Central Coast, October-November 2019 by seniors

October-November 2019 FREE

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OCTOBER, 2019// SENIORS

WHY YOU SHOULD APPOINT A POWER OF ATTORNEY AND GUARDIAN Your friends or relatives will not be able to assist you with property transactions or transactions at Banks and ﬁnancial institutions unless you have given them Power of Attorney. Case study 1 Brian and Alice were joint owners of their home and an investment property which they used for holidays. Brian had elective surgery but suffered an adverse reaction to a general anaesthetic. This left him with a mental disability such that he lacked capacity to understand ﬁnancial transactions. Alice was unable to deal with either of the properties as Brian was shown on the title to both as a registered proprietor. As Brian could no longer work Alice was unable to maintain the loan repayments and was in a desperate situation. This could have been avoided if Brian had granted her a Power of Attorney prior to his operation. Hospitals, nursing homes and medical professionals will not take instructions from your friends or

relatives in regard to your health care unless you have appointed them as Enduring Guardians.

him from his guardianship but the NSW Trustee and Guardian declined his request.

If you are incapable of handling your ﬁnancial or health/ welfare matters and you have not appointed an attorney and guardian then your affairs will be taken over by the NSW Trustee and Guardian. If that happens it will be very difficult, expensive or even impossible for you to have the NSW Trustee and Guardian removed.

Terry requested that he be provided with a four wheel drive motor vehicle from his funds which were held in trust. The Trustee told him he would not be provided with the vehicle of his choice but that he would be provided with a Ford Laser. Terry was so upset that he renewed his request to be released from guardianship, however he was told: “Terry you are never getting out of guardianship. We own you!”

Case study 2 Terry was involved in a serious car accident and suffered brain damage. He was unable to look after his ﬁnances and other obligations. The NSW Trustee and Guardian obtained a guardianship order from the Guardianship Tribunal and took over his affairs. Sometime later Terry started to recover from his condition and regained his ability to conduct his own ﬁnancial and personal affairs. He requested the Trustee remove

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A private trustee/ guardian does not charge any fees however the Public Trustee and Guardian charges an establishment fee of $330, an ongoing annual fee of 1.1% of income producing assets (minimum of $660 per annum) and an account keeping fee of $8.80 per month. So if you had an interest bearing bank account of $50,000 the Public Trustee would charge you $330 plus annual fees of $765.60.

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Turn the pages to meet the bold and adventurous Gail Forrer Seniors Group Editor SERENDIPITY – the fact of finding interesting or valuable things by chance. That’s the meaning assigned to this lovely word by the Cambridge dictionary. For me it means receiving an email from 98-year-old Erica Holmes who skillfully put together words describing how she was living through her ninth decade of life. A little more communication revealed a woman who lived her life with intelligence and high adventure (seriously, to date sword-swallowing has not entered my life). Our reporter Alison Houston went on to speak with Erica and produced a fascinating two-page feature. Begone ageing stereotypes! Our front cover personality Sarah Jane Adams challenges the idea of frumpy, invisible older women as she expresses her fearless fashion choices, ethos and ideas to the world through various social media channels. I love her motto – Wrinkles Are My Stripes. Think you might like to do the same, then check out our blogging feature and prepare to send your ideas into the blogosphere. Senior’s living accommodation is also benefiting from fresh and

innovate thinking. Woollams Construction GM Danny Hammon has contributed a column talking about the great new architectural angles that are redesigning the world of retirement living. To complement this article you will find a list of the latest moves in retirement villages. This month another global adventurer Paul Coffey leads us through the French countryside and over to England. I love reading these first-hand accounts detailing the real deal without fuss or fanfare. As always, special thanks to all of the people who contributed to our community news pages. It’s a pleasure to publish your articles and pictures. Find us online at seniorsnews.com.au

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

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News - Art gallery Cover Story News - Classic cars News - Time to shine Profile Story News - John Watts Community guide What’s on Wanderlust Wellbeing Living Puzzles

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

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.

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2019

NEWS

Local gallery a magnet for national art AT 80 YEARS old, Jocelyn Maughan has been creating and teaching art all her life and although she officially retired from her long-time teaching post years ago, it hasn’t stopped her painting or helping others discover art. Jocelyn is not only still creating but her art is still winning praise – and prizes. She has just taken out the Gosford Art Prize, the Central Coast’s most prestigious art award, announced at a formal ceremony at Central Coast Council’s Gosford Regional Gallery earlier this month. Though she is no stranger to the prize, entering it many times over the years, it’s the first time she’s taken the major award – winning for her work Ken in Grisaille, oil on paper (Patonga). Now 50 years after its inception in 1970, the Gosford Art Prize attracts entrants from all over Australia drawn by its reputation in the art world and the chance to compete for a $25,000 prize pool. “I’ve entered every year for more than 20 years, I’ve won some smaller prizes but never the big won,” she said. “My partner, Robin Norling, won the prize some 10 years ago. “We were together for 26 years until he died (in 2017). “He was a lovely

partner and I was lucky to have him later in life. I think he would be pleased for me (winning the prize).” It is a fitting reward for someone who has dedicated her life to art and comes hot on the heels of her OAM awarded last year for her services to visual arts and education. She has touched the lives of many artists around Australia, having taught at Meadowbank Tafe for many years. “I was born in Sydney in 1938,” Jocelyn said. “I was fortunate to grow up with encouragement and support for my artistic passions. “My grandmother, who lived with us ’til her 100th year, had been a governess and, ever the teacher, presented me at the age of four with plasticine to sculpt animals and people. “My mother, a gifted pianist who had received art training, taught me drawing and observation. “My father was an accurate and talented draughtsman with an engineering background. Both were highly competent (although not professional) artist draughtsmen.” At 15 she left school and began five years of full-time art study (30 hours a week, 36 weeks a year) at the National Art School in the old Darlinghurst Gaol, Sydney. “My family thought that

I should take advantage of my youthful enthusiasm, talent and imagination,” she said. And while Jocelyn’s has been a life dedicated to learning to draw and paint and is still one of exploring new techniques, she believes it is never too late to start to learn to draw. Expensive equipment isn’t necessary either. “You really only need some A4 copy paper, a clipboard, a soft 6B pencil and a soft rubber,” she said, encouraging anyone now retired with time on their hands to give art a go. Council Gosford Regional Gallery team leader Tim Braham was delighted the Gosford Art Prize was not only attracting artists from across Australia but also supported local talent. “This year we received 532 entries and the judges faced the difficult task of whittling it down to 153 number of finalists,” Mr Braham said. “Pleasingly, 70 per cent of the total entries came from Central Coast artists. “There was also a noticeable changing of the guard in entries this year, with the award drawing the highest number of first-time entrants.” A selection of entries have been included in the Gosford Art Prize exhibition, being held at Gosford Regional Gallery until November 3.

‘‘

I’ve entered every year for more than 20 years ... — Jocelyn Maughan

MAJOR RECOGNITION: Jocelyn Maughan, winner of the Gosford Art Prize. 6888536al

Tania Phillips

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COVER STORY

OCTOBER, 2019// SENIORS

‘Wrinkles are Think again: Sarah Jane Adams is challenging Gail Forrer

NEW WOMAN: Sixty-four-year-old Sarah Jane Adams shapes her image through personality, a little defiance and plenty of colour.

IN SOME ways Sarah Jane Adams is in line with a myriad of mature-age role models who are defying ageing stereotypes, but in other ways she steps way out of line. Sarah Jane uses the phrase “My wrinkles are my stripes” as a sub-heading to her flourishing Instagram account @saramaijewels that boasts more than 180,000 followers and counting. Her naturally grey hair, her vibrant sense of offbeat fashion – think Adidas mixed with styles ranging from colourful Indian fabrics to op-shop cast-offs and defiant poses – blows her out of the average demographic. And so does her penchant for living life her own way. The English born, 64-year-old antique jewellery dealer and jewellery designer has been happily married for more than a couple of decades, and while the couple live in the same Sydney street, they live in

separate houses at opposite ends of the street. Among other things, she says it’s a great way to stay fit. “I’ll sometimes walk 20 kilometres a day, going up and down,” Sarah-Jane said. The thing is, although she has been offered

‘‘

For the elders who can accept themselves, there comes freedom. — Sarah Jane Adams

various business opportunities, Sarah-Jane Adams is not likely to come out as a champion for fads in fitness, weight loss, super foods or cosmetic surgery. Indeed, just because she has a certain amount of notoriety doesn’t mean

she is suddenly going to lose herself in a pile of superficial endorsements. Nevertheless, she’s keen to say she’s quite happy if that’s what you want to do. She recently declined a job to model “under’’ garments – which would have meant baring much of her body (which by the way has not changed size since her youth). “You will rarely see me show more than my ankle or down from my elbow,” she declared. “As an older woman I can’t see how you can be empowered by stripping to your underwear. “I see it as tokenism.” And she’s not falling for any revamped sexual image of the older woman. “I am not sexual, I am post-menopausal – I am not over 60 and sexy,” she emphatically states. “And it is a great relief not to be burdened by desires of the flesh.” Sarah-Jane reveals that she is sticking to the same style of sensible CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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COVER STORY

my stripes’ stereotypes of the older woman FROM PAGE 4 underwear, including the “passion killer’’ cotton knickers that she has worn her entire life. But the no-frills underwear is in line with her desire for a lifestyle of simplicity. “I have downsized,” she says. This means the assortment of products sent to her by various businesses looking for her endorsement are very simply not wanted or accepted. “What do I want them for? “At this stage of life, I’m giving things away.” Sarah Jane’s Instagram fame started with one of her adult twin daughters posting a photo of her that went viral. She has kept it up and especially enjoys the connection she has made with people around the world including Ari Seth Cohen, the photographer who has famously snapped unique ageing fashionistas in various global destinations. Sarah Jane grew up in

England and was well-groomed in conservative English traditions, but her natural independence, outspoken personality and desire for adventure led her to discover rock bands, second-hand clothing markets, obscure pieces of jewellery and the joy of overseas travel. In her youth, she describes herself as “bolshie’’ and “out there’’. A young woman determined to run her own race, which has meant creating her own work. “I have always made my own way and been self-employed,” she said. Her travels have led her to the place she calls her spiritual home – India. “I have been to India more times than I can count,” she says. India is the home of yoga and Sarah Jane, who has been a daily practitioner since her late 50s, says she lives her life from a yogic perspective. “Only a small aspect of yoga is physical exercise.” Her overall philosophy incorporates living

consciously and being able to say: “This is me and it’s OK.” “For the elders who can accept themselves, there comes freedom,” she said. “Acceptance is freedom.” These days she said she would rather grow old gracefully than disgracefully, and that means there are no disguises. She explained that one day, while walking along a city street, a sales assistant accosted her and brought her into a store to put the latest miracle facial cream on her. “Once the salesgirl mentioned anti-ageing cream, I was out of there,” Sarah Jane said. And of course, that’s why she says: “My wrinkles are my stripes.” Instagram: @saramaijewels Facebook: Search for saramai.jewels Pinterest: Search for sarah-jane-adams

Sarah Jane Adams peeling back the layers.

Step into Paradise with our iconic fashionistas

FASHION FORWARD: Powerhouse Museum hosts the first major survey of Australian designers and artists Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson. Photo: Marinco Kojdanovski

A SHOW featuring Australian designers and artists Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson starts this month at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum. Step Into Paradise is the first in-depth survey that captures the dynamic energy of Linda and Jenny’s creative partnership. It draws on more than four decades of one of the most influential pairings in the history of Australian fashion, examining the

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influences, inspirations and the compelling stories behind their work. Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson transformed the nation’s fashion and cultural heritage with their pioneering style inspired by Australia’s cultural and natural landscape, melded with their global influences. The exhibition includes Jenny’s and Linda’s individual formative years: Jenny in 1960s London working with Vern Lambert

at the Chelsea Antique Market; Linda travelling the Pacific, Asia and Europe studying influences from Papua New Guinea to haute couture in Paris. The exhibition also traces their return to Australia and the beginning of their creative partnership in the 1970s, with the Flamingo Park Frock Salon at Sydney's Strand arcade and the sensational Flamingo Follies fashion parades.

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THREE DAY FESTIVAL: The classic American Cars will be out in force.

Classic cars are rockin’ in

CLOCKS will be turned back to the 1950s and 60s and The Entrance will hum to the sound of American classic cars, rock ’n’ roll and visitors for the annual ChromeFest event on October 24–27. More than 50,000 locals and visitors are expected to flock to the event, a three-day tribute to hot rods, fashion and music of the 50s and 60s. This year the event will feature a new venue – the Old Tin Shed in the Entrance Hotel carpark – a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the culture of the time, quizzing experts from the Fresh Stylz Lowerider car club, visiting the El Reapers Barbers, checking out the Hot Rod artwork by The Rustees team and dancing along to The Flattrakkers on Saturday and The Rattlesnakes on Sunday. Run by the Central Coast Council the festival is a big hit with visitors and exhibitors alike, according to Council Community Partnerships Unit Manager Glenn Cannard who said this

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getting bigger and better each year and we are looking forward to a big crowd this year.” She said highlights this year would include vintage glamour fashion parades, the Set and Brush Out Workshop aimed at helping perfect the 50s and 60s up-dos, retro market stalls, lowrider displays and three outdoor stages with undercover dancefloors. The event is a free three-day festival – Friday, October 25, to Sunday, October 27 – held at The Entrance and presented by Central Coast Council and Californian Cruisin Incorporated. Road closures will be in place during the event. Council’s free shuttle buses will leave every two hours from 9am on Saturday and 8am on Sunday from Tuggerah Railway Station on Bryant Drive, Darren Kennedy Oval on Evans Road in Toukley and on Yakalla St in Bateau Bay. Community members and visitors can find out more information to plan their ChromeFest weekend, go to chromefest.org.

