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MAY, 2019// SENIORS

News - Wrap up with love rug National Volunteers Week feature Community group guide Wanderlust Wellbeing Money Puzzles

Ideas for present and future living

Gail Forrer Seniors Group Editor WELCOME to our May edition. This month, we celebrate hairdresser Wendy Gunn and the passion for her work which has led to being recognised with a prestigious award. I thought her story, so full enthusiasm and positive attitude, was a great way to kick off the month. But Wendy has much in common with the numerous locals who are featured carrying out work that both honours themselves and others. In particular, this month’s National Volunteers Week feature (pages 14 & 15) highlights the amazing people who freely give their time to organisations such as St Vinnes, Lifeline, Meals On Wheels and Wespac’s Rescue Helicopter, without their effort, an essential part of Australian’s needs would not be fulfilled. It is also well documented that volunteers derive an extra element of pleasure from their work, which sees them gain high ratings on the happiness scale. In this edition our big read focuses on the subject of accommodation style. Seniors News reporter

Tracey Johnstone has investigated a range of new and upcoming living styles. It seeems designers and community leaders are paying close attention to cost, sustainability and associated issues of longevity to create homes that take into account a modern lifestyle and care for the planet. Our Wellbeing pages include practical stories on caring for our health – with great info on new cancer research and what it means for breast cancer patients along with tips for happy feet so that you can do lots of very beneficial walking. I believe that our community notes pages are also part of the wider wellbeing section, so thanks goes to groups who send us community news each month.

CONTACT US General Manager Geoff Crockett – 0413 988 333 geoff.crockett@news.com.au Editor Gail Forrer – 1800 880 265 gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Sue Germany – 0408 286 539 sue.germany@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Coffs Harbour and Clarence Seniors Newspaper”. The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in northern New South Wales and southeast Queensland. The Seniors newspaper stable includes Toowoomba, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern NSW, Coffs and Clarence and Central Coast publications. Published by News Corp Australia. Printed by News Corp Australia, Yandina. Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspapers are not necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endorsement by the owner/publisher.

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

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COTA Home Options information service IF you are contemplating a change of living, perhaps downsizing or relocating to a retirement village, the COTA NSW Home Options Information Service is here to assist you to weigh up their housing options. This service aims to help you decide which of the different types of home options will work for them in later life. They can assist in helping to locate resources available to make housing decisions by analysing requirements relative to the merits of

each housing option. This service can be of assistance in helping you understand whether you should move and what kind of home you can afford or how you can assess which home option will allow you to work, socialise, or access transport and services in a way that meets your needs. The service has people available for you to discuss what kind of housing options are available to you and the positive and negative features that might be

relevant to you as you age. Questions that might be asked include: ■ Why am I considering a housing change? ■ Can I improve my current home with assistance or modifications? ■ Am I moving to be closer to family and friends? ■ Will all the facilities I require for health and recreation be available? ■ How to finance it? Is now a good time to sell? Future implications?

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■ Have you discussed the decision with your family and trusted friends? Received legal and financial advice ■ If accessing equity, have you provided for future needs? ■ What about upgrades, moves, increased care? For more information about the COTA NSW Information Service, please phone (02 ) 9286 3860 or (regional NSW) 1800 449 102.

SENIORS \\MAY, 2019

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In stitches for love of it Yarn and a Yak the perfect way to mark Knitting in Public Day

MORE than 500 rugs leave the Coffs Harbour region every year to help the homeless and people in need around the state as part of the Wrap With Love program. The rugs are the work of the region’s keen knitters and those who crochet (both women and men), who produce an amazing number of squares each year. While a lot do it on their own, in Coffs, once a month, avid woollen artisans meet to knit and natter, crochet and chatter, or as they call it – Yarn and Yak. Yarn and Yak is held on the first Tuesday of every month in the Harry Bailey Memorial Library from 10am–noon with no need to book. It is a matter of just coming along with your needles and hooks and connecting with like-minded people. According to avid Yarn and Yak member Shirley Rose, this month is going

to be a bit different, as the library and the group will be celebrating World Wide Knit in Public Day. The official day is June 8, but as they don’t meet on Saturdays, their celebration will cast off (or on) on June 4 instead. Shirley said they would have a morning tea to celebrate all things knitting including the Wrap With Love program. “Through Wrap With Love we create 10-inch squares that are sewn together and sent to Sydney and used for the needy around Australia, including after cyclones and other incidents,” she explained. “The ABC was the drop-off point but when they stopped the library took over.” She said from there the idea for Yarn and Yak in the library was born. “Some knit, some crochet, one lady comes for an hour just to chat and see how we are all doing,” Shirley laughed. “There is usually at

RUGGED UP: Some of the Wrap With Love volunteers including Shirley Rose (far right covered in purple). least a dozen to 20 people and they come from all sorts of places. It’s just a good time to catch up and have a chat.” Shirley, who is 79 this year, said it was a fun activity to be part of and

in her case it was one of the more sedate things she does each month. “I still line dance and ride a motorbike and I’m a member of the Ulysses club,” she explained. She said she was

Insight into life of immigrants Tania Phillips

Anglicare Australia Awards. Anglicare’s Emma Apsden said the museum exhibition included a display of intricate textiles, film and stunning program photographs. “It offers an insight into the past, present and future lives of our 3Es to Freedom refugee and migrant women living on the Coffs Coast,” she said. While there are younger women involved

in the program, Emma said the bulk of the women in the program were in their 40s and their 50s. The exhibition is presented by Anglicare North Coast, the Australian Government’s Department of Social Services, Southern Cross University and Coffs Harbour Regional Museum and runs until June 29 at the Coffs Harbour Regional Museum.

of the hospital in Sydney to become a nurse. For more information about Yarn and Yak, contact 6648 4900 or email coffs.library@chcc .nsw.gov.au.

