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Inside

Heart &soul

In her 60s and back to the ’70s.

Australia’s beloved soul diva rocks on in her latest stage shows.

HIGH-energy shows Velvet and Disco Inferno both hark back to the decade that benchmarked the Marcia Hines story.

The shows feature Marcia at her timeless, dynamic best, belting out It’s Raining Men with the same magnetism that mesmerised thousands of people in her awe-inspiring role as a black Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar.

“The ’70s shows are great,” Marcia said.

“It’s the disco era – there’s plenty of bad clothes, bad hairstyles and it makes everyone happy.”

Marcia Hines, the magnificent voice, the bold personality, is good humoured and gracious. \ STORY PAGE 4

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2 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 24, 2016

In this edition

All things grand

Affordable Housing.........................................Page 3 Live & Let’s Save................................... Pages 8 & 9 Finance.......................................................Page 14 Travel............................... ...................Pagess 17-18 Book Reviews..............................................Page 22

Contact us Editor Gail Forrer gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Advertising Manager Kristie Waite Kristie.waite@seniorsnewspaper.com.au

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

A COUPLE of things this month, Grandparent’s day and the Brangelina split, inspired me to think about grandparents, my own experience and others.

In the wake of the announcement of the Pitt/Jolie split which includes news of Angelina having sole physical rights and Brad settling for visitation rights, one wonders how the grandparents will fare.

Perhaps, the grandparent role has been sorted, perhaps not.

We’ve seen pictures of his parents, who appear to look like any other loving parents/grandparents. No doubt, they have their own thoughts on the split.

But that’s the point, their son has made the split. Grandparents don’t make the split, they live with it the best they can.

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 $36.30 for one year (11 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Central Coast Seniors Newspaper”.

Published monthly and Distributed Free across the Central Coast. Also publishers of Sunshine Coast Seniors Newspaper, Brisbane Seniors Newspaper, Gold Coast Seniors Newspaper, Toowoomba Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper, Northern New South Wales Seniors Newspaper, Wide Bay Seniors Newspaper and Coffs and Clarence Seniors Newspaper.

Published by ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd (ABN 73 064 061 794). Printed by APN Print, Yandina.

Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspapers are no necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endoresement by the owner/publisher.

Angelina’s father Jon Voight, who has been quoted as saying that he loves the kids, is also part of the extended family equation.

In the best scenario, life goes on and grandchildren and grandparents continue to establish their own unique relationship.

There is something so special about being a grandparent. I watched as my mother fell love with her first grandchild. She was a mother of five, and her youngest child was just 12 when I became pregnant, so unsurprisingly she received the news with the profound sigh of someone who had really enough of children. Nevertheless, she was unfailingly loving and supportive during my pregnancy, but her natural cheekiness spurted the truth when she purchased a pair of baby’s pilchers which bore the message: “"If lost don’t come to grandmother.”

I got the message and understood. She stayed cleared of me for three weeks after the birth of my daughter. That is, until I

made a tired and desperate call for her to come and help me. Of course, she came immediately, picked up the tiny baby and for the next 30 years, metaphorically never put her down. They developed an extraordinarily close bond, and the precedent held for her next 11 grandchildren.

History repeated itself with my own grandchild.

While I was delighted to hear of a new family member, I was seriously involved in my job and my own life and wondered how much time I had to spare.

I wondered if I could be as good a grandmother as my own mother – who had been a stay at home mum.

Despite these worries, the magic happened all over again. An interstate phone call around 6.30pm from my son-in-law delivered the news of one healthy little girl born in the city of Melbourne, country of Australia. I woke about 3am the next morning and wrote a poem devoted to her. I

was amazed at this soul that had entered through my own maternal line.

Three years later, the family moved closer to me and I see my granddaughter on a daily basis. I constantly share with other grandparents the unparalleled joy of our offspring.

So it is with sadness, that I think of any grandparent or grandchild denied the privilege of this relationship because of adult children’s marriage split-up. The link is so vital The Family Law Act acknowledges the importance of this relationship.

The Act does not give an automatic right as a grandparent to see a grandchild, but grandchildren do have a right to see you, if that is in their best interests. And you do a have a right to have your relationship and role in the child’s life considered by a court that is making decisions about what future care and living arrangements would be best for the child Info:www.community law.org.au

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PERHAPS you could call this a pre-Christmas gift.

Three great giveaways in this one edition, has to be a reason to envision yourself as the winner of a Majestic caravan, a bunch of books or tickets to a fabulous Marcia Hines concert.

Fancy exploring Australia in the luxury of the $69,990 Garoover Caravan? For entry details check the back page of this edition. I would love to publish a picture of you with your winning smile, so don’t wait. get onto www.seniorsnews.com.au Looking for some quality summer reading, on our review page you can read about five books

by Australian authors.

These books could be yours with just a short note telling us about your favourite book (see page 22).

Finally, but far from least is our Marcia Hines

COMPETITION: Enter for your chance to win a bundle of great Australian books - details in blue bubble on page 27.

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Go on, give yourself a great night out and complete an entry – details in the

advertisement on page 19.

So how do you feel about a pre-Christmas gift? Be in it to win it.

Central Coast

Monday, October 24, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 3

The ‘sharing economy’ Would this Homeshare program work for the Central Coast area?

Gail Forrer

THE world is full of fresh ideas and new business models including such ground-breaking models as Air BnB and Uber.

This new system has been called the “sharing economy”.

Alternatively, in terms of public housing, councils are looking for fresh means of sharing.

In Gosford, the TinyHomes foundation has been embraced and – sooner rather than later – eight tiny homes on council land will be available as social housing.

Parramatta Council has also come up with a new idea to fight homelessness.

But first they are going to the community and asking these questions.

Questions include: Do you have a spare room and need some help around the house?

Or are you looking for a room and would be happy

to provide assistance to someone if it meant lower rent? With Sydney in the middle of a housing affordability crisis, Homeshare programs are popping up as a creative way for people to access affordable housing.

Homeshare is a simple idea: Someone with a spare room invites someone in need of affordable housing to live with them, in return for an agreed number of hours of help, and a financial contribution below market rent.

Parramatta City Council wants to find out if there is support for starting up a Homeshare program in the area.

But is this a housing model that could be taken up in other areas?

Would you be interested in Homeshare?

If you have thoughts on the subject, let me know what you think and email me at editor@seniorsnewspaper. com.au

HOMESHARE: Alternative ideas for affordable housing , would it suit the Central Coast area>

Central Coast population set to increase to 415,000 in 20 years

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We need to carefully manage this growth so we can maintain and improve our residents’ quality of life. is projected to reach 9.9 million.

The council administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the new

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figures were a jump of more than 10,000 on previous population projections and presented a number of challenges but also opportunities for the growing community.

"Our current residents value our natural environment, amenities, relaxed lifestyle and sense of community here on the Coast," Mr Reynolds said.

"We need to carefully manage this growth so we can maintain and improve our residents’ quality of

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“We need the support of State and Federal Governments to deliver for our current and future residents.

"We have a great opportunity now as one council to represent this great region with 331,000

residents behind us.

“We have lots more to come to push for more funding to make sure the Coast continues to be the best place to live, work and play."

■ A full breakdown on the population figures can be found at www.planning. nsw.gov.au.

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CENTRAL Coast Council will maintain its position as one of the largest councils in New South Wales and the biggest outside of Sydney after the release of new population figures for NSW this week.

The Coast’s population is projected to increase by 75,500 to 415,050 by 2036, according to the latest figures released by the NSW Department of Environment and Planning.

The population for NSW

4 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 24, 2016

MARCIA HINES

Still our disco diva

SUPER, 60 and back to the ’70s. Australia’s beloved soul diva rocks on in her latest stage shows.

High-energy shows Disco Inferno and the Retro Music Cruise both hark back to the decade that benchmarked the Marcia Hines story.

The shows feature

Marcia at her timeless, dynamic best, belting out It’s Raining Men with the same emotion that mesmerised thousands of people in her awe-inspiring role as a black Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar.

“The ’70s shows are great,” Marcia said.

“It’s the disco era – there’s plenty of bad

clothes, bad hairstyles and it makes everyone happy.”

Marcia Hines, the magnificent voice, the bold personality, is good humoured and gracious.

And at 63 years old, she seems to be running at the same speed that drove the 16-year-old Afro-American to audition and win a role in the

MAGIC MUSIC: CD cover of Marcia Hines' 2014 album Amazing.

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‘It is refreshing to see a new publication that considers the needs of healthy older adults’ ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR KAREN WALTON, THE UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG

With Guest Speaker Gary Gilday from radio Five-o-Plus

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“Radio Five-0-Plus” is in its 21st year of broadcasting. Within excess of 60,000 listeners on the Coast enjoying the mix of music from 1940 onwards. Enjoy quality broadcasting with a music mix like no other.

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organisations.

This year is no different to any others in the career of the indomitable Marcia Hines.

“I didn’t plan anything for this age or after this age,” she said.

“Life just happens.”

Her fitness regime is just as simple.

“I do a bit of walking, a bit of running – I like to get my heart rate up.”

She believes in the adage that all work and no play makes one very boring and enjoys doing art production and

HEART AND SOUL ❚ Marcia moved from Boston to Sydney at just 16 to star in the Australian production of Hair. ❚ Marcia’s debut album Marcia Shines became the biggest selling album by an Australian female artist in 1975. ❚ Marcia was the first Australian female artist to have seven consecutive top-20 album releases. ❚ Cruise ’n’ Groove, hosted on the luxurious cruise liner Radiance of the Seas, this month begins its retro music journey from Sydney with Marcia, pop heavyweights KC and the Sunshine Band and a host of other artists. The cruise sets sail to the tropical beauty of prominent South Pacific island holiday destinations including Isle of Pines (New Caledonia), Mystery Island (Vanuatu) and Noumea (New Caledonia). Cruise ’n’ Groove sets sail from Sydney for eight nights from October 23–31. For more information, including how to book your cabin, go to www.chooseyourcruise.com.au or phone 1300 247 371.

Get online to find your news, your way.

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spending time with her godchildren.

“I like to go into the art studio, walk in, close the door and do some mosaics,” she said.

“But I also have quiet times when I shut down.”

She said a special rest day would mean not having to catch a plane, sleeping in, a leisurely breakfast, a couple of hours walking and hanging with a few girlfriends.

“And finding somewhere to dance in the evening,” added the indefatigable performer.

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Australian stage production of rock musical Hair.

During the production, she found out she was pregnant with her first child. Marcia gave birth to baby (Deni Hines) and stayed on to become an Australian citizen. Marcia fell in love with Australia and Australia fell in love with Marcia.

By 1973, she had signed up for the major role of Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar.

The show’s success made her a serious star. From 1976 she was named Queen of Pop for three consecutive years Marcia has also kept her friends from that era, including former Countdown host and rock journalist Molly Meldrum.

She said they didn’t see each other that often, but when they did, there was still plenty to talk about.

“We start talking and I look at the time and it could be 3am,” she laughed.

Great friends, family, her daughter and godchildren ranging from four to 43 years old hold a special place in the big heart of Marcia Hines.

In 2003, the next generation of youth had their own turn at discovering Marcia when she completed five series as a judge on television show Australian Idol, returning for the seventh series.

In 2007, Marcia was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. In 2009, Marcia received a Member of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours for services to the entertainment industry as a performer, judge and mentor, and to the community through a range of charitable

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Gail Forrer

seniorsnews.com.au

Central Coast

Monday, October 24, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Thanks for 40 years

Seniors 5

Judy made a difference with her dedication CENTRAL Coast Council’s Group Leader of Customer and Community Relationships, Ms Judy Jaeger, is leaving Council after almost forty years of dedicated service in local government.

Ms Jaeger has led the delivery of many of Council’s most popular and important community services including libraries, sport and recreation, arts and culture and community and economic development as well as some of its critical business operations like information technology procurement, fleet and property management.

Council’s CEO, Mr Rob Noble, said he has known Ms Jaeger for many years and is personally and professional sorry to see her leave.

“I wish Judy nothing but

the very best as she moves on to the next stage of her life,” Mr Noble said.

“I thank Judy from the bottom of my heart for her tremendous commitment, passion and service to the Central Coast Council, its people and the broader community.

“She has left a lasting legacy due to her commitment .”

Judy Jaeger has led key projects for the Central Coast.

Ms Jaeger was instrumental in finalising an ongoing agreement with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage for critical conservation work in Rumbalara Reserve to ensure this unique part of the Central Coast is protected for future generations.

A new Disability Inclusion Action Plan is

under way and will ensure people with a disability have equal access to Council’s essential services, thanks to Ms Jaeger’s strong leadership in this area.

“I know Judy would say that one of her proudest achievements, amongst many, at Council is facilitating the first Tiny Homes pilot project in Australia right here on the Central Coast,” Mr Noble added.

“Houses specifically for the homeless will be built on land Council has provided – delivering a real and lasting solution to the growing problem of homelessness on the Coast.

“Many other Councils said no to the project, but not Judy she championed the project it, will be a reality. That’s the ultimate legacy.”

MOVING ON: Judy Jaeger continues on to the next stage in her life.

New maps show where you can exercise your dog on the Central Coast

FREEDOM: Puzzle and Missy love a run.

PHOTO: MICHAEL L. BAIRD

YOU CAN now find 43 new dog exercise area maps that clearly show where people can take their dogs in the Coast’s south.

The new maps reflect the current on and off leash areas, as well as dog prohibited areas that were identified as part of the latest Dogs in Open Spaces Strategy.

The strategy was developed after extensive community consultation to determine the most appropriate ways for Council to cater for the needs of dog owners and encourage responsible pet ownership.

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Manager of Culture Phil Cantillon said the new maps would not only better inform dog owners, but also people who did not own a dog.

Some of the maps have been turned into signs and installed at a number of popular dog exercise areas including Terrigal, Avoca, Copacabana, MacMasters and Umina beaches, Pippi Point in Davistown and Peppermint Park in Kariong.

“Establishing quality, consistent and visible signage was another key recommendation of the Strategy,” Mr Cantillon

said. “These changes and initiatives are all aimed at encouraging responsible dog ownership in open spaces and increasing community awareness.”

This follows an additional public exhibition period in which 96 submissions were received and then the areas were adopted by Council. Across the entire Central Coast, Council provides 58 dog exercise areas at many of the region’s beaches and parks.

The maps are available online at gosford.nsw .gov.au/dogmaps

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6 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 24, 2016

Creative artists exhibit

Free Little Libraries across the coast CENTRAL Coast Council Libraries are continuing to inspire a love of learning and reading in the community with the installation of two all-weather Little Free Libraries on the shores of Tuggerah Lakes.

There are now 15 of these free and accessible libraries across the Coast as a result of the overwhelming positive community response to their use. These libraries are all about supporting learning, education and recreational opportunities for the community. The concept means anyone can stop and pick up a book to read or drop in a book or two for the community to share. Not only this, these free book exchanges also create a sense of community by bringing people together to share something positive.

Those interested in getting involved and hosting their own Little Free Library call 4350 5233 or 4325 8222.

FIRST PRIZE: Bronwyn Van De Graaff’s artwork Cactus.

until Sunday December 4, 2016.

A series of free artist talks will be held every Saturday at 2pm for the duration of the exhibition.

Central Coast Council congratulated all artists chosen as finalists in this year’s Gosford Art Prize and Gosford Ceramic Prize, and the deserving winners.

The 2016 winners include: Winner Gosford Art Prize, $15,000, Bronwyn Van De Graaff, Cactus; second prize, $5000: Geoff Harvey, North Lismore View from my House; highly commended, $1000, Rew Hanks, The Captain and his Bunnies; highly commended, $1000, Mark Middleton, Manganvi Trail; winner Gosford Ceramic Prize, $2000, Clodagh Blackburn, Space Rocks.

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TALENTED artists from around the country have been recognised in this year’s Gosford Art Prize and Gosford Ceramic Prize.

Winners were announced at the Gosford Regional Gallery exhibition opening last month.

The popular competition received 566 entries, submitted by more than 420 artists, with over 70% of artists from the Central Coast.

Team leader at Gosford Regional Gallery Tim Braham said: “We would also like to congratulate all entrants for their work, creativity and dedication.

“This exhibition is a true celebration of our region’s talent and commitment to the visual arts.”

The Gosford Art Prize and Gosford Ceramic Prize will be on exhibition at Gosford Regional Gallery

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tech savvy

Monday, October 24, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

online size of the font to make reading easier.

■ WHERE DO I GET ONE? E-readers can be bought from online stores such as Amazon.com and Kogan.com, although they are also available from many physical retail stores, such as Officeworks.

■ WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES? While many people use dedicated e-reader devices, you can also use a smartphone or electronic tablet to read books.

Apple’s iBooks and its Android alternative Google Play Books are in most cases already installed on such devices when you purchase them.

Seniors 7

www.seniorsnews.com.au

Take your Kindle to the next level

Let’s ‘kindle’ your interest in e-readers ■ WHAT IS A KINDLE OR E-READER? E-READERS are handheld electronic devices that allow users to read digital versions of books, newspapers, magazines or other documents, all on the one device.

A Kindle is the most common brand of e-reader and is designed and marketed by online shop Amazon.com.

■ WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? Rather than carry around a small library of heavy printed material, you can access hundreds of books and magazines etc on one lightweight device.

E-books are normally also cheaper and once you purchase an e-book you can begin reading immediately – no need to wait for the postman. You can also easily change the

Central Coast

■ BOOKMARK A PAGE TO SET a bookmark on the Kindle Paperwhite, tap in the upper-right corner of the screen. A flag appears, along with the location and section of the book, with a plus sign in a circle.

To set the bookmark, tap the plus sign. The flag darkens, indicating the marked location.

After you set a bookmark, tap the upper-right corner of the screen and a small menu appears, displaying all the bookmarks that have been set in the book.

When you tap a bookmarked location, a window insert opens. You can read the page from

the insert or go directly to it by tapping the page.

To return to your former location, navigate by bookmark or use the Back icon from the toolbar.

All Kindles come with a pre-loaded user guide of ‘how to’ instructions for your device.

■ HIGHLIGHT TEXT OR MAKE NOTES YOU can highlight text to refer to later or add your own notes (like you would in the margins of a printed book) to a particular passage.

To do so, select the text by touching your finger to a word and dragging it across the screen. The selected text turns white on a black background.

When you release your finger, a pop-up window offers the options: Share, Add Note, Highlight, More.

If you tap ‘Highlight’ the text will appear as black text on a grey background.

If you tap ‘Add Note’ a pop-up window appears with a text entry block and the on-screen keyboard.

Type your notes and tap ‘Save’.

To view all your notes, highlights etc for an e-book, tap the top of the screen to display the toolbar. Then tap ‘Menu’, and then ‘View Notes & Marks’.

All your notes and highlights, as well as the popular highlights for that e-book, will be displayed.

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8 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 24, 2016

Live and

Make a real cuppa with a better brew

Fill tea pot with hot tap water to warm it up prior to adding tea leaves and boiling water.

Fill tea kettle with fresh cold water.

Boil kettle.

Just before kettle begins to boil, empty tea pot and then add one teaspoon tea leaves per cup to pot, plus an additional teaspoon 'for the pot'.

Fill teapot with boiling water and let tea steep 3 7 minutes depending on desired strength.

Add cold, whole milk, or lemon to tea cups depending on preference of guests.

Pour tea into cups using a strainer to catch loose leaves.

HIGH TEA RECIPES

■ Gorgonzola Tarts 100 grams Blue cheese crumbled –Gorgonzola, Blue Castelo, Blue vein 100g Mascarpone ¼ cup parmesan cheese finely grated Salt & pepper 2 sheets short crust pastry Lightly grease a 12-hole, 1 1/2 tablespoon-capacity mini muffin pan. Using a 6.5cm cutter, cut 12 rounds from pastry. Press pastry rounds into prepared pan.

Pierce bases with a fork.

Freeze for 10 to 15 minutes or until firm.

Pre heat oven to 180c Mix cheeses with the mascarpone. Beat the egg into the cheeses by hand and season to taste, don’t leave out the salt and pepper!

Pour mixture into hot pie shell then bake for approx. 8-10 minutes until filling is almost set.

Leave to cool for 20 minutes before serving with a little chopped rocket or micro herbs.

■ Mini Scones jam and

cream 2 1/2 cups self-raising flour 1 tablespoon caster sugar 80g butter, chilled, chopped 1 cup milk Berry jam and double thick cream, to serve Method Preheat oven to 220°C/200°C fan-forced.

Lightly grease a 7.5cm-deep, 22cm round cake pan. Combine flour and sugar in a bowl. Using fingertips, rub butter into flour mixture until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Make a well in the centre of flour mixture.

Add milk. Stir with a flat-bladed knife until mixture just comes together (don't over-mix).

Turn dough on to a lightly floured surface. Knead gently to bring dough together.

Press dough into a 2cm-thick round. Dip a 4.5cm round cutter into flour. Cut out scones.

Gently press leftover dough pieces together and repeat to make a total of 20 scones. Place scones, touching, in prepared pan. Sprinkle with a little milk.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden.

Remove from oven. Cool in pan for 5 minutes. Wrap in a clean tea towel to keep warm. Serve with jam and cream.

■ Toblerone Mouse 1 x110gm Toblerone chocolate melted 2 cups of beaten cream 2 eggs separated Melt Chocolate, add egg yolks one at a time and mix then add cream.

Beat egg whites until stiff then fold though choc mix.

Grab a piping bag or plastic bag and cut corner off so you can pipe into shot glasses. Chill over night. Garnish with flaked chocolate.

Great finds at local op shops BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN TAKE advantage of the great opportunity to explore your local op shops and vintage stores.

You can support your local community, save money and have fun, all while bagging a bargain.

Here’s why: ■ Giving to charity – the money spent on items supports people in need and provides local jobs and volunteering opportunities.

■ Abundance of variety – whether you’re after clothes, shoes, accessories, toys, bikes, homewares, linen or furniture, there are always hidden gems to be found.

■ Spend less with bargain shopping – vintage items and designer brands are like finding treasure.

■ Environmental factor –

by recycling your things, you are reducing landfill and giving your unwanted item a new home.

■ Declutter your space – it’s an opportunity to clean out your wardrobe and go through your kitchen cupboards and linen closet and pass on your items to a new home.

Op shops to visit: Mission Australia, St Vinnie’s, RSPCA, Lifeline, Australian Red Cross and Salvos. Online op shopping: eBay, etsy, gumtree and tushare.

BUDGET HIGH TEA

Some items you will need to find from your local op shops to help with your budget high tea include linen – a tablecloth, napkins and a blanket and cushions if it’s picnic style; crockery – plates, teacups and saucers and serving dishes; cutlery – silver service at minimal cost, put them in an old tin or milk jug.

Add flowers to small glasses or jars for decoration.

UPPER CRUST: Why not do a fun high tea op-shop style?

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Seniors News

A simple

ONE way to keep to budget is to ask people to bring a plate of food. You can send out the menu and let your friends choose what they would like to make. See Nicky’s tips for teacups and pots.

Bubbly with a marinated strawberry can make all the difference. Sprinkle halved strawberries with a bit of sugar and add a small amount of Cointreau or brandy, marinate for one hour and slide onto the top of the glass.

Cucumber sandwiches are simple, delicious and cheap, together with salmon croutons. Mini cupcakes look great and taste great, too.

The secret is to do as

much preparation in the morning or the day before.

Menu ideas ■ Bubbly with strawberries ■ Salmon canapes ■ Cucumber sandwiches ■ Gorgonzola tarts ■ Baby scones, jam and cream ■ Mini Toblerone/choc mousse in a shot/sherry/ port glass ■ Lemon curd tarts

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HOW TO MAKE A PROPER POT OF TEA

Central Coast

Monday, October 24, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

let’s save High tea at low price

PEOPLE PLACES & PERKS EMILY BLACK

high tea

■ Mini cupcakes – dust with icing sugar (packet mix is easy) ■ Tea Plan your day Day before ■ Make mini Toblerone or chocolate mousse.

■ Dress the table.

■ Make pastry cases for quiches and tartlets, store in airtight container at room temperature.

■ Make curd and refrigerate in airtight container.

■ Combine quiche mix and place in refrigerator.

Up to four hours before guests arrive ■ Cook mini quiches and keep covered in pans.

■ Make and bake cheese and poppy seed

biscuits and salmon topping.

Up to 2 hours before guests arrive ■ Make cucumber sandwiches. Place on platter and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate.

■ Make baby scones, cover on tray.

■ Garnish mousse with flaked chocolate.

Up to one hour before guests arrive ■ Complete mini quiches.

■ Cut and dress scones.

■ Top salmon canapes.

■ Complete tartlets.

■ Place savoury and sweet items on separate plates or tiered plates.

Take a big breath, relax!

ATTENTION high tea enthusiasts. If you’re in the mood for something fancy, without the associated price tag, you can pick up some great bargains via online deals through sites like redballoon.com.au or groupon.com.au, which can find you up to 90 per cent off, not only high tea, but a range of activities and dining experiences.

For example, a recent deal on groupon.com.au was for a sparkling high tea for one for $29 at Four Winds Revolving Restaurant, Surfers Paradise, which normally costs $49.

Log on today to check out the constantly changing deals available across Australia.

Alternatively, the web is home to pages like

highteaclub.com.au, which is a place where you can browse and explore though a growling list of venues offering high tea throughout Australia.

High Tea Club, Australia is all about high tea; from venues and restaurants to catering, parties and more.

They provide a platform for all high tea enthusiasts and attenders to find and discover existing and new venues, where anyone can come to find their next experience.

Constantly adding and growing our list of venues and restaurants that offer high tea. Using our search form you can find high teas to specifically fit your criteria, from type, to price per person, location and more.

The site has a search engine, where you can choose your state, region (CBD, country, coast); whether you want a tier plate or buffet; price per person and your availability.

Seniors 9

High tea: a recipe for success Salmon on Cheese & Poppy Seed Biscuits Ingredients ■ 1¼ cups plain flour, plus extra to dust ■ 100g butter, chopped ■ 125g parmesan cheese finely grated ■ 3 tsp Dijon mustard ■ 2 tbs poppy seeds Method Process flour, butter, cheese, mustard and 1 tablespoon of water in a food processor until a fine sand forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until a smooth dough forms. Roll into a 3.5cm diameter x 30cm-long log.

Spread poppy seeds on a large sheet of baking paper. Roll log in poppy seeds to coat.

Wrap in baking paper and chill for 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Cut the log into 1cm-thick slices and arrange in a single layer on tray. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden.

Cool.

Salmon mix Ingredients ■ Small tub of mascarpone cream cheese ■ 100g smoked salmon, chopped ■ 2 tablespoons lemon juice ■ 2 tablespoons dill sprigs and save a few for garnishing Method Preheat oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Cut bread into 2cm-thick slices.

Place onto prepared tray.

Brush both sides with oil.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until bread is golden and crisp. Cool.

Place cheese, smoked salmon, lemon juice and dill into a food processor.

Pulse until ingredients are well combined. Spread thickly over Cheese & Poppy seed biscuits or large croutons toasted bread. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with a dill sprig.

Cucumber sandwiches ■ 1 loaf very fresh white

sandwich bread ■ Butter ■ 1 Lebanese cucumber peeled and finely sliced ■ Salt and pepper.

Method Butter your loaf of bread, lay out on bench in twos, add cucumber slices to cover bread, salt and pepper then top with second slice of bread push gently down and cut off crusts then cut into fingers or triangles.

Lemon curd tarts Ingredients ■ 1 1/2 sheets frozen ready-rolled shortcrust pastry, partially thawed ■ Lemon curd ■ 1 egg ■ 1 egg yolk ■ 1/3 cup caster sugar ■ 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind ■ 2 tablespoons lemon juice ■ 50g butter, chopped ■ Finely grated lemon rind, to serve Method Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced.

Bake pastry cases for 15 to 16 minutes or until light golden. Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Lightly grease a 12-hole, 1 1/2 tablespoon-capacity mini muffin pan. Using a 6.5cm cutter, cut 12 rounds from pastry. Press pastry rounds into prepared pan.

Pierce bases with a fork.

Freeze for 10 to 15 minutes or until firm.

Place egg, egg yolk, sugar, lemon rind and juice in a heavy-based saucepan. Whisk to combine.

Add butter. Place over medium heat. Cook, whisking, for 7 to 8 minutes or until mixture coats the back of a spoon.

Remove from heat for 5 minutes.

Pour into small bowl make sure cling wrap is on the surface of the curd to stop a skin developing.

Set aside to cool.

Spoon 2 1/2 teaspoons lemon curd in each pastry case. Top with a slice of strawberry. Serve.

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10 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 24, 2016

talk ‘n’ Why have older YOU probably won’t recognise her. She’s usually clean, tidy and you can identify her social status as lying somewhere in the circle of middle class.

You might feel you have some connection, perhaps you recall your kids went to school with her kids, or at one stage you were on the same committee.

But you rarely see her around these days and, come to think of it, when you do see her, well, she’s a little bit shabby, a little bit sad.

Anyway, she doesn’t make a show of herself.

In fact, she’s generally invisible.

This woman is a statistic, one that makes up the

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

fastest growing group of homeless Australians – the older woman.

Shocking statistics reveal one-in-four women aged more than 55 years make up this category.

Yet, it can be hard to pick these women.

They’re not obvious, except their accommodation consists of sharing flats, couch surfing, uncomfortably living with family or, worst-case scenario, living quietly from a car.

It’s an extraordinary

situation brought on by everyday factors these women have lived with – limited education, free care-giving, glass ceiling, pay inequality, divorce, part-time work and career breaks that have finally resulted in a lack of superannuation funds and assets.

Media commentator, author and businesswoman Jane Caro says this lack of financial security in later life is the “reward for a lifetime of self-sacrifice”.

For these women, superannuation contributions have stagnated when they have taken time out from the paid workforce to look after others – children, parents, partners. They have

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It’s time to get creative. Snap a photo featuring your sticker. As long as you include the sticker, the photo can be of anything you like! Check out the entries so far at http://www.seniorsnews.com.au/feature/palm-lake-resort/

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Monday, October 24, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 11

thoughts Hurdles, highjumps and solutions

women become our invisible homeless?

❝

This lack of financial security in later life is the ‘reward for a lifetime of self-sacrifice’.

— Jane Caro taken a dip when casual/part-time work is chosen to leave time for domestic life.

Ms Caro said statistics showed women may never recover from a divorce, while for men it is a one-off financial hit.

The disparity is often due to women taking on the children, while men are more able to actively sustain a career.

This is the social background behind the new poor – and about to

become poorer – generation of women.

These women matured in an era when it was unusual to encourage female education beyond high school.

Well-meaning men were more interested in the education of sons rather than daughters and mothers gently advised their daughters to marry well and support their man. And find their place within the home Ms Caro said: “The plan was to marry and the man would support the family for the rest of their lives.”

Even if a women rebelled against the stereotype, there were hurdles to overcome in the workplace. For instance, it was 1968

when women were finally allowed to keep bank jobs after they were married. Today, even in jobs of equal value there is a gender pay disparity.

At 59-years-old, Jane Caro, refers to “my generation”’ of women. A generation of women who found thoughts of romance as far more interesting than finances.

She said men were brought up to be, hard-headed and pragmatic. On the other hand, “women have been trained from birth not to ask things for themselves.”

Ms Caro is speaking up on behalf on these women and she says unless we wish to see a lot more senior women out on the street, then

we must act.

Her suggestions envelop changes to housing, education and welfare policies, including: ■ For every unit development of 70 or more, two should be put aside for social housing.

Among other things, this would stop the development of ghetto-like areas of social housing.

■ Provide significant incentives to employ older workers and proper recognition of skill base.

■ Increase the pension to a living wage.

■ Education and financial advice available freely through local communities. “Better late, than never,” Ms Caro explained.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Email editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or go online to www.seniorsnews.com.au.

THE FACTS AND FIGURES ON HOMELESSNESS

The Federal Government’s Australian Institute of Health and Welfare statistics from 2011–14 show the number of women aged 55 years and over accessing specialist homeless services increased 26%.

These figures represent the women who actually sought help from a homeless support service.

Source: www.human rights.gov.au/face-facts In 2009–10, Australian women reached retirement age with an average of 36% – or $87,532 – less

superannuation than men. As a result, women are more likely to experience poverty in their retirement and be far more reliant on the Age Pension.

In the year 2009–10, the average superannuation payout for women was just more than half (57%) that of men.

The average retirement payouts were $198,000 for men and $112,600 for women.

One in five Australians aged 55 years or over claim that age is a major barrier to finding a job or getting more hours of paid work. They say employers consider them “too old”.

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12 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 24, 2016

IT’S A HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE AGEISM can be defined as a process of stereotyping and discriminating against a person or people, simply because they are older.

Ageism is endemic in our society. Older people often feel patronised or “invisible” and can find it much harder to get or maintain a job, access healthcare, services or housing, or enjoy any manner of things our community has to offer because of how their age is judged.

With Australia’s – and the global – population getting older, ageism is a serious human rights issue for us all. Elder abuse is one of the worst manifestations of ageism.

Elder abuse is defined as any act which causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone in a position of trust – most often a family member. The abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect.

While elder abuse is vastly under-reported, the World Health Organisation estimates up to 10% of older people worldwide experience it.

There are some notional protections for older people in Australia.

The Victorian Charter of

Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 sets out basic human rights, for example, and the Federal Age Discrimination Act 2004 protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of age in many areas of public life, including employment, education, accommodation and the provision of goods and services.

There are also some laws and services in place that can respond to elder abuse. However, in practice, the laws are not strongly implemented, do not tackle all forms of age discrimination and do not directly address the ageist attitudes and stereotypes – including those in the media – which underpin so many hurtful actions every day.

Some common stereotypes about older people are that they: ■ Can’t look after themselves ■ Are slow and unable of learning new things ■ Don’t know what’s best for them ■ Need to be protected ■ Lack intellectual and physical capacity ■ Aren’t sexual ■ A burden on society.

Stereotypes such as these fail to recognise the

rights, needs, dignity and valuable contribution of older people in our community, and translate into ageist actions. For example, although older people have made decisions all their adult lives, they might suddenly find themselves being told they can no longer do what they want.

Even when older people do have additional needs, the way those needs are met should be respectful of their rights as human beings. Derogatory attitudes towards older people are patronising and disrespectful.

They can interfere with basic human rights, such as their right to freedom of movement and association; their right not to have their wishes and decisions ignored or overridden; their right to privacy, and, not least, their right to dignity.

Experiences of ageism often affect older people’s mental and physical well-being and therefore their quality of life.

It is important to understand that older people are as diverse a group as any other, with a great deal to contribute to society – lived experience and reflective wisdom, for example, usually come with age. Older people

ELDER ABUSE: Studies show ageism is endemic in our society.

contribute more volunteer hours than any other group and are absolutely vital to the Australian economy as carers, employers, employees, producers and consumers.

Like racism and sexism, ageism needs to be addressed within a human rights framework,

including via a United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older People that would provide a definitive, universal statement that age discrimination is morally and legally unacceptable, and support basic protections for older people worldwide.

People also need to be

educated about older people’s human rights at a community level. To truly combat ageism, however, change has to happen at an individual level: we all need to question our own attitudes and behaviour.

After all, we will all be older one day.

■ Source: COTA Victoria

Are you snoring, gasping, tossing and turning in your sleep?

GOOD MEDICINE Dr MICHAEL GILLMAN ARE you excessively tired during the day? Do you wake up feeling unrefreshed? Are you grumpy and moody? You could have sleep apnoea.

Men with obstructive sleep apnoea have repeated partial obstruction of the upper airway during deep sleep and this results in snoring and episodes of ceasing breathing for short periods of time.

When this occurs, the oxygen levels in the blood begin to fall and carbon dioxide levels rise until a protective mechanism

kicks in and the body is startled to wake from the deep sleep.

It is often your bed partner who notices the snoring, the gasping and tossing and turning etc.

Obstructive sleep apnoea can also cause more serious health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, erection problems, low testosterone levels

and depression.

Sleep apnoea is diagnosed with a sleep study which will measure the stages of sleep, the number of arousals from deep sleep and the oxygen levels.

This study can be done in a sleep laboratory or at your own home.

Treatment includes losing weight if you are overweight or obese and

may also include various devices such as mouth splints through to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure masks ( CPAP devices).

There are even some surgical options that can help if there is an abnormality of the anatomy of the upper throat.

Your sleep physician will advise on the best therapy

for your particular condition.

So if your partner says that you snore and gasp at night, it would be worthwhile seeing your GP for a referral for a sleep study.

Not only will you feel brighter, happier and more alert, it may stop you from developing other serious health complaints DrMichaelGillman.com

Win a set of Miles Franklin finalist Books!

The Miles Franklin Literary Award is Australia’s most prestigious literature prize.

Here is your chance to win the books from this years finalists!

To be in the running, simply email communitynotes@seniorsnewspaper.com.au.

Make sure you tell us your name, contact number, email, postal address and Seniors Newspapers region, then answer this question in 25 words or less: “Which Miles Franklin finalist is your favourite and why?”

Good luck – and happy reading!

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Monday, October 24, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

gardening

Central Coast

Seniors 13

Gardeners honoured Green thumbs recognised at council presentation evening Errol Smith

KINGS and queens of the garden variety have been crowned at Central Coast Council’s garden competition presentation evening.

The top gardens and gardeners were recognised across 13 categories at the ceremony held at the Laycock Street Community Theatre.

The design and wonderful outlook in John and Lesley Cleary’s garden won the judge over for the title of Champion Residential Garden Over 1000 Square Metres.

Alva Bell took out the Champion Residential Garden Under 1000 Square Metres.

The judge noted that the pretty and colourful garden obviously got constant care.

Woy Woy Peninsula Community Gardens won the Best Eco Friendly Garden award and Best Edible Garden, Community for their wheelchair-accessible sensory garden.

Garry Besson won the Best New/Renovated Residential Garden for his impressive sandstone wall and great use of colourful plants.

“The standard of entries this year was extremely impressive,’’ council administrator Ian Reynolds said.

“Next year, the format and criteria of the

competition will change as a result of the recent amalgamation between the former Gosford City and Wyong councils.

“We look forward to bringing the Coast a bigger event with even more lush gardens.”

2016 Winners: Champion Residential Garden Over 1000 Square Metres – John and Lesley Cleary Champion Residential Garden Under 1000 Square Metres – Alva Bell Best Eco Friendly Garden, Residential – Peter and Christine Campbell Best Eco Friendly Garden, Commercial/Industrial – Woy Woy Peninsula Community Gardens Best Residential Front Garden – Chareen De Wit Best Residential Rear Garden – Malcolm and Evelyn Janes Best Commercial Garden – Erina Fair Best School Garden – Central Coast Grammar School Best New/Renovated Residential Garden – Garry Besson Best Theme or Specialty Garden, Residential – Henry Kendall Gardens Retirement Village Garden Club Best Theme or Specialty Garden, Commercial – Wyoming Community Centre Best Feature in a Domestic Garden –

FLORAL BEAUTY: Alva Bell’s garden won the Champion Residential Garden Under 1000 sqm.

Malcolm and Kerry Hodge Best Patio/Balcony /Villa Courtyard Display – Irene Barnard-Bryant Best Nursing Home/Retirement Village/Over 50s Village Garden, Maintained by Professionals – Henry Kendall Gardens Retirement Village Best Edible Garden, Residential – Jim and Sandra Hastings Best Edible Garden, Community – Woy Woy Peninsula Community Gardens Best Waterwise Garden – The Orchards Retirement Village

NATURAL ELEGANCE: John and Lesley Cleary’s garden won Champion Residential Garden over 1000 sqm.

My three best plants for potting NUTS ABOUT PLANTS PHILLIP TAYLOR I STARTED work at my local nursery at the age of 18.

It was total bliss to be surrounded by plants and flowers all day.

Ever since, I’ve been toiling away planting, potting, growing and loving every minute it.

I have my own nursery now and I’ve been revelling in plants for more than 20 years.

I’ve been asked to solve hundreds of garden problems. Near the top of the list is “what can I grow in a pot to give me colour?”

The solutions are many but let’s break it down to just a few of the absolute best. Here are the top three plants: ■ Daphne Eternal Fragrance – Gone are the days of fussing over daphne, the hurdles have been overcome.

Sweetly scented white flowers sit up high on the bush displaying masses in spring and repeat flowering throughout the year. Sister plant Spring Pink is well worth a mention.

■ Abelia Kaleidoscope – This plant has it all.

Beautiful white bell flowers decorate the bright golden foliage. It has the unique ability to change its foliage colour depending on the season, from gold to pink copper tones. Perfect plant for a tub by the pool or out by

BE BRIGHT: Sunpatiens are finally getting the recognition they deserve.

the driveway in the scorching sun. It will thrive.

■ Sunpatiens – Finally getting the recognition they deserve. They have ostentatious jumbo flowers thriving in hot sun or part shade.

If you can find two or three pots empty I suggest grabbing some different colours – you won’t regret it.

Keep the Flourish fertiliser up to them, it’s

packed with potassium for more intense flowers.

Of course when you’re nuts about plants you can’t stop at just a few.

Don’t forget to use Peat80 potting mix, which is packed with fertiliser to last a year, so you can sit back and watch your plants take off.

— Phillip Taylor Acorn Garden Centre 4324 1874 229 Brisbane Water Dr Point Clare 2250 NSW

Natures Way develops organic weed spray YATES product of the month for October 2016 is Yates Nature’s Way Organic Weed Spray.

Sometimes despite our best efforts to keep our gardens healthy, pests and diseases can start to creep in.

Gardeners now have an organic alternative for weed control with the introduction of a new organic weed spray into the Yates Nature’s Way range.

Weeds compete with garden plants for water and nutrients as well as harbouring pests and diseases, so controlling weeds and grasses is an important part of creating a healthy and thriving organic garden.

New Yates Nature’s Way Organic Weed Spray is a ready to use,

non-selective weed spray for control of a wide range of broadleaf weeds and grasses as well as algae and moss.

It is based on two natural ingredients – clove oil and acetic acid – which work together to quickly dehydrate and kill weeds.

Visible results may be seen on some weeds after just one hour.

Yates Nature’s Way Organic Weed Spray is certified for use in organic gardening so is ideal for gardeners wanting to use organic methods of weed control.

Yates has developed Nature’s Way Organic Weed Spray in Australia and it will be available from mid to late October.

For more information visit yates.com.au.

14 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 24, 2016

finance Pension increase

FOR those on the Age Pension, the future looks somewhat brighter with an increase in their payment rate in effect from September 20.

The Age Pension payment rate will increase by between $2.50 and $3.20 per fortnight from that date, depending on personal circumstances.

For example, a single person on the base payment rate will see their fortnightly payment rise by $3.20 to $877.10 a fortnight (based on the base rate, supplement and energy supplement).

Meanwhile, a couple on the base payment rate would see a $2.50 increase each in their fortnightly payment, leaving them with a combined fortnightly payment of $1322.40 (based on the base rate, supplement and energy supplement).

Recipients of other payments, including Newstart Allowance, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, Widow Allowance, Partner Allowance and Sickness Allowance will also receive an increase.

A $6.3 billion budget savings deal brokered between the Coalition and Labor this week has spared proposed cuts to Newstart and pension payments.

Alternatives to the usual home

TUNED UP FOR THE THIRD AGE PAUL McKEON HERE’S another option to consider if you’re looking to find a property that better suits your current lifestyle.

Buy it in conjunction with your adult children.

You can buy and renovate, or build a property big enough for two families, which gives both the lifestyle they want at a lower cost than buying it as an individual or a couple.

This type of purchase is called ‘a co-ownership agreement’ and it offers flexibility and good asset protection.

Some of the ways which co-ownership agreements can be used are: ■ Parents and their adult son’s or daughter’s family can buy a block of land together and construct a purpose built dwelling which satisfies the living requirements of both the older parents and the younger family.

EXPLORE OPTIONS: Looking to downsize - your kids could help.

■ Parents and their adult child can purchase a block of land containing a duplex, two townhouses or two villas and each group can live in a separate home on the same block.

■ A widowed parent could build a granny flat onto their adult child’s house.

You would need to get legal advice relating to your own situation, but generally speaking,

co-ownership agreements offer legal protection to both parties. A common solution is to have a joint tenancy agreement between the parents and the adult child.

This provides good protection to the younger generation, as the deceased parents’ share automatically gets passed to them. This means that other siblings can’t force the younger generation to leave the property after

their parents have died.

Depending on the parent’s will, there may have to be some compensation paid to the other siblings. This should all be spelt out in the original co-ownership agreement.

There are lots of good ideas on how you can enjoy a better lifestyle in your 60 plus years in our range of books. You can find out more about them at mylifechange.com.au

Superannuation reforms to hit older workers, women THE Federal Government’s watered-down superannuation changes recently announced are likely to be a blow to older workers and women.

The final release of the proposed changes saw the government seek to recoup the cost of its backwards step on the proposed reform to the non-concessional cap by making two other amendments that will largely impact women and those aged between 65 and 74.

Firstly, the proposal to repeal the work test for people aged between 65 and 74 years will not go ahead. This is despite the draft regulation to repeal the work test having been released last week for public comment.

The measure – which has now been dumped – would have harmonised the rules for older workers

with those applicable to taxpayers under the age of 65. It is expected that scrapping this reform will save $180 million over the forward estimates.

Secondly, the government has also deferred the proposal to allow catch-up concessional superannuation contributions. This will have the biggest impact on women who would have used the measure to catch up on superannuation contributions after taking time out from the paid workforce.

The proposal to allow unused concessional cap balances to be carried forward for up to five years, has been deferred to July 1, 2018, saving about $400 million over the government’s forward estimates.

The changes are the

result of the government trying to recoup funds after announcing that it had dumped its much-touted $500,000 lifetime cap on after-tax super contributions, which was to be backdated to 2007.

Instead, it has been replaced by a new measure that reduces the existing annual non-concessional contributions cap from $180,000 per year to $100,000 per year, with a three-year bring-forward, until a lifetime cap of $1.6 million is reached.

Treasurer Scott Morrison revealed the revised plan, which will leave the pre-budget rules in place until June 30, 2017. As a result, a rush on super contributions by wealthy savers is tipped before the end of the financial year.

The change to the

proposed reform to the non-concessional cap is estimated to cost the budget $400 million over the forward estimates money which will be recouped by the modifications to the two reforms listed previously.

A joint statement by the Treasurer Scott Morrison and Minister for Revenue and Financial Service Kelly O’Dwyer said: “In order to fully offset the cost of reverting to a reduced annual non-concessional cap, the government will now not proceed with the harmonisation of contribution rules for those aged 65 to 74.

“While the government remains supportive of the increased flexibility delivered by this measure, it can no longer be supported as part of this package, without a net cost to the budget.

“Individuals aged 65 to 74 who satisfy the work test will still be able to make additional contributions to superannuation. This will encourage individuals to remain engaged with the workforce which is of benefit to the economy more generally.

“In addition, the commencement date of the proposed catch-up concessional superannuation contributions will be deferred by 12 months to July 1, 2018, to ensure the full cost of changes to non-concessional contribution arrangements are met over both the forward estimates and the medium term.”

Fact sheets on the government’s superannuation changes are available at treasury.gov.au/Super Reforms.

Check your loan figures

THINK MONEY PAUL CLITHEROE IF YOU’RE in the market for a home loan, be sure to check out the “comparison rate” as well as the headline interest rate. It could be the key to avoiding a loan that comes with unwanted fees and charges.

Whenever you see a home loan advertised, chances are the main rate is advertised in big, bold font.

Somewhere close by you’ll see the comparison rate. It’s an important piece of information.

By way of background, lenders are required by law to advertise both the main interest rate as well as the comparison rate.

It’s designed to help consumers make better choices because the comparison rate incorporates the annual interest rate as well as the cost of most upfront and ongoing fees.

So it’s a reasonable guide of the true cost of a loan.

Some seemingly cheap home loans – with a lower interest rate – can be laden with fees, which makes them not so cheap at all.

To give an example, a $300,000 loan with an annual rate of 4.0% can look very attractive, but if it comes with upfront fees of $800 and monthly fees of $35, the comparison rate will rise to 4.22%, which is far higher than the stated interest rate.

While it always makes financial sense to save with a low rate, bear in mind that getting value on your home loan isn’t just restricted to the rate you pay. Loan features play a valuable role too.

In particular, look for a home loan that allows fee-free extra repayments.

Best of all, even small additional repayments can be highly effective in cutting years and potentially thousands of dollars from the cost of your home loan.

Paul Clitheroe is a founding director of financial planning firm ipac, Chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money Magazine.

Monday, October 24, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

neighbourhood news

Central Coast

Seniors 15

community

Declutter the four big ‘Ds’ SNAPSHOTS OF LIFE ANN RICKARD ann.rickard@apn.com.au

DEATH. Debt. Divorce.

Downsize – the four biggies to de-cluttering.

Listening to a radio program on the subject, I found myself nodding in agreement.

Clearing a household of stuff after a death or divorce, or because of debt, is traumatic indeed.

Then there is the downsizing, the one I relate to most, as I’ve just gone through it. It’s forced de-cluttering.

Unless you have to, you’re not going to get rid of decades of accumulated furniture, accessories and junk.

Anyone who has reached a good age (over 40, even 30, let alone 60) has accumulated stuff.

It lurks in cupboards, wardrobes, drawers and generally makes itself at home in every nook of your property.

But when you move from a four-bedroom home to a two-bedroom apartment, the junk simply has to go.

First, you must grit the teeth and hire a skip.

Endless trips to the tip and op shops follow, as the piles of stuff mount up as cupboards and drawers are emptied.

“Why have we three graters, two woks, five juicers, 12 sheet sets... and what the heck is this?” you’ll say as you cull.

Determination is called for. You simply cannot keep the three crystal vases given as wedding presents in 1968.

There will be tears.

When it is over and the last clothes bag is off to the op shop, you will feel younger.

The freedom of living in a smaller space with modest belongings can’t be overstated. It’s marvellous to open a drawer to find just one of everything.

So even if you’re not facing one of the four Ds, why not declutter anyway?

COMMUNITY NOTICES

HELLO readers, to enable us to respond to your request for publication of more Community Notices, we ask that you keep your notices short (100 word maximum). If you would like to submit a photo, please ensure the quality is at least 180dpi of people’s faces and nice and bright. Club Notices deadline for the next issue is November 18, 2016. Inquiries to Nicky or Chris via email communitynotes @seniorsnewspaper. com.au

VIEW CLUBS

VIEW stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women we are leading women’s volunteer organisation and as a valued part of The Smith Family, VIEW members contribute significant fundraising and volunteering support to Australian Children in need to reach their full potential through education by giving them “a hand up not a hand out”. These children are called our “Learning for Life Students”.

■ BRISBANE WATER EVENING

WORKING for the Smith Family holds its monthly dinner meeting in the Function Room at the Grange Hotel, Renwick Street,Wyoming on the 4th Tuesday of the month, 6.30pm for 7pm. New members and visitors are most welcome. Call Valda on 4325 1688 or Helen 4367 5670.

■ GWANDALAN

WE hold a monthly meeting at the Gwandalan Bowling Club, in Gambin Ave, Gwandalan every 4th Friday at 10.30am for 11am start. Why not come along and meet our friendly ladies, we also have interesting guest speakers and lots of chatter, so why not give us a call you can contact either Margaret on 0408 277 306 or June on 4976 3453 who would be happy to chat with you.

■ BATEAU BAY

WILL hold its lunch meeting at the The Entrance Leagues Club (Tigers), 3 Bay Village Road, Bateau Bay on the 1st Tuesday Of The Month commencing at 10.30am.

New members and

visitors are most welcome. Contact Kay 4368 3183 or Robbie 4368 6131.

■ HALEKULANI

WE are an enthusiastic and friendly group of women aged between 30 and 70 years old. In addition to our monthly meetings which includes luncheon and a very interesting guest speaker, we hold an annual Fashion Parade and a Soup and Irish Auction Day which is always great fun as well as our monthly social outings.

Currently, the Club sponsors six Smith Family Learning for Life students and is actively involved in fundraising activities to raise donations for The Smith Family programs.

We are always open to new members, so please get in touch today and come and see what it’s all about. Meeting day on 3rd Friday of the month.

Details call Chris Newell (02) 4396 5631.

LONG JETTY COMPUTER GROUP

A RANGE of new computer classes will be started Monday, October 10, at the club rooms at 6 Thompson St, Long Jetty.

You can learn how to use a computer, brush up your skills, or learn some new skills. We have computers with Windows 10 or Windows 7 for your use and volunteer tutors who will be keen to help you.

With Christmas around the corner, one class will be devoted to showing you how to personalise your Christmas gifts, using photos and some of the many tools available. Call 4332 5522 for more details.

TOUKLEY AND DISTRICT ART SOCIETY

OUR home is at the Federation Gallery and Information Centre, Wallarah Road, Gorokan just before Toukley Bridge, is the showcase for the Wyong Shire Art scene. On display are paintings in oil, acrylics, watercolour and pastel, along with porcelain, pottery, hand-painted silk, craft work, jewellery and original cards.

Abstract Painting Classes on the second Thursday of every month from 1–4pm. Cost $5, everyone welcome.

Academy Painting

CREATIVE ART: Lisa McArthur-Edwards is holding a workshop on Seed Pod Fibre Sculpture.

mornings with Peter Tassell are held every Wednesday from 9.30am –12.30pm. Everyone welcome, cost $5. A seed pod fibre sculpture workshop, by local artist Lisa McArthur-Edwards, will be held Saturday November 26, 10am–3pm. December 6 and 7, Kara Pryor will be holding a ceramic workshop.

All materials will be supplied. Saturday, November 5, the art society is holding a Monster Art and Craft Fair in the park outside the Gallery, 10am–2pm.

Planned attractions include a sausage sizzle, face painting, plaster fun factory and kids’ craft as well as arts and crafts by local artists.

Coffee shop within the gallery, open every day 10am–3pm. Gallery is open daily from Monday– Sunday 10am–4pm. Entry is free, a donation is welcome. For more details call 4392 4666 or visit the website: www.toukleyartgallery. com.au.

SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB

CENTRAL Coast NSW Seniors (CCNSW), Long Jetty Senior Citizens’ Club will host information sessions on Windows7 or Windows 10 through the Long Jetty over 50s

Computer Group.

Use a club computer, or bring your own laptop and connect to the club WIFI. For those who’ve never used a computer before, friendly tutors can teach you via a hands-on class.

New members are welcome, call the club on 4332 5522 for more information.

LONG JETTY SENIOR CITIZENS CONCERT

OUR Christmas variety concert is on again with a great role up of talent. singing, tap dancing, comedy, ukulele playing, tango performance, zumba demonstration and much more. Come and join us for a wonderful afternoon of entertainment on Saturday, November 19, and Thursday, November 24, from 1pm.

Located at 6 Thompson St, Long Jetty. For details call 4332 5522. Cost is $5 and includes a cuppa and cake. Tickets available at the door on concert days.

NEED HELP WITH YOUR ENERGY BILL?

ARE you struggling to meet the rising cost of electricity and gas bills?

Are you experiencing short term financial difficulty?

Wyoming Community Centre may be able to assist you, to stay

connected to essential energy services and help you cover the cost of your energy bills through access to the EAPA scheme.

To seek assistance contact: Wyoming Community Centre on 4323 7483.

CENTRAL COAST BRIDGE CLUB ALMOST SUMMER TEAMS

THE END of the year is approaching and we have one more congress event to end it off with a splash.

Our Almost Summer Teams is back again and held on the Sunday, November 2, at the senior citizens’ hall.

This event has open, restricted and novice fields so there is something for everyone we hope you will all attend.

Entries are now open, we will have an entry form up on the noticeboard in the club or you can enter now online (see link below) via the NSWBA website.

Director for the day is the ever amazing Tony Howes and we are expecting it to be a huge day.

Contact: Sally Clarke Phone: 0404 043 028 Email: sallyclarke121@ gmail.com Web: www.centralcoast. bridge-club.org

16 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 24, 2016

Fire skills put to test

Finding an inner joy

INSPIRING AND RETIRING EVA BENNETT

FIRED UP: Firefighters taking part in last year’s event.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Fire and Rescue NSW team championships on again

THE Central Coast will play host to the bi-annual Fire and Rescue NSW Championship – the first time it has ever been held in this area.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) teams from across the state will converge at the Norah Head Sports Ground for the three-day championship to be held from October 27 to 29.

FRNSW Assistant Commissioner and championships director Rob McNeil encouraged Central Coast residents to mark the date in their calendar and come along.

“Firefighters train for this event for many

months and there is a strong competitive streak within the brigades to prove who the top team is,” Assistant Commissioner McNeil said.

“They compete in challenges to test their skills in setting up and deploying firefighting equipment quickly and safely.

“It’s a great opportunity for the community, especially budding firefighters, to come along and see what it’s all about. There’ll also be fire safety demonstrations and much more.”

Assistant Commissioner McNeil

said the championships provided firefighters with the opportunity to work together under pressure and develop their operational skills.

“The events are designed to be exciting and fun but also have the more serious purpose of honing skills that will be critical to our firefighters in real emergencies,” he said.

All championship events, community safety demonstrations and activities will be held at Norah Head Sports Ground on the corner of Maitland St and Bungary Rd, Norah Head from 8am to 5pm from Thursday to

Saturday, October 27-29.

Entry is free.

The opening ceremony is at 11am on Thursday, October 27.

A community engagement event will be held at Memorial Park, The Entrance on Friday October 28 from 5pm to 9pm. The event will include: ■ Displays from Fire and Rescue NSW ■ Emergency Service Displays from other agencies (p-olice, SES, RFS and VRA) ■ A firefighter torchlight parade along Marine Parade ■ Fireworks to conclude the evening

Keep dental problems in check OCCASIONAL toothache due to a lost or broken filling may initially cause minor inconvenience.

Without prompt dental attention, this pain will become more severe, causing problems with

eating and disturbing sleep. Buying painkillers to get some relief from the pain due to regular dental problems is very common at any time.

How long can you survive on painkillers?

Minimise unexpected problems by regular dental care and have Dentist In A Box, a no mess/no fuss kit for common dental problems.

About the size of a CD case, Dentist In A Box kits

fit into the glovebox, hiking daypack or handbag.

Details at dentistinabox. com.au, or call 1300 THE KIT (843 548).

The Smith Family gets a hand from the locals

ALL SMILES: Halekulani VIEW members support the Smith Family and enjoy a day out.

“THINK young and do what you love.” This was the philosophy of a friend of ours, a 74-year-old leader of a swing band.

A few years ago, I attended a charity concert where his band was performing. The swing band was made up of 18 musicians, ranging in age from 26 to 85.

Our friend said that the mix of ages kept the older musicians young at heart.

Having a purpose and a positive outlook certainly proved that if we think and feel younger than we are, we can look younger and healthier, slowing down the aging process.

I believe that if we have “fear” thoughts about aging, we will age quicker than someone who accepts the aging process as the natural flow of life and sees new opportunities for continued growth.

Back in the 1970s, Louise Hay wrote her best-selling book, You Can Heal Your Life, in which she discusses the mental patterns that create our physical illnesses and how to create positive affirmations to heal these illnesses. I personally have found this book a source of inspiration for many years.

Research now says that as much as 80% of our physical illnesses can originate from our thought patterns.

For a number of years I ran courses in public speaking. I found that the common, underlying belief that holds many people back from reaching their potential as a presenter is: “I am not worth listening to”.

This belief was reflected in nervous body language and voice.

Before I could successfully help them to improve their presentation techniques, I focussed on helping them to change that belief.

Time and time again, over the years, I have seen a transformation in people, as they began to say over and over to themselves, “I am now worth listening to”.

This new belief was reflected in a more confident voice and body language and their ability to connect with their listeners improved greatly.

Of course, to make this new thought pattern a habit, they needed to practise it regularly.

Things that can lead to mental decline and hasten the aging process are stress, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, worry, anger, too much caffeine and alcohol. They all affect our ability to think and remember clearly.

To slow down the aging process and to stay healthier mentally and physically, there are a number of easy things you can do every day that involves minimum spending of money.

A good night’s sleep regenerates the brain.

Positive thoughts, including daily gratitude for the good in your life, strengthens the immune system. A daily walk and focused breathing rejuvenates the brain and helps you to think more clearly. Eat well, drink moderately, laugh more and enjoy friendships and the simple pleasures of life each day.

Today’s babyboomers, especially women, don’t feel their age. We still want to look good, but with all the persuasive advertising about cosmetic surgery promising to make us look young forever, it can lead to women avoiding the reality of aging, especially physical aging.

Why not accept that our physical features are slowly maturing and get on with living life to the full and stop thinking about aging.

Our thoughts create our reality, so rather than focusing on fear thoughts of aging that can speed up the aging process, think mainly good thoughts about how we can get the most from each stage of our lives, to live a longer, healthier and happier life.

Too often people look to material things, or facelifts, or other people to make them happy, only to find that these things are short-lived.

When you meet someone who is truly happy, their eyes shine, they have a lovely aura about them and whether they are wearing designer clothes or expensive make-up, is not the important factor.

You can have all the beauty treatments in the world and the most expensive clothes, but if you are constantly thinking negatively about your life and other people, this will show through.

So if we want to slow down the aging process, start thinking good thoughts every day and be thankful every day for the good in your life.

It’s all in the mind.

■ Eva Bennett, visit www. plansretirement.com.au or email eva.bennett@ bigpond.com.

Central Coast

Monday, October 24, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 17

travel Alaska’s rich history FOR SENIORS who insist on comfort when they travel but like a bit of robust adventure, the options are often limited.

A cruise to Alaska tops the list if you enjoy frontier towns with a rich past and don’t mind the occasional bawdy saloon.

Holland America’s mid-sized ship, Nieuw Amsterdam, is your go-to for luxury and adventure.

It took us to Inside Passage on a week-long round trip from Vancouver, visiting Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.

The ship docked in the heart of each town – easy to disembark to explore on foot and later go into the wilds for offshore excursions involving seaplanes, helicopters and trains.

The raw beauty of Alaska’s frontier towns with their rainforest mountainsides, serene waterways and beautiful lakes played backdrop to an undiscovered world to us.

In Juneau we stepped back in time at the Red Dog Saloon, where the raspy voice of the old bloke on the piano brought to vivid life the heyday of the glorious gold mining era.

In Skagway, the boom town gateway to the Klondike Gold Fields, it wasn’t difficult to imagine the town packed with 20,000 feverish gold seekers. The historic buildings are protected and most of them are home to jewellery stores.

In Ketchikan, the Creek Street Historic District was once a notorious red-light district (1902–54) but is now a boardwalk above Ketchikan Creek. The old houses of ill-repute are now home to respectable gift shops, although Dolly’s House, where the infamous Madam Dolly lived and worked from 1919–70, is now a museum.

From Skagway we boarded a train for the White Pass Railroad trip, a journey giving insight into the vision to build a railroad under hazardous conditions to get hopefuls to the goldfields by train rather than journey on horse and foot over treacherous land.

Tunnelling through mountains, building bridges and sky-high trestles on turns of 16 degrees was difficult enough in the 1800s without also freezing winters to contend with.

The astounding engineering feat of the

railroad was apparent from the moment we left, leading through granite mountains, up steep grades and around cliff-hanging turns.

There were gasps of awe as the train rattled along its narrow tracks and every kilometre brought discovery: misty valleys, mountain lakes, waterfall cascades, yawning chasms and lush forests. Someone spotted a moose and we crowded the windows for this rare sighting.

From Ketchikan we took a seaplane for an exhilarating 20-minute flight to Neets Bay, gliding over the mountain peaks of Revillagigedo Island.

We landed on the calm and pristine water in this unspoilt place, where just seven people live and operate a salmon hatchery, ever mindful they share the island with wild bears.

After a short walk with a guide armed with pepper spray, we arrived at a gushing salmon-filled stream.

Out of the thick woods, a large black bear loped down to the stream.

Seconds later he’d caught his first salmon – the fish practically leaping out of the water into the bear’s mouth – and a few minutes later another

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bear poked her head out and made her way to the river.

But there were more.

Out came two small cubs, their little black bodies bobbing like yo-yos on the grass as they gambolled after their mother.

Alaska delivered up one highlight after another.

The day cruising in Glacier Bay was a highlight. This stunning place of mountains, fjords, glaciers, rainforest, wildlife and coastline is home to the massive ice-blue, 34km-long Margerie Glacier.

The majesty of Glacier Bay silenced everyone on

board as she cruised the icy waters. When several kayakers came into view, tiny and gliding silently and reverently along the base of the mighty Margerie Glacier, they portrayed the true picture of the enormous block of moving ice.

Nieuw Amsterdam is a moving luxury hotel with so much to do you must consult your daily newsletter and plan with military precision.

A premium wine tasting? Art auction?

Technology lesson?

Cooking demonstration?

Pampering in the spa? An informative lecture? High

tea? Dinner in one of the three speciality restaurants or a sample of the extravagant smorgasbord at the Lido Market?

This cruise deliveries a lot and seniors made up a good majority of the 2000 passengers, definitive proof we’re up for adventure – as long as it comes with the bonus of comfort.

■ From $1499pp (April 29, 2017, departure).

MORE DETAILS: Holland America Line on 1300 987 322.

Ann Rickard was a guest on board Nieuw Amsterdam.

Day Tour InclusIons:

Enjoy full day coach tours with us.

Morning teas and lunch are provided on most days, unless it states coach only.

Entry fees, cruises and sightseeing are also included in the tour price for each day, unless stated coach only.

Hidden Secrets of Tasmania 16 Day Coach Holiday spirit of Tasmania, Queenstown, Gordon river cruise, 4 nights Hobart, Port arthur, Huon Valley, Tahune airwalk, salamanca Markets, richmond Village, st Helens, Tamar Valley, launceston, arthur river cruise, cradle Mountain and Dove lake. so much to see and do on this fantastic Tasmania getaway.

Departure: saturday 25th March 2017 Return: sunday 9th april 2017

West Head Scenic Monday 7th November 2016 Enjoy David’s picnic lunch as you enjoy the views. Morning tea, lunch and coach travel.

Price: $60.00 pp Brisbane Water History Tour Friday 18th November 2016 Price: $80.00 pp morning tea and lunch included Nepean Belle Luncheon Cruise Monday 21st November 2016 Come for a lunch cruise, hear the fabulous Captain's commentary and learn interesting historical facts while enjoying a beautiful meal.

Price: $86.00 pp

Ducks in the Field High Tea Luncheon Thursday 17th November 2016 Our high tea consists of 17 different menu items to enjoy over 2 hours.

Where is Ducks in the Field?

Join us and find out!

Price: $95.00 pp

Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre - Broadway and Beyond Wednesday 23rd November 2016 Price: $75.00 pp Hydro Majestic History Tour & High Tea Tuesday 29th November 2016 Following our tour we take High Tea in the grand dining room of the Hydro.

Price: $95.00 pp

Price: $3850.00 per person twin share, $1165 single supplement.

Maximum 30 passengers on tour.

Carnarvon Gorge & Longreach 10 Day Coach Holiday narrabri, roma, 3 nights carnarvon Gorge Wilderness lodge, 2 nights longreach, australian stockmans Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Museum, outback Dinner & show, charleville, nyngan Departure: Wednesday 17th May 2017 Return: Friday 26th May 2017 Price: $2350.00 per person twin share, $705.00 single supplement.

Maximum 30 passengers on tour.

Shop 11, Gosford Central Plaza 153 Mann Street, GOSFORD NSW 2250 Email: info@easytourstravel.com.au Telephone: (02) 4325 8000 Local Call: 1300 364 036

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Ann Rickard

18 Seniors Central Coast

travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 24, 2016

A coffee with Vienna Behold the history, tradition and delectable baked treats

EAT, DRINK AND BE KERRY KERRY HEANEY IN VIENNA, a cup of coffee and a piece of cake is much more than a quick refresher.

Surrounded by history and tradition, Viennese coffee culture is so important it has even made the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Don’t go to Vienna on a diet as there are temptations on every corner. As a traveller, it behoves you to partake.

Here’s eight Viennese food traditions to experience.

1. Melange coffee When coffee first came to Vienna, the strong, intense flavour of the beans was a surprise to the Viennese. Some smart person decided to ‘sweeten’ freshly brewed coffee with hot milk, which became known as the ‘Wiener melange’. I would swap my normal skinny cappuccino for one any day and it’ll be the first thing I have when I return.

2. Apple strudel With or without crumbs? That’s the hot question when it comes to making a strudel. Head to the Cafe Residenz Apfelstrudelshow Schonbrunn at Schloss Schonbrunn, Kavalierstrakt 52, to see them make this traditional Viennese dessert, from slicing the apples to rolling the thin dough. I’ve tried my hand at this and it wasn’t half bad. Visit my blog for a recipe.

3. Bundt cake Marmorgugelhupf is a marble bundt cake eaten

by Emperor Franz Joseph for breakfast, daily. The cake takes its shape from the grooved sides of the pan but the recipe varies.

It’s a classic afternoon tea cake or Sunday breakfast cake for the not-so-royal.

4. Mannerschnitten These Neopolitan wafers, you’ll recognise the classic pink wrapper, are available from the Manner store at Stephansplatz 7.

They were invented by Mr Manner (of course) in 1898 in honour of Emperor Franz Josef’s golden jubilee.

5. Demel K. & K. Located in Kohlmarkt 14 in a former imperial court, this confectioner show kitchen hosts visitors who watch the patissiers weave their magic. It’s busy, but worth the push through to the back to see the action. The sales and serving staff have been exclusively female at Demel for 200 years.

6. Cafe Sacher The chefs at the five-star Hotel Sacher, Philharmonikerstrasse 4, have been baking Sashertorte, a chocolate cake with apricot jam and chocolate glaze, from a secret recipe since 1876. There have been court cases over who invented the recipe.

7. Brasserie and Bakery, The Guesthouse Located between the State Opera and Stephansplatz, right next to the world-famous Albertina museum, The Guesthouse Vienna serves all-day breakfast and a special coffee roast made by Naber Kaffee.

Designed by Sir Terrance Conran, it exudes a feeling of ‘home away from home’, with a quiet, relaxed elegance and plenty of life’s little luxuries.

SLICE OF HISTORY: Cafe Landtmann is one of Vienna’s most elegant cafes.

Marmorgugelhupf, marble bundt cake.

8. Cafe Landtmann Taking a prime corner position, Franz Landtmann opened Cafe Landtmann, one of Vienna’s most elegant cafes, in 1873 at the start of the coffee house tradition. Patrons at Landtmann have included Sigmund Freud, Marlene Dietrich, Romy Schnieider, Paul McCartney, Hillary Clinton ... and Kerry Heaney.

Kerry stayed in Vienna as a guest of The Guesthouse and Vienna Tourist Board.

PHOTO: KERRY HEANEY

The apple strudel is a must-try.

Coffee and cake is a Viennese tradition.

Win Marcia Hines Concert Tickets

Australian Talent Marcia Hines is touring! We have 1 double pass to give away for each of the following shows - Sawtell (November 12th), Ballina (December 8th) Sydney (New Years Eve).

To be in the running. simply email communitynotes@seniorsnewspaper.com.au, with the following information to form a valid entry: a. Name, email, postal address, Date of Birth, and the Seniors newspaper region they live in.

Contestants must then answer the following three questions to complete their entry. b. What is your favourite Marcia Hines song and why? c. What is your Favourite Australian musician of the last 50 years?; and d. How many times in the last month have you gone out to the movies or a show?

Good luck – and happy reading!

Visit seniorsnews.com.au/competitionterms for full competition terms and conditions. Promoter is ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd of 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore Qld 4558.

Promotional period 12/10/16-04/11/16. Competition drawn 4pm AEST 14/11/16 at 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore Qld 4558. Winners announced in Seniors Newspapers December 2016 and online November 16, 2016. Total prize value $440 (including GST). NSW/ LTPS/16/08137.

News + LifestyLe + HeaLtH + traveL + fiNaNce + eNtertaiNmeNt

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Visit www.seniorsnews.com.au for more information.

what’s on

Central Coast

Monday, October 24, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Festival challenge

Enjoy a magical experience

How many oysters can you eat in 30 seconds?

THE Brisbane Water Oyster Festival was established in 2000 by the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce to showcase the beautiful waterways of the Woy Woy Peninsula and our largest primary industry, the oyster farming industry.

The annual Oyster Festival is on the second Sunday of November each year at Ettalong Beach.

It is a superb day out for the whole family and lovers of fine food and wine. The day includes fine wine from the Hunter Valley and food from around the world, with more than 40 art and craft stall as well as exhibition stands.

The day starts with a full program of live, on-stage entertainment.

A MOUTHFUL: Oyster eaters – what a way to go.

Why not enter the How Many Oysters Can You Eat in 30 Seconds contest?

Organisers will run two sessions during the day.

The winners will receive a luxury harbour cruise for two, courtesy of Helloworld Woy Woy and Gosford.

The competition is hosted by 2GO. Register with Rachele O’Reilly on o423 480 389.

Each year, local oyster farmers produce 1.5 million oysters to grace

the palettes of seafood lovers and, despite still suffering the consequences of the April storms, this resilient industry is preparing for another busy summer.

Sydney rock oysters are on the menu, a recognised superfood packed with zinc and magnesium, and rich in Vitamins A, B1, B2, and C. Despite only taking a couple of seconds to eat, a Sydney rock oyster can take up to four years to

Seniors 19

grow to market size, and requires frequent handling.

Not only are these tasty shellfish incredibly healthy to eat, they are also good for the environment.

Each year, oysters grown in Brisbane Water filter the equivalent of 80,000 Olympic swimming pools of estuary water.

■ Sunday, November 13, 9.30am–4pm at Ettalong Foreshore, Ettalong Beach.

NESTLED in the heart of the Central Coast, just a one-hour drive from Sydney and 30 minutes to Newcastle, the Forest of Tranquility spans more than 100 acres of virgin bush and intact natural Australian rainforest.

With more than 5km of constructed walking tracks, pristine streams, diverse wildlife and are flora, it is the ideal place to spend the day in the most beautiful natural Australian rainforest.

The Forest of Tranquility offers a wide variety of creative mind and body workshops throughout the year, including yoga, music, art, sculpture, archery, photography, ukulele and aquaponics and conservation education.

We also have Tipi Accommodation for those who want to experience the “magic

Location: 390 Ourimbah Creek Rd, Ourimbah Hours: Open to public, 7 days, 10am to 4pm and school and public holidays. Open evenings in Firefly Season, 6pm to 9pm Nov - Dec and mid-week for private functions.

Details call 02 4362 1855.

Entry fees: Adult $20, Child $10, Concession / Students $10, Family $50 (2+2) of the forest” overnight and a high tea is served from 1pm-4pm on the last Sunday of every month coinciding with live music and sculpture exhibitions by local artists.

Entry tickets, group bookings can be made online or by calling our office during business hours.

How Sweet It Is for our Frankie and Michelle TWO of Australia’s best-known performers, husband and wife team, present a show about living and loving.

Full of music you will love and plenty of laughs from this accomplished pair.

Together Frank and Michelle present a unique and entertaining show which will delight you with its honesty and humour. They sing (and dance) some of the greatest songs about love, marriage, children and all the facets of being a couple.

This show played to two full houses at The Melbourne Concert Hall to launch their 2001

season of Morning Melodies and since that time has been performed all over Australia. Their show has special resonance with their own lives and there is sure to be much that you will relate to as well. This is a great opportunity to see two of our best-loved

Absurd Person Singular WOY WOY Little Theatre presents Alan Ayckbourns, Absurd Person Singular. This award winning comedy was written in 1972.

The show is set over three successive Christmas Eves, and by identifying theses times in the script as last Christmas, this Christmas and next Christmas, the playwright conjures the three spirits that visit

Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dicken’s: A Christmas Carol.

What he depicts, however, is not the implausible redemption of a miser, but the inexorable rise of a money-grubbing British middle class.

For more information call 02 4344 4737,.

The play runs from Friday, October 28, to Sunday, November 13.

Don’t miss it!

INTERESTED?

When: Wednesday,October 26, 2016 at 11am.

Where: The Art House Wyong, 19-21 Margaret St, Wyong.

Price: $18 to $20. performers up close and personal.

W e d n e s d ay a n d T h u r s d ay

CHOOSE YOUR OWN

STEAK NIGHT

SHOW: Absurd Person Singular Playwright: Alan Ayckbourn Director: Andrew Thomson Bookings: woywoylt.com.au Where: Woy Woy Little Theatre, Peninsula Theatre cnr Ocean Beach Rd and McMasters Rd, Woy Woy.

Steaks from $9.90 including a schooner of Tooheys Beer, Glass of House Wine, or Post Mix 02 8868 7777 Find us on Facebook

20 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 24, 2016

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Central Coast

Monday, October 24, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 21

what’s on

Lakes will come to life

CENTRAL Coast Council’s award-winning Wyong Lakes Festival returns in November, bigger and better.

Tuggerah Lakes takes centre stage when more than 30 events make a splash from November 12–20.

The nine-day program features a program of sporting, family, cultural, educational and live music events on and surrounding the Tuggerah Lakes catchment including: ■ Memorial Park, The Entrance.

■ Picnic Point, The Entrance.

■ McKenzie Reserve, Budgewoi.

■ Canton Beach foreshore.

■ Colongra Bay foreshore.

■ Long Jetty foreshore.

The council’s events

officer, Cobey Linsley, said this year’s program had expanded and will be focused around the six key event hubs.

“We have even more events planned for this year’s festival as well as some of the favourites from last year returning,” Ms Linsley said.

“The opening weekend

❝

We’ve had more interest this year from groups wanting to be a part of the festival and have even more free events locked in the calendar.

will be jam-packed and include a spectacular free evening concert featuring headliner Thirsty Merc and fireworks.

“The popular triathlon and stand up paddle board competitions will also be running on the opening weekend as well as a free brunch by the lake.

“The final weekend of the Wyong Lakes Festival will finish with a big splash and will see live bands, moonlight cinema, folk festival, water obstacle course and a street festival.

“We’ve had more interest this year from groups wanting to be a part of the festival and have even more free events locked in the calendar.”

Some of the additions to the 2016 Wyong Lakes Festival include Colour Ya

GET OUT THERE: Wyong Lakes Festival hits the shire from November 12 to 20.

World, Obstasplash, Lighthouse Folk Festival, Long Jetty Street Festival and Long Jetty Moonlight Cinema.

The council’s administrator, Ian Reynolds, says he is excited about the opportunities the festival will bring.

Mangrove Mountain Country Fair

THE fun-filled Mangrove Mountain & Districts Country Fair is on again.

Enjoy a great day of country fun. It’s a place to relax, pet baby farm animals, buy plants from our local nurseries, watch spinners and discover a wide range of local live music and entertainment, while eating sumptuous local food and beverages.

Our annual event showcases everything from pony rides to muscle cars, native and local farm animals and birds as well as steam-powered machines and great art and craft exhibits. There are billycart races, a chocolate wheel, games, local farm produce, cakes, jams and scones, as well as a few surprises thrown in.

Visit the website www.countryfair.

UP CLOSE: All the fun of the fair, there is lots to see and do.

mangrovemountain.net or Like us on Facebook at Mangrove Mountain & Districts Country Fair.

See you there.

The Mangrove Mountain Country Fair has been running every year since 1963 as a community fundraiser when locals needed to find funding for the bush

nurse – a very valuable source of comfort for mountain families.

Although the bush nurse has long gone, this extremely popular event has continued as a fundraiser for local community groups.

Volunteers play an essential role and we need lots of help setting

Visit the Springtime Exhibition CENTRAL Coast Watercolour Society Springtime Exhibition runs daily from 10am to 4pm with the official opening at 6pm on Friday, October 28. A selection of beautifully framed quality paintings and cards will be

available for purchase.

The featured artist is Anthony Liem who has donated his painting ‘Opera House Sydney’ to be raffled during the event. Anthony will be giving a talk on his approach to sketching and

painting while travelling on Saturday, November 5 at 10.30 am, followed by a complimentary morning tea. Try Your Hand at Free Watercolour sessions, they will be on Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30 from 1 to 4pm.

up the day before and packing up after the event.

Anyone wanting to help or get involved in any way is encouraged to contact us: by email mmcountryfair @hotmail. com or call publicity officer Shane on 0417 436 529.

DETAILS ❚ Where: The Entrance Community Centre, Cnr Norberta Street and Oaklands Avenue ❚ When: Friday 28 October - Wednesday 9 November 2016.

“No wonder our Wyong Lakes Festival is winning statewide awards, it’s a fantastic event that takes in one of the most iconic locations on the Coast – Tuggerah Lakes,” Mr Reynolds said.

“The festival is a great way for residents and visitors alike to take part

in a wide range of interesting events and explore our beautiful lakes at the same time. I can’t wait to see the Lakes come to life on and off the water.”

All events are free for spectators, with opportunities to be in some events.

LOVE FOOD, HATE WASTE THE community is invited to learn how to reduce food wastage.

Australians throw out up to 20% of the food they purchase, resulting in an annual food waste figure of $8 billion.

In an attempt to reduce this shocking statistic, Gosford Regional Community Services is hosting a free community information session, Love Food Hate Waste on Monday, November 7 from 11am to 12.30pm at Wyoming Community Centre.

Community members are invited to attend the workshop, which is an initiative of Central Coast Council’s Green Living Program and aims to raise awareness about the environmental, economic and social impacts of food waste and reduce the amount of good food being sent to landfill.

Executive officer of Gosford Regional Community Services, Kathy Sokk, says the workshop will provide families and young people with important hints and tips on reducing unnecessary food waste and saving money in the process.

“Simple factors such as the temperature of your fridge, planning meals and controlling portions can

prevent you from throwing out thousands of dollars’ worth of food each year,” Kathy said.

“Many would be shocked to find out how a little bit of commonsense and forward thinking can have such a positive impact on your savings account, weekly waste levels and even your waistline.

“And it’s not just individual households that can benefit from being food wise, it’s the environment.

Every time good food is sent to landfill, it is contributing to generation of methane gas and the pollution of our local groundwater and waterways.

“The damage being caused by food waste is so severe that, if we were to stop food waste in NSW alone, the environmental impact would be the equivalent of taking 117,000 cars off the road.

“This workshop is the perfect opportunity to find out how you can save time and money, eat well and benefit the environment by making simple changes to your everyday habits,” Kathy said.

Bookings are essential.

Details go to www.gosfordcommunity. org.au or call 4323 7483.

22 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 24, 2016

reviews

COMPETITION A chance to win a book bundle Tell us in 25 words or less what your favourite book is and why.

Email your entry to community.notes@seniors newspaper.com.au.

Salt Creek

The natural way of things TWO women awaken from a drugged sleep to find themselves imprisoned in an abandoned property in the middle of a desert.

She hears her own thick voice deep inside her ears when she says, “I need to know where I am”.

The man stands there, tall and narrow, hand still on the doorknob, surprised. He says, almost in sympathy, Oh, sweetie.

You need to know what you are”. .

Strangers to each other, they have no idea where they are or how they came to be there .

The girls all have

something in common, but what is it? What crime has brought them here? Who is the mysterious security company responsible?

Doing hard labour under a sweltering sun, the prisoners soon learn what links them: in each

girl’s past is a sexual scandal with a powerful man.

They pray for rescue – but when the food starts running out it’s clear the jailers have become the jailed.

The Natural Way of Things is a gripping, starkly imaginative exploration of contemporary misogyny and corporate control, and of what it means to hunt and be hunted.

Most of all, it is the story of two friends, their sisterly love and courage.

OUT NOW

❚ Allen and Unwin ❚ Charlotte Wood ❚ RRP $29.99

Intensely human tale of immigrants DURING a hot Melbourne summer, Jovan’s cleaning work at a bayside hospital is disrupted by acts of graffiti and violence becoming increasingly malevolent.

For Jovan the mysterious words that

must be cleaned away dislodge the poetry of the past.

He and his wife Suzana were forced to flee Sarajevo and the death of their children.

Intensely human, yet majestic in its moral vision, Black Rock White City is an essential

story of Australia’s suburbs now, of displacement and immediate threat, and the unexpected responses of two refugees as they try to reclaim their dreams.

It is a breathtaking roar of energy that explores the immigrant experience with ferocity, beauty and humour.

■ A.S. Patric ■ Transit Lounge ■ RRP $29.95

Urban tale JOE lives – despite himself. Driven by the need to atone for the neglect of a single tragic summer’s night, he works at nothing jobs and, in his spare time, trains his body and mind to conquer the hostile environment that took his love and smashed up his future.

So when a breathless girl turns up on the doorstep, why does he let her in? Isn’t he done with love and hope?

On the other side of the city, graphic designer Elise is watching her marriage bleed out. She retreats to the only place that holds any meaning for her – the tiger enclosure at the zoo where, for reasons she barely understands, she starts to sketch the beautiful killers.

Leap is a beautiful urban fairytale about human and animal nature, and the transformative power of grief. While at its heart is a searing absence, this haunting and addictive novel is propelled by an exhilarating life force, and the eternally hopeful promise of redemptive love.

■ Myfanwy Jones ■ Allen and Unwin ■ RRP $26.99

SOME things collapse slowly, and cannot always be rebuilt, and even if a thing can be remade it will never be as it was.

Salt Creek, 1855, lies at the far reaches of the remote, beautiful and inhospitable coastal region the Coorong, in the new province of South Australia.

The area, just opened to graziers willing to chance their luck, becomes home to Stanton Finch and his large family, including 15-year-old Hester.

Once wealthy political activists, the Finch family has fallen on hard times.

Cut adrift from polite society, Hester and her siblings make connections where they can: with the few travellers who pass along the nearby stock route.

Over the years an Aboriginal boy, Tully, at first a friend, becomes part of the family.

Stanton's attempts to tame the harsh landscape bring ruin to the Ngarrindjeri people's homes and livelihoods, and unleash a chain of events that will tear the family asunder.

■ Lucy Treloar ■ Picador Australia ■ $29.99

Hope Farm IT IS the winter of 1985.

Hope Farm sticks out of the ragged landscape like a decaying tooth, its weatherboard walls sagging into the undergrowth.

Silver’s mother, Ishtar, has fallen for charismatic Miller, and the three of them have moved to the rural hippie commune to start afresh.

At Hope, Silver finds an unexpected friendship and a place to call home.

But it is also here that, at just 13, Silver is thrust into an unrelenting adult world – and the walls begin to come tumbling down, with deadly consequences.

Hope Farm is the masterful second novel from award-winning author Peggy Frew. It is a devastatingly beautiful story about the broken bonds of childhood, and the enduring cost of holding back the truth.

Peggy is a member of the critically acclaimed and award-winning Melbourne band Art of Fighting.

■ Peggy Frew ■ Scribe Publications ■ RRP $29.99

Win a set of Miles Franklin finalist Books!

The Miles Franklin Literary Award is Australia’s most prestigious literature prize.

Here is your chance to win the books from this years finalists!

To be in the running, simply email communitynotes@seniorsnewspaper.com.au.

Make sure you tell us your name, contact number, email, postal address and Seniors Newspapers region, then answer this question in 25 words or less: “Which Miles Franklin finalist is your favourite and why?”

Good luck – and happy reading!

Visit seniorsnews.com.au/competitionterms for full competition terms and conditions. Promoter is ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd of 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore Qld 4558.

Promotional period 03/10/16-14/11/16. Competition drawn 9am 21/11/16 at 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore Qld 4558. Winners announced in Seniors Newspapers December 2016 and online November 23, 2016. Total prize value $71.85 (including GST). Permit NSW/ LTPS/16/07820

News + LifestyLe + HeaLtH + traveL + fiNaNce + eNtertaiNmeNt

6444367aa

Visit www.seniorsnews.com.au for more information.

puzzles

Monday, October 24, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

JIGGERED

10/10

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.

T E T O H G E

N K S E D E D

E L V Y

S

S R E E E A

A R R A E T A

U N O W L

A

A G A R C L A Y A

I S T S O

E U R E

A N O T T

D Z E O R G A R

C A J E A S C

S E D I A D U

C F E L F P I

W O O

O N I A I M E

A S S I N U S

I R R Y E D

S T S I E G L

E M B D T

L A Y L

O C S P E

E

K K E A A L L

T T A D I N

I

I

T D S

Central Coast

QUICK CROSSWORD

Across 6. Simpler (6) 7. Speaks (6) 10. Involving greater hazard (7) 11. Mushrooms (5) 12. Summit (4) 13. Imprisoned (5) 16. Power (5) 17. Courts (4) 20. Banish (5) 21. Boating event (7) 22. Mocks (6) 23. Sickly (6)

Down 1. Likely successor (4,8) 2. In the normal manner (2,5) 3. Lukewarm (5) 4. Repressed (7) 5. Tilts (5) 8. Be indecisive (6,6) 9. Ministers of religion (9) 14. Freedom (7) 15. Strongly dislikes (7) 18. Negative (5) 19. Representative (5)

TRIO

1

2

3

Seniors 23 4

6

5

7

8

9 10

11

12

13 14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

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

SUDOKU

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

E T H E S S I U S S E E A T S E L K S

SCRUB, TAGGED, UGLIEST, VOLATILE, WHISTLING.

Good 17 Very Good 22 Excellent 29+

H U N T

A L N G E A A L T T D I U N S E T A Y

S P E L T

C E N I C O L O G Y MM I N G E S O N S O R E C OM E T O N E D B A R A C Y S E R A O D O U R W I N E D N E S T S

QUIZ

V I N T A G E O V E R E A T A L A R M S

M P A L D E A I D U E R A N S R L I E N A D

7 LETTERS APOLOGY IGNORED LEMMING MAGENTA NOISOME OVEREAT REALISE VINTAGE

1. How many ships were in the First Fleet?

2. What is the name given to the official stamp on gold and other precious metals?

3. What is a spiracle – a bush of the rose family, a respiratory opening in an insect’s body, or a winding formation in DNA? 4. Pooh-Bah appears in which Gilbert and Sullivan operetta?

5. The name of which musical instrument literally means “wood voice”?

6. With who did Bill Clinton have a relationship that was ‘’not appropriate’’?

7. In what game are unplayed pieces gathered in a “boneyard”?

8. Which singer had a hit in 1971 with “Sweet Caroline”?

A L O H A

6 LETTERS ALARMS CYGNET SCENIC STEADY

QUIZ

H A R S H

5 LETTERS AEONS ALGAL ALOHA ANGLE AVIAN CHAMP CHEAT COMET CRUET DUSTY ERODE HALAL HARSH HONED IDEAS NESTS ODOUR OVERT RUNTS SONAR SPELT

TINEA WINED YARDS

C H E A T

4 LETTERS COME DUAL HUNT LENS NEAT PLEA RACY RIND SORE SOWN

THAI TUBA

WORDFIT

Solution opposite

3 LETTERS ART ASH COB DIE DIN EAT ELM ERA LEA MAD SON URN

1 11, 2 Hallmark, 3 A respiratory opening in an insect’s body, 4 The Mikado, 5 Xylophone, 6 Monica Lewinsky, 7 Dominoes, 8 Neil Diamond.

Fit the words into the grid to create a finished crossword

ALPHAGRAMS

WORDFIT

WORD GO ROUND

E D

R A

CURBS GADGET USE GILT A LIVE LOT SLIGHT WIN

O C T S P O E G A R R A A E T A N E T R D S E L I S A Y I L G Y A N E W O O D

378

A E

SUDOKU

O N I S E D A I A U I M E D E E M B L I D V Y T A D Z E E U O R R E G A R S I U N S T O W L S O A I R N R Y O T T E D

TODAY

N

JIGGERED A G R A C L A F C E L F I P T T A D I N C A J A E S C K K A E A L L

V I

WB

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.

TRIO: PTI

WORD GO ROUND

QUICK CROSSWORD

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.

Across: 6. Easier 7. Utters 10. Riskier 11. Fungi 12. Peak 13.

Caged 16. Might 17. Woos 20. Exile 21. Regatta 22. Taunts 23.

Unwell.

Down: 1. Heir apparent 2. As usual 3. Tepid 4. Stifled 5. Leans 8. Shilly shally 9. Preachers 14. Liberty 15. Loathes 18. Minus 19. Agent.

ALPHAGRAMS

anew arena avian bairn bane barn bean brain BRAINWAVE bran brawn brine bwana earn naira naive nave nawab near rain rani raven ravine rein riven vain vainer vane vein vine wain wane warn wean wine wren

D

24 Seniors Central Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 24, 2016

WIN A $69,990* CARAVAN Celebrate the modern-day retirement lifestyle. Palm Lake Resort has just released a set of fun stickers perfect for the back of your car, caravan or RV (or just about anywhere!) and to celebrate Seniors Newspapers is giving away a Majestic Caravans ‘Garoova’ valued at $69,990* inc GST. For your chance to win, simply take a creative and fun photo that features an official Palm Lake Resort sticker in it, log on to www.seniorsnews.com.au to fill in an entry form and submit your photo entry.

Stickers are available with your Palm Lake Resort ‘Spring 2016’ magazine, for collection at any of the Palm Lake Resort sales offices, will be available in selected Seniors Newspapers during the month of September 2016 or can be posted to you by emailing communitynotes@seniorsnewspaper.com.au before 18.11.16.

The competition closes 25.11.16, will be drawn on 28.11.16 and a winner will be announced on 30.11.16.

Keep your eye on the Palm Lake Resort Facebook page during the competition period for some of the latest entries. Good luck!

Visit www.seniorsnews.com.au/competitionterms for full competition terms and conditions. Promoter is ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd of 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore QLD 4558. Promotional period 15.08.16 – 25.11.16.

Competition drawn 28.11.16 at 30406/9 Lawson St, Southport QLD 4215. Winners announced in Seniors Newspapers: Brisbane and Sunshine Coast 05.12.16, Gold Coast and Toowoomba 12.12.16, Wide Bay and Northern NSW 19.12.16, Central Coast and Coffs & Clarence 19.12.16 and online at www.seniorsnews.com.au 30.11.16. Total prize value $70,397 inc GST. Open only to residents of QLD, VIC and NSW.