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PAGE 14

2 Seniors Central Coast

In this edition

Cover Story: Gabriel Poole .....................................Page 3 Wellbeing ..................................................................Page 9 Feature: Housing & Finance.................................Page 14 Travel...............................................................Pages 17–20 What’s On................................................................Page 21 Puzzles ....................................................................Page 23

Contact us Editor Gail Forrer gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Manager Kristie Waite kristie.waite@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Now online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Central Coast Seniors”.

The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in northern New South Wales and south-east 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.

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 24, 2017

Our world revealed in Census figures

EVERY four years, my natural curiosity is piqued by the publication of Census results. Look here, these figures say, these are the real facts, figures and trends shaping our Australian lifestyle.

Did you think you were just imagining a more diverse population, more older people and fewer people attending the local church? Perhaps, you wondered if these changes just happened in your neighbourhood rather than as a nationwide trend. Wonder no more, the 2016 census figures have made available the statistical information to back up your thoughtful observation.

For instance, the marriages of my adult children and a number of their cousins to spouses born overseas has significantly increased the cultural diversity of our family. So when statistics highlighted the rich diversity of Australian society, I felt that our family was more or less

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

conforming to the norm.

Census figures revealed more than a quarter of our residents (26.3%) are now born overseas and, for the first time in our history, the majority of people born abroad are from Asia, not Europe. Just over 6,150,000 people were born overseas in census 2016, compared to 5,280,802 in 2011.

More than one-fifth (21%) of Australians spoke a language other than English at home.

After English, the next most common languages spoken at home were Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese and Vietnamese.

Another statistic that bears out what we see in our neighbourhood is the increased number of older adults.

This observation reminds me of a comment made by my late mother to the effect of: “When I was growing up, you hardly saw old people.” My, how times have changed.

These days, one in six people is over the age of 65 (compared to one in seven in 2011 and only one in 25 in 1911) and there are now 84,000 more people aged 85 years and older than in 2011. The results have been identified as the success of modern medicine, improved diet and a greater public health system. Indeed, the number of folk celebrating their 100th birthday and beyond grew to 3500.

This month, our publication’s theme is “Housing Options” and, after Census figures noted a huge change in our style of homes, I reckon we are right on the money.

In terms of housing, the Census counted 10 million dwellings (a

dwelling is defined as any structure which is intended to have people in it and is habitable on Census night). While separate houses account for 72%, there’s been a large increase in other forms of dwelling, such as flats, apartments, semi-detached, row housing or town housing.

Of the 8.3 million occupied private dwellings, seven in 10 housed families (69% by one family and 1.9% by multiple families).

In 2020, I’ll place a bet these alternative housing numbers will increase, but we need information to make informed decisions.

I hope our article on Gabriel Poole’s multi-generational living, along with various other ideas, will provide this for you.

Also, good news for country music lovers...

Check out advertisements advising how you can win a Troy Cassar-Daley CD (latest release).

Cheers, Gail

Grandparents are urged to show their Superhero Stride ANYONE can be a superhero.

That’s the message from Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service’s Superhero Stride co-ordinator Kylie Farrugia, who is hoping to see lots of grandparents alongside youngsters at The Entrance.

The Stride, on Sunday, August 27, comprises a 3km walk along the foreshore, with food, music, carnival rides and other entertainment at Memorial Park to celebrate the finish.

It is just the event’s second year on the Central Coast, and after a huge turnout of 500 people in Newcastle, Kylie is hoping for big things at The Entrance.

“The beauty of the Superhero Stride is … being a 3km walk as opposed to a competitive run, it’s accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels,” Kylie said.

The fact that the event is not timed means everyone can just relax, walk, jog or run, and have a whole lot of family fun just participating.

Reflecting the diversity possible, Kylie said the oldest walker last year was 88 and the youngest

SUPER EFFORT: Margaret Ross, son Stephen Cromarty and granddaughter Summah. Margaret is delighted to give back through the Superhero Stride after she was airlifted by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service following a serious car accident in 1990.

PHOTO: PETER STOOP

(though not walking themselves yet) were twin girls just 11 weeks old, not to mention those in wheelchairs and needing walking sticks.

In some cases, three generations of the one

family have stepped out, as was the case in Newcastle for Margaret Ross, son Stephen Cromarty and granddaughter Summah.

Margaret needed the helicopter service to

airlift her after a serious car accident in 1990, so any chance to ‘give back’ is always close to the family’s heart.

And of course, there’s the added bonus that everyone, from child to

adult, is invited to dress up as a Superhero.

So grab your cape and sign up to help keep the helicopter service in the air.

Visit www.superhero stride.com.au/the

entrance to find out more, or sign up on the day from 8.30am.

Entry costs just $15 for adults, $10 for kids or $50 for a team of five, with the walk starting at 9.30am.

Monday, July 24, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Cover Story: Gabriel Poole

Central Coast

Seniors 3

Re-imagining your home Gail Forrer

Gabriel Poole designs: The Shed House 2007; Lake Weyba home 1996; and the Beachouse 2007.

and children. He included aged care facilities including rails, non-slip floors and wheelchair access across the home.

and says the trend is on the increase. He notes reasons for this increase include: the need to take care of aged family

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This year, looking forward to his 83rd birthday with absolutely no plans for retiring, Poole is still devising and implementing architectural answers to social conundrums.

This sort of optional housing struck the interest of academic Dr Edgar Lui who has researched the pattern of multi-generational housing in Brisbane and Sydney

members and childcare arrangements together with budgeting considerations for nursing homes.

KPMG demographer Bernard Salt believes

DESIGNING DUO: Gabriel relaxing with his wife Interior designer and artist Elizabeth Poole.

multi-generational living will see Baby Boomers disposing of the big family home and setting up financial arrangements with their children to ensure a future home and care for all.

Since one in four Australians will be over 65 by 2050, he has praised the living style as a creative solution to the ageing population.

Finally, Gabriel Poole has often talked about the spiritual dimension of housing and as he moves forward designing housing for the inhabitants, rather than just following fashion, he insists that his designs must also ‘lift the spirits’.

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AT A time when large brick homes were popping up all across the suburbs, Gabriel Poole’s architectural vision of small, affordable and sustainable housing was a challenging proposition.

Now, as house and land prices soar and care of the environment becomes paramount, his vision has become much more than relevant, for many it provides the practical and necessary guidelines for 21st century living.

Along with other distinguished accolades the Queensland-born architect has received the Robin Boyd Award and in 1998 the Royal Australian Institute of Architecture Gold Medal for lifetime contribution to Australian Architects.

This year, looking forward to his 83rd birthday with absolutely no plans for retiring, Poole is still devising and implementing architectural answers to social conundrums.

These days, he is espousing, multigenerational living as a practical solution to the dearth of affordable property, the need for care for both aged and younger family members and as a means of keeping the human footprint as light as possible upon the earth.

Speaking of the need for extended family living, he says: "There’s really not much choice.

"The government can’t afford to keep providing nursing homes and the young people can’t afford to buy homes."

In 2014, he exhibited his ideas in a Queensland architectural show at Mt Tamborine. His design adhered to low-cost, modular principles with private areas for grandparents, parents

4 Seniors Central Coast

Profile: Troy Cassar- Daley

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 24, 2017

Getting honest with Troy Cassar-Daley The acclaimed country music singer confronts his past as he releases his autobiography

By Alison Houston

IT’S AN odd sensation getting off the phone after interviewing Troy Cassar-Daley – it feels like I’ve been talking to a mate I haven’t seen for a long time rather than a complete stranger, never mind a Country icon.

As with his music, there’s an ease, an honesty and humility which you can’t help but like.

Over the past year he’s invited us into his life more than ever through his autobiography Things I Carry Around and the album by the same name.

He has been touring the album for six months and says he’s excited to finish at home this month in south-east Queensland where he has spent the past 28 years of his life.

"It’s very special because this album is so personal and such an

emotional thing," Troy said.

To capture that intimacy, the stage is set like a lounge room which he’s inviting audiences into for a chat, and he said at times "you can hear a pin drop, it’s so emotional".

Troy said many of the

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in two worlds and embracing both his mother’s Aboriginal heritage and his father’s Maltese.

"The book was the hardest thing I’ve ever written," Troy admitted.

It took about two years to complete, partly because he found it so

If you strip back the layers of paint, I’m still that kid lined up to get Slim Dusty’s autograph. songs had been sitting in the background for years because he felt they were "too personal to record".

They are joined by songs inspired by the at-times painful task of delving back through his own history for the autobiography, which included coming to terms as a youngster with living

confronting to look backwards "for someone who has always just wanted to move forward in life".

In contrast, the music, he said, was "quite a relief … to tell a story in 3-4 minutes" But it wasn’t always like that.

"In the old days starting

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out I was playing a lot of other people’s music. You have to make yourself familiar to people," Troy said.

"But my end goal was always to play my own music and tell my own stories."

And tell them he has, through 10 solo albums which have sold in excess of 450,000 copies and won him an array of awards, including 35 Golden Guitars across his 30-year career.

Not bad for a bloke who hasn’t hit 50 yet!

Things I Carry Around won Troy the coveted Album of the Year at this year’s Country Music Awards, where his legacy was also recognised by his induction as the 50th and youngest artist on the Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown.

His name now sits on a plaque on a granite bolder beside that he touched as a kid of Slim Dusty.

"It was a bit mind-blowing really," Troy said of the moment, which he adds was made all the more special by the presence of wife Laurel Edwards and kids Clay and Jem. "If you strip back the layers of paint, I’m still that kid lined up to get Slim Dusty’s autograph."

His autobiography began, appropriately, by talking to Slim’s wife Joy, with whom he indulges in a cuppa and sandwiches each Tamworth festival.

When he told her how much he had enjoyed her book, she planted the seed that he should write his own story.

HONESTY: Troy tells his story with his new album and autobiography Things I Carry Around. PHOTO: MIK MCCARTIN

Despite some hesitancy, he said the autobiography captured the truth and emotion he wanted it to – swearing and all – with readers telling him they feel like he’s sitting across the table talking to them.

And perhaps it’s that honesty which best sums up Troy’s approach to his music and his life. On his Roll of Renown plaque it says that he "embodies the spirit of Australian Country music".

And when asked what that means to him, his answer is "honesty – being who you really are".

"When I heard Slim Dusty sing, I knew he was singing about him and about me, and that’s what it’s about."

In today’s world, filled with so much tragedy and confusion, Troy said he

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hoped music would remain an escape for many, as it was for him as a kid and continues to be.

In his opening track, Funny How Things Change, he sings of a simpler time when people talked and shared more of themselves one-to-one, but Troy said having looked back on his life, he wouldn’t change a thing.

"Even when I was broke, I was happy. I was able to continue loving music. I never had a plan B," he said.

And while the Gympie Muster, where he first met Laurel, will always have a special place in his heart, Troy said every audience had a life and a character of its own.

"To be truthful, any time I can step on stage and make my music it’s a special gig."

Local Story

Monday, July 24, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Central Coast

Seniors 5

Margaret danced her way into the biggest show on Earth life and the fabulous costumes.

But that was just the start, with Margaret and a number of other dancers called into the office one night and offered positions dancing at the newly built MGM Grand Hotel in Reno, Nevada in the US. “We had to decide yes or no then and there. So we all signed and then we went home and got out the atlas to find out where it was,” she laughed.

It was 1978 and it was the biggest show in the world, with 150 dancers and an enormous stage (some say one acre), including elevators, a three-storey waterfall and a full-size DC9 plane on stage with girls standing on the wings. The hotel itself boasted 1015 rooms, before an expansion three years later that took it to 2001 rooms and suites. Little wonder some of the biggest names in stardom wanted to see what it was all about.

“Reno then was just a very small town and it was such a huge hotel – everything was mega, it was all completely different to anything we’d

ever seen before,” Margaret said.

The girls, she said, couldn’t stop “oogling” Frank Sinatra when he visited, while she still remembers exactly what Carey Grant was wearing and admits he looked very handsome.

Anne Margaret and Debbie Reynolds were among others to make their way backstage, while Sammy Davis Jr actually put on a show especially for the cast and crew.

But Arnold Schwarzenegger surprised in quite a different way – left looking relatively small by a group of girls all 1.8m or taller in the highest of high heels!

While the show closed in 1989, and Margaret hung up her professional heels for a family, she is back dancing, tapping her way through life with local group Betty’s Show tappers, and looking forward to a reunion next year in Nevada, almost 30 years on.

“I think I was meant to be a showgirl,” Margaret said.

“I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Margaret Heins in the show by that name in the early 1980s, displaying some of the wonderfully elaborate costumes.

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DANCING QUEEN: Margaret Heins (right) at 61 still looks every inch the star, and (above) in the show Hello Hollywood, Hello in the early 1980s.

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MARGARET Heins never wanted to be anything but a ballet dancer, but fate – and her 1.7m (5ft 10) frame – had other ideas.

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“I was way too tall for a ballerina,” the 61-year-old from Avoca Beach admits, looking back.

Disappointed after years training at the Royal Academy of Dance, what she didn’t know was that her height made her ideal to become one of the Bluebell Girls, cabaret dancers under the management of Margaret Kelly, aka Miss Bluebell.

Dancer and choreographer for Paris’s Folies Bergeres, who famously created cabaret troupes to dance in the Lido nightclub in Paris and then around the world, Miss Bluebell saw potential in the girl who auditioned for her in a Sydney lounge room.

Within a week, at 18 years old, never having travelled and never having done a cabaret dance or danced in high heels in her life, Margaret was on her way to Barcelona, Spain to dance at La Scala.

She performed for more than two years, learning the language – at least enough to have a couple of boyfriends and do the shopping – and loving the

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By Alison Houston

6 Seniors Central Coast

Local Story

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 24, 2017

Shelter clocks 25 years of helping

By Alison Houston

TWENTY dollars arrives at Coast Shelter each week pinned to a piece of paper marked with just three words, “for the homeless”. There isn’t a name attached.

It’s just one of the many selfless donations which have kept Coast Shelter going for the past 25 years, providing accommodation to 16,866 homeless men, women and children for 797,302 days.

Executive officer Laurie Maher has worked with the shelter from the day it first opened its doors as a family refuge in the old convent near the railway station.

These days it incorporates 10 separate refuges and provides support to people in about 70 public housing properties.

“We have certainly grown tremendously,” Laurie said.

“But over the last six months, the number of people sleeping on the street in Gosford has grown to more than I have ever seen before.

“There’s a terrific shortage in rental housing

for those on a low fixed income.

“There are 60,000 people in NSW on waiting lists for public housing.

“We get government funding to house 60–70 people, but we average about 180 every night.”

And the shelter provides much more than a bed.

“Homeless people need more than a roof over their heads because of what they have been through – they need support,” Laurie said, pointing to both the circumstances by which people had become homeless, and what they may have suffered since.

That includes domestic violence, addiction (drugs, alcohol or gambling) and family breakdown.

More women than ever are coming to the shelter to escape domestic violence, and while Laurie said that was partly explained by a rise in incidence, on the positive side, there was increased awareness among women that they didn’t have to put up with violence.

However, sadly these days, he’s seeing intergenerational homelessness, unemployment and domestic violence.

NOT SO ROUGH: Celebrity chef Julie Goodwin doles out a hot drink to Coast Shelter executive officer Laurie Maher at last year’s Million Star Executive Sleepout, a fundraiser giving executives a taste of life for those who don’t have it so easy.

It’s with this in mind that Coast Shelter has been working with other agencies within local schools through the Love Bites program to teach students in years 8, 9 and 10 about domestic violence, harassment and bullying, and to respect each other.

“It’s one thing to meet

the needs of those requiring help because they are in these situations, but we’ve got to break that cycle in order to improve the future,” Laurie said.

The shelter also provides about 50,000 meals to the homeless, seven days a week each year through the

community centre in Mann St, North Gosford.

As well as food, it’s a place where the homeless can have a shower, wash clothing, receive a kind welcome and be assessed and referred to other support programs.

And it’s all community funded and powered by volunteers.

“We wouldn’t survive without the businesses, service clubs, churches and individuals who are so generous with their finances, time and donations of goods,” Laurie said.

And that’s where you can help, by providing funds, volunteering or supporting upcoming events such as Live Aid ’85: The Tribute concert at Laycock St Community Theatre on August 26 or the Million Star Executive Sleepout, part of Homeless Prevention Week, on August 4. So far about 30 execs have signed up to raise $1000 and get a small taste of what it’s like having to sleep rough – although admittedly, Laurie said, the execs were served a meal by celebrity chef Julie Goodwin, which was not usually on the cards.

There will also be a formal dinner in November to celebrate the shelter’s 25th year and a picnic day for previous staff, volunteers and clients.

While he’s sure things will be better “one day”, Laurie said he’s not sure when that day would be.

To find out more go to coastshelter.org.au.

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Brand Insight

Monday, July 24, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Central Coast

Seniors 7

9 things for you to think about when making a choice of home care provider for a loved one IT’S one of the hardest moments.

Seeing this person that you love so dearly not being able to take care of themselves. The same person who at one stage looked after you, now needing you to look after them.

However, while you try to do your best, you know that between work, family and life, it’s just not possible to give them the care and attention they need and deserve.

So, you’ve decided to look into home care for them so they can continue their life, their way, in their home, just with a little help.

As the managing director of Sue Mann Nursing & Community Care, I get a lot of friends and acquaintances asking for advice on what factors to look for when choosing a home care provider for their loved one.

So many in fact, that I decided to put a list of potential questions to ask providers, to help you make a good decision.

Here they are…

■ Are they established and experienced?

How long have they been in business?

Do they have a proven track record? Who owns the company?

Do they have testimonials from clients?

■ Do they have any assurances of high quality service?

Do they use quality management systems?

Are they monitored by third parties to ensure they are delivering a high quality service?

■ Are the care staff and nurses all qualified?

Are they exceptional people you feel you can trust?

What sort of training do they have?

Do they continuously

update their skills and qualifications?

How are they vetted?

■ What is the evaluation process like?

Do they meet with you and your loved one before hand to discuss their goals, specific needs and requirements?

Do they take the time to understand their background, culture and beliefs?

■ Can they look after your loved one’s specific needs now and into the future?

What services do they offer? Does your loved one need special care with dementia, diabetes, pressure sores?

Do they need some help with housekeeping and gardening?

Do they need any specific therapies?

■ Are the services and packages flexible?

Situations change.

At some point, you

might decide you need more help… at another point, you might decide to tone it down.

Ask them if once you sign up, you are locked in, or you have the flexibility to change to whatever suits you at the time.

Are there any exit fees for stopping or changing a package?

■ Financial arrangements What are the financial procedures?

Is billing transparent?

Are there hidden fees and charges?

■ Will the same staff be looking after your loved one each week?

Over time, the same carer can build up a relationship with your loved one, learn about their special requirements, habits and personality.

They’ll also be able to monitor them more closely and notice if

there are any changes.

If staff are always chopping and changing, not only are a lot of these benefits lost, new staff can actually become more of a disruption to your loved one.

■ What is their response time?

Perhaps one morning, your loved one receives an invitation to a lunch date. The lunch is in a couple of hours so they need a bit of help getting ready earlier than usual.

Will the provider be able to send someone on short notice?

Do they have enough staff in the local area?

Are they available 24/7?

Hopefully this list will serve you in choosing the right home care provider for your loved one.

Also, if you think of someone who would benefit from the list, feel free to forward it to them.

After serving thousands of clients and their families, something we’ve found is that while this might feel like a difficult situation, it can quite often turn out to be one of the most empowering.

Very often when someone starts to receive some help, they start to find a whole new independence and control over their life.

It becomes not just about surviving, but living. Stimulating friendships are formed.

New goals are set.

And the future all of a sudden seems brighter.

I do hope this serves you in some way and if there’s anything we can do to help you further, please feel free to contact us.

For more information call 1300 241 300 or visit www.suemann.com.au, we’re happy to help.

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8 Seniors Central Coast

Local News

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 24, 2017

Avid readers flock to bookclub to enjoy exuberant discussions

By Alison Houston

WHILE book shops these days are hard to find, book clubs on the Central Coast are as strong as ever, at least partially thanks to council libraries, like Erina.

While the name the First Friday Book Club sounds like an excellent book title in itself, I’m told the name came from much more practical purposes, so that people wouldn’t forget when to meet.

It appears that hasn’t been a problem, with group numbers growing to such an extent it had to split, forming the simply named Erina Library Book Club, which meets at 9.30am, while the First Friday members meet at 11am. Convenor of the offshoot group Chris Moffitt said there were currently about 15 members in each.

Chris, and First Friday convenor Jane Adams, agreed that, apart from members all being over 55, each group was quite an eclectic mix, coming

from varied backgrounds, meaning their opinions of books rarely coincided.

“We’ve had some very vibrant discussions,” Chris said with a laugh.

“Everyone has different ideas about the books, so we’ve had some real fun with it.

“I don’t think we’ve ever had a monthly book which everyone has liked.”

And that, Jane said, was part of the enjoyment, learning other people’s interpretations of the book being “dissected”.

A former social worker, Jane said she had been an avid reader all her life, and couldn’t imagine going to bed without a book; a fascination she traces back to memories of early childhood cycling to the library in County Durham with her mother for fairy tales. Others in the group come from a literature background, while others, like Chris herself, are less serious readers, but enjoy the experience of reading, sharing opinions, and the social side of meeting people and developing

LET’S TALK: Erina Library Book Club members discuss Suite Francaise at this month’s meeting, but despite the smiles, don’t expect it to have been a winner with everyone.

friendships.

“The discussions really open your eyes to many things you may not have seen on your own reading,” Chris said.

“It also introduces you to different genres. I have read a lot of different books that I otherwise wouldn’t have ever looked at. It’s quite a learning experience.”

As well as the book under discussion, Chris said the groups were also a chance to network regarding other good reads. She said The Light Between Oceans was one of this year’s favourites, while Gould’s Book of Fish divided the group, many of whom found it a difficult read, and The Independence of Miss

Mary Bennett created a great deal of passion, with members affronted that author Colleen McCullough had tainted Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Clubs choose their books from a library list of availability, including everything from new releases to classics, and 10 books (and an audio book where

possible) are supplied to each group for members to read, discuss and evaluate the story, author and subject, before enjoying a library-supplied morning tea.

If you are interested in joining a book club, contact your local library to find out the nearest one to you. For inquiries at Erina, call 4304 7650.

Seniors planting trees and hope for the future THERE’S a lot more to National Tree Day than many people realise.

There are two sites set up on the Central Coast where people can take part on the weekend of July 29–30, and many of those grabbing their hats and gloves will be seniors, and families with young kids. But there’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes both before and after the event and the groups would love an extra hand.

Phil Heaton is co-ordinator of Budgewoi Beach Dunecare, which has been toiling for 23 years to turn the bitou bush-infested monoculture, degraded by mining, into a balanced ecosystem. And it’s working.

Each year the group has 50–100 people join in Tree Day activities which, thanks to the Lions Club, include a barbecue for the workers, who last year planted about 600 plants. But

that’s neither the beginning nor the end.

Budgewoi Beach Dunecare propagates all its own endemic plant species, and of course follow-up watering after the planting is critical.

“It’s definitely not as simple as sticking some plants in the ground and walking away,” Phil laughed.

The group has a 90–95% strike rate with its plantings, which number 3000–5000 each year. The majority of

the volunteer group are retirees, about a dozen of whom show up to work Tuesday and Friday mornings maintaining sites, watering, weeding and propagating.

They’ve successfully gained grants and corporate support to help them out, and have been able to build access ways, a boardwalk and viewing platform, as well as achieve E2 (environment conservation) status.

The Budgewoi event

runs from 9–11am on Sunday. Meet at the south car park at Budgewoi Beach. At Bensville, they are getting in a day early, and from 9.30am–12.30pm on Saturday, you can support the Yellow-bellied Glider Habitat by helping to plant, mulch and stake up to 1000 native trees at Doyle St Bushland (off The Scenic Rd).

This will provide future feeding sites for the local Yellow-bellied Gliders and other animals, and on the

day there will be two walks at 10am and 11am to investigate nest boxes, as well as native animals to meet courtesy of Taronga Zoo mobile, and a free barbecue brekkie for early arrivals. Gloves, tools and equipment will be provided at all sites.

Details go to www.treeday. planetark.org and click on Find an Event or call Rebecca Dugan at Central Coast Council, which supports the events, on 4350 5734.

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Wellbeing

Monday, July 24, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Central Coast

Wellbeing

Seniors 9

Health tips for 70 and beyond YOUR lifestyle is directly affected by your health and it is vital to do all you can to maximise your wellbeing. Walks, tennis or gardening. They’re all investments in your long-term mobility and energy levels.

It is possible to increase the number of years you live beyond 70 and equally possible to be more productive and energetic across these years. The great benefit of this is the increased opportunity to stay involved with family, friends, your community and your favourite activities.

So keep moving at least 30 minutes a day with a brisk walk, a game of golf or bowls, gardening – they’re all investments in your long-term mobility and energy levels. The range of opportunities open to you is far broader if you are in good health.

By now you will know

KEEPING FIT: Time to take care of your health by staying active and engaged.

there is a significant link between your health and your lifestyle, so try to follow some of the following tips: ■ Keeping fit and well, both physically and

mentally, is essential.

■ Have an annual health check!

■ Keep your weight down to a healthy level.

■ Keep your activity levels as high as you are safely

able to.

■ Eat nutritious food with plenty of fruit and vegetables.

■ Many men in their 70s are affected by depression and emotional

problems as they lose some independence.

Speak to your family, your mates or your GP if you are feeling depressed.

■ Remember; it’s never too late to improve your diet, get fitter, energise and find new interests and friends.

Next up is using the following 70s health check when talking with your GP: ■ Weight and waist measurement.

■ Blood pressure.

■ Cholesterol and glucose levels (diabetes).

■ Eye checks.

■ Bowel cancer screening.

■ Flu and pneumonia shots.

■ Blood test for kidney and liver function, and iron levels.

■ Bone density.

■ Mental health – talk about any issues or concerns with your GP or a counsellor.

Put the following

Foundation 49 DIY tips into action to keep enjoying your life and good health.

■ Keep moving, walk daily and do any other activities that keep you fit and well.

■ Stay connected – keep in touch with friends and family, socialise and get out and about as much as possible.

■ Keep your brain active – Do Sudoku puzzles, crossword puzzles, play cards and other games that engage you.

■ Moderate your alcohol – have three alcohol-free days each week.

■ Talk it over – talk to your GP or a counsellor for assistance and advice.

■ Laugh lots and loud.

■ Discuss prostate health with your GP. ■ Have a problem? Talk about it – your GP or counsellor will be able to assist you.

Next month; Your 80s.

The hard road less travelled can convert to a much easier pathway THERE isn’t any doubt that life can be challenging, particularly as you get older and need some help with daily tasks and taking care of yourself. But what if you could get help to turn your life around and avoid the need to move into a nursing home? Imagine feeling more relaxed, healthier. And happier.

And getting help with medication or house hold duties; someone to prepare meals; or personal care like

bathing if that’s a challenge? Or to drive you to doctors’ appointments or the shops?

Feros Care is on your team. And here to help you get back to living a better life. How, you ask?

For a start, as a senior living in your own home you may be eligible for a government-subsidised home care package to create your affordable solution. A home care package comprises services designed to help seniors live a healthy,

active, and connected life – at home. Partnering equally with Feros Care, you’ll be involved in developing a plan and choosing services that suit your needs and lifestyle. We’ll discuss your health goals and your priorities and ask you about the things that are important for you to stay living independently at home. Sounds good?

As we know, the only constant in life is change, so the services provided can change to reflect

this. As frequently as you need. So, you’ll never be stuck with a service you don’t need or want.

We can also help you with nursing care such as pain management, skin management; mobility/safety aids; and continence management.

Then there’s social and exercise programs; pet care and helping with lawns and gardening. Or a home care package may include innovative services such as remote health monitoring; smart

Feros care can help with daily tasks.

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Feros Care can help

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10 Seniors Central Coast

Advertorial

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 24, 2017

Living

Choose a granny flat to optimise your lifestyle WHEN you retire, it’s often the time to start thinking about how you want to spend the next phase of your life – with family, by travelling, at social activities with friends.

Part of this change in lifestyle involves considering what to do with your house and whether or not to downsize.

Generally, the children or extended family have moved out, so the extra space is not needed anymore.

But this doesn’t mean you have to sell. Instead you can keep your home, build a granny flat on your own land and create a revenue stream from either renting the granny flat or alternatively the main house.

Many of our owner/occupiers love the flexibility a granny flat offers them, particularly for those who are at a stage in their life where there is less work and more travel. Lots of our clients use the granny flat as a home base, meaning they don’t have the hassle of maintaining a large home and are able to set

off on their travels – whilst receiving rental income.

Backyard Grannys director Alex Mitchell said this type of solution was becoming more common.

“Many of the retirees we meet don’t want to have a large house sitting empty for months at a time, but they also don’t want to sell their family home,” Alex said.

“Building a granny flat to live in part-time means they don’t lose connection with their community, and whilst they travel they earn an income from renting their house.”

Backyard Grannys is an award-winning granny flat supplier on the Central Coast.

Our first priority is to ensure that our clients’ real estate value is preserved and increased, as well as considering the need for privacy between both dwellings.

We use a Master Builder’s Association construction contract, offering peace of mind to our clients.

We invite you to visit www.backyardgrannys. com.au or call on 4947 2800 to learn more.

STYLISH: Backyard Grannys is an award-winning granny flat supplier on the Central Coast.

Our team will help you through the whole project to get your new granny flat.

More about Backyard Grannys Backyard Grannys are your local experts in the planning, design and construction of quality granny flats.

We provide a

“one-stop-shop” experience, with our granny flat packages including the approval, design, construction and project management all within one price.

We are not a kit-home company, instead providing everything you need to complete your project.

This “turn-key” approach means that you know everything is included and there will be no surprises before you are able to move in.

Working collaboratively with our clients, we provide a wide range of design options or we are able to create a distinctive and individual design.

Our granny flat designs range from 35sq m to 60sq m.

Our larger granny flats have two bedrooms with living, dining, kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities. There is also the option to then add a porch, deck or carport to suit your specific requirements.

Free workshops for people living with a chronic health condition Regain the freedom of your home Simple, safe and stylish, Acorn Stairlifts give people the chance to enjoy their own homes once again.

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THE Better Health Self-Management workshops are designed to give people living with chronic conditions the practical skills to manage their symptoms, make daily tasks easier, manage difficult emotions and work better with their GP and other health providers.

Chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, lung conditions, heart conditions and depression can cause pain, tiredness, a lack of energy, and breathing and sleeping problems.

Adssi HomeLiving Australia general manager of services Deb Cowler said the Better

The Better Health Self Management program is an initiative of NSW Health and will be presented by Adssi HomeLiving Australia.

Health Self Management workshop would provide practical ideas and skills to help people better manage their health and make life a little easier.

The free workshops run for six weeks and are led by trained staff.

Carers and partners of people living with a

chronic condition are also welcome.

The Better Health Self Management program is an initiative of NSW Health and will be presented by Adssi HomeLiving Australia at their Tuggerah-based office. Registration is essential. Please call 1300 578 478 to book.

Choose from one of the following free six-week programs: ■ Thursday, August 3 September 7, 10am-12.30pm.

■ Thursday, October 12 November 16, 10am-12.30pm.

Adssi HomeLiving Australia, 3a Pioneer Avenue, Tuggerah Business Park.

Central Coast

Monday, July 24, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 11

The kids have left home?

Really don’t need a house anymore?

But we do need 3 bedrooms?

Would love to live by the ocean?

Close to Brisbane CBD? Stunning pool, spa and BBQ facilities? and would love to have great ocean views too?

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0477 432 432 or 3606 1717

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12 Seniors Central Coast

Neighbourhood News

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 24, 2017

Community HOW TO SUBMIT NOTICES

TO ALLOW for readers’ requests for the publication of more neighbourhood news, please keep notices short and to the point (100 word maximum).

If you would like to submit a photo, please ensure it is at least 180dpi with faces in a nice and bright setting.

The deadline for the August issue is August 16. Email Nicky or Chris at communitynotes@ seniorsnewspaper. com.au

Are you looking to stay fit and healthy? The free entry into the aquatic centre on Pensioners Tuesdays is a good start.

NORTHERN SETTLEMENT SERVICES

WE ARE looking for volunteers to help older people in our community.

Providing social support for people in our community who are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Volunteer activities include sharing a simple cup of tea and a chat, helping with letter writing, help getting to local appointments. An hour a fortnight or as much time as you want to give is what we ask. Volunteers receive training, support, costs covered, as well as enjoying enriching meaningful experiences!

People who are multilingual are strongly encouraged to be involved. Please contact the Central Coast office on 4334 3877 or email cvscc@nsservices.com.au

TOUKLEY AND DISTRICTS ART SOCIETY INC

THE gallery is open

FUN AND FITNESS: Aqua Aerobic classes can support your body’s flexibility.

10am–4pm daily. Friday Drawing Club with Sonja Fabian 9.30am–12.30pm and 12.30–4pm or stay all day. Bring own materials.

All welcome. Cost $5 for all or part of day. The Friday drawing club would like to invite members to sit so we can draw your portrait. It will take one to three hours, preferably morning, whatever time you can spare. Morning/ afternoon tea will be provided. Contact Sonja at the gallery. Located at Wallarah Peace Park, 1 Wallarah Rd, Gorokan.

Phone: 02 4392 4666.

Email: toukleyartgallery@ gmail.com or go to www.toukleyartgallery. com.au.

Feeling unwell or in pain?

We are there when your doctor is closed or unavailable

Doctoronduty comes to you All visits bulk billed*

WYONG APEX 40

THIS is a social group open to all former Apex members and their partners from any Apex Club and are now living on the Central Coast. The group was formed in 1982 to retain the great friendships made in Apex.

We meet on the last Thursday of the month for a dinner, at a restaurant or members home. If you would like to catch up with some old friends please contact Lea or Tom Dumpleton on 4393 2681 for more details.

LIGHTHOUSE 2 SKILLION COAST WALK

Doctor Home Visiting Hours: Monday to Friday: 6.00pm – 8.00am Saturday: Noon – 8.00am Sunday & Public Holidays: All day and all night

WITH just under four weeks to go, nearly 800 brave souls have signed up for this year's charity walk. Sadly, this is less than half the number that had signed up to take on the 27.5km of beaches and bushlands by this time last year. We are not sure if it's a case that many people who challenged themselves to take on the full course with 16km of sandy goodness are still emotionally scarred from their ordeal, or if it's just that because the L2S Walk is not shiny new and hyped-up exciting people are happy to sign up closer to the date. In order to make the event more

Phone Lines Open: Monday to Friday: 4.00pm Weekends: from 10.00am Saturday and then all weekend

1300 2255 47 Or visit www.doctoronduty.com.au for more information www.facebook.com/doctorondutyaust

* for all calls booked before midnight

achievable 16.5km event has been incorporated where people who might be put off by the long stretch of sand from Soldiers Beach to North Entrance can start at Memorial Park. We have also had a few hurdles in our way this year with planning, such as the RMS demanding that we warn drivers that L2S Walkers will be on the footpath, and modifying the course most willingly once we were informed that the course we did last year has the potential to disturb Aboriginal cultural heritage sites at Gravelly Beach. Nevertheless, the event is still going ahead and will generate thousands of dollars for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Coast Shelter, and all the surf clubs on the Central Coast (even those that the course does not go past). For more information contact James "Dog" Musgrave on 0400 073 236.

WYONG HOSPITAL AUXILIARY

COME along to our huge Book sale along with DVDs and Hallmark Cards to be held on Saturday August 19 from 9am–3pm. This popular book sale will be held in the foyer to the main entrance of Wyong Hospital. Huge variety of fiction and non fiction titles for sale. Great reads at a great price. All proceeds go towards purchasing vital equipment to benefit patients of our hospital.

FREE ENTRY TO AQUATIC CENTRE 6476298ac

COMMONWEALTH senior card holders and

pensioners can expect free entry to Sydney Olympic Park’s Aquatic Centre, every Tuesday, from 8am–3pm.

Pensioner Tuesday’s is a Government supported initiative, implemented to support seniors and pensioners looking to stay fit and healthy. Swimming offers seniors a variety of different physical benefits including strength, endurance, flexibility and agility, not to mention the psychological benefits.

While working out all the muscle groups, swimming presents little risk of injury due to its low impact and works as a preventative to future injury. As swimming builds muscle, strength and balance it reduces the risk of slips and falls and illness, all the while offering a fantastic opportunity to meet people and have fun.

Access to the aquatic centre means that seniors and pensioners can do lap swimming, enjoy the spa and the river rapid ride all for free. For an additional cost seniors can participate in aqua aerobics classes ($14) and can detoxify in the steam room and sauna ($12). The aquatic centre provides a range of land and aqua based activities designed specifically for people aged 50 and over.

The Pensioner Tuesday program provides a great way to get that workout safely in the best aquatic centre in the country. For more information, visit aquaticcentre.com.au or visit sydneyolympic park.com.au, which includes travel tips and links to transportnsw.info.

Central Coast

Monday, July 24, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Talk ‘n’ thoughts Hurdles, highjumps and solutions

Seniors 13

Share your thoughts

Email editor@seniors newspapers.com.au or go online to www.seniorsnews .com.au

Vets join to care for ageing pets Tracey Johnstone

OVER several months, the lives of the elderly and near-homeless Mary* and her little, fluffy dog were turned around through the work of volunteer veterinarians working in a park in Frankston, Melbourne.

Each month, she bought her companion to the park for treatment and advice by the charity group Pets in the Park.

The vets helped the little dog back to good health by clipping its overgrown nails and treating both ear and skin infections.

“She was so grateful for the support we gave her,” PITP’s director Dr Mark Kelman said.

“She saw her dog walk better and its ears treated. Those simple

things made such a difference.

“Talking to her at the event she brightened up.

It’s really what we are there for; it’s not just the pets, we help the people as well.

“One of the reasons we run these events monthly is there is a lot of camaraderie and community as a result of people getting together.

“Partly it’s about helping people realise there are there who want to help and love them as well.”

PITP started in a Parramatta park in Sydney in 2009 by Dr Kelman.

Since then he has also recruited volunteer veterinary specialists and supporters in Sydney city, central Melbourne and Frankston, Brisbane and Canberra, with more

The volunteer vets are there for the pets and their owners. PHOTO: LINDA WARLOND

PETS IN THE PARK: Founder and volunteer, veterinarian Dr Mark Kelman with one of his patients.

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locations to start clinics in the next six months.

He said they dealt with a mix of people, “which certainly reflects what’s going on in society”.

“We definitely have a population of senior people who are in need of our help, and those people are either homeless or at risk of homelessness,” Dr

Kelman said.

The volunteers offer full veterinary services at the pop-up clinics in parks, with an undercover area to cater for cats.

“In a lot of cases, if they didn’t have us, they would spend every last dollar they have on their pet and then leave little to look after themselves,” Dr Kelman added.

“That’s why this service is so important as we are trying to give them a hand so they can live a bit easier and hopefully help them get out the situation they are in if that’s what they want to do.”

All services are free and funded purely by donations.

For more details of Pets in the Park and to support their work, go to www. petsinthepark.org.au. *Not her real name.

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living + money + wellbeing + TRAvel

14 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 24, 2017

Housing and Finance

The pressure is on for affordable housing Tracey Johnstone

AT the age of almost 74, Peter Montgomery believes his age cohort are the forerunners to a major affordable housing crisis in Australia.

“The government are talking about the demographics of the ageing population but they don’t appear to be addressing any of the related issues that are starting to emerge,” Peter said.

“At our age, we are the frontrunners. But what about the ones that are coming behind? They’re not all going to be financially independent.”

Peter is living his own crisis now. He and his wife Barbara exist on a part-pension, plus he runs a small business that helps pay for the house they have to rent, plus food and “spiralling utility costs”.

“Renting is hugely

expensive. If we were on the aged pension only, we would be paying around 70% of it on rent,” Peter said.

He is also caught in the middle of a family health crisis and without funds to buy a home, it’s a daily battle to keep his and his wife’s heads above the tideline.

In his early 60s and with his wife diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, Peter decided to sell the family home in Queensland, which gave him enough money to pay out all his debts, including a mortgage, and buy a caravan which he and his wife could live in.

“We had a huge back-debt on the mortgage, which I cleared, but having cleared it, it meant that we were cleaned out.

Then we did the sums and worked out we no longer could afford to keep it,” Peter said.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING: We are the frontrunners for the crisis in affordable housing, but what about the people who are coming behind us?

Peter and Barbara then moved to Victoria, where most of his family lived, and spent 18 months in the caravan.

The proud former farmer struggled with the confined environment so the couple settled into a rented house for a year.

When it came time to renew the lease, he discovered how insecure renting can be.

The owner wanted the house back to demolish and build units on the site.

“So we had to move again,” he said. The next house he rented for just more than 12 years, until the owner died and the family took possession and promptly told Peter to move out.

He calls it “investor determination”. “People buy a property, lease it out for a while and renters think they are secure.

But no they’re not because the lease isn’t going to be renewed because the owners are going to demolish the house and put units on it.”

When pursuing another rental property, Peter said he experienced overt age discrimination.

While the agent wouldn’t say it out loud,

Peter voiced it for her. “I said there is no way in God’s earth that we can be that bad a tenant, so can I say to you it’s got a lot to do with our age?”

His other accommodation choice is public housing, but he expects to wait at least six years for it to become available.

“I suggest that it’s been at least 20 years since there was in any state a major building project for community housing that met specific needs,” Peter said.

“I am doing all right because I am working and I am reasonably healthy, but what about the poor people who may have been in a house as long as us, are older than us and that get the same notice to vacate?

“They might not have a family that can help them or they might not be able to raise a bond , where do they go? They’re the forgotten people.”

Three main options for home equity release THERE are three main options for older Australians wanting to release equity in their home; reverse mortgages, the Pension Loans Scheme and shared sales proceeds arrangements. The most commonly used is a reverse mortgage.

REVERSE MORTGAGE

■ A person can access their home equity.

■ The lender takes a mortgage over the property.

■ The minimum amount is usually $10,000, and a maximum is set based on the lender’s age.

■ The loan can be received as a lump sum, a regular payment or sit ready to be drawn down when required.

■ It only needs to be repaid once a trigger event occurs, such as the sale of the house, the breach in the contract or the death of the borrower.

■ Interest is charged and compounded monthly, over the loan period.

■ Loans can have either fixed or variable rates.

■ A No Negative Equity Guarantee is in place so the loan, regardless of its length or the movement in interest rates, will not exceed the home value.

■ If the loan is taken out by a couple and one of them dies, it will stay with the surviving partner.

■ Most providers will allow for top up amounts or further borrowing.

■ Some providers will allow for the loan to be used for the payment of an aged care accommodation deposit.

National Seniors Financial Information Desk manager Craig Hall explained the concept behind this type of loan was to help people who owned a house, but were income poor, to get them through costs such as daily living expenses or cover a one-off expense.

“It’s important for the borrower to understand how much of the asset will likely be passed onto the provider upon repayment,” Mr Hall said.

“Projections must be given to the borrower to give them an understanding about what equity will remain

after so many years (of the loan), and they have to use the MoneySmart calculator on the ASIC website.”

Mr Hall said legal advice was mandatory to ensure the borrower knew the terms and conditions of the loan.

“We also suggest a person seeks independent financial advice as they can advise on whether the loan will affect a person’s Aged Pension and will it impact on provisions for aged care, for example.”

There is also one provider that has launched a loan product which, subject to the retirement village allowing for it, means a person could take out a reverse mortgage on their village contract.

PENSION LOANS SCHEME

■ This is a government scheme. It’s available for people who aren’t on an Aged Pension or are on a part-pension.

■ It’s based on the what amount of equity is offered, how much is to

be kept back and the age of the borrower.

■ The government takes out security over the home. It will then top up the aged pension to the maximum amount per fortnight. That amount, which becomes the loan amount, and with interest, would accrue.

■ The current interest rate is 5.25%.

■ The full loan amount would then be repaid at the time of a trigger event. It can also be repaid, in part or in full, at any time.

“For example, if the full pension is $500 per week and if I am eligible for an Aged Pension at $300 per week, I could say I want the full pension.,” Mr Hall said.

“The $200 difference forms part of the Pension Loans Scheme and that’s the part that accrues interest over time.”

A borrower should note that they can access the loan if they are of age and because they aren’t eligible for a payment or only for reduced payment rate because of the assets or income tests, but not both. More on the

loans is available at: www. human services.gov. au/customer/ services/ centrelink/ pensionloansscheme. The advantage of a reverse mortgage is that it’s likely more money can be borrowed or a lump sum borrowed for a major expense.

SHARED SALES PROCEEDS ARRANGEMENTS

■ It’s called Homesafe and is only offered by Bendigo Bank.

■ Contracts can only be made for properties located in metropolitan Sydney and Melbourne.

■ There is no interest charged on the loan.

■ A home owner can access a lump sum by selling a share of the future sale proceeds of their home. So, when the property is sold, the owner forfeits some of the home equity as the loan provider takes an agreed percentage of the

sale proceeds.

■ There are eligibility requirements such as the minimum age is 60.

Of these three equity release options, the reverse mortgage has the most flexibility. “The reverse mortgage has been around for the longest,” Mr Hall said.

“They had a bit of a bad name in the late 2000s until the industry started to clean itself up a bit. Since then they are more user friendly and quite flexible.

“If you have other resources such as term deposits, it’s generally a no-brainer that you would be better off using those first.

“For those who don’t have other resources behind them, their house is something they can tap into.”

Looking Forward

Monday, July 24, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Central Coast

Seniors 15

Positive action moves culture change ahead The future of Australia relies on generational collaboration Tracey Johnstone

THERE are three very important quality of life issues that are on the table for older Australians according to National Seniors Australia founding director and ageing advocate Everald Compton.

The articulate and passionate 85 year old and his Longevity Innovation Hub group want key changes – an independent tribunal to determine the aged pension, affordable housing issues resolved and intergenerational partnerships prosper.

Compton, a respected voice for a better deal for older Australians for more than 40 years, isn’t backing away from finding ways to achieve these changes which he believes will meet the big cultural changes happening across the community.

“There is a growing feeling among younger Australians that they are going to be paying heavy taxes to keep older people alive, and not just with the pension, but also with the cost of health. And they

❝

feel that they have an unfair tax burden,” Mr Compton said.

“There are a certain amount of people who are angry about the cost of ageing and that they are paying too much out of their taxes.

“We want to see a situation where we see younger and older people work together to take any intergenerational warfare out of it.

“The government seems to be blithely unaware that there is a lot of younger people out there angry about the costs of ageing.

“The best way to get over that is for young and old to work together for a better Australia,” he added.

Mr Compton provided detail on what each recommended change should look like.

INDEPENDENT TRIBUNAL

A government-organised tribunal would be responsible for determining the size of the aged pension every year.

“Instead of it being a

The government can give air space above government buildings to put up accommodation towers and have older, younger and handicap, all in the one building so you don’t have retirement villages that become ghettos for older people.

government buildings to put up accommodation towers and have older, younger and handicap, all in the one building so you don’t have retirement villages that become ghettos for older people.”

His vision would see cross-generational living made available above railway stations, for example, with the cost of the land below taken out of the picture.

INTER GENERATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS

CHANGING THE RULES: Longevity Innovation Hub's Everald Compton.

political decision,” Mr Compton said.

“We want it done by an independent tribunal because the pension has been around for a 100 years and it will be around for another 100.

“We have drafted legislation which we think should go to the government and which we are trying to get going.”

He believes that anyone other than a politician should at the tribunal table.

“In the draft legislation we have drawn up, no member of parliament, no former member of parliament, no person who has been a member of a political party can be on it (the tribunal),” Mr

Compton said.

Instead he wants to see eminent citizens who have completed a lot of community service, an economist, a social work expert and others that can make an independent decision based on the economics of the day with the knowledge of what older Australians need to keep them above the poverty line and one which parliament will respect.

Mr Compton reports he has met with 51 members and senators from all parties and is making some progress on this issue.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Mr Compton said there was very little supply for seniors wanting to downsize, but not live in a retirement village.

His group is pushing the government to make available either land or air space available free-ofcharge. This is so that, “the land component, which is the highest component, can come out of the whole issue of housing and its price can drop considerably,” Mr Compton said.

It’s the cost of housing that is the biggest barrier for older Australians.

“In Australia it is ridiculous,” Mr Compton added.

“The government can give air space above

Mr Compton’s group has formed a company, Wise Young, to help deal with a social need.

Its mission is to bring together older people who want to engage with a working environment, with younger people leaving university and wanting a new career.

“We are putting them in small companies where they work together to achieve something,” Mr Compton said.

“It’s a mixture of wisdom and modern know-how.

“There are dozens of issues that need to be worked on, but these are three that we are working on at the moment,” he added.

Ultimately Mr Compton wants to see the perception of older Australians as a burden on future generations disappear. He would also dearly like to see a good economic result for the younger generation.

For more info: www. everaldcompton.com

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16 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 24, 2017

Live and let’s save

Go ahead and try a DIY project BEFORE you jump into a ‘do it yourself’ project, make sure you have enough time, the right materials and understand that you might need plenty of patience.

Things don’t always go as you first planned out, so be aware of unexpected costs.

It might be a good idea to start small if you are a beginner.

You can visit your local Bunnings or hardware store for DIY classes.

Construct simple pieces if you are unsure of your skills.

If you like a challenge, here are some pros and cons to help you decide if a DIY project is for you.

Pros: ■ It is a great way to develop creativity.

BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN ■ Simply painting or refinishing old furniture can give it a new look and a new lease on life.

■ DIY projects often give you a chance to design your own furniture or other home decor items.

■ You get to choose colours, materials and sizes, giving you a greater sense of control.

■ You get a sense of satisfaction from making something yourself.

■ It’s a chance to recycle or upcycle products to create something of your own for individuality.

IDEAL: Enjoy the location of the Byron Writers Festival.

DIY projects give you the chance to recycle or upcycle products to create something of your own.

Cons: ■ The most common one is having an unfinished DIY project due to lack of time, expertise or access to the right materials.

■ There is always the chance of failure and wasting your money, materials and time.

■ It can be easy to underestimate the

complexity of a project.

■ Make sure you have the right safety equipment and working conditions to avoid injury.

Overall, a DIY project is a great way to spend your spare time during the cooler weather. www.thespruce.com

Your health and vitality in winter HOME COOKING CHRISTINE PERKIN WINTER is here and healthy eating is always a challenge so here are a few ideas to help stay on track.

A good healthy breakfast makes a great start to the day.

Porridge with a serve of fruit or eggs and tomato and what about sourdough toast with avocado, sliced tomato and a poached egg, my favourite!

Be prepared and stock your cupboards with canned goods such as baked beans, tinned fruit and veggies; which can

help with the choices you can make when trying to think of what to cook.

You can always use canned veggies to add to casseroles and soups for extra convenience and flavour.

Enjoy 2-3 serves of fish a week either baked or make a fish pie but try to use low fat pastry or filo as an alternative.

Frittata’s are also a great option for a pastry free pie or quiche.

Lots of fresh or canned fruit and vegetables are very important for a balanced diet.

Eating with the seasons means more money in your pocket and better tasting ingredients on your plate. So shop with that in mind when you go to the green grocers or supermarket next time.

DELICIOUS: Ken’s smashed avocado and egg.

KEN’S SMASHED AVOCADO AND EGG

■ 1 ripe avocado ■ 2 slices sourdough bread ■ 1 poached egg ■ Squeeze of lime juice Toast sourdough bread while cooking poached egg, spread avocado over

toast then add a squeeze of lime juice and top with egg. Sliced tomato is a also a nice addition Season to taste.

Tip: Keep the stone in the leftover avocado and splash with lemon or lime juice then cover to stop avocado browning.

The arts in Byron Writers Festival

BYRON Writers Festival has partnered with Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre as well as local visual arts organisations Byron School of Art and c.a.s.e. inc to present a compelling series of satellite events during the festival.

These include three exhibitions – two by renowned Australian artist Joshua Yeldham at Tweed Regional Gallery, an exhibition of artists’ books at Lone Goat Gallery in Byron Bay, Art in the Pub (Mullumbimby) with author and Boston Globe art critic Sebastian Smee, and a workshop with celebrated Indian artist Venkat Shyam at Byron School of Art. “Painters and writers have been intertwined for centuries,” festival director Edwina Johnson said.

“Partnering with local organisations that excel in their field of practice makes perfect sense.

“It gives our patrons a chance to experience some of the wonderful work our kindred creatives are doing in the region.”

Artists’ books exhibition opening: The Image Unbound The Image Unbound July 28 - Aug 9, Lone

Goat Gallery Event partner: Byron School of Art Cost: Free Art in the Pub: Sebastian Smee on The Art of Rivalry Art in the Pub with Sebastian Smee on Sunday, August 6, from 6pm Courthouse Hotel, Mullumbimby Event Partners: Byron School of Art and c.a.s.e inc Cost: Free The A to Z of Gond Art: A workshop by Venkat Raman Singh Shyam A workshop by Venkat Raman Singh Shyam, Thursday, August 3, 10am Event Partner: Byron School of Arts, Mullumbimby Cost: $140/$120 Joshua Yeldham Exhibitions: Endurance & Surrender Joshua Yeldham Exhibition Opening Endurance. Friday August 4, 4pm.

Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre. Cost: Free For details of all feature events, workshops and full festival program for Byron Writers Festival from August 4 to 6, go online and visit www.byronwriters festival.com or phone (02) 6685 5115.

WE’RE CELEBRATING AGEING NExT MONTH AT SENIORS!

Last month, Australian Census Survey Data was released and it had alot to say about the senior lifestyle in Australia.

This month, we talk to people behind the statistics and discuss the reality of life for Seniors in contemporary Australia.

Pick up your free copy of the August edition at your local stockist or read online at seniorsnews.com.au LiViNG + MONEY + WELLBEiNG + TraVEL

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We will give our best tips and tricks on how to get over the humps and make the best of life in 2017!

Central Coast

Monday, July 24, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 17

Travel ANN RICKARD hopped on board the luxury hotel barge Panache in France and glided slowly from Pont-L’Eveque to Paris. She offers her 10 top reasons to go barging, beginning with the obvious: it’s perfect for seniors in no hurry.

1. Because it is slow. Just the dawdling pace of a luxury barge makes you wind down. It travels only a few kilometres a day and floats so slowly you can disembark after breakfast, walk or cycle along the towpath and embark for lunch (or morning tea if you like a short walk.)

2. You are spoilt: Panache has a crew of six: captain, pilot, chef, stewards and deckhand. As it takes only 12 guests that means plenty of attention and lots of indulgence. You lift not a finger.

3. Food: With an onboard chef sourcing the best local produce, every meal is a gourmet adventure.

Our chef Oli presented us with salads that ranged from beetroot and goat cheese to duck with artichoke and capers.

Main courses of stuffed pork fillet, rack of lamb, seared pigeon, scallops with crayfish and beef bourgignon, delighted all of us. Desserts defied any attempt at restraint, from triple chocolate terrine to apple tart tatin. Cheeses we’d not encountered before (Morbier, Saint Nectaire, Munster) came with each meal and a charming story of their origins.

4. Wine: Local wines are chosen with meticulous care and offered with engaging information. It’s wine education at each meal. Just saying a few of the wine names we enjoyed on Panache stirs the palate: Pouilly Fuisse; Sancerre; Chassagne Montrachet…more please.

10 points to to show you the best of barging 5. Accommodation: Panache has spacious cabins with gleaming bathrooms stocked with L’Oicctane products.

Cabins are serviced daily, showers and loos work very well. Evening turn-down and a little chocolate on the pillow…who doesn’t love that?

6. Le Bar. European Waterways who operate a fleet of barges in France, Scotland, the UK, and Holland, has an open-bar policy. Help yourself any time from well-stocked shelves or ask one of the stewards to make you a cocktail. French Martinis before lunch, Sidecars before dinner, Brandy after dinner (usually refused but nice to know it was there.) No nasty bar-bill surprises at the end of the cruise.

7. Excursions: European Waterways puts as much thought into its shore

excursions as it does to ensure your comfort and gastronomy fulfilment. A mini-van waits at each anchorage and you are comfortably driven into the countryside to experience famous landmarks, renowned cultural and historic sites…each time to return to the comforting arms of the crew waiting with a new-to-you cocktail.

8. Friends: Most European Waterways barges take eight guests, some 12, so the atmosphere is more like a house party on a private vessel. Guests’ ages usually range in figures mature folks like (about 45 upwards). Full charters mean you can get the gang or the family together and have the barge to yourselves.

9. Style and elegance: Panache is all teak and leather and fresh flower displays. Beautiful china

and glassware adorn the table at every meal.

Service is intimate, friendly with a “nothing is too hard” approach. The crew speaks English.

10. Adventure and scenery: Going through the many locks along the waterways provides lively entertainment. Watching deckhand Judy jump on and off the barge with the deftness of a mountain goat to do nautical things with ropes and bollards was part of the experience. Then there are all those bridges to go under and the slow-passing French countryside stretching to the horizon.

Barging provides more than ten reasons to go…it’s all about leisure, indulgence and discovery.

Details: visit website: gobarging.com The writer was a guest on board Panache.

ABOVE, FROM THE TOP: Sitting out on the sundeck is the way to watch the action; chef Oli in the kitchen on board Panache; and Panache’s salon is elegant and relaxed at the same time.

TOP PHOTO: MARIE-GEORGE STAVELOT

18 Seniors Central Coast

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 24, 2017

NATURAL BEAUTY: The crowds flock to see Monet's bridge .

Monet’s magnificence Experience the sheer beauty of the famed painter’s real-life garden Ann Rickard

MONET’S Gardens in Giverny, not far from Paris, must surely be on the bucket list of every traveller in the world.

That was my first thought as I looked at the long queues outside the gardens.

Thousands of people flock to Giverny every day in summer to see where Claude Monet lived for 40 years, developed and grew his gardens and painted them so famously.

Although you must share the glorious gardens with the hordes and squash into the house shoulder with hundreds of others, the experience is still strangely serene.

Who could not feel peace in these extensive gardens that Monet cultivated, loved and painted? Despite the crowds, all you seem to hear is the sound of birdsong, the buzz of bees.

The beauty of a Monet

The beauty of Claude Monets famous lily ponds.

painting comes to life as you stand by the ponds and gaze at the lilies.

It is surreal to stroll through the Japanese garden, sit a moment in the bamboo section, gaze at the roses or brush slowly past graceful weeping willows – all meticulously maintained and now a living museum of scenes so many of us have admired on canvas and in myriad prints.

Our visit was on a shore excursion from the luxury hotel barge Panache, a

most pleasant way to see the gardens rather than driving from Paris and all its chaos.

Our captain on board Panache had gone to the gardens the day before, while we were at anchorage, and purchased the tickets so we would not have to wait in line.

Service way above the call of duty, and one we appreciated as we slipped past the long queues.

It is not just art lovers and ardent fans who flock to the gardens:

gardeners, landscapers and botanists all find the gardens fascinating.

It is a way to get an understanding of Claude Monet’s work, to feel connected.

The son of a grocer and obviously way ahead of his time, Monet rebelled against his family and insisted he was an artist, taking his easel outdoors to paint exactly what he saw before his eyes – at a time when painting

outside was not the norm and when artists were trained to paint their subjects in the controlled lighting of a studio.

Monet loved to paint everyday things: lily ponds, landscapes, ladies strolling the gardens with parasols, families picnicking.

A visit to these beautiful gardens brings the works to life and gives a connection to the impressionist artist.

You can arrange all manner of visits to the gardens, half-day tours, full days, out of Paris, or just book online.

We believe the most comfortable and convenient way to see them is as we did, from a shore excursion on board luxury barge Panache.

More information on the itinerary that incorporates the gardens is at the website: www.gobarging.com.

Travel

Monday, July 24, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Central Coast

Seniors 19

Heritage of Budapest A city that holds the beauty and secrets of centuries

JOURNALIST ERLE LEVEY MAKING sense of life in an exotic setting, you have to pinch yourself.

A 17-hour flight from Brisbane to Budapest and here we are walking through the streets of this city of mystery.

For many years, hidden behind the Iron Curtain of Soviet occupation, this cross-roads of civilisations between East and West is more than that.

It dates back centuries and has hosted both the victors and the vanquished.

It’s a place of two cities ... Buda and Pest.

The building of the Chain Bridge in 1849 did more than joining these two cities geographically, it joined them politically.

The suspension bridge, like the underground railway and even Hungary’s Parliament House, were inspired by what the civic leaders had seen in London.

The underground was second only to London in its inception in Europe.

When built, the Chain Bridge at 202m long was then amongst the largest in the world.

Parliament house has tremendous facade to the river –cathedral-like as opposed to London’s castle-like Westminster parliament.

Buda was the cultural and political centre – more relaxed while Pest was the commercial heart, more cosmopolitan.

Budapest is a very walkable city. Wide avenues and narrow

streets, a spider’s web of laneways but so full of character.

You can smell the history and be absorbed by the old architecture.

There are concerts every night, from organ and trumpet recitals at the basilica to Bach at a cathedral or a strings concert at St Annes.

Budapest was the second capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a great city and railways played their part in its development.

We are booked into Radisson’s Hotel Beke in Pest. Not overlooking the Danube River like the more fashionable hotels but somewhere comfortable, full of character.

It’s like stepping into a movie, one set when train travel was at its height.

A place of home-made pastries at the buffet and a pianist playing in the lounge of an evening.

We are in Central Europe for a concert tour of four countries by the Sunshine Coast Oriana Choir.

A group of four of us set off to explore this city, so full of colour. Such a melting pot of cultures.

St Stephens Basilica stands out as a land mark. Seeing its dome makes me realise I am really here, in this place that is so full of history.

There are many faces.

Buildings rotting in neglected disrepair, while others display all glitz and glamour.

A walk down Andrassy Boulevarde and you could be in Paris, Berlin, London or Rome.

Big brands, big prices.

Yet just a few hundred metres up the road the desperate homeless claim their park benches

TWO CITIES: There are many faces to Budapest and each has a fascinating story to tell.

for the night.

You can see its dome from many parts of the city. But as well as looking up you can look down.

The ravages of a broken and battered 20th century of war and uprisings shows on the faces of Budapest.

Faces of buildings, faces of people. Some faces are spectacularly beautiful while others sad, unhealthy.

Budapest had been occupied by the Ottoman Turks for 150 years and that is remembered in the foods at the Central Market which first opened in 1897.

Near the river, it is full of stalls filled with fresh fruit, cured meats, breads and pastries, all sorts of wines and liqueurs including the national drink, palinka.

Much like slivovitz, it is traditional fruit brandy generally made from plum, apricot or peach.

Ideal for when visiting friends or relatives, a

welcoming drink.

“Egeszsegedre!’’ That is the greeting you will often hear.

Due to prosperity arriving from joining the European Union and abject poverty remaining, the contrasts created are strong and in-your-face.

The maintenancedeprived buildings are evident though, often just three storeys high with a basement.

And quite often it is downstairs where you will find the city's ruin bars; grunge bars would be the easiest way to describe them.

They have been around since the early 2000s and form an important part of Budapest's night life.

Created in run-down or abandoned buildings, they were left in a ramshackle state and filled with random furniture and fittings rather than redeveloping them.

On this day we line up for langos, the traditional Hungarian bread filled

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with anything you like. It satisfies many tastes.

How do you eat it?

The best way you can.

Across the Danube from the markets is the Gellert Baths, part of the Hotel Gellert built in 1912.

References to the healing waters of Budapest’s thermal springs date back to the 13th century.

Word of the therapeutic benefits of the magical spa waters have spread far and wide. Today, they are particularly popular with those from the colder parts of Europe.

Yet a wave pool has been added so body surfing has been added to saunas and hot tubs as an attraction, especially for visiting Australians.

The only thing they cannot heal is a broken heart, I am told.

Yet then again, they can revive your outlook on life.

That is the thing about Budapest, such competing interests.

I could talk about tranquil walks across the Green Bridge ... wines by the Danube, walking for miles across the city to reach the Astoria's cafe with stunning musicians serenading our cup of tea.

Budapest is a city of domes and spires, bridges and ballrooms, goulash and beer.

And of course the many magical performance moments for the choir.

The first time we entered the back 'secret' spiral staircase down into the spiritual rooms of the Matthias Church.

The first church on the site was founded in 1015

by St Stephen, the King of Hungary.

It has been the scene of several coronations, weddings and burials.

It has seen a century and a half of Turkish occupation, was a base for German and

Soviet occupation in World War Two as well as the Soviet occupation of Hungary.

Today it houses the Ecclesiastical Art Museum which starts in the medieval crypt and leads up to the St Stephen Chapel.

It contains a number of sacred relics and stone carvings, along with replicas of the Hungarian royal crown and coronation jewels.

With this sense of history and place, the first time three of us crept up the stairs to take a look at the logistics of fitting 45 people into a space they'd never seen before was spellbinding.

So often in these circumstances the musicians go through the motions, the waiters simply do what is needed.

Yet when the choir stood and sang as one, Waltzing Matilda, the evening was turned on its head.

The waiters adopted a spring in their step and a flair when presenting the platters.

The musicians lifted their tempo, their enthusiasm, and choir members showed their dance steps as well as songs from the floor.

A night of so many good memories.

And you realise the effect that respect and appreciation can have instead of entitlement and suspicion.

The first notes of the choir in such a space will stay with me forever.

They resonated throughout the ages.

Then afterwards to take the coach across the river to the Karpatia restaurant with wood panelling and old fashioned lights.

A gypsy group of musicians in the corner.

Such a night. One that you dream of.

20 Seniors Central Coast

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 24, 2017

Voyage to the Vineyards

HOP ABOARD: Cruise Express offers a unique, six-day short break by historic train and modern cruise ship in March 2018.

DERM, to Seymour in the Goulburn Valley where local wineries, including Tahbilk and Mitchelton,

will showcase local vintages, followed by lunch.

Guests will then board

Join over-55s for a magical Christmas SINCE 1986 Coastal Liner Touring and Entertainment Tours have been helping people from all over the Central Coast discover and explore destinations all over Australia.

We specialise in guided coach holidays, short breaks and day tours offering value-packed tours for over-55s.

When you travel with Coastal Liner Touring, you’re aboard with the region’s premier coach company. We have a simple philosophy, “Explore, Enjoy and Experience” and we are 100% committed to providing value for money.

We are Australian-owned and locally operated. Join our fun over-55s’ family on one of our annual magical

Christmas tours. Enjoy the festive season on our fantastic six-day Northern Rivers Tour departing December 23, 2017.

Driving the legendary Pacific Coast, we discover the endless stretch of magnificent Pacific Coast beaches, Northern Rivers and World Heritage forests. Take in the lush rolling countryside dotted with quaint and quirky townships, rugged cattle country, mystical rainforests and deep river gorges disappearing up into the mountains. Take in the picturesque scenery along winding country roads as we travel in comfort to our Northern Rivers destination Ballina and explore the surrounding areas.

Immerse yourself in the

We’ve Gone

festivities that promise to deliver all the Christmas cheer and divine food. Sit back, relax and allow us to surround you with laughter, friends and moments that create cherished memories. Stay at the multi-award-winning Ballina Island Motor Inn, offering resort-style accommodation with acres of beautiful tropical gardens for you to explore.

For our latest theatre packages, day tours and extended tours, refer to page 5. For more information, contact our friendly tour co-ordinators on 02 4392 3050 or 02 4392 3049, or go to www.coastalliner.com.au or www.entertainment tours.com.au.

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Golden Princess for a two-night cruise to Adelaide which will include an exclusive, wine-paired

lunch onboard.

Disembarking in the South Australian capital, guests will travel to the famous Barossa Valley with visits to the prestigious Penfolds Winery and Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop and lunch.

The tour – fully escorted

by Cruise Express – ends with an overnight in Adelaide. The five-night

Voyage to the Vineyards tour is available from $1890 per person, twin-share, including 11 meals and the two wine region tours. Cruise Express can book flights to Melbourne and home from Adelaide at an additional cost.

Call 1300 764 509 or visit www.cruiseexpress. com.au. Advertorial.

Take the long trek to Birdsville Races fun NOW in its 135th year, the 13-race program offers up a combined $200,000 prize-purse, plus a further $12,500 in Queensland Thoroughbred Incentive Scheme bonuses – making it one of the most lucrative and unique outback thoroughbred race experiences in Australia.

The iconic green starters’ gates, synonymous with the Birdsville Races, will roll out on September 1 and 2 as more than 7000 racegoers flock to remote Birdsville for what many have billed the Melbourne Cup of the Outback.

Race program

changes this year include several races moving from class-based handicaps to benchmark races, as well as the introduction of a second 1600m race – the $12,500 Benchmark 55 Handicap.

Traditionally, the 1600m distance has been reserved solely for the Birdsville Cup. Each year, owners, trainers, jockeys and horses make the long-haul trek to Birdsville, 10,000 kilometres collectively, from places as far away as Darwin, Tamworth and the Sunshine Coast, as well as surrounding towns and regions via the Simpson Desert

Racing Carnival circuit.

The races attract a broad range of trainers and racing identities, from up-and-comers hoping to gain experience in a big country meet, to seasoned veterans who have become annual fixtures in the tiny, remote township.

What: Birdsville Races Where: Birdsville, Queensland When: Friday and Saturday, September 1 & 2, 2017 How much: Two-day packages start from $62.75 Go to www.birdsville races. com/RaceProgram for details.

Join the conversation on Facebook.

Visit us at seniorsnews.com.au Newspaper

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A 90-YEAR-old train and a 21st-century cruise ship will take travellers to renowned wine regions in Victoria and South Australia next March as part of an exclusive, new Voyage to the Vineyards designed by Cruise Express.

The hosted, six-day tour from Melbourne to Adelaide includes visits to Victoria’s Goulburn Valley and South Australia’s Barossa Valley, a day trip on a heritage train and a special, wine-paired lunch aboard the 2600-passenger Golden Princess.

The itinerary starts with two nights’ accommodation in Melbourne from March 13, 2018, including a day trip aboard a gleaming, 90-year-old diesel electric rail motor, nicknamed the

Entertainment

Monday, July 24, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

What’s on

LIGHTHOUSE 2 SKILLION

GET your walking shoes on and take the challenging hike from Norah Head Lighthouse to The Skillion at Terrigal on Sunday, July 30. It’s the event’s second year, raising money for Surf Life Saving Central Coast, clubs along the route, Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and Coast Shelter. The full walk is 27.5km, but this year there’s also a 16km ‘half walk’, starting from Memorial Park. Go to www. lighthouse2skillion coastwalk.com.au.

THE MUSIC OF THE CARPENTERS

MORNING Melodies presents We’ve Only Just Begun, starring Wicked performer Angela Lumicisi from 11am on Wednesday, August 9 at the Laycock St Community Theatre.

Angela said Karen Carpenter’s vocals inspired her as a girl growing up in Melbourne, and she believes the music continues to speak to people. Adult tickets from $13. Call 4323 3233.

JOURNALIST ALISON HOUSTON

COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

HEADLINERS at this year’s Central Coast Country Music Festival on the weekend of August 12–13 are Beccy Cole and Adam Harvey. Others taking the stage alongside a host of local performers include the Wolverines, Tori Darke and Hurricane Fall. It’s all free, with entertainment throughout town and at The Waterfront Plaza on the Saturday and on Sunday at Memorial Park.

Call 4333 5377 or go to www.theentrance.org.au and click on what’s on.

PARKINSON HONOURS JOE COCKER

ARGUABLY Australia’s greatest soul voice, Doug Parkinson presents the ultimate tribute to Joe Cocker with an eight-piece band at the Laycock St Community Theatre on Saturday, August 19.

Central Coast

and contortionists from six African nations in what promises to be an awe-inspiring show with stunning costumes. It’s at 7pm on Sunday, August 20 at the Laycock St Community Theatre. Call 4323 3233.

arthouse wyong.com.au.

FREE TAI CHI

IF YOU’VE always been interested, but never tried tai chi, this is your chance to do so for free on Sunday, August 27 from 10–11.30am at Thompson St, Long Jetty. Tai chi is a low-impact exercise which helps to relieve the body of aches and pains, improves flexibility, stability, corrects posture and calms the mind.

Details call David on 0410 050 080.

GOSFORD COMMUNITY PRECINCT OPEN DAY

SOME SOUL: Doug Parkinson presents the ultimate tribute to Joe Cocker.

Cocker is most famous for what he did with other people’s songs. Parkinson will include a few of his own hits as well. Adult tickets $69.90. Call 4323 3233.

CROSSROADS FESTIVAL CHAMBER MUSIC

CROSSROADS Festival is in its 10th year this August 19–20 at Greenway Memorial Chapel, Green Point. This year’s festival is dedicated to the memory of Richard Goldner, a refugee from Hitler’s Vienna who

founded Musica Viva in 1945. The festival will present four concerts, celebrating youth, the Musica Viva Ensemble, chamber music by Brahms and Mendelssohn and a new work by Hindson plus works by Schubert and Beethoven. Concerts are $35 adults or $105 for four. Go to www.central coastconservatorium. com.au.

CIRQUE AFRICA

COMPLETELY unique, Cirque Africa features 25 performers, including acrobats, dancers, percussionists, musicians

Seniors 21

IT’S Open Day for Gosford Community Precinct on Saturday, August 19 from 9am–3pm. There will demonstrations by potters, spinners and weavers, printmakers, as well as a family history stall. It’s all yours at 8–10 Russell Drysdale St, East Gosford.

BREWING MAGIC

IF YOU are into your beers, and haven’t found the Six String Brewing Company at Erina yet, it’s time to pay a visit. The Central Coast’s first 100% homegrown microbrewery has a range of ales, all free of additives, preservatives and unpasteurised. The taproom is open for tastings, brewery tours are each Saturday at 11am, there’s a Cajun restaurant and local musicians Friday night and weekends. Call 4365 4536.

JOHN WILLIAMSON

YOU don’t get much more of an Aussie music icon than John Williamson, with a career spanning more than 40 years and hits such as Old Man Emu, True Blue and Cootamundra Wattle. Now 71, he released his Favourite Collection last year and he’s playing at The Art House Wyong on Friday, August 25. Adults $54. Go to www.the

Aint Misbehavin' with Simon Tedeschi and George Washingmachine

Simon Tedeschi is playing at Pearl Beach.

and scope of Tedeschi’s appeal is exemplified by having shared the stage with numerous acclaimed musicians, including conductor Alan Gilbert, soprano Yvonne Kenny, jazz luminary James Morrison and Larry Adler the legendary Harmonica player who called Tedeschi “the greatest pianist he ever heard”.

George Washing-

Join Us J s Online Get online to find your news, your way.

machine is a multiinstrumentalist – proficient on double bass, guitar or anything with strings.

Clare O’Meara, is a high in demand multiinstrumentalist. She appears with John Williamson, Brian Cadd, The Bushwackers, The Western Distributers.

Stan Valacos, plays bass and seven-string guitar in

a number of settings, from Brazilian music, choro, Greek music and jazz. George and Feel the Manouche joins with jazz friend Simon for an afternoon of jazz delights.

Come early, bring a rug, chairs and picnic, and enjoy this unique experience in beautiful native bushland surroundings. Raffle tickets will be available

with proceeds to the Pearl Beach Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade.

Starting at 2.30pm on Sunday, October 1.

Tickets cost: $45, children (under 15) $25, Group bookings of 10 or more are $40 each.

Bookings essential call 4343 1455 (credit card) 4344 2319 (cheque/ cash). See www.pearl beachprogress.org.au.

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THE Pearl Beach Crommelin Native Arboretum will once again host Jazz in the Arboretum. Simon Tedeschi is often described by respected critics and musical peers as one of the finest artists in the world, making the young pianist’s mark on music both undeniable and admirable. The versatility

22 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 24, 2017

Grandbabies BONNIE BABIES: We would love to publish your photo too.

Yum: Harry contributes his style to cake making.

All smiles: Cooper responds to the brighter side of life.

Hatted and Plaited: Mary in cafe mode.

If you would like to see your grandbaby on this page, email your photo or 200 word story to

editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au

Sheer bliss for baby Cooper.

Can you spare two hours to help beat cancer this Daffodil Day? 25th August 2017 FIND A SITE NEAR YOU AT daffodilday.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85

The grandkids and me THE fast pace of my three year old grand-daughter Mary slowed right down when she came across Santa in the shopping centre.

The big white bearded figure was her man of the moment and she wasn’t going to miss a chance to get up close and personal with the fellow who was about to deliver a truckload of presents.

She immediately declared she was going to talk with him, no matter how long she would have to wait.

And lucky she did.

Because that evening a situation arose that demanded solid evidence of a ‘real’ Santa.

Mary was happily climbing over a giant Santa sculpture placed in an outdoor arcade when a young girl around 8-years-old joined in the fun .

This older girl climbed high onto Santa’s shoulders, while Mary stayed around knee height.

Suddenly she dropped down to Mary’s level, and before running away, I watched as she stopped for a moment to whisper something directly into Mary’s ear.

Before I knew it, Mary had dropped a level and with all the speed and determination a slightly tubby three-year-old could muster, chased after this girl.

When it became apparent she couldn’t catch up, she stopped, took a big breath and called out in a loud voice, full of conviction.

"Hey big girl, I saw a talking Santa today.”

I wondered what she meant, though I assumed it was somehow in response to the whisper.

Later on, I gently asked Mary what it was the ‘big girl’ had whispered.

Mary stood straight, put her hand on her hips and pronounced.

"She said Santa wasn’t real.”

- Gail Forrer.

Puzzles

Monday, July 24, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

B E B U G L

T A I L R O T

D

W E I E N D O E

R E P E E A T E

G H Y A R

E

L L

Y

21

TRIO

Can you complete these four words, using the same three-letter sequence in each?

SUDOKU

23

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

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

woRD Go RoUND

H L TODAY

E I

K 454

KM

S A

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

There is at least one nine-letter word.

No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb, e.g. he burns with anger.

JIGGERED

SUDOKU

CORKS HUSTLE ATTUNED NUDE ROCK TUNE LOVER

ROCKS, SLEUTH, TAUNTED, UNCORKED, VOLUNTEER.

H

22

Good 12 Very Good 16 Excellent 20+

4 lEttERS AJAR ASIA AVER AVOW

BUOY DOVE EDGY EWES GATE IDEA INNS LEWD MOAT MOOR MOTH NAME NINE NOUS ODES ONTO PUMA RAPT RARE ROLL SNUG STAR TEEN TERM VIAL

WEEP

QUIZ

5 lEttERS DEWEY GERMS MITRE SEWER

1. What was Darling Harbour called before a NSW Governor named it after himself?

2. Spice Girl Mel C joined which artist on the hit “When You’re Gone”?

3. In which country was tennis player Monica Seles born – France, Yugoslavia, or Germany?

4. Which middle name did Winston Churchill share with Charlie Chaplin?

5. Who starred in the film Evita as Eva? 6. Which former four-star general was US Secretary of State from 2001-05?

7. If your luggage label on an international flight says TUN, where are you going?

8. Which band had hits with Don’t Dream It’s Over, Something So Strong and Weather With You?

6 lEttERS ABUSER ALTARS ANGLER GALLOP IMPUGN REGIME 8 lEttERS CLEANSER EYESIGHT HANGOVER MULTIPLE RESONATE REVEREND

QUIZ

I M P U G N

Solution opposite

3 lEttERS ACT ARM AWL DUD GAS GOD HOG ICE ILL JEW LAG NOW OWL ROC SOU TEE TRY YOU

1 Long Cove, 2 Bryan Adams, 3 Yugoslavia, 4 Spencer, 5 Madonna, 6 Colin Powell, 8 Fiordland, 7 Tunis, in Tunisia, 8 Crowded House

Fit the words into the grid to create a finished crossword

ALPHAGRAMS

woRDFIt

G H T O O R D G Y

E S T W T E R

20

alike hake hike hikes kale kame khaki lake leak leaks like likes make makes mask milk milks MILKSHAKE sake saki shake silk skim slake

N C S A Y N

19

WORD GO ROUND

I

18

T E EW R E M S

D E S A C R A

17

A J A R

A N D W A F E N

16

R E G I M E

Y E A B R K V

15

S T A R

U D L A Y C

14

N A M E

A R A B Y

13

N O U S

D E T T S I S

I

12

R O C AW L I P L E C T A B S N U E R E S O D EW E Y O V E R V E R G L A E R E Y E S N OW D U D

Z E P

11

A S I A R O L L M U L T A M I T R O D E S T E E H A N G A A N G L V I A L O N T O W E E P

R K E A S S

10

WORDFIT

I

9

K A Y A K

E M S S C

5

8

TRIO: KIL

V L E B I

O A D O

C H S E I

7

N D A E N D A Y C E S C A S T W E R R V E R

L

I

R V H E R

4

6

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

P O E L E Y B

S I O C

I M S L

3

R E P E E A T E L V L E B I C H S E I N C S A Y N P O E L E Y B

R

Down 1. Hire (5) 2. Every other year (8) 3. Amend (6) 4. Unfeeling (4) 5. Prostitutes (colloq) (7) 6. The lowest point (4,6) 9. Took place (10) 12. Compatibility (8) 14. Playhouse (7) 16. Implant (6) 19. Pried (5) 20. Manage (4)

2

I R I S E I S S O C I E B R O A D V O B E D L E L G L Y A Z I A T E R P E I G H N Y A O E R

R A R A T O R

Across 1. Mazes (10) 7. Egg-shaped (5) 8. Leave suddenly (colloq) (7) 10. Enthusiasm (8) 11. Greenstone club (4) 13. Fugitive (6) 15. Counterbalance (6) 17. Level (4) 18. Badge (8) 21. Dispense (4,3) 22. Distribute (5) 23. Moved to a new position (10)

1

B U R R O W E D

The challenge is to rearrange a crossword which has been broken into 25 sections. One letter has been given to get you started. Work out which 3x3 square fits in with that letter and write in the letters.

You can also shade the black squares if you find it helpful.

After completing the first 3x3 area, work out which square joins on to it, and continue until you have made a complete crossword.

QUICK CRoSSwoRD

QUICK CROSSWORD

3/7

Seniors 23

Across: 1. Labyrinths 7. Ovate 8. Vamoose 10. Keenness 11.

Mere 13. Outlaw 15. Offset 17. Tier 18. Insignia 21. Mete out 22. Issue 23. Redeployed.

Down: 1. Lease 2. Biennial 3. Revise 4. Numb 5. Hookers 6.

Rock bottom 9. Eventuated 12. Affinity 14. Theatre 16. Instil 19.

Nosed 20. Cope.

JIGGERED

Central Coast

24 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 24, 2017

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Seniors Central Coast 2017 promises to be an exciting year for our publication, and we look forward to bringing our readers 12 editions jam-packed with news, reviews and ideas to help make life as enjoyable as possible! We’d also like to thank our many distributors for their support in 2016. See below for a complete list of where to find your Seniors Newspaper in 2017, available around the 25th of every month.

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HATTERS TEA HOUSE

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THE ENTRANCE

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VIETNAM VETERANS ASSOC OF AUST

AVOCA BEACH BOWLING CLUB THE PALMS AT AVOCA

BATEAU BAY • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

KARAGI COURT RETIREMENT VILLAGE ELDERSLEA RETIREMENT VILLAGE STOCKLAND BAY VILLAGE S/CENTRE AUSTRALIAN UNITY BATEAU BAY LIBRARY BUPA BATEAU BAY CARER SUPPORT GROUP BATEAU BAY BOWLO BATEAU BAY MENS SHED BATEAU BAY TENNIS CENTRE BATEAU BAY TENPIN BOWL CROQUET CLUB GLORIA JEANS COFFEE NAREEN GARDENS

BUDGEWOI • • •

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BUFF POINT • •

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KANWAL

NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE •

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TOUKLEY & DISTRICT SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB

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TUGGERAH •

WESTFIELD TUGGERAH

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MEALS ON WHEELS CENTRAL COAST

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TUGGARAH LIBRARY

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WESLEY MISSION WESLEY SENIORS DAY CENT

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HENRY KENDALL GARDENS RETIREMENT VILLAGE

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WYOMING COMMUNITY CENTRE

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MAGNOLIA MANOR AGED CARE

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WYONG LEAGUES WYONG

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MEANDER VILLAGE

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BRENTWOOD VILLAGE

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LIVING CHOICE BROADWATER

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• • • • • • • • • • •

COURT RETIREMEN •

WATERFORD RETIREMENT VILLAGE

LAKE MUNMORAH •

LAKE MUNMORAH MINI MART

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LAKESIDE LEISURE VILLAGE

NORAH HEAD •

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BERKELEY VALE: BERKELEY VALE PHARMACY

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FORRESTERS BEACH: FORRESTERS BEACH RETIREMENT VILLAGE

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GOROKAN: WALLARAH BAY RECREATION CLUB

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KILARNEY VALE: OPAL AGED CARE KILARNEY VALE

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LAKE HAVEN: LAKE HAVEN LIBRARY

ERINA FORRESTERS BEACH RETIREMENT VILLAGE KARALTA COURT RETIREMENT VILLAGE WOODPORT AGED CARE PLUS BLOOMS THE CHEMIS ERINA FAIR SHOPPING CENTRE PINE NEEDLES LIFESTYLE ESTATE RITCHIES SUPA IGA TARRAGAL GLEN RETIREMENT VILLAGE THE COFFEE CLUB WOODPORT RETIREMENT VILLAGE TARRAGAL GLEN RETIREMENT VILLAGE FORRESTERS BEACH RETIREMENT VILLAGE

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WOY WOY •

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DEEPWATER PLAZA

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MORISSETT: MORISSET BOWLING CLUB

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SHOPPING CENTRE

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WYONGERINA:

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