Seniors Central Coast, March 2020 by seniors

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TRAVEL Revealed: Tasmanian cultural adventures and fun in the Tweed Valley WELLBEING Watch it! How to keep your eyes in good health. Dangers of alcohol and pills. LIVING Foretold, forewarned The latest scams that are targeting you.

2000: Kevin Coombs carries the torch at the opening of Sydney’s Paralympic Games

KEVIN COOMBS OAM

Still throwing goals for indigenous Australians. The ﬁrst indigenous athlete to represent Australia in Paralympic or Olympic games talks about his journey as a sportsman, political inﬂuencer and hopes for the future.

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THE LAST MINUTE WILL As we never know what circumstances lie around the corner, the question as to when you should write your Will is sooner rather than later. This reality has been solidly brought home by the recent Corona Virus outbreak. Although this virus has had less worldwide effect then other illnesses, its rapid spread and its impact on the elderly has been remarkable. We are often called urgently to hospitals by clients who have left writing amendments to their Wills or even entire Wills to the last minute. These last minute dashes to the hospital are not a solicitor’s preferred method of doing business as they are as heart-stopping for the lawyer as well as the testator and the relatives. On many occasions a testator has instructed on creating a Will within hours of death. Apart from the obvious problem that arises if the lawyer is called too late, there is an increased chance that an aggrieved “beneﬁciary” may successfully raise a challenge to the Will using an argument that the Testator had impeded mental capacity due to illness.

NEWS

A Will which is not properly witnessed may be held invalid. Public hospitals and many private institutions do not allow their staff to witness Wills. As executors and beneﬁciaries are precluded from witnessing a Will it may be impossible to locate a witness at the “eleventh hour”.

Geoff Crockett Seniors Guest Editor WELCOME to the March edition of Seniors News. Our intrepid editor Gail Forrer is away on a month’s leave, which means I have the chance to guest edit and try not to break anything while she’s gone. Luckily for me our writers have been busy and there are plenty of great stories to share. Tracey Johnstone had the opportunity to chat to Kevin Coombs (AO) about his remarkable journey through life and his ongoing passion for education and reconciliation between Australia’s first people and the broader community. She also caught up with national treasure,

playwright David Williamson (AO), who has announced he is retiring from the theatre after 50 years to spend more time with his family, including five children and 14 grandchildren. His is an amazing story of dedication to his craft, and his body of work will live on forever. On the travel front, Erle Levey spent time in Hobart and came back with some great tips for anyone else looking to visit the thriving city in the

future, and intrepid traveller Shirley Sinclair shines a spotlight on the wonders of the Tweed Valley region in Northern New South Wales. If you’re looking for ways to connect with your fellow seniors in the region, be sure to turn to our community notes pages where you’ll find a wide array of groups and activities planned for the month ahead where anyone is welcome to come along. Also, check out the Wellbeing, Living and Money sections this month for great tips on topics including eye health, boosting your superannuation and how to avoid scammers. I hope you enjoy this month’s read. Geoff

INDEX

See what’s on – there’s still plenty to enjoy.

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

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KEVIN COOMBS (AO) HAS HAD A REMARKABLE JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE, WITH A PASSION FOR EDUCATION AND RECONCILIATION.

12-13........Feature — Coronavirus 21 ............What’s On 24 ...........Community Notes 25............Wanderlust 33............Wellbeing 36 ...........Living 38............Money 43 ...........Puzzles

The best advice is avoid the “last minute Will” problem by writing your Will NOW.

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It is far better to write your Will at a time when no-one can claim that you lacked testamentary capacity. It also allows you sufficient time to write a testamentary statement in support of the Will if that is so required. One further issue which often arises in a “last minute Will” is that of validity.

MARCH, 2020//

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

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Sweet treats hard to beat in our backyard Seniors by the busload keep chocolate dreams alive Alison Houston

SWEET TREAT: Gosford Chocolate Factory takes you behind the scenes to show how its chocolates, nougat and marshmallows are made ... with the added benefit of a sample or two along the way pretty much guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Wednesday to Sunday. Luke said he had noticed an increase in numbers from the moment the factory’s official brown-and-white tourist signage was erected at the end of January, prompting the move from five days to seven. “People know where we are now and we are officially deemed a tourist attraction,” he said. It’s a great result for the factory, which opened in July 2018 to queues down the street as about 8000 curious locals lined up over two days for free giveaways.

“There’s always room for growth, and it’s had its challenges but things are good,” Luke said. On top of a range of hundreds of chocolates, the factory is the biggest nougat manufacturer in Australia, with eight different flavours, and as for marshmallows, Luke said “we make our fair share”. The 30-minute factory tours take you behind the scenes of the retail shop into where the nougat is actually cooked, so you can see it coming off the line, being packaged and boxed … and

of course try a sample or two. Then it’s through to the marshmallow and chocolate area, where you can see the chocolates being moulded and designed and chocolate “robing” of licorice, nougat and honeycomb and “panning” of coffee beans, fruits and nuts, the latter also being roasted in-house. Luke was quick to answer that you can “100 per cent” taste the difference in the inhouse quality. And he admits he should know, as he does occasionally steal some of the freshly roasted nuts or a

chocolate or two. “I can’t stop myself,” he laughed. “I try to say, ‘no, I shouldn’t’, but then I think, well, just one more…” The Gosford Chocolate Factory is at 6 Jusfrute Dr, West Gosford. Phone 4322 2244 or go to https:// chocolatefactorygosford.co m.au. Tours cost $8-$10. • As an added bonus, the Gosford Chocolate Factory is now introducing a 10 per cent discount for both the store and cafe for seniors who show their official Seniors Card.

IN BRIEF SUPPORT FOR BOOST NATIONAL Seniors Australia has welcomed the recent announcement by the Prime Minister that the upper deeming rate for pensioners will be cut by 0.5 per cent to 2.5 per cent, but says it is still too high. Australia’s peak consumer organisation for older Australians says the rate, which the government uses to deem what pensioners earn from their investments, is still well above the typical return. National Seniors’ chief advocate Ian Henschke says the new rate is still balancing the budget on the backs of pensioners. “While any cut in the deeming rate is welcome, the government is still deeming pensioners to be earning 2.5 per cent on investments in excess of $51,800,” Mr Henschke said. “No bank is offering anywhere near 2.5 per cent on their term deposits.’’ SUMMIT POSTPONED EMERGENCY Leaders for Climate Action has decided to postpone its planned National Bushfire Emergency Summit event until next year. In the meantime, ELCA will hold Australia’s first virtual bushfire and climate change conference later this year. ELCA is now developing an online series of events that will bring together representatives from bushfire-affected communities, fire and emergency services, the military and home affairs, industry, economists, farmers, the health sector, veterinarians, scientists and local governments. Greg Mullins, former commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW, said plans for the virtual conference were being finalised. 7068782an

AS EASTER Sunday approaches on April 12, our thoughts turn to chocolate … and how lucky we are to have our own Gosford Chocolate Factory within easy craving reach. You’ll undoubtedly be proud to know that seniors are doing more than their share to support this young local business, according to national sales and marketing manager Luke Berenice. In fact, seniors are one of the business’s biggest client bases, with about two buses a day, as well as individuals, family and friendship groups and clubs, coming in for factory tours, to buy gifts or for breakfast, coffee or lunch at the cafe. “There’s nothing like it up here, or even in Sydney, where you can see the fullblown factory and see exactly how everything is made,” Luke said. “Probably about 70 per cent of our market is over 50s, and it’s great because they keep coming back to have coffee or lunch and pick up something special.” And things are only likely to get busier, with the factory and shop opening 9am-4pm seven days a week and the cafe open

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Keep in touch with tech Gail Forrer GOOD News. You don’t have to self-isolate or enact social distance from your home computer. In fact, with the internet’s ability to connect to people and the world it’s one way you can avoid social isolation. In fact, the online world has the capacity to connect you to people, places and education around the world. However, research has shown that 57 per cent of Australians aged 70 and older have low to no digital literacy. If you are one of those who have put off gaining computer skills, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said there were resources on eSafety’s Be Connected website. The site is specifically designed for older Australians to develop online skills and navigate the digital world with confidence. It has also been designed

LOG IN: A new online guide aims to help Australians when making decisions around medical treatments. Picture: contributed

with the understanding that many older Australians are nervous about even establishing an online presence due to safety concerns

“However, the Be Connected site has great information about staying safe online and avoiding scams,” Ms Inman Grant said.

The Be Connected website established by eSafety is a dedicated learning site with more than 45 free online courses plus interactive training tools and

resources. These include courses on: making video calls; learning how to shop online; staying connected with friends and family through social media and avoiding scams and tricks. WHAT IS BE CONNECTED Be Connected is an Australia wide initiative empowering all Australians to thrive in a digital world. They have online learning resources as well as a network of community partners – the Be Connected Network – who offer inperson support so you can develop your digital skills and confidence. Find a local place for friendly help and advice, or join the network to help others. PLEASE NOTE: In response to COVID-19, the Good Things Foundation team is providing network support remotely. Please call the support line on 1300 795 897 or email connect@goodthingsfounda tion.org.

SENIORS

Lost sleep linked to dementia NEW research linking just one night’s lost sleep to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease highlights the urgent need for Australians to improve their sleep hygiene. The research coincided with World Sleep Day (March 13) and was recently published in Neurology Journal. It reinforced the strong link between lack of sleep and increased levels of the tau protein, known to play a key role in the development of Alzheimer’s – a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that accounts for up to 70 per cent of dementia cases. According to GenesisCare thoracic physician and sleep expert Dr Justin Hundloe, sleep deprivation can have serious long-term effects on our overall health. “Sleep plays a vital role in brain health and cognitive function,’’ Dr Hundloe said. “In the short term, lack of sleep can cause memory loss, anxiety and reduced concentration. “Alarmingly, after 24 hours of no sleep, hand-to-eye coordination is like having a blood-alcohol content of 0.1.’’

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Playwright signing off Williamson takes curtain call on high Tracey Johnstone

Williamson became hooked on theatre. He took himself to see many different plays and found himself completely enfolded in drama. And as they say, the rest is history. His last work, the play Crunch Time, has just had its Sydney premiere at the Griffin Theatre, where his first play was performed all those years ago. Crunch Time is due to have its Queensland premiere in Noosa in midApril. In this play Williamson has created Steve, a typical Aussie bloke with a not so unusual dilemma. He’s just retired, handing over the reins of his business to one son. Is this a sign of favouritism? Could this action drive deeper the sense of sibling rivalry between his two sons? His other son hasn’t spoken to Steve for almost eight years. What follows is rivalry, illness, a father’s dream, the chance to repair broken relationships, and jealousy. “These issues do come to mind when you get older,” said Williamson, who looked closely at what is happening to the people around him. “Luckily there’s been no such thing in our family, at least to date,” he adds with something of a smile. “It’s a stressful business

COASTING COMFORTABLY: Retiring acclaimed playwright David Williamson relaxing at his Sunshine Beach home with his wife, Kristin. Picture: Paul Smith

but one I have loved being in. “Writing, getting the script right, and then right through to opening night. I could do without that. “It’s been thoroughly enjoyable.’’ The three plays being performed now are all booking well so “getting out now while people are still coming” seems to be a good idea to Williamson. That quiet smile returns

when he continues: “I don’t want to be wandering around at 98 wondering why there is no one in the theatre.’’ So, what will he do? Well, there are five children and 14 grandchildren to keep him and his wife, Kristin, busy. Williamson will continue to split his time between the family home at Sunshine Beach on the Sunshine Coast and the apartment in Sydney, which is close to

two of his children. Then there is lots of reading to catch up on and enjoying watching other people’s work on the stage and in film. A memoir, perhaps? It’s a strong possibility. On summing up his incredible 50 years in Australian theatre, Williamson casts his mind to Albert Facey’s book A Fortunate Life. “I can say I have had a fortunate life.” 7099222aj

FOR 50 years playwright David Williamson (AO) has had his hand on the pulse of Australian society, crafting a plethora of memorable creative memories. Remember Don’s Party? What about The Removalists, The Club, the film Gallipoli or the Phar Lap screenplay? Even now he has a burst of plays happening, including Family Values, playing in Sydney. In celebration of Williamson’s 50 years in Australian theatre, a revival of the hit 1987 play Emerald City is jointly being produced by the Melbourne Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre. At another Sydney venue is his latest work, Crunch Time, on until early April. But now the writing pen lies dormant on his desk. No more plays. No more films. No more television miniseries. The time has come for Williamson, 78, to pack away his shingle and travel a different journey. Since 1970 Williamson has pursued his dream to introduce to audiences his flawed characters through his stories about a desire for a better, more tolerant society.

As Williamson relaxes in a Sydney coffee shop at the base of the tower that houses his second home, he says: “Thankfully there is a whole generation of new writers who are tackling these issues. They can take it on.’’ His first-performed play was The Coming of Stork in 1970 at La Mama in Melbourne. The journey to that point was convoluted. In his early teens Williamson’s father, who for 47 years worked in a job he hated, told the young fellow he should make sure he worked in something he really wanted to do. Williamson’s mechanical engineering degree at Monash University certainly didn’t captivate him. But what did catch his interest was writing the “pretty rough” engineering and university student reviews. He went back to university for another stint, this time doing a psychology degree. “I could have gone down that career path and quite happily been a social psychology researcher, but at the same time my writing took off,” Williamson said. His final year of studying social psychology prepared him for taking his keen interest in human behaviour and turning it into a valuable tool in his creative future.

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Help at hand to beat abuse Alison Houston ELDER abuse can be incredibly difficult to talk about, covering a wide range of issues including financial, emotional, physical or sexual abuse and neglect. As with other domestic violence, adding further stress and complexity to the issue is the fact that this abuse is carried out by a family member or someone else you trust. According to statistics, adult children represent about 50 per cent of abusers, but carers, neighbours and friends can also be responsible. Thankfully, Central Coast seniors experiencing or at risk of abuse can now access free specialist help in Gosford from Legal Aid NSW’s first dedicated Elder

Abuse Service. The service opened in February, and senior solicitor Mary Lovelock said that by having a social worker in the team, they hoped to “break down some of those barriers to speaking out” and better support some of the state’s most vulnerable people. “Clients experiencing elder abuse can feel humiliated and silenced by their experiences, especially when it involves family,” Ms Lovelock said. In the first month of operation, she said, most of the problems they were seeing centred on money and housing. “Older people moving in with family, or lending money to family to build granny flats – these are situations that can present challenges to family dynamics and can be risk

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factors for elder abuse,” she said. As well as the direct results, elder abuse can have more far-reaching consequences in the form of increased health risks, frailty, and financial and housing crises, which can stop people speaking out. “Many of our clients experience elder abuse and, due to health and mobility issues, may not have a way to connect to our services,” Ms Lovelock said. “Our partners who work with these clients play a big role in connecting older people to us.” The service will work with eligible clients – those over 65, or over 50 if Aboriginal – who ask for help directly, but will also receive referrals from a range of stakeholders including health and mental health services, Centrelink,

TALK TO US: The Central Coast Elder Abuse Service team of Chrissie Francis, Tanya Chapman, Tracy Jackson and Mary Lovelock with Lucy from Paws Pet Therapy.

aged-care providers and the NSW Guardian. The Central Coast was chosen to host the threeyear pilot project due to its high number of older people, including a large population of older Aboriginal people and high levels of homelessness and

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disadvantage. One aspect to be overcome in tackling elder abuse is the realisation that it can be a single act as well as a series of acts that cause the older person harm. Research has shown there is serious under-reporting of abuse by older people, who

often don’t recognise what is happening as abuse as a result of generational expectations, or because they feel they have no options open to them. The Central Coast Elder Abuse Service is based in the Gosford office of Legal Aid, 92-100 Donnison St. Phone 4324 5611.