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year’s event had attracted more than 400 show cars. “When you combine classic chrome with rock ‘n’ roll, vintage glamour and the beauty of The Entrance, you have quite a weekend on your hands,” Glenn said. “Whether you’re a car enthusiast or not, you won’t be able to resist lining the streets to watch the classic cars cruise through The Entrance. “We invite locals and visitors to partake in a fun weekend that offers something for everyone – a vintage glamour fashion parade, retro market stalls, three outdoor dance floors and new to the event this year, The Old Tin Shed.” According to Mayor Jane Smith ChromeFest has become one of the Central Coast’s most successful events. “Not only does ChromeFest inject a great deal of money into our local economy – $13.9 million last year – it reintroduces tourists to The Entrance and Long Jetty, which both have so much to offer,” Mayor Smith said. “The event keeps

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Another time to shine Les Miserables fan gets on stage for his favourite musical ACTOR Rob Hickey is a self-confessed Les Miserables fan so when he found out Gosford Musical Society was about to stage the much-loved musical, he knew he had to be part of it – again. Hickey, 64, is no stranger to the musical and this will be the third time he’s been involved in the show, which returns to the Central Coast for the first time in nearly two decades. But while he was front and centre in its previous incarnations, Robert is more than happy to hand over the main role for the October 18 to November 10 run of the show at the Laycock Street Community Theatre. “I originally was Jean Valjean,” he said of the first two Gosford Musical Society Les Mis productions in 1993 and 2001. “I’m probably a bit too old to play Jean Valjean this time. “I’m playing about six

different roles.” However Robert, who has been with the group for the past 30 years, said he knew he had to be part of the production, which was one of his favourites, and he was enjoying the beautiful music of the chorus. Set during the French uprising, Les Mis – which Robert believes is more opera than musical – tells the story of prisoner Jean Valjean and the police inspector Javert who tries to hunt him down for breaking parole. After ignoring the plight of one of his workers, Fantine, he takes in her daughter, Cosette, who has been at the mercy of the Thenadiers – two evil innkeepers. Cosette falls into a love triangle with Marius, a student, and Eponine, the Thenardiers’ daughter, against the backdrop of a bloody rebellion. Based on Victor Hugo’s novel, Les Mis reminds us that “even the darkest night will end and the

SEASONED PERFORMER: Rob Hickey (centre) heads back to revolutionary France. His most recent role before Les Miserables was as Alfred P. Doolittle in My Fair Lady in 2018. Photo: Contributed sun will rise”. Robert said this production would feature some of the Coast’s finest talent, including Todd

Keys as Javert, Simon Castle as Jean Valjean and Sancia West as Fantine. This 25th anniversary

production has a re-orchestrated score and modernised staging. Les Mis will be on from

October 18 to November 10 at Laycock Street Community Theatre, North Gosford. Phone 02 4323 3233 for tickets.

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Can you listen to this?

Stay on top of your hearing health with regular testing Tania Phillips HEARING experts and local community groups have joined forces for a public health campaign aimed at encouraging Central Coast residents to prioritise their hearing health. A recent survey of 300 people on the Coast showed that 83 per cent of those surveyed thought that hearing loss could affect relationships with friends and family but only four in 10 have had a hearing test in the past two years. The findings have spurred health experts and local community groups to join forces to start the campaign called “Implant Yourself Back into Life”. The campaign by Cochlear and the SCIC Cochlear Implant Program – a Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children service – aims to help Gosford and the Central Coast’s older residents take a

simple online hearing aid check. Medical director of the Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre and 2017 NSW Woman of the Year Associate Professor Cathy Birman said hearing loss was not an inevitable part of ageing and could be treated successfully. “Hearing is an often-forgotten sense that can be lost slowly over many years, which is why staying on top of any hearing loss with regular hearing tests is absolutely vital,” she said. “Improved hearing can often give people a new lease on life as they re-engage with friends and family and become part of the conversation once again.” Residents in Gosford and the Central Coast can take part in a new online check to show if their hearing aids are enough. The Hearing Aid Check (available at www.hearing aidcheck.com/au) takes just 10–15 minutes and can be completed on a

LIFE IMPROVEMENT: Port Stephens woman Mariann, with husband Ray, is supporting the campaign as a cochlear implant patient. Photo: Contributed home computer, tablet or mobile phone. Each user receives personalised results and recommendations, including if they should speak to a health

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and older in March. Following the completion of the interviews, the data was weighted by age, gender and location to reflect the latest ABS

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TEN TALKING TIPS

When caring for someone with dementia COMMUNICATION

✓ Never argue instead AGREE

Did you know that just 7% of communication is the words we use? The rest is body language and tone of voice. Even if a person with dementia cannot follow what you’re saying, they can still pick up on these non-verbal cues – and that is why calm, conscious communication is so important when you are caring for or spending time with someone who has dementia.

✓ Never reason instead DIVERT ✓ Never shame instead DISTRACT

•

Remain calm and speak in a gentle, matter of fact way.

•

Use a respectful tone of voice.

•

Try to maintain eye contact.

•

Focus on one idea or question at a time.

•

When asking questions, phrase them for simple yes or no responses (e.g.‘Would you like roast chicken for dinner?’ instead of ‘What would you like for dinner?’).

When caring for someone with dementia, being patient, calm and clear is important for two main reasons:

•

Allow plenty of time for the person to process what you have said.

•

Progressive memory loss impacts their ability to organise and express their thoughts

•

Try to put places and people into context (e.g.‘your daughter Kate’ or ‘your hometown Cairns’).

•

Recent memory loss causes the past to merge with the present, which creates confusion

•

Use body language, hand gestures and facial expressions to explain something.

•

Demonstrate activities you would like the person to engage in.

•

Emphasise what the person can do, rather than what they can’t.

•

Use gentle touch on the person’s hand or shoulder, if appropriate.

How to adapt your communication style

✓ Never lecture instead REASSURE

It can take time to adjust the way you communicate, especially when you’re with a loved one who you have known for many years, or even your whole life.

✓ Never say remember instead REMINISCE ✓ Never say I told you instead REPEAT ✓ Never force instead REINFORCE ✓ Never demand instead ASK

The way you communicate can help to alleviate the feelings of stress and frustration that a person with dementia experiences in these situations.

✓ Never condescend instead ENCOURAGE

What not to do when communicating to someone with dementia

✓ Never say you can’t instead SAY WHAT THEY CAN DO

•

For more practical information on caring for someone with dementia, see our free Dementia Care Guide, which has been created speciﬁcally for carers and families. It includes tips for managing behavioural changes, planning activities and accessing services that can assist you. HomeInstead.com.au

What you should do when communicating to someone with dementia

Speak over loud background noise such as TV or radio.

•

Communicate when you are out of their eyesight.

•

Ask multiple questions after each other.

•

Use negative body language or a condescending tone of voice.

•

Argue or raise your voice.

•

Talk about the person as though they aren’t there.

Irregular routines and inconsistent communication styles among family and carers can also create confusion, so aim for as much consistency as possible. Remember that it’s much harder to maintain positive, calm communication if you aren’t taking care of yourself. As a carer, friend or family member, your own self-care is important too.

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PROFILE STORY

OCTOBER, 2019// SENIORS

Erica greets Incredible magical memories and still making more Alison Houston

MAGICAL STORIES: Ready to perform in Singapore 1969, Erica and her husband look as exotic as their location.

“AS I write this, I am already past 98 – I know of no one older, which makes me feel at once isolated and alone. “At 80, I gave myself a licence to do what I liked: I had the ready-made excuse that I was old; I would be automatically excused. “But after 90, a subtle change begins to take shape; it’s as though you have become invisible … “People around you are moving on with the times, and you are being left behind.” These are the words penned by Burleigh Heads woman Erica Holmes, 99 next week, as part of her 6600 word treatise on being Beyond 90, which led Seniors newspapers to seek her out for a chat. Still with a sparkle in her blue eyes, her own home, cooking all her own meals, gardening, sewing and researching her beloved Vedic astrology, she encourages other Seniors to stay healthy, positive and keep challenging themselves. ✰Setting Goals “YOU have to have a goal – somewhere you want to get to or something you want to achieve, otherwise you’re just hanging around waiting to die,” Erica said. That goal doesn’t have to be big but gives you a reason to get up in the morning. Write it down, if only to remind yourself, and try and achieve one goal or piece of a plan each day.

‘‘

It is much better to rely on yourself for your happiness than to expect others to create it for you. — Erica Holmes

“If you have nothing to look forward to, then there is nothing to strive for – all that is ahead of you is

emptiness,” Erica writes. Everyone, she says, should have something pleasant to look forward to every day – a walk, a cup of tea and a good book, time in the garden – because it is too easy in old age to become “too involved with yourself … magnifying every little pain” and allowing time to drag. “It is much better to rely on yourself for your happiness than to expect others to create it for you; after all, they are busy with their own lives,” she wrote. Having run the City to Surf at 69, Erica is currently doing hand strength exercises, with the aim of indoor rock

Australia’s richest schools revealed. How does your grandchild’s school compare? Find out at www.education.news.com.au THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2019

PROFILE STORY

life over 90 with a smile

Erica looks every bit the starlet as she poses in her swimmers. A newspaper cutting of What's On in London from November 1964 featured Aly Kabah and Enrica at the Astor.

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

climbing with her grandson next year. “It’s amazing what you can do once you get started … but you have to do it yourself,” she said. ✰A Life Less Ordinary ERICA’S life has indeed been amazing – reading like a romance adventure novel. Growing up in Melbourne, and forced to start earning her own living at 15, she married young and unhappily. “When you’re young, you haven’t got much sense really, but you don’t know how stupid you are yet,” she laughed. After 13 years, she had had enough, and spurred on by the words of an astrologer, ran away.

Dyeing her hair blonde and assuming an alias, despite no previous experience, she talked her way into work as a cook for 30 people on a remote cattle station outside Charleville, where she said “everyone was using an assumed name”. It was just one of the decisions which she said “have led me away from an ordinary life” – a wonderful segue into her 17 years touring the world as a magician’s assistant. Having met and married a mystic magician who was a snake-handler, hypnotist and sword, fire and glass-swallower, the pair toured the world as “Aly Kabah and Enrica” through the 1950-70s.

The name Enrica was originally the result of a printing mistake, but the couple liked it, and it stuck. They performed in London, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa, climaxing in a performance at New York’s famous Madison Square Garden. ✰Memories “WHEN I look back on everything I did, I just laugh,” Erica said. But she sees being able to look back on those memories which we’ve spent a lifetime gathering as “our most precious asset”. And if your memory isn’t what it once was, short of a medical condition, find a way around it, she

A WONDERFUL LIFE: Erica Holmes, 99 next week, smiles as she looks back on an extraordinary life, but still sets goals and makes plans for the future. Photo: Alison Houston

advises, by writing yourself notes or using other tricks. “People forget things at all ages, but they only make a big deal of it in old age,” she writes. ✰Acceptance TODAY, she said, after initial frustration at not being able to do all she used to, she has accepted that her body has slowed down and that everything takes longer than it used to. “Even the simplest of chores, as in washing up, can throw up a hundred challenges – you can’t see to clean properly … you break things because your grip is not so strong … even standing at the sink is too much,” Erica

writes. But that doesn’t mean you give up, or accept that sickness and old age go hand-in-hand. Alongside eating well and keeping active, thinking positively is incredibly powerful, she said. “We should always be on our guard to avoid negative thoughts. “If we do stumble over one, then we should immediately replace it with a positive one,” she writes. “The easiest way to avoid thinking negatively is to keep the mind occupied with other things: listening to music is a good diversion… Not only, she says, will

lack of exercise lead to being out of condition and subject to illness, it’s also boring, and leaves you with nothing to talk about. ✰Final Thought HAVING started with Erica’s written word, we will finish with it, because with 99 years of experience behind her, she has earned the final say. “Deep inside us we are the same person at six as we were at 60, or at any age. “What has changed mostly is the body. “But the body is only the vehicle we are using in this world; the real you is that wonderful thing inside you called the life force.”

NEWS

OCTOBER, 2019// SENIORS

Australian Reptile Park celebrates special day for gran and grandad with a special gift ...

Free day for grandparents BRAND INSIGHTS A TRIP to the Australian Reptile Park on the NSW Central Coast is the perfect family outing for the little ones and the young at heart. To celebrate Grandparents Day, the Australian Reptile Park is offering free entry for grandparents when they visit with their grandkids on Sunday, October 27. The Australian Reptile Park has been operating for more than 60 years and continues to enthral visitors from all over the world. From the moment you arrive at Australian Reptile Park, you will be greeted by a journey that takes you into a magical world of wildlife and adventure. Hand-feed free-roaming kangaroos laying out in the natural bushland setting and admire some of Australia’s most famous native animals including koalas, echidnas, wombats, cassowaries, dingoes,

CROCS ROCK: To celebrate Grandparents Day, the Australian Reptile Park is offering free entry for grandparents when they visit with their grandkids on Sunday, October 27, 2019. kookaburras, cockatoos and Tasmanian devils. The Australian Reptile Park is also home to a variety of exotic reptiles from around the world including Komodo dragons, American alligators, and giant Galapagos tortoises.

Visitors can also experience the awe-inspiring power of Elvis the saltwater crocodile at his 1.30pm feeding time. Venture into themed exhibits including Dragon’s Lair, Platypus House, The Lost World of Reptiles, Spider World,

and Frog Hollow to learn about difference species from around the globe. The kids will be thrilled by the mid-morning reptile show, which is as educational as it is fun. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the free barbecue facilities or choose from a

variety of cuisine at the park’s café. After lunch, the kids will have a ball on the animal themed playground. If you love shopping, the gift shop has an array of park memorabilia and souvenirs to savour your memories of your visit.

Australian Reptile Park is between Sydney and the Hunter Valley on the Central Coast of NSW, only one hour in driving distance from either direction. For more, go to reptilepark.com.au.