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which opened on May 17. The exhibition is based on the experiences of women involved in the Anglicare North Coast 3Es to Freedom program – a program aimed at empowering refugee and migrant women to successfully navigate their futures. The program was recognised Australiawide late last year after winning a high commendation in the

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MAY, 2019// SENIORS

Defying age with real style Tracey Johnstone

CHAMPAGNE corks popped in Paris when Australian hair colourist Wendy Gunn was recently announced winner of the 2019 L’Oreal Professionnel Style & Colour Trophy with her Rising Sun look. The pro-age industry leader has been on her feet since age 15. Now at 70 she is still putting in 60 hours a week at her Brisbane city business, Ink for Hair. “I am living my life passionately,” Ms Gunn said. “Also, I am passionate about what I do and I am good at it. I am not about to curl up. I am not about to buy my last car or my last TV.” The road to the trophy win was arduous. It started with a photograph of her work being sent to judges in Australia who then determined the top 20 in each state. Next it was “doing” the model’s hair, dress and make-up in real-time for the top three in the state. After that it was on to

Forget the number, it’s about doing what you love at any age the Australian titles in Melbourne, where Ms Gunn took out the national award in early 2018. She created her look using strategically placed apricot and peach colours which resulted in a rose gold tone in her model’s hair. In France, she had to do it all again in real-time and then be judged against 32 other countries. “What the competition made me do is realise that I don’t have to be limited by how old I am,” Ms Gunn said. Back on the floor of her business and with a full week of bookings ahead, she said she had one of her three daughters back by her side after 10 years out on her own. She also has two 20-something juniors who are in on her journey of exploring the latest trends and techniques. “If you want to be good at anything, you have got to be prepared to constantly learn,” she said.

Doing a makeover is one of Ms Gunn’s greatest challenges and joys. “Someone who is a bit older and set in a time warp – just changing how they look changes how they feel,” she said. “My philosophy is what you wear starts with your hair.” This very direct woman doesn’t look at the age, she looks at the person. Recently she turned around an old friend’s attitude to living with some life-changing advice. The friend said she had been looking at over-50s hairstyles for herself. “I told her I was the wrong hairdresser for her because that’s not how I look at my clients,” Ms Gunn said. “I look at body shape, face shape and lifestyle. I don’t look at the age of someone.” Ms Gunn’s age certainly doesn’t define her. It’s just a mindset. “My grandmother said you always have to have something to look forward to.”

NUMBER ONE: Winner of the international 2019 L’Oreal Professionnel Style & Colour Trophy Wendy Gunn and her hair model. Photo: Ben Vella

She looks after herself with weekly massages, facials and regular visits to the podiatrist, and switching off from her dynamic lifestyle by going to good restaurants and

spending quiet time learning oil painting. Ms Gunn suggested she should write an inspirational book titled Avoid Retirement and Stay Alive.

“It’s probably not what the seniors want to hear, but I’m about whatever I do in life,” she added. “I have got to love what I do and I will keep doing it while I love it.”

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Hero of his own true story Tania Phillips WHILE most writers struggle to find a publisher for their first novel, Bellingen-based author Colin Thompson had no such drama. The British-born illustrator, former potter, BBC documentary maker and writer Thompson, who will present the next author talk at Coffs Harbour Library on June 6, was actually asked to write his first book. “I didn’t start writing until I was in my late 40s,” he said. “I wrote my first book because I kept being pestered by a publisher. “I had no desire to be a writer whatsoever and now I am published all around the world and have six books about to come out in China.” Thompson had

approached the publisher with illustrations he’d been working on but instead of handing them over and having someone else write the words she encouraged him to do it himself. The rest, as they say in the classics, is history. He has now published 70 works and in 2004 he was awarded the Aurealis Award in the children’s long fiction category for his novel How to Live Forever. These days the 76-year-old British-born journeyman finds it more lucrative and quicker to illustrate jigsaw puzzles for the successful international company Ravensburger. He is, however, also still busy creating and illustrating new novels and picture books as well as working on a series of alphabet drawings for jigsaw puzzles and a

CREATIVE AND RESOURCEFUL: Author and illustrator Colin Thompson. series of three children’s novels, and he’s just finished a picture book to be released later in the year and is set to start work on another. He said he had actually slowed down recently after experiencing a “surprise heart attack”. “I went down to the hospital. I didn’t know I was having a heart attack until they took bloods,” he

said. The next thing he knew he was on his way down to Sydney and being prepped for a double bypass. It was his second round of bypass surgery. The first was a decade or so ago as a result of smoking 80 cigarettes a day between the ages of 16 and 36. This time around he’s unsure what caused it, but is hoping it’s all

behind him now. He is back home in his idyllic rural retreat at Bellingen with his wife and slowly but surely returning to work. “I love it here,” he said. “I moved to Australia in 1995 and Bellingen in 1999. “I can live anywhere with my work.” That wasn’t always the case. Before computers

were as commonplace and powerful as they are now, he had to send manuscripts in a wooden box to the UK. “That box went all around the world,” he laughed. To hear more of Colin’s fascinating story, book in for his talk at the library, phone 02 6648 4900 or go to eventbrite.com.au.