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Beat the crowds, walk online Step out for breast cancer THE Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic fun run and walk has launched MDC VIRTUAL 2020. Have fun, get active and help raise funds online for vital breast cancer research. Raising funds for breast cancer research and celebrating the lives of those touched by breast cancer is at the heart of what the Mother’s Day Classic Foundation does. “Our priority is protecting the health of our loyal Mother’s Day Classic supporters and the many vulnerable in our community impacted by breast cancer,’’ the foundation said. In light of the WHO’s pandemic declaration and the government ban on mass public gatherings of more than 500 people, the Mother’s Day Classic Foundation has made the

MUM’S THE WORD: Mother’s Day Classic Virtual 2020, an interactive event experience, invites everyone to show how they plan to make Mother’s Day mean more.

decision that all MDC events this year will be held virtually rather than physically. “We are very pleased to launch the Mother’s Day Classic Virtual 2020, an interactive event experience inviting all Australians to be part of something bigger and show how they plan to

make Mother’s Day mean more in whatever way they can,” the foundation said. “We challenge participants to walk or run 4km – anytime, anywhere, in your living room, at the local park or even in your backyard – on or before Mother’s Day 2020 and be a

part of something big.’’ What does it mean? The MDC Virtual 2020 program will include inspiring community and fundraising content, fun photo competitions, fitness videos and dancing competitions. There will be a series of exclusive wellness tips and

tutorials, pilates and yoga classes, sponsor prizes and giveaways and a fun kids activity zone. Virtual will provide an online platform where the community can come together and stay connected while maintaining a regular exercise and fitness schedule to keep fit and healthy. Mother’s Day Foundation CEO Zara Lawless encouraged all Australians to embrace the immediate challenges and contribute in a different way by participating and fundraising for such a worthy cause. “We understand the current crisis has created significant challenges for the wider community and these unprecedented times call for innovative solutions,’’ Ms Lawless said. “We know that so many of our dedicated supporters – those impacted by breast cancer, new mums, participants who have run or

walked at every Mother’s Day Classic event, still want a way to be connected with the cause and connected with each other on Mother’s Day. “We are incredibly excited about the opportunity presented by the virtual event and have already received an extremely positive response from our supporters. I want to take this opportunity to invite all our valued participants, sponsors, volunteers and organisers to register for the MDC Virtual 2020 event and be a part of our virtual MDC community leading up to and on 10 May this year. “For over 22 years the Mother’s Day Classic has brought the community together to raise funds for vital breast cancer research and to celebrate and remember those touched by breast cancer.’’ To register for the virtual event, go to mothersday classic.com.au/.

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Alison Houston IT IS a truth universally acknowledged that … at some point we will all look in the mirror and say, “Who is that?’’ Three Central Coast women are helping others to find the answer, to gain “more confidence, courage and personal empowerment” and discover, or rediscover, their personal style. Jenny Hall, Carol Campbell and Deb Angus are running their third Confidence, Colour and Clothing Workshop aimed at women over 40 on Sunday, April 5. Jenny has 30 years’ experience as a colour consultant and make-up artist. “I think we can all feel a bit worn out as we enter middle age, having poured everything into our families and careers, and we get stuck in the status quo,” Jenny said.“A lot of women need the OK to do something different, step out of that comfort zone and say, ‘You can do this’.’’ The workshop is limited to just 10 people so everyone gets the personal touch. Some come alone, others bring a friend or family member, with three generations of one family

having attended. All have the same goal in mind: “to make the most of what they’ve got”. “It can feel that you are putting yourself out there a

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We can all feel a bit worn out as we enter middle age. bit, so we make it all fun and celebrate with a glass of champagne in the afternoon,” Jenny said. As skin tone, hair colour and body shape change as we age, Jenny said colours and styles that once suited us could often become unflattering, leaving us looking washed out and feeling less confident. “It can make such a difference psychologically when we look in the mirror and feel we look good,” Jenny said. And it can take as little as the right powder, lipstick and blush to make your eyes pop and your skin appear healthier. Carol is a health and wellness professional with 40 years of nursing experience and for the past 16 years has run a health and

wellness centre specialising in women’s wellbeing. Deb owns Closet Essentials, and has years of experience in helping women discover the fashions that best suit them. Together they believe they have put together a simple three-step way to help women feel more confident to do either things they used to do, or things they have never done before. “Once women know what colours and styles suit them best, and feel good about themselves, you can see a transformation,” Jenny said. For her the beauty is that this is not just a one-off makeover, but giving women the skills to self-care easily on an everyday basis without breaking the bank. She has hundreds of differently coloured drapes that she can use on each woman to identify her colours based on hair, complexion and eye colour. She then applies basic make-up and after lunch they have exclusive use of Closet Essentials to try colours and fashions. The next $99 workshop is on Sunday, April 5, from 10am-3pm at Closet Essentials. Phone Jenny on 0416 203 053 or ask Deb at Closet Essentials, 8 Karalta Lane, Erina. SECE01Z01MA - V1

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Beets best for blood Researcher wins gong for PhD on wonders of beetroot juice arterial disease,” Dr Walker said. “My recent studies showed how healthy sources of nitrate, such as beetroot juice or a big green leafy salad, increased nitric oxide, improving blood flow and vascular function for older adults.” Dr Walker, an accredited exercise physiologist, said she was honoured to receive the recognition. “It is very motivating. I feel encouraged to continue to do research that informs our clinical practice,” she said. She acknowledged the guidance of her USC supervisor, Associate Professor Chris Askew from the VasActive research group, and the participation of her volunteers between 60 and 75 years of age. The ESSA judges said:

RESEARCH REWARD: Meegan Walker of the University of the Sunshine Coast.

“The candidate has a clear grasp of the weight of her

findings and provides realworld value by translating

these into meaningful recommendations.’’

Advocate for older people AFTER a long and distinguished media career, with a focus on mental health, women’s issues and older people, Val French AM has passed away at age 92. Val was a member of the Order of Australia and had a Centenary Medal and Commonwealth Senior Achiever Medal. She was a journalist and worked in print, radio and television. She established Older People Speak Out at the media’s request at a forum between older people’s organisations and the media in 1993. She initiated the Queensland and National Media Awards to help address negative ageing and its consequences of depression, loneliness, elder abuse, suicide and mature-age unemployment. She was QLD Chairperson of the Commonwealth Consumer Forum for the Aged; The Older Australians Advisory Council; and The Nursing Homes Appeals Committee. She was a member of the Retirement Village Accreditation Committee and a surveyor for nine years, and the Chairperson of the Ministerial Advisory Council of Older Persons on which she served under various Ministers for five years.

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THE blood flow-boosting nature of beetroot juice and its ability to reduce arterial stiffness in older adults has helped a University of the Sunshine Coast researcher to win a national industry medal for her PhD. Dr Meegan Walker was awarded the 2019 Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) Medal for her thesis titled Blood flow during passive leg movement: impact of vascular disease and nitrate supplements. The thesis identified interventions, such as beetroot supplements, that could enhance the function of blood vessels in older adults. “My early studies demonstrated how oxidative stress reduced nitric oxide, impairing blood flow in older adults and leading to conditions like peripheral

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Be positive Heed experts’ advice to cope

Gail Forrer

SOCIAL STRATEGIES: Global Centre for Modern Ageing CEO Julianne Parkinson offers valuable tips about staying connected despite the need to curb physical contact.

CONFLICTING reports have our monarch and her husband being chauffeured out of Buckingham Palace and dropped off at Windsor Castle with ideas of moving even further north if the virus outbreak worsens. On the other hand she is said to be emulating her father’s actions in World War II and staying put in the palace close to her people. Like many others, the Queen has a job to do and she would probably prefer to stay at home and do it with as little fuss as possible. At 93, she is among the “atrisk’ group, which means she is in the firing line with this virus – the highest rate of fatalities is among older people, particularly those with underlying medical conditions. Yet, there is no evidence yet that older people are significantly more likely to acquire the coronavirus than younger people. In Australia,

an assortment of agencies – the government, various businesses and associations – are providing advice and services to enable seniors to cope with virus conditions in the best way possible. Global Centre for Modern

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The weekly catch-up at the local cafe can be replaced with an online video chat.

Ageing CEO Julianne Parkinson said recent research had highlighted the importance of seven needs for older people: choice, safety, comfort, access, independence, connection, happiness. Despite the current

challenge of achieving these outcomes, Ms Parkinson said people who did not feel comfortable continuing with their usual activities – or who might need to stay home if unwell – could still connect online. “The weekly catch-up at the local cafe can be replaced with an online video chat using one of the many readily available platforms such as WhatsApp or FaceTime, some medical appointments can be conducted using telehealth and people can also learn new skills through online learning if they are enabled,” she said. In other areas, medical director of Advance Care Planning Australia, Dr Karen Deterring, and Dr Chris Moy, chair of the AMA Ethics and Medico-Legal Committee and advance care planning ambassador, are urging people to prepare now for the months ahead. “Families need to prepare

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in testing times with unimagined life under coronavirus cloud for a time where they may be called upon to make decisions for their loved one who may become suddenly ill with coronavirus,’’ Dr Moy said. “There is an opportunity to act now. Advance care planning is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for older Australians, particularly those with existing conditions such as lung and heart disease, cancer and diabetes. “We recommend they start a conversation with people close to them and potentially choose a substitute decisionmaker they can trust to make

decisions for them if needed.’’ In terms of everyday living, don’t count on online shopping and delivery – some supermarkets have already closed this down. On the other hand, Coles and Woolworths have dedicated certain shopping hours to allow seniors and vulnerable people to beat the crowds and buy from restocked shelves in a freshly cleaned environment. But not everyone agreed with the PM’s sentiment that called the dedicated shopping hours “common sense”. Readers’ comments on the Seniors News Facebook pages

have included: “My issue is that people are lining up for an 8am opening. Very concerned that seniors who are high risk have to get in that line-up. “I’d have to be desperate to go to Woolies between 7-8am. This time is not suitable for me as a senior person. I’d rather go shopping later in the day.” Out of the Federal Government’s $2.4 billion funding package, specific services for seniors have been allocated $101.2 million in response to the pandemic. The moneys will go to upskill aged-care workers in

infection control; enable residential and home agedcare providers to hire extra nurses and aged-care workers; increase aged-care staff and training to facilities during an outbreak; provide onsite pathology services for residents and support the quality regulator to work with providers on improving infection control. * Please note: If elderly or vulnerable people are unable to get to a supermarket to buy essential items, they can log on to Foodbank’s website (www .foodbank.org.au/homepage/ who-we-help/individuals) to find a local charity.

Practising constant hand hygiene with a sanitiser is a crucial measure everyone needs to take in helping to stop the spread of coronavirus. Picture: The Decatur Daily via AP

Key points to digest • What is a coronavirus? It is a novel virus named for the crown-like spikes that protrude from its surface. The coronavirus can infect both animals and people and can cause a range of respiratory illnesses, from the common cold to lung lesions and pneumonia. • How contagious is it? It seems to spread very easily from person to person, especially in homes, hospitals and other confined spaces. The pathogen can travel through the air, enveloped in tiny respiratory droplets.

Simple guidelines help you to breathe easier STEPS to help seniors ward off the virus: 1. The same as everyone else, we must wash our hands frequently with soap and warm water for 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice)

or clean them with alcoholbased hand gel; avoid handshakes; stay away from large gatherings; clean and disinfect objects that are touched frequently; and avoid public transport. Stock up on supplies.

2. Be honest with yourself about your health. Diabetic? Heart condition? Asthma? Any other underlying conditions? If so, the smart thing to do is to stay away from attending your groups and clubs.

3. Cruises are out, as is non-essential travel. 4. Speak with your family before seeing grandchildren. 5. Continue to exercise – it goes a long way to staying healthy. If the gym is risky, go for a walk.

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• What symptoms should I look out for? Symptoms, which can take between two and 14 days to appear, include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Milder cases may resemble the flu or a bad cold, but people may be able to pass on the virus even before they develop symptoms. • How can I deal with the outbreak? Keep a 30-day supply of essential medicines. Get a flu shot. Have essential household items on hand.

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Unwavering Work for indigenous causes inspires Tracey Johnstone

VOICE FOR CHANGE: Kevin Coombs (OAM) has been speaking up for the rights of disabled Aboriginal people since the early 1980s. Picture: Contributed

WHEN a journalist described indigenous paraplegic Kevin Coombs’s childhood accident as fortunate, the initial reaction was a fiery slapdown, but then he started to look back. The Wotjobaluk elder’s voice for indigenous recognition wouldn’t have been sought out. “The late Charlie Perkins wanted a disabled bloke who could talk a bit,” Uncle Kevin said. “He said, ‘I understand there is a bloke in Melbourne by the name of Kevin Coombs; I want him’. This was when he was secretary of Aboriginal Affairs in Canberra.” Uncle Kevin was appointed in 1981 as the Aboriginal representative on a committee for the International Year of Disabled Persons. There were 14 people on the committee, all representing different groups. As a result of that working group Uncle Kevin said: “I wanted to get the message through to Aboriginal people what they were entitled to, including grants (under the disability scheme).’’ Speaking to the then minister for health in Victoria, Bill Borthwick, Uncle Kevin also articulated the need for Aboriginal people to be involved in decision-making around the wellbeing of the Aboriginal communities. Mr Borthwick

subsequently opened the door for Uncle Kevin to move from the Department of Aboriginal Affairs to the Department of Health. “I was there for 21 years,” he said. “My job was to get hospitals, where there was a lot of Aboriginal people coming in, to have a liaison person working there. We started off with eight for the whole of Victoria.” For his family He might not have been in the Pink Pussycat pub in Melbourne that night more than 50 years ago when he saw and fell in love at first sight with his wife, Linda. They had two daughters – one is a magistrate and the other a vocal advocate for a Victorian Treaty. The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria held its first meeting last December. The assembly will decide, alongside the Victorian Government, the ground rules for the treaty negotiations. “I support it,” Uncle Kevin said. “It’s not about me, it’s for our kids and grandkids. “I would like to see a treaty here in Victoria. I would like to see being recognised by the federal government in the Constitution.” Will anything change? As to a change at the federal level within his lifetime and actionable outcomes from Closing the Gap, Uncle Kevin doesn’t think anything will happen unless there is a “radical PM”.

The Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt (AM) announced on February 6 that the Government “is committed to recognising indigenous Australians in the Constitution and will hold a referendum should a consensus be reached, and should it be likely to succeed”. Previously he had signalled wanting a national vote by mid-2021. Only a few days later, on February 12, at the tabling to Parliament of the 12th Closing the Gap Report, Prime Minister Scott Morrison signalled his unwillingness to lock in a specific time commitment, saying: “I am not going to allow any timetables to prevent the successful achievement of this result.’’ So, where does that leave indigenous Australians? On May 26, 2017, The Uluru Statement from the Heart was made. Turning to the Federal Government, it stated: “We call for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution.’’ While the conversation continues at the federal level, alongside Victoria, which is recognised as the leader in the charge forward to reconciliation, Queensland and the Northern Territory are pressing ahead on their journey towards reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

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voice of Kevin Coombs ‘‘

I wanted to get the message through about what Aboriginal people were entitled to.

