Central Coast, April-May 2019 by seniors

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APRIL, 2019// SENIORS

Our role as the elders

INDEX 3 News: Anzac Day reflections 4 Cover story: Dr Suzanne Packer 8 Talk n Thoughts 16 News: Back into business for seniors 20 What’s On 20 Community Group Guide 21 Wanderlust 29 Living 32 Wellbeing 36 Reviews 37 Money 39 Puzzles

21 Albany honours our Anzac history

32 Top tips to travel with older pets

Gail Forrer Seniors group editor THIS month our cover story features Senior Australian of the Year Dr Suzanne Packer. Our journalist Tracey Johnstone interviewed Dr Packer in her Canberra home and I believe the description of her backyard gives us a special insight into the philosophy that guides her work with children. Her acceptance speech also furthered understanding to what prompted her ongoing life’s work: “By the current measures our Australian children are not doing as well as they could – middle of the pack, certainly not leaders,” Dr Packer said. “If we want to improve, we adults are the ones who need to change. No more belated apologies, we need to notice children, be curious about their lives – be it our own children, children in the neighbourhood or the children on Nauru. “If our situation in Australia is to improve, then all of us must first learn to truly value all children irrespective of their circumstances, as full members of our society who are learning from all of us. “We are a small but wealthy nation and we already have a reputation for

punching above our weight, surely our children should be our first priority.” On a personal level, we as grandparents, relatives and friends also have a role to play in the development of young children and maybe, rather like Dr Packer, it could amount to having fun play corners, yards or just making some special time to share with these little people. But life is many layered and focusing on another dimension, in this edition, our double-page feature highlights a new wave of seniors going back to business. Through various programs and grants, the government is supporting people who are looking for fresh ways to live and make a living in 2019. We have several case studies, so have a read – perhaps it will inspire you. I trust you’ll enjoy the read.

General Manager Geoff Crockett – 0413 988 333 geoff.crockett@news.com.au Editor Gail Forrer – 1300 880 265 gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Sue Germany – 0408 286 539 sue.germany@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Central Coast Seniors”. The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in northern New South Wales and southeast Queensland. The Seniors newspaper stable includes Toowoomba, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern NSW, Coffs and Clarence and Central Coast publications. Published by News Corp Australia. Printed by News Corp Australia, Yandina. Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspapers are not necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endorsement by the owner/publisher.

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Anzac Day reflections Great benefit in sharing stories and experiences

Alison Houston

LEST WE FORGET: Wyong RSL sub-branch president Alan Stanford at the club's memorial on a previous Anzac Day. fought and died in wars or peacekeeping operations since. Alan joined the army in 1961 and served in Vietnam from 1967-68, including coming under heavy fire during the ferocious Tet Offensive in Saigon, generally accepted as a turning point in the war. “People who’ve never experienced service don’t understand just what it can be like,” Alan said, referring both to combat and training. And that’s quite separate from the added day-to-day pressures of regular deployment changes for you and possibly your family, with Alan experiencing 14 moves over 21 years of

service. He acknowledged that, like many, he didn’t like to talk about his combat experiences. “What we’ve seen for a lot of us has been horrific; particularly in the army, what you saw on the ground …,” he said. “Some sights stay with you forever.” Alan joined the RSL at Clovelly, in Sydney’s east, in 1963 and said that over the years, including his move to the Coast in 1999, it had given him comradeship, and a real sense of purpose. That includes mateship, caring for fellow ex-servicemen and women from all branches of the defence force, as well as helping those still

serving, including sending care packages overseas. “I know when we were in Vietnam we were always getting letters and parcels that we would divvy up among us, and it makes you feel you are there for a reason, less alienated for want of a better word,” he said. With Wyong sub-branch members now aged in their late 60s-70s on average, about six people passing away each year and others increasingly unable to make meetings due to health and medical issues, Alan said the sub-branch would welcome membership of new service people. However, he said, there seemed to be a reluctance among those

who served in contemporary conflicts such as Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan to join the traditional RSL movement, preferring to create separate chapters. It’s something the 80-year-old hopes will change, having seen the benefits of sharing stories and experiences first-hand, and understanding that there is an indelible connection between those who have served, regardless of age or conflict. Wyong RSL sub-branch will assemble for the dawn service at 5.30am on Thursday, April 25 at the Club Wyong memorial, before the morning service at 9am at the cenotaph in Wyong Town

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Park, followed by the march. To find out more go to wyongrslsubbranch. com.au. Central Coast Council is supporting events across the region, including Davistown RSL, Doyalson RSL. Empire Bay Cenotaph, Gosford Memorial Park and Cenotaph, Ourimbah Public School, Terrigal Beach and War Memorial, The Entrance Memorial Park and Cenotaph, Toukley RSL, Woy Woy Memorial Park and Wyong. For details go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au and search Anzac Day services and road closures. 6888536af

ANZAC Day is “part of Australia’s heritage and tradition which we should all embrace”, stopping to remember and reflect, even if only for a few minutes, what has been sacrificed for us. It’s an emotional day for Wyong RSL sub-branch president Alan Stanford, and one he believes should unite the country not in celebration but in commemoration. He has been buoyed by the strong turnout of up to 600 at each of the sub-branch’s dawn and morning services over the past four years, marking the centenary of the First World War. He hopes that with the anniversary over, those crowds and that recognition will not diminish. “Having done infantry service, I know how tough it was for us, but it was a hell of a lot tougher during the First World War,” the Vietnam veteran and long-serving soldier said. More than 60,000 Australians alone died during what was meant to be “the war to end all wars”. Alan said it was “a daunting loss of life” but also marked “where Australia first really stood up as a country”. Sadly, ongoing conflict means Anzac Day now commemorates not just that first military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces in Gallipoli and throughout the World War I, but all Australians who have

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COVER STORY

APRIL, 2019// SENIORS

Dr Packer’s life with kids

Advocate for safety and well-being of children Tracey Johnstone NESTLED in the corner of a suburban garden in Canberra is a magical play place for children to imagine, create and evolve in safety. Its guardian is pediatrician and Senior Australian of the Year 2019 Dr Suzanne Packer AM. In this creative space there are no brick walls, just a little timber path winding its way under the thick brush, a mushroom patch, a fish pond, sandpit and cubby house. For the more active there is a hopscotch grid painted on the brick pathway nearby. The quaint welcome sign encourages the neighbourhood school children to discover what lies within, under the guidance of an adult. “My focus is children in Australia,” Dr Packer said. Her new role of Senior Australian of the Year will

give the children’s guardian a greater voice. This year she will be travelling Australia for the Department of Health sharing her message, “How can we grow them (children) to be the best possible adults for Australia.” “It takes more than the family to do that,” Dr Packer said. And she has grandparents in her sights. “We have kids living very different lives and the role of grandparents in these lives has become more critical,” she said. “Grandparents, despite their busy lives, tend to have more time than parents and they have this one-eyed devotion to these special little people, which is not spoiling them but actually helping the child identify itself as an individual.” During this year, Dr Packer will be encouraging senior Australians to think

how they can enhance the lives of their grandchildren. Those sharing interactions will help to develop the child’s brain. Reinforcement, reassurance, embellishment – each Dr Packer says goes towards their emotional and cognitive development. Her previous work with the Child at Risk Unit at Canberra Hospital exposed her to many vulnerable and damaged children and their families. “I followed up a number of these kids until they were adults,” she said. “You cannot underestimate the value of caring, involved grandparents.” She cautions that you can’t assume all grandparents will be great carers. Some of them are part of the pathology, she says, potentially looking for what the kids can do

RECOGNITION: Dr Suzanne Packer AM with Prime Minister Scott Morrison. for them rather than what they can do for the kids. We’re sitting at Dr Packer’s kitchen table, which looks out to an array of colourful hanging baskets and the play area, as we chat about her national award that celebrates her contribution to the well-being and safety of children. The guardian is retired from her pediatric practice

but that’s about the only retiring the 76-year-old is doing. Dr Packer is vice-president of the National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect and chair of the Mr Fluffy Asbestos Response community group. In retirement she has plans – and here Dr Packer has a chuckle – to write children’s booklets

about her time as a little girl when there wasn’t plastic or television and the milk was delivered by horse and cart. Within her vibrant and complex life and with the background sounds of children joyfully playing in her secret garden, Dr Packer retains her ethos: “No adult can say, ‘Oh yeah, kids, nothing to do with me.’ Kids are to do with everybody.”

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Making own happiness

Couple go ahead to create for community Alison Houston

WHEN some people find their area is without services they want, they throw their hands in the air in frustration. Russell and Suzanne Bridge just get in there and make it happen themselves. The couple moved to the Coast to retire in 2006 and live at Gwandalan, a beautiful village on Lake Macquarie which got its name from an Aboriginal word meaning “restful place”. And while Gwandalan lives up to that name, that means its residents, many of whom are Seniors, didn’t have a lot of chances for social contact. At 65, Russell was far from ready to put his feet up, and missed the gym he and Suzanne had enjoyed in the Blue Mountains. Having had heart problems in the past, he also knew he needed to keep fit. “There was nix, nil, so I decided, ‘right, I need to do something for the community here’,” Russell said. That was nine years ago, and he’s been running classes for Seniors at the local Tunkuwallin Community Hall ever since. The hall, once disused, has been refurbished thanks to the support of Central Coast Council and the Lions Club in “a real community effort”. Russell initially trained in the Heart Foundation’s

UNSTOPPABLE: Suzanne, a cancer survivor, and husband Russell Bridge at a recent Relay for Life event which Gwandalan and Summerland Point Active and Healthy Society (GASPAHS) members attended.

Heart Moves program, but the classes have since taken on a character of their own as Gwandalan and Summerland Point Active and Healthy Society, affectionately known as GASPAHS. Russell said 15-30 people from over-55s to 92 attend each gym session, which runs from 8-9am three days a week. It involves low-to-moderate exercise to music, with a range of different games and equipment available so nobody, including the trainer, gets bored. “We have quite a few married couples who do it together, which is lovely to see,” Russell said.

Classes cost just $10 upfront per term to cover rent and insurance, and $2 per class to attend, which helps support the couple’s latest venture, a two-day-a-week drop-in centre. It is Suzanne’s brainchild and became a reality about three years ago. Having experienced depression in the past, and recognising the limitations of a twice-a-day bus service, Suzanne wanted to give those stuck at home somewhere cheap, safe and happy to go and socialise with others. “I thought it would be a good way to let people get

‘‘

right, I need to do something for the community here. to know each other,” she said. The original concept was to provide games, muffins and a venue, but that quickly turned into lunch with help from other ladies at the church, and now people are bringing plates of food to share.

It’s so popular that when the gym and drop-in take a break over school holidays, they meet at each other’s homes. “People say how wonderful it is to have friends they can call on,” Suzanne said. One man was overwhelmed by the support and visits he received when he had to go to hospital. “He can’t get over how his life has changed since joining the group and church,” Suzanne said. “Everyone really cares about each other.” As well as operating on Monday mornings after the gym, the group runs Friday nights from

6.30-10.30pm, having taken up an event previously organised by the church before the minister retired. Russell is also among the local lay people who now give sermons at the church, in order to keep the congregation going. And when he’s not doing that, as noted in a previous article, he sings with the Wyong Musical Theatre Company and at nursing homes with the Voice Squad trio. Who said retirement meant winding back? To find out more about the gym or get-togethers at Gwandalan, phone Russell on 0419 271 204.

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An exciting new beginning Alison Houston “IT’S never too late to give yourself opportunities to go in a different direction!” That’s Cathie Renfrew’s wholehearted conclusion, having just completed a Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication at TAFE Newcastle and, the day after her 51st birthday, scoring her first full-time paid job in 25 years. The need for lifelong learning has never been greater as longevity, retirement ages, job requirements and technology all increase. On average, Australians will change jobs 2.4 times over the next two decades. On the Central Coast, the number of workers aged 65–69 will increase by 3610 (or 13 per cent) and those aged over 70 by more than 2790 (or 20.1 per cent) over the next three years, according to TAFE NSW research (September 2018). “Upskilling and reskilling is required to support this growth, meaning adult education will become far more

important,” a TAFE spokesperson said. It means Cathie’s experience in retraining at 50 or beyond is likely to become more and more the norm. The way we gain our knowledge and skills is changing. The average person today acquired more than 80 per cent of their knowledge and skills before the age of 21, according to a Future Skills Report commissioned by Google. By 2040, 41 per cent of knowledge and skills will be acquired as adults, with average older Australians predicted to spend six hours a week in education and training. Cathie said that as well as her actual learning, her course had allowed her to “gain confidence, which you can tend to lose as you get older”. “It was the best time; I loved it,” she enthused, adding that what she had learnt had been easily transferable to the workplace from day one. “My kids are really pleased and proud of me, which makes me a bit teary,” she said.

RETRAINING: Over-50s are predicted to form a growing new student population ... and Cathie Renfrew, with TAFE NSW teacher Leanne Cherry, reckons it is definitely worthwhile. “When I decided to study they said ‘Great’ because I was finally doing something for myself, after working various part-time jobs to fit in around them ... because that’s what you

do as a mother.” Cathie said she had not found her age to be a negative, being readily accepted as just another member of the class. “TAFE NSW just made it so easy for me as a

mature age student,” she said. In fact, even having gained employment, she’s looking forward to more study and getting her diploma. “My 50th birthday

present was to give myself 12 months to work out ‘what I wanted to do when I grew up’,” Cathie said. “It turns out that enrolling was definitely the best decision I have made.”