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2019

NEWS

John Watts took us to moon We could have easily missed the first step

FIFTY years ago, the Apollo 11 mission took 600 million humans to the moon for the first time as they watched Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s other-worldly voyage on their black-andwhite televisions. As Apollo 11 touched down on the moon, our kind entered a new era of discovery and innovation. Across the globe, we celebrated Neil Armstrong’s “one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind” in a moment that still

captures our imagination today. But it may not have been possible without the incredible technological skills of local legend and now-participant in Coastlink’s Aged Care Program John Watts. John installed the large-scale purpose-built computer system at the Deakin Telephone Exchange in Canberra that was used to communicate with the Apollo 11 spaceship. The Australia-wide network was, in fact, the central point of control for

HISTORY: John Watts with his Apollo XI "In recognition of support to the first lunar landing mission" certificate. all communications between Australia and NASA for the Apollo program. It was this system that helped broadcast Armstrong’s first steps live from the moon, over 384,000km away. Our work proved the Apollo 11 mission was a success. Mr Watts said he was contacted by NASA through his employer to support the Apollo 8 and 11 missions. “A few days later, I

received a call from the NASA Control Centre in the USA saying their people were having trouble contacting the spaceship. We were told to get the system working as soon as possible,” he said. NASA staff were having issues connecting their equipment to the Australian system, so John and his team worked around the clock, testing and re-testing their equipment to ensure it worked perfectly.

Their dedication to transmitting clear and accurate data back to NASA meant the whole world could see the first eight minutes of Armstrong’s moonwalk. “Our work proved the Apollo 11 mission was a success,” Mr Watts said. In recognition of his support of the first lunar landing, John received a Certificate of Recognition signed by Neil Armstrong, Edwin (Buzz) Aldrin, Michael Collins and

network director Dale Collins. “It was a great reward,” Mr Watts said. “I also have a piece of the moon somewhere around the house,” he added. Thanks to John’s work sharing the monumental steps on the moon, the Apollo legacy lives on to inspire the world’s ongoing pursuit of space and new horizons. Source: www.coastlink.org.au

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NEWS

OCTOBER, 2019// SENIORS

Community notes

Community group guide WE invite you to send your community notes to us. It’s a great to way to share the news and perhaps gain new members to your group. Simply email editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au. with your article and pictures. We look forward to hearing from you.

VIEW CLUBS

Bateau Bay WORKING for the Smith Family, we will hold our lunch meeting at the The Entrance Leagues Club (Tigers), 3 Bay Village Road, Bateau Bay on the first Tuesday of the month. commencing at 10.30am. Lunch, guest speakers, raffles, outings and meeting new friends. While helping educate underprivileged children. New members and visitors are most welcome. Contact Lynne on 02 4362 6170 or Heather 02 4362 8405. Brisbane Water Evening WORKING for the Smith Family, we hold our monthly dinner meeting in the Function Room at the

Grange Hotel, Renwick Street, Wyoming on the Fourth Tuesday of the month from 6.30pm for 7pm. New members and visitors are most welcome. Phone Valda on 07 4325 1688 or Helen 07 4367 5670. Toukley NEWLY retired/looking to make new friends? We meet on the second Friday of the month at Club Toukley RSL at 10.30am. We have lucky door prizes, raffles and a two-course lunch for $25, followed by guest speakers or members anticipation and interesting discussions. We also have outings, Friendship Morning Teas along with raffles. Joining our VIEW Club is a perfect

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Be Connected is an Australia wide initiative empowering all Australians to thrive in a digital world. We are currently looking for volunteers to help run the program. Photo: CPaulussen opportunity to meet with other like minded women and establish new friendships. VIEW stands for for Voice, Interests, Education of Women and is a valued part of the Smith Family raising money for The Learning For Life sponsorship and education of disadvantaged Australian children and young adults. Phone Kathie on 02 4393 0647/ 0413 424 949.

WYONG WRITERS LOCAL writers meet

monthly to encourage and develop their writing skills. Meeting on the fourth Saturday of each month, arrive at 1.15pm for a 1.30pm start. Next meeting is on October 26, then November 23 at Woodbury Park Community Centre, 1 Woolmers Crescent, Mardi. No meeting in December. Inquiries: Mei-Ling Venning, president on 07 4333 7489, email meilingvenning @hotmail.com or go to wyongwriters.org.

BE CONNECTED DIGITAL VOLUNTEERS

CENTRAL Coast Community College is a not for profit organisation that is running the BeConnected Program. Be Connected is an Australia wide initiative empowering all Australians to thrive in a digital world. We have online learning resources as well as a Network of community partners - the Be Connected Network who offer in-person support so you can develop your digital skills and confidence. We are

currently looking for volunteers to help run the program. We meet monthly at seven library locations across the coast, providing free support on everything from how to access the internet, using devices and keeping in touch with others online. Our team of digital mentors will be trained, supported, invited to events, fed and even get a free Digital Connect shirt. Phone Natasja Brazao on 0415 758 404 or email DMsupport @cccc.nsw.edu.au.

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SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2019

NEWS

This great show sequel definitely has no equal

SASSY SHIRL: Come along for a sing-along and morning tea with Shirl and her group of singers for a fun time.

SHIRL’S SING A LONG

COME along every second Tuesday of the month from 10.30am to 12.30pm at the Greens Bowling Club, Corner Park Rd & Warrigal Street, The Entrance. Free session and morning tea can be purchased on premises. For more, phone Shirl on 02 4332 8813.

TOO EARLY TO THINK ABOUT CHRISTMAS?

EMMA McBride, Shadow Assistant Minister For Mental Health, Shadow Assistant Minister for Carers and Member for Dobell is

spreading some early festive cheer by calling for entries in her annual Christmas card design competition. This year she will be holding the Dobell Christmas Card competition for senior artists. The design should represent the Central Coast and can be produced on any medium, provided it can be scanned or photographed. Many seniors are brilliant artists, so she is looking forward to seeing their designs. In previous years she has given the opportunity to school students to design the card, so this year it was decided that it was time

for seniors to showcase their talents. The closing date for entries is November 4. Post to PO Box 3763, Tuggerah NSW 2259 or phone Emma’s office on 02 4353 0127.

DYING WITH DIGNITY NSW

LAST meeting of year on the Central Coast at 10am, Friday, November 22, at Meeting Room 3, Gosford Library, The Hive, Erina Fair - "In the End" (30 mins): Intensive Care Unit, Geelong Hospital and "The Lady and the Reaper"- humorous short (8mins). Non-members welcome. Refreshments. Phone 02 4369 8053.

SENIOR Moments 2? No, it’s not déjà vu, you are having another “Senior Moment”! The smash hit revue returns in a sequel without equal: Senior Moments 2: Remember, Remember. Yes, once again the senior sensation will be sweeping the nation with all new jokes and all old performers. Australian TV icon Tony Barber (Sale of the Century), master satirist Max Gillies (The Gillies Report) and original rock legend Normie Rowe (Les Miserables) head the classic cast for another 90 minutes of comedy sketches, songs and inspired senior silliness. Return Fire Productions is proud to announce Senior Moments 2 will be touring the nation from February 2020, to theatres in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Canberra, and regionally to Wyong, Newcastle, Wollongong and Port Macquarie. Tickets on sale now! After two sell out national tours of the

SENIORS MOMENTS 2: A show you won’t be able to forget. original hit, the Senior Moments gang are back for another comedy revue about ‘old’ people (and what they still remember). Senior Moments 2: Remember, Remember is more riotous fun for those old enough to know better. “The show is suitable for all ages,” says Max Gillies. “As long as that age is in the high double digits or you can remember when we still used pound notes and milk came in a glass

bottles.” Civic Theatre, Newcastle. Dates: February 18-19, 2020. Ticket Prices: $55-$75. For bookings, go to premier.ticketek.com.au or phone 02 4929 1977. Glasshouse Theatre, Port Macquarie. Dates: 28-29 February 28-29, 2020. Ticket Prices: $55-$75, For bookings, go to glasshouse.org.au or phone 02 6581 8888.

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You can contribute to the survey in the following ways: Have your say online at yourvoiceourcoast.com Pick up a hard copy of the survey from Council’s 50+ Leisure and Learning Centres, Council’s Customer Service Centres, Libraries and Neighbourhood Centres. Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au for location details.

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OCTOBER, 2019// SENIORS

What's on

Tania Phillips

EFFIE – LOVE ME TINDER

YOU loved her in the stage show Wogs Out of Work, and the popular Acropolis Now. Who can forget her novelty hit single with Norman Gunston – Amigos Para Siempre. Effie Stephanidis is a Greek Australian icon – oh and she has Gold Logie..and she is coming LIVE to Mingara Recreation Club with her show Effie Love Me Tinder. Finding love in this day and age is not easy. Keeping it is much harder. The urge to swipe left or right or to scratch that seven-year itch (or only seven-months, in Effie’s case) is hard to resist even with the greatest of willpowers. Effie holds up a mirror to the complexities of finding love as only she can. Who isn’t on Tinder? Friday, November 8, at the

Have a big laugh or do some small craft

Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi. Doors: 8pm, Support: 8.30pm-9pm – to be announced, Effie: 9.30pm-10.30pm.

CHRISTMAS ARTISAN’S MARKET AND ART EXP

THE Tuggerah Lakes Art Society is looking for contributors for their Christmas Artisan’s Market and Art Expoon December 7 at The Beachcomber Hotel, Toukley. They are looking for stalls, displays and activities to showcase and add life to the day’s event. They aim to have a variety of market stalls offering the public a selection of unique and exciting products. Such as: handmade arts and crafts, kids craft activities, locally grown produce, jams, honey, chutneys, nuts, homewares, coffee and pastries, clothing, antiques, accessories,

jewellery, nursery plants, ent etc. Applications close November 8. Go to tlas.org.au or email tlas.artisansentries@ gmail.com.

on their drawcard attractions where locals can participate in all activities such as Dog Demonstrations and Dog Competitions. Proposed activities for the event include dog sports demonstrations, best-dressed pet competitions, dog races competitions, dog trick contest and interactive stalls. The opportunity also exists to raise money for a dog-related charitable organisation such as Various Doggie Rescue. There will grooming demonstrations as well, plus heaps more – Marine Parade, Gosford. Go to visitnsw.com.

‘FOR OUR KID’S SAKE’ DINNER DANCE FUNDRAISER

COME on Saturday, November 16, at the Wyong Leagues Club, The Showroom – Dinner, dancing, auction, raffles, music from 6.30pm. The event is aimed at raising awareness and funds for Central Coast Kids In Need and SOKS (Save our Kids from Suicide.). Tickets are $80 per head which includes two-course meal and two complimentary drinks (Beer, wine & soft drinks.) MC – media personality Sarah King and live music by Jamie Lindsay Band. Table of 10 is $178.80. Go to stickytickets.com.au/ 89352.

Come along to the

SENIORS EXPO Thursday 14 November 2019 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cnr. Killuna Road and Avoca Drive, Kincumber (opposite Kincumber Primary School)

FREE ADMISSION Come and see a range of stalls and browse at your leisure all in one convenient location. There will be information on places to live and what to do, as well as local services, groups and agencies.

FIGURE DRAWING AT GOSFORD REGIONAL GALLERY 7074565aa

If you are thinking of moving to the beautiful Central Coast or looking to make connections with interest groups, then this expo is for you.

To find out more call 0407 452 971 or Find us on Facebook

CHROMEFEST is a three-day tribute to classic American autos, hot rods, rock n roll, and rockabilly. The festival features three days of non-stop free entertainment and displays, more than 70 market stalls, dance demonstrations, dance workshops, vintage glamour fashion parade, and a Pin-up Doll Competition. It features car displays, street cruises, professional dance displays, and the massive show and shine on Sunday with more than 400 show cars on display. Entrance Central Coast, Marine Parade, The Entrance, Wyong. Go to chromefest.org/. GOSFORD RSL presents a living legend of Aussie Rock n’ Roll, Digger Revell, Digger will entertain with his Top Ten Hits, 60s Classics, Country Ballads and Rockabilly tunes! At the Gosford RSL 26 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford, Gosford, Friday, October 25.

Speakers on a range of subjects from Finance, to Dementia, to local interest groups and the Public Trustee

CHROMEFEST

DIGGER REVELL

At Kincumber Uniting Church

Morning tea and light lunch available Bus stop at the door

BIG PERSONALITY: Mary Coustas, who is best known from her role as Effie.

ENJOY a figure drawing workshop with Jocelyn Maughan OAM where students will learn how to get the best from a quick sketch, and develop these skills into slightly longer studies of life models; improve technical skills in the use of pen, pencil,

and conté; and understand the benefit of life drawing composition, design, and rhythm. Jocelyn will do demonstrations on each part of this short course. Students will work with a different models in the morning and afternoon. Students are to bring: conte or graphite crayons, 6b pencils, pens or black biro, kneadable eraser. A3 bond paper. Cost $160 / $150 Gosford Regional Gallery members (lunch provided) on October 26 from 10am to 4pm. Go to trybooking.com/BCNZG or email Gallery@central coast.nsw.gov.au.

LAMPSHADE MAKING WORKSHOP

LEARN to make a unique lamp shade with 3Chooks lampshade maker Anna on October 27, Bring along your choice of fabric for a personal result. You’ll make and take home a cylinder lampshade – perfect for a bedside table, desk or table lamp. The workshop includes: 3Chooks Lampshade Kit; access to the tools you need to create your masterpiece and plenty of one on one instruction from Anna. Extra take home supplies available for purchase. To be held a9 Killcare Rd, Killcare, Gosford. Go to 3chooks.com.au/pages/ workshops-1.