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MAY, 2019// SENIORS

Clay stories arrive in Coffs Tania Phillips GIRRINGUN artist Abe Muriata was one of the special guests when the new Clay Stories exhibition opened at Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery earlier this month. Abe, one of the many contemporary indigenous clay artists who are part of the exhibition, was joined by fellow Girringun artist Nephi Denham at the opening. The event was officially opened by Bruce Johnson-McLean, curator of indigenous Australian art at QAGOMA – the Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art, with other special guests Sabbia Gallery director Anna Grigson and Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre manager Valerie Keenan. Coffs Harbour, the only NSW regional venue chosen, is the second last of six galleries around Australia to take the exhibition during its two-year journey. The exhibition will be on

display at Coffs until late July before finishing up at the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery in October. The exhibition, which started life in the Sabbia Gallery in Sydney, features artworks from 24 indigenous artists working in some of the remotest parts of Australia and includes the work of both established and emerging artists. Artworks come from Ernabella Arts from the APY Lands in South Australia, Erub Arts on Darnley Island in the Torres Strait, Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre in Cardwell in the rainforests of Far North Queensland, Hermannsburg Potters from Hermannsburg in the Central Desert and Tiwi Design on Bathurst Island in the Arafura Sea, north of Darwin. Clay Stories is an independent curatorial project developed by Sabbia Gallery, its exhibition curator Anna Grigson, five indigenous art centres and the

Remote Communities Ceramic Network. “This exhibition is a unique opportunity for Coffs Harbour residents to see art from some of the remotest parts of Australia, which are rarely exhibited outside of capital city galleries,” said gallery curator Jo Besley. Abe Muriata is a Girramay man from the Cardwell Range area in Northern Queensland. He is a self-taught weaver of the lawyer cane jawun, exploring different techniques to create finely crafted bi-cornual baskets unique to the rainforest people. Abe taught himself the weaving technique from watching his grandmother make them when he was a child and by studying old examples in museums and galleries. As well as cane he uses other materials including ceramics and recycled and non-traditional materials. “My work is grounded in my culture, which comes from the rainforest area of

MASTER CRAFTSMAN: Artist Abe Muriata. Far North Queensland,” he said. “I take pride in creating finely crafted woven lawyer cane baskets, known as jawun. “These traditional bicornual baskets are the most perfect thing for me. When I am weaving the form, I am always working to maintain perfection. It is the weaving technique which allows me to

achieve perfection. The work is very fine and I am stubbornly dedicated, making an icon that you don’t see any more.” He said he takes similar care when working with clay. “The ceramic works I create maintain the jawun form but use a different medium – clay,” he said. “The material provides a strong link between the

ceramic forms and the traditional jawun because ceremonial jawun were often decorated with coloured ochres, as were other traditional objects such as shields and boomerangs.” Entry is free. Bookings can be made on the gallery website – go to coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au /gallery.

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Delight for all art lovers Artwork to be showcased at castle for Art in the Paddock

Tania Phillips

WHEN Grafton Regional Gallery director Jude McBean retired last year, most people might have expected her to put her feet up, but instead she will be in the thick of things at the upcoming Art in the Paddock. Although no longer the gallery director, Jude is still very much a member of the local arts community and still doing her best to promote artistic events around the area as a member of the board for the Gallery Foundation which runs the bi-annual Art in the Paddock event. The Gallery Foundation was established in 2005 as an independent not-for-profit organisation to support the growth, infrastructure and collection of the Grafton Regional Gallery. Since its inception, the foundation has raised more than $450,000 and has directly or indirectly

contributed more than $100,000 to the gallery’s infrastructure and collection. Jude said as one of the Gallery Foundation’s major fundraisers, the Art in the Paddock event on June 2 was always eagerly anticipated, with tickets selling out fast. This year it is particularly popular, returning to the famed Yulgilbar Castle – a location many Clarence Valley families have a connection to. This year, Art in the Paddock guests will be treated to a day of fine arts on display and also available to purchase, fine art demonstrations, sketching activities, and great food and music. It also includes an already sold-out high tea, barbecue, a home-made lemonade stall and a bar offering selected regional wines and beers. However what organisers need now are more artists and artisans. “We are still wanting

ARTISTIC OPPORTUNITY: The historic Yulgilbar Castle is the setting for Art in the Paddock. INSET: Jude McBean.

more artists. We’ve got 25 at the moment,” Jude said explaining that they usually get a rush of artists joining in at the last minute. She said Art in the Paddock was a chance to wander through the mature gardens that look over the Clarence River, enjoy a rolling program of live music and a display by more than 50 artists.

Sculptors, blacksmiths, potters, leather workers, glass makers and textile artists are just some of the artisans presenting their work. “This is the second time Art in the Paddock has been held at Yulgilbar Castle – a very rare opportunity,” she said. “Art in the Paddock is a very big gathering of artists, craftspeople and

art lovers of the Clarence Valley and our nearby regions. “This fundraiser is presented by the Gallery Foundation, a group of art-loving volunteers who work to ensure the lively future of the Grafton Regional Gallery.” She said as well as being a great way for artists and artisans from all over the Clarence

Valley to showcase their work, it was also a chance for art lovers to see what was out there to purchase and to see some of the artists at work, as well as sampling lots of different produce from around the region. Artists and attendees can book at Eventbrite by searching: Art in the Paddock.

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MAY, 2019// SENIORS

Housing is a hot topic Tracey Johnstone

OPTIONS: The former Benevolent Society general manager of ageing Barbara Squires was an early change-maker in housing for older Australians.