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Nat. Seniors agenda

Talk 'n' thoughts

Election is a chance to address health, wellbeing, finances enable government to better manage public spending in the ballooning areas of health and aged care. “In this election, we are calling on all political parties to adopt our policies to lift age pensioners out of poverty, cut health costs, ensure older Australians receive the aged care they deserve, and end the erosion of retirement income,” Mr Henschke said. He said the poor standard of living of many pensioners was a national disgrace requiring swift action by whichever party won government in the election, to ensure older Australians in need were afforded a fair-go, respect and practical support. “Our policies address the essentials of life and top of the list is affordable dental care,” Mr Henschke said. “Poor oral health is linked to chronic diseases, including stroke and heart disease, but is out of reach of many pensioners and those in

‘‘

Our policies address the essentials of life and top of the list is affordable dental care aged care. “Along with a growing chorus of respected health professionals, National Seniors is demanding a funding boost for dental care. “We want a scheme that provides an annual subsidy to help maintain dental health.” Taking politics out of the age pension was another key policy and National Seniors wanted the establishment of an Age Pension Tribunal to independently set the age pension rate. Mr Henschke said the tribunal would take responsibility for calculating a fair and adequate pension rate and any supplements based on need and circumstance. “Its decisions would be accepted without debate

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■ Require all aged care providers to publish staff-to-resident ratios ■ Ensure all aged care staff in direct care roles have basic dementia training ■ Increase income in retirement ■ Retain access to franking credits for self-funded retirees ■ Reduce the asset test taper rate from $3 to $2 ■ Exempt up to $250,000 of home sale proceeds from the age pension means test ■ Arrest rising health costs ■ Require all specialists to publish fees on a public register and ensure that all GPs make patients aware of choice when referring to a specialist ■ Limit private health insurance premium increases to no more than CPI until reforms take effect ■ Protect pensioners from future rises in energy costs ■ Reinstate indexation of the Energy Supplement ■ Improve Centrelink wait times

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in the same way monetary policy is set by the Reserve Bank,” Mr Henschke said. “This, along with cutting the age pension taper rate from $3 to $2, would help ensure a better standard of living for more Australians in retirement. “The current government’s lifting of the taper rate in January 2017 had a punitive impact on older Australians, discouraging them from saving for retirement, and must be reversed,” Mr Henschke said Assisting pensioners to access housing and better connect to internet services were also important ways to alleviate pensioner poverty, because one helped provide a roof over their head and the other a window to the world.

Mr Henschke said the private rental market was out of reach for many older people but could be improved by lifting the maximum rate of Commonwealth Rent Assistance. “The maximum rate of assistance could be set by our proposed Age Pension Tribunal so pensioners who rent receive enough income to meet reasonable living costs, no matter where they live,” he said. Summary: ■ Fix pension poverty ■ Establish an Independent Age Pension Tribunal ■ Increase the maximum rate of Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) ■ Provide a subsidy to connect to the NBN or another appropriate internet service ■ Expand the provision of basic dental care for pensioners, including those in aged care ■ Address aged care deficiencies ■ Triple the number of level 3 and 4 home care packages

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FIXING pensioner poverty and the aged care crisis, better dental care and eliminating chronic home care waiting lists are key initiatives older Australians are demanding of candidates this federal election. Leading advocacy group National Seniors Australia launched its Federal Election 2019 Policy Priorities of Older Australians, cautioning candidates that 30 per cent of all voters were aged 60-plus and were demanding practical solutions to a range of issues. Chief Advocate Ian Henschke said the election was a national watershed opportunity to rectify years of policy neglect and stagnation on seniors’ health, wellbeing, finances and security. These were systemic issues all but forgotten in both the Federal Budget and Budget Reply. He said the election policies were a sensible investment in the health and safety of older Australians and would

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Locals fight for rights Residents claim housing development not suitable Alison Houston TOUKLEY is a small, quiet, largely retiree community which is simply not set up for large multi-storey affordable housing development. That’s the argument Toukley Community Action Group (TCAG) has been putting forward for about 18 months against a proposed multi-million dollar project at 6-10 Dunleigh St. Central Coast Council agreed unanimously at its March 25 meeting to “reaffirm its disappointment at the Joint Regional Planning Panel’s (JRPP) decision” to approve the development under the Affordable Rental Housing State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP). It had called on JRPP on January 29 to reject the proposal for a residential apartment building comprising 34 units over four storeys (reduced from 40 units over six storeys).

Noting the “ongoing community outrage at this decision and their strong intention to mount a judicial legal challenge in the Land and Environment Court against the JRPP”, council requested its CEO to seek urgent legal advice around proceeding and the process, timing, costs and prospects of doing so. TCAG member Kathleen Watson said the group was not against affordable housing or the people who might live there, “it is just not the right position for this type of housing”. “Toukley is on a peninsula with one road in and one road out and we don’t have the infrastructure or services to give these people what they will need to succeed,” she said. As “a Department of Housing baby”, having grown up in a DoH house, lived in a DoH property when married and worked for the department, Kathleen was clear she

JUST SAY NO: Toukley Community Action Group members keep up the fight against large developments in their quiet community which they say is not equipped to handle them. was not biased against people in low socio-economic circumstances or with special needs. And while a large proportion of TCAG members are Seniors, she said that did not mean they were against development per se. “We are not saying don’t do it, we are just saying get it right,” the 69-year-old said. “To get to Centrelink or the train station from here, it’s a three-hour round-trip. “We’re concerned that what is being planned is

going to become a sort of ghetto.” Toukley is already the site of a 134-bed nursing home development, and Kathleen said another affordable housing project had been proposed for the battle-axe property next to that at 139 Main Rd. TCAG submitted over 600 signed petitions to the JRPP before it made its recent Dunleigh St decision, with concerns including building height, scale, the small size of the site, minimal parking, difficulties in access, and the development being out of character with the

area. However, Kathleen said TCAG didn’t believe the submissions had been given due time or consideration, with decisions based on the availability of cheap land and pressure to supply affordable housing. “What they are doing is ticking the individual boxes but not looking behind that to see the whole picture,” she said. Member for Wyong David Harris had been supportive, Kathleen said, and reportedly stated that traffic and access in the area was a problem even

without three major developments going ahead within a short distance of each other. Like Kathleen, he said residents were not against development in general but the form of that development, with his office having received just one complaint related to the low-level aged care facility proposal. There are fears this isa sort of test case for future SEPP developments on the Coast. For updates, find Toukley Community Action Group on Facebook.

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NEWS

APRIL, 2019// SENIORS

Art’s creative differences

New show highlights individual styles Alison Houston HOW three artists see their teacher and mentor is sure to be a focus at The Power of 3 exhibition at Gosford Regional Gallery from May 3-5. The exhibit by Warrick “Rick” Hannon, Penny Ross and Gilta Ricotta will comprise more than 30 pieces exploring diversity in portraiture, including the three as-yet unseen versions of their teacher, Kadira Jennings. The three over-60s have been taking classes at Art Classes Central Coast in Springfield for some years, and have participated in exhibitions through the school. But Rick said this was the first time they had “gone the whole hog and done it alone”, working for about a year on the project. “We have three very different styles,” he said. He described Penny’s

acrylic and pastel work as “vibrant and exotic images, generally of women, and really incredible to look at”. Gilta’s work is “mainly oils and very emotional; she connects to the subject and looks deeply into the soul of that person”. “I’m more intuitive and abstract and a bit offbeat,” Rick said, with his work including primarily acrylics as well as sculptures. “They call me the reluctant artist,” he said of his own abilities, seeing himself more as “a person who likes to paint” rather than an artist as such. Nevertheless, he loves the creative process. “I go down to the studio and can be there for what I think is an hour and really 3-4 have passed,” he said. Perhaps not surprisingly, Rick, also the keyboard and guitarist of

rock band The Aimless Missiles, said he always had music playing as he created. He said all three exhibitors were excited to have rediscovered art, something they had always loved but not had the time to create themselves due to family, work and other commitments. They are also keen for the big reveal, to see how each of them has chosen to portray Kadira, who they all photographed on the one day in a process similar to TV’s Portrait Artist of the Year competition. The exhibition’s official opening, at which The Aimless Missiles will play, is from 2pm on Saturday, May 4 in the Community Gallery at Gosford Regional Gallery, with the exhibition running from May 3-5. To find out more, phone Penny on 0431 845 744.

VIEWPOINT: Artists Gilta Ricotta, Penny Ross and Rick Hannon show their very different takes on portraiture with works for The Power of 3 exhibit at Gosford Regional Gallery.

QUALITY LIFESTYLE AND CARE OPTIONS FOR SENIORS Personal care in a home like environment

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SENIORS \\APRIL, 2019

NEWS

Anne Charlton & Labor will: Deliver a stand alone Palliative Care Unit on the Central Coast Fund more palliative care staff and nurses for the Central Coast Reverse the Liberals $715 million cuts to public hospitals

Stay in touch PO Box 503, Woy Woy, 2256 0499 907 083

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NEWS

APRIL, 2019// SENIORS

Caring for the Coasties Coast Cuisine is big on taste yet affordable and delicious BRAND INSIGHTS BABY boomers, commuters, working parents, single people, shift workers ... there are so many busy Coasties who can use a hand when it comes to meal times. This is what local company Coast Cuisine had in mind when it launched its range of convenient meals last year. Developed to support the iconic brand that is Meals on Wheels Central Coast, Coast Cuisine brings to the table an array of gourmet-style products, aiming to make the lives of Central Coast residents a little easier with its pre-prepared meals. The Coast Cuisine team has worked hard to cater for a wide range of needs, with small and large size servings available. A subsidiary of Meals on Wheels Central Coast, Coast Cuisine is well placed to look after the

meal needs of the Coast community. Offering a specialised menu, the Coast Cuisine team is excited about the range of products that it will be offering, ensuring that wherever possible, local and Australia-wide produce has been used. With free delivery, the Coast Cuisine team will drop the pre-prepared meals straight to your door from Monday to Friday. There is also an option available to pick up meals directly from the head office at Tuggerah. The product that Coast Cuisine is presenting is big on taste, yet still affordable. There is also the added incentive to support local, with all profits from Coast Cuisine going back to Meals on Wheels Central Coast. For more about Coast Cuisine and the array of meals on offer, go to coastcuisine.com.au or phone 0427 056 577.

COAST CUISINE TEAM: With free delivery Coast-wide, the Coast Cuisine team will drop pre-prepared meals straight to your door from Monday to Friday.

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SENIORS \\APRIL-MAY, 2019

History comes Let’s help you alive at Alison Stay well Homestead this Season Alison Houston

HISTORY ON STEROIDS: Convict Footprints Theatre Company founder Jerry Retford in action as a Red Coat. for a new production at the location. In the meantime, they will give visitors to the homestead’s 2019 Heritage Festival celebrations from 10am-noon on Saturday, May 11 a taste of their regular convict troupe and an abridged version of their Tobruk Sheep Station show. The majority of their audiences, Jerry said were over-40s, with seniors some of the most keen to “play along” with

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EXPERIENCING “living history, up close and personal” is what makes even those least interested in history or theatre become fans of Convict Footprints Theatre Company – including its creator. Jerry Retford readily admits he was so bored by history as a schoolboy that he failed his exams, and he has never particularly enjoyed going to the theatre but, for the past six years, his not-for-profit company has successfully married the two concepts into one immersive experience. Their newest production is set on Alison Homestead – two hectares of Wyong’s first land grant dating back to 1825. Jerry said the award-winning company hopes to finalise funding

the characters, and not mind a bit of “bawdy sauce” – enough to be fun for the adults without the grandkids catching on. “I find the whole ‘sitting in a black box and watching actors act’ really hard to get onboard with,” Jerry said. The Convict Footprints crew are all experienced in character-based improvisation, so “they think on their feet and respond in the moment to our ever-changing audience and environment”, meaning no two shows are the same. You can experience all the homestead has to offer at 1 Cape Rd, Wyong, including the performance and Devonshire tea on May 11 from 10am-noon.

NEWS

FEATURE

APRIL, 2019// SENIORS

Back into business for seniors

Older people riding a fresh career wave Tracey Johnstone WHICHEVER title you want to use – silverpreneur, olderpreneur, seniorpreneur or just simply entrepreneur – these seniors are growing into an economic force in Australia. They’re the innovators, job seekers and risk takers of the over-50s who want, need, dream of building financially viable businesses whether they are sole operators or become small or large-scale employers. La Trobe University Professor of Entrepreneurship Dr Alex Maritz said these senior entrepreneurs were essential to the Australian economy. “People are living longer,” Dr Maritz said. “Straight away, what does that say to you? We can work longer, we can be active in business for longer and they want to be.” He reports senior entrepreneurs are contributing about $11.9 billion per annum to the Australian economy. The Benevolent Society’s Older Australians campaign director Marlene Krasovitsky said the senior entrepreneurship phenomenon was not limited to Australia. “It’s one we are watching with great interest,” Ms Krasovitsky

said. “The Federal Government is starting to recognise that entrepreneurship is not only about young people, there is a very significant role for older people to play as well.” In January the Federal Government poured money into the further development of its Entrepreneurship Facilitators network across Australia. The funding is for the network of 20 professionals tasked with helping mature-age Australians prepare for self-employment. Ms Krasovitsky said through the work of The Benevolent Society’s EveryAGE Counts campaign, they had evidence that ageism often happened in the work environment. “It’s in that context that we look at a range of initiatives,” she said. “Certainly, self-employment or starting up a new business is an attractive option for many older people to continue contributing to the workforce in the economy and to continue to get that sense of meaning and purpose that work brings.” Why start-up? Becoming an entrepreneur is often driven by necessity, opportunity or passion. “Traditionally people think as a retiree they

have stopped work,” Dr Maritz said. “So what do they do now? They go get themselves a little sideline job to supplement their income. That is true but that is not your stereotype senior entrepreneur.” They are more often serious entrepreneurs, with their age irrelevant to their work choice. Entrepreneurship is often a high-risk environment. It requires a person to be proactive, innovative, opportunityobsessed, willing to draw on their life experiences, learn on the run and use whatever resources there are at hand, including their business and friendship networks. Having enough money to start up a business is one of the biggest hurdles for entrepreneurs. “Senior entrepreneurs in Australia start 14,000 new businesses each year,” Dr Maritz said. Anecdotal evidence says about as many close down each year. A hobby that pays Maree Machin’s business, Telltale Designs, bucks that trend. Her “cottage” business is a year old next month and still in the black. The Sunshine Coast home-based business owner has experienced past start-up failure, so this time she did her numbers to ensure the

HELPER: Phil Daly, of BuildGrowRun, supports senior entrepreneurs going into small business.

