was able to fill the gap for those who needed immediate necessities such as clothes and food, and couldn’t wait for cash donations or government payments.

Fire victims were replaced

by victims of flood in February, and people struggling through loss of employment in March-May. “We’ve been inundated by local families needing assistance; a lot have lost jobs,” Carly said.

However, the elderly are also suffering through

isolation, feeling “locked up and alone” with lack of transport and mobility, and no one visiting.

“It’s definitely impacting a lot of people,” she said.

CCDR has now grown into a weekly outreach service helping the homeless and disadvantaged across the Coast, providing food hampers, toiletries, snack packs, bedding and clothing to those doing it tough.

Carly highlighted one of the outreach regulars, in his 70s, “a really lovely gentleman of advanced years who is a privilege to know” but who lives in fear for his safety in his Housing Department home.

With many of CCDR’s own volunteers being seniors, more vulnerable to COVID19 and therefore selfisolating for their health, she said it had been a struggle to fulfil everyone’s requests, but she was not giving up.

To donate goods, Find CCDR on Facebook or contact Carly at centralcoast disasterrelief@gmail.com.

Where carers can reach out for support carergateway.gov.au

1800 422 737 Monday–Friday 8am–5pm

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Courage in Dutch migrant honoured for family’s heroics in Tracey Johnstone

BRAVERY HONOURED: Gerry Zwart (OAM), 90, with the medal he accepted from Israel, on his parents’ behalf, after a woman his family saved tracked him down 75 years later.

Lex Menco with Gerry accepting the Righteous Among the Nations award on behalf of his parents.

‘‘

The people were taken to a concentration camp. Of the three, only one made it back.

“I remember the first day of the war: it was May 10, 1940,” Gerry said. “All of a sudden we heard on the radio that the Germans had invaded.”

Nobody expected this news. Before then the Germans had come as far as France. But on that fatal May date the German army invaded Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

Gerry said the family’s first response was to head to a neighbour’s cellar. Only a week later the Dutch army capitulated and the German occupation forces arrived in town taking over public buildings and schools.

Initially life didn’t change too much, Gerry said. The children went about their normal activities. But when the general army was joined by the SS, that’s when things did change.

Gerry, who was the

youngest of the Zwart children, learnt very quickly to keep quiet when confronted by the Nazis.

“When the SS came, you had to make sure you didn’t say the wrong thing,” he said.

He watched as the SS rounded up any local men and women aged from 16 to 45 to move them by train to Germany to work in the factories. His artist father missed the cut; he was too old. His mother was also left alone.

Gerry remembers the Jews within the Blaricum community were hardly noticeable until early 1941, when the word came through that the Germans had started rounding them up in Amsterdam.

With that news, Gerry’s sisters came home from school and asked his parents if two of their Jewish friends, both named Bela, could hide in the house, which was already home to eight of the Zwart family. His parents readily agreed.

In the next village his much older brother Hank had also taken in a whole Jewish family.

Soon after, “as things got tougher”, Gerry said his brothers built several hiding places in the Zwart house, in the roof, under the floor and behind false walls.

They also started keeping the doors to outside locked at all times. His mother, Maria, also told everyone to use a particular knock when they came to the front door.

If the knock was different, it meant there was a German

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

A painting of Gerry’s father, Marinus, who was an artist. The family lived in the Dutch village of Blaricum.

THIS is Gerry Zwart’s story.

His parents received a prestigious award, but it really belongs to the whole family who willingly harboured Jewish children and dozens of resistance fighters.

It’s been a long time since World War II, but the defining moments of Gerry’s youth remain crystal clear.

The youngest of 12 children, Gerry was just 11 when the war started for the Netherlands, and his family’s world turned on its end.

As the 90-year-old sits in his cosy loungeroom at a retirement village in Nambour accompanied by his doting wife, Valerie, Gerry shares a haunting picture of how the war impacted on all the family, who became accidental heroes by turning their home into a “safe house’’ for

people hiding from the Nazis.

As the weather cooled, many of the Zwart family of 12 were relaxing inside their small house in the Dutch village of Blaricum, listening to the radio.

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fighting evil hiding Jews from murderous Nazi invaders soldier outside. Gerry was 13 when he watched Hitler youth, with rifles slung over their shoulders, raid a home nearby where they found an illicit radio.

The family was arrested.

Gerry remembers the young soldiers walking away from the house laughing.

“Next thing you know, they threw a hand grenade on the thatched roof and the house burnt down completely,” Gerry said.

“The people were taken away to a concentration camp. Of the three, only one made it back.”

The Blaricum villagers stayed strong and together, and silent about what the Zwarts were doing.

Gerry’s sisters brought their schoolwork home so the two Belas could keep up their study. The teachers were not told, nor did they share their suspicions.

Early morning was when the village was cut off and raids occurred. The villagers quickly passed the news to the Zwarts, who hid the two Belas.

About six months before the war ended, while Gerry was visiting one of his brothers, there was a raid.

His brother hid in the ceiling but sent Gerry to see what was happening.

Out on the street a German soldier called him over.

“I said, ‘I’m not 16 yet, I’m only 15’. He said, ‘You look old enough’,” Gerry said. He was sent down the road, past other soldiers, to the assembly place with 30 other boys. They were

marched off to the next village, where the boys were locked in the schoolyard.

“It came to dinnertime and half the Germans went off for a dinner break. It was winter and dark. We knew the area very well.

“I said to my mate, ‘When we get the chance we can leap over the fence and go into the apple orchard’.

“When half the staff were gone, we jumped the fence and ran. I never ran so fast in my life.

“The Germans were yelling for us to come back and then they started shooting. You could hear the bullets hitting the trees around you.”

Gerry figured the Germans didn’t know where he lived so he headed for home. If Gerry hadn’t escaped, he knew he would have ended up working in a Germany factory.

Between the raids, village life continued almost normally. There was no electricity, gas or fuel for stoves, so improvisation was a must. Food, when available, was rationed.

“There was one stage where you couldn’t buy food,” Gerry said.

“You walked around with a pocket full of money, but it wasn’t worth a cracker.”

Valuables became currency for food.

When the war ended in 1945, the two Belas finally emerged as the 16-year-old Gerry joined the villagers dancing in the streets.

By his early 20s, Gerry said he had “had enough of Europe” and wanted to get

out. He headed to Australia, following one of his brothers, met his wife and settled into a rural working life.

It was only recently that one of the girls, Bela van Praag, who now lives in Israel, decided the Zwart family should be honoured.

After an extensive search through Holland, she and her son Lex turned to Facebook to track down Gerry in Australia. It was the secretary of the Horticultural Media Association of Queensland, of which Gerry and Valerie are life members, who saw the post and then helped Bela to make contact with Gerry.

“One day the telephone rang,” Valerie said. When she cautiously answered, the male voice at the other said, “Please don’t hang up. This is Israel calling.‘’ Lex went on to explain his story and how the then 92year-old Bela had nagged him to find the Zwart family.

Seventy-eight years later, Gerry last year accepted Israel’s posthumous gift of the Righteous Among The Nations award on behalf of his parents, Marinus and Maria Josepha Zwart.

It is Israel’s highest honour, which pays tribute to non-Jews who risked their lives to help Jewish people during the Holocaust when six million lives were lost.

Gerry acknowledges it is an award for his whole family, who in their various ways were all champions of protecting and saving many lives.

Gerry and some of his older siblings in the garden at home in the Netherlands.

Bela van Praagh tracked Gerry.

A house in Gerry’s village, Blaricum.

Seniors Virtual Expo 2020

To find out more phone Sue Germany on 0408 286 539 Visit www.facebook.com/seniorsnews or www.seniorsnews.com.au

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While attending any sort of Expos in person is not allowed right now, Seniors News is about to bring the Expo to you – online! From June 1 to July 30 www.seniorsnews.com.au will turn the spotlight on businesses who are supporting seniors to live a better life, and also supporting Seniors News as we continue to publish our eight monthly newspapers and online content every day. Watch for updates online.

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Community group guide

.au/MACreconnected.

Submissions close on Thursday, June 4.

Community notes

COVID-19 RESPIRATORY CLINIC

TO ALLOW for readers’ requests for the publication of more neighbourhood news, please keep notices short (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. Email editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au.

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

Member profiles and photos are also most welcome. Please email your submissions to editor@seniors newspaper.com.au.

VIEW CLUBS VIEW was founded in 1960 by the general secretary of The Smith Family, George Forbes.

Mr Forbes had the pioneering idea to form a friendship club for women that would exclusively support The Smith Family.

This year VIEW is celebrating “60 years of strength and support”.

Brisbane Water Evening OUR club currently supports seven children in the Learning for Life program. Through our fundraising efforts our sponsorship assists families in need to afford a child’s education essentials such as uniforms, shoes and stationery.

Sponsored students are also connected with a Smith Family Learning for Life program Ccordinator who supports them to stay engaged with their learning and links them to educational and mentoring programs that give students the support and tools they need to stay in school and break the cycle of disadvantage.

The emotional, practical

SAUSAGE SIZZLERS: Brisbane Water Evening VIEW Club members (from left) Pat Young, Pauleen Dawson and Valda Manning take a well-earned break at the Bunnings barbecue fundraiser in West Gosford before social distancing restrictions were introduced.

and financial support Learning for Life students gain helps to build skills, knowledge, motivation, selfbelief and a network of positive relationships.

This wraparound support increases a disadvantaged young person’s likelihood of remaining engaged with

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school, completing Year 12 and developing realistic goals for post-school options.

Our main fundraising project is holding a BBQ each year at Bunnings, West Gosford. We also hold social events and outings for our members to participate in and our dinner meeting once a month.

For more information, please email Jan at jankukura@gmail.com.

PROBUS CLUBS South Pacific REPRESENTING more than 113,000 members across more than 1500 clubs, Australia’s leader in connecting retirees and semi-retirees, Probus South Pacific, is advocating for Australians to reach out to retired neighbours, friends and family to support them in staying socially connected.

Probus South Pacific has recently launched a coronavirus survival guide and weekly e-Newsletters offering the best tips and advice to help members stay safe and healthy during selfisolation.

To keep members engaged, the organisation has also rolled out several creative initiatives for members, such as photography competitions, online games, crafting tips, and a telephone tree to ensure each member receives a phone call each week.

Probus South Pacific is a non-political, non-sectarian organisation helping retirees or soon-to-be retirees to find friendship, fellowship and

fun through social interaction and activities with other retirees in the community.

If you need help combating isolation, or someone you know does, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 244 636.

MAC EXHIBITION TO RECONNECT LOCAL COMMUNITY ARTISTS LAKE Macquarie artists will feature front-and-centre in an upcoming exhibition celebrating the region’s ongoing emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reconnected: a recovery story will provide a way for local artists to reconnect in a physical sense with their community after months of closures, restrictions and bans on social interaction.

Debbie Abraham, the director of the Museum of Art and Culture, Lake Macquarie, said that while MAC was still closed to the public, the NSW Government’s easing of restrictions meant it was time to move ahead with plans for future exhibitions.

The exhibition also presents a great opportunity for local and community artists to exhibit their works in a major regional gallery, whose space often features works by nationally and internationally recognised artists Artists can submit up to three works each, across all mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, video and installation art.

Expressions of interest can be lodged online: go to lakemac.smartygrants.com

THE new COVID-19 Respiratory Clinic at Erina is now open to the public. This will provide Central Coast residents with a third clinic to be tested for COVID-19.

Local not-for-profit organisation Central Coast Primary Care will operate the clinic from the grounds of the EV Church, at 331 Terrigal Drive.

The clinic will be led by local GPs and supported by experienced nursing and administration staff, with the capacity to test more than 100 patients a day.

The clinic is free to attend and will be open from 10.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Sunday.

Bookings are required and can be made at Central Coast Primary Care’s website, ccpc.com.au, or phone 0435 813 865.

VIDEO CONFERENCE SERVICE FOR WILLS NSW Trustee & Guardian, the state’s largest will maker, is offering video conference appointments for people to make a will during COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions.

“Through video conference appointments, people can stay home, reduce physical interactions, and still complete this critical document,” said chief executive officer Adam Dent.

“It’s the same level of professional service you would receive in person – we verify identity, do capacity checks, talk about your wishes and provide advice about a range of issues related to your will, including the role of executor.

“The only thing that changes is of course how we do that, through a video conference appointment.”

As more Australians look to make or update their will amid coronavirus concerns, a temporary regulation has been made under the Electronic Transactions Act in NSW to allow certain legal documents to be witnessed using video conference technology.

Since launching, NSW Trustee & Guardian has seen a significant demand for the video conference service.

For more information about the video conference service or appointments at one of NSW Trustee & Guardian’s nine branch locations, go to tag.nsw.gov.au.

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Take tips from top Aussies THE 2020 Australian of the Year Award recipients are sharing their tips and inspirational advice during lockdown through a series of videos on the @Australian oftheYear Facebook page.

The short videos, filmed by the recipients themselves or by family members they are isolating with, provide quick tips on staying healthy and happy, relieving stress and generally staying positive.

active and trying to get some sun each day.

Sue shares how her OzGREEN organisation has moved online at this time with the Pulse of the Pandemic group to inspire people to innovate.

As Sue says, “the future is a place we are creating’’, and she hopes it will be a place in which we are “living in harmony”. See https:// www.facebook.com/ Australianofthe Year/ videos/934042603681311/.

• 2020 NSW Senior Australian of the Year Sue Lennox speaks from her macadamia orchard, where she says she is staying

• 2020 Queensland Senior Australian of the Year, Professor Peter Dornan (AM), a sports physician and men’s health

GREEN THEME: NSW Senior Australian of the Year Sue Lennox.

specialist, shares practical advice on the importance of keeping active. Prof Dornan advises stretching each day, perhaps with yoga or pilates, plus some simple cardio activity and daily use of light weights to keep muscles in good condition. See https:// www.facebook.com/

AustralianoftheYear/ videos/214907263259963/.

• 2020 Australian of the Year, blindness prevention pioneer Dr James Muecke (AM), talks about how to handle anxiety and why it’s important to avoid a sugar hit in favour of a walk, listening to your favourite

music, watching a comedy for a good laugh or doing a good deed.

As Dr Muecke points out, these positive and healthy alternatives are all equally as effective as sugar in activating the reward part of the brain. See https:// www.facebook.com/

AustralianoftheYear/videos/ 1246206415587198/.

You can help find the 2021 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero by nominating someone you admire at australianoftheyear.org.au

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FEATURE

MAY, 2020//

SENIORS

Witness via video call

GP telehealth services

DID you know that recent changes to the law mean we can now witness documents by a video call?

PJ Donnellan & Co can assist during this COVID-19 period, whether by video, or in our office with appropriate social distancing.

P J Donnellan & Co has serviced the Central Coast since 1973.

We have been guiding clients through their wills and estate planning needs,

COASTAL Health Medical Centres at The Entrance and Toukley have introduced telehealth services to provide peace of mind for patients who are concerned about attending our practice in person.

Our caring and experienced team of GPs and nurses will ensure all patients have access to quality healthcare while remaining safe at home.

A range of GP telehealth

conveyancing requirements, and town planning and environment issues.

Robert Byrd & Pauline Wright are highly experienced at looking after your needs in a friendly, approachable environment.

Pauline is president of the Law Council of Australia and you may have encountered her on television or radio representing the lawyers of Australia, including addressing the response to COVID-19.

With recent changes to the law, important documents can now be witnessed via a video call.

Skinetics is offering telehealth consultations for all patients.

Online skin consultation WE ARE offering telehealth consultations for all patients.

Skin cancer accounts for the largest number of cancers diagnosed in Australia each year.

Skinetics Skin Cancer Clinic provides an essential service in the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of all skin cancers.

Skinetics is a leading coastal skin cancer clinic based in North Gosford.

Headed by qualified professional Dr Julie Yeadon, Skinetics engages the latest technology and clinical care to identify the best treatments and

preventative measures for clients.

The AMA is urging patients not to delay seeing their doctor about skin cancer concerns.

While COVID-19 is dominating our focus, it is important to remember that we still develop other conditions, some of them potentially fatal if diagnosis is missed or delayed.

Our online booking system is now available on our website.

Go to skinetics.clinic or phone 1300 432 250 and speak to our friendly staff at reception.

When was your last skin check?

• Skinetics engages the latest technology and clinical practices • Offering surgical and non-surgical treatments • Male and Female Doctors • Top to toe examinations • No waiting • If you or someone you know has something on their skin that is growing or changing or just doesn’t look right. It must be checked.

• Ask about our cosmetic treatments • On site parking

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services are available to support you with medical advice, prescriptions and referrals for services such as chronic disease, mental health, and blood tests.

If you are a senior residing on the Central Coast, then call our friendly reception staff now to book a telehealth consultation with your GP. They will be happy to assist you over the phone or internet, whichever suits you best.

If you are a senior residing on the Central Coast, call to book a telehealth consultation.

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True-blue backdrop a stunner HOME to some of the country’s most dazzling natural attractions and charming country villages, the Blue Mountains are famous worldwide.

With sensational views over the deep valley troughs, formed over millions of years, the lookouts at Wentworth Falls, Govetts Leap and Echo Point are spectacular.

Things to do in the Blue Mountains area Experience wonders at Scenic World, where the glass-topped carriages of the Scenic Railway take you on a heart-stopping ride into the depths of the Jamison Valley.

Or jump aboard the Scenic Skyway and journey high over the canyon for superb views of the Three Sisters and beyond.

The Jenolan Caves are an underground wonderland, a labyrinth of stalactite-lined limestone caves sculpted by underground rivers.

You can also enjoy lunch in the restaurant and stay overnight in iconic Jenolan Caves House, a popular wilderness getaway since 1896.

Hikes and bushwalks The Blue Mountains’ many bushwalks include easy strolls to longer walks that lead from the clifftops into the depths of the

NATURAL SPECTACLE: The Blue Mountains area is packed with leisure activities that complement the top-class cuisine.

valleys. The Six Foot Track is a more challenging threeday walk along the old coach road between Katoomba and the Jenolan Caves. You can also enjoy many mountain bike trails.

Wentworth Falls picnic area is a great base to explore the lush world of

rainforests and waterfalls along a range of spectacular walking tracks to suit all the family. The leisurely Charles Darwin walk to the OvercliffUndercliff track is an ideal area for bird watching.

Food and culture You’ll find many excellent restaurants and cafes in the

Blue Mountains. The one-hat Fumo in Blackheath serves modern Australian with a Japanese twist. Try seasonal share plates at Leura Garage, set inside an old mechanic’s workshop; Asian comfort food at Miss Lillian Teahouse; and fine dining at Darley’s Restaurant.

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ESCAPE

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Scenic spell on wheels mapped out

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OLD-WORLD CHARM: Hahndorf makes for a pretty pitstop in the scenic Adelaide Hills.

Picture: SATC/Michael Waterhouse

Get ready to hit the road to boost regions Vicki Fletcher AFTER the fires, floods and storms at the start of the year, Tourism Australia’s campaign to Holiday Here This Year had us all filling our calendars with good oldfashioned Aussie road trips.

Now all those plans are on hold, we’ve unfolded the map and are instead busy marking tiny towns with the best bakeries and lookouts from which to watch the sunrise, and calculating the most scenic route from A to B. We’ve enlisted the help of our Flight Centre Australia travel experts, seeking tips about which areas affected by the fires and floods to visit … when we’re all free to travel again, of course.

Remember to keep an eye on national initiatives like Roadtrip For Good, which has pulled together a host of places to eat, drink and visit in fire-affected areas.

For now, stay home and stay safe. We’ll be travelling again soon.

NSW SOUTH COAST All the regions that were hit by fires rely on the tourist trade and the South Coast of NSW is no different.

It is flanked by the Great Dividing Range on one side and ocean on the other.

The fires burned through a lot of bushland, including national parks and state forests, cutting many communities off for days.

Now the roads are open again, there are many hidden towns and coves to explore on a trip south through the Shoalhaven and Eurobodalla area.

Ulladulla local and Flight Centre Ulladulla team leader Janice O’Neill is passionate about getting people back into the area.

From Sydney

Just over three hours’ drive south, the hilltop town of Milton is a charming introduction to the picturesque region. Janice suggests stopping at Pilgrims, a delicious vegetarian cafe, and wholefoods store, or the Milton Farm Shop for local produce and specialties.

There are also some great boutiques to check out, including Spaces 2538 and AKWA Surf.

In Ulladulla, Janice suggests dining at Native Cafe overlooking the harbour, Rapt Bratz to pick up cool kidswear, Sol Sisters Artisan Collective for clothes, homewares and jewellery, plus Dwell 35 South and Coyote Boutique.

Don’t miss Cupitt’s Estate, a winery-cum-brewery-cumfromagerie on the edge of town, which Janice recommends for a long lunch.

In Burrill Lake, you can’t go past The Fish Shop for fish and chips, and Holiday Haven at Burrill Lake hosts live music by the lake each Saturday during summer.

BATEMANS BAY TO EDEN Once you hit Batemans Bay you’re in the real heart of the South Coast. Nicole suggests stopping in for a spot of shopping at local boutiques Forever Fashion, Brooke’s Place, Sirens, Journey Style and Homewares, and many more.

The Princes Highway south from Batemans Bay all the way to Eden winds through many quaint towns, making up a huge stretch of coastline that’s been affected by the fires.

Worthwhile stops along this route include: Mogo, a tiny town with a main street lined with boutique stores and cafes, plus the award-winning

Mogo Zoo, which supports a range of endangered animal species.

Bega, famous for its cheese brand, is another regional hub worth stopping at for the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre and the Bega Valley Regional Gallery, home to one of Australia’s richest portraiture awards.

BLUE MOUNTAINS, NSW From Sydney, head northwest through Richmond to the Bells Line of Road, which will take you on a loop of the Blue Mountains.

While it’s possible to do some of these spots in a day, a long weekend will really allow you to make the most of the mountains’ beautiful towns and grand valleys.

The first half of the journey takes you along one ridge line through Bilpin, Mount Wilson and along to Lithgow. From Lithgow you loop back east along a more southern ridge line.

You can also take the train from Sydney all the way to Mount Victoria. Buses are currently replacing trains between Mount Victoria, Lithgow and Bathurst due to fire damage on the tracks.

Where to stop: Bilpin to Lithgow Bilpin is known for its orchards, and while there won’t be as much fruit to pick this year given the damage to trees, you can still feast on a famous apple pie from the Bilpin Fruit Bowl, drink cider from Hillbilly Cider or Bilpin Cider Co, and buy local products like apple cider vinegar at Wirraninna Ridge.

Just past Bilpin you’ll find Blue Mountains Glow Worm Tours at Berambang.

In Lithgow, dive into the region’s history at Esbank House and Museum and the Lithgow State Mine

Museum. For a dose of nature, head to Hassans Walls Lookout, the highest in the Blue Mountains, easily accessible just a few minutes’ drive from Lithgow.

Where to stop: Lithgow to Leura The first stop is Mount Victoria, a historical centre in the mountains, with the historical society museum.

In Blackheath, book in for a meal at the one-hatted Fumo, serving up modern Japanese.

In Katoomba, you can’t miss the iconic Three Sisters, or a day at Scenic World exploring the beautiful bushland via the Scenic Railway, Skyway or Walkway.

For bushwalking, head to Wentworth Falls, which escaped the blazes and where so many trails remain open.

Always check local council and national park websites for the latest closures.

GIPPSLAND, VICTORIA The vast Gippsland region, east of Melbourne, is a rich farming area home to dairies, wineries and hundreds of small producers – the kind of businesses that rely heavily on tourist traffic and local visitors.

On a road trip from Melbourne you can head north to the Alpine High Country and Snowy River

Cruise the wide-open spaces of Grand Ridge Road, Gippsland, Victoria.

Picture: Josie Withers/Visit Victoria

Country regions, or east to the Gippsland Lakes Region and the Coastal Wilderness Region.

Things to do in Northern Victoria: Visit King Valley at Whitfield, home to a range of wineries and breweries such as La Cantina Winery, King River Brewery, Dal Zotto Wines and more.

Stop off to pick up goods from local producers around Milawa, such as the Milawa Cheese Factory and Milawa Mustards, and head further north for the Tolpuddle Goat Cheese Farm in Tarrawingee.

Head to Bright for country hospitality and a range of boutiques, breweries, coffee roasters and cafes, including Bright Brewery, Sixpence Coffee, and Gingerbaker.

Beechworth, further north, is a quintessential country town with gorgeous

architecture, museums, mountain biking and bushwalking.

Things to do in Eastern Victoria: Make your first stop in Paynesville, home to plenty of eateries such as Bullant Brewery and The Old Pub Paynesville.

From here you can head to 90 Mile Beach or Raymond Island – home to the Koala Trail.

The Lakes region is home to a network of lakes and lagoons, and to wildlife including lake dolphins and pelicans. The Mitchell River Silt Jetties are also a highlight, being the longest silt jetties in the world.

ADELAIDE HILLS, SOUTH AUSTRALIA A stone’s throw from South Australia’s capital, the Adelaide Hills offer the perfect day or weekend trip out of the city. Alyx Cauchi, SECE01Z01MA - V1

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It’s about getting out and supporting the community as much as we can. There is so much to see and do.

team leader of Flight Centre Mount Barker in the Adelaide Hills, says there is plenty to see and do.

“There are so many wineries still open. New Era Vineyards in Woodside is open, though it was almost destroyed, and next door, Bird in Hand was hardly touched. Shaw + Smith is also great – there are heaps (of wineries) open and they need your business,” Alyx says.

The region is also known for its food, so why not turn your mini break into an epicurean adventure.

Be sure to check out: The Adelaide Hills Wine Region Facebook page has updates on wineries as well as events, such as the annual Crush Festival in January.

Cleland Wildlife Park, home to rescued native animals, is great for families.

“The park wasn’t affected by the fires, but the vet and V1 - SECE01Z01MA

keepers have been doing amazing work helping with emergency wildlife cases from the fires,” Alyx says.

Big Rocking Horse in Gumerancha is also worth a visit with kids, as is Melba’s Chocolates in Woodside for a sweet treat.

“It’s about getting out and supporting the community as much as we can. There is so much to see and do, and the Adelaide Hills will welcome you with open arms,” Alyx says.

KANGAROO ISLAND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA Long lauded for its natural beauty and unique and varied wildlife, Kangaroo Island is the gem in South Australia’s crown of tourist hotspots.

The fires here were devastating, particularly in the southwest, affecting much of the island’s unique wildlife. However, Sameer Roopawalla, Flight Centre

South Australia Kangaroo Island expert, says the fires affected less than half of the island’s total area, which means there is plenty that remains open for business.

From Adelaide, it’s just over 90 minutes’ drive south to Cape Jervis. From here you can hop aboard the Kangaroo Island car and passenger ferry.

What to do on a day trip: Upon arrival at the island you’ll land in Penneshaw, a quaint village filled with charming pubs and restaurants.

For a day trip, Sameer recommends exploring the most eastern part of the island.

In Penneshaw, visit the Maritime and Folk Museum and see the little penguin colony, best viewed at sundown.

Head east along the coast for wine tasting at Dudley Wines.

Further east you’ll find Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, South Australia’s first lighthouse.

There are guided tours of the lightstation, bushwalks for all levels of fitness, and whale watching between May and October.

For more great Australian road trips, check out self-drive holidays: go to flightcentre.com.au.

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The breathtaking views of the Jamison Valley and Blue Mountains National Park from Wentworth Falls, NSW.

A soothing ocean vista is the perfect accompaniment to a relaxing break savouring the local wine and produce at Kangaroo Island.

Picture: Narelle Bouveng

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MAY, 2020//

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Essential role of end-of-life support highlighted Wellbeing AUSTRALIA is pulling out all stops to try to prevent any further surge in coronavirus cases, while also preparing for the possibility that these efforts may not be successful. As part of that preparation, decisions are

being made about ensuring the appropriate health professionals are available where needed most.

Palliative care is an essential component of the frontline response as the number of Australians dying from COVID-19 continues.

Palliative care can help

manage severe shortness of breath, other physical symptoms and distress, and provides personal support for people who are seriously ill or dying, and their families.

It can assist in prevention and reduction of clinical problems in the community and residential aged care, and help to ensure that

vulnerable people avoid unnecessary emergency department presentations and hospitalisation.

The president of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC), Prof Christoph Ostgathe, has pointed out that during the disordered emergence of this pandemic, many people may not have considered

why palliative care is an essential service. However, he warns, palliative care is key. In a recent EAPC statement, he wrote: “During this crisis, in palliative care we need to step up and ensure that we are proactive; that we fully utilise our well-honed skills and competencies and prove that we are an

Ensuring dignity in final days Palliative care a team approach PALLIATIVE care is personand family-centred care provided for a person with an active, progressive, advanced disease, who has little or no prospect of being cured and who is expected to die. The primary goal is to optimise the quality of their life.

End-of-life care is provided in the last few weeks of life, when a patient with a life-limiting illness is rapidly approaching death.

The needs of patients and their carers are higher at this time. This phase of palliative care is recognised as one in which increased services and support are essential to ensure quality, co-ordinated care from the healthcare team is being delivered.

This takes into account the terminal phase, or when the patient is recognised as imminently dying, death and extends to bereavement care. Palliative care helps people live as fully and as comfortably as possible when living with a lifelimiting or terminal illness.

Palliative care identifies and treats symptoms, which may be physical, emotional, spiritual or social.

Because palliative care is based on individual needs, the services offered will differ but may include: • Relief of pain and other symptoms, such as vomiting and shortness of breath.

• Resources such as equipment needed to aid care at home.

COMFORTING: Palliative care needs change as the final stage of life unfolds, but the constant focus of healthcare professionals and others is on easing symptoms.

• Assistance for families to come together to talk about sensitive issues.

• Links to other services such as home help and financial support.

• Support for people to meet cultural obligations.

• Support for emotional, social and spiritual concerns.

• Counselling and grief

support.

• Referrals to respite care services.

Who is palliative care for?

Palliative care is for people of any age who have been told they have a serious illness that cannot be cured. Such care helps people who have illnesses

like cancer, motor neurone disease or end-stage kidney or lung disease to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.

For some people, palliative care may be beneficial from the time of diagnosis with a serious lifelimiting illness.

This care can be given

important part of our hospitals’ and our services’ crisis plans.

“We need to make it clear that in a pandemic like this, palliative care is not a luxury, it is a human right!”

– Extract from Palliative Care Australia.

For more information, visit palliativecare.org.au/ covid-19-updates.

alongside the treatments provided by other doctors.

Who is in the palliative care team?

Palliative care can be provided by a wide range of people, including your GP, aged care worker, cardiologist and any other healthcare provider, as well as family and other carers.

They are supported by specialist palliative care services if symptoms become difficult to manage.

Where is palliative care provided?

Palliative care is provided where the person and their family want, where possible.

This may include at home, in hospital, in a hospice or in a residential aged care facility.

Many people indicate a preference to die at home, and making this possible often depends on several factors: • The nature of the illness and amount of care the person needs.

• How much support is available from the person’s family and community.

• Whether the person has someone at home who can provide physical care and support.

For more information, contact the palliative care peak body in your state. Go to https://palliativecare .org.au/what-is-palliativecare.

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More support for carers Only a phone call away, Carer Gateway offers a wide range of free services wherever you live BRAND INSIGHTS IF YOU are caring for a family member or friend, or someone you know is, there are new support services available through Carer Gateway.

There are 2.65 million carers in Australia and 25 per cent are aged 65 and over. Many more of these are caring for someone 65 and older.

Carers can now access greater support with the introduction of the new Carer Gateway support service. New services include carer support planning, counselling, peer support, carer-directed support packages, and emergency respite services.

These services are free for anyone caring for a

family member or friend who is living with a disability, a long- term medical condition, mental illness, alcohol or drug dependency, or someone who is frail due to age.

Anyone can become a carer at any time – through the birth of a child who may have a disability, as a result of a loved one’s accident or illness, if someone close to you has a long-term health condition or an addiction, and sometimes because the people we love simply get older. Whatever your circumstance, Carer Gateway is a great free resource available to all carers.

Research shows older carers face challenges to their health and wellbeing and may be more vulnerable to social isolation as a result of their role.

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Getting help early can make a big difference to a carer’s life, reducing stress and improving wellbeing.

Carer Gateway is focused on providing support early to ensure carers receive the services they need.

Carer Gateway provides practical information and advice and connects carers with services in their area.

Carers can access these services by calling 1800 422 737 or going to carergateway.gov.au.

Carers NSW is the dedicated Carer Gateway service provider across Hunter New England, Central Coast and the North Coast of NSW. No matter where you are living, you can phone Carer Gateway and be directed to the Carer Gateway service provider in your region who will help identify the

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support best suited to your individual needs.

Carer Gateway is funded by the Australian Government, which is

investing $550 million in support services for carers across the country. Some service delivery is currently impacted by the coronavirus

(COVID-19) pandemic, with current limitations on faceto-face contact. However, phone-based and online carer support is available.

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HELP AT HAND: Carer Gateway makes it easier for you to find assistance. Talk with Carer Gateway staff to see what services and support are available in your area.

MENTAL health services delivered by psychiatrists, psychologists, general practitioners, occupational therapists and social workers are being provided as part of the Veterans’ Affairs Department’s new telehealth arrangements, where clinically appropriate.

Where applicable, these services can still be covered by non-liability healthcare arrangements On March 30, the Repatriation Commission and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (commissions) approved telehealth arrangements for mental health day programs (which are usually group sessions and often delivered by hospitals), where clinically appropriate, until September 30.

Mental health day program services that may be delivered using telehealth range from one-on-one counselling through to follow-up consultations for trauma recovery – PTSD

group treatment programs.

Acute mental health episodes or severe mental health problems will still need face-to-face services or inpatient care.

Open Arms – veterans’ and families’ counselling – remains available 24/7 to support members of the veterans community.

Open Arms is classified by the Federal Government as a critical function, and as such, will remain open and continue operation to support the veterans community.

Open Arms is managing the service’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic to minimise disruption of services to clients. This includes ensuring clinicians are equipped to undertake remote working arrangements to continue to provide counselling to clients, either by telephone or online video platforms.

Another important service is Safe Zone – support for vulnerable and at-risk individuals.

Open Arms has introduced an anonymous Safe Zone support line.

Safe Zone Support is a free and anonymous counselling line, available to veterans and their families by calling 1800 142 072 (available 24/7). This service provides immediate access to specialised counsellors who understand military culture and experience.

Some individuals and families remain hesitant to seek help through existing mental health support services, due to concerns about protection of anonymity. Safe Zone Support has been created for vulnerable cohorts of veterans and their families who might not otherwise seek mental health care.

Other measures to support the mental health and wellbeing of Australian families include $150 million to support domestic violence initiatives, and $200 million for emergency relief support provided by charities and other groups.

NEWS

MAY, 2020//

SENIORS

STAYING CONNECTED: Adssi In-home support staff can provide assistance with online shopping or help family and friends connect via Facetime on an ipad or phone.

Picture: Contributed

Safe and independent in-home care BRAND INSIGHTS KEEPING older people living safely in their own home has never been more important than now.

Along with many other industries, community aged care has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

“Adssi In-home Support continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic situation daily and take advice from the Australian Government’s Department of Health and other government agencies as the situation changes”, explained chief executive officer, Jenni Allan.

“We created our own COVID-19 taskforce in early April and meet regularly to monitor the circumstances and introduce and adopt changes as they arise”, she said.

Adssi has been supporting the people of the Central Coast for more than 30 years.

“We will continue to provide the much-needed

practical support to our clients and have measures in place to ensure it is safe to do so,” explained Ms Allen.

This includes: • Screening staff to make sure they are well, have not been overseas in the past 14 days, and have not been in contact with anyone else who is unwell with, or could have, COVID-19; • Asking clients, and others in their household, the same screening questions staff are asked each home visit; • Providing staff with the appropriate personal protection equipment to ensure their safety and the safety of clients; • Ensuring staff continue the use of standard infection control precautions including the use of gloves and handwashing as normal practice; • The introduction of more stringent infection control protocols for both drivers and passengers, on all transport services; • Implementing precautions in offices

including increased hand washing, cleaning, social distancing and having staff work from home as much as possible.

“We have had a tremendous and positive response from our clients and their families, who have felt reassured that we have adopted such strong measures, and provided people with peace of mind that they or their family member can continue to be supported to live safely and independently,” Ms Allen said.

Adssi In-home support is here to help and, in many circumstances, has the flexibility to provide additional services you may not currently be receiving – for example assistance with online shopping, helping you use your iPad to connect with family or friends or help with or transport to get your flu vaccination.

For more information about available services or to see how we can help, phone 1300 578 478 or go to adssi.com.au.

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REAL ESTATE

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Take shopping to heart Planning can protect your health while saving money GOING out for groceries?

Here’s how to keep your weekly shop cheap and healthy.

A trip to the supermarket is one of the few reasons we’re leaving the house these days – and for households on a tight budget, there are ways to stock up that won’t hurt your heart or hip pocket.

The Heart Foundation is reminding Australians that heart-healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive, and urging shoppers to stay safe during isolation.

Heart Foundation director of health strategy Julie Anne Mitchell says a healthy diet is a key ingredient for protecting your heart throughout this pandemic and beyond.

BENEFITS IN STORE: By shopping when it’s quiet, sticking to a budget and choosing the right groceries, you can curb your health risks, save money and have a healthier lifestyle during the COVID-19 restrictions.

Picture: Brook Mitchell/Getty Images

“There are some tips you can follow when doing your weekly shop to choose heart-healthy foods that will save money and avoid wasting food,’’ Ms Mitchell said. “Frozen vegetables, brown rice, chickpeas and tinned fish are just a few staples you can keep on hand for healthy and

budget-friendly meals at home (see list below).

“It’s also essential to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 infection when you go to your local supermarket or grocery store to grab provisions.’’

Keep your pantry healthy on a budget To keep your pantry well

stocked without breaking the bank, follow this action plan: • Make a grocery list and stick to it. Check what you already have in your fridge and pantry and only buy what you know you will use, to avoid wasting food.

• Eat the rainbow: One of the best ways to stay

healthy is to fill up on plenty of fruit and vegetables.

The more colourful the mix the better. Frozen or canned vegetables and fruits are good alternatives when fresh produce is hard to buy or too expensive, and they keep for longer.

• Mix it up. Tinned or dried beans, lentils and chickpeas are cheaper and are healthy options for your pantry, or try tofu to keep in the fridge. Eggs or canned fish are also cheaper and easy to prepare.

• Use cheaper cuts. Look for less-expensive cuts of meat to use in stews, soups and casseroles. Cut off visible fat before cooking.

• Go for wholegrains.

Brown rice, wholegrain pasta and rolled oats are budget-friendly staples for healthy cooking.

• Snack smart. Go for a handful of unsalted nuts or a small plate of cut-up fruit to curb afternoon cravings.

• Healthy hydration: Skip the aisle of sugary soft

21

Living drinks and energy drinks and make water the drink of choice. It’s healthy, hydrating and free.

Stay safe at shops • Good timing: Buy groceries only when you need to and try to shop at quieter times to avoid crowds. Organise your list by areas of the store to limit the time you spend there.

• Go the distance: Avoid close contact with other shoppers (keep at least 1.5 metres apart), and only touch items you are buying.

• Hand hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and water before going into the store and take along alcoholbased hand sanitiser.

• Contain coughs: Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue and dispose of tissues properly.

• Cards not cash: Use tapand-pay if possible, to avoid handling cash.

• Keep it clean: Clean and sanitise frequently used objects such as your keys.

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LIVING

MAY, 2020//

SENIORS

Mission to lift our morale Government website helps you keep the lockdown blues at bay DISCUSSIONS and concerns around the coronavirus outbreak and practising selfisolation can be stressful and impact our mental health and wellbeing. It’s natural to feel a range of emotions, such as stress, worry, anxiety, boredom or low mood.

Many people feel distressed by the constant news and overwhelming amount of information about the situation.

The Federal Government’s Head to Health website is committed to providing Australians with trusted information and digital supports to help protect everyone’s mental health and wellbeing during this pandemic. The page covers where to find the facts about the COVID-19 outbreak, tips for maintaining good mental

health, information on how to access mental health services, information for parents, and how to keep older Australians safe and connected by helping them get established online.

The Australian Government’s Department of Health website is the main source of health-related information on what Australia is doing in response to this pandemic.

See the coronavirus (COVID19) Health Alert page.

In addition, a national campaign has been launched to inform all Australians about the coronavirus. The campaign aims to reduce the risk to individuals and families by enabling them to make informed decisions and to take up health recommendations. There are a range of coronavirus campaign resources that

ONLINE LIFELINE: Technology is playing a vital role in keeping seniors informed and socially connected.

provide more information and tips to help you be prepared. There are also translated versions of the resources in Arabic, Vietnamese, simplified and

traditional Chinese, Farsi, Italian and Korean.

For the latest information about the global response to the COVID-19 outbreak, visit the World Health

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Free solar - savings up to $600 on electricity bills The NSW Government is trialling a new way to assist people on low incomes with their power bills by installing free solar systems for up to 3,000 eligible households in place of their Low Income Household Rebate. This program aims to improve energy affordability by helping households unlock long terms savings on their electricity bills. While this means you will no longer receive the $285 annual rebate on your electricity bill, you could receive up to $600 in savings per year from your new solar system!

The program is only available to a limited number of households that live in the region and meet the eligibility criteria. When participating in this program households will receive a free, fully installed 3kW solar system in place of their Low Income Household Rebate.

SAE Group are the only approved provider, designing and installing solar systems to eligible homes across Northern NSW. To be eligible you must: • Currently be receiving the Low Income Household Rebate • Agree not to receive the rebate for ten years • Own your own home and roof • Not already have a solar PV system • Not live in a retirement village or strata building • Use at least 3600 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity in a year • Live in the North Coast of NSW • Hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or a Department of Veteran Affairs Gold Card A 3kW system is designed to generate an average of 12.6kwh per day, which will deliver electricity savings depending on each households energy consumption. Managing Director of SAE Group Glen Ashton comments “We know electricity bills continue to place a lot of pressure on households, and we are pleased to be working with the NSW Government to help ease the pressure on low income households.”

SAE Group are a locally owned and operated organisation with more than ten years’ experience in the solar industry. SAE Group are a Clean Energy Council Approved Retailer, and hold accreditations ISO 9001, AS/NZS4801 for safety and quality systems. Safety is paramount to us, and it our goal to ensure we provide quality solar systems to eligible households that will deliver ongoing savings for many years to come.

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Organisation (WHO) website.

During this time, it’s important to do things that help us cope and maintain good mental health.

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23

Home in on healthy lifestyle WHILE social distancing and self-isolation remain the new normal, it is important for seniors to keep minds and bodies as healthy as possible.

Lifestyle factors have a significant impact on your immune system, so making small changes can ensure you are supporting your health.

Elements Retirement Living managing director Chiou See Anderson believes exercise is essential.

“Continue to move your body,” says Chiou See. “There are so many YouTube videos available online to help you stay active. Depending on your current level of fitness, you can search for videos on yoga, tai chi, meditation, strengthening and more.

“Do not be overambitious in the first week. Instead, set pragmatic goals and build up your fitness gradually.

Before long, you will be wondering why all those people spend their money and time going to the gym!”

ATP Science’s naturopath, nutritionist and herbalist, Nicole Brown, says a diet rich in anti-inflammatory and nutrient-dense foods is essential for good health and supporting an immune system so it can respond to viruses.

“Try to include a wide variety of colourful fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, high-quality proteins and a variety of whole grains,’’ Nicole said.

“Avoid processed foods, refined sugars and excess alcohol as these can have a suppressive effect on our immune system.”

Social distancing and isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and low moods.

Staying in touch with family

FLEXIBLE APPROACH: Diane Bohlen during a fitness class at her home at Elements Retirement Living.

Diane does another exercise.

and friends during this time ensures you feel supported and connected with your community.

If you are tech-savvy,

Skype or FaceTime will allow you to see your loved ones as if they were there with you. If you don’t have access to technology, try writing

letters to your neighbours or even friends of the family.

“Connection is important, even when we can no longer meet for a coffee or gather for a meal,” says Chiou See. “If you previously had a regular game of bowls, or met to discuss a new book, you can continue to maintain this network by scheduling a group chat via phone or video.

“The number of residents at Elements Retirement Living who are reporting an increase in phone contact with people whom they previously neglected is

phenomenal. Somehow the time we used to spend rushing around has now been converted to purposeful time spent catching up with past acquaintances and long-lost relatives.”

Head scientist and naturopath at ATP Science, Matt Legge, said sleep was closely tied to our immunity.

If we are not getting enough sleep, it can negatively impact our immune function.

“Certain disease-fighting substances are released or created while we sleep, and

our bodies need these hormones, chemicals and proteins to fight off disease and infection.” Mr Legge said. “Sleep deficiency decreases the availability of these substances, leaving us more susceptible to each new virus or bacteria we encounter.”

Mr Legge suggests going to bed and getting up at the same time every day.

He recommends avoiding screen time from TV, computers and smartphones for the hour before bedtime as the blue light they emit can suppress melatonin production.

“Ensure your bedroom is dark, is cool with some natural ventilation. Do something relaxing before bed, such a taking a bath, reading a book, listen to some soft music or even try some meditation,” he says.

Stress is another factor that can suppress our immune system, leaving us more vulnerable to viral infection.

ATP Science’s Nicole Brown said watching the news and worrying about what the future holds could result in an elevation of our stress hormones, which can begin to weaken our immune defences.

“Ways to reduce stress can include meditation, deep breathing, watching uplifting or funny movies, being in nature and staying connected to your community,’’ she said.

“This is a difficult time for everyone.

“Maintaining an optimistic and happy outlook can support our mental and physical health to give us better coping skills during times of uncertainty and motivate us to engage in healthful habits.”

Try fun and games to pass time while cutting risk of brain fade GETTING older is something we should celebrate; the golden years and retirement are all about relaxation and taking time to enjoy life without work. However, with age comes the risk of developing dementia.

Staying physically active, eating a good diet, managing stress and sleeping well are some of the top ways to reduce the risk of memory V1 - SECE01Z01MA

loss. To help you get started, Australian Seniors has put together a list of the top brain-stimulating games and activities you should try. The tips come from sources such as the Alzheimer’s Association and Dementia Australia.

1. Read books and magazines Instead of watching hours of television, why not read a

good book or find a hobbyist magazine? You could try out a new genre of literature, or find a collection of magazines on a topic you have always been interested in.

2. Pursue arts and crafts Pursuing an artistic hobby like painting, quilting, pottery or woodwork can help boost cognitive ability

and reduce memory loss.

You can also try other types of arts and crafts, like drawing and sculpture, to keep your brain stimulated.

3. Do crosswords and word-search games Daily crossword and word-search games are great brain-stimulating exercises because they force you to keep your mind active and challenged.

4. Play Sudoku Sudoku can boost brain functioning and reduce the risk of memory loss as it exercises your problemsolving and critical-thinking skills. You can play Sudoku by yourself or even create your own puzzles by using pictures, colours and other figures instead of numbers.

5. Practise daily memory strategies

Look for ways to incorporate memory strategies into your daily life and you may find yourself sharpening your mind and reducing your risk of memory loss. Develop your powers of concentration by routinely paying close attention to things around you during the day.

You can also boost recall simply through repetition.

24

Financial advice is nOT all abOuT mOney

MAY, 2020//

SENIORS

What to do when the chips are down Money

Money is a big part of it of course, but it’s not ALL about money.

There is so much more to it than that.

Financial advice is about giving you more confidence, peace of mind and freedom.

It’s about having an expert guide to help you reach your goals sooner.

Financial advice is also about a whole team of people doing a whole lot of work for you – research, compliance and technical experts, paraplanners and support staff.This is a major part of the value equation. It is knowing they have your back, through fair weather and foul, helping you avoid costly pitfalls – and all the grief that goes with them.

CASH GRAB: With dividend payments being heavily impacted by the coronavirus fallout, retirees may have to consider dipping into their capital for cash flow. While many are reluctant to do this, it’s also important not to live so frugally that your health is compromised, warns Paul Clitheroe.

Financial advice gives you the confidence to

Paul Clitheroe

explore new horizons, to seize opportunities, reap the rewards and, most importantly, enjoy them.That is the value of having a great financial adviser.

You don’t have to take our word for it.

We would be happy to put you in touch with

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FOR many Australians, especially retirees, dividends are a source of reliable and tax-friendly income. But with a number of companies abandoning dividend payments, the hunt is on for alternative sources of cash.

I’ve always been a big fan of equities. Shares give you a stake in a business, and that means a chance to earn a slice of its profits through dividend income.

But dividends are not set in cement, and in the current turbulent times, this is becoming very clear to investors.

A number of listed companies have announced plans to scrap or defer dividend payments.

Westpac won’t be paying a dividend in June, and Qantas and Bank of Queensland have deferred their dividend payments.

Insurance industry heavyweight IAG has cautioned that it has “limited scope” to pay a final dividend in September 2020.

Not every company is pegging back its dividends.

However, for those that are

significantly impacted by COVID-19, it can make good business sense to shore up cash resources, leaving the company better placed to navigate the present tough times.

I have often pointed out that dividends are not guaranteed. This can highlight the value of adopting a “total returns’’ strategy in your portfolio rather than just focusing on income-generating investments.

However, this doesn’t solve the immediate problem of a lower income for retirees who rely heavily on dividends as part of their household income.

There is no simple solution. It’s certainly worth revisiting your household budget to see where spending can be adjusted, but beyond this, part of the answer may lie within your investment portfolio.

I understand that retirees can have deep-seated fears about outliving their money, and as a result try to avoid dipping into their capital at all costs.

As a guide, research by the CSIRO found that retirees with super savings topping $100,000 typically

invest their nest egg in an account-based pension.

These account-holders tend to stick close to the minimum allowable drawdowns, and by doing so, many pass away with substantial amounts of their nest egg unspent.

Yes, it pays to be mindful of not exhausting your retirement savings early on.

But the COVID-19 crisis is primarily a health issue, and seniors are among the most vulnerable members of our community.

So it’s a real concern that retirees may start to lead an unnecessarily frugal lifestyle – and potentially compromise their health – just to preserve their capital.

Your money is no good to you if you can’t enjoy it.

Right now could be the time to use the money you’ve worked so hard to build up, to continue leading a comfortable lifestyle that lets you maintain good health.

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

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HEALTHY SLOW COOKER TUSCAN BREAD SOUP PREP 20 MINS, COOK 4 HOURS 40 MINS,

SLOW AND SMOKY

4 SERVINGS, EASY

INGREDIENTS

Nothing says comfort food like your slow cooker and some smoky pulled chicken.

Why not make one in the other?

SLOW-COOKER SMOKY PULLED CHICKEN PREP 10 MINS, COOK 3 HOURS,

SLOW COOKER CLASSIC BEEF STEW

6 SERVINGS, SUPER EASY

PREP 20 MINS, COOK 5 HOURS 35 MINS, 6 SERVINGS, SUPER EASY

INGREDIENTS

● 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil ● 4 (about 1.2kg) chicken breast fillets ● 1 red onion, finely chopped ● 3 garlic cloves, crushed ● 1 tbsp ground cumin ● 1 tbsp sweet paprika ● 1 tbsp dried oregano leaves ● 3 tsp ground coriander ● 250ml (1 cup) passata ● 125ml (½ cup) chicken-style liquid stock ● 2 chipotle in adobo sauce, chopped ● 2 tbsp brown sugar

METHOD

1 Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes each side or until browned. Transfer the chicken to a slow cooker.

2 Add the onion to the pan and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds or until aromatic. Add cumin, paprika, oregano and coriander. Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds or until aromatic. Add the passata, stock and chipotle. Bring to a simmer.

Pour mixture over the chicken.

Cook, covered, on Low for 3 hours or until chicken is tender.

3 Use tongs to transfer the chicken to a plate. Set aside to cool slightly.

Use forks to coarsely shred the chicken then return the chicken to the slow cooker. Stir through the sugar. Serve.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN KORMA PREP 10 MINS, COOK 4 HOURS 45 MINS, 4 SERVINGS, SUPER EASY

INGREDIENTS

● 1 tbsp olive oil ● 800g skinless chicken thigh fillets, quartered ● 1 brown onion, thinly sliced ● 120g (½ cup) korma curry paste ● 125ml (½ cup) chicken stock ● 200g green beans, trimmed ● 90g (1/3 cup) natural yoghurt ● 45g (¼ cup) roasted unsalted cashews, chopped, plus extra to serve ● Naan bread, warmed, to serve ● Steamed rice, to serve (optional)

PIE MAKER CALZONES INGREDIENTS

● 16 slices wholemeal bread ● 80ml (1/3 cup) tomato pasta sauce ● 80g sliced ham or salami ● 125g (½ cup) fresh ricotta ● 80g (½ cup) pre-grated 3 cheese blend (cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan) ● 16 small fresh basil leaves, plus extra, to sprinkle ● Select all ingredients

METHOD

1 Use the large end of the pie maker pastry cutter to cut 16 V1 - SECE01Z01MA

PREP 10 MINS, COOK 10 MINS, MAKES 8, EASY

rounds from the bread.

2 Place 4 bread rounds in the pie maker. Spread each with ½ tbsp sauce. Divide half the ham or salami among the bread bases and top with 1 tablespoon each of ricotta and cheese. Place 2 basil leaves on the top. Cover with 4 of the remaining bread rounds and spray with oil.

3 Turn on the pie maker. Close and cook pies for 5 minutes or until the bread is golden. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make 8 pies in total. Sprinkle with extra basil and serve immediately.

1 Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken, in 2 batches, for 2 minutes each side or until golden. Use tongs to transfer to a slow cooker.

2 Add the onion to the pan and reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until golden. Add the korma paste and stir to combine. Stir in the stock. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker and stir to combine.

3 Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours. Add the beans, cover and cook for a further 30 minutes.

4 Turn off slow cooker and remove the lid. Use a ladle to scoop out about 125ml (½ cup) of the cooking liquid into a bowl.

Add the yoghurt and stir until combined. Pour the mixture back into the slow cooker and stir to combine. Sprinkle with extra cashews and serve with naan bread and rice, if using.

● 1 ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil ● 1.2kg gravy beef, cut into 3cm pieces ● 1 large brown onion, finely chopped ● 2 carrots, peeled, finely chopped ● 1 large celery stick, finely chopped ● 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped ● 1 tbsp sweet paprika ● 2 tsp beef stock powder ● 125ml (½ cup) passata ● 4 dried bay leaves ● 2 large fresh rosemary sprigs ● 20g butter, at room temperature ● 2 tbsp plain flour ● Mashed potato, to serve ● Fresh continental parsley leaves, to serve

METHOD

1 Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Cook the beef, in batches, for 5 minutes or until evenly browned. Use tongs to transfer the beef to a slow cooker.

2 Heat the remaining oil in the pan.

Add the onion, carrot and celery.

Reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until tender. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until aromatic. Add the paprika and stir to coat.

3 Spoon the onion mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Add the stock powder, passata and 375ml (1 ½ cups) water. Cover and cook on

MEXICAN LUNCH LOAF INGREDIENTS

● 1 cup self-raising flour ● 2 tsp baking powder ● 1 tsp Mexican chilli powder ● 1 cup polenta ● 2 tbsp caster sugar ● 1 tsp sea salt ● 1 small red capsicum, finely diced ● 125g can corn kernels, drained ● ½ cup grated tasty cheese ● 3 green onions, thinly sliced ● 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander leaves ● 1 1/3 cups buttermilk

25

PREP 20 MINS, COOK 1 HOUR, 12 SERVINGS, EASY

● 1 egg, lightly beaten ● 2 tbsp light-flavoured extra virgin olive oil ● 1 long red chilli, thinly sliced ● Sliced avocado, to serve ● Quartered cherry tomatoes, to serve

METHOD

1 Preheat oven to 180C/160C fanforced. Grease a 7cm-deep, 9.5cm x 19.5cm loaf pan. Line base and sides with baking paper, extending paper 2cm above pan on all sides.

2 Sift flour, baking powder and chilli powder into a large bowl. Add polenta, sugar, salt, capsicum,

● 2 tsp olive oil ● 1 brown onion, finely chopped ● 2 carrots, peeled, chopped ● 2 celery sticks, trimmed, chopped ● 2 garlic cloves, crushed ● 1 tsp fennel seeds ● Pinch of dried chilli flakes ● 400g can crushed tomatoes ● 400g can cannellini beans, rinsed, drained ● 1 litre (4 cups) vegetable liquid stock ● Bouquet garni (4 fresh or dried bay leaves, 4 fresh sprigs thyme, 2 fresh sprigs rosemary) ● 200g cavolo nero (Tuscan cabbage), stem removed, leaves shredded ● 2 thick slices Italian bread (pane di casa), lightly toasted, torn into chunks ● 40g (½ cup) grated parmesan, (or vegetarian hard cheese) plus extra shaved, to serve ● 1 lemon, juiced, zested ● Continental parsley, finely chopped, to serve

METHOD

1 Set a 5 litre slow cooker to Browning. Heat oil. Cook onion, carrot and celery for 5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic, fennel and chilli. Cook for 1 minute. Add tomato, beans, stock and bouquet garni. Season. Change cooker setting to High. Cover. Cook for 3-4 hours or until vegetables are almost tender.

2 Stir in cavolo nero, bread and parmesan. Cover and cook on High for 30 minutes or until soup has thickened slightly. Stir in lemon juice, to taste. Serve topped with parsley, lemon zest and extra parmesan.

High for 5 hours or until the beef is very tender.

4 Place the butter in a small bowl.

Add the flour and use a spoon to mash until combined. Add to the beef mixture in the slow cooker and stir well to combine. Cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until sauce has thickened. Season. Serve with mashed potato and topped with parsley.

WORK FROM HOME LUNCHES corn, cheese, onion and coriander.

Season with pepper. Stir to combine. Make a well in the centre. Add buttermilk, egg and oil. Stir to combine. Spoon into prepared pan. Smooth top. Top with sliced chilli.

3 Bake for 55 minutes to 1 hour or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Stand in pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Slice. Serve with avocado, cherry tomatoes and extra coriander leaves.

26

REVIEWS

MAY, 2020//

Daredevil heiress a wartime lifesaver THE heroism of a daredevil Brisbane heiress who saved a former Russian president from Stalin and the Nazis is the rollicking tale shared by Australian biographer Susanna de Vries (pictured) in her latest book.

Destined to be 83-yearold de Vries’ last book about Australian women, the colourful story of Nell Tritton is her swansong, she says.

She stumbled across the story while valuing paintings at Nell’s childhood home, Elderslie, now at Pullenvale.

Nell, an heiress to the Brisbane Tritton furniture fortune, married ex-Russian prime minister Alexander Kerensky in 1939. In 1940.

She courageously saved him from Stalin and the Nazis using her champion rally car driver skills during a harrowing journey on a cross-country escape.

“Nell lived an amazing life in Paris,” de Vries says.

“She was in danger of assassination by Stalin, along with Kerensky, but died on April 11, 1946, aged 49 in Brisbane. She is buried at Dutton Park Cemetery in South Brisbane.”

Nell drove the couple away from Paris as the Germans invaded, with Kerensky on Stalin’s hit list.

They eventually reached safety in the US, but with Nell’s life shortened by kidney failure aggravated by poor drinking water on their journey, they returned to Brisbane and Elderslie in 1945.

Tragically, Nell’s kidney

LIVE

AN

ED INSPIR

assassins. “After Nell’s death, Kerensky spent eight more months at Elderslie as he could not get a passage back to America,” de Vries says.

Kerensky eventually returned to the US and was made a professor of Russian history at Stamford

University. He died in New York in 1970. Nell, The Australian Heiress who Saved her Husband from Stalin & the Nazis will be available from Amazon, Book Depository and Kobo.

Published by Pirgos Press, the illustrated book retails for $34.95.

8

An Inspirational Gift!

CWA

for the

s to be What it take a volunteer

Ruth is for women who care about their families, their communities and their country.

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Captain Learn about cy Cook’s lega

10 pages of crafts to make

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It’s a down-to-earth magazine that shares stories about local women and their life journeys whilst celebrating Australian communities, produce, designers and ideas.

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with delicious rate autumn

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– HRT: Husband Replacement Therapy, by Kathy Lette.

Vantage, RRP $32.99

– Published by Penguin.

RRP $32.99. Also available in eBook and audio.

$ 95

KimbeJrolesyeph Are you up challenge?

IF you think Lisa Ireland’s novel The Secret Life of Shirley Sullivan is a bit banal, keep reading; deep into the entertaining read are surprises.

The Australian author has based her book both on a newspaper story about an elderly couple running away from a nursing home and on a collection of letters written between her parents, and their photos.

The story swings between the couple’s life during the 1960s and the present, when Shirley walks her husband, Frank, out of his aged care home.

They embark on an adventure down memory lane and back to their marital home in Victoria.

Along the way she encounters the challenges of looking after a person with dementia; the humour and the sadness.

Shirley’s use of technology, her skilful management of relationships, and her deep love of Frank and her friend Rita, turn the adventure on its head several times.

WHAT do you do when you’re told you have terminal cancer at 50?

Ruby has always been the generous mediator among her friends, family and colleagues, which is why they have all turned up to celebrate her 50th birthday.

But after a few too many glasses of champers, Ruby’s speech doesn’t exactly go to plan. Instead of delivering the witty and warm words her guests are expecting, Ruby reveals what she really thinks of every one of them.

She also accuses her husband, Harry, of having an affair. Saving the best till last, Ruby lambasts her mother for playing her three daughters against each other. It’s blisteringly brutal.

The birthday girl concludes with the throwaway comment that she has terminal cancer.

Courageous? Or ruthlessly selfish? She has cashed in her life savings and plans on taking her two sisters cruising into the sunset for a dose of husband replacement therapy.

Buy now from a Newsagent near you!

LIFE

of the w the work Supporting t Women’s Country Queensland ciatiion Asso

— from LA to

Diagnosis rips apart family ties

Poignant journey surprises

damage started in childhood after drinking water from the lead-lined tank at their previous home.

In 1946, as Nell lay dying tended by her mother at Elderslie, Kerensky would stalk the verandas with a revolver to protect himself and Nell from Stalin’s

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SENIORS

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

PUZZLES

\\MAY, 2020

1

2

3

4

5

8

6

Across 1 Who was voted No.1 pin-up by US soldiers in WWII? (5,6) 8 Where was the 1963 Great Train Robbery train travelling from? (7) 9 Niamey is the capital of which western African country?

(5) 10 What type of kiln dries hops? (4) 11 What is the supreme goal of Buddhism? (7) 12 What word can describe an illness, an insect and a listening device? (3) 13 What is the lower part of an interior wall when distinct from above? (4) 15 What might be added to a drink of spirits? (4) 17 What precedes names on American warships? (1,1,1) 19 What horned animal often appears on coats of arms?

(7) 20 The Quechua-speaking people of the Andes are descendants of which people? (4) 23 What is a Japanese radish with a long durable root? (5) 24 Which murdering doctor was the first criminal nabbed by shore to ship radio? (7) 25 Whose mountain retreat was at Berchtesgaden? (5,6)

7

9

10

11 12 13

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15 17

18 20

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Down 1 What is the main tent in a circus called? (3,3) 2 What creatures were thought to cause warts? (5) 3 What is a person proficient in yoga? (4) 4 In what events do eights compete? (6) 5 Who played Harold Abrahams in the film Chariots of Fire? (3,5) 6 Bob Hope said he left where for America at age four when he found out he could never be king? (7) 7 Which river is Australia’s principal waterway? (6) 12 Victory in which 1812 battle allowed Napoleon to enter Moscow? (8) 14 The Colorado River separates which state from California? (7) 16 What spice did the Romans use as incense? (6) 17 Which organisation devoted to the young was created in 1946? (6) 18 Who composed the opera The Flying Dutchman? (6) 21 Kathmandu is the capital of which country? (5) 22 Which popular car won the Monte Carlo rally in 1967?

(4)

27 9/5

25

SUDOKU

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

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

DOUBLECROSS

5

8

6

7

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

9

10

11 12 13

14

15

16

17

18 20

19

21

22 23

24

25

Across 1. Perform or speak without preparation (11) 8. Accolade (7) 9. Serf (5) 10. Location (4) 11. Regarding, in connection with (7) 12. Method (3) 13. Naked (4) 15. Require (4) 17. Speck (3) 19. Rotate (7) 20. Agitate (4) 23. Refuse (5) 24. Keep apart (7) 25. Misleading clues (3,8) SOLUTIONS

5x5 R E N A L

D R Y L Y

ALPHAGRAMS: SHOES, TABLET, UNSEALS, VINTAGER, WATERMARK. GK CROSSWORD Across: 1 Betty Grable, 8 Glasgow, 9 Niger, 10 Oast, 11 Nirvana, 12 Bug, 13 Dado, 15 Soda, 17 USS, 19 Unicorn, 20 Inca, 23 Mooli, 24 Crippen, 25 Adolf Hitler.

Down: 1 Big top, 2 Toads, 3 Yogi, 4 Rowing, 5 Ben Cross, 6 England, 7 Murray, 12 Borodino, 14 Arizona, 16 Nutmeg, 17 Unicef, 18 Wagner, 21 Nepal, 22 Mini.

QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 1. Extemporise 8. Plaudit 9. Helot 10. Site 11. Apropos 12. Way 13.

Bare 15. Need 17. Dot 19. Revolve 20. Stir 23. Waste 24. Isolate 25. Red herrings.

Down: 1. Expose 2. Trait 3. Mode 4. Outlay 5. Inherent 6. Ellipse 7. Detest 12.

Well-read 14. Adviser 16. Brewer 17. Derive 18. Greens 21. Train 22. Pour.

SUDOKU

ALPHAGRAMS 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.

HOSES BATTLE SENSUAL AVERTING A WARM TREK

5x5 B

A N

I

E O

O S

D

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

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

Y A

Y

Y

All puzzles © The Puzzle Company

TODAY: Good 13 Very Good 19 Excellent 23

ragtag rata rate ravage rave tare tear

G

A G O N Y

V

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E N R O L

DOUBLECROSS

B A I T S

WORD GO ROUND

V1 - SECE01Z01MA

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

Down 1. Reveal (6) 2. Characteristic (5) 3. Style (4) 4. Expenditure (6) 5. Inborn (8) 6. Oval (7) 7. Loathe (6) 12. Educated (4-4) 14. Counsellor (7) 16. Beer maker (6) 17. Stem from (6) 18. Vegetables (6) 21. Locomotive (5) 22. Rain heavily (4)