BARBARA Squires has seen important changes during the years she has been working to look for contemporary housing options for older Australians. In the past 10 years since this change-maker fought a hard battle to introduce into Australia the Apartments for Life (AFL) housing model, an evolution in thinking around housing options has been happening. While working as general manager for the Benevolent Society, Ms Squires threw herself into making the AFL model a reality. Driving her passion for the project was her deep insight into the issues of housing after nearly 40 years working with older Australians. “Affordable housing for the whole of Australia is in such a dreadful state, but particularly for older

people,” she said. “Older renters are an incredibly disadvantaged group. “It’s a cause that is dear to my heart.” The AFL model, based on the work of the Dutch Humanitas Foundation, which has 15 sites in Rotterdam, proposed making it possible for older people to remain in their self-contained accommodation, which was designed to accommodate changing needs, even when their health declined and they required increased health and home support. Underpinning the AFL approach was encouraging older people to remain in control of their lives, be in proximity to critical services and be able to continue to participate in their community. A site in Sydney’s Bondi was identified for the mixed social and private housing, but then urban planning issues ultimately

made the project economically infeasible. “Things have changed, mercifully, and moved on,” Ms Squires said. “One of the best outcomes of the project was that it actually got people in the aged care and retirement housing sector thinking. “It challenged them a lot.” Up until then it was considered the norm that when an older person needed more care they were moved into low care and then high care. “It’s much more an accepted concept now that you shouldn’t have to move; it shouldn’t be an automatic assumption that you have to move when you become frailer,” she said. Ms Squires has just turned 70 and is “officially retired”, but that doesn’t mean she has stopped contributing, using her lived experiences to lend a hand in the evolution of housing choices.

SENIORS \\MAY, 2019

NEWS

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Brand new ideas to shape Tracey Johnstone THE world of ageing is evolving in many different ways compared to the experience of previous generations, particularly with living choices. For so long we had the choice of either ageing at home or selling up and moving into a retirement village. But that is changing, driven by the baby boomers who have an appetite for living choices that are contemporary and apply across the generations. Sustainability, affordability, fighting homelessness, social connection, shared economy, ageing in place, control of the living space and communal are the buzzwords of the new housing options. Some of these options are deliberative, small-scale, collaborative and co-operative models, and build-to-rent. And these are only the current models, several of which are already in place in northern Europe and in the US. Expect more choices as social innovators, financial institutions, public organisations and government agencies all come together over changes to financing and legislation to allow these evolving models to become part of the mainstream offerings. Another barrier is getting older Australians to accept this evolution to co-housing living choices. University of Technology Sydney’s Research Director and former architect Caitlin McGee said that when seniors heard the term co-housing, they tended to think of it as the “extreme end of spectrum”. “It’s not a commune,” she explained. Co-housing

INNOVATIVE DESIGN: The recently completed intergenerational co-housing Nightingale Housing project # 1, which is located in Brunswick, Melbourne. Photo: Peter Clarke has been a fringe movement in Australia up to now, but the examples are getting more mainstream.” Collaborative housing Ms McGee said collaborative housing could be alternative communities and it could be mainstream. It could incorporate several generations or be seniors only, and could be owner-occupied, rental or a combination. “Typically, you have a slightly more compact home in lieu of the greater shared facilities,” she said. “There is a whole spectrum of these developments that essentially have two principles – they integrate more sharing and they are about resident participation rather than speculative housing

where a developer builds and then sells.” Affordability in construction and in the cost of living are key drivers in these models. Sharing of garden tools, social areas, the laundry, grandkids’ play equipment through to car sharing and achieving water and energy efficiencies, and even a shared visitor overnight accommodation rather than having a guest bedroom within the home, can all be options. “It means apartments are delivered at a lower cost, typically between 15 or 30 per cent less than equivalent properties in that area,” Ms McGee said. Building close to shops and a transport hub are also an important part of these models. It’s also about

residents having control over the residential design and ultimately its management, and about having a sense of community and integrating with the wider neighbourhood. The following models are underpinned by the fundamental principles of co-housing and layered with a range of unique characteristics. Nightingale Housing Nightingale #1 is the only known completed co-housing build so far in Australia. It’s an intergenerational, resident-run, owner-occupied, 20-unit block in Brunswick, Melbourne. “The model is founded on three basic principles – environmental, social and financial sustainability,” Nightingale Community

Engagement Leader Dominica Watt said. Savings are achieved from the use of clean-energy services and low-cost utility and building costs which help with long-term affordability. The units are sold at a cost which includes a capped 15 per cent return to the initial project investors. “Construction savings are shared with homeowners, who meet each other and the designers, well prior to the building being built and after they have been successful in the ballot.” Following the deliberative design approach, owners are intimately involved in the common area design process. “It gives residents the

chance to work together and we know that is a really important key in creating community,” Ms Watt said. “By the time they move in, everyone knows each other and it feels like a safe, connected environment.” Nightingale #1 includes value-aligned commercial tenants on the bottom floor while the top floor has a shared garden and laundry facilities. There are resale rules and the prices are tethered to the local market. Deliberative design AGEncy is a resident-led model where a group of Sydney friends and acquaintances, aged from 54 to 71, are working together to address their future living needs. Co-founder Keryn Curtis, 54, said it would be like living in a normal owner-occupied apartment building. “But also having a relationship with the people living in the building and shared amenities,” Ms Curtis said. The group plans to be the developer of an inner-city site. Eight people have agreed to be the project funders, which they hope will deliver 12-14 apartments. “Everyone is part of the co-housing group,” Ms Curtis said. “It’s an intentional community; you have to take part. “From the ground up, you decide what you do and don’t want to share.” The end result is a development based on the individuals’ needs and affordability, not on what a developer decides is the market need. Village approach IRT plans to have in place within about two years a new retirement village at Kanahooka, NSW. It will include in one

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present and future living move away to find somewhere cheaper to live,” Ms McKenzie said. “The community were strongly in favour of co-housing as long as the model provides a combination of private and shared space. “It’s not a commune. It’s more a collective of people who share a vision of how to live together.” The CHASM team is encouraging its community members to understand they can create a secondary dwelling. “If we can get people in the town to agree to and can afford to do that, and then rent it out, then you are providing affordable rental housing for these people who are in housing crisis,” Ms McKenzie added.