LaTrobe University professor Dr Alex Maritz, professor of entrepreneurship. business was going to make money. She had a clear picture in her mind of what she wanted to do and how to go about it. “I also got my supply chain organised and did some market testing,” Ms Machin said. Her success came from limiting the amount of money put into getting the

Money for Jam program member Sharon Carroll.

business going and in using her small business background and personal network to grow the business, which up-cycles yacht sails into bags. “It puts together everything I love – the ocean, up-cycling and it feels good and has a great story,” Ms Machin said. “I am doing something

good for the environment, it aligns with the heart and stays in the black.” Her success, she said, was in starting small and keeping the business tight. “If I grow it, I will then need to go into the grant space,” Ms Machin said. Not everyone has the capital like Ms Machin to pursue a new business

SENIORS \\APRIL, 2019

FEATURE

Telltale Designs owner Maree Machin is celebrating being in the black after the first year in business.

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Senior entrepreneurs are contributing about $11.9 billion per annum to the Australian economy. It’s free and open to anyone, no matter why they want to set up a business or whether is it going to be micro, small or medium-sized. “I think a lot of people may have an idea and may have even started the business but often they don’t have all the skills to run the business themselves,” Mr Daly said. “In Australia we have a

IT consultant JC Shin with the Parkapiki team Adrian Adams (middle) and Neil Mackenzie (right). failure rate up around 75 per cent in businesses in the first three years. “Often there isn’t sufficient support there for people going into small business. “They need assistance in planning and organising things, marketing and having a general vision of what they are trying to achieve by developing

their business.” Micro steps to battle homelessness Some people, such as Sharon Carroll, are pushed into entrepreneurship. She was retrenched from her job, suffered depression as a result and then found herself homeless. Ms Carroll had worked

were pulled into their enterprise as a result of Mr Mackenzie discovering there wasn’t a single website with information on outdoor activities around Adelaide. It sparked his passion for developing a go-to answer. Mr Adams was the obvious partner. They received seed funding from the South Australian Government through its 2017 D3 Digital Challenge, which was run through the Office of the Ageing. The outcome was the challenge-winning website Parkapiki.com, which lists parks, outdoor places and events promoting health and well-being for older South Australians. “We wouldn’t have done it if there wasn’t an opportunity to make money,” Mr Mackenzie said. “The original business model didn’t work. “The underlying reason is we invested all the funds and time into developing the platform. It was a conscious decision to do that rather than providing a cheap product. “We wanted a quality product but now we have no money to market it. We have got to think of ways to earn money that we can reinvest in telling people this product actually exists.” Is it for you? Mr Daly said not all people in their 60s wanted to go into graceful retirement. “I like working in doing what I’m doing,” he said. “Dealing with entrepreneurs and people in small business, there is a lot of positive energy around that. “Research indicates that a lot of baby boomers don’t want to retire.” Dr Maritz concluded: “Entrepreneurship isn’t for everybody. Going out on your own can be very stressful. “Entrepreneurs don’t fail, their ventures do. It’s not about failing. It’s about learning failure.”

Win a double pass to see “The Chaperone” The Chaperone takes place amid the backdrop of the tumultuous times of the early 1920’s. The life of a Kansas woman (Elizabeth McGovern, Downton Abbey) is forever changed when she chaperones a beautiful and talented 15-year-old dancer named Louise Brooks to New York for the summer. One of them is eager to fulfil her destiny of dance and movie stardom; the other hopes to unearth the mysteries of her past.

The Film reunites the writer, director and star of Downton Abbey TV Series. The Chaperone, based on Laura Moriarty’s best-selling book, is scripted by Julian Fellowes, directed by Michael Engler, and stars Elizabeth McGovern, who played Lady Grantham in the hit series. Movie hits cinemas on April 25th. Want to see what happens in the movie? We have three double passes to giveaway. To be in the draw, just fill in our form online at seniorsnews.com.au/competitions Image credit to StudioCanal

^Visit seniorsnews.com.au/competitionterms for full competition terms and conditions. Promoter is ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd of 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore Qld 4558. Promotional period 01/04/19 - 24/04/19. Competition drawn 2pm 24/04/19 at Cnr Mayne Rd and Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Winners announced in Seniors June Edition 2019. Total prize value $120 (including GST). Entry is open to all permanent residents of Queensland living in the regions of Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Wide Bay and Toowoomba and New South Wales living in the regions of Northern NSW, Central Coast and Coffs and Clarence. Authorised under Permit NSW/LTPM/18/03133

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idea, nor the business skills to bring the idea to fruition. However there are support networks, grant opportunities and organisations, such as the government’s EFs, that are available to seniors. Help is at hand One of the EFs, Phil Daly of BuildGrowRun, said there was a huge demand for the EF program.

in many places but hadn’t acquired any specific work skills. Throughout this tumultuous period, Ms Carroll kept hold of a ribbon printing machine she had purchased several years before but had been unable to work out how to use properly. When the Victorian Government’s think tank Per Capita offered her the chance to join its Money for Jam program, she leapt at it. The program’s goal is to empower older women to earn as they age through micro-enterprise. Project leader Myfan Jordan explained that through class-based learning and a smartphone app, the pilot program members – all of whom had experienced homelessness – were given training in core business skills and personal growth. Money for Jam gave Ms Carroll sufficient business skills and confidence to unpack the old printing machine and use it to create a micro-business that is helping her rebuild her financial base. “I got so much more out of doing the course than I thought I would,” Ms Carroll said. “What has been achieved since the course has been amazing. There haven’t been any great sales but I have got my ribbons out there.” She has started to get orders and is in the process of developing a website. Just as importantly, Ms Carroll has found the confidence to get out among the community talking up her micro-business, happily handing out her unique business card printed on a ribbon. “It’s been small steps – no leaps and bounds but it’s all been extremely positive and all forward steps,” she said. Passionate about well-being Neil Mackenzie and colleague Adrian Adams

ENTERTAINMENT

APRIL, 2019// SENIORS

Joe Cocker honoured in song AUSTRALIA’S greatest soul voice Doug Parkinson presents the ultimate tribute to Joe Cocker. A night of soul and rock classics, the electric current runs high, generated from the very talented eight-piece band and of course the powerful and unique voice of Doug Parkinson. Joe Cocker was an irresistible force that combined a love of American soul music with standout interpretations and depth of feeling, terms often used to describe the soulful smoky voice of Australian singing legend Doug Parkinson. Cocker is most famous for what he did with other people’s songs Hitchcock

Railway, Delta Lady, You Can Leave Your Hat On, She Came in through the Bathroom Window, The Letter, You Are So Beautiful, Up Where We Belong and Cry Me A River. Just a few of the songs Doug Parkinson has included in this new show that rolls along and leaves the audience spellbound. There couldn’t be a more appropriate singer in Australia to showcase the ultimate tribute to Joe Cocker than the gravelly soulful voice of Australian singing legend Doug Parkinson, often described as exciting and impassioned and also a master of interpreting others’ songs. Parkinson is not only

an entertainer but an amazing vocalist. One example that brings the house down night after night is the huge hit for Doug, and probably the best version to date – The Beatles’ Dear Prudence. Hard to believe it gets much better than this, and yet it does. Doug Parkinson’s band comprises some of Australia’s most admired musicians, a crack rhythm section of the finest. If you love Joe Cocker’s voice and songs you will not want to miss this ultimate tribute on Saturday, June 1 at The Art House, Wyong. For bookings, phone (02) 4335 1485.

Ultimate night out BRAND INSIGHTS THE ultimate night out Ladies Night, written by Anthony McCarten and Stephen Sinclair, tells the story of four unemployed guys – motivated by The Chippendales – decide to form a male stripping act to make some fast cash. They pitch the notion to a local club owner and take lessons from a slightly shop worn, exotic dancer with a heart-of-gold in all manner of things, including what women want from a male stripper (and how to deliver it). Ladies Night stars American actor Christopher Atkins, who became famous in his debut role opposite Brooke Shields in The

Blue Lagoon, Australian actor Steven Tandy, who is best known for playing Tom Sullivan in the classic Australian television series The Sullivans, and Australian actress Alli Pope who is best remembered for stage productions such as Steaming and Menopause The Musical – Women On Fire. Ladies Night will leave hyperactive and ready to party! It’s cheeky, fun, a little bit naughty – and a damn good giggle. Ladies Night is touring Australia in May-June 2019, proudly presented by Abstract Entertainment. On Tuesday, May 28 at The Art House, Wyong. For bookings, phone (02) 4335 1485.

ON STAGE: Ladies Night at The Arthouse Wyong stars American actor Christopher Atkins, who became famous in his role opposite Brooke Shields in The Blue Lagoon.

Three amazing artists performing in one special show together Cash has been recreating the sound and the look since 1985. This with Phillip’s uncanny natural resemblance and his stage presence leaves his audiences spellbound as he recreates the era that made Johnny Cash the king of country music.

Michael Moore as the outlaw Willie Nelson is the world’s leading Willie tribute artist. Identifying with his music and style from an early age, Michael developed an affinity with Willie that has led to a life long career as a tribute performer and has seen

him travel the world performing songs such as On The Road Again and To All The Girls I’ve Loved Before. Ted Vigil as John Denver has just been awarded the Rising Legend award by the American Country Music Association. He is

an accomplished drummer and singer but has made a career performing as John Denver. The Kings of Country show is a unique opportunity to experience the music of three amazing artists in one

night at various venues: May 3 at Wests New Lambton, Newcastle; May 8 at Laycock Theatre, Central Coast; June 2 at Doyalson Doyalson, NSW Wyee RSL. For tickets, go to abstract entertainment.net.

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DIRECT from the USA and after sell out shows in North America, Abstract Entertainment is proud to announce the return of The Kings of Country tour – bringing back the music of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and John Denver. Phillip Bauer as Johnny

SENIORS \\APRIL, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

FRI 3 MAY / WESTS NEW LAMBTON WESTSNEWCASTLE.COM.AU WED 8 MAY / LAYCOCK THEATRE CENTRALCOAST.NSW.GOV.AU

RTUS R OY O

E O PRES

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ALLI POPTEHE

MENOPAUSE MUSICAL

CHRISTOPHER ATKINOSON BLUE LAG

A CO M E

Y STEVEN TIVAANNDS THE SULL

ONY M BY A N T H

CC A R T E

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AND IRLS! G E H T FOR

TUE 28 MAY / THE ART HOUSE, WYONG / THEARTHOUSEWYONG.COM.AU

DOUG PARKINSON AU S T R A L I A’ S Greatest S O U L VO I C E & HIS EIGHT PIECE BAND

Honours

JOE COCKER

Doug Parkinson - “A Rolled Gold Superstar” The Australian

SAT 1 JUNE THE ART HOUSE WYONG THEARTHOUSEWYONG.COM.AU

ABSTRACTENTERTAINMENT.NET

APRIL, 2019// SENIORS on Sunday. Tickets are $10 adults, $8 concession and children and $25 families, with kids under five free. Go to centralcoastregional show.com.au.

What's on

GOSFORD HERITAGE PLANS

Alison Houston

MULTICULTURAL SHOWCASE

THIS showcase highlights the cultural diversity of the Central Coast, featuring professional artists from diverse cultures including indigenous Australia, India, Egypt, China, the Philippines, South America, Africa, Thailand and Polynesia. It’s at The Art House from 2.30pm on April 27. Adult tickets $15. Phone 4335 1485 or go to thearthouse wyong.com.au.

CENTRAL COAST SHOW

THE regional show is on again from May 4-5, with horse events held early on April 28 and spectators welcome. Competition on the main days includes all the traditional rural competitions as well as

INSPIRING: It’s all about fun, friendship, honouring, remembering and raising money at the Mother’s Day Classic at Davistown, as this couple would know from last year. art, lapidary, bees, baking, cake-decorating and other pavilion sections. Gates open Saturday from 9am-6.30pm and Sunday 9am-4pm. Don’t forget the fireworks spectacular from 6pm Saturday. There’s also antique farm machinery on display and over 200 hot rods, vintage and customised vehicles expected at the car show

YOU can have your say on the draft Gosford Central Business District (CBD) Heritage Interpretation Strategy when Central Coast Council puts it on public exhibition in May for at least 28 days. The strategy aims to bring Gosford’s heritage to life. There are 64 potential locations identified. Residents can have their say, go to yourvoiceourcoast.com.

MUSIC OF THE NIGHT

SANDY Bigara and a 30-piece choir comprised of her Gosford and Wyong Community Choirs are guest artists at this special pre-Mother’s Day show, Music of the Night. Starring international pianist and vocalist Joey Fimmano, it’s a tribute to musicals, particularly those of Andrew Lloyd Webber, and also stars Dexter Villa and soprano Jessica Di Bartolo. It’s at 2pm at Laycock St Theatre on May 5. Tickets are $39.

BLUES ON THE MOUNTAIN

THIS non-profit event is back on May 11 at the historic Mangrove Mountain Hall. UK blues rock and soul phenomenon Z-Star Trinity headlines, with front woman Zee Gachette drawing comparisons to Prince, Nina Simone and Janis Joplin with her amazing vocals, musicianship, energy and stage presence. Tomcat Playground, featuring Dan Sullivan on lead vocals and harmonica, PJ O’Brien on guitar, Mike Rix on bass and Greg Clark on drums will also play. Tickets are $30 and doors open 5.30pm, continuing till late. Phone Ryan Howard on 0405 416 289 or find them on Facebook @BluesontheMountain.

HITS OF THE CROONERS

HERE’S another one for the mums at Laycock St Theatre on the night before Mother’s Day. The songs of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Harry Connick Jr and Michael Buble to name a few, presented by Australia’s own Chris Lloyds. Songs include Fly Me to the Moon and You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You. It’s at 8pm May 11, with

tickets $65 adults or $60 concession.

MOTHER’S DAY CLASSIC

REMEMBER, celebrate and honour those fighting, who have overcome or lost the battle with breast cancer at this year’s Mother’s Day Classic at Davistown. Whether you walk, run, fundraise or volunteer this May 12, you will be helping give hope to the 53 women diagnosed every day in Australia by raising funds for breast cancer research. It’s the event’s fifth year at Davistown, offering participants a 4km run (8.45am) or walk (9am). The course runs along Kincumber bike track, starting and ending at Davistown Memorial Park. For details, phone Natalia Mudge on 0437 577 663.