DOGS IN GOSFORD PARK THE event will be based

BEST OF THE COAST PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

AFTER months of searching the winners of the Best of the Coast Photography Competition are set to be unveiled at The Entrance Lakehouse on November 6. Since July the search has been on for locals on the Central Coast who could capture the best of the coast; from landscapes, to beach fronts, to its people and beauty. The best images selected by the panel of judges were printed and are being presented at The Entrance Lake House during the Lakes Festival in November 2019. Opening night will be held November 6 and the Photography display will be open to the public during restaurant hours.

THE BRISBANE WATER OYSTER FESTIVAL

JOIN them on the weekend of November 9 at their new site in and around The Galleria (also known as The Ettalong Markets) at Schnapper Road in Ettalong, for what will be a superb day out for the whole family! The day includes fine wine from their neighbours in the Hunter Valley, craft beer from the local Six String Brewery and food from around the world. There are also over 50 retail stalls to peruse whilst listening to a full program of live, on stage entertainment and, of course, the iconic Oyster Eating Competition with oysters provided by Rockin’ Oysters!

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

Annual Aussie highlight

Make music memories and enjoy the wonderful experience WHEN the music starts playing and the stage lights up the park, becoming the ultimate outdoor concert venue; when the streets are lined with performers and the venues are opening their doors for extended hours; when the caravans are rolling into the camp ground and the biggest country music artists are gathering from all over the country, you can be sure you’re at one place – The Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth. Just a few hours’ drive over the range, the Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth, is an annual Aussie highlight. Held from Friday, January 17, to Sunday, January 26, 2020, it hosts the biggest country music stars with the biggest crowd and all attendees are guaranteed to make the biggest memories while enjoying the biggest festival with the biggest atmosphere ever. The 48th festival,

TCMF2020 will remain true to its roots, offering something for everyone to enjoy. There will be a mix of traditional, Americana, blues, roots, alt-country, bluegrass and honky-tonk music performed by artists such as John Williamson, Beccy Cole, Lee Kernaghan, Sara Storer, Gina Jefferies and more. This year TCMF is particularly excited to be a stop on Cold Chisel’s first ever outdoor summer tour, Blood Moon Tour 2019. Fittingly, the Tamworth show boasts a line-up as rare and memorable as a blood moon with none other than Paul Kelly, Kasey Chambers, Troy Cassar-Daley and Charlie Collins to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime experience. But it’s not just the music that attracts festival goers from all over the country year in and year out – it’s also the people, the places and experiences available for

HATS OFF: The 48th Toyota Country Music Festival in 2020 will be held from Friday, January 17, to Sunday, January 26, in Tamworth. the whole 10 days. Experiences such as the fan favourite Cavalcade Parade on Australia Day; The Country Music Hall

Of Fame and the Big Golden Guitar; the buskers, performers and stalls that line the street; the venues that welcome guests with open arms for

a cold one; and the other festival patrons that you’ll meet along the way who are, like you, there to enjoy all that the Toyota Country Music Festival,

Tamworth has to offer. For more, phone 02 6766 2028 or go tcmf.com.au.

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• Variety of plans to choose from • Extensive range of recreational and social groups at your fingertips • Private and secure • Bush or water views • 24/7 emergency call systems • Community Centre for social gatherings • Units located on level grounds • On site cafe for residence and families to enjoy

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OCTOBER, 2019// SENIORS

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2019

NEWS

OCTOBER, 2019// SENIORS

Leaving home for the bush

Face-to-face support Tania Phillips RETIRED Central Coast couples are among volunteers heading out to the Australian bush to lend a helping hand to farmers struggling in severe drought conditions. The volunteers, including Iain and Ann McLeod, of Ettalong Beach, and Berkeley Vale’s Howard and Mary Jones have been leaving their comfortable coastal homes to help those struggling in the drought. Frontier Services, one of Australia’s oldest bush charities, runs two programs – Bush Chaplaincy and Outback Links. The Bush Chaplains travel tens of thousands of kilometres each year visiting individuals and families on remote properties for coffee and a chat. They are often the frontline for identifying issues and referring people to other service providers. Meanwhile, Outback

Links connects skilled volunteers with people in remote Australia who could use a helping hand. These volunteers donate their skills throughout the year doing repairs and maintenance on equipment, the home and around the property – free of charge. This is the program that the Central Coast retirees have taken part in, with both couples believing it to be an enriching experience. “It has enriched our lives, broadened our horizons and we have developed lifelong friendships with people in the bush for which we are forever grateful,” Ms Jones said. “Our experiences have provided us with both an insight into country life where no two days are the same,” Mr McLeod added. “Absolutely wonderful people, it’s an amazingly vast land, albeit very dry in this drought, but their human spirit, hope and optimism is admirable in these tough times.”

HELPING HANDS: Howard and Mary Jones are just back from volunteering with Outback Links.

Outback Links volunteers Iain and Ann McLeod, from Ettalong Beach.

Helping out doesn’t just meaning volunteering, according to Frontier Services national director Jannine Jackson. In support of their fundraising activities, Ms Jackson called on Central Coasters to buy Aussie produce and host a “Great Outback BBQ”. She said all funds raised would go towards supporting Frontier Services’ volunteer programs, which provided practical and pastoral support to farmers across Australia suffering from

to import wheat after drought across the eastern states saw grain production fall 20 per cent. “Our farmers have endured so much for so long. But what’s getting them through is knowing that there are people who care and people who are willing to give them a hand up. “In this year’s Great Aussie BBQ campaign, our goal is to raise $200,000 so we can send more Bush Chaplains and Outback

severe financial strain, physical and emotional stress and social isolation while dealing with the fallout of a relentless period of droughts, floods and fires. “This year delivered the hottest January-to-May period in Australia’s recorded weather history – and one of the driest,” Ms Jackson said. “The price of stock feed and transport is spiralling, bottled water is being shipped into towns and for the first time in over a decade, Australia has had

Links volunteers to people in remote Australia that need it the most.” Anyone can host a Great Outback BBQ by registering – go to www.greatoutbackbbq. com.au or phone 1300 787 247. Those committed to raising $500 or more will receive a premium welcome kit including a barbecue starter pack and branded apron. To find out how to support Frontier Services, go to www.frontierservices.org.

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SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2019

French traditions Taste the Great Houses of Cognac

PAGES 26 & 27

OCTOBER, 2019// SENIORS

TRAVEL BRIEFS

TASMANIA IN SPRING

complexities of the world’s largest coral reef system. The Master Reef Guide Program is led by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Every person visiting the Great Barrier Reef takes part in its future by paying the $6.50 Environmental Management Charge which is applied directly to the management, research, protection and preservation of the Marine Park. Visit tropicalnorth queensland.org.au.

SLEEP UNDERWATER

VISIT JAPAN’S ASAKUSA

THERE’S the Devonport Food and Wine Festival on from October 1–31 (see the website devonportfoodandwine. com.au), Bicheno Food and Wine Festival from November 15–17 (see bichenofestivals .com.au), Effervescence across the island from November 1–17 (see effervescencetasmania .com), and the 39th FIPS Mouche 2019 World Fly Fishing Championships Tasmania from November 30–December 8 (see wffc2019.com). IMAGINE floor-to-ceiling views of the spectacular underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, all from the comfort of your bed. Reefsuites is Australia’s first underwater accommodation. Arrive at your unique accommodation after a scenic cruise through the Whitsunday Islands to the outer reef. Two private underwater rooms are available, all meals and beverages, spectacular dining experience under the stars, activities at the reef including a private guided snorkelling tour and semi-submarine tour, from $749 a person. Visit cruisewhitsundays.com.

FOODIES’ TOUR OF THAILAND AND CAMBODIA

FEATURING cool bars, great restaurants, food walks and a great cooking class with a twist

FLY HIGH: Get the best seats in the house for New Zealand’s Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow in Queenstown. Photo: Steve Zimmermann – that takes care of Bangkok. The Spirit House 11-day tour then goes back in time to the serenity and charm of the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya, just outside Bangkok. Then fly to Cambodia and take some offbeat tours through the stunning temples of Angkor Wat. The tour dates are February 18-28. Cost is $4500 a person, twin share for all accommodation, meals, flight to Cambodia, transport and entrances.

Visit spirithouse.com.au/ foodtours.

WARBIRDS OVER WANAKA

GET the best seats in the house for New Zealand’s Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow in Queenstown over Easter 2020. Grand Pacific Tours travellers will have exclusive access into the marquee where closed circuit TV will be available. Also included is a souvenir pack containing a gold cap and

badge; collector’s program; voucher for entry to the Warbirds and Wheels Museum and a complimentary drink voucher. Prices from $4084 a person twin share. Visit gptnz.com/aviation or call 1800 622 768.

BARRIER REEF STORYTELLERS

THERE are now 26 Master Reef Guides ready to educate visitors about the diversity and

IT’S home to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple and it’s where you can rent a kimono, try traditional foods and explore the historical attractions of the area. Make your very own Edo Koriko glass as a special keepsake and check out the new commercial complex showcasing Tokyo’s downtown charm experience. Visit tobu.co.jp/foreign/en.

CARBON NEUTRAL

FROM November 1, World Expeditions guests will be travelling sustainably on each of the company’s hundreds of itineraries, with the company pledging to absorb the cost of the credits it purchases to offset emissions. Visit worldexpeditions.com.

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2019

Know your luggage rules EVER thought twice about packing a certain item in your carry-on luggage, because you’re not sure it will make it past airport security? Jonathan Etkind, spokesperson at InsureandGo (insureandgo.com.au), a leading online Australian travel insurer, says: “Australian airlines have a plethora of hand luggage restrictions that can be tricky for Australian travellers to adhere to, especially if they are taking all their travel belonging on in their carry-on luggage. Not only do passengers need to be wary of bringing a bag that weighs more than the maximum allowed limit, as this can result in additional fees, but they also need to know what items they are not permitted to take on the plane. InsureandGo reveals surprising rules around carry-on luggage, when travelling within or from Australia: ❚ Don’t be fooled: Your handbag, coat and laptop bag will be part of your carry-on luggage limits on certain airlines. If you

think your weekender bag was the only piece that counted as carry-on luggage, think again. When bringing a handbag or another personal item, such as a laptop bag, a small camera, or even a blanket or overcoat, these items will likely count towards your carry-on weight allowance on budget airlines, but will be excluded in your hand luggage allowance on full-service airlines. ❚ High-value items are only covered when they are in your hand luggage. Always keep valuable items, such as laptops and cameras, in your carry-on luggage, as travel insurers generally do not provide cover for these items if they are transported in the cargo hold of any aircraft, ship, train, tram or bus. You will only be covered for such items in your check-in luggage if airport security forced you to transfer them from your carry-on to the cargo hold, and they got damaged. ❚ If you need to take e-cigarettes or other vaping devices, ensure that they are in your carry-on.

ALLOWED Certain sharp objects are also allowed. There are even sharp objects you can bring in your hand luggage allowance, such as knitting and crochet needles, umbrellas and safety razors. Pointed metal nail files are also allowed when flying in or out of Australia. However, pointed metal scissors, including manicure scissors and scissors with blades more than 6cm long, are prohibited in your carry-on.

TRAVEL SAFE: luggage needs to meet flight regulations.

As e-cigarettes and other vaping devices use high-discharge lithium batteries, which could be at risk of igniting due to overheating, they must be packed in carry-on luggage only. Batteries that are not installed in a device should also be in your carry-on luggage and be protected from short circuiting by being placed in their original retail packaging, a sturdy container, or another type of protective material. Your travel insurer will not cover you for any

6 Day Western Victoria and Art Silo

LAST SEATS REMAINING Departing: Monday 4th November 2019 Tour Price: $1288.00 per person twin share Celebrate the rich spirit of the Wimmera-Mallee region through Australia’s largest outdoor gallery. * Grampians National Park * The Art Silos * Eucalyptus Distillery * The Spanner Man and much much more!!!!

mechanical or electrical breakdown that occurs due to leaking powder or fluid carried within your check-in baggage, so it’s important that these devices are always in your carry-on. ❚ There are no limits on liquids and powders in your carry on, when flying domestically. When flying within Australia, there are no restrictions on the quantity of powders, liquids, aerosols and gels you can bring on-board, provided it meets your carry-on size and weight limits.

There are only limits on these items if you are travelling domestically and departing from an international terminal. In these scenarios, all aerosol deodorants, hair sprays or shaving gels must have a fitted cap or locking device. ❚ You cannot carry more than 100mL of liquid on an international flight out

of Australia, even if the contents of the bottle are partially filled. Liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) must be in containers of no more than 100mL or 100g – and inorganic powders, such as salt, sand, and some talcum powders, must be in containers of no more than 350mL or 300g – in your carry-on luggage. You cannot take containers larger than these limits, even if they are partially filled. For example, a 200g toothpaste tube that is half full is not allowed. However, there are no restrictions on organic powders, such as baby formula, protein powder and coffee. You can carry on board cremated human remains. If you have official documentation from the crematorium confirming the contents, you can bring ashes as carry-on baggage on some major Australian airlines. The container used to hold the ashes must be free from contaminants, such as soil, and sealed properly to avoid risk of accidental spillage.

5 Day Batemans Bay Getaway

Departing: 4th February 2020 *Clyde River Cruise Lunch *Mogo Zoo * The Original Goldrush Colony *Tuross Head * Narooma Tour Price: $1250.00 per person twin share

14 Day Hidden Secrets Of Tasmania

Departing: Saturday 23rd February 2020 * Gordon River Cruise *Salamanca Markets *Port Arthur *Arthur River Cruise *Cradle Mountain Plus More! Tour Price: $4450.00 per person twin share

day tours November:

3rd — Retail Therapy $65 13th - Australian Pioneer Village $70 26th—Fish & Chips Cruise

December: 3rd - Hunter Valley Gardens Light Spectacular $65 18th - Buttai Barn Christmas Party $90

Multiple pickup locations across the Central Coast.

6 Day Gold Coast Outback Spectacular!

Departing: Saturday 18th January 2020 *Mt Tamborine * Outback Spectacular Show *Lunch Cruise *Sunset Dinner Plus More! Tour Price: $1599.00 per person twin share

15 Day Kangaroo Island, Bendigo & Adelaide Departing: Sunday 26th April 2020 *Central Deborah Mine * Fleurieu Peninsula *Mouth of the Murray Cruise Plus SO much more! Tour Price: $4300.00 per person twin share

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Home pick-up for Central Coast on 3 day or more holidays, 5 star coach travel with professional and informative coach captain / guide. Quality motel accommodation, 2 course dinners, full cooked breakfast and all entry fees, attractions and cruises as per each itinerary

OCTOBER, 2019// SENIORS

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The town of Cognac and great cognac houses of Hennessy, Martell, Courvoisier

HISTORICAL BEAUTY; The magnificent architecture inside the cognac castle is open for the public viewing.

All photos by Paul Coffey

The Coffeys - cricket, Aussie couple Anne and Paul continue their European journey and visit Anne’s relatives in France and then onto England.

HI CRICKET lovers, and others. We’ve had a few days staying with relatives of my wife Anne at their holiday house in yet another French village, not that far from our first week’s stay. Here we were definitely in wine country, in fact cognac country, with vineyards everywhere and not far from the town of Cognac and the great cognac houses of Hennessy, Martell, Courvoisier and the like. To my enormous disappointment, I didn’t really take to cognac: I found it overly spiritous and even burning (I’m not a spirits drinker), and couldn’t detect anything much of the fruity flavours that the publicity trumpeted. The local reds were much more to my liking. Oh well, c’est la vie. The countryside was beautiful around this area even though the village we stayed in was less than photogenic and looking as if it had seen its heyday some time ago. The towns along the main river, the Charente,

were very pretty, and we had the advantage that Anne’s relatives, Barbara and Brian, knew where to take us for coffees, a couple of cognac distillery tours (and tastings), and a gorgeous lunch spot with beautiful views for a three-course lunch – pretty standard for the French!. And Barbara is a wonderful cook, so we had three-course dinners at home too. Barbara and Brian confirmed that the British seem quite welcomed here in the French villages. They do complain that the French tradesmen are not totally hard-working – but what do you expect after three-course lunches and a couple of wines? I think the French have got the priorities right! The thing is that I’ve felt so comfortable in France. My French language is still pretty ordinary but it’s good fun trying it out. Nevertheless, it’s as if France is in my blood. Perhaps it is: although my ancestry is all Irish as far as I know, that’s only a few generations back.

Who knows? Maybe I’ll know more after we get to Ireland. The cognac distilleries are interesting. The tours show you how the distilling process takes place and then lead you down into the cellars where barrels are stored for decades. The cognac breathes in the long dark corridors of oak barrels, and a portion naturally evaporates. Moulds feed off this evaporation and coat the walls inside and out of the storage rooms black, giving them a very forbidding, grungy feel. Apparently spiders feed off this mould and keep it down a little, thus the spiders are tolerated; Besides reducing the mould their webs go along way to enhancing the sinister, dark atmosphere and the spiritous scent of the cognac pervades all through the cellar. Barbara and Brian took us to one local distiller in a nearby village for an impromptu tour of the relatively small scale and somewhat untidy facilities, and then booked us in for a grander

At the understated Lascaux Cave building.

The new London skyline. tour in a big cognac house in Cognac itself. This was in a historic – though much reconstructed – castle complex that had been the birthplace of a King of France, Francois 1st, in the 15th century. I enjoyed all this history,

and the French spend an awful lot of money on preserving their monuments and historic buildings. I visited the Lascaux Cave complex, the site of probably the most famous Palaeolithic European cave paintings, that when

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2019

Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Paul at Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Cognac distilling equipment.

Inside the dark cognac cellars.

cognac and castles

Anne and Pauyl at The Couvoisier cognac house. discovered shook up the then-conventional view of stone-age humans as savages totally unlike modern humans. The cave is long closed to protect it from the damaging effects of mass tourism. The tour is of a replica,

which could turn some people off, but is a realistic necessity. The cave paintings are strenuously, faithfully reproduced, first for a guided walk-through that mimics the cave experience, and a second time in a separate

museum setting where individual tablet devices provide audio and visual explanations and backgrounding to the visuals. There’s also a virtual reality room, some hands-on displays, and a series of films – and

above all an intelligent, scientifically-oriented presentation. The building in which it’s all housed has no branding, no breathless exhortations to enter, and minimal signage altogether. This is another thing

reversed! We haven’t got a GPS in our own car at home in Australia, but do have it in the hire cars we’ve been using. You have to credit the new technology at times: not only is GPS indispensable on these

mazes of country roads, it substantially reduces navigation domestics in the car. And so to England, where fortunately Australia has already won the Ashes so I don’t have to endure any English jubilation (and I’m able to half-whisper “Don’t mention the Ashes!” from time to time – particular fun at the tour of Lord’s cricket ground). (Apologies to readers who know nothing of cricket.) Our first stop is with friends that we made in Myanmar, who live in Kent south of London, in a very small village near Royal Tunbridge Wells. The pubs nearby are old-world wonderful: small, very low ceilings, big old dark-stained timber beams, and some lovely hospitality. One featured a local eccentric, just to complete this very English tapestry, who claimed to have played cricket with Ian Botham, and wandered around the bar practising forward defensive strokes. (Apologies again).

OCTOBER, 2019// SENIORS

The bush tucker delights include meats, nuts, seeds and sauces.

NATURALLY TASTY: The award-winning Seabelle Restaurant at Kingfisher Bay Resort offers an extraordinary culinary experience. Photos: Kingfisher Bay Resort

Bush tucker on the menu Shirley Sinclair BUNYA nut and macadamia pesto sauce with crocodile tail. Native rosella glaze paired with red emu meat. Bush tomato and kangaroo tenderloin steak. The dishes are enough to make any foodie worth their salt salivate at the combination of flavours and pique their curiosity about the origins. Few would expect to find them outside Central Australia, the Northern Territory or even Far North Queensland. But Kingfisher Bar Resort on Fraser Island can stake its claim as the nation’s bush tucker capital for not only spicing things up on the menu selection but also better educating visitors on making the most of using “the flavours of Australia” at home. At the heart of the cuisine are tens of thousands of years of valuable indigenous knowledge, wisdom and experience gleaned from the Butchulla Tribe, which first came to K’gari or “Paradise”, as they called it, to catch fish in the winter tailor season, as well as mainland groups. The resort’s signature Seabelle Restaurant delights in offering bush tucker-infused modern Australian cuisine, blending native ingredients with seasonal,

local produce and fresh seafood. Guests can savour the flavours on the restaurant menu (rose-infused watermelon, salt and pepper calamari and Northern Territory crocodile salad with seasoned feta and pepperberry aioli, anyone?) and even indulge in cocktails with added zing (perhaps a Lemon Myrtle Caprioska: vodka, lemon myrtle leaf, lime, lemonade and soda water). But the award-winning culinary staff’s curated five-course degustation menu, named by Queensland Uncovered as one of the Top 7 fine dining experiences in 2019, is where it excels in bringing bush tucker to the fore. It includes: lemon myrtle and aniseedpickled crocodile, grilled oyster mushroom, fish sauce, lime and pepper berry aioli; thyme-rubbed duck breast with kipfler potatoes in a melange of wild lime, lilly pilly salsa, coriander, wattle seed, tamarind and native honey glaze; medium-rare seared kangaroo loin, on a bed of roasted sweet potato, asparagus, apple mustard cream and rosella-raspberry caramalised onions; paperbark-wrapped barramundi with macadamia nuts and lemon myrtle, served with a crisp side salad,

tomato, lemon aspen, wild lime and munthari berry salsa; and Queensland mango and coconut panna cotta with lychees and petite salad of Maryborough gold pineapple. The five senses are tantalised further at the Bush Tucker Talk and Taste. Laid before each guest is a “clock-face platter” of bright colours and varying textures with dipping sauces and leaves in the middle. We first scrunch up a lemon myrtle leaf, which ranger Cassie Duncan says is good for sore throats with its anti-bacterial properties and lemony smell or can be used as an insect repellent with its 3 per cent citronella component. Chef Mark Samson adds that the leaf can be dehydrated and crushed with a mortar and pestle to create lemon myrtle-infused oil. A smaller leaf of the cinnamon myrtle can be used like lemongrass for flavouring, put into tea to settle stomachs, rubbed on sore joints to numb pain or chewed as a natural anaesthetic for toothache. The Bauple nut, more widely known as the Queensland nut and macadamia, is already popularly used in ice cream and cakes but Mark also uses it for

crumbing meats. Its shell was used to make jewellery and its oil to preserve body paint. The bunya nut is a long, white, moist nut found inside a much larger oval kernel. Mark says its texture and flavour are very different to macadamias and it is used in the kitchen to create creamier sauces without affecting delicate flavours. A bunya nut and macadamia pesto is a scrumptious addition to the succulent barbecued croc tails he serves up. Mark admits that crocs, like humans, are what they eat and as the 13 croc farms in Australia serve them chicken carcasses, the crocs do taste like chicken. Next up, the pepperberry – that looks like a tiny blueberry but with more antioxidants – starts off sweet on the palate but ends with a distinctly hot kick. Mark dehydrates the berry and uses it as a peppercorn substitute, mixed with salt for a seasoning. But beware: one teaspoon of the dehydrated pepperberry in a large takeaway food container of salt adds plenty of “lift”. Cassie calls the lemon aspen “nature’s Powerade”. Its bitter taste makes it more flavoursome than regular lemon juice on fish, for example, and was

carried in dilly bags by the Aborigines because it was good for salivation and was much lighter than water. Mark likes to add the lemon aspen to sweet pickle to balance the flavour. Finger limes’ “pink pearl” seeds are like a citrus caviar and ideal with fresh seafood. The desert or bush lime, however, looks like a small sweet grape but is bitter to taste and much better when made into marmalade. Bush tomatoes are toxic if eaten straight off the tree but the Butchulla people watched how mammals waited for the fruit to fall and shrivel into raisins before eating them. With the red quandong, Aborigines would strip the flesh from the large seed using a bone or large rock to savour the sour, fruity, salty taste that Mark says goes well with goose, duck, kangaroo and emu and can be thrown in raw in a salad. Native rosellas are like native hibiscus flowers – very sweet but great for making into a glaze to pair with barbecued emu breast, as we discover. The small pink creek lilly pilly is often made into jam, a sauce for fish dishes, or added to salads. But a discerning wine connoisseur can pick up a bottle of creek lilly pilly wine for about

$1500. The seasonal munthary berry also can be used in salads or desserts. And wattleseed can be made into a powder and toasted for a coffee/ mocha or even burnt toast smell and taste, which can be mixed into bread, pasta and tiramisu (Seabelle Restaurant also makes it into ice cream). On the resort’s Bush Tucker Walk, ranger Tess Schreck is a wealth of knowledge of Aboriginal ingenuity in food, medicine and bush “technology”. We learn such tidbits as: the piccabeen or bangalow palm fruit can be eaten raw once it turns red/orange and that the sweet and herbal-tasting white berries of the midyim bush are a snack that can be picked and eaten straight off the bush. The bush tucker education we receive on Fraser island shows the Aborigines certainly knew a thing or two about sustainability, self-sufficiency and understanding how to make use of what they had growing in their own backyard. But above all, they undeniably were Australia’s first “masterchefs”. *The writer was a guest of the Kingfisher Bay Resort Group. info: kingfisherbay.com.

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2019

Terrific Tassie delights Plan ahead and you’re assured of a great holiday

THERE is plenty to see and do across the pristine Tasmania island and new accommodation offerings to choose from.

STORYTELLING GUEST HOUSE

At the base of the Nut, the Ship Inn Stanley on Tasmania’s northwest coast has been reimagined as a storytelling guest house. It was built in 1849 by the grandfather of Australia’s only Tasmanian-born prime minister, Sir Joseph Lyons. The new owners have restored the inn offering seven suites, uniquely crafted with original artwork and artefacts, bespoke joinery and custom fittings. There is also a yoga studio and gym in the old stables and each stay includes a complimentary continental breakfast. Info: www.shipinn stanley.com.au.

ARCHITECTURAL BEACH-FRONT LUXE

The Low Head Beach House is a minimalist, contemporary house that sits in the sand dunes of Lagoon Beach, 40 minutes north of Launceston. Each of the three king bedrooms has its own ensuite, making it ideal for three couples or friends. The open-plan living area is spacious with large floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic views of Lagoon Beach and historic Low Head Pilot Station, Cafe and Museum. Local art adorns the walls and the stringybark dining table sits like a work of art in itself, in the centre of the room seating up to 10. The fridge is stocked

HISTORIC HOME: Raffah House has the largest collection of sandstone buildings in Australia. Photo: Contributed with basics and guests can pre-order produce, local seafood, Tamar Valley wine or a private chef experience. It’s also a great base for golfers, with Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm golf links courses a 45-minute drive away. Info: wwwlowheadbeach house.com.au.

HERITAGE ACCOMMODATION

RAFFAH House is a historic home in Oatlands, one of Tasmania’s oldest settlements. It has the largest collection of sandstone buildings in Australia. Original stonework is featured in the home and blends with furniture sourced from Tasmania and abroad, such as the vintage French dining table that seats 10. The brand-new kitchen is fully equipped and leads into the cosy sitting

TASMANIAN Expeditions Self-Guided Cycle east coast highlights tour is a six-day exploration of the region. It will suit independent travellers who enjoy having all the logistics taken care of. The adventure begins on the coastline near Bicheno, exploring the small fishing villages in the area. The route then winds past vineyards, cheesemakers and berry farms toward Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay. The tour concludes on Maria Island where guests can cycle or walk the island. Cost is $1195 per person twin share and includes all transfers, four nights cabin style accommodation and one-night camping on Maria Island, bike hire. route maps and National Park passes. Info: tasmanian expeditions.com.au.

room complete with an open fire. Info: www.raffahhouse. com.au.

LUXURY APARTMENT

Novo Luxury Apartment is a newly renovated three-bedroom apartment in Penguin on Tasmania’s northwest coast. It’s in a circa 1912 heritage-listed property, directly opposite Penguin Beach and the town’s foreshore area. The interior features exposed brick walls, contemporary artwork, natural timbers and luxe soft furnishings. The modern kitchen and living areas open out onto a large entertaining area with spectacular 180-degree views of Bass Strait, perfect for watching the sun rise and set from the timber daybed. Info: www.novoluxury apartment.com.au.

Southern Aurora 2020

Free Upgrade and Beverage Packages* Welcome to our new heritage rail adventure from Sydney to Hobart and Melbourne return, including a 4 night cruise onboard the delightful Explorer Dream - history, relaxation and incredible experiences. February 2020 - 8 day package From $2,990 pp twin

World Cruise 2020

Sea Princess - an adventure of a lifetime! Sail to cities including Tokyo, San Francisco and London. Enjoy unique experiences like the Suez and Panama Canals, Norwegian fjords and majestic glaciers in Alaska. Do it all or by sector - the choice is yours! May 2020 - 19 to 106 nights From $4,199 pp twin

The Novo Luxury Apartments.

SELF-GUIDED BIKE TOUR

British Isles Rail & Sail 2020

Last seats remaining - embark on a unique journey From London you’ll travel by steam through some of England’s most unspoilt countryside before embarking on 12 night cruise onboard Regal Princess. Ask about our Business Class upgrades. May 2020 - 26 night package From $13,990 pp twin

Subantarctic Expedition 2021

Explore the ‘Galapagos of the Southern Ocean’ onboard Ponant Discover the wild and untouched beauty of the Subantarctic islands of Australia and New Zealand. Be captivated by incredible landscapes, unique wildlife and experienced guides - a journey of a lifetime. February 2021 - 14 night cruise From $13,490 pp twin

Suite 2/26 -30 Karalta Road, ERINA T: (02) 4312 5160 www.cruiseexpress.com.au Photo: Aaron Jones

OCTOBER, 2019// SENIORS

Secrets to fine fast food

REALISE YOUR TRAVEL DREAMS

BRAND INSIGHTS STREAM Dreams... For more than 15 years, The Cathedrals Express steam train has been taking passengers on day trips to beautiful cathedral cities in the UK including Salisbury, Bath, Canterbury and York. As soon as they board the train, passengers travelling in the Premier Dining or Pullman Style Dining classes are treated to a full English breakfast and a glass of champagne, with a four- or five-course meal on the return journey. All meals are cooked on the train in a renovated 1960s kitchen car. Serving up to five courses to almost 250 diners, The Cathedrals Express kitchen was specifically designed for Steam Dreams by a Michelin starred chef, bringing it up to date with modern restaurant requirements within the confines of an elegant vintage carriage. The modernisation was completed in June 2013 and the Head Chef, Tony Keene, is delighted with

SPOILT FOR CHOICE: Tickets for Steam Dreams tours are available in four different classes, ranging from Premium Standard through to the top class of Pullman Style Dining. the result. “Since our kitchen car entered service, the modern bespoke facilities have enabled us to raise our food offering to a whole new level,” he said. “The new space allows food to be cooked and presented as close to modern restaurant-style as possible, with all dishes plated and finished off at the last minute. “On most of our day trips, we serve over 200 diners across our Pullman and Premier Dining

coaches as well as 30 members of staff. “All meals are prepared on board, so preparing and serving this number of meals whilst moving at high speeds and often working to very tight deadlines can be very challenging. “Unlike any other kitchens I have worked in, we don’t have unlimited supplies, with finite amounts of cooking gas, water and electricity but the new on-board facilities have made a huge difference.

“The extensive new storage and preparation space has enabled us to develop our dishes to offer a modern British menu with a nod to the glory days of the British Pullman cars.” Tickets for Steam Dreams tours are available in four different classes, ranging from Premium Standard through to the top class of Pullman Style Dining. Passengers travelling in Pullman Style will enjoy a two-course champagne breakfast on the outward

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Passengers travelling in Pullman Style will enjoy a two-course champagne breakfast journey and a five-course dinner on the return, while those opting for Premium

Tickets for Steam Dreams tours are available in four different classes, ranging from Premium Standard through to the top class of Pullman Style Dining. Passengers travelling in Pullman Style will enjoy a two-course champagne breakfast on the outward journey and a five-course dinner on the return.

Standard will be seated at tables of four in open carriages and served with complimentary tea and coffee at their seats. For further information on travelling to the UK on board any Steam Dreams journey call: Cruise Express on 1300 766 537 or go to cruiseexpress.com.au.

Brisbane Waters Private Hospital

Laser Haemorrhoidectomy procedure Dr Adrian Burke GENERAL SURGEON

Dr Burke is the only surgeon in Australia accredited to use the carbon dioxide laser to treat haemorrhoids. This operation is very effective and virtually pain free, unlike conventional haemorrhoidectomy. Dr Burke has relocated his carbon dioxide laser to Brisbane Waters Private Hospital.

Laser Surgery

Traditional Surgery

7 7 7

Only local anaesthetic and light sedation required

3 3 3

Virtually painless procedure

Provides long term cure in 97% of patients

Day only surgery (3-5 hour hospital stay)

Minimal pain relief (Paracetamol or Ibuprofen)

General anaesthetic 3-4 day hospital stay Notoriously painful procedure Pain relief usually morphine

For all referrals to Dr Burke please contact his consulting rooms on T: 02 4362 1444 F: 02 4362 1488 21 Vidler Avenue Woy Woy NSW 2256 Phone: 02 4341 9522

www.brisbanewatersprivate.com.au 7080388aa

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2019

MONEY

RetiRement is no time to go on automatic pilot

There is a tendency, once people retire, and have their lump sum invested or an annuity in place, to think that they won’t really need professional financial advice. What we can tell you from experience, is that the exact opposite is true. We find that we actually spend much more time looking after the needs of our retired clients than we do those who are yet to retire. There are many reasons for this. Here are the big ones: • Centrelink, be careful not to compromising your entitlements or losing them altogether. • Market Volatility, when markets get the wobbles • Family finance issues, adult children who need help • Inheritance issues, receiving an inheritance • The premature death of your partner • Getting sorted financially for long trips away • Estate Planning, helps to have an expert adviser, an objective third party, • Aged Care, a highly complex area that can seem daunting to most people Conclusion – retirement is definitely no time to be going it alone.

Working with the low rates

IT’S a sign of the remarkable times we live in that banks are offering home loans with negative interest rates. But in today’s low rate world it pays for investors to take a balanced approach. I was intrigued to read that Jyske Bank, Denmark’s third largest bank, is offering negative home loan rates. My Danish is not up to scratch so I can’t share the finer points of the deal. However, the main point is that Jyske Bank has a 10-year fixed rate loan with an interest rate of -0.5 per cent. How a lender can make money on negative rate loans is a story for another day. Nonetheless, it highlights that very low rates are a feature right across developed economies, and it’s something investors need to navigate. A growing number of InvestSMART clients have been in touch asking me what to do with term deposits that are approaching maturity. Understandably, many are far from excited about rolling their money into another fixed interest

account paying just 2 per cent interest. The big concern though is that a number of these investors are thinking about switching all their cash over to shares in the hope of earning high dividend yields and decent capital growth. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of shares. But suddenly going all out from cash to shares means jumping from one end of the investment spectrum to the other. Yes, shares have the potential to earn higher long term returns. But they also carry a lot more risk than term deposits. We saw that recently when the local share market reached new highs in July, only to dip by 4.5 per cent in August. That’s why it makes more sense to aim for something of a middle ground. This typically means a balanced portfolio, which blends defensive assets such as cash and fixed income, with growth assets including Australian and international shares. The beauty of a balanced portfolio is that you get the reliable,

predictable income of cash and fixed interest, combined with the long term capital growth potential and tax-friendly dividends of equities and other asset classes like infrastructure. And it can be done without completely diving into the deep end. You can choose to build this type of portfolio yourself. Or opt for ready-made portfolios offered by the likes of InvestSMART. Whichever option you run with, having exposure to a broad spread of investments is important. In these uncertain times, a diversified portfolio shelters your wealth from significant dips in any one market. Sure, a balanced portfolio is not a like-for-like to term deposits but it’s a better alternative than 100 per cent equities unless you’re prepared to wear a marked increase in risk.

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

Worried about the proposed changes and the “noise” in the media? Concerned about your pension going forward? Need to protect your family? Your first appointment is free, so take control, ask for professional advice!

Our Financial Planning Services include; ✔ Life Insurances ✔ Superannuation ✔ Aged Care Planning ✔ Investments ✔ Retirement Planning ✔ Wealth Management

Lake Macquarie 02 4973 4699 www.rimorisset.com.au Email: admin@chasefinancial.com.au * Glenda Chase and Nick Arkoudis are Authorised Representatives of

RI Advice Group Pty Ltd ABN 23 001 774 125 AFSL 238429

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MONEY ADVICE: Aim for finding a middle investment ground in the current economic situation. Photo: katleho Seisa

The information contained within, including taxation, does not consider your personal circumstances and is of a general nature only.You should not act on it without first obtaining professional financial advice specific to your circumstances and reading any product disclosure statements. RI Advice Group Pty Ltd ABN 23 001 774 125, AFSL 238429.

ENTERTAINMENT

OCTOBER, 2019// SENIORS

MUSICAL LEGENDS: Johnny Edwards channels Dean Martin and Robbie Howard embodies Frank Sinatra in The Way We Were on December 5 at The Art House Wyong.

Crooning at the Art House BRAND INSIGHTS

SHARON Owens, Robbie Howard and Johnny Edwards perform as three of Las Vegas’s biggest stars in The Way We Were – Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. This amazing trip down

memory lane promises to relive the music and the times of three of the greatest and most memorable artists of the twentieth century. Sharon Owens delivers the Streisand hits with the heartfelt sincerity and note perfect accuracy that

is deserving of this great artist. She will take the audience on a Barbra Streisand journey that all fans will relate to, from the early hits and movies including Funny Girl and Woman In Love through to the 70s era and beyond.

Robbie Howard embodies Frank Sinatra at his musical best, with all the big band hits including Come Fly with Me, New York New York and You Make Me Feel So Young. Johnny Edwards channels Dean Martin at his relaxed best, crooning

ROY ORTUSO PRESENTS / DIRECT FROM THE USA

his way through his biggest hits including Everybody Loves Somebody, That’s Amore and Memories Are Made Of This. Boasting the music, the hits, the comedy and the memories, The Way We Were is an incredible

nostalgic experience not to be missed. Date: December 5. Cost: Adults $65 and Concession $55. To book online, go to thearthouse wyong.com.au or phone 02 4335 1485.

Wednesday 27 November WESTS NEW LAMBTON westsnewcastle.com.au

Thursday 5 December THE ART HOUSE, WYONG thearthousewyong.com.au

Robbie Howard AS FRANK SINATRA

Sharon Owens

AS BARBRA STREISAND ABSTRACTENTERTAINMENT.NET

Johnny Edwards AS DEAN MARTIN

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

Bee Gees show for one night only THE Bee Gees have sold more than 220 million records worldwide, making them one of the world’s best-selling music artists of all time. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and are a household name. One Night Only is an authentic tribute, with every attention to detail musically and visually. This production displays all the energy, humour and vocal brilliance for which the

Bee Gees were renowned. With fine vocals and three-part harmonies, you will be treated to songs such as You Should be Dancing, Night Fever, To Love Somebody, Lonely Days, More Than a Woman, How Deep is Your Love and many more. “My parents played Bee Gees songs as I was growing up and I continued this legacy forming and playing a Bee Gees show,” Andy Sutton, who is Barry Gibb in the show, said.

PROUDLY PRESENTED BY CENTR AL COAST COUNCIL

“The audience response to our show if fantastic as they sing along to every song.” One Night Only is a great night out featuring hit after hit. One Night Only – The Bee Gees Show is a celebration of the music of the Bee Gees. At The Arthouse Wyong on Friday, November 22. Go to www.thearthouse wyong.com.au or phone 02 4335 1385.

A homage concert to Pink Floyd CCENTERTAINMENT will deliver the hugely popular, 17th annual, The Great Gig In The Sky celebration of Pink Floyd in October 2019. Sold out at venues around NSW since 2003, this journey through the timeless and evocative Pink Floyd masterpiece albums The Dark Side Of The Moon, The Wall and Wish You Were Here is unmissable. With a reputation for authenticity, virtuosity and stunning interpretations this concert is a must-see for Floyd fans old and new. Guest vocalists Hugh

Wilson (Lenny Kravitz Band), Frank Lakoudis (Bad Moon Born / The Voice), Spencer Jones (The Voice) Jessica Madden and Taya Chani. Led by creative director Joseph Calderazzo (Jenny Morris Band) the superb eight-piece band includes Cameron Henderson (Middle Kids), Ian Tilley (Boom Crash Opera), Amy Nelson, Paul Najar (Wa wa nee) Bennet Livingston (Lillye) and Claudine Field. “Rock tribute shows don’t get any better.” — Glenn A. Baker “As time goes ‘ticking away the moments that

make up a dull day’ and as Floyd gets ‘shorter of breath and one day closer to death’ the live music experience from our contemporary rock classics will come via people like Joseph Calderazzo. — Paul Cashmere, Noise11 Catch them at The Art House Wyong on Saturday, November 2. Tickets available online, go to thearthouse wyong.com.au, phone 02 4335 1385 or go to thegreatgiginthesky.net.

TEN DAYS

TEN EVENT HUBS

OVER TWENTY FREE EVENTS LIGHT UP THE L AKE • SPL ASH AND DASH B U D G E W O I F E S T I VA L PLUS MUCH MORE

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/thelakesfestival

MA JOR SPO NSO R

SPONS ORS

PRESENT ED BY

The Arthouse Wyong Friday Nov 22 Tickets available from http://www.thearthousewyong.com.au or phone 4335 1385

• Tickets Adults $50 • Concession & Students $45 • Child 12 and under $25 7076282ab

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OCTOBER, 2019// SENIORS

Wellbeing

Implants and cancer

Doctor outlines what you need to know about implants when it comes to risk, mamograms IN LIGHT of the recent news about the potential link between cancer and breast implants, Seniors News asked Queensland breast physician Dr Deborah Pfeiffer to explain the facts. What are breast implants? THEY are synthetic medical devices that are surgically placed to increase the size, shape or fullness of the breast for cosmetic reasons, or to replace breast tissue that has been surgically removed for treatment or prevention of breast cancer by partial or total mastectomy. Older implants, also called breast prostheses, are silicone pouches filled with either saline or liquid silicone. Most recent implants are made of solid silicone gel within a silicone shell. The outer shell may be smooth or textured, depending upon the manufacturer. Breast implants and cancer IT’S important to know there is no association between having breast implants and subsequent breast cancer. Women with implants have the same risk of developing breast cancer as those without, apart from those who have implants following total mastectomy. The lifetime risk of breast cancer for most women is about one in eight for women living to age 85. Recently it has been recognised that there is a rare type of non-breast cancer called anaplastic

BREAST HEALTH: Learn the facts about the link between cancer and implants. large cell lymphoma that is associated with only some types of textured implants. The risk of developing ALCL with implants is estimated at one in 1000 to one in 10,000 women who have those implants. Women with breast implants require regular breast screening and clinical breast examination, but the method of screening may differ from women without implants. Conventional two-dimensional screening mammography may be less effective with implants in place and some women require supplemental screening with 3D mammography, ultrasound, and/or MRI. Women who develop breast cancer with breast implants in place may or may not require removal

of the implant on the affected side, depending on the size and location of the cancer and the condition of the implant. If the implant is removed, it may be replaced with a new implant, usually on

symptoms or problems don’t need to worry. All women, with and without implants, should be breast-aware and regularly self-examine for any changes. A screening mammogram should be

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Women with breast implants require regular breast screening. completion of the treatment for the cancer. Women who develop the rare form of implant-associated lymphoma must have both implants removed and not replaced. Do I need to do anything? MOST women with breast implants that aren’t causing them any

performed every two years at least to age 75 and women should inquire about the state of their implants on mammography. Unfortunately, this information is not routinely provided in the BreastScreen Australia program and women may need to ask about this at

Photo: artpipi

the time of booking their mammogram. Women who have any concerns about their breasts or implants should consult their GP who will recommend appropriate imaging and referral to a breast specialist if indicated. Many women may have a small amount of silicone leakage from one or both implants that may not cause any concern. However, any new lump or swelling, pain, or rash in the breast or armpit, should be fully investigated. If you have breast implants with no symptoms but would like them removed, there may be a Medicare benefit for this procedure, depending upon the type of implant. Medicare benefits are payable for the investigation and treatment of non-cosmetic

implant problems. Cosmetic problems alone are not rebatable. Before making a decision IF YOU are considering breast implants for cosmetic reasons, it’s important that you be fully informed of the relative risks and financial costs of having the procedure and of the type of implant that your surgeon recommends. You need to be aware of the possible complications over time, and of the additional breast cancer screening that may be required. In summary, if you currently have or are contemplating having breast implants, ensure you talk with your GP and a check on your breasts before you make any decisions. Go to tga.gov.au/hubs /breast-implants

The best way to dispose of unwanted medications Tracey Johnstone YOU don’t need to toss old medications down the toilet or in the rubbish bin as there is a much better alternative. Pharmacist Kerry Teed says you should take them to a pharmacy. There the staff will strip them of their identity and ready them for collection and safe disposal by the Return Unwanted

Medicines program. It’s a small thing to do, but it’s safe, free and will help the environment. If a widower finds medicines belonging to someone else in their home, Mrs Teed advises: “you should never use someone else’s medications unless the doctor has specifically prescribed that same medication and that same dose”. So, when cleaning up

the house, any medications left behind should be taken to a pharmacy. Expiry dates The expiry date will be on a box or bottle or embossed on the blisters. “Always check the expiry dates,” Mrs Teed says. “Don’t use them beyond the expiry dates.” If it’s out of date, take it to the pharmacy for disposal.

“Beyond the expiry date you can’t be sure of the efficacy,” Mrs Teed says. Storage Keep your medications stored as recommended by the manufacturer. Read the details of use and storage on the box and on the information inside or ask your pharmacist. Store them below 25 degrees except those that need refrigeration. Storing your

medications in the bathroom may not be a good choice as they may be affected by the humidity in there. “A cool, dry place is best,” Mrs Teed recommends. If a medication has sat in the cupboard for a while and is still in date, it can be used. But, if the condition you are treating doesn’t respond to the medication then you need to talk to

your GP or pharmacist. You also need to consider that if you have started other medications during that time, then there may be interactions between the new and old medications. In this situation, it is particularly important to consult your GP or pharmacist before taking any medications. For more information, go to returnmed.com.au.

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2019

WELLBEING

A multilingual nun’s story

Could speaking multiple languages be the key to warding off dementia? A STRONG ability in languages may help reduce the risk of developing dementia, says a new University of Waterloo study. The research, led by Suzanne Tyas, a public health professor at Waterloo, examined the health outcomes of 325 Roman Catholic nuns who were members of the Sisters of Notre Dame in the USA. The data was drawn from a larger, internationally recognised study examining the Sisters, known as the Nun Study. The researchers found that six per cent of the nuns who spoke four or more languages developed dementia, compared to 31 per cent of those who only spoke one. However, knowing two or three languages did not significantly reduce the risk in this study, which differs from some previous research. “The Nun Study is unique,” Ms Tyas said. “It’s a natural

experiment, with very different lives in childhood and adolescence before entering the convent, contrasted with very similar adult lives in the convent. “This gives us the ability to look at early-life factors on health later in life without worrying about all the other factors, such as socioeconomic status and genetics, which usually vary from person to person during adulthood and can weaken other studies. “Language is a complex ability of the human brain, and switching between different languages takes cognitive flexibility. “So it makes sense that the extra mental exercise multilinguals would get from speaking four or more languages might help their brains be in better shape than monolinguals.” The researchers also examined 106 samples of the nuns’ written work and compared it to the broader findings.

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Language is a complex ability of the human brain, and switching between different languages takes cognitive flexibility

TALK THE TALK: Researchers found from a study of nuns tested whether multilingualism may be important in combating dementia. Photo: Mads land-Petersen They found that written linguistic ability affected whether the individuals were at greater risk of developing dementia. For example, idea density – the number of ideas expressed

succinctly in written work – helped reduce the risk even more than multilingualism. “This study shows that while multilingualism may be important, we should also be looking further

into other examples of linguistic ability,” Ms Tyas said. “In addition, we need to know more about multilingualism and what aspects are important, such as the age when a

language is first learned, how often each language is spoken, and how similar or different these languages are. “This knowledge can guide strategies to promote multilingualism and other linguistic training to reduce the risk of developing dementia.” The study, Multilingualism and Dementia Risk: Longitudinal Analysis of the Nun Study, was published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Role of male carers GREG Smith, founder of Men Care Too, takes the lid off some of the health issues that affect the 1.1 million men around Australia who provide unpaid care or support to someone with an illness or disability. His organisation (mencaretoo.org) supports the carers through newsletters, social events and online resources. Healthy Male (healthymale.org.au) supports this small but extremely important organisation by providing resources and information. A lot of carers don’t see themselves as carers. “ I’ve been in a caring role for 20 years, but I only recognised myself as a carer around 10 years ago, he said. There can be a bit of stigma for men and they typically don’t know what services or supports are around.” Greg said another big issue is not knowing how to talk about the caring

MALE CARERS: Often men are so focused on caring for their loved one that they put their own needs to the side. role with mates. A lot of carers with a partner or child with a disability or illness need to keep working to keep their income coming in. Say a guy is in the construction industry and he has an autistic child, it can be hard to talk about some of the challenges he faces. He might not have the right words or the

conﬁdence to say what he needs to say. “Often you are so focused on caring for your loved one that you put your own needs to the side. Many times you lose connections with your community. At Men Care Too, we organise social occasions for carers and former carers so that they can meet others who are

in the same situation. We get the message out about our activities by connecting with the Australian Men’s Shed Association and other organisations that help promote the work we do. Men Care Too helps men on the central coast of NSW, but the issues are the same for men across Australia. As carers, we

need more opportunities for social connection and we need more information about how to look after our own health. Service providers and healthcare professionals need to think outside the box when it comes to engaging with men and carers. It might be that they provide clinics outside of working hours,

Photo: Moyo Studio

or offer quick basic health checks in workplaces, at sporting events and at hardware stores. Many carers might not make an appointment to see their GP during working hours. Services need to gauge where men are at and provide more male-friendly services. Info: healthymale.org.au.

OCTOBER, 2019// SENIORS

Caring for clients is our top priority

Living

★ Meet a local carer

LOVE AND CARE: Maree Sharp is the aged care client co-ordinator at Relative Care.

Maree, we hear you have some big news. Yes, we are moving to Level 1/41 Brisbane Water Drive, Point Claire. It’s a new and ideal office set-up that will comfortably house our ever-growing team which currently stands at 60 casual workers and nine office staff. Point Claire is only 10 minutes from our current location and five minutes from Gosford. The new office will provide easy access to our clients with wheelchair access being installed. Describe your position at Relative Care. I am the aged care client co-ordinator. I make arrangements to visit

potential clients at a place of their choice. I discuss each individual’s needs and arrange an assessment. Once funding is approved, I take pride in matching the right worker to the client. I am vigilant when it comes to keeping an eye on our recipients to ensure they are receiving quality relative care. Tell us about your home care packages. Our home care services suit people living at home that perhaps have no family available to assist and need transport to medical, social and shopping outings, assistance with showering, food prep and after-hospital care.

We will do everything for the client that needs to be done including respite for the carer and registered nurses are available for wound care. We go above and beyond to keep a person happy and healthy in their own home. What do you love about your job? Firstly, I love the fact that we have 35 happy clients. Secondly, our working environment is great. It’s very caring and the directors, Denise and David, lead by example whilst putting the care of our clients first. Phone 02 4339 7446 if you would like to join our “family”.

Federal Government invests in medical cannabis research THE Morrison Government is investing $3 million from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) to examine the benefits of medicinal cannabis for pain, symptom and side effect management for cancer patients. Since her own battle, Ms Olivia Newton-John has been an advocate for breast cancer awareness and research, and through her personal experience and ongoing efforts has helped shine a light on the benefits associated with medicinal cannabis. An open and contestable grant opportunity will fund research, that will provide further evidence into an area of increasing interest in Australia and globally. The Government is committed to ensuring a safe, quality supply of medicinal cannabis to Australian patients, but only when it is prescribed by a medical professional. Overall more than 11,000 patients are estimated to have been approved to access medicinal cannabis products — with the majority approved this year. There have only been a limited number of well-designed clinical studies on medicinal

FUNDING: Further research into medicinal effects of cannabis will be undertaken with Government investment.

Photo: FatCamera

cannabis, and there is a need to increase the evidence base to support medical professionals to make their decisions. Given the increase in prescribed medicinal cannabis, the Government has supported the nation’s medicinal cannabis industry, and cut red tape, to help meet

demand. The first licence for an Australian company to grow and harvest medicinal cannabis was granted in March 2017, and is now up to 78 licences. ■ Government overview of medicinal cannabis and the SAS (Special Access Scheme)

The TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) has a responsibility to encourage the use of medicines that are included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), as these products have been evaluated to ensure they meet strict standards of safety, quality and

effectiveness. For this reason, it is expected that medical practitioners (prescribers) will have considered all clinically appropriate treatment options that are included in the ARTG before applying to access an unapproved medicinal cannabis product under the SAS.

Where products in the ARTG are found to not be clinically suitable, the SAS provides a pathway for prescribers to access unapproved products for individual patients on a case-by-case basis. It is important to note that the TGA does not vouch for the quality, safety and effectiveness of unapproved products accessed through SAS and the prescriber and patient (via informed consent) accept responsibility for any adverse consequences of treatment. It is the responsibility of the prescriber making the application to specify for which indication they are intending to use the unapproved medicinal cannabis product. To date, the TGA has approved SAS applications including, but not limited to, the following indications: chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, refractory paediatric epilepsy, palliative care indications, cancer pain, neuropathic pain, spasticity from neurological conditions, anorexia. Further Information is available online, go to tga.gov.au/ access-medicinal -cannabis-products-1.

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2019

LIVING

New voice on the blog

Seniors have taken to social media to have their say Gail Forrer IF YOU want to widen your world, stretch your thinking and perhaps pick up a tip or two from like-minded folk, then check out the world wide web’s blogs and Instagram. The word blog is short for web-log which is an online journal or newsletter that is updated regularly and is posted on a website for people to read. Primarily blogs focus on sharing information with photos as an additional item. Instagram focuses on photos/pictures with words as a secondary offering. Blog sites and Instagram accounts are not places to make friends (yes, perhaps acquaintances), rather they are like a book with a page being written daily and put out for you to read. The author is there to talk to you about their own experiences, observations, opinions and maybe hand out a list of practical hints. After the blogs articles/posts, there is usually a place for readers to reply. These days hundreds (if not thousands) of seniors are revealing and sharing their lives in social media. They cover all sorts of topics from humour to finance and fashion together with caregiving. ■ IRIS Apfelt, a

BLOGGING STORIES: Be yourself and attract like-minded people. 98-year-old New Yorker, was among the first older women to be introduced to the world stage through electronic media. The respected interior designer, discovered by a famous street photographer, has been embraced by a global audience (she has 1.3 million Instagram followers and counting) for her colourful, wild, individual, I-dress-how-I-want, not how-you-tell-me style. Her in-your-face dressing exemplifies a dynamic visibility. Additionally, it reveals a bridging of the digital divide by a woman born in an era long before the development of electronic mediums. (Instagram: /www.instagram.com › iris) On the other hand America’s Pat Taub, creator and author of the

WOW (women of wisdom) blog, appears to challenge the effects of older women’s fashion Instagram accounts. Writing about the purpose of her blog, Taub says: “I want to fill a gap in the blogosphere for blogs addressed to women past 60, bucking the current trend where blogs for older women consist largely of fashion and beauty tips, as if successful ageing depended on looking young! “I refuse to buy into our culture’s demeaning prescription for how to age as a woman.” In her August 2019 blog post, Don’t let your thinking block you in, she speaks frankly: “Ageing can be so challenging for the older woman that it’s a wonder any of us enjoy a happy old age, but it’s within

reach provided we adjust our mindset. We all can benefit from strategies to overcome the cultural negatives. (Women’s older wisdom: wwblog.me) Jane Giddan and Ellen Cole are two septuagenarians whose blog 70candles.com aims to pass on their experiences to upcoming 70-year-olds. The introduction to their blog 70candles.com describes the purpose of their blog: “We hope this exchange will be a source of inspiration for the next generation of seventy-year-olds. “Those baby boomers are hot on our heels, and want to know more about what lies ahead. Nobody gave us a guidebook or shared what this path might be like. “As we burn those seventy candles, we can help shed some light on

Photo: Deagreez

the trail for them.” (70candles.com). Lastly, I will mention elder-blogger, American 78-year-old Ronni Bennett and her blog timegoesby.com. In 2018, Bennett published an interview discussing the beginning and end of her professional working life. She said her career began in the 1960s when she produced a successful radio program. She went on to spend 25 years as a television network producer and/or writer. In 1996 she became the managing editor of the first CBS News website. “For three years I got to help invent the commercial internet, as small as my part was,” Bennett said. She followed up with similar positions at several other websites until, along with others,

she was laid off in 2004. “As my younger colleagues found new jobs within a few weeks, I could get only two interviews in an entire year. It became obvious that 20-something managers would not hire a woman in her 60s,” she said. Bennett attributes her anger about this to fuelling the creation of her blog. It also prompted her research into ageing and she found the media presenting a certain view, which she described as “three Ds – disease, decline and decay leading to a fourth, death.’’ Bennett’s blog, Time Goes By, what it’s really like to get old, has seen her become an elder activist encouraging, supporting and promoting older people by giving them a voice on her blog. timegoesby.net/ weblog/elderblogs .html ) BUT it’s not all about women. Here is a list of a few blogs that may interest you. Your best bet is to ‘do the google’ and find out what’s available to suit your interests. ■ MEN – hartofmanliness.com – greyfoxblog.com/ ■ FINANCE – squaredawayblog.bc. edu/ – theretirementcafe.com/ ■ TRAVEL – gypsynester.com/tag/ baby-boomers/ – seniornomads.com/ theroamingboomers.com/ ■ RETIREMENT – kathysretirementblog. com/ – organisedcastle.com/ 2019/07/25 /newly-retired/

The facts reveal that seniors are tech-savvy RESEARCH released in August by National Seniors Australia challenges the stereotype that seniors are being “left behind” by digital technology. Titled “Senior Surfers”, the online survey of more than 4500 members aged from over 50 to those in their 90s found: ■ 70 per cent use an internet search engine every day ■ 40 per cent use Facebook daily (including close to 20 per cent of those aged 80+) ■ 63 per cent don’t feel

technology is designed for younger generations ■ 68 per cent don’t feel frustrated using new technology. The survey categorised respondents into four groups based on their digital literacy. These are: ■ Super Surfers – people very comfortable using digital technology in their everyday lives – 31.4 per cent of respondents were rated in this category ■ Savvy Surfers – those very comfortable using digital services but not as frequently as “Super Surfers” – 41.6 per cent

of respondents were rated in this category ■ Sometimes Surfers – those using digital technology when necessary but are not always comfortable or proficient – 21.8 per cent were rated in this category ■ Seldom Surfers – they can use the internet and digital technology but rarely do – just 5.2 per cent were rated in this category. National Seniors chief executive Professor John McCallum said the Super Surfers were more likely to be women.

ONLINE WHIZZES: Contrary to popular belief, data reveals seniors have got the gist of computers. Photo: Silvia Jansen

GENERAL NEWS

OCTOBER, 2019// SENIORS

Courage for real peace

Theresa in Relay for Life Life keeps getting better WHEN Glengara Retirement Village resident Theresa Harris strides out in the annual Mingara Relay for Life this month, it will be the culmination of two years of fighting a rare muscle disease that will eventually rob her of the ability to walk. Thanks to a program devised by Glengara’s physiotherapist, Theresa, 69, will join more than 40 other residents of the Tumbi Umbi village taking part in the relay at the Mingara Athletics Track on October 19 to raise money for cancer research. She is taking part to honour the memory of her mother Anne, who died from an aggressive form of oesophageal cancer in 1990. Being able to participate in such an event is not something Theresa would have dared to dream of just two years ago. Heavily reliant on a disability scooter, a condition known as inclusion body myositis was attacking the muscles of her arms and legs, making walking extremely difficult and even dangerous. Although the disease will eventually prevent her from walking, she is now managing its progress and, like many people who move into a retirement village,

benefiting from the facilities and support available. “In 2017, I was in pretty bad shape,” Theresa said. “I was having difficulty walking and constantly falling over, which is unsafe whenever you are walking on concrete. “I was lucky enough to discover a villa for sale in Glengara Retirement Village especially designed for people with limited mobility. “Since I have been in the village, my life has improved dramatically.” After consulting with Glengara’s visiting physiotherapist, who designed a program of exercises to strengthen unaffected muscles, Theresa began daily swim sessions in the community’s 16m heated pool as well as regular workouts that could be done at the gym. Gradually rebuilding some of her strength, she now rarely needs to use the disability scooter or walker and only occasionally a cane for security. She has even rediscovered her love for lawn bowls, which she thought was lost to her – although she knows the disease will eventually prevent her from walking. Glengara Retirement Village manager Melissa Hamilton said Glengara featured a wealth of facilities and

ACTIVE: Glengara Retirement Village resident Theresa Harris. Photo: Contributed

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She has even rediscovered her love for lawn bowls. opportunities for residents to improve their health and well-being and connect with others. “At Glengara, we encourage all residents to live life to the full in a friendly, supportive environment, with many enjoying a renewed

sense of health,’’ Ms Hamilton said. “Our tailored programs and group activities are designed to get people active and Theresa’s progress is an inspiration within our community.’’ In addition, the finishing touches are being applied to

Glengara’s new care apartments. For more information on Glengara Care, phone 1800 955 070 or register at www. glenaracare.com.au. About RetireAustralia: Jointly owned by New Zealand Super Fund and Infratil, RetireAustralia is a leading owner, operator and developer of retirement villages in Australia, with 27 retirement villages.

THEOGENE Ngamije was just a small boy when a simple act of kindness by an Australian peacekeeper changed his life. Ngamije had been separated from his parents in a refugee camp in Rwanda in 1994 and thought his life was over. “No day was easy,” he said. “I was five to six years old and most of us were in a refugee camp in Kibeho. Bombings, shootings started happening ... I was scared, of course ... intimidated and hungry. “I was seated down, crying, not knowing where to go and ... an Australian soldier gave me an Australian national flag – the patch, the one that normally goes on their uniform – and gave me a piece of biscuit. “He lifted me up, put me on his shoulder and took me to safety where the other kids were. “He saved me and he gave me a different understanding of what soldiers do.” More than 20 years later, Ngamije is now a private in the Australian Army. He shares his story in The Courage for Peace exhibition, which opened at the Australian War Memorial on October 18. Curator Margaret Farmer said the exhibition told the story of what Australians did to make, shape and keep peace, with themes of courage, hope, partnership and shared humanity. “The Courage for Peace tells the story of Australia’s peacemakers, peacekeepers, disaster-relief workers and capacity builders, who work strategically, and courageously to avert tragedy and build peace,” Ms Farmer said.

Show of peace at War Memorial

FEATURED: Theogene Ngamije’s story is told.

THE Australian War Memorial’s latest special exhibition, The Courage for Peace, tells the stories of those who work to make, shape and keep peace for Australians and others around the globe. The exhibition opens publicly this month and focuses on Australian peacemakers, peacekeepers, disaster relief workers and capacity builders, showing how the contribute to peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region and further afield.

Included is the work done by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in diplomacy to prevent conflict. The Courage for Peace tells the stories of Australians serving in diverse roles around the world, from Somalia and Rwanda to Cambodia, East Timor, Bougainville and the Solomon Islands. The exhibition commemorates the service of these men and women, highlights the importance of their work and honours their

sacrifice. Memorial director Dr Brendan Nelson said the exhibition would put a renewed focus on the way Australia worked towards peace for itself and others. “It is the collective work of many, from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to community-based efforts, which has driven Australia’s ongoing commitment to building and maintaining peace around the globe,” he said.

“We are at our best when we work together to do everything we can to create and build peace. “The more we commit our energy towards peace, the less we suffer as a nation from the effects of war and conflict. “This exhibition tells stories of courageous Australians acting in the name of peace and humanity, working to avoid tragedy and to build peace.” The Courage for Peace is on display until late 2020.

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2019

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

8 9

10 11 12

13 14 15

17 18

ACROSS 1 What ﬁxed-wing aircraft is capable of landing and taking off vertically? (4,3) 4 What preparation of the leaves and ﬂowers of the hemp plant is much used in India? (5) 7 What is an informal Italian word for hello or goodbye? (4) 8 Which port in Mexico is the country’s largest? (8) 10 What were members of a radical faction of the Russian Social Democratic Party known as? (10) 12 Which port in Poland is the country’s largest? (6) 13 What is the French form of Peter? (6) 15 The court case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce features in which Dickens novel? (5,5) 18 What is the capital of the Canadian province of Manitoba? (8) 19 Which island off Java became part of Indonesia in 1945? (4) 20 What is the revolving arm of the distributor of an internal- combustion engine? (5) 21 Where was Sir Harry Secombe born? (7)

PUZZLES

DOWN 1 In the Old Testament, who is Esau’s twin brother? (5) 2 Who had a hit with his album Bat out of Hell? (4,4) 3 In a pack of cards, how many jacks’ eyes can be seen? (6) 4 What is ultraviolet radiation also called? (5,5) 5 What hairstyle is characterised by thick, bushy curls standing out from the head? (4) 6 There are 12 species of what slender type of antelope throughout Africa and Asia? (7) 9 Which Rupert Brooke sonnet begins: “If I should die, think only this of me...”? (3,7) 11 What was the former name of the Chinese theatre on Hollywood Boulevard? (8) 12 Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait led to which 1991 conﬂict? (4,3) 14 What are the gravel-voiced robots in TV’s Dr Who? (6) 16 Heaths and some heathers belong to which plant genus? (5) 17 What is a unit of speed for a ship or aircraft? (4)

5/10

SUDOKU

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

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

DOUBLECROSS 6

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

21 22

Down 2. Undecided (10) 3. Concludes (4) 4. Reparation, expiation (6) 5. Parody (4-2) 6. Club (8) 7. Permits (4) 11. Remarkable person or thing (10) 13. Downplay (8) 16. Backﬁre (6) 17. Excavating (6) 18. Place a bet on (4) 20. Prophet (4)

Across 1. Wall (4) 8. Assumed name (3,2,5) 9. Well thought-out (8) 10. Goes down (4) 12. Universe (6) 14. Favour (6) 15. Artilleryman (6) 17. Minor player, small-timer (6) 18. Smile radiantly (4) 19. Tin (8) 21. Sense of right and wrong (10) 22. Pealed (4)

5x5

ALPHAGRAMS: BAIRN, CABLED, DELIVER, ELEVATOR, FASCINATE. GK CROSSWORD Across: 1 Jump jet, 4 Bhang, 7 Ciao, 8 Veracruz, 10 Bolsheviks, 12 Gdansk, 13 Pierre, 15 Bleak House, 18 Winnipeg, 19 Bali, 20 Rotor, 21 Swansea. Down: 1 Jacob, 2 Meat Loaf, 3 Twelve, 4 Black light, 5 Afro, 6 Gazelle, 9 The Soldier, 11 Grauman’s, 12 Gulf War, 14 Daleks, 16 Erica, 17 Knot. QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 1. Dike 8. Nom de plume 9. Reasoned 10. Dips 12. Cosmos 14. Prefer 15. Gunner 17. Minnow 18. Beam 19. Canister 21. Conscience 22. Rang. Down: 2. Irresolute 3. Ends 4. Amends 5. Send-up 6. Bludgeon 7. Lets 11. Phenomenon 13. Minimise 16. Recoil 17. Mining 18. Back 20. Seer.

BRAIN BE CLAD REVILED TO REVEAL I CAN FEAST

5x5

C G

E E

E T

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.

A E

TODAY: Good 12 Very Good 14 Excellent 16

SOLUTION

E M

O A

SUDOKU

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.

among apogee game gape gene genome ghee gnome gone hang hogan homage mange mango mega MEGAPHONE omega page pang pong

S T A R S

P H

T E N E T

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word. No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb.

E N

C R E W S

WORD GO ROUND

A G R E E

DOUBLECROSS

F E A S T

SOLUTIONS

ALPHAGRAMS

CENTRAL COAST

OCTOBER, 2019// SENIORS