‘‘

It’s more a collective of people who share a vision of how to live together. Co-operative community The residents of this affordable housing model, who are often long-term tenants, have control of the decision-making on the management of their environment. In Cabramatta, Common Equity NSW is developing affordable, ageing in place housing specifically for older Vietnamese and their extended families. The model will also create opportunities to maximise savings in transport, energy and food costs through various sharing and pooling processes. Another of its projects

ALTERNATIVE LIVING: CHASM’s Marg McKenzie and Julia Peddie, with Zonta’s Margie Richter (centre) receive a donation from Zonta towards its Age Friendly Project. Photo: CHASM is Newcastle Cohousing (NewCoh). It’s focused on achieving a self-managed, intergenerational housing group which combines private living and community sharing. It’s in its early design stage, but the plan is to allow for both rental and owner-occupied apartments and town houses. Both projects are aimed at small self-contained residences, but with several communal areas set up to encourage sharing and social interaction. Build-to-rent The Property Council of Australia CEO Ken Morrison said build-to-rent developments would be owned by institutional

This is the house style the CHASM group is looking to purchase for its small-scale co-housing pilot project. investors looking for income, such as super funds, and focused on tenancies of much longer than 12 months. These complexes will provide affordable intergenerational housing in an area that is well

serviced, and where not all amenities are built into the apartment. “There is a much bigger focus on common facilities,” Mr Morrison said. “It’s more than just a place to live; they feel part

of the community. The economics of this makes it possible because of the single ownership and the motivation of the owner-manager to keep the tenants happy which makes them highly motivated to continue with their leases.” Sydney’s Mirvac and Melbourne’s Salter and Grocon groups are all interested in the concept. On the Gold Coast, the 2500 Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village units are being transformed into this model. When? Anyone interested in these housing options should “watch this space” and start doing their research now. It’s a rapidly changing space. 6931193ae

area of the village nine one-bedroom, self-contained, owner-occupied units of about 50sq m each. “We were looking at other options for downsizers with the idea of giving them a slightly different mix of private and public spaces,” IRT Head of Strategy & Innovation Rob Bruce said. “The residents can set their own agenda within that space and collaborate on whatever they like to whether it’s art projects to car spaces, cooking together in an oversized kitchen, watching movies together, all of which will help solve some of the problems of social isolation and loneliness.” Small-scale co-housing This model is based on renovation or rebuilding of an existing home or block of units to achieve an increased number of residents on the site, Ms McGee explained. “They could informally look after each other which might reduce the need for formal care,” she said. “If care is required, at least they will be co-located and it might be cheaper or easier.” CHASM in Maleny in Queensland is developing a version of small-scale co-housing to give its older residents the choice to remain living within their existing community. “Ageing in place is a crucial thing,” CHASM co-founder Marg McKenzie, 65, said. Whether they do retrofit or new build, each of CHASM’s designs considers ageing needs. Growing property prices and Airbnb has made several of Maleny’s former rental properties unavailable. “People were finding they were being priced out of town and having to

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MAY, 2019// SENIORS

Power play at dinner Tania Phillips

A DINNER dance with a difference comes to Port Macquarie’s Glasshouse this month when the Expressions Dance Company brings The Dinner Party to town on June 7. An elegant dinner party, hosted by an influential young man and his more manipulative wife, is thrown into turmoil when power meets greed, ambition and jealousy. The show aims to expose society’s insatiable desire for control and status and the power play between the guests intensifies as the accusations start to fly according to Expressions Dance Company’s new artistic director Amy Hollingsworth.

Originally titled The Host, it debuted to great reviews by the Brisbane-based dance company in 2015. Ms Hollingsworth has now brought it back, with a new cast and new character developments. “The Dinner Party centres around the desire for power, its impact on relationships, and how the motivator of status can corrupt completely,” she said. “What has always struck me about this work is its subtlety, and that even the smallest of interactions at the dinner table can disrupt the dynamic, shifting both the balance and perception of power so suddenly and completely. “I find the medium of dance is profound when weaving these subtle

DRAMATIC DANCE: A scene from The Dinner Party.

threads, capturing the most nuanced and weighty moments of body language.” Choreographed by EDC’s former artistic director Natalie Weir, who has reworked the piece and reshaped the roles, The Dinner Party is starting a tour of Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory. Port is among its first

regional stops after a successful Brisbane season. Ms Hollingsworth was the production’s rehearsal director in 2015 and said many of the relationships between the characters take on a more layered meaning now. “With current awareness of the conversations concerning gender and equality, various character

Photo: Megan Cullen

dynamics seem more exposed and some of the relationships take on a different tone when seen through the current lens,” she said. The Glasshouse has added this inventive and interesting dance performance to its “Taster package” – a selection of unique shows introducing audiences to something a little different. As well as The Dinner

Party, the package includes Lady Beatle on August 21, and Bell Shakespeares Much Ado About Nothing on September 30 and October 1, for the adult price of $153.80 and member price of $132.80. For more information or to book for The Dinner Party, go to glasshouse.org. au/Whats-On/TheDinner-Party-June-2019.