IMMERSIVE THEATRE

LAST year The Art House Wyong opened its doors for the Central Coast’s first piece of immersive theatre. Across three sell-out shows, small groups discovered the theatre’s hidden corners and corridors and encountered incredible acrobatics, dance and performance pieces in the most unlikely places. The same team is back this

Community group guide

WE welcome you community notes and if you would like to submit a photo ensure it is at least 180dpi or 500kb to 1mb in size and of faces, in a nice bright setting. Email editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au.

VIEW CLUBS

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 at 6.30pm for 7pm. New members and visitors are most welcome. Phone Valda on (02) 4325 1688 or Helen on (02) 4367 5670.

TOUKLEY 50 PLUS LEISURE & LEARNING CENTRE

BBQ plus Entertainment, come along and enjoy the day with us! Saturday, May 18, arrival at noon for 12.30pm lunch. Entertainment by David Lang. BYO plus raffles. Cost $10 per person. Tickets available from club reception. For catering purposes, tickets must be purchased by Thursday, May 16.

year presenting Le Freak: Forbidden Fruit, and turning The Art House into “an Eden of changing seasons, playful creatures and human iniquity” in which guests can choose their own path. It’s a two-hour show on May 24 with matinee and night performances May 25. Phone 4335 1485 or go to thearthouse wyong.com.au.

CAR SHOW

KNOWING the Central Coast’s love for both koalas and cars, Port Macquarie’s Hello Koalas Festival organisers are inviting owners and car club members to start planning to join them for the Cars for Koalas Show and Shine on Saturday, June 8 at Westport Park. About 3.5 hours from Gosford, it’s the perfect distance to enjoy a road trip, show off your pride and joy and at the same time raise awareness of koala safety, and funds for the Koala Hospital. All marques and character cars are welcome. The festival atmosphere, shops, food tents, foreshore markets and Hello Koalas sculpture displays will make it a great day from 10am-4pm. Phone Denis Mamo on 0419 991 627 or go to hellokoalas.com.

Community notes

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, Wednesday, May 22. Devonshire tea $3, commencing at 10am in our canteen. Raffle prize kindly donated by Simplicity Funerals, with all proceeds to the Cancer Council. Art Show plus Art Sale on Saturday, May 25 at 9am-1pm in the Club Auditorium. On display will be paintings in oil, acrylics, watercolour, pastel, paper tole. Also wood-burning and diamond art. Don’t miss out on our club’s art exhibition. Information Day on Friday, June 21, commencing at 10am in the club’s memorial hall. Guest speaker Constable Bethany Hawker, NSW Crime Prevention Officer, who will speak on home and street safety. Cost is $5 which includes morning tea. Tickets available from Reception at 1 Hargraves Street, Toukley. For more information, phone (02) 4396 5075.

SES GOSFORD UNIT COMMUNITY OPEN DAY

COME meet your local volunteers on Saturday, May 11 from 10pm-2pm. A free, fun and family friendly event with free barbecue! Tour the unit, explore our trucks, boats and equipment used in emergencies. Meet Paddy the Platypus. Learn about preparing yourself for storms, floods and tsunamis. Find us at Pateman Road, Erina, to the left of the Erina Council Depot.

DYING WITH DIGNITY NSW, CENTRAL COAST

VOLUNTARY assisted dying is legal in Victoria, let’s make New South Wales next. Come along Friday, May 17, Room 3, Gosford Library, Erina Fair from 10am. Speaker: Hon. Trevor Khan, MLC will talk about the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill. Inquiries on (02) 4369 8053 or email j2@heelstone.com.au.

SENIORS \\APRIL, 2019

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all here in Albany Anzac history, heritage listings, harbour

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APRIL, 2019// SENIORS

Travel easy with the Palmers super coach for It’s Easy Tours holidays, with superior leg room, aircraft style tray tables and premium leather seats with USB charging ports, the coach offers unrivalled luxury. As a proud and active member of the outback travel community, It’s Easy Tours like its sister company, Palmer’s Coaches has re-branded and adopted the black cockatoo as their official logo. “The black cockatoo is an iconic symbol of freedom in the outback and represents endurance, good luck, new beginnings and journeys of all distances,” Scott said. Being a family owned business, Rick has been able to bring his eldest daughter Alyssa into the family business as the new face in the It’s Easy Tours office, hoping one day his two grandsons will follow on the families love for coaches.

BRAND INSIGHTS RICK and Kim Palmer are the new owners of It’s Easy Tours, a company that has been renowned for luxury coach holidays on the Central Coast for almost 30 years. Rick inherited his love of the coach industry from his father and spent most of his youth driving coaches all over Australia. Having a successful coach company in Southern Queensland, Rick and Kim started their venture with Palmer’s Coaches in 2012 with just one coach. The company has now grown significantly to a fleet of over 30 coaches. When Rick purchased It’s Easy Tours on the Central Coast in March this year, he called on his old driving colleague Scott Wootton to ensure that customer focus remained at the forefront of their coach holidays. Rick and Scott worked together driving coaches around Australia in their younger days and have always remained good friends.

FAMILY OWNED: Rick and Kim Palmer are the new owners of It’s Easy Tours. Working together out of Newcastle through the ’90s, Rick moved to Queensland to follow his

passion and Scott moved to London to experience driving coaches around Europe.

“It’s been great working with Rick again after all these years and to bring a new level of luxury coach

travel to the Central Coast,” Scott said. Rick and Kim have invested in a new luxury

Shop 5A, 153 Mann St, Gosford or go to itseasytours.com.au or phone (02) 4325 8000.

SENIORS \\APRIL, 2019

TRAVEL BRIEFS IDYLLIC DAYDREAM ISLAND REOPENS

WITH the redevelopment complete, Queensland’s Daydream Island is ready to welcome guests to its 277 rooms and suites. The food and beverage offerings have been expanded, with three restaurants and three bars, including an exciting new Asian fusion restaurant that joins the buffet and modern Australian restaurants. The revitalised pool landscape, with its poolside bar, allows you to enjoy the stunning views across the Whitsundays. The Living Reef also returns with bigger and better capacity. The free-form coral lagoon wraps around the central building. The marine biologists support over 100 species of marine fish, rays, coral and invertebrates such as starfish, sea cucumbers and crabs. Info: www.daydream island.com.

GLAMPING LAUNCHES ON WA’S ROTTNEST ISLAND

DISCOVERY – Rottnest Island is the first new

Telephone:

the region and the talented folk who bring the fine fare to your table. Feast High Country Festival offers a perfect excuse for a road trip. Ride a horse, pedal a bike, take a hike and even paraglide to more than 40 delicious events at cellar doors, village cafes, hatted restaurants, among the vines and by the light of blazing bonfires from Mansfield to the King Valley, Beechworth to Bright, Rutherglen to Mount Beauty, Corryong to Falls Creek. Highlights of this year’s festival program include: ■ Patrizia’s Harvest Forage with foodie royalty Patrizia Simone – forage for ingredients for your lunch then get the lowdown from this celebrated chef on how to turn your found produce into a five-course Italian feast. ■ Fermentation Degustation – Bridge Road Brewers Beechworth founders Ben and Maria Kraus host a four-course matched dinner with a difference, where fermentation is the hero of the night. Each course made by and introduced by local experts: Louise Ritchie (Silver Creek Sourdough), Kimchi from Hatted chef, Michael Ryan (Provenance of Beechworth),

accommodation on Rottnest Island in more than 30 years. The 2.8ha property is nestled behind the dunes of famous Pinky Beach, with 83 fully furnished eco-tents that come in four service levels, with each tent featuring an ensuite bathroom, pillow-topped bed and furnished private decks. Many tents also include kitchenettes, with the deluxe tents boasting opulent beach-front views and walk-in wardrobes. The eco tents are linked via walkways and boardwalks to Pinky’s Beach Club. The venue also has a resort pool and pool bar. Info: www.discovery holidayparks.com.au/ discovery-rottnest-island.

FULL-FLAVOURED FESTIVAL

VICTORIA’S high country producers are dressing their dining tables in readiness for the annual Feast High Country Festival on May 3–19. The very best of the high country’s food and drink will be showcased in a program that celebrates the natural beauty of the mountains, valleys, vineyards and villages of

incredible, authentic Austrian strudel from Maria Kraus and of course Ben’s own lovingly brewed beer. ■ In Merrijig, join winemaker David Ritchie in a toast to the 50th anniversary of Delatite Wines, including a five-course degustation dinner paired with some very special wines. ■ Lunch with Three Italians at Pizzini Wines in the King Valley – Italian food, wine and opera are on the menu, with food by Adam Pizzini of Rinaldo’s Casa Cucina, Pizzini’s own Italian varietal wines and opera courtesy of the amazing Catherine Pendelich and Ced Le Medelo. ■ The Tweed Ride in Rutherglen, where the theme is vintage – clothes, bicycles and wines – and the easy pedal includes outstanding food and wine experiences along the way, including lunch at Stanton and Killeen. Info: www.feasthigh country.com.au.

RETREAT INTO FITNESS WHILE TRAVELLING

CHECK out this well-being and fitness destination list from UK operator Health and Fitness Travel. ■ Portugal: Fusion Fitness at Palacio Estoril

Golf Resort and Spa With a warm, dry climate, scenic views and a team of specialist trainers and therapists, finding motivation to restore your health is only a hop, skip and jump away. Recover in the Asian-inspired spa. ■ Turkey: Fusion Fitness at Six Senses Kaplankaya Set in a private landscape of pristine beaches and hills blanketed with olive trees, there are activities to suit all abilities and tastes, including yin yoga, mountain biking, scuba diving and hiking. ■ Cyprus: Fusion Fitness at Aphrodite Hills Power walk along the coast and explore the beautiful Cypriot landscape, before boosting your metabolism with strengthening TRX training. For the perfect recovery, soothe your muscles and release tensions with therapeutic treatments adjacent to fragrant gardens. ■ Portugal: Fusion Fitness at Monchique Resort and Spa Choose from a range of personalised activities, from boot camp training, yoga, Pilates and walking tours. Enhance your physical endurance and reach a new level of consciousness for a truly bespoke wellness

experience as you get close to nature. ■ Thailand: Fusion Fitness Thanyapura Health and Sports Resort Create your own fitness program in the state-of-the-art fitness centre alongside nutritional advice and physiotherapy. Fusion Fitness at Forte Village Stay in shape and try a new sports discipline in sunny Sardinia, including boxing, fencing, triathlon courses or wreck diving. There’s a choice of al fresco training throughout the 19ha of natural surroundings, a multi-faceted gym, yoga, tennis and cycling. Make like the Romans and melt away woes in the revolutionary world of thalassotherapy. India: Fusion Fitness at Atmantan Wellness Resort Challenge yourself to bootcamp training, bolster your cardio and focus on mindfulness within 40 acres of Indian wildlands. Push your limits with a kick-boxing workout designed for total body toning and reward yourself with deep tissue massages, acupuncture and moxibustion. Receive guidance on postural alignment and integration, a keystone in overall health.

02 4325 8000

3 Day Yulefest in the Blue Mountains Departing Saturday 3rd August 2019

Spend 2 nights in Katoomba, Visit the village of Leura, The Three Sisters and Scenic World. Enjoy a festive formal gala dinner evening with amazing entertainment. Returning to the coast via Mount Tomah botanical gardens. A great getaway for Yulefest! Tour Price: $880.00 per person twin share

3 Day Canberra Floriade

Departing Friday 20th September 2019

See the magnificent tapestry display of tulips as well as many other varieties of colour at the Floriade and visit the forever solemn and moving War Memorial, we can also take in the views from Mount Anslie. We also take in the sights and sounds of Floriade with a Lake Burley Griffin Cruise and stop at the Canberra Tulip Gardens. Tour Price: $695.00 per person twin share

5 Day Cherry Festival Young NSW

8 Day Wentworth NSW and the South Australian Renmark Roses Festival

Enjoy a 4 night stay in the beautiful town of Harden, visit Young, enjoying cherry pie and the chance to pick your own cherries, watch the Parade down through the town and enjoy the 68th National Cherry festival atmosphere. Visit Cootamundra, see the birthplace of Sir Donald Bradman. Travel to Junee and visit the Green Grove Licorice Factory. Tour Price: $1315.00 per person twin share

Join us and discover the town of Wentworth, Mungo National Park with the incredible Walk The Walls Of China Tour. Then heading into the beautiful South Australia region of Renmark for the Spectacular Rose Festival. The Renmark Rose Festival will celebrate its 25th year as one of the region’s largest and most supported festivals. Since its humble beginnings in 1994, the rose festival has evolved into a major event and spans towns across the Riverland and provides a range of events and attractions. We also enjoy a beautiful dinner cruise on the Murray Darling Junction. Tour Price: $1800.00 per person twin share

Departing Thursday 5th December 2019

Day Tours and Theatre Hydro Majestic Tour & High Tea

22nd May

$95.00 pp

Queen Victoria Building Tour & High Tea 6th June

$110.00pp

Foothills of the Barrington's

16th May

$95.00pp

Muriels Wedding the Musical

31st July

$130.00 pp

Departing Saturday 19th October 2019

Other holidays for 2019 include:

9 Day Fraser Coast Whale Watch and Fraser Island Adventure Departing Thursday 22nd August 2019

6 Day Riverina in Spring Leeton & Griffith Departing Thursday 10th October 2019

6 Day Christmas in the South West Rocks Departing Monday 23rd December 2019

Shop 5A Gosford Central Plaza 153 Mann Street GOSFORD 2250 Telephone: 02 4325 8000 Palmers Coach hire t/a It’s Easy Tours

Holiday inclusions: Home pick-up for Central Coast & Newcastle Passengers 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

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Call our office for our latest day tour brochure

APRIL, 2019// SENIORS

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It’s here the Anzac Day dawn service originated

SOLEMN BEGINNINGS: King George Sound at Albany, where the Anzac troop ships left from on the way to Gallipoli in World War I.

Photos: Erle Levey

Albany honours the In honour of Anzac Day, we publish Erle Levey’s account of his visit to Albany, believed to be the place of the first Anzac dawn ceremony

YOU CAN STILL HEAR THE SOUND OF SOLDIERS MARCHING THE small West Australian coastal town of Albany has a big Anzac history – it’s here the Anzac Day dawn service originated. Atop of the town’s Padre White Lookout is the perfect place to stand at dawn or as the sun sets and reflect on those who have gone before. In the spring of 1914, thousands of men and hundreds of horses gathered at the town’s railway station, coming there from all points of the country. They marched down to the jetty to join those on the ships already anchored in the harbour, ready for their grand adventure, their journey across the seas to fight for king and country against the oppressor. These were young, free-spirited men from a sparse continent on the other side of the world. The Australians and New Zealanders responded to the clarion call of the British Empire. It was Europe’s war but

these young men and a handful of women serving as nurses of this newly formed federation of states answered the call with “Australia will be there”. The first and second convoys carried the Australian Imperial Force and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Twenty-six Australian and 10 New Zealand transport ships assembled in King George Sound and departed on November 1, 1914, escorted by three warships. The second convoy of 15 Australian and three New Zealand ships departed unescorted on December 31, 1914. Today you can stand on the headlands of Albany and look across the waters of King George Sound, the site where 30,000 Anzac soldiers and horses were gathered aboard a fleet of 40 ships before setting sail for Gallipoli in World War I – just as they had gathered at this magnificent harbour before heading off to the Boer War in 1899. Just as they would

The grounds of the National Anzac Centre on Mt Clarence at Albany, WA. again for World War II. If someone said spend a day at the Anzac Centre, you would wonder why you would spend a day at a war memorial and museum. But you can. It’s like a walk through time and history. Everywhere you look it’s a reference to someone’s life. Stand up there on the top of the hill and virtually picture the scene – the departing ships. You can do that at sea level as well, at the replica jetty on the edge of

Princess Royal Harbour, next to Anzac Peace Park. Among the men and women who gathered in Albany before departing to serve in World War I were the troops who landed at Gallipoli, including the Light Horsemen, who fought on the battlefields of the Middle East and who entered Jerusalem and captured Damascus. Soldiers also fought in France and Belgium as part of the eight-month campaign. Anzac Peace Park was

opened in 2010 and pays tribute to the Australians who served in World War I and all those who have served the nation in conflicts and peacekeeping missions since. As well as the Pier of Remembrance, the park features an Interpretive Walk and the Lone Pine Grove. Each departing ship is represented by an engraved panel on the Pier of Remembrance as well as the HMAS AE2 submarine plaque that sits at the end of the pier. The AE2 was one of two submarines commissioned for the fledgling navy and she joined the second convoy of AIF troops in King George Sound at Albany on December 31, 1914, going on to serve in the Dardanelles. The Lone Pine Grove provides a major focus for the theme of peace within the park. The memorial was planted in 1974 to commemorate the departure of the first contingent of troops 60 years earlier.

SENIORS \\APRIL, 2019

The grounds of the National Anzac Centre on Mt Clarence.

The monument to the Desert Mounted Corps at Mt Clarence, Albany.

The old railway station at Albany, WA.

The grounds of the National Anzac Centre on Mount Clarence at Albany, WA.

The monument to the Desert Mounted Corps at Mt Clarence, Albany.

history of the Anzacs

It expresses a direct and living connection between Gallipoli and Albany. The Battle of Lone Pine was between Australian and Turkish forces on the Gallipoli Peninsula and the ridge provided a vital position. When Australian troops landed at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, they saw a stunted pine grove growing on the commanding position of 400 Plateau. It was held by the Australians until December 1915 when Allied troops were evacuated from the peninsula. Two Australian soldiers collected pine cones from the Lone Pine Ridge in 1915 and from them seedlings were propagated. The pier is a stretch of boardwalk, which curves into Princess Royal Harbour. It provides a site for respite and reflection of those lost in the war. The National Anzac Centre on Mount Clarence takes two to three hours to go through.

You can explore the outside, including great views of the ocean where the troops left Australia for the last time. The old gun emplacements and ammunition storage areas are dug into the hill. Walking tracks lead up to the peak and from here you can look over the whole city, including Anzac Peace Park. The Garrison bar restaurant beside the Anzac Centre also gives a great vantage point of King George Sound in comfortable surrounds. Perhaps the most touching monument is that to the Desert Mounted Corps – so gallant in the Middle East. That and the Padre White Lookout, a memorial to the man regarded as the instigator of the Anzac Day service. The 10th Light Horse Regiment was the only regiment of mounted infantry recruited in Western Australia during World War I. It formed part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade and served at Gallipoli as infantry in the Australian

St John’s Church, Albany. and New Zealand Army Corps. The regiment participated in the disastrous charge at the Nek on August 7, 1915, and their courageous actions were immortalised in the Peter Weir movie Gallipoli. After Gallipoli, the regiment served in the Middle East as part of the Anzac Mounted Division and later the Australian Mounted Division. The 10th Light Horse Regiment was largely supplied by the waler

breed of horse that originated in NSW, hence the name. The horses possessed amazing courage and endurance in harsh desert conditions, remaining alert and dependable even when short on rations. The Light Horse combined the mobility of cavalry with the fighting skills of infantry. They fought dismounted, with rifles and bayonets. However sometimes they charged on horseback, notably at Magdhaba and

Beersheba. On October 31, 1917, the Australian Light Horse bravely charged head-on into the machine guns to take Beersheba. Never would history see such a full-scale charge again. Horses usually need to drink about 30 litres of water a day. However during the campaign they often went for up to 60 hours without water while carrying a load of almost 130kg comprising rider, saddle, equipment, food and water. At the end of the World War I, Australians had 13,000 surplus horses that could not be returned home for quarantine reasons. Of these, 11,000 were sold, the majority as remounts for the British Army in India. Of all the walers that served in World War I, only one made it back. Sandy was one of Major General Sir William Throsby Bridges’ mounts. The gelding accompanied Bridges to Gallipoli but was not landed. After Bridges was killed

by a sniper, Sandy remained in Egypt until transferred to France in 1916. At the request of the Australian Government, Sandy returned to Melbourne in 1918 and was turned out to graze. Similarly, only one New Zealand horse that had served in the Middle East returned home. That was a mare named Bess. From 1916–18 Padre White served as an army chaplain with the 44th Battalion and, upon his return to Australia, delivered sermons in remembrance of locals who died in World War I. He led parishioners from St John’s Church to the summit of Mt Clarence at dawn on April 25, 1932 – the site where he, along with so many others, gathered to watch the convoys depart in 1914. Today the Padre White Lookout is the region’s most visited lookout and serves as an enduring place of reflection: a lasting monument to Ernest White and Australia’s first dawn service.

APRIL, 2019// SENIORS

Fishing the crater lakes in the Victorian district Anglers travel here in winter and summer

IN THE last of my six-part fishing series, I want to introduce you to a truly unique part of Australia to visit and fish – the crater lakes district in Victoria. A short drive to the west of Melbourne will have you in the midst of an ancient landscape that was shaped by our last volcanic era. There are a few lakes in the area but the most notable are Purrumbete and Bullen Merri. These lakes are found in the area around Camperdown. These dams are circular and very deep, having been formed by violent volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. Today they are filled with cool waters and plenty of brown and rainbow trout, salmon and redfin perch. The trout and salmon

Victoria’s Lake Bullen Merri.

fishing is first class and many anglers travel here in winter and summer to sample the fishing. The pick of the fishing occurs in winter and the changeover seasons. Popular techniques include fly-fishing with bait fish profile flies around the weed edges of lakes, particularly in Purrumbete. Bait fishing with live baits under floats is popular in both Bullen Merri and Purrumbete. Many anglers opt to troll lures around these dams and fare well on some very big trout and salmon. Trolling lures behind attractors and down deep on downriggers is a popular pastime here. Standard trout lures such as bibbed hard-body minnows and winged options such as Tasmanian Devils are worth packing.

Standard trout spinning equipment will cover most options – 2–4kg weighted rods with 2500-sized thread line reels and 4–8lb braided or fluorocarbon lines. There are boat ramps on these dams and 4m-plus boats are perfect for navigating these waterways. There are plenty more locations that I could write of but I am afraid I have run out of space. My next big trip is planned to the beaches and rock headlands to the west of Port Lincoln towards Yalata, which is another remote fishery I have heard should be on the bucket list of anglers. Nige Webster works for AFN Fishing and Outdoors and presents and produces The Fishing Show on 7Mate. Search Facebook: “AFN The Fishing Show”.

Photo: Tourism Victoria

QUALITY AND QUANTITY: The trout fishing is first class.

Photo: seanfboggs

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SENIORS \\APRIL, 2019

The Villas in a park-like setting.

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Tangalooma Island is the world’s third-largest sand island

NATURAL BEAUTY: Wild dolphin feeding off Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island.

Photo: Contributed

Birdlife abounds Tangalooma.

A dive into Tangalooma Shirley Sinclair

shirley.sinclair@scnews.com.au

IT starts the moment you step off the ferry, stand on the jetty and take in that view. Your gaze immediately falls on the golden sands stretching from the resort in front of you to the snorkelling haven known as “The Wrecks” at the extreme far left. You’ve taken the scenic route and arrived at this island haven. You’d swear you’ve been teleported to the Whitsundays or North Queensland. Then your eyes turn back to the calm, jewelled waters that graduate in colour – deepening from aquamarine to sapphire. Time-poor but fun-loving over-50s can discover a tropical getaway virtually on their doorstep and feel like they’ve had an exotic holiday in just one or two days. Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island – the world’s third-largest sand island after Fraser and North Stradbroke islands – is only a 75-minute ferry ride from Pinkenba in Brisbane’s north. It’s so close, yet a world away from the everyday. While we’d visited Tangalooma before, it had been in the colder months for some winter sun – a time of year when having a scenic water view is enough. Today, it’s all about frolicking in the 23C water on a 26-degree day under cornflour-blue skies. And we’re not going to waste this opportunity, having taken the first ferry at 7am and cramming as much island time into our overnight itinerary as

possible. For our 10am booking with Tangatours on the Wrecks Snorkel Tour, we mosey up the garden path where palm fronds and pandanus leaves cast shadows on to bottle-green lawns, to be suited up in wetsuits and decked out with snorkel and fins. Before the mandatory safety briefing, we talk with two Swiss travellers who couldn’t pass up the one chance they had to swim around 150 types of coral and 100 species of colourful tropical fish, as well as the possibility of sighting bottlenose dolphins, green sea turtles, wobbegongs and dugongs. Our instructor, the aptly named Sandy, expertly guides us on a tour beside, around and through the 15 wrecks that the State Government deliberately sunk on this beach to provide a breakwall safe anchorage spot for recreational boat owners on the eastern side of Moreton Bay. It has also served to create the snorkelling and diving wonderland so close off the beach. The first ship was sunk in 1963 and had a good amount of coral growing around it in three years. Four more ship scuttlings followed in the 1960s, then five each in the 1970s and ’80s, with the last in 1984. Sandy tells us the mostly finger coral found here is slow growing, averaging 6cm every three years. Over the next 75 minutes, we are mesmerised by nature. While I’ve snorkelled all over the world, this is my

TANGALOOMA TIPS DO Tangalooma operates launch transfer services from Holt Street Wharf, Pinkenba in Brisbane. Passengers travel in comfort across Moreton Bay aboard one of three high-speed catamarans – the Tangalooma Jet, Flyer, and Express. PLAY Many activities are free, while Tangalooma Island Resort also has plenty of paid tours including helicopter joy rides and kayaking. We can also highly recommend quad biking, and the desert safari tour with sand tobogganing. STAY Stay longer than a day in a range of accommodation to suit any budget, including hotel rooms, units, villas and apartments, most with a bay outlook. DEAL Tangalooma Island Resort three-night Island Escape from $299pp twin-share. Enjoy up to 40 per cent off when you book a three-night island escape, plus receive 20 per cent off experiences offered by TangaTours. Valid for travel from February 20 –April 4 and April 28 –August 31. Call 1300 652 250 or see www.tangalooma.com to book. Subject to availability. Further conditions apply. first wrecks dive and it’s a titanic experience. Nothing can quite describe the feeling of following tiny colourful fish through the bones of a sunken hull of a ship, kicking past portholes and floating above decks. The tour snorkels with the current, the length of the shipwrecks from end to end. Sandy introduces us to wrecks including the Remora and shows us why Trevally Alley and Coral Gardens are so-named, as well as the Fish Tank – where one side of a ship’s hull has collapsed, allowing smaller fish to successfully hide from predators. He even tells us where to dive down to observe gropers in their hidey-hole in the hull of a ship. Butter bream, golden trevally, yellow and black-striped sergeant majors, kingfish, yellowtail and a kaleidoscope of tropical coloured fish including lionfish catch our eye or surround us inquisitively.

But the highlight is when Sandy points out a napping wobbegong, camouflaged beneath a steel panel. The snorkelling reminds me how the simple things in life are often the best. So I’m feeling like a new woman over sunset drinks and traditional spicy Sichuan cuisine at the “Fire” side of Fire and Stone (the “Stone” is a la Carte dining with Modern Australian cuisine), where we share a Prawn Mixed Mushroom (garlic prawns stir-fried with Chinese mushrooms), and the Chef’s Special Porcupine Barramundi (deep-fried baby barramundi dressed in a coat of crunchy pine nuts and served with a sweet and sour sauce) – a food art surprise. The climax of our day on Moreton Island is its world-renowned Wild Dolphin Feeding. Guests on selected accommodation and day cruise packages can feed dolphins once per person per stay. But anyone can sit in the stands and observe.

The grateful recipient of our tasty herrings is pregnant 14-year-old Silhouette (her calf now named Comet made its first appearance on January 13 – the fourth generation of the same family to turn up at Tangalooma and the 12th member of the Moreton pod to frequent the jetty). Silhouette – so-named

because of her perfectly formed dorsal fin – has another calf: four-year-old Betts. We are instructed to crouch over, elbow bent with fish in the water at snout height for ease of acceptance. She is eating for two, so that’s probably why Silhouette is so eager. Her maternal instincts and motherly nature are on display as she ever-so-gently approaches us, keeping her left eye on me at all times, slowly opening her mouth to reveal her tiny teeth and gracefully accepting her dinner. It’s a night-time ritual Silhouette gladly and enthusiastically repeats throughout the year. And after one big day on Tangalooma, I realise she’s not the only one who wants to come back for more. The writer was a guest of Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island

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APRIL, 2019// SENIORS

The veteran adventurers

Gokyo Lake, Himalayas, Nepal.

Photo: Ray Mustey

Practice walks up Mt Coot-tha whip Brian Eales into shape for a Himalayan adventure Kerry Heaney TWO senior trekkers have set off on a five-month journey along the world’s highest and longest alpine walking route, the 1700km Great Himalaya Trail. Brisbane local Brian Eales, who will celebrate his 71st birthday on the trail, and Dennis Frost, 65, from the Sunshine Coast, were unknown to each other before they embarked on this ultimate trekking experience. Brian, who has travelled to the Himalayas 15 times, prepared for the

trek by regularly walking different routes up Mt Coot-tha, down the other side, up again and back as his morning exercise. He followed that with a 50-minute walk to his local shopping centre for lunch. His anticipated tour highlights include abseiling off the West Col and traversing the high passes in Dolpo. Dennis loves the contrast between the excitement and vibrancy of Kathmandu and the serenity and natural beauty of the mountains and their people. He previously

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The trail itself triggers inspiring stories

INTREPID: Dennis Frost, with Mt Warning in the background, during a training walk. completed the Snowman Trek, crossing 11 high passes on the mountainous borders that define Bhutan and Tibet. Organised by adventure travel specialist World Expeditions, the Great Himalaya Trail carves a path of more than 4500km through the

Himalayas from Bhutan to Pakistan. “As well as being an incredible adventure, the trail itself triggers the most inspiring stories of determination, achievement and personal growth,” World Expeditions chief executive Sue Badyari

said. The Nepal section begins in the country’s far east. It crosses to the high plateaus on the Tibetan borderlands in the far west, along the way encountering some of the wildest and most remote mountain environments on the planet.

Trekkers can see all eight of Nepal’s 8000m peaks and visit villages where traditional culture has remained intact for centuries. “A thousand words cannot describe how absolutely amazing the Great Himalaya Trail was and always will be,” Ray Mustey, also of Brisbane, who trekked the full traverse in 2014, said. “I am often asked if I would do it again. The answer is always yes.” Brian and Dennis will join a select list of just 21 people who have completed this trek. World Expeditions has divided the Great Himalaya Trail into seven treks that can be completed individually or together. Find out more at worldexpeditions.com.

Wedding of the year and you’re invited to celebrations

UNIQUE TRAVEL: Experience all the excitement of the Bollywood dance and music that is part of an Indian wedding celebration.

BECOME a guest at a traditional Indian wedding this November when Wendy Wu Tours takes an intimate tour group to one of the pinnacle experiences of cultural India. The special tour includes all the highlights, sights and sounds of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, with the added exclusive opportunity to take part in a real-life Indian wedding. The tour starts in Delhi, where you will stay for two

nights to experience its chaos and charm. Explore the colossal Red Fort and India’s largest mosque, Jama Masjid, before heading on a delicious food tour. Next is Agra and the magnificent Taj Mahal before moving to Jaipur. On arrival in Jaipur, travellers will participate in the sangeet. It’s the pre-wedding celebration, usually on the night or day before the wedding, where the entire wedding party comes

together for an event full of song and dance. It’s often in pre-choreographed moves set to traditional tunes and usually followed by a night of thumping Bollywood numbers. The nine-day tour departs capital cities on November 5, 2019, and is limited to 28 people. For more information or to book, phone 1300 128 738 or go to www.wendywutours. com.au/an-indianwedding.

SENIORS \\APRIL, 2019

Could your home be a financial lifeline in your retirement?

FINANCIAL CHOICES: One option for older Australians is downsizing their home to take advantage of the new downsizer super contribution. The main point is that as we age, every legitimate resource is worth looking into. After years of service providing a roof over your head, your home could be a financial lifeline in retirement.

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

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The latest investment scam report from consumer watchdog, the ACCC, shows that older Australians are more exposed to scams, and often wear some of the biggest losses.

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advantage of the new downsizer super contribution. A couple aged 65-plus can make combined contributions of up to $600,000 using proceeds from the sale of their home. All of these choices can mean leaving a smaller estate. The MoneySmart website has a calculator that shows the possible impact on home equity of taking out a reverse mortgage. But after years of paying off and maintaining a home, it seems only fair that older Australians should be allowed to use their equity to fund a decent lifestyle rather than focusing on what they can leave for their adult children. The possibility of using home equity is also far more palatable than throwing money into a dodgy “get rich quick” scheme in a desperate bid to generate some extra cash.

linen

AUSTRALIAN retirees are sitting on an estimated $500 billion in home equity but the options for using this resource are tightening up. A number of lenders have bailed out of reverse mortgages, a product that lets over-65s borrow against the value of their home to generate extra income. With lenders like the Commonwealth Bank and Bankwest jumping ship, seniors looking for a reverse mortgage are left with a choice of just IMB, Heartland Seniors’ Finance, and P&N Bank. However, other strategies to harness home equity are available. The Pension Loans Scheme (PLS) run through the Department of Human Services, works in a similar way to reverse mortgages. Your home equity acts as security for the loan, and the amount borrowed

is repaid when you sell up or pass away. Right now, the PLS is only available to age pension recipients, and the payment received is a top-up to the maximum pension payment. That’s about to change. The government has just passed a Bill, which from July 1 this year will see the PLS become open to all retirees including self-funded retirees, with the maximum payment worth 150 per cent of the full age pension. At present the PLS comes with an interest rate of 5.25 per cent. This compares favourably to commercial reverse mortgage rates. P&N Bank’s loan for example, comes at a rate of 6.24 per cent. Lump sum payments aren’t available through the PLS, but it’s still a welcome opportunity for seniors to increase their regular income. Another option for older Australians is downsizing their home to take

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APRIL, 2019// SENIORS

Easy way to fill a script

New app just the tonic for medication issues Kerry Heaney

ONLINE ACCESS: The Tonic App allows users to scan a photograph of their script to order prescription medication and over-the-counter items.

STANDING in a queue with a sick family member at a busy pharmacy was the inspiration for two Brisbane dads to develop an app that makes it easier for people to get the medication they need. Guy McKenzie and Adam Gilmore said personal experience showed it needed to be easier for older members of the community, including those with limited mobility or who could not drive, to get their medicine. “In a world where you can get almost everything delivered, including food, groceries and online shopping, it should also be possible to get medicine brought to your door,” Adam said. “After standing in a long line with a sick person, we saw the acute need for greater convenience when

it came to accessing prescription medication.” The Tonic App allows users to scan a photograph of their script to order prescription medication and over-the-counter items like vitamins, hearing aid batteries and painkillers, and nominate a time and place for the products to be delivered. For 65-year-old Rod, who lives on Brisbane’s northside, the service keeps his medications up to date and on tap. Rod takes a multitude of preventative cardiovascular disease medications, as well as blood pressure medications, and has used Tonic since September 2018. His scripts are on file and Tonic ensures the medication is ordered and delivered before his supply runs out. “Pharmacy Guild of Australia stats show 43

per cent of medicine users aged over 50 take five or more medicines, and that’s why we’ve designed the app so seniors can order multiple products at the same time,” Adam said “It also means those with a vulnerable immune system aren’t exposed to a greater risk of infection by having to leave home and wait in line at a pharmacy.” One of the advantages of the Tonic App is users who have repeats on their scripts can set up automatic delivery, meaning they will never run out of the medication they need. “The scripts are stored in the app, so you don’t have to worry about finding them, and an alert is sent when those repeats are getting low as a reminder to return to the doctor,” Adam said. Info: tonicapp.com.au.

SENIORS \\APRIL, 2019

LIVING

Top tips for a good fit

The right bra makes being active more comfortable Tracey Johnstone

WOMEN are told that ageing well involves getting physically active, but do they know how to make the right clothing choices when doing recreation and competition activities? We asked Berlei’s head designer innovation, Adele Kershaw, to share her tips for choosing the right bra whether we are striding the streets or hitting a competition field. What type of active bra best suits women 60 and over? As we age, our tissue becomes softer and our skin less firm. It’s natural for the Cooper’s ligaments that support the breast to stretch out over time, becoming less effective. The skin also becomes more sensitive and prone to irritation, making close-to-skin comfort of

active bras even more important to ensure the skin is not damaged from chaffing or ill-fitting support. For these reasons it’s particularly important for this demographic to ensure they are wearing the correct size and support level for their activity. Should we get fitted for a bra? The bra will only provide the level of support advertised if you are wearing the correct size and so it’s crucial that you get fitted and understand your breast size and shape. It’s important to get professionally fitted every six months because women’s breast sizes change over the course of their lives: ■ Our bodies change all the time as we gain and lose weight, and as we lose muscle tone. ■ There are many health risks in not wearing the correct size bra. Scarring under the breast is a common problem if the bra is far too tight, which causes it to dig into and rub on flesh.

■ Lack of support in the bra frame adds extra pressure on the shoulders and chest, which can cause complaints in the back, shoulder and neck, especially in women with large breasts. ■ Breast pain due to tight-fitting bras that are uncomfortable with underwire poking out can also lead to blisters on the skin due to rubbing. ■ Breast sagging can result from wearing a loose bra that fails to support the breasts and help keep them in shape. We recommend being open-minded about your size. It’s just a number and the proper fit of a bra is the most important part. How important is breast bounce? Breast support is important for all women when active. Women with softer tissue are particularly prone to pain and damage when active. It’s not possible to cure the damage to breasts once they have been impacted and so the solution is really in support for prevention. What to look for in

selecting a bra? Consider the type of activity you will be using the bra for and therefore what support factor you will need: ■ In a sports garment a contour cup will provide more shaping and modesty. ■ Underwire helps separate the breasts and anchor the bra to the body, while a wire-free garment offers more relaxed comfort and freedom to move. ■ Wider straps help distribute the weight of a heavy bust and relieve any pressure you feel through the shoulder. ■ Material should have a strong stretch and feel. When you stretch it in your hand, you should see it return. And as always – fit, fit, fit! Will one bra do? Our research shows that breasts move differently depending on the sport or activity women are doing, however an astounding 76 per cent of women admit to wearing the exact same sports bra no matter what the activity is. A sports bra for yoga will not be the same sports

BREAST HEALTH: Always consider the type of activity you will be using the bra for and therefore what support factor you need. Photo: Berlei bra for running. Most women are conscious of how their breasts feel during exercise because they can bounce around, feel uncomfortable and painful, however they are often unaware of the damage that can happen below the surface to the

FROM STRENGTH

TO STRENGTH

soft tissue and delicate Cooper’s ligaments inside their breasts. It is important to wear the correct sports bra during exercise activities and we encourage women to prioritise their breasts by choosing the correct support when it comes to sport.

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Ton y G welcome’s n ilmour from Central Coa ew team mem st bers debora Select Properties h Baker and maureen Ba ker

Power up with a nap TAKING a nap during the day can really make a big difference to our mood and energy, but that nap can also interfere with our sleep patterns if we aren’t careful. The Sleep Health Foundation recommends ‘power napping’. This means limiting your nap time to no more than 15-30 minutes. Make it work for you

These tips can help you have a better nap every time: ■ Aim to nap at the same time each day ■ Try not to nap too close to the time you normally go to sleep ■ Choose a quiet place, that is darkened and cool ■ Make sure you are comfortable, either sitting up or lying down ■ Try an eye mask if you struggle with napping in

the daytime ■ If you are in a car, ensure you are parked in a safe location and the car is locked ■ Avoid drinking caffeine before napping ■ Eating a large meal before trying to nap could make relaxing more difficult For more tips on better sleeping, go to www.sleephealth foundation.org.au.

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DOZE OFF: Check these tips for having a better nap every time. Photo: Contributed

APRIL-MAY, 2019// SENIORS

Wellbeing

When end is nigh, we want truth

TWO new surveys show older people want a straight answer from their doctor to one of life’s weightiest questions, but clinicians are often reluctant to give one. The research led by Bond University’s associate professor Magnolia Cardona reveals older Australians want the truth about their prognosis, even if it is bad news. Doctors and nurses however prefer to be cautious because of uncertainty around life expectancy and pressure from families asking them to withhold information from terminal patients. There is also a perception that patients and families lack the knowledge to make informed decisions. “While this may have been the case 15 years ago, our recent findings strongly suggest that the public today may be more willing than clinicians realise to talk openly about what is in store and how or where they want to die,” said Dr Cardona. More than 92 per cent of the older people wanted information about life expectancy while almost 90 per cent wanted involvement in treatment decisions if the likelihood of death was high. Study co-author and nurse Ebony Lewis said medical literature and the study showed the culture of “doctor knows best” was changing and shared decision-making near the end of life “should become the norm”.

UPDATE: Stay one step ahead with your health insurance knowledge.

Photo: Purestock

Private health reforms FROM April 1 significant reforms to health insurance which are aimed at making health insurance simpler for consumers to understand will come into force. The major changes include:

GOLD, SILVER, BRONZE AND BASIC HOSPITAL COVER

Health insurers will begin rolling out four new tiers of hospital cover from early 2019. The four tiers of Gold, Silver, Bronze and Basic each have minimum inclusions and will become mandatory from April 1, 2020. Private health insurers have one year from now to introduce the tiers. Insurers have commenced informing consumers with existing health insurance policies about how their policies will change or have changed to fit into one of the new tiers.

CLINICAL CATEGORIES

What is and isn’t covered in the Gold, Silver, Bronze and Basic tiers will be based on new standard clinical categories of treatment. These categories are groups of hospital treatments that are covered under each policy. Each category - for example “bone, joint and muscle” category, or “heart and vascular system” category - sets out the hospital treatments that must be covered by the private health insurer. If a policy covers a certain category, then it must cover everything included in the category.

PRIVATE HEALTH INFORMATION STATEMENT (PHIS)

Insurers are required to send consumers a statement summarising what their policy covers at least once a year, and again each time their

policy changes. From 2019 onwards policy information for new Gold, Silver, Bronze or Basic hospitals and new general treatment policies will be provided in the form of a Private Health Information Statement (PHIS) including information about what is covered based on the new tiers and clinical categories of treatment. From April 1, 2020 all policies will be summarised in PHIS documents. Consumers can search for and compare a standard PHIS from every insurer in Australia on privatehealth.gov.au. Insurers can also offer a customised PHIS for their members and in their emails, letters and websites, which may include further information.

MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT WAITING PERIODS Since April last year

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health insurers have been providing greater access to mental health services by allowing people to upgrade their hospital cover without serving the usual two month waiting period for in-hospital psychiatric treatment. Policyholders are able to use this exemption from the usual waiting period on a once-off basis.

NATURAL THERAPIES

From now private health insurers will no longer be able to offer benefits for some natural therapies as part of a health insurance policy. The affected natural therapies are Alexander technique, aromatherapy, Bowen therapy, Buteyko, Feldenkrais, western herbalism, homeopathy, iridology, kinesiology, naturopathy, Pilates, reflexology, Rolfing, shiatsu, tai chi, and yoga.

TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION BENEFITS FOR RURAL CONSUMERS

Insurers will have the option to offer travel and accommodation benefits as part of hospital cover for consumers that need to travel away from home for treatment. Some insurers already offer these benefits to their members under general treatment or extras cover.

ADDITIONAL OMBUDSMAN'S POWERS

In addition to its current complaint-handling and information provision roles, the ombudsman’s office ffice has new powers to inspect private health insurers to address complaints when they cannot be resolved through the usual channels. For more information, go to privatehealth. gov.au.

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SENIORS \\APRIL-MAY, 2019

WELLBEING

Have a vision for future Tips to look out for as your eye health changes over the years

OUR eyesight changes as we get older, so many of us will need to wear glasses or contact lenses as we age. Here are some tips to help keep your vision clear. ■ Have regular eye tests An eye test is not just good for checking whether your glasses are up to date. It’s also a vital check on the health of your eyes. An eye test can pick up eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts and melanoma in the eye, as well as general health problems, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Good eyesight is important in reducing accidental injuries from falls and motor vehicle accidents. An optometrist is a trained health professional who can assess your vision but also pick up any more serious eye conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration that lead to blindness.

Eye testing by an optometrist is covered under Medicare. The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) provides for a comprehensive optometric consultation every 2 years. However, if you experience significant changes in your vision, new signs or symptoms, or you have a progressive eye disease, you may be able to access subsidised consultations more regularly. The MBS website lists Medicare services that are subsidised by the Government. You can also ask an optometrist or ophthalmologist about these services. You may also be eligible for discounts on your glasses and contact lenses if you hold a Seniors Card. Check with eyewear stores in your area to see which ones offer a discount. Another tip that can sometimes save you money is to recycle a favourite pair of frames by having new

lenses put in them. ■ Wear the right lenses An eye test will establish whether you need a different prescription for your glasses or contact lenses. It’s important to wear the correct prescription lenses. This will improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of accidents such as falls. You may be entitled to help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses, so ask your optometrist about this. ■ As well as having regular eye tests and SEE FOR YOURSELF: An eye test is not just good for checking whether your glasses are wearing the correct up to date. It's also a vital check on the health of your eyes. glasses, you can do several things to keep Stay a healthy weight — can see the steps clearly. or an addition to your your eyes as healthy as being overweight For reading or close prescription lenses possible: increases your risk of work, use a direct light (bifocals, multifocals or Wear sunglasses – diabetes, which can lead from a flexible table lamp varifocals). strong sunlight can to sight loss. – positioned so the light is Floaters — these tiny damage your eyes and Use good lighting – to not reflected by the page specks or spots that float may increase your risk of see well, your eyes need and causing glare. across your vision are cataracts. Wear three times as much light ■ Eye problems as you normally harmless. sunglasses or contact when you’re 60 as they get older If they persist, see an lenses with a built-in UV did when you were 20. Difficulty reading — eye optician. filter to protect your eyes Increase the daylight in muscles start to weaken from harmful rays. your home by keeping from the age of 45. You can find out if you’re Quit smoking – smoking windows clean and It’s a natural ageing eligible for the NSW can increase your curtains pulled back. process of the eye that spectacles program. chances of developing Make sure you have happens to us all. Other states also have conditions such as good electric lighting too, By the time you’re 60, eye subsidy schemes. cataracts and age-related especially at the top and you’ll probably need Also check My Aged Care macular degeneration. bottom of stairs so you separate reading glasses for more info.

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WELLBEING

APRIL, 2019// SENIORS

Top tips to travel with older pets ‘‘

Preparation makes travel experiences easy

YOU love to travel, and your elderly pet really wants to travel with you. Just like humans, pets need to have a good travel plan and time to adjust to the rigours of the trip. If you have an elderly pet, you must take more precautions, whether you are going on a quick day trip or a longer excursion. 1. A trip to the vet If you are planning to go on a longer trip, make sure your older pet has had a recent veterinary check-up before you go. Ensure that vaccinations are current, and check into airline or train guidelines if your pet will be travelling this way. As much as you want your pet to travel with you, an older pet’s health issue may require that the pet stay home where he or she is more comfortable. Try not to put your pet in a stressful, unhealthy or risky situation. Older pets can also have emotional challenges and may be

Ensure your older pet has had a recent veterinary checkup before travelling

less able to adapt to the travel environment. Once you have all the information and the vet’s opinion, decide whether your pet should accompany you or perhaps stay home with a friend or pet sitter. 2. Crating If your pet is not used to being in a crate, make sure it begins to become accustomed to it. Crate travel in the car is much safer for the pet. Older pets are set in their ways and will need time to make this change.

3. Familiarity Humans are creatures of habit. We love our favourite book or coffee mug or blanket. Pets are no different. Older pets in particular like familiarity, so be sure to pack special pet beds and toys for the journey. 4. Meals Remember that it takes a dog or cat about three hours to digest food, so plan accordingly. Don’t starve your pet before the trip, but feed them lightly before you go. If your pet can wait to eat until after your travel, that is the best scenario. This should help reduce any chance of pet motion sickness. 5. Bathroom breaks Once the pet does eat, it will take about three hours until they need to go to the bathroom, so be sure you are not stuck in a situation where that cannot happen! 6. Exercise Think about how stiff

PET CARE: Veterinarian Dr Sam Kovac. your legs, back and muscles are after you’ve been sitting in a car for a while. You get up and stretch, don’t you? Your pet needs to as well. Take driving breaks and if you are on a long drive, take your dog for a short walk before you get back on the road. Get those old bones moving! 7. Temperatures

You may be just fine in the desert heat or arctic cold, but your pet may not be. Be aware of temperature differences between where you live and where you will travel. Don’t get into a situation where you must leave your pet in a cold or hot car. 8, How old is too old? Dogs reach middle age around age seven, with

cats reaching middle age at about age eight to 10. If your pet is at or past this age, the pet will likely move slower and may have health issues. Use your judgment, but make sure that you are not creating a stressful situation for you or your pet by travelling. Dr Sam Kovac BVSC is the founder of Southern Cross Vet.

Being in the running is now a walk in the park GENERATIONS Project is the buzz with parkrun Australia enthusiasts after news the project will be funded under the Sport Australia Move It AUS Better Ageing government grant. Its primary purpose is to increase parkrun Australia’s participation by

people aged 65 and over by 5000 nationally over the next two years. To do this, parkrun Australia will create 65 new locations to help older Australians connect with their local community. These new members will be encouraged to run,

walk, volunteer or simply be a spectator. The Generations Project funding of $1.8 million creates new weekly parkrun events in areas that have a high older population and provide more older Australians with the chance to take part in free and fun

physical and social activity to help improve their overall health. The Better Ageing grants are intended to address inactivity, isolation and loneliness – major concerns for Australia’s ageing population. Moving from being

inactive to active in a group activity is important for an older person’s health and to socialisation, peer support, conversation and reducing the possibility for loneliness-related physical and mental illnesses. A further 26

organisations including golf, netball, basketball, football, gymnastics, bowls, taekwondo, water polo and surf life saving are receiving funding under the Better Ageing grants. For information, visit parkrun.com.au.

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SENIORS \\APRIL, 2019

WELLBEING

How to get better sleep MAKING sure we get a good quality and quantity of sleep each day is the key to ageing well and improving the odds of physical, cognitive and emotional health. The Sleep Health Foundation has some top tips help you learn how to achieve the perfect sleep. How do older people sleep differently? Most people sleep between seven and nine hours each day. However, they may not get all their sleep at night. About four in every 10 older people have at least one 30-minute nap daily. Most people over the age of 80 nap for more than one hour each day. At night, some older people take more than half an hour to get to sleep. Older people also tend to sleep lightly. They wake up more often and spend less time in deep, refreshing sleep. Why does sleep change as we age? As we get older, the hormones that help us sleep are released earlier in the day. Melatonin is a hormone

produced naturally in the body at night. It promotes sleep. Older people make less melatonin so they may find it difficult to get off to sleep. Other factors may interfere with sleep and cause awakenings during the night such as hot flushes in post-menopausal women and the need to go to the toilet during the night. Pain may make it difficult to stay in one position for the whole night. Also, after retirement many people find it convenient to take a short nap during the day, which can reduce the need for sleep at night. What can I do to improve my sleep? Keep regular sleep hours. Try to go to bed at about the same time every night and get out of bed about the same time every morning. An alarm clock can help with this. Avoid sleeping in, even if you have had a poor night’s sleep and still feel tired. Don’t go to bed too early and only spend the

SLEEPING TIPS: Learn how to turn a bad sleeping pattern into a better one. time in bed that you actually need for sleep (e.g. eight hours). If you happen to wake early, think about getting out of bed and starting your day. Regular sleep habits strengthen your body

clock’s sleep-wake rhythm. Exposure to sunlight during the morning and late afternoon also helps. Exercise during the day will help you to feel sleepier at night. Take care with naps. An

afternoon nap may help your energy levels but may also interfere with sleeping at night. Naps can be a problem if they are late in the afternoon or last longer than 15-20 minutes. The best approach is to

Photo: bowdenimages

experiment to find what works best. It is important to remember that sleep needs and sleep patterns change with age and different circumstances. For more information, go to sleepfoundation.org.

Foods to support your good health nutrients to healthy gut bacteria. ■ Matcha It can take some time to produce matcha leaves suitable for drinking. The leaves are covered with shade cloths before harvesting to trigger better flavour and texture. The leaves are then hand-picked, steamed to prevent fermentation, then dried and aged in a cold room to deepen the flavour further. The result is a tea packed full of health-giving properties. ■ Miso

Miso isn’t just about soup. In its paste form it’s also ideal for salad dressings, sauces, marinades, and adding to chicken, fish or vegetable dishes. Made from fermented soybeans and grains, it contains millions of beneficial bacteria, which means that it releases pro-biotics, great for balancing your gut’s health. ■ Wine Drinking wine has been given the seal of approval by researchers who say

that the resveratrol, which is present in grapes, may help to lower cardiovascular risk and reduction of some cancers. Wine is also loaded with a variety of other polyphenols which have broad and profound health effects. ■ Aged garlic A study published in Frontiers of Nutrition found that aged garlic extract has several health benefits, including reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients, improved the age of

HEALTHY: Garlic extract has several health benefits. arterial stiffness by around five years, inflammation and gut health. The study found that patients who took two capsules a day of Kyolic

Aged Garlic reported fewer adverse side effects, and an increase in lactobacillus and clostridia, which are also known as the good bacteria in the gut.

Congratulations to our Winners Congratulations to the winners of our King of Thieves Screening giveaway. Anne Freier Anthea Cornish John Morris

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CARDIOLOGIST Dr Ross Walker wants us to start now adding these five foods to our diet as each has shown to increase in nutritional value as we age. ■ Kimchi Take better care of your gut by including fermented foods such as kimchi in your diet. It’s rich in vitamin A and C which have gut-boosting lactobacilli bacteria, and antioxidant and immune boosting abilities. It’s important to have a good dose of pre-biotics which feed high-quality

REVIEWS

APRIL-MAY, 2019// SENIORS

Maddie Bright’s authentic story

IT’S 1920 and at 17 years of age, Maddie Bright takes a job as a serving girl on the Royal Tour of Australia by Edward, Prince of Wales. She meets the prince’s young staff and the prince himself – beautiful, boyish and godlike. Maddie might be on the adventure of a lifetime. Her talents soon earn her the respect of Helen Burns, the prince’s vivacious press secretary, and Rupert Waters, his most loyal man. And Maddie is in awe of Edward himself, the people’s prince. What starts as a desire to help her family devastated by the recent war, becomes a chance for Maddie to work on something that matters. When the unthinkable happens, it is swift and life changing. Sixty-one years later, Maddie Bright is living a small life in a ramshackle house in Brisbane. She has Ed, her drunken and devoted neighbour to talk to, the television news to shout at, and door-knocker religions to join. But an unlooked-for letter arrives in the mail and there’s news on the television from Buckingham Palace that makes her shout back at the screen. Maddie Bright’s true story may change. In August 1997, London journalist Victoria Byrd is tasked by her editor with the job of finding the elusive MA Bright, author of the classic war novel of ill-fated love, Autumn

Torment and tragedy

Subversive and thrilling

‘‘

Written with real warmth and wit.

Leaves. It seems Bright has written a second novel and Victoria has been handed the scoop.

Written with real warmth and wit, these evocative strands twist across the seas and over two continents, intersecting with the lives of Edward and Princess Diana, two of the most hated and loved figures of the 20th century. Australian author

Mary-Rose MacColl’s The True Story of Maddie Bright considers the inescapable ties of mothering, friendship, duty and love. Published by Allen & Unwin, The True Story of Maddie Bright is available now. RRP$29.99.

BRITISH author Ian McEwan’s latest novel explores the complexity and morality when artificial intelligence is used. Machines Like Me occurs in an alternative 1980s London. Britain has lost the Falklands War, Margaret Thatcher battles Tony Benn for power and Alan Turing achieves a breakthrough in artificial intelligence. In a world not quite like this one, two lovers will be tested beyond their understanding. Charlie, drifting through life and dodging full-time employment, is in love with Miranda, a bright student who lives with a terrible secret. When Charlie comes into money, he buys Adam, one of the first batch of synthetic humans. With Miranda’s assistance, he co-designs Adam’s personality. This near-perfect human is beautiful, strong and clever. A love triangle soon forms. These three beings will confront a profound moral dilemma. It’s a provocative and thrilling tale that warns of the power to invent things beyond our control.

ENGLAND’S Archbishop of Canterbury is dying and with him the power of the Church. Seizing his chance, King Henry II is determined to enforce the rule of law that he has painstakingly established and bring the violent, corrupt and criminal clergy before his courts. The ever-scheming Thomas Becket uses his mastery of deceit, sycophancy and wit to undermine the King and the Plantagenet dynasty. Should Becket be elected as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, against the wishes of Queen Eleanor and Empress Matilda, he will be one step closer to becoming England’s strongman. A story of passion, jealousy, rebellion and downfall, The Lions’ Torment follows Henry, Eleanor and Becket in an era of power and vengeance that leads to one of the most scandalous and tragic murders in history. It’s the third book in author Blanche d’Alpuget’s compelling Birth of the Plantagenets series, which follows the battle for dominance between the Church and the Crown. Published by Simon & Schuster and available in April. RRP$32.99.

Published by Penguin. Available in April. RRP$32.99.

Win a double pass to see André Rieu’s 2019 Maastricht Concert – ‘Shall We Dance?’ at Event Cinemas. André Rieu’s annual hometown Maastricht concerts attract fans from all corners of the globe. The medieval town square is transformed into a spectacular backdrop for unforgettable concerts filled with humour, fun and emotions for all ages. This year’s theme is a dedication to the waltz. Screening on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th of July

at BCC and Event Cinemas, tickets are on sale now at eventcinemas.com.au or at the box office. Thanks to Event Cinemas, we have 10 double passes to giveaway to this exciting screening. To be in the draw, just fill in our form online at seniorsnews.com.au/ competitions

^Visit seniorsnews.com.au/competitionterms for full competition terms and conditions. Promoter is ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd of 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore Qld 4558. Promotional period 22/04/19-2/06/19. Competition drawn 2pm 3/06/19 at Cnr Mayne Rd and Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006.Winners announced in Seniors August Edition 2019.Total prize value $840.00 (including GST). Entry is open to all permanent residents of Queensland, residing in the Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Toowoomba Seniors distribution areas and NSW in the Northern NSW, Central Coast and Coffs & Clarence Seniors distribution areas. NSW Permit Number LTPM/18/03133 ***Double passes are for traditional orVmax sessions, not valid for Gold Class. Passes must be redeemed at the box office and cannot be booked online. Seating is subject to availability.

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SENIORS \\APRIL, 2019

Sharing the space Attwood Marshall Lawyers A GRANNY Flat Agreement can help elderly parents provide gifts to theirchildren whilst retaining their pesnion and to potentially take advantage of Centrelink concessions such as Rent Assistance. While it is an excellent idea for elderly parents looking for a stable home and family support in their retirement, it is important that the parties entering into a Granny Flat Agreement are very clear about the terms under which they enter into this arrangement. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 8.2% of people aged over 65 years live with their family with the living arrangement more likely as you get older, with 12.2% of people over 85 living at home. Many families make an informal agreement between themselves about how an older person would be cared for while living in a granny flat on the family property. Not only does this appear the easier option ‘without paperwork’ it appears frugal, helping children to the primary dwelling while avoiding any capital gains tax which might be incurred through a property transaction. How does it work? For social security purposes, a parent can transfer or sell their home under the granny flat provisions and pay money to their children for a

EXPERT: Attwood Marshall lawyer Angela Harry. lifetime right or the use of the granny flat (the granny flat interest). Normally the transferred property or funds would be deemed to be a gift and would affect the pension entitlements of the parent. However, the ‘granny flat’ rules allow for any property transferred or money paid to the parent’s children to be exempt from the usual deeming legislation by Centrelink. What qualifies as a granny flat? You do not actually have to build a separate granny flat or a separate residence. As long as there is a designated room or area that allows for a parents’ exclusive occupancy and there is an agreement to support the arrangement, Centrelink will usually approve the arrangement. Rooms

such a loft room, duplex, a room in an apartment, can all come under a granny flat agreement. What assets can you transfer in exchange for a granny flat interest? ■ ownership of your home ■ some of your other assets (money, for example) How does Centrelink assess the granny flat interest? Centrelink will look at the value of the asset transferred to see if you paid a ‘reasonable amount’. If Centrelink consider you have transferred more than the value of the granny flat right they will determine you have deprived yourself of an asset. This could affect the amount of pension you are paid. You need to advise Centrelink what you transferred to the home owner in

exchange for the granny flat interest. How a Granny Flat Agreement can affect your Will? The parties also need to be aware that once the money is given to the child in exchange for the granny flat interest the money no longer forms part of the parent’s estate. The right only exists in the parent’s lifetime. This means that upon the death of the parent any property or money handed over to the child will not be distributed in accordance with their will. It is, therefore, a good idea to make sure the wills and enduring powers of attorney are updated to marry up with the agreement. This way all family members are protected and everyone knows what is going on. Sometimes jealous siblings cause friction if they are kept in the dark. Does Centrelink recommend you have a lawyer compile your Granny Flat Agreement? Yes, Centrelink recommend that you have a properly drafted legal agreement drawn up to give evidence of the granny flat interest. To ensure the agreement falls under the granny flat rules the document should, at the very least, confirm you have security of tenure in the property and state whether you are liable for any upkeep of the property or payment of rent. Other factors that should also be considered and included in the agreement include:■ Who does what for

whom (eg cooking, cleaning, washing etc)? ■ Who pays for what (electricity, phone etc)? ■ How much privacy will you have within the home? ■ How much independence will you have to lead your own life versus how tied down will you be by the family’s timetable? ■ How much time do you want to spend with grandchildren, and do you want to be involved in childcare? ■ What happens if your health deteriorates and your care needs change (eg you need to be placed in a nursing home or similar care facility)? Whilst the granny flat exemption allowed by Centrelink is an excellent idea to provide solutions for elderly parents looking for a stable home and family support in their retirement, it is important that the parties are very clear about the terms under which they enter into this arrangement. It is very important to enter into a proper agreement because no matter how close families are, it is amazing how many families have a falling out in this situation and the parent wants their money to be paid back. There needs to be provision for what happens if things turn sour or the parent needing money for a bond to go into an aged care facility. Elder Abuse Something to be aware of is that the Australian Law Review Commission found in its 2017 report ‘Elder Abuse - A National

Money Legal Response’ that under an informal granny flat arrangement, if the relationship between parent and child breaks down or the promise of care is not delivered, the older person can be put at a disadvantage and even be left homeless. The ALRC’s next report and suggested reforms are due mid-2019, and may lead to more stringent lawas around Granny Flat Agreement. We highly recommend a legally binding Granny Flat Agreement is written by lawyer to help protect your rights. ■ Wills & Estates Partner Angela Harry leads the Wills & Estate Department. Angela holds a Master of Applied Law (Wills & Estates) degree through the College of Law, has completed the College of Laws Certificate in Testamentary Trusts and the Queensland Practice Management Course. Angela also holds membership with the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP). STEP is the worldwide professional association for those advising families across generations. STEP promotes best practice, professional integrity and education to their members Established 1946, Attwood Marshall Lawyers has offices at Robina Town Centre, Kingscliff, NSW, and The Strand Coolangatta. For a free estate planning review phone 1800 621 071 today.

Be aware – don’t get caught out with an SMSF Paul Clitheroe AUSTRALIA’S 600,000 self-managed super funds (SMSFs) are collectively worth an estimated $755 billion. That’s nearly one-third of total super assets. But it seems not all SMSFs follow the road rules. It’s that time of year when many Australians will think about establishing their own super fund. SMSFs can have a lot going for them, however one of the big differences between running your own fund and a professionally managed super fund is that each member of an SMSF is also a trustee. That means every

member is responsible for the way the fund is run. And it turns out that not all SMSFs meet the mark. A recent speech by Dana Fleming, the Tax Office’s Assistant Commissioner of Superannuation, identified some of the traps that SMSFs get caught up in. One of the biggest pitfalls is using an SMSF to access super savings ahead of retirement. It’s what the ATO calls ‘illegal early release’ (IER). Apparently, several hundred newly established SMSFs have been caught out for IER this financial year. The main reasons for dipping into nest eggs prematurely were found to

be financial stress or a desire to spend retirement savings on presentday benefits like funding a holiday or buying a home. In other cases, SMSF trustees simply knew little or nothing about setting up or running an SMSF – the result of being targeted by unscrupulous promoters. The other area of Tax Office focus is the non-lodgement of SMSF annual returns (SARs). Amazingly, 14 per cent of SMSFs – that’s nearly three out of 20 funds – don’t lodge returns on time. Falling behind with paperwork is like waving a red flag to the ATO bull. As Fleming noted: “Non-lodgement is a strong indicator that the

SUPER ADVICE: Not all SMSFs follow the road rules. retirement savings of SMSF members may be at risk”. In other words, the fund could be up to something dodgy or isn’t being suitably managed. Establishing your own super fund can be exciting. It’s an opportunity to control your

retirement savings in much the same way you have control over other aspects of your financial wellbeing. But it brings a raft of responsibilities that cannot be delegated to your accountant, tax adviser or financial planner.

Photo: pamspix

The bottom line is that as a member of an SMSF, the buck stops with you. Paul Clitheroe is chairman of InvestSMART, chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money Magazine.

CLASSIFIEDS

APRIL-MAY, 2019// SENIORS

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SENIORS \\APRIL, 2019

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

7 8 9 10

11 12

19 20

Across 1 What name is given to a fungus case that emits a cloud of spores when mature? (8) 7 What lettered board is used in a seance? (5) 8 Which rock group was formed in 1970 by Bryan Ferry? (4,5) 9 What hard black lignite is used to make jewellery and ornaments? (3) 10 Which drinking toast is from the Old Norse for “bowl”? (4) 11 In a Shakespearean comedy, where are Proteus and Valentine from? (6) 13 What anagram of “eleven plus two” has the same numerical value? (6,4,3) 15 What is an optical illusion in a desert? (6) 16 What would you expect to ﬁnd in a creel? (4) 18 What is a coral island off the coast of Florida? (3) 20 What is a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment? (9) 21 What protective covers are worn over shoes? (5) 22 What is an abnormal narrowing of a passage in the body? (8)

PUZZLES

Down 1 In which city is Oscar Wilde buried? (5) 2 What small sheltering pit is dug by a soldier? (7) 3 What colloquialism describes a bad theatrical failure? (4) 4 At 5’ 9”, which English jockey became known as “the Long Fellow”? (6,7) 5 What is a person skilled in the Japanese martial art of ninjutsu? (5) 6 Which cross is associated with the St John Ambulance organisation? (7) 7 What creature has eight suckered arms? (7) 12 What is a slang term for piano keys? (7) 13 What word can precede bath, carpet and delight? (7) 14 What are drugs derived from opium? (7) 15 In 1968, where in South Vietnam were 347 civilians massacred by US troops? (2,3) 17 What are decomposed leaves and plants as a constituent of soil? (5) 19 What is a song of praise in Christian worship? (4)

20/4

SUDOKU

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

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

5x5

ALPHAGRAMS

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

Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the ﬁve solutions are sequential. For example, if the ﬁveletter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.

B I

A R

R E

RENAL MEND IT SAINTLY OVER BEDS ROCKSHAPE

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

SOLUTIONS 21

cere crest cruet cruse crust cues cure curer cures curse curser curt curter cute cuter cuts ecru erect erects recur recurs recuse rescue rescuer resect RESURRECT scree scut scute secret sect secure securer sucre terce truce

R E E D S

QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 1. Dais 8. Lip service 9. Teetotal 10. Rift 12. Feisty 14. Reason 15. Marred 17. Bother 18. Bend 19. Strategy 21. Role models 22. Kill. Down: 2. Accelerate 3. Slit 4. Apathy 5. Cellar 6. Overcast 7. Debt 11. Flower girl 13. Shredded 16. Despot 17. Barren 18. Burn 20. Task.

Solution opposite

BLACKOUT

ALPHAGRAMS: LEARN, MINTED, NASTILY, OBSERVED, PACKHORSE.

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

E G R 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. TODAY: Good 17 Very Good 24 Excellent 31

DOUBLE CROSS

B E A R S

R R

M I T R E

641

WORD GO ROUND

U T

SUDOKU

5x5

A S S E T

GK CROSSWORD Across: 1 Puffball, 7 Ouija, 8 Roxy Music, 9 Jet, 10 Skol, 11 Verona, 13 Twelve plus one, 15 Mirage, 16 Fish, 18 Key, 20 Ecosystem, 21 Spats, 22 Stenosis. Down: 1 Paris, 2 Foxhole, 3 Bomb, 4 Lester Piggott, 5 Ninja, 6 Maltese, 7 Octopus, 12 Ivories, 13 Turkish, 14 Opiates, 15 My Lai, 17 Humus, 19 Hymn.

R S

E E

Down 2. Speed up (10) 3. Narrow opening (4) 4. Indifference (6) 5. Basement (6) 6. Cloudy (8) 7. Liability (4) 11. Wedding attendant (6,4) 13. Torn to pieces (8) 16. Tyrant (6) 17. Infertile (6) 18. Incinerate (4) 20. Allocated job (4)

WORD GO ROUND

Across 1. Platform (4) 8. Support, without action (3,7) 9. Abstaining from alcohol (8) 10. Falling out (4) 12. Spirited (6) 14. Logic (6) 15. Spoiled (6) 17. Fuss (6) 18. Curve (4) 19. Plan (8) 21. Good examples (4,6) 22. Slay (4)

M U M S U C O T J S C O R C H

U I E E G O C R I H A M S Q U

T E A S P O O N L O I L C A N

E L D H E Y R M L J O L F H K

R I S L E T B A D I N A G E D

X D Y T L V I X O N I M D L P

T Y P E S E T X T A B A S C O

K L Z F Y T Z G P U A A U L D

P L A T T E R A I N S T E A D

E O D G S T O Z N D H E J U S

C E V E R Y O N E P F O R T X

M E I Q I P T A P E U M I W F

U N S A F E J S T I L E T T O

B D E U T W F O E W U J E K L

S A D I S T D U N T I E S H K

BLACKOUT

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

DOUBLE CROSS

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

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

U N I S A I F E T S P T I U L E I T T F O

L K O U N T I E E S S A E D I T S T

CENTRAL COAST

APRIL, 2019// SENIORS