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PROUD MOMENT: Wheelchair basketballer Kevin Coombs at the opening ceremony of the 1960 Paralympic Games.

the mind is sharp. At age 79, Uncle Kevin hasn’t quite retired. He’s left behind his 17-year role as an elder with the Koori courts, but he remains on the Melbourne University Murumbarak Committee, which supports Aboriginal

students, the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health committee, and at the Broadmeadows TAFE where he brings a voice of reason and understanding as an elder, watching over the indigenous students. “You get to see kids go

through and come out successful,” he said. Changing the way older non-indigenous Australians see the First Peoples is something Uncle Kevin thinks can be achieved through knowledge. As Mr Morrison said in his

Closing the Gap speech to Parliament in February: “We must see the gap we wish to close not from our viewpoints, but from the viewpoint of indigenous Australians before we can hope to close it and make a real difference.’’

Picture: Contributed

Uncle Kevin believes that by sitting down and talking to Aboriginal people, seniors can help to lead a change in the Closing the Gap conversation in Australia. “Talking is a wonderful thing,” he enthused. “You get to know people better.”

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As for the other states, there appear to be mixed commitments to turning the conversation around statebased treaties into action. “One treaty for the state?” Uncle Kevin said. “It won’t change me, but it will be good for my grandkids and great-grandkids.” Sporting chance At 18 the wheelchair basketball athlete headed to Rome to compete in his first Paralympic Games. Uncle Kevin was representing Australia, but had to travel on an honorary British passport. “We weren’t recognised as we didn’t get our rights until 1967; it’s not that long ago.” It was not until 1973 that Gough Whitlam’s Labor government actively assumed responsibility for Aboriginal affairs. Uncle Kevin remembers missing the 1964 Games as he was “chasing women” at the time, but then went on to compete for Australia in the 1968, 1972, 1980 and 1984 Paralympic Games, the Commonwealth Games in New Zealand in 1974 and at two world championships. Hopeful future The body is weary, but

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Night out a Sign up for dinner with a difference Alison Houston

ROTARY WITH A TWIST: Brisbane Water Rotary Club’s Claire Lenton, Violet Jones and Titanic dinner co-ordinator Jayne Mote with husband and president Peter Mote.

PRESENTING a charity dinner party aboard the “Titanic” is a reflection of the new Brisbane Water Rotary Club’s determination to do things a little differently. Guests, encouraged to dress for the era on Saturday, April 18, will each be given a boarding pass of an original passenger. Only at the end of the night will they discover whether they were a survivor of the fateful ship hitting the iceberg in April 1912. The opulent night at Pearl Beach Community Hall will include a five-course dinner and be hosted by the flamboyant Captain Edward Smith (aka Titanic historian Michael Booth), who famously went down with his ship. Michael has spent a

lifetime gathering artefacts from and knowledge about the ship that his Belfastraised grandfather watched being built at the Harland and Wolff shipyard, and of which he stood on the deck at age seven. Event coordinator and club foundation member Jayne Mote said that having met Michael, his passion for the subject was infectious. The role of the captain is one he has filled on numerous occasions, including posing for photos with visitors at the Grand Staircase at the last major Titanic exhibition in Sydney, and hosting cruise events. Jayne said that while tickets were still available, the event, which would also get you up close to Titanic memorabilia, was just a taste of what the club aimed to achieve. Brisbane Water Rotary Club formed just nine

months ago, in response to a past International Rotary president suggesting the organisation needed to become more accessible, not by changing existing clubs but by establishing new ones. “It took three years to have the courage to try it, and we had to have at least 20 members to have a charter, but now we are doing things our own way,” Jayne said. That includes discarding Rotary’s traditional long dinner meetings and formalities. Instead, shorter fortnightly meetings with more of a business format are held from 6.30pm (for 7pm) on the first and third Thursdays of the month at Ettalong Diggers. Fortnightly morning meetings are held from 9.15 on the alternate second and fourth Thursdays at

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titanic task Ettalong’s Re: Publik Cafe, with a social night at a local venue any month that has a fifth Thursday. The aim, Jayne said, was to attract those who were time poor or couldn’t get out to long evening meetings because of kids, work, other commitments or age. “We don’t expect people to come to every meeting or every event; our motto is ‘come when you can, do what you can’,” Jayne said. While membership currently stands at 25, Jayne was confident that the club would grow, and was already making a difference through its connections with other community groups. For instance, when Woy Woy South Public School cleaned out its library to make way for new books, Brisbane Water Rotary was able to send two big boxes to one of its primary charities, Divine Mercy Primary School in Uganda. Similarly, when Diggers

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It took three years to have the courage to try it, but now we do things our own way. rebranded with new uniforms, the old shirts went to the Ugandan school’s teachers, who found the feet, sun and shells logo aligned perfectly with the sand their barefoot students walked in. The club’s Titanic dinner and a trivia night at Woy Woy Leagues Club in association with Henry Kendall Cottage Historical Society on Saturday, May 2, will raise funds for its other major charities, Coast Shelter’s Woy Woy Youth Cottage and the Women’s Shelter.

Again, Jayne said it was not just about raising money for these causes, but what could be done hands-on. For instance, instead of throwing themselves a Christmas party last year, the club held one for the residents of Youth Cottage, many of whom Jayne said had never experienced a proper Christmas function. “That gave us a real boost that we were onto something when we saw their reactions,” Jayne said. Youth Cottage houses young disadvantaged people 14-20, helping them work through their crisis, gain confidence and find their way back to school, to TAFE or into a job. Some of the cottage’s hospitality students will be helping out on the night of the Titanic Dinner. To find out more about the dinner, or about visiting or joining Brisbane Water Rotary Club, phone Jayne on 0405 714 289.

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Aged care for all cultures Gail Forrer WHILE the world reels from shock of a new virus it can be easy to forget the positive societal changes that have also changed the world particularly for seniors. One of the many changes to be celebrated is access to aged-care provisions for culturally diverse seniors. If you are an older person from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background, there are aged care services specifically for you. Many organisations now offer specific diets, activities, languages or spiritual needs, whatever your cultural, linguist or spiritual background. Bolton Clarke diversity manager Jaklina Michael has said culturally appropriate

care and services were about understanding, respecting and meeting the needs and expectations of people. That includes having access to care workers who are culturally competent, information they can understand and use and support in receiving agedcare services. “Bringing those things together means people can feel safe in their experience of aged-care services and can share their diverse characteristics and life experiences without fear of discrimination,” she said. For Bolton Clarke athome support client Petar, who emigrated from Macedonia in 1967, creating that cultural safety has involved a multidisciplinary team working closely with his family over time. Petar, 80, lives with his wife and son but has high

care needs due to diabetesrelated health issues including vision impairment and foot amputations. He grew up in a small village and speaks, reads and writes Macedonian. He has everyday conversational English but requires a professional interpreter for more complex conversations such as health education. Petar and wife Ristana settled and raised their family in Wollongong before moving to Melbourne to live with son Johnny after he had a stroke in 2000. Johnny’s two adult children also visit and stay at the house and have been involved in conversations about his care. For Petar, support in accessing the nearest Macedonian Orthodox Church and subscribing to broadcast Macedonian TV

CULTURAL CONNECTION: Petar and Ristana with Bolton Clark’s Jaklina Michael.

programs have been important in meeting his care needs and reducing his isolation. “He was experiencing barriers to accessing services that put him at risk of premature entry to residential aged care,’’ Ms Michael said. “His Bolton Clarke wound care nurse raised her concerns and a team

approach was put in place to support the family. “The team arranged a Macedonian speaking worker, a culturally competent diabetes specialist nurse and a Macedonian interpreter to better understand Petar’s cultural identity and specific needs and ensure he had access to culturally safe and

appropriate support.’’ * If you speak a language other than English, you can call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 for support to talk to My Aged Care or with your aged -are provider about your services. TIS National covers more than 100 languages and is available 24/7.

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You can build strength when grief has a grip VICKI BENNETT

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BE RESILIENT: Author and columnist Vicki Bennett says practising mindfulness is one way to deal with grief.

kindness to self and deep connection to what you’re going through. Resilience is knowing that you can not only survive the painful and hard aspects of grief, but your resilient spirit will endure by honouring the feelings that arise. When interviewed about his life view, actor Barry Humphries said: “I’m just looking forward to the next wonderful thing to happen.’’ These words of hope have sustained me through many difficult periods in my life. Hope doesn’t stop grief or challenging things from

happening, it just helps us to understand that they are transitory. Through acknowledging grief, applying mindfulness and kindness to self, you can learn, grow and move forward with greater inner strength, hope and personal power. *Vicki Bennett is the author of 30 books, a grandmother, corporate trainer for more than 35 years, and filmmaker. Her latest book, The Book of Hope – Antidote for Anxiety is available in bookstores and online: www.vickibennett.com .au.

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WORLD media focuses on the planet as an unfriendly, dangerous place and it sometimes appears that way. Despite this, the human spirit remains strong, kind, generous and hopeful. But what happens when you are overcome with grief and the world becomes very small in comparison with the gut-wrenching ache in your heart? Grief has many forms: the death of a loved one, moving house, recollections from the past, the collective sadness of fire, drought and climate change, or the constant challenges of family relationships. It only brings more suffering when you wish you could just snap out of painful experiences, and be happy and upbeat. Grief calls for a clear, direct, open presence: this means listening to it and releasing that part of the experience that is not yours, and feeling the raw, wild part that belongs to you. This is what’s real. Hiding, avoiding, trying to remain positive is more painful and dishonest than acknowledging and accepting the grief. This is where lies and myths can take hold. What if you brought deep self-awareness into your feelings of grief, anxiety or discomfort? What if staying in the present is the way through emotional turmoil? When you draw yourself into current time, into what you can see, feel, smell and touch, you activate the natural neuroplasticity of your brain. Through conscious breathing, and awareness and presence, anxiety diminishes every time you become mindful. Trust that you can “lean into” the pain of grief and ride out the storm with

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Answers for the grandkids Gail Forrer WONDERING how to explain COVID-19 to the grandchildren? Norway’s Prime Minister Erna Solberg has taken on the task with a special online children-only press conference. The press conference hosted by the PM and two ministers including Minister for Children and Families Kjell Ingolf Ropstadt and the Education Minsition Guri Melby was not open to adult journalists. The panel responded to questions submitted through a Children’s TV show and newspaper about COVID-19, sent from anxious children. “Many children have questions about the coronavirus. This is why the government, in

collaboration with NRK Supernytt (a childrens TV show) and Aftenposten Jr (children’s newspaper) is organising a separate press conference for children,” the government said. Norway has set up emergency powers to close a wide-range of public and private institutions, including schools and kindergartens. All sports and leisure activities are cancelled . This means most children in Norway are at home and are refraining from meeting friends and relatives, particularly elderly ones. The dramatic change in the children’s lives has prompted questions to how they will cope with the new parameters and it is apparent there is a level of anxiety associated with the changes.

In a half hour online conference, the PM and Ministers answered questions from across the country. “It has been special days... Many think it is scary,” Ms Solberg said at the start of conference. “It’s OK to be scared when so many things happened at the same time.” “By being home, you are helping other people not be contaminated and get sick. It is important for those who already have a disease or who are very old,” she said. The team answered questions such as “Can I have a birthday party”, “Can I visit my grandparents after I went to a shopping centre?”, “How long does it take to make a vaccine?”, or “What can I do to help?” The solution she tended to birthday party attendance

ADRESSING THE PROBLEM: Norway's Prime Minister Erna Solberg gives a press conference in Oslo, Norway. (Photo by Lise Åserud / NTB Scanpix / AFP) / Norway OUT

was a phone call and singing happy birthday over the phone. She also reminded the children that you can keep learning at home. “Learning is fun,” she said. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has advised people to support each other and offer

“compassion and kindness” during these times. WHO also advised that elders could help children express their fears or sadness through creative activities such as playing and drawing and to discuss the virus in an honest, ageappropriate and supportive

manner. “Provide facts about what has happened, explain what is going on now and give them clear information about how to reduce their risk of being infected by the disease in words they can understand depending on their age.”

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Alison Houston NB. As many events are being cancelled due to the coronavirus situation, please check directly with the event organiser to ensure the following details are still current.

FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL THE 31st Alliance Française French Film Festival offers 16 films at Avoca Beach Picture Theatre from March 25-April 1 as part of events throughout the country. The Extraordinary, by the makers of 2011 blockbuster The Intouchables, was chosen to open the festival as it reflects the bold and ambitious nature of this year’s films as well as the humanity and care Australians showed through the bushfire season. Artistic director Philippe Platel said it is “at once touching and fascinating, it makes us smile and realise that kindness is a fundamental quality for living together”. Go to avocabeachpicturetheatre. com.au. or phone 02 4382 1777.

ANTI-BULLYING THIS exhibition at Erina

Centre Gallery (foyer of Erina Library) until March 29 is one to think about if you have school-aged grandkids. It acknowledges the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence which is in its 10th year. Students from TLSC Tumbi Umbi and Kincumber High School have created artworks for the exhibition addressing the effect of bullying and inspiring the idea of personal strength and belief. For more, go to bullyingnoway.gov.au.

AUTHOR EVENT AUTHOR Sandie Docker returns to the Coast to promote her latest novel, The Banksia Bay Beach Shack, at Kincumber Library from 6-8pm on March 26. Her third book is described as a “charming and heartwrenching story filled with family secrets, first love and heartache”. Her other novels are The Kookaburra Creek Cafe and The Cottage at Rosella Cove. Free but book on 02 4304 7641.

CIRCUS OZ AUSTRALIA’S iconic Circus Oz returns to The Art House Wyong with its uniquely quirky and energetic circus

stunts this April 4-6. This is a circus of human talent, including acrobatics, comedy and original music from a live band, with characters the whole family will love. This year’s show brings together Polar Bear and a troupe of silly sliding, flying penguins as well as a message about the environment. Tickets: adult $49, concession $42, under 30 $35 and child $25. Go to thearthousewyong.com.au or phone 02 4335 1485.

OPERA AND HIGH TEA THE Coast Opera Australia Concert and sparkling High Tea is at Crowne Plaza Terrigal on Sunday, April 5 from 2-4pm. It will include a live operatic concert, a selection of savoury and sweet creations while you enjoy the great ocean views, and a silent auction with proceeds donated to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. Tickets $95 are available online, go to coastoperaaustralia.com or phone 0434 067 372.

WATERCOLOUR SHOWCASE CENTRAL Coast Watercolour Society presents its annual

Easter Showcase from April 8-22. While it showcases a wide range of styles and subject matter from members, this year’s featured artist is Carol Edwards capturing the natural world. Her painting Sandhill Crane is also the raffle prize. You can also try your own artistry at the free watercolour sessions from 1-4pm in Studio 2 on the weekend of April 11-12. (No booking required.) Join the artists for their official opening 6-8pm on Thursday, April 9 at the Gosford Regional Gallery. Phone Marlene 0409 666 709 for more.

What’s on

THREE LEGENDS IN CONCERT THIS concert at Laycock St Theatre on April 11 gives you three legends of the 1960s70s music scene. It includes Australia’s first King of Pop, Normie Rowe, best known for hits like Shakin’ All Over and It Ain’t Necessarily So. With Normie are Kiwi-born Dinah Lee, whose hits include Don’t You Know Yockomo, and Jade Hurley OAM who Johnny O’Keefe dubbed Australia’s King of Country Rock. Adults $60. Phone 02 4323 3233.

REMEMBERING: Australia's first King of Pop Normie Rowe, then and now, as he prepares for the 3 Legends in Concert performance with Jade Hurley and Dinah Lee at the Laycock St Theatre on April 11.

HERSTORY AUTHORS HARLEQUIN Australia’s Herstory Women Who Rebel tour is at Kincumber Library from 7pm April 21. It features authors Tea Cooper, Kerri Turner, Karen Brooks, Mary-Anne O’Connor and Victoria Purman in a panel

discussion, talking about the importance of femalecentric historical fiction. All five authors have characters in their novels who defy social norms of the periods and the authors will discuss their latest titles. Phone 02 4304 7641 to book your spot.

MAKE TO ORDER - MADE IN AUSTRALIA White Library

White Wall Unit

Round Dining

3MT Tassie Oak TV Unit Tassie Oak Display Unit Tassie Oak Bedding

Furniture Available in: I Tassie Oak I Blackwood I Blackbutt I Rosewood I Jarrah & Pine

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Blackwood Buffet 6981398an

Wing Chair

Cypress Lounge

Central Retail Showroom

Aston Road Showroom

Aidacare is one of Australia’s largest Healthcare Equipment and Service providers. It has been assisting Australians in the Hospital, Aged-Care, Community, and Rehabilitation sectors for 25 years. Aidacare and Aspire brands have become trusted benchmarks for quality and service support. Aidacare has joined forces with the team at ‘Mobility 2 You’ to provide comprehensive service and quality products to customers on the Central Coast. Mobility 2 You has developed a strong reputation for attending to client’s needs in the area.This will be further enhanced under the Aidacare banner with the Central Coast team to provide continuity and support to the community. Aidacare Central Coast has two locations. The first is a large Showroom has a large range of assistive equipment supported by experienced consultants.The range covers mobility aids, lift recline chairs, scooters, beds, bathroom equipment and daily living aids etc, all of which can be found in detail at www.aidacare.com.au

ComfiMotion Bed

Scooters & Mobility

The customer care team cover: •

Sales & Hire

•

Home Modifications

•

Field Service & Repairs

•

Contracts - NDIS, DVA,

•

Complex Rehabilitation Equipment

iCare •

Deliveries

please vi sit ou r sh ow ro om

Lift & Recline Chairs

Bedroom

Walkers

Mobility Scooters

Wheelchairs

Manual Handling

g is

te re d P r ov i d

Retail Showroom CENTRAL COAST 2/12 Aston Rd, Erina NSW 2250 Ph: 02 4367 5751 Fax: 02 4367 5758 EQUIPMENT - SALES - HIRE

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Inclusive Technology Centre The second location is the innovative ‘Inclusive Technology Centre’ at 247 Central Coast highway. This is a ‘by-appointment only’ display centre available to Therapists and their clients to view and consider an ‘in-situ’ collection of assistive living equipment for home modifications. The stylish design of demonstration display rooms is integrated with functional assistive equipment for kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living areas replicating real life assistive home care equipment solutions. Aidacare participates in NDIS & DVA, to serve the home modification needs of clients in conjunction with Therapists on the Central Coast. The Centre also coordinates an annual series of Australian Professional Training sessions for local Occupational Therapists in conjunction with Aidacare’s in-house training Therapist. Complex Rehab consultants are also available through Aidacare.They provide specialised advice and equipment based solutions for complex rehab needs.This highly specialised area is supported by our expert team working with Central Coast professional Therapists.

Complex Rehab Solutions

The key assistive equipment focus of Complex Rehab includes: • • • • • •

Scripted Manual Wheelchairs Scripted Power Wheelchairs Paediatric Equipment Seating & Positioning Products Pressure Management Cushions Ceiling Hoist Solutions

Inclusive Technology Centre 247 Central Coast Highway, Erina NSW 2250

Ph: 02 4367 5751 | APPOINTMENT ONLY DISPLAY CENTRE V1 - SECE01Z01MA

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get your car washed and cleaned. If you would like a stall or more information, phone 0432 731 139 or email bbacmarkets@gmail.com.

Community notes

COASTAL A CAPPELLA

Community group guide TO ALLOW for readers’ requests for the publication of more neighbourhood news, please keep notices short (100 word max). If you would like to submit a photo ensure it is at least 180dpi or 500kb to 1mb in size and of faces. Email editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au. NOTE: As many events are being cancelled due to the Coronavirus situation, please check directly with the club/group to ensure the following details are still current.

VIEW CLUBS Bateau Bay WE WILL hold our next lunch meeting at the The Entrance Leagues Club (Tigers), 3 Bay Village Road, Bateau Bay. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month, commencing at 10.30am. Lunch, guest speakers, raffles, outings

and meeting new friends. While helping educate underprivileged children. New members and visitors are most welcome. Contact Lynne on 02 4362 6170 or Heather on 02 4362 8405. Brisbane Water Evening WORKING for The Smith Family we hold our monthly dinner meeting in the function room at the Grange Hotel, Renwick Street, Wyoming on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6.30pm for 7pm. New members and visitors are most welcome. Contact

SENIORS

LIVE IN COLOUR: Award-winning group, Coastal a Cappella present A Cappella in the Valley on Sunday, April 5 at the Narara Valley High School hall.

Valda on 02 4325 1688 or Lynne on 02 4332 9354. Toukley NEWLY retired/looking to make new friends? We meet on the second Friday of the month at Club Toukley RSL at 10.30am. We have lucky door prizes, raffles and a twocourse lunch for $25 followed by guest speakers or members participation and interesting discussions. We also have outings, Friendship Morning Teas with raffles and lucky door prizes. Joining our VIEW Club is a perfect opportunity to meet with other like minded women and

establish new friendships. VIEW stands for Voice, Interests, Education of Women and is a valued part of the Smith Family raising money for The Learning For Life Program that sponsors and helps educate disadvantaged Australian children and young adults. Contact Kathie on 02 4393 0647 or 0413 424 949 for more.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR PENSION THIS is a free information session from 1.30-3pm on Friday, April 17 by Centrelink staff at The Entrance Library. They will talk about

how your pension is calculated, assessment of income and assets, concessions, taxation and more. Phone 02 4350 1550.

BATEAU BAY MARKETS THE Bateau Bay Anglican Church in Brooke Ave, Killarney Vale are holding a monthly market, with the next on Saturday, March 28 from 8am-1pm. The free community market has lots of food, cakes, toys, plants, books, craft, art, trash & treasure, breakfast, morning tea & lunch. Bring the family for a great experience and even

THE Central Coast’s awardwinning acappella group, is preparing to compete in their national championships in May. To showcase their competition songs as well as new repertoire and encore favorites, the 40-member group presents A Cappella in the Valley at Narara Valley High School hall, cnr Fountains and Pandala Rd, Narara on Sunday, April 5 at 2pm. In May, Coastal a Cappella travels to Hobart to compete with about 20 other choirs. They’ve won Best Small Chorus as well as a host of other medals in the past, and were the inaugural winners of Short+Sweet Sydney, and compete regularly at the Sydney eisteddfod. For tickets, go to trybooking.com or if you’re lucky, at the door. Adults $20, Concession $15, Child $10. For more, phone Jennie on 0412 284 652.

WHEN

TICKETS

TIME

SEATING

SATURDAY APRIL 11TH

DOORS OPEN 8PM SHOW STARTS 8.30PM

MEMBERS $20 NON-MEMBERS $25

NO RESERVED SEATING

BRINGING THEATRE SHOWS S TO THE PENINSULA

SUNDAY MARCH 29TH

Roy Ortuso Presents / Direct From Italy

DOORS OPEN 3PM SHOW STARTS 3.30PM

MEMBERS $50 NON-MEMBERS $55

Seating NO RESERVED SEATING

GOOD MORNING ETTALONG SATURDAY NIGHT ON A TUESDAY MORNING.....

Good Morning Ettalong is a live entertainment format put together especially for our members and guests on the last Tuesday of every month. The Good Morning Ettalong band feature at every show as the backing band for the talented entertainers we have every month.

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Good times shore thing Discover cultural mix making Hobart such a buoyant hub PAGES 30 AND 31

The Forum For Your Two Cents

Join our exclusive online community, where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find other seniors ready to socialise and share. Seniors online - connecting you to an exciting retirement. Opening doors to Seniors Lifestyle

Like us on Facebook! Visit facebook.com/seniorsnew

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On track for love BRAND INSIGHTS IT’S BEEN a tumultuous start to the year, with fire, floods and now the coronavirus. If anything, it’s given us a great appreciation of Australia, and fuelled a desire to get back out and see the places we remember, the places we’ve heard about, and some that we haven’t. This has encouraged local businesses to design new holidays to encourage Australians to “Holiday here this year’’. One such company, Vintage Rail Journeys, is conducting five-day/fournight regional rail tours to help you get out and really enjoy some of the best that regional and rural NSW has to offer. “Our short rail tours are designed to take our guests out of the city and into the bush,” owner Simon Mitchell said. “Guests have really taken

to heart the ‘buy from the bush’ message in the wake of the drought and the bushfires, and are seeking a relaxed way that they can do this. “Our newly restored 1960s ex-Southern Aurora sleeping train is really striking a chord. “We have developed a northern loop (The Golden West Rail Tour) and southern loop (The Riverina Rail Tour), with both tours starting in Sydney. “We are lucky to have some of the best rail journeys in the world here in Australia and you’ll be hard pressed to find a better piece of railway line than that along the Hawkesbury. “And what better way to experience the beauty and wonder of the river than on the Riverboat Postman?” Next, they have designed a special hop-on, hop-off bus circuit just for Vintage Rail Journeys guests, with the second day focusing on the specialities of the Hunter

‘‘

We are lucky to have some of the best rail journeys in the world here. Valley. As a point of difference, the tour also stops in Orange, which provides a stark contrast to the Hunter Valley in terms of wine, food and elevation. Where the Golden West goes north, the Riverina Rail Tour heads south, once again starting the trip along some of the most spectacular railway in Australia. “The Illawarra Line is truly breathtaking,” Mr Mitchell said. “We travel along the water and then up the escarpment to Moss Vale and on to Goulburn, where we spend the first night.

“We love getting our guests out to regional NSW, where people might have heard of towns but might not have had a reason to stop and spend time before.’’ The Riverina Tour is designed to showcase the “food bowl’’ of NSW, with passengers spending time in Coolamon and Griffith. “We love stopping in towns, and where we remain on the train, our guests don’t miss out as our chefs have sourced produce and wine from the regions we travel through,’’ Mr Mitchell said. The Blue Mountains Villages have suffered a massive drop in visitors in the wake of the bushfires. Both trips stop for a day in the Blue Mountains villages, giving guests a chance to make a real difference, before returning to Sydney. For further information, a full copy of the itinerary or to book, go to vintagerailjourneys.com.au.

GET ON BOARD: Simon Mitchell aboard one of the trains used in his Vintage Rail Journeys regional tours.

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Get away to the Tweed Valley Shirley Sinclair IT IS so quiet. Quiet as only the Australian bush can be. The unmistakable laugh of far-off kookaburras breaks the prolonged silence. Then a whipbird. Quickly, tranquillity returns, leaving only the slight rustling of leaves around us. From our comfy chairs on the undercover veranda, the break in the eucalypts reveals a herd of dairy cows on their morning graze and a smattering of farmhouses amid grand sprawling trees below, climbing past cleared grasslands and forests to the prized vista: the summit of Wollumbin Mount Warning. This is what we’ve been waiting for. Our arrival the previous afternoon in this rainforest canopy had been met with cloud cover and a smoky haze from distant bushfires over the border in Queensland. But the morning breeze has cleared the air and

uncovered the reason behind the name of our villa: Mountain View. But we’re certainly not roughing it in the bush. We’re sampling the hospitality of Mistere Spa and Retreat, Urliup, in northern NSW – three spacious, luxury selfcontained villas that offer the privacy and downtime we’ve been craving. This very Australian getaway (pronounced, aptly, like “mist” and air”) has all the creature comforts you need to unwind – from the soft sophistication of the modern four-poster bed, electric fireplace and airconditioning to the bespoke timber coffee table and warm embrace of the spa bath. This is how to get away from it all … without being away from it all. The “secret” retreat in the stunning Tweed Valley is hidden amid 52ha of idyllic, pristine rainforest. Yet Murwillumbah is only 10 minutes (8km) away, down

and around our mountain road, then a few bends further on to the west. Cabarita Beach – where we came from yesterday – lies only half an hour east. A flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi and great mobile phone coverage are waiting for you – if you can’t do without them. So are boutique shopping and restaurants in Murwillumbah (and I highly recommend Bacaro Restaurant Bar for authentic Italian). And you could spend hours playing board games or reading tourism information. It’s so much nicer putting down the remote control, leaving the phone in the handbag and tuning in to the wildlife, which can range from “growling” male koalas looking for mates to mountain brushtail possums to shy wallabies, cheeky goannas and water dragons, plus birdlife including owls on lamp posts, exotic parrots and tiny kingfishers. The Urliup villas –

LUXURY ON TAP: Soak up the lushness from the Waterfall View villa’s spa bath.

Mountain View, Fountain View and Waterfall View – previously were known as Wychwood but were totally cosmetically renovated to officially open on Remembrance Day (November 11) in 2017. While Fountain View and Waterfall View sit by the perch-filled dam, Mountain View has a beautiful outlook to Wollumbin Mt Warning. After breakfast, we decide to take a stroll on the

11 Day Cameron Corner & Opal Country

15 Day Kangaroo Island, Bendigo & Adelaide Departing: 26th April 2020 Tour Price: $4300.00 per person twin share

Departing: 2nd June 2020 Tour Price: $2720.00 per person twin share

Departing: 25th November 2020 Tour Price: $1580.00 per person twin share

5 Day Batemans Bay Getaway Departing: 19th October 2020 Tour Price: $1250.00 per person twin share

7 Day Western Victoria & The Art Silo

AT A GLANCE: What: Regal Retreats’

Mistere Spa and Retreat. Where: 1110 Urliup Rd, Urliup, NSW. The villas can be occupied by one couple or by groups and families. Breakfast baskets and barbecue packs can be bought at check-in. Regal Retreats prides itself on unique Australian accommodation. Info: Visit www.mistere spaandretreat .com or call 0411 052 759 to book.

ow Call N ee r F for a ok ay Bo Holid

Day Tours:

16 Day Outback To The Sea Departing: 9th July 2020 Tour Price: $4400.00 per person twin share

Zodiac Trail to find our Year of the Water Tiger. It’s one of two pleasant walks that are filled with sculptures and oddities, flowering plants and massive trees. We take our time reconnecting with nature – and each other. And in less than 24 hours, I’m ready to face the real world again.

1st April: 4th April: 21st April: 13th May: 27th May: 30th May: 16th June: 24th June: 1st July:

5 Day Toowoomba Carnival Of Flowers Departing: 17th September 2020 Tour Price: $2270.00 per person twin share

Bingo Afloat Sydney Royal Easter Show Vaucluse House & Lunch Cockatoo Island & Buffet Lunch Rathmines Catalina Memorial Vivid & Buffet Dinner Cruise Mt Annan Botanical Gardens & Darrell Lea Chocolate Factory Port Stephens Discovery Tour Dolly Parton The Musical

Multiple pickup locations across

the Central Coast

PHONE: 02 4325 8000 Shop 5A Gosford Central Plaza 153 Mann Street GOSFORD 2250 www.itseasytours.com.au

Holiday inclusions: Home pick-up for Central Coast on 3 day or more holidays, 5 star coach travel with professional and informative coach captain / guide. Quality motel accommodation, 2 course dinners, full cooked breakfast and all entry fees, attractions and cruises as per each itinerary. V1 - SECE01Z01MA

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Keep Outback front of mind BRAND INSIGHTS

WITH the wrath of Mother Nature sending fires, drought and floods, 20192020 has possibly been the hardest year in history for Outback Australians. Seniors News would like to encourage our readers to book a holiday within Australia. Think about choosing a destination where tourism needs a financial boost. Each issue we will be bringing you ideas on places to visit that rely on tourism. Our first recommendation is “The Silver City”. At Broken Hill you’ll truly discover the world of yesteryear with its historic mines, captivating landscapes, grand old pubs and simple miner’s cottages. Every sight has a tale to tell. And few can tell them better than Silver City Tours. As the longest-serving tour operator in the Far West of NSW, its philosophy

of sit back, relax and enjoy best sums up the most compelling reason for booking an organised tour. In 2015 Broken Hill became the first Australian city to be included on the National Heritage List. Located 935km northwest of Sydney, 725km northwest of Melbourne and 420km northeast of Adelaide as the crow flies, Broken Hill is significant for its unique mix of architecture and mining infrastructure, set amid a dramatic desert landscape. Drive five minutes in any direction and you are in the Outback. Its vast open spaces and rich red earth leave everlasting images with you that are so hard to describe you have to visit to understand. After rain, the perennial wildflowers bloom and in spring the rich blossoms of mulga trees attract myriad birds. This is the land of the raptor, hawks and wedgetail

DRAMATIC DESERT: Broken Hill is a fascinating destination with its unique history and attractions.

eagles. The hills are the home of the sure-footed rock wallaby, while on the plains the emus strut and the big reds boom. Broken Hill is one of the nation’s most exciting art centres and has enabled

5 Day Packages 8 Day Packages Departure Dates: 2020

April 6th & 27th May 11th & 25th June 15th

visitors to see the region’s spectacular scenery through the eyes of its artists. Take a look: clear light, glorious views, expansive vistas and dazzling skies, at times interrupted by billowing clouds, are all captured by

the region’s artists. Meet the artists in their studios; watch them work on a piece that you would love to take away. Silver City Tours is the expert for Broken Hill and Outback NSW and all its

packages are designed around rail travel on NSW Trains services. Rex Regional Express (REX) has daily flights from Sydney. Info: silvercitytours.com .au. For booking advice, phone 1300 723 583.

Broken Hill & Outback NSW

July 20th August 17th September 7th & 21st

Silver City Tours

October 5th & 19th November 2nd & 16th

For more information, contact: SilveryCity Tours Ph: 1300 723 583 Email: sctbhq@iinet.net.au Web: www.silvercitytours.com.au

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Techno barracks a sure hit Tracey Johnstone ON GADIGAL land in the heart of Sydney city looms large the UNESCO World Heritage listed Hyde Park Barracks with its gates reopened to the public after a major refurbishment. Sitting at the top of Martin Place in Queen’s Square on Macquarie Street, the convict era structure has been transformed, providing an immersive experience. Next-generation technology and history combine to present an insight into the lives of both the convicts that lived there and the Aborigines that were impacted by the arrival

of the penal colony inhabitants. About 4000 artefacts are on display, some of them preserved thanks to the rodents that collected and hid them in the bowels of the building. It takes about 90 minutes to walk through the three floors of the building, which has a lift. Instead of text storyboards each visitor uses a personal audio unit with the commentary controlled by where you are standing. Step too far in one direction or the other and the audio picks up your location so that it can share the story of the nearest

SIGNS OF PAST TIMES: Artist Jonathon Jones inspects his work on the Hyde Park Barracks courtyard. Pictures: Tracey Johnstone

exhibit. For the hearingimpaired, soon there will be an ipad option to use when touring the building. The rooms contain an array of artefacts, dioramas and digital storyboards. It’s not cluttered. The space, light and modern presentations make it a pleasure to slowly move around the space.

In the courtyard is the artwork of Jonathan Jones. He created an exceptional display of cobblestones of convict arrows and emu feet that show the intersection of early Australian life. To view the display, book online at hydeparkbarracks .sydneylivingmuseums.com. au. Sessions cost $20 for seniors.

A digital storyboard in the Hyde Park Barracks.

Kimberley Adventure

18th - 26th July 2020 - 9 days $4,590pp twin share $800pp single supplement Begin our tour with flights into Darwin before 9 days of gorgeous sights and travel. Finishing with flights home from Broome.

Outback Spectacular

We welcome you to join us as we travel North to the Gold Coast, home of the Australian Outback Spectacular. Experience the journey throughout the Manning Valley and via Coffs Harbor and enjoy some free time in Surfers Paradise before flying home. Highlights include The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast - Surfers Paradise,Australian Outback Spectacular Show.

Central Australia

6th - 18th July 2020 - 13 days $4,950pp twin share $810pp single supplement

West Coast Tour

26th July - 5th August 2020 11 days $5,400pp twin share $1,000pp single supplement

This tour starts with flights into Broome before travelling into the new mining towns of the Pilbara. Heading back to the coast we travel South to Perth including some awe-inspiring natural wonders. Highlights include Broome, Sunset on Cable beach, Port Hedland,Tom Price and the Karajini National Park in the Pilbara Area, Coral Bay, glass bottom boat cruise on the Ningaloo Reef, Monkey Mia Dolphin National Park, Kalbarri National Park including Nature’s window, Geraldton, HMAS Sydney memorial, The Pinnacles, Perth, Kings Park and free time in Perth.

Travelling West to Port Augusta and North throughout our country’s heartland. Finishing this tour in Darwin. Highlights include Cobar Heritage Museum, Broken Hill, Silverton, Port Augusta,Woomera, Underground tour in Coober Pedy, Uluru and Kata-Tjuta,Alice Springs, Free time in Alice Springs,Tennant Creek, Katherine, Katherine Gorge cruise, Darwin including free time, jumping crocodile tour and the Darwin Museum. V1 - SECE01Z01MA

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10th - 13th June 2020 - 4 days 13th - 16th June 2020 - 4 days $1,200pp twin share $400pp single supplement

Highlights include Darwin, Katherine, Kununurra, Lake Argyle, Ord River Cruise, a giant boab tree (once used as a goal), Fitzroy Crossing and 2 full days in Broome plus the Sunset over the crystal blue waters on Cable Beach.

‘showing you our country in luxury, comfort and style’

Phone: 02 6547 4900 www.cowans.com.au

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Warming to hip Hobart’s culture club

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STUNNING: The view of Hobart from Mount Nelson. Pictures: Erle Levey

Art, music add to southern belle’s core appeal Erle Levey THERE’S more to Tasmania than apples, wine and seafood. The island state to the south of the Australian mainland is full of cultural surprises, whether it be art, music or architecture. And as well as the worldfamous Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race, there is another link to an even greater journey … a link to man’s landing on the moon. It’s something I quickly discovered after an earlymorning mystery flight from Brisbane in late November. Just pack a jumper, walking shoes and an iPhone, I was told. No need for a passport. That narrowed the destination down to Victoria, South Australia or Tasmania. Arriving at Gate 38, departures were either Melbourne or Hobart. Hobart it was. In a little more than two hours we were off the east coast of this southernmost part of Australia and starting the approach to Hobart International Airport. Even though it’s virtually the start of summer there is a chill in the air on leaving the terminal. And I’m glad there is a woollen beanie to pull on. After all, next landfall is Antarctica. Everything feels fresh. Friendly. After the novel greeting of life-size replicas of the native wildlife at the luggage collection area in the airport terminal, the drive into Hobart is mostly through bushland or rolling farming country. The approach to the Derwent River Bridge opens up the beautiful view of the city on both sides of the glacial-formed river and deep harbour. The backdrop is the majestic Mount Wellington, known as kunanyi by the first people, the Muwinina. Hobart is easy

to love. And to get around in. It’s such a walkable city for the most part. You only need a car for day trips to such locations as the wineries of the Coal Valley, historic Port Arthur Convict Settlement, the wooden boats centre in the Huon Valley or to the summit of Mount Wellington. There is the magnificent Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) to explore, the coastline of Bruny Island and so many walks. You don’t expect it to snow on the first night in summer. You don’t expect to stumble upon an art exhibition opening on your way to dinner. You don’t expect to experience the strings section of a symphony

orchestra playing to a packed house at a brewery. There’s a lot to Hobart you don’t expect … and that’s part of its charm. Hobart is easy to love … even when the weather turns cold and grey. To see the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra at Hobart Brewing’s Red Shed at Mac Point was something to warm the soul. It was simply an 800m walk from the Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel, near Victoria Dock.

Despite the soft rain and chill wind the atmosphere was warm at the brewery. Flannelette shirts and Blundstone boots were the order of the night as the sold-out crowd readily warmed to the unusual blending of an exceptional orchestra in such an industrial setting. Pot-belly stoves inside, open fires in the courtyard and the talk from the bar area added to the sense of occasion. The TSO is based right in the heart of Hobart. It is widely travelled throughout Australia and the most played on ABC Classic FM. Tonight the strings section will be playing everything from Elgar to Lady Gaga. On Saturday night is another sold-out event with the orchestra’s brass section performing at St David’s Anglican Cathedral, about another 800m up the hill in Murray Street. The TSO reaches a broad cross-section of listeners with free outdoor concerts in Hobart and Launceston, and performs in regional Tasmania, schools and community centres as well as these events that started three years ago to reach out to new audiences. As marketing director Sam Cairnduff says, they are looking at different ways to take music out there. “We are going through our most successful period in 71 years. While subscriptions around the country are challenging, ours are going up year on year. “We are pretty much getting right around the state, and around Australia. “A specialty is Australian composers. We have recorded more than any other orchestra. “We have championed a lot of composers. Our

The Cascades Female Factory, a former Australian workhouse for female convicts.

Australian conductors’ workshop is a pipeline for aspiring conductors to build skills.’’ Tasmania’s food and wine are celebrated for their quality, especially its seafood. And there are so many good places to eat in the city. Walking back from the brewery, we stop at the Drunken Admiral, right on Victoria Dock. I had wondered about it, being in such a convenient position. Would it be a tourist place? Friends had all talked about it, including those who had lived in Hobart. Yet fears of it being impersonal were quickly dismissed as soon as we walked through the door. It was a step back in time … to the inside of an old sailing ship with bowsprits, figureheads, heavy timber tables, all sorts of nautical bits and pieces such as

Tasmania Symphony Orchestra Strings at the Red Shed, Hobart Brewing Company.

shackles, ropes and chains, old sails, and gimballed navigation lights. Everywhere you looked was like being in an antiques shop. It was busy … and despite it being a cold night the welcoming was warm. We were happy to sit up at the bar and grab a drink while ordering. The rum barrel behind the bar reminded you of what it must have been like in the time of sail. Bruny Island oysters are arguably the best you will taste, then there’s the scallops, the seafood chowder, crusty bread … and a Tasmanian red. To finish we walked around the waterfront to the floating Van Diemens Land Creamery. The city fronts the River Derwent, so it has not just a nautical past but it is still part of its seafaring culture.

Constitution Dock, famous for the finish of the SydneyHobart Yacht Race, is also home to sailing ships from Tasmania’s past. The sailing vessel May Queen, Australia’s oldest sail trading vessel, is one of only a handful of wooden vessels of her era still afloat in the world. Westward is a fishing vessel that was converted to a racing yacht and claimed handicap victories in the Sydney-Hobart Yacht Races of both 1947 and 1948. Recently, the SydneyHobart pioneer Mistral II has joined the fleet, in preparation for a major restoration to take several years. Being able to virtually walk everywhere in Hobart adds to the intimacy of the city. Such as enjoying the Salamanca Markets of a Saturday morning, on the western side of the

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It’s well worth the walk up to Battery Point for the stunning surrounds and gorgeous views.

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There’s a lot to Hobart you don’t expect … and that’s part of its charm.

The Jackman and McRoss Bakery is a Battery Point highlight – one of the rewards for visiting the area.

waterfront. And then to walk up to Battery Point and places such as Jackman and McRoss Bakery, or on to the Shipwright’s Arms Hotel for a counter meal, particularly of a Thursday for the jazz night. Shippies, as it is known, was established in 1846 and remains a traditional oldschool pub complete with nautical mementos and pictures to celebrate its history. Yet Hobart also has a host of interesting places within easy reach, whether it be by car, tour or ferry. Mt Wellington, the dramatic backdrop to the city, is 1270 metres high, and climbed in 1798 by surgeon and explorer George Bass. You can drive up, walk up or take a bike tour. Yet the weather can change quickly … from sunshine to cloud and scotch mist in minutes. But the view is enormous. Stop at the convict

women’s factory in South Hobart to get a glimpse of the harsh conditions the prisoners found themselves in during the 1800s. Catch the ferry out to MONA, a remarkable art gallery cut into the sandstone cliffs and privately funded by Tasmanian David Walsh. Allow time to discover what’s there as there is a remarkable backstory about how it came about. Although it is not publicly funded it has earned such a name that virtually everyone who goes to Hobart probably experiences it … 400,000 visitors a year. Set in the grounds of Moorilla Winery, the oldest in Tasmania, and on the banks of the Derwent, MONA has made a giant difference to the Tasmanian economy. Art and wine … both need even temperatures and controlled

light to preserve them at their best. MONA was built in 2011 with the philosophy that arts and culture should always be accessible. A bit further out is Richmond in the Coal Valley, the perfect place to wander through the wineries, try the food and sketch the secondmost photographed bridge in Australia. Standing among the rows of grapevines at Frogmore Creek Winery, the shape of the Mount Pleasant radio telescope provides a juxtaposition. Something from the future in such an old landscape. Now run by the University of Tasmania, it had been part of the deep-space research program of the 1960s. It had been the Orroral Valley radio telescope to the south of Canberra and was the first deep-space tracking station. That was before

nearby Honeysuckle Creek and then Parkes, in the central west of New South Wales, became forever etched in history as the sites to relay the first televised pictures of the moon landing … the “one step for man, one giant step for mankind’’. Between mountain and sea, Australia’s southernmost state capital is wrapped up in history, culture, adventure and the natural environment. Hobart is timeless. Such clean air, good food and interesting landscapes. Even the story of Tasmania is somewhat of an adventure. The first reported sighting of Tasmania by a European was on November 24, 1642, by the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who named the island Anthoonij van Diemenslandt, later shortened to Van Diemen’s Land.

The square-rigged sailing ship Yukon at Franklin in the Huon Valley.

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Perth’s worth easy to savour trip, so be prepared for some driving. The price for the nine-day trip is $2230 per adult, twin share. Info: www.intrepidtravel. com.au or phone 1300 574 321.

IN BRIEF

US ROAD TRIP: SEE BEST OF THE WEST

CAPITAL IDEA: Perth is the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding region. Pictures: Contributed

TRY A TASTE OF MEXICO EXPERIENCE Mexico’s distinctive cuisine while travelling through Oaxaca, Puebla, Huatulco and Mexico City. Meander through Oaxaca’s aromatic markets, take to the streets of Puebla

to sample the city’s local specialties, indulge in fresh seafood on the beach and take to the streets of Mexico City on a taco crawl to experience a culinary heritage that goes back thousands of years. In Oaxaca you’ll enter the heart of pre-Hispanic cuisine – taste chillies, chocolate,

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Join Fortunato Isgro or Lindsay (Waddo) Waddington for a fantastic week on Norfolk Island of Songs and laughter! A Little Bit Country on Norfolk Island 2020 sees a great line-up of performers taking to the stage. Graeme Hugo, Fortunato Isgro, Wayne Horsburgh and Lindsay (Waddo) Waddington will all perform at 3 big shows during the week. Plus plenty of time for you to enjoy beautiful Norfolk Island with its colourful history, lush greenery, stunning scenery and friendly locals. Enjoy delicious cuisine, tours, time to shop and explore and plenty of laughs along the way. Call us for more information!

Friday 31st July:

18 Day Kimberley Discovery—Gibb River Road

15 SEPTEMBER - 06 OCTOBER 2020

Onto Fitzroy Crossing and Derby before arriving in Broome. Tour Price: $7145.00 pp t/s plus airfares. Or stay on board to explore the Coral Coast.

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TERMS & CONDITIONS *Price is per person Twin Share. Single Supplement applies. Credit card surcharges apply. Deposit of AUD $500-$800 per person is required to secure tour. Tour requires a minimum number of passengers to depart. Prices may ﬂuctuate if surcharges, fee, taxes or currency change. Prices current as at 20 February 2020. Go See Touring in conjunction with Norfolk Select Marketing ABN: 93 367 366 822 ATAS Accreditation A10619

17 Day Coral Coast - Broome to Perth

The magnificent Coral Coast including Broome, Eighty Mile Beach, Port Hedland, Dampier, Exmouth, Ningaloo Reef, Carnarvon, Monkey Mia,Kalbarri N.P, Geraldton, Dongara, Nambung N.P and Perth. Tour Price: $5775.00 pp t/s plus airfares. Or stay on board and enjoy the South West Corner

30 OCTOBER - 07 NOVEMBER 2020

You are invited to join entertainer Graeme Hugo & Lynne for a trip of a lifetime to the beautiful Cook Islands. Experience the authentic colourful local culture, swim in crystal clear tropical waters, enjoy delicious local cuisine, informative and scenic tours. Located just 6 hours from Australia, we hope you can join Per person Twin Share ex BNE, us on this trip to paradise. Please call us to secure your place Single Supplement $980 or for more details.

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One of the most picturesque parts of Australia is the Kimberley and especially along the Gibb River Road. Starting in Kununurra exploring Lake Argyle and the Ord River system . View Five Rivers Lookout at Wyndham and cruise Chamberlain Gorge at El Questro. Spend 2 nights at Home Valley Station and Drysdale River Station. Visit the many gaps and gorges and take in the most magnificent sunsets. 2 nights at Mt Elizabeth Station and over-night at Bells Gorge Camp.

Vietnam dazzles the senses, the sights, the sounds, the fragrances. Dramatic vistas and tumultuous history. Beautiful fresh foods, vibrant markets and friendly locals. Let us show you why we love this compelling country so much. This 11 day tour takes in the best of south, central and northern Vietnam and ends with a 2 night cruise on the UNESCO per person World Heritage Halong Bay. You’ll ﬁnd out why everyone is drawn to Twin Share Ex BNE this fascinating country and why it should be on everyone’s travel list. Single supplement $1040 Contact us for more details.

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You are invited to join entertainer Fortunato on his muchanticipated ‘Bella Italia’ tour, where you will experience 22 days of incredible history, culture, food and scenic landscapes within central and southern Italy all whilst enjoying wonderful entertainment from your renowned host. Fortunato is particularly excited to also take you to Sicily and the Aeolian Islands where his family originates, to bring you an authentic experience that you will never forget. You don’t want to miss out on this stress-free holiday with Fortunato and his family. Contact us for more fabulous details.

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20 Day Savannah Way Coast to Kununurra

A great adventure across the top of Australia, from the Central Coast you will travel to Roma, Longreach and Hughenden. Explore Porcupine Gorge and Undara Lava Tubes. Visit Karumba and Burketown, travelling on to Hells Gate, Booroloola and Lorella Springs Wilderness Park. Stay at the Heartbreak Hotel and go in search of the Lost City before crossing into Arnhem Land for 2 nights at Ngukurr. Visit Roper Bar & Katherine then on to Kununurra. This tour covers areas not always visited. Tour Price: $7650.00 pp t/s plus your flight home from Kununurra. Or stay on board to discover the Kimberley.

Want to enjoy the festive season twice this year? Spend a week on Norfolk Island with its stunning scenery, sandy beaches and jagged cliffs. There is so much to see and do – and all at your own pace. We’ve included some great accommodation options, a hire car so you can explore, some fabulous tours that you won’t want to miss, plus plenty more to do on the Island. Enjoy a festive delicious Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings, fun trivia and Carols at Paradise Hotel & Resort. Chase away those winter blues and have some fun. Call us now to secure your accommodation.

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Saturday 11th July:

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Due to popular demand Go See Touring invites players & spectators to join us on Norfolk Island in June 2020 for a 2nd tournament of the 6th Convict’s Cup Social Croquet event. This is a social golf croquet doubles event and it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an expert - it’s all about having fun. You’ll play on the oldest sporting pitch in the Southern hemisphere that is still in use. With stunning Norfolk Island as the backdrop to this week of friendly competition, there will be sightseeing, lots of fun and laughter! We hope you can join us!

11 - 18 JULy 2020

per person Twin Share Ex BNE Single supplement From $495

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EXPLORING Wales on Foot is a small-group walking tour for mature travellers. On this 11-night tour, travel by coach across the length of Wales with the chance to walk up to 15km a day. The tour takes you from Betwys-y-Coed in the north to St Davids in the south. The tour, rated moderate to challenging, encompasses a range of natural and cultural wonders. Towards the end of the trip there is the chance to explore Cardiff before finishing in London. The price is from $US5310 ($8116) twin share and the tour runs from August 8-20. Info: www.odyssey traveller.com/tours/walkingwales or phone 1300 888 225.

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mezcal and the surprisingly delicious chapulines (grasshoppers). A Pacific Ocean boating expedition followed by a coastal cuisine master class on one of Mexico’s stunning beaches wraps up your culinary adventure. You will be covering a fair amount of ground on this

SKYSCRAPERS, sequoias and impossibly big skies await you in the US West. This 15-day tour through the urban and natural wonders of California, Arizona and Nevada is perfect for travellers who want to inject a little downtown energy into their out-of-town escapes. You’ll marvel at the Grand Canyon and the giant sequoias of Yosemite before diving into a barbecue dinner and camping. Highlights are stargazing in Los Angeles, marvelling at a Grand Canyon sunset, opting to spend a night in dramatic Monument Valley, taking a chance in Las Vegas,

GO FOR A WALK IN WALES

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ENJOY all-inclusive Perth touring at its best, featuring the Margaret River, Pinnacles Desert, Swan River lunch cruise, Fremantle, special lunches, a magnificent cruise and more. The Discover Australia tour spans six days in Perth, with flights, WA luxury touring, the cruise, accommodation, breakfast daily, other meals and transfers included. Admire the remarkable moonscape of the Pinnacles Desert, the world-famous Margaret River region, the longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere, Busselton jetty, and the bohemian port town of Fremantle and enjoy a special lunch cruise down the Swan River. The package costs $1532 per person, twin share. Info: www.discover australia.com.au or phone 1800 519 678.

camping under the stars and hiking in Yosemite. Info: www.statravel.com. au/tours-on-sale.htm or phone 1300 735 277.

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Be safe in your skin WHILE the usual Melanoma March events around the country have been cancelled by COVID-19 challenges, plans are under way to stream a virtual version on March 29 to allow supporters of the Melanoma Institute Australia to participate and spread the word on staying skin safe. So far, more than $270,000 has been raised towards a target of $1 million to help fund research that aims to put a stop to the 1700 deaths a year from melanoma in Australia. See www.melanomamarch.org .au. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that usually occurs on the parts of the body overexposed to the sun. Rare melanomas can occur inside the eye or in parts of the skin or body that have never seen the sun. Often melanoma has no symptoms; however, the first sign is generally a change in an existing mole or the appearance of a new

spot. Changes can include: colour – a mole may change in colour or have different colour shades or become blotchy; size – a mole may appear to get bigger; shape – a mole may have an irregular border or may increase in height; elevation – the mole may develop a raised area; itching or bleeding. Other symptoms include dark areas under nails or on membranes lining the mouth, vagina or anus. Adults who develop new spots or moles should have their doctor examine them. Melanoma risk increases with exposure to UV radiation from the sun or other sources such as solariums, particularly with episodes of sunburn (especially during childhood). Risk is increased for people who have: unprotected sun exposure; a history of childhood tanning and sunburn; a pattern of short, intense periods of

exposure to UV radiation; increased numbers of unusual moles (dysplastic naevi); depressed immune systems; a family history of melanoma in a first-degree relative; fair skin, a tendency to burn rather than tan, freckles, light eye colour, light or red hair colour; had a previous melanoma or nonmelanoma skin cancer. If you have a suspicious spot or mole, your doctor may examine you and use a dermascope. The ABCDE method is used to help identify symptoms: • A – Asymmetry, irregular • B – Border, uneven • C – Colour • D – Diameter (usually over 6mm), • E – Evolving (changing and growing). If the doctor suspects melanoma, a biopsy may be carried out. This may be done by your GP or you may be referred to a specialist. See cancer.org.au/aboutcancer/types-of-cancer/ skin-cancer/melanoma.html.

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Author’s heartfelt journey focuses on grief Melissa Seiler WHEN author Jacqueline Henry first told a friend she had an idea for a book about grief she was met with a little scepticism. “She said, ‘Oh, that sounds a bit dark’– which is why you shouldn’t tell people your ideas’,” Ms Henry said. “But it’s not. For me it’s about accepting grief, and grief is the price of love.’’ The Whole Heart tells the endearing tale of a little girl who has lost her grandfather, and seeks help from a man at a repair shop to “fix’’ her heart. That moment of bravery unfolds into a journey exploring the very nature of the human heart, and its different meanings to people riding the rollercoaster of emotions that are grief and heartbreak – and the wish to feel

“whole’’ again. Ms Henry, a Queenslander, had spent the best part of 25 years working to realise her longheld dream of being an author. After originally completing a degree in sociology, she started writing articles and stories in the 1980s, turning her attention to children’s picture books and junior school readers when she had her three sons in the 1990s. “I got rejection letter after rejection letter, and that’s when I thought, I’m taking myself back to uni,” she said. A postgraduate Diploma in Journalism led to a job writing for a community newspaper – where her determination grew stronger. “Everyone I met was doing something amazing … they were artists, or releasing their first book or

FAMILY AFFAIR: Author Jacqueline Henry with her mother, Agnes Hough, at the launch of Ms Henry’s book, The Whole Heart.

album, or they were 80 and running for the environment,” Ms Henry said. “I thought, well what am I doing? So I started writing.” The light bulb moment for The Whole Heart came on a seemingly ordinary journey four years ago. “My son and I play this game ‘what trade is that truck?’,” Ms Henry recalled. “I was driving along and I was behind this truck. It was old and it had extension cords, a generator and power tools, things dangling off it … and I was thinking, I bet this is an old guy, I bet he could fix anything except a broken heart. “By the time I’d reached my destination I had the whole concept in my head.”

As for the very personal subject of grief, Ms Henry said it was something she by no means claimed to be an expert on. “When you tell people you’re writing a book about grief, they tell you their story. My observation is, everybody experiences it so differently. “I know people say they’re afraid of making others cry – but I don’t think you can. If you bring up someone they’ve lost and then they cry, it’s because they’re remembering them. It’s a complicated thing. “You can lose someone in different ways – they could move away, they could leave you, they could die, they could get dementia. As someone said to me the

other day, they could be there, but they’re not the person you’ve spent your whole life with.” Launching the book recently, surrounded by family and friends, Ms Henry thanked her now grown-up sons Tom, Will and Harry Husson, and her mother, Agnes Hough, 85, for their “love and light” during the long journey to publication. But perhaps the biggest fan of her book is her threeyear-old granddaughter. “Over Christmas, I read it to her every day, and she loves it. She points to the new heart and says, ‘That’s my heart, Ma, I love that heart’. When I wrote the book, my dream for it was that someone might hold it

The Whole Heart, the debut work by Jacqueline Henry, explores the different ways in which people are affected by grief.

against their heart and it might give them a little bit of comfort, thinking ‘Yes, I would rather remember’.” The book can be bought at thewholeheart.com.au.

Stimulus package to protect communities THE latest NSW Stimulus package is designed to help protect community and jobs in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak over the next six month. The package has two key components — $700 million in extra health funding and $1.6 billion in tax cuts to support jobs. Key elements of the NSW

COVID-19 package includes: • $700 million extra funding for NSW Health. This will assist in doubling ICU capacity, preparing for additional COVID-19 testing, purchasing additional ventilators and medical equipment, establishing acute respiratory clinics and bringing forward elective surgeries to private hospitals.

• $450 million for the waiver of payroll tax for businesses with payrolls of up to $10 million for three months (the rest of 2019-20). This means these businesses will save a quarter of their annual payroll tax bill in 2019-20 • $56 million to bring forward the next round of payroll tax cuts by raising the

threshold limit to $1 million in 2020-21 • $80 million to waive a range of fees and charges for small businesses including bars, cafes, restaurants and tradies • $250 million to employ additional cleaners of public infrastructure such as transport assets, schools and other public buildings

• more than $250 million to bring forward maintenance on public assets including social housing and crown land fencing • $500 million to bring forward capital works and maintenance. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government’s package strengthened the health system and help to

secure jobs challenging times. “This package works hand-in-hand with the recent moves by the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Federal Government. It will provide more resources to help slow the spread of this virus and boost treatment for those people in our community who need it most.”

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Look health in the eye LONG-TERM vision disorders affected 93 per cent of people aged 55 and older in 2017-18, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s Eye Health Web Report. Of course, there are many eye conditions that affect people at various stages of life and these often depend on genetic, congenital and lifestyle factors. According to Daniel Cornelius from Clearly.com.au, the most common to impact ageing Australians are: • Presbyopia, or “the ageing eye’’, the effects of which we will all experience from the age of about 40 as a normal part of growing older. This condition affects the ability of the eye to change focus from far to near. The onset may vary slightly depending on the lifestyle and environment where people grow up and spend most of their time before the age of 40. • Cataracts: Just like presbyopia, developing cataracts is a normal part of ageing and is not always classified as an eye disease. Cataracts occur when the crystalline lens of the eye

Wellbeing EYE-CARE TIPS • Visit you optometrist at least yearly. • Consult your optometrist as soon as you notice a difference in your vision. • Have the right “tool’’ for the task. In today’s visually demanding world, it makes sense to optimise your vision for specific tasks. • Consider contact lenses as an alternative to wearing your prescription glasses. • Maintain a healthy weight: exercise and diet help prevent diabetes and high blood pressure.

BE WATCHFUL: Glaucoma is a silent disease that develops slowly, experts say.

starts to lose its transparency. This condition is dealt with by extraction of the opacified crystalline lens of the eye and replacing it with a clear artificial lens. • Glaucoma – a condition whereby the optic nerve of the eye progressively becomes damaged. This is often associated with high pressure in the eye. The loss

of vision typically occurs in the peripheral sight and often goes undetected. In most cases, this condition can be treated successfully. Unfortunately, glaucoma remains one of the major causes of blindness in the world. This is because the condition has no or very few symptoms in the initial stages and it is probably the

most under-diagnosed of serious eye diseases. • Age-related macular degeneration: This is among the major causes of blindness in Australia. It typically affects central vision. There are two types of age-related macular degeneration: dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration typically progresses very

slowly and does not often result in legal blindness. Unfortunately, there are currently no treatments for this condition. • Diabetic retinal disease: There has been a dramatic increase in type 2 diabetes among the ageing population of the world, leading to a radical increase in diabetic retinopathy. The

risk of developing these retinal complications greatly increase with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes or poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Managing the risk for related eye disease requires a multidisciplinary approach, with regular screening for retinal disease recommended.

Dementia drink link is targeted CLARIFYING the relationship between alcohol use and dementia is just one of 19 new projects that will share in $1.5 million in grants to conduct groundbreaking dementia research. Dr Louise Mewton from UNSW Sydney’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) was awarded a $75,000 Dementia Australia Research Foundation Pilot Grant, sponsored by the Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration, and will use the funding to clarify the relationship between low to moderate alcohol use and the risk of dementia. “This world-first study combines innovative, stateof the-art research methods to address two of the largest contributors to the global disease burden: dementia and alcohol use,” she said. “To date, the relationships between these two key causes of death and V1 - SECE01Z01MA

disability have been underresearched and overlooked. It is critical that we have a better understanding of how alcohol use is related to agerelated diseases such as dementia. “This research will uncover innovative avenues for dementia prevention through the development of age-appropriate, evidencebased recommendations on the number of standard drinks per week associated with minimal dementia risk.” The chair of the Dementia Australia Research Foundation, Professor Graeme Samuel (AC), said the grants provided support to early and mid-career researchers who wanted to make a difference in the field of dementia. “This next generation of talented researchers will be among those tackling some of the biggest challenges in this field,’’ he said. “These

CRUCIAL CONNECTION: New research is looking into how alcohol use relates to dementia.

grants provide vital insights into reducing dementia risk, improving accurate and timely diagnoses and establishing treatment and care options for people who

live with dementia. “With the number of people living with dementia expected to increase to almost 1.1 million by 2058, research into dementia is

now more urgent than ever. “Further, the broad range of projects supported, including nanotechnology, hip-fracture prevention, enhancing cognition with

exercise and personalising care through music, reflect the increased diversity and quality of research in the dementia space across Australia.’’

REAL ESTATE

Living CYBERSECURITY is a real threat to everyone, from millennials who are afflicted with ‘‘optimism bias’’, through to seniors who lack general cybersecurity knowledge. According to the ACCC, scammers cost Australians half a billion dollars in 2018, via various schemes including internet-enabled theft, fraud, and exploitation, so it is important for those who didn’t grow up with technology to protect themselves from some of the most common types of online fraud. Nick FitzGerald, senior research fellow at ESET, said: “Optimism bias, loneliness, and deteriorating cognitive abilities are key leverage points that scammers use to target their victims. By understanding the potential risks and identifying the signs, those who grew up without technology can better protect themselves in 2020.” Cybersecurity experts at

MARCH, 2020//

SENIORS

Give web fraudsters the flick ESET have outlined some tips to keep all internet users, including seniors, safe from common types of online scams. 1. Be sceptical Never assume that a stranger online is a trustworthy person. Always consider the possibility that any unexpected message may be a scam attempt, noting anything unusual about the message or sender. Additionally, caution should still be exercised if the message comes (or seems to come) from someone well known via email, instant messaging apps or social media. If in doubt, throw it out. 2. Don’t click It’s important to never automatically assume that any material received out of the blue is authentic, no matter how official it looks. One of the most pervasive online cons, phishing, usually begins with an unsolicited email or social media message in which the fraudster impersonates a trusted entity using social

engineering techniques, and attempts to persuade the victim to hand over sensitive data, such as credit card details or login credentials. 3. Say no to ‘freebies’ Fraudsters have also been known to send emails congratulating people on their “win’’ in a lottery or sweepstake that they never entered, or as the apparent only remaining relative of a y wealthy person who is genuinely deceased. Asking for personal details, requesting small payments and instilling a sense of urgency are all signs of a scam. 4. Never wire money to strangers Some $60.5 million was lost by Australians in 2018 to dating and romance fraud. Victims are tricked into sending money or personal information to a false admirer, making lonely seniors particularly susceptible. 5. Hang up Tech support fraud is a common technique where the con artist advises

STAY ALERT: Scammers could be lurking behind your next email, so be aware of the signs and never give out your personal details. Picture: Contributed

potential victims that their computers have been compromised by malware.

Never give remote access to a device unless you called a help desk directly, even if

the caller claims to represent a reputable vendor or your ISP.

Exercise guru lays down Law Kerry Heaney COULD you be happier if you looked after your body a little better? Veteran personal trainer Tom Law thinks a healthier world would be a much better world and has written a book, Tom’s Law Fit Happens, to help you get started. “I feel we can all contribute a little to the betterment of the world,’’ he said. “As a personal trainer, I want to put a little back for all the help assistance and support I have received during my life. “The average person needs to be active on most, preferably all days of the week.’’ “They should accumulate 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise, or an equivalent

combination of both moderate and vigorous activities each week. “They also need to do muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days each week.” Tom’s favourite exercises are push-ups, squats, lunges, chin-ups, crunches, walking, running/jogging, swimming and cycling. “The reason these are my best exercises is you can do them without any special equipment at the park or at home,’’ he said. “You do not have to go to a gym to do them and, in most instances, they are free.” Another excuse people often use, according to Tom, is they have no money to exercise. “The reality is that all you need is a pair of bathers, a set of gym shoes or runners, and perhaps a bicycle,’’ he said. “If you are on a budget,

GOOD FIT: Veteran personal trainer Tom Law puts some clients through their paces.

forget the swimming or bike riding and just do the remainder of the exercises.

“Do them at home, in the park or wherever there is space for you to do so.

“Keeping active and healthy should not cost you the earth.’’

To find out more about Tom’s Law Fit Happens, visit tomslaw.com.au. SECE01Z01MA - V1

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Having enougH in retirement

You can look at the ‘Retirement Standard’ guide by the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) for a guideline on how much you might need, but if you want to get a more accurate ﬁgure, an adviser can help you work it out. A couple of about 65 years of age - $40,194pa is needed to live modestly. A couple of about 65 years of age - $61,786pa is needed to live comfortably. For singles of about 65 years of age - $27,913pa is needed to live modestly. For singles of about 65 years of age - $43,787pa I needed to live comfortably.1

What’s this as a lump sum? An independent superannuation resource has calculated a lump sum you might need to have set aside the day you retire in order to live a basic or comfortable lifestyle in retirement.The website demonstrates the different amounts needed based on the investment rate of these lump sums and whether or not you are receiving the age pension. Lump sum invested at 2%

Lump sum invested at 5%

Receives age pension

No age pension

Receives age pension

Single – modest

$850,000

$110,000

$590,000

$80,000

Single – comfortable

$1.32 million

$910,000

$920,000

$580,000

Couple – modest

$1.21 million

$110,000

$850,000

$80,000

Couple – comfortable

$1.97 million

$1.05 million

$1.28 million

$640,000

Figures are approximate and assume the individual will be retired for 25 years. More information can be found on www.superguide.com.au 3

Please contact RI Advice Morisset so we can help. Odyssey Advisory Services Pty Ltd and it’s advisers are Authorised Representatives of RI Advice Group Pty Limited (ABN 23 001 774 125), AFSL 238429.This editorial does not consider your personal circumstances and is general advice only 2 3

https://www.superannuation.asn.au/resources/retirement-standard as at September 2019 https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/age-pension/how-much-you-can-get http://www.superguide.com.au/boost-your-superannuation/comfortable-retirement-how-much-super-need

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

Our Financial Planning Services include; Life Insurances Superannuation Aged Care Planning Lake Macquarie 02 4973 4699

* Glenda Chase and Nick Arkoudis are Authorised Representatives of

Investments Retirement Planning Wealth Management www.rimorisset.com.au Email: admin@chasefinancial.com.au RI Advice Group Pty Ltd ABN 23 001 774 125 AFSL 238429

6994449aq

SENIORS

Paul Clitheroe

What about the age pension? For those eligible for the age pension, the full age pension for singles is $24,268pa which is nearly enough to live a modest lifestyle. For couples it is $36,582pa which is a bit short of a modest lifestyle so you would need other income to top this up.2

No age pension

MARCH, 2020//

Coronavirus: ‘Black swan’ is no reason to hit panic button

You probably want to place a dollar ﬁgure on how much you need to save now, to be able to retire comfortably.That number is your individual number as it will be based on your circumstances – where and how you want to live, your assets and debts, etc. It will also change based on the type of investments you hold and the returns on your investments.

• • • •

MONEY

IN the world of investing, a “black swan’’ is an unpredictable event with the potential for serious consequences. Right now, some commentators are saying the outbreak of coronavirus in China and elsewhere is a black swan. Without doubt, the spread of coronavirus has been astounding. First identified in December 2019, the number of cases has risen to more than 20,000 as I write in early February. Very sadly, hundreds of people have succumbed to the virus. While comparisons have been made with the SARS outbreak of 2003, the impact of coronavirus is quite different. It has spread more rapidly, though thankfully, with fewer fatalities. In our highly interconnected global economy, investors don’t have to hold overseas assets to feel the financial impact of coronavirus. China is by far Australia’s biggest trading partner, accounting for one-quarter of our global trade. China also buys close to 25 per cent of our coal exports, and is our No. 1 source of tourists. In addition, 150,000 of Australia’s 400,000 overseas students hail from China. So it’s not hard to see how the outbreak of coronavirus can impact on Australia’s economy as well as listed companies across a variety of industries. Despite some jitters, the Aussie sharemarket has held relatively steady since the start of 2020. That said, many investors may be uncertain about how they should respond.

MURKY WATERS: Coronavirus is a “black swan’’, or serious event, of the investment world.

My first thoughts are to take care of your health. That means following government health directives and adopting sensible precautions if you’re travelling. In terms of your investment portfolio, I’m not convinced that you need to take any steps at all – provided your investments are framed with your longterm needs, personal goals and tolerance for risk in mind. Let me stress, I am not discounting the tragic loss of life – nor the suffering of those who have contracted the virus. And I certainly don’t have a crystal ball that shows just how far coronavirus may spread. What I do know is that mankind has faced unprecedented health crises

in the past – everything from SARS, MERS, swine flu and Ebola. For the victims and their families, the human toll has been dreadful. But for economies and sharemarkets, the recovery process has often been swift once the outbreak has been contained. The upshot is that a black swan shouldn’t derail your long-term investment plans – as long as you have ticked all the boxes for low-cost investments that you’re comfortable with and which have the potential to help you achieve personal goals. – Paul Clitheroe is chairman of InvestSMART, chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money Magazine. SECE01Z01MA - V1

SENIORS

\\MARCH, 2020

Five key moves to turbocharge super in retirement run-up FOR many of us, saving for retirement isn’t something we’ve done our entire lives. However, when it comes to your 50s (and beyond), your super becomes more important to you than ever before and the key to retiring comfortably is all in the planning. Here are five easy ways you could boost your super when you’re over 50. 1. Consolidate your super Now might be the time to consolidate your super into one account to minimise fees, reducing your admin time and make it easier to keep track of your balance. Before consolidating super, it’s important to check you’re not going to lose any insurance cover in an existing super fund. 2. Think about debt Typically, retirees want to enter retirement with as little financial stress as possible – which means it’s time to think about debt. There’s a wide range of options on how best to manage debt including the option of starting to pay down debt now, or waiting

until retirement – it depends on the individual circumstances. 3. Increase your super contributions As available cash flow increases – say because the mortgage has been paid off – it might be time to increase your super contributions. Whether you choose to do this through salary sacrificing or a personal taxdeductible contribution, as you come closer to retirement it could be beneficial. to turbocharge your contributions to make the most of your investments. 4) Think about your investment strategy The closer you come to retirement, the better idea you will have of how and when you might like to retire. It’s a good time to assess your investment strategy to ensure it’s working for you and will get you where you want to go. Is your current strategy too aggressive as you move closer to leaving the workforce and have less time to ride the wave of investing?

5) Review your insurance/beneficiaries As your financial commitments start to slow down, it’s important to reevaluate your insurance needs and any beneficiaries. For some, if the mortgage is paid off and your emergency fund is in a good place, now might be the time to lower your level of cover or extend your waiting period to drop your premiums. Whatever you choose, review your beneficiaries regularly to avoid your benefit ending up in the hands of the wrong person or attracting unnecessary tax. – Dianne Charman, of Jade Financial Group, is an authorised representative of AMP Financial Planning Pty Ltd, ABN 89 051 208 327, AFS Licence No. 232706. Any advice given is general only and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this, before acting on any advice, you should consult a financial planner to consider how appropriate the advice is to your objectives, financial situation and needs.

IT PAYS TO PLAN: Simple measures can help make the most of your superannuation.

Managing inheritance Mark Digby IN AUSTRALIA, special capital gains tax (CGT) rules apply when dealing with assets of a deceased estate. The most common types of assets inherited by a beneficiary that could be subject to a capital gain are property, shares and managed funds. Implications for Australian tax residents Within Australia it is only if you decide to sell the inherited asset at some point that the normal CGT rules apply. V1 - SECE01Z01MA

Inherited Property: CGT outcomes are an important aspect to consider when selling inherited investments. Inheriting a family home may involve CGT when it is sold. This depends on a few factors, such as when it was bought, when it was sold and whether it was used for investment purposes during the ownership period. The sale of the family home may receive the “main residence exemption’’, which means that CGT will not apply. (If you’re a nonAustralian tax resident, CGT may be applicable.)

Inherited shares and managed Funds: Generally these assets can be passed to Australian tax resident beneficiaries and not involve a CGT event; however, the beneficiary will inherit the deceased person’s liability. This means the CGT is calculated on the original purchase price – not the price when these assets were inherited. Other CGT considerations: Generally speaking, if the asset is: • A collectable asset, such as rare stamps, then CGT may apply.

• Personal-use asset such as jewellery, a car or boat, CGT will typically not apply. Capital gain (or losses) on an inherited asset: Several considerations are involved in calculating a capital gain or loss. These can include: • The type of asset, and how it was used before the deceased’s passing. • The deceased’s date of death. • The date the asset was inherited. • Your ownership period, before selling the asset. • Whether you are selling the asset as an individual

Australian tax resident, or not. The CGT implications of a deceased estate are complicated. A financial adviser will be able to assist you in understanding any tax implications of inheriting an asset, based on your personal circumstances, objectives and goals. For more information, contact Mark Digby at Maher Digby Securities Pty Ltd – Financial Advisers – AFSL No. 230559 (see advert Page 3). Phone: 07 5441 1266 or visit www.maherdigby.com.au. – This article is not a substitute

for specialist tax advice This document was prepared without taking into account any person’s particular objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not guaranteed as accurate or complete and should not be relied upon as such. Maher Digby Securities does not accept any responsibility for the opinions, comments, forward looking statements, and analysis contained in this document, all of which are intended to be of a general nature. Investors should, before acting on this information, consider the appropriateness of this information having regard to their personal objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend consulting a financial adviser.

RETAIL

MARCH, 2020//

SENIORS

Sleep specialists for seniors BRAND INSIGHTS WHILE most business folk start thinking about retirement as seniors, locals Craig Lawrence and Dayle Draper ramp up their working lives for the sake of others’ comfort. Dayle and Craig became acquainted a few years before the establishment of Lifestyle Mattress & Bedding via aligned businesses. Craig was an owneroperator of a furniture retail outlet at Erina and Dayle has been in the mattress and bedding industry for a number of years. Through general trade discussions, they struck up a rapport and together opened Lifestyle Mattress & Bedding in Woy Woy. The pair told Seniors News: “The Peninsula was identified as a growth area with no mattress and bedding products available so it made sense to us to open our first store at Woy Woy.’’ With a wide range of mattresses available in the market today, Craig and Dayle believe there is only one supplier that has the reptutation of having the finest craftmanship quality and longevity.

PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE: Craig Lawrence and Dayle Draper of Lifestyle Mattress & Bedding, pride themselves on quality products and customer service.

That company is A H Beard, Australian owned and operated for the past 120 years. It’s a company that has been making beds for 121 years. Back in 1899, the founder, Enoch William Beard, started by producing

handmade straw palliasses and tufted-horsehair mattresses in the Australian Bedding Mill. After two and a half decades, in 1826, the Australian Bedding Mill burns to the ground, leaving Enoch ruined. With only a

gold half sovereign and a strong determination, Enoch’s son Albert decides to rebuild the business. In 2012 A H Beard celebrates 113 years of supplying superior sleep and is inducted into Family Business Australia’s Hall of

Fame. This century-old family business has dedicated generations to improving lives through better sleep. Dayle and Craig relate to this company’s strong work ethic and their ambition is to complement the company’s

good name. Visit the new store for good old-fashioned service with a smile, along with a genuine concern about your comfort, at 103 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy. For more information, phone 02 4344 6969 or go to lifestylemattress.com.au.

Aidacare opens new showroom in Erina BRAND INSIGHTS AIDACARE is one of Australia’s largest Healthcare Equipment and Service providers. Our business has been assisting Australians in the hospital, aged care, community care and rehabilitation sectors for 25 years. Aidacare and Aspire brands are trusted benchmarks for quality and service in the supply of assistive equipment. We are pleased to announce that Aidacare has combined with the competent team at Mobility 2 You to provide comprehensive service to customers on the Central

Coast. Mobility 2 You has a strong reputation for fulfilling clients’ needs. This will be further enhanced now that it is trading under the Aidacare banner. Aidacare Central Coast has two locations. The first is a Retail Showroom at 2/12 Aston Road, Erina. The showroom has a large range of assistive equipment and is supported by experienced consultants. The range includes mobility aids, chairs, scooters, beds, bathroom and daily living aids, all of which can be found in detail on our website. The customer care team

cover: sales, hire, service and repairs for clients, including delivery and home modifications. The second location is the innovative Inclusive Technology Centre at 247 Central Coast highway. This is a display centre available to Therapists to view and consider an ‘in-situ’ collection of assistive living equipment for home modifications. The stylish design of display rooms is integrated with functional assistive equipment for kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living areas. Aidacare participates in NDIS, DVA, iCare, and Enable to serve clients in conjunction with Therapists on the Central

TRUSTED SUPPORT: Visit the Aston Road Showroom today and speak with the Aidacare customer care team about assistive equipment.

Coast. Complex Rehab consultants are also available through Aidacare. They provide specialised advice and equipment based solutions for complex rehab needs.

This highly specialised area is supported by our expert team of consultants working closely with local Central Coast professional therapists. Visit our Aston Road

Showroom today, or phone 02 4367 5751 to make an appointment to view our Inclusive Technology Centre. For more information, visit our website, go to aidacare.com.au. SECE01Z01MA - V1

SENIORS

LIFE

\\MARCH, 2020

MEAL PLANNER Scrambled tofu with turmeric, tomato and spinach

Strawberry cheesecake french toast

FOR a healthy vegan breakfast, skip the eggs and scramble some tofu. SERVES: 1 PREP: 5 minutes COOK: 5 minutes

FOR a cosy weekend breakfast, you can’t go past this creamy cheesecake french toast with sweet strawberry sauce.

Ingredients 75g cherry tomatoes, halved 1 garlic clove, crushed ¼ tsp ground turmeric 100g firm tofu, crumbled 40g baby spinach ½ lime ½ x 45g wholegrain wrap,

SERVES: 4 PREP: 20 minutes COOK: 20 minutes

Ingredients 3 eggs ¼ cup milk ½ cup pouring cream 250g strawberries, hulled, coarsely chopped ¼ cup caster sugar 200g brioche loaf 30g unsalted butter, chopped 125g spreadable cream cheese

cut into wedges

Method 1. Lightly spray a non-stick frying pan with olive oil. Heat over medium-high heat. Add tomato, garlic and turmeric. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. 2. Add tofu and spinach. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until spinach has just wilted. Season. Squeeze over the lime juice. Serve with wrap wedges. Recipe by Chrissy Freer Photo by Vanessa Levis

Method 1. Combine cream cheese, 1 tbsp caster sugar and one-third of the strawberries in a bowl. Cut brioche into 8 slices. Spread half the slices with the mixture, leaving a 1cm border around edges. Top with remaining brioche slices. 2. Combine remaining caster sugar and strawberries with 125ml (½ cup) water in a small saucepan. Stir over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until sugar has melted and strawberries break down and form a sauce. Remove from heat. Set aside to cool slightly. 3. Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, milk and cream in a large bowl. Place brioche sandwiches in a shallow baking dish large enough to hold them in a single layer. Pour egg mixture over sandwiches. Set aside for about 2 minutes to soak. Carefully turn over sandwiches and soak for a further 2 minutes or until the mixture is absorbed. 4. Melt half the butter in a large non- stick frying pan over medium heat until bubbling. Cook sandwiches, in 2 batches, for 2-3 minutes each side or until golden brown. Keep warm. Repeat with remaining butter and sandwiches. 5. Slice the sandwiches and serve with strawberry sauce and a dusting of icing sugar, if you like.

Rice salad with poached egg and chilli jam aioli

Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil 2 leeks, trimmed, thinly sliced 200g bacon rashers, thinly sliced 110g (2⁄3 cup) frozen green peas 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves 450g packet microwave jasmine rice 80g (1⁄3 cup) bought aioli 2 tbsp chilli jam, plus extra, to serve 60g baby spinach 4 eggs, poached 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives

Recipe by Kathy Knudsen Photo by Brett Stevens

Bacon and sweet chilli pumpkin scrolls

V1 - SECE01Z01MA

Method

SERVES: 4 PREP: 15 minutes COOK: 15 minutes

MAKES: 6 large PREP: 20 minutes COOK: 50 minutes

Ingredients 450g seeded, peeled, chopped pumpkin 170g shortcut bacon, chopped 2/3 cup store-bought sweet chilli relish 2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary, plus extra leaves to sprinkle 450g (3 cups) self-raising flour 1 tsp baking powder 50g butter, chilled, chopped 125ml (½ cup) milk, plus extra, to brush 160g (2 cups) coarsely grated cheddar

Method 1. Cook pumpkin in a saucepan of boiling water for 10 minutes, until tender. Drain. Mash. Set aside to cool. 2. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a frying pan over medium heat for 5 minutes or until golden. Stir through sweet chilli relish and chopped rosemary. Set aside to cool. 3. Preheat oven to 200C/180C fan-forced. Line a baking tray with baking paper. 4. Whisk together the flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Use fingertips to rub in butter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Make a well in the centre. Add mashed pumpkin and milk. Use a flat-bladed knife to mix

1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the leek and bacon. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until leek is soft and bacon is golden. Stir through the peas, garlic and thyme. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until the peas are heated through. Remove from heat. 2. Meanwhile, heat the rice following packet directions. Combine the aioli and chilli jam in a small bowl. 3. Add rice and spinach to pan. Season. Divide among serving bowls. Top each with an egg and chilli jam aioli. Sprinkle with chives and drizzle over chilli jam to serve. Recipe by Liz Macri Photo by Taste Magazine

using a cutting action until well combined. 5. Turn the dough out on to lightly floured baking paper. Pat to a 20 x 30cm rectangle. 6. Spread with bacon mixture and sprinkle with 1 and 3⁄4 cups cheese, leaving a 2cm border. Using the paper as a guide, roll up dough starting with a long side. Cut into 6 pieces. 7. Place scrolls, cut side up, on prepared tray. Brush with extra milk. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and extra rosemary. Bake for 40 minutes or until golden. Recipe by Alison Adams Photo by Al Richardson

REVIEWS

MARCH, 2020//

A joyous look into extended family

Take a trip down memory lane

TRACEY JOHNSTONE

STRAP yourself into your favourite reading spot and get ready for a six-month bumpy ride alongside the Casey and Kinsella families in Marian Keyes’s newest novel Grown Ups. If you thought you had a complicated extended family, wait until you have read to the end what Keyes shares. It twists and turns in so many ways that any plans to

Boys will be boys in Aussie film

THEIR OFFSPRING ARE NORMAL KIDS WITH THE USUAL PERSONALITY QUIRKS MOST PARENTS HOPE WILL DISAPPEAR AS THEY GROW OLDER. put the book down and do something else with your day quickly fades when you finish one section and slide into reading the next one. The family tree at the start of the 633-page book is very useful. Until you get to know each character, this tree is invaluable. In short, Grown Ups takes you to Ireland, where there are three brothers who couldn’t be more different. Their wives, and an ex-wife, are smart and complicated at the same time. Their offspring are normal kids with the usual personality quirks most parents hope will disappear as they grow older. The grandparents, or at least one set, are

outstandingly bad – can there really be a couple like this? Some of the language in the novel is new to me – perhaps the Irish influence is the reason? Once you have dived deep into the stories, that

language starts to become familiar. Don’t let it stop you enjoying a great read. I don’t want to tell you much more about the family get-togethers, money and health challenges, conflicts and loves. Perhaps my family isn’t

that complicated after all? Grown Ups in is bookshops now. RRP is $32.99. Marian Keyes has been writing funny, internationally bestselling fiction for more than 20 years.

SENIORS

IT’S simply never too late to live your dream with your mates even if you are all holed up in Hogan Hills Retirement Village. The Australian comedy from director Mark Lamprell (A Few Less Men), Never Too Late boasts an outstanding cast including James Cromwell, Dennis Waterman, Shane Jacobson, Jackie Weaver, Jack Thompson and Roy Billing. The backstory is, it’s been a long time since Caine, Bronson, Angus and Wendell, AKA The Chain Breakers – escaped the torturous Vietnamese POW camp. They now find themselves sharing a new prison, The Hogan Hills Retirement Home for Returned Veterans. Each of the boys has an unrealised dream he wants to achieve before it’s too late. So, once again they band together to devise a plan to escape this new hell. But the rules of engagement have changed; in fact, they can’t even remember what they were and that’s half the problem. Never Too Late is in cinemas from late April.

SIT back, peel down the Choo Choo Bar wrapper and lay some serious colour on your tongue as you reminisce while flicking through the pages of Stuff We Had in the ’50s and ’60s. Welcome to Pam Van Der Kooy’s incomplete collection of stuff from the relevant decades with facts, history, anecdotes and memories to be used as catalysts for readers’ own memories of that time, good or bad, golden or otherwise. From the joys of Cuisenaire rods and Dick and Dora at school, to Pope wringers, TV licences and home haircuts, there’s lots of stuff. When Pam’s father’s book Aniseed Balls, Billy Carts and Clothes Lines: an ABC of Growing Up in the Thirties was published in 2002, one of the most frequent comments she had was that people were going to use it to give to their kids and grandies to show them what life was like. How much better would it be to have space to add your own memories? You can. Boolarong Press; RRP $24.95

Entertaining view into the future of food THIS is a rollicking exploration of the history and future of our favourite foods. When we humans love foods, we love them a lot. In fact, we have often eaten them into extinction, whether it is the megafauna of the Paleolithic world or the passenger pigeon of the last century. Whether it’s chasing down the luscious butter of local Icelandic cattle or looking at the impacts of modern industrialised

LOST FEAST MAKES A CRITICAL CONTRIBUTION TO OUR UNDERSTANDING OF FOOD SECURITY TODAY.

agriculture on the range of food varieties we can put in our shopping carts, Newman’s bright, intelligent gaze finds insight and humour at every turn. Bracketing the chapters

that look at the history of our relationship to specific foods, Newman enlists her ecologist friend and fellow cook, Dan, in a series of “extinction dinners’’ designed to recreate meals of the past or to illustrate how we might be eating in the future. Part culinary romp, part environmental wake-up call, Lost Feast makes a critical contribution to our understanding of food security today. You will never look at

what’s on your plate in quite the same way again. Lenore Newman is the Canada Research Chair in Food Security and Environment at the University of the Fraser Valley. She is the author of the acclaimed Speaking in Cod Tongues: A Canadian Culinary Journey. She divides her time between Vancouver and Roberts Creek, British Columbia. RRP $39.99; ECW Press SECE01Z01MA - V1

SENIORS

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

PUZZLES

\\MARCH, 2020

ACROSS 6 What is a list of corrected errors attached to a book? (6) 7 What was the name of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship on his 1908-09 Antarctic expedition? (6) 10 What is a nine-sided figure called? (7) 11 What fabric is made from processed flax? (5) 12 What is improvised jazz singing with the voice imitating an instrument? (4) 13 A numismatist collects medals and what? (5) 16 Which of Puccini’s operas was his first of the 20th century? (5) 17 Which dynasty ruled China from 1368 to 1644? (4) 20 What was the name of the Famous Five’s dog? (5) 21 What is a person who has suddenly risen in economic status, but has not gained the accompanying social acceptance? (7) 22 What is a slang word for cheap, harmful alcoholic liquor? (6) 23 Which river rises in the Black Forest? (6)

9 10

13 14

18 20

19 21

DOWN 1 Who wrote television’s The Singing Detective? (6,6) 2 Adjectivally, what word means “of the skull”? (7) 3 In an old song, what should Mrs Worthington keep her daughter off? (5) 4 Which instruments are most numerous in an orchestra? (7) 5 Which pipe in a set of bagpipes is tuned to produce a single, continuous tone? (5) 8 “Friday night and the lights are low” is a line from which 70s song? (7,5) 9 What medical instrument is used for viewing the internal parts of the body without open surgery? (9) 14 What liquid holder is in the shape of a stout man wearing a three-cornered hat? (4,3) 15 Colloquially, what is an arsonist? (7) 18 What are small ﬂakes of soot? (5) 19 What traditional South African village is typically surrounded by a stockade? (5)

43 21/3

SUDOKU

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

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

DOUBLECROSS 6

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

21 22

Down 2. Singly (3,2,1,4) 3. Resound (4) 4. Frowned (6) 5. Arrogance, pride (6) 6. Wedlock (8) 7. Border (4) 11. Link (10) 13. Abbreviates (8) 16. Marksman (6) 17. Sleazy (6) 18. Constructed (4) 20. Trial (4)

Across 1. Crater (4) 8. Worked out (10) 9. Unskilled worker (8) 10. Speed contest (4) 12. Danger (6) 14. Blemishes (6) 15. Wispy clouds (6) 17. Get very angry (3,3) 18. Blend together (4) 19. Annoy (8) 21. Thrill-seekers (10) 22. Diminutive (4)

SOLUTIONS

5x5 N E V E R

S T E R N

ALPHAGRAMS: ACHES, BIASED, CREATOR, DEFOREST, ENDOWMENT. GK CROSSWORD Across; 6 Errata, 7 Nimrod, 10 Nonagon, 11 Linen, 12 Scat, 13 Coins, 16 Tosca, 17 Ming, 20 Timmy, 21 Parvenu, 22 Rotgut, 23 Danube. Down: 1 Dennis Potter, 2 Cranial, 3 Stage, 4 Violins, 5 Drone, 8 “Dancing Queen”, 9 Endoscope, 14 Toby jug, 15 Firebug, 18 Smuts, 19 Kraal.

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

CHASE ABIDES REACTOR FOSTERED DEMON NEWT

5x5 C

DOUBLECROSS

QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 1. Hole 8. Calculated 9. Labourer 10. Race 12. Hazard 14. Stains 15. Cirrus 17. See red 18. Meld 19. Irritate 21. Daredevils 22. Tiny. Down: 2. One at a time 3. Echo 4. Glared 5. Hubris 6. Marriage 7. Edge 11. Connection 13. Abridges 16. Sniper 17. Sordid 18. Made 20. Test.

N M

L T

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

V G

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

R R

TODAY: Good 12 Very Good 15 Excellent 18

dobs drab robs

A M I G O

D A

C O L I C

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre

S C A T S

WORD GO ROUND

V1 - SECE01Z01MA

SUDOKU

ALPHAGRAMS