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DYNAMIC Mid North Coast trio, Ruby Blunt is set to open the second annual Port Macquarie Howling Moon Blues Festival on Saturday, June 8, at the Black Duck Brewery. The winter festival aims to showcase some of the best home-grown live blues music on the North Coast in a relaxed atmosphere. Ruby Blunt lead singer Raye Alford said it would be the second year in a row they would be opening the event. Over the past three years, Ruby Blunt has fast become regulars on the Mid North Coast music scene. Featuring a trio of talented women, Ruby Blunt, with their old-time

Ruby Blunt is set to open the second annual Port Macquarie Howling Moon Blues Festival. blues feel and style is made up of Raye Alford, Sarah Gale and Ann Woodland, a well-known member of local outfit Goody 2 Shoes and Ecko Beach. The band’s repertoire is as broad as the audiences they entertain and always contains a humorous twist of lyrics

to some old-time favourites. The Howling Moon Blues Festival is on Saturday, June 8, at the Black Duck Brewery, 6B Acacia Ave, Port Macquarie. Tickets: from OzTix or Dark Alley Collectables, Port Macquarie.

International students come to Coffs Harbour COFFS Harbour is set to welcome more than 100 Chinese students to the city throughout July. The international students, aged between 9 and 16, will be studying at Southern Cross University (SCU). Coffs area residents have the opportunity to get involved and become ‘Aussie ambassadors’ by signing up as homestay hosts.

Cris Rey, the general manager for the Australian Homestay Network (AHN) in New South Wales, said locals could turn their spare bedrooms into an asset with the added bonus of meeting people from all over the world. “As a homestay host you’ll share your daily life with your guest, teach them about Aussie culture

and get paid for the experience,” Ms Rey said. Homestay dates: (Group 1) July 13–21, (Group 2) July 19–27, (Group 3)July 22–30. For more information, go to the Australian Homestay Network at homestaynetwork.org/ hosting or phone the team on (02) 9264 0470.

SENIORS \\MAY, 2019

NEWS

Mr Bluesfest Peter Noble Tania Phillips OVER the past 30 years, Byron Bay’s Bluesfest has become more than a music event, it has become a cultural experience and integral part of both the Australian music calendar and North Coast music culture. And the man who has been at the helm for a big part of those 30 years, Peter Noble, who splits his time working and living between Byron and Bali, is still as passionate as ever about the festival and about music. “Life truly is an amazing adventure which I take on with wild enthusiasm on a daily basis,” the Grammy winner and festival director said. “I have a great team around me which means basically my workload isn’t what it once was and I don’t want it to be. “I want to enjoy this festival too.” That doesn’t mean he isn’t working hard. While Noble said he hasn’t been in the office for the past month, he has been in the US scouting out talent for the 2020 festival. But that is what it takes to create Australia’s most awarded festival – an event that has taken out both music and tourism awards in large numbers and brought some of the biggest names in music to the country and brings large numbers of tourists each year to Byron and a large number of music fans to its side concerts in Melbourne and Sydney. The event started 30

years ago at the old Arts Factory (known colloquially as the Piggery) at Byron Bay as the East Coast Blues and Roots Festival. Back then, Noble’s main interest was as a promoter, bringing bands to town. It wasn’t until 1994 that he officially became a director of the event. “This is only my 26th festival,” he joked, though that is more than enough festivals to have Noble awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to live and recorded music, tourism and the community. And he remains passionate about the event that has moved (ensconced at a farm 11km north of Byron since 2010), changed and grown over the years. Growing up in Sydney, Noble was drawn to the music industry at an early age, playing in rock, soul and blues bands during the ’60s and ’70s. His bass playing and business sense helped secure jobs with a number of artists including Clapham Junction, and as band leader for Marcia Hines, before moving to the US to work as a professional musician. Eventually, after touring nationally and internationally, he settled in the US and set up Portland, Oregon’s first International Jazz Festival as well as being house booker for legendary venue The Earth. Returning to Australia in the early ’80s, he became a pioneer, touring blues groups in Australia,

Come & have a look....

THE BOSS: Bluesfest director Peter Noble. including bringing them to Byron which started his love affair with the town and later the event that he now mentors. As well as changing locations, the festival has expanded and grown. Noble collaborated with leading cultural creative

Rhoda Roberts in 2013 to produce the Boomerang Festival, a world indigenous festival held at Bluefest’s Tyagarah home. Boomerang returned to Bluesfest this year and hosted its own space featuring dance, language, story, talks,

Photo: Tao Jones

carving, weaving and traditional healing programs. The festival has also become more environmentally aware over the years, according to Noble. “Back stage at Blues this year for the first time

there will be no single-use plastic bottles,” he said. It was a move made after a discussion with long-time Blues fest supporter and performer Jack Jones. And that’s the other thing that Bluesfest has become over the years – a family, with many performers including Kasey Chambers coming back every year even if they aren’t performing. This year honoured those people and many of the pioneers of blues and roots music in this country, including Russell Morris, Richard Clapton and Joe Camilleri. Noble said there had been a lot of talk about why they hadn’t gone for a really big headliner this year. “We could have spent a lot of money on Fleetwood Mac – on one or two headliners,” he said. “Instead we are putting on great acts across all the timeslots across all the days.” Bluesfest will present more than 200 performances across numerous stages over five 12-hour days, as well as camping for up to 6000 people, five licensed bars, more than 100 food and market stalls, undercover food courts, beer gardens, and children’s entertainment. From a modest crowd of 6000 people in 1990, it now attracts 100,000 each Easter. This year’s line-up included big names Iggy Pop, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Paul Kelly, Hozier, Norah Jones and Tommy Emmanuel.

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FEATURE

MAY, 2019// SENIORS

NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS WEEK MAY 20-26

Volunteers make a different world NATIONAL Volunteer Week is the annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of our nation’s many volunteers. In celebration,

Volunteering Australia is pleased to announce the theme for National Volunteer Week 2019: ‘Making a world of difference.’ Volunteering Australia

stresses the importance of safe and effective volunteering, and the need for volunteer programs to be supported by data, best-practice resources and research.

Supporting the ageing community

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: To provide a sufficient amount of support, Lifeline North Coast is putting out the call for more volunteers. Photo: Photodjo

Independence is something we all value, and volunteers can offer assistance with daily activities. and making a difference in somebody else’s day, makes their day. Independence is something we all value and to have that taken away through not being able to go to the shops for groceries or to cook regular meals should not

Would you like to volunteer with us?

be an obstacle to autonomy. If you live in or near Grafton and would like to make a difference in people’s lives, then give Grafton District Meals On Wheels a call, phone (02) 6642 3879. Lifeline Australia RTO 88036

Next evening course begins in August To register please phone 02 6651 4093

An opportunity to give back LIFELINE North Coast is looking for local volunteers to be trained for its crisis support line at the Coffs Harbour call centre. By volunteering for Lifeline, not only will people be making a real difference to the lives of other Australia who use Lifeline services, but they will also be enriching their own life. It takes a lot of dedicated people to provide Lifeline’s telephone crisis support services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, across Australia. Lifeline relies on 3000 plus volunteers nationwide to support the crisis support line, which is 13 11 14. Specifically, the call centre in Coffs Harbour takes up to 15,000 calls

from people located anywhere across the country each year. To provide a sufficient amount of support, Lifeline North Coast’s is putting out the call for more volunteers. People will undertake a 10-week part-time program which trains them to be crisis supporters. It is tremendously rewarding, and volunteers do not need any experience, all they need is to simply care and have a willingness to learn. What’s in it for volunteers? An opportunity to give back to the community and a sense of achievement and pride that comes with being part of a leading national crisis support

organisation. Upon completing the course, students will receive a nationally accredited qualification. There is the chance to meet new people and make new friends, gain new knowledge and learn skills that will assist you in other roles in everyday life. Plus knowing that by volunteering, you really are making a difference At certain times during the year there is an opportunity for a new intake of student volunteers, and the next information session is on August 8. Potential volunteers can phone our office on (02) 6651 4093 to register and find out more before this date.

Meals on Wheels Grafton supplying meals to M the aged and disadvantaged. Please call us if you can help in our kitchen or delivery areas. Volunteering with us is very rewarding

GRAFTON Westward Park Bacon Street, Grafton | ✆ Call 6642 3879

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GRAFTON District Meals On Wheels Service Inc happily open their doors to volunteers. More than just a meal, Meals on Wheels has had a place in the hearts and homes of Australians for more than 50 years. Helping the frail, older people and younger people with disabilities and their carers stay in their homes where most are happiest is at the heart of the matter. Every day a friendly smile, a chat about the weather, a nutritious meal and knowing someone will drop by to say hello, changes the lives of many Australians – and it’s not just the clients who value this contact. Ask any of the 35,000 NSW volunteers and they will tell you reaching out

SENIORS \\MAY, 2019

FEATURE

NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS WEEK MAY 20-26

Helpers create a caring world

WE ALL know volunteering helps those assisted by community organisations. Less well known are the personal benefits to volunteers themselves. Research by the peak body Volunteering Australia shows that volunteers are happier and healthier than those who do not volunteer – they even report sleeping better. But self-help isn’t the main motivator for the 1000-plus Vinnies shop volunteers whose efforts help improve the lives of countless people in need through the sale of donated clothing and household items. “National Volunteer Week is the ideal time to recognise their priceless contributions,” Andrew said. “This year’s Volunteer Week theme of ‘making a world of difference’ is very appropriate. “Every volunteer hour

The Red Shirts

LENDING A HAND: Vinnies Murwillumbah shop volunteers Beryl Heanes and Pauline Dow with shoppers Naomi Lee and daughter Mahli Burdett. makes a world of difference in the lives of people struggling to pay rent, put food on the family table, cope with rising electricity bills and provide the best they can for their children.” He said the most common feedback he hears from volunteers is

that it is fun. “So many volunteers tell me that their time at Vinnies is their favourite part of the week.” To find out about volunteering at Vinnies, just visit your local shop or phone Andrew Green on 0428 977 454.

THANKS VINNIES VOLUNTEERS!

THERE are around 500 people who wear a red volunteer shirt in support of the Lismore-based Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, and they wear it with pride. The Lismore Service has an annual challenge to raise $3.5 million and this would not be possible without the support of the dedicated and generous Rescue Helicopter Volunteers who help to run seven op shops, raffles, two volunteer support groups, help at major events, collect donation tins, assist with administration, cook at charity barbecues and much more. Our volunteers proudly keep the Rescue Helicopter flying 24/7 for our community and we are so thankful for the special women and men who enjoy the camaraderie and social benefits of volunteering for their service. This week is National

PROUD TO WEAR RED: Three of the 500 people who wear a red volunteer shirt in support of the Lismorebased Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter. Volunteers Week and we will be highlighting our unbelievably generous volunteers. Since our early beginnings, volunteers have been integral to our operations, and in 2019 they remain an important part of who we are and what we do. Volunteers stand alongside our partners in NSW Ambulance and NSW Health, our supporters in the corporate sector and the community, to help us provide the best possible aeromedical search and rescue service for the people of Northern NSW. While our engineers, pilots, aircrew officers, NSW Ambulance

paramedics and NSW health doctors deliver people to emergency and provide medical care, the work of our volunteers makes it all possible. This week is about celebrating the important work of volunteers throughout Australia, so please if you see a volunteer in your community, say thank you. On behalf of our staff, board and regional advisory committee, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our volunteers, past and present. — Richard Jones OAM, Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter CEO

We need your support

A huge THANK YOU to all of the wonderful Vinnies volunteers. Your dedication, commitment and pride in your work is amazing. Because of your service, thousands of disadvantaged and vulnerable people and families are assisted in your communities every year.

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MAY, 2019// SENIORS

Community notes

Community group guide WE welcome your neighbourhood news. If you would like to submit a photo ensure it is at least 180dpi or 500kb to 1mb in size and of faces, in a nice bright setting. Email editor@seniors newspaper.com.au.

FELLOWSHIP OF FIRST FLEETERS

THE next meeting of the North Coast Chapter of the Fellowship of First Fleeters will be held at the Coramba Hall in Dorrigo Street on Sunday, June 2, followed by an informal BYO lunch. We are a very social organisation and have several social outings during each year including an Eastern Dorrigo Trip on May 23 and a visit to Shannon Creek Dam for Christmas in July on July 25. Our AGM will be held on August 4 at Woolgoolga. We welcome any interested persons and any further information can be obtained from Robyn Condliffe on (02) 6653 3615.

PROBUS CLUBS

WE HAVE continued to have a busy year and our soup and games day is planned for mid-May, then a bus trip to Stuarts Point and Scotts Head in late May. This will be followed by a pie and pea day in mid June and a mystery bus trip late June. New members always welcome. All inquiries with publicity officer Sandra on (02) 6642 7720.

BOTANIC GARDENS DAY

COFFS Harbour has a fantastic and fascinating Botanic Garden and on May 26 it will be celebrating Botanic Gardens Day with a packed programme of events and workshops. Everyone is welcome. There will be a Plant Fair from 9am-2pm with exotics to natives, orchids to bromeliads and more on sale. You can also talk to the specialist growers and learn how to get the best out of your garden. Plus there will be a variety of children’s activities including: Colouring and craft – 9am-2pm; Seed ball making from 10-11am. Come and get your hands dirty and learn how to make seed balls for the storage and distribution of native and exotic seeds; Creatures of the forest floor 11.30am-12.30pm.

SPECIAL GUEST: Grafton VIEW Club welcomed April speaker Betty Calloway, pictured with lucky raffle winner Sandra Simpson. Explore the often-forgotten fauna that inhabit the forest floor. There are thousands of creatures working at keeping the natural and garden areas healthy and vibrant. Come and have a look at what is hiding under your feet. For those who want to learn, as well as enjoy the day, the Garden is also hosting a number of workshops with local experts. If you don’t want to bring your own lunch, then come to the cafe for a coffee and light refreshments, or enjoy the barbecue which will be running from 10am-2pm.

VIEW CLUBS

Grafton HAVE you ever wondered about what you could do to help disadvantaged children? VIEW Club has an easy answer to this! All you have to do is accept VIEW Club’s invitation to enjoy sharing a meal once a month with women of all ages and listen to a guest speaker. VIEW also holds coffee mornings and occasions where friendships can be cultivated and maintained

for a lifetime. The guest speaker for April was Betty Calloway, who spoke with an interesting PowerPoint presentation of her life as ‘My very small footprint’. She told a story of her personal challenge, commencing with the background of her parents as immigrants. She described her life growing up at school and how she was placed in an Opportunity Class in years four and five. Later Betty married and had three children. Sadly, her husband died leaving her with a very young family. It was a struggle and to make ends meet, she took in ironing and other jobs. Betty always dreamt of becoming a teacher and eventually was accepted to do the Leaving Certificate at a school, which fitted in with looking after a family. She passed with flying colours and was accepted to Alexander Mackie Teachers’ College. She was the first widow to be accepted to Teachers’ College with dependent children. Betty proudly graduated

to teach for many years, working her way to assistant principal. Indeed a brilliant and enlightening story. At the April meeting, the raffle was won by Sandra Simpson and the lucky door prize went to Lyn Irving. The Thought Book was taken by Sandra Simpson. During the month, members attended and enjoyed the Red Cross morning tea and the Grafton CWA fashion parade. At the May meeting votes will be taken for ‘The Voice of VIEW National Resolutions’ in preparation for the National Convention. Some interesting votes to be presented. The guest speaker for the May meeting will be Simon Trivett. Simon is a solicitor at Pollack, Greening & Hampshire. He will be using a PowerPoint presentation and is open to any questions you may have been thinking about. The next VIEW meeting will be Tuesday, May 28 from 10.30am at Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street. Please save this date,

so that you don’t miss out on fun and friendship at our club. Phone Vorna for catering purposes on (02) 6642 4719.

COUNCIL’S BIGGEST MORNING TEA

COFFS locals are invited to come together for a Biggest Morning Tea at Coffs Harbour City Council on Thursday, May 23 to raise awareness and be part of the fight against cancer. Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is one of the Cancer Council’s leading fundraising events and the largest, most successful event of its kind in Australia. Each year more than 11,000 Australians gather their friends, family or workmates, share a cuppa and tasty treats, and give support to those affected by cancer by raising funds for cancer research, prevention, advocacy and support services. Council’s Biggest Morning Tea will be held in the Foyer of the Customer Service Centre on the corner of Coff and Castle Streets on May 23 from 10am.

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Coffs City WE ADVISE that our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 22 at the Cavanbah Centre Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour at 9.45am for a 10am start. The guest speaker will be a representative from Bupa who will speak on changes to the health system. Morning tea will follow the guest speaker. This club is a friendly mixed gender club and visitors and new members are always welcome. For further information, phone Brian on (02) 5619 2484.

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SENIORS \\MAY, 2019

DAVID HELFGOTT

LEGENDARY Australian pianist, David Helfgott, returns to the Glasshouse on June 8 with a program featuring Mussorgsky’s Russian masterpiece, Pictures At An Exhibition – a musical stroll through an imagined art gallery of great Russian paintings and including the famous Great Gate Of Kiev. He’ll also give his worldrenowned performances of pieces by Chopin, Liszt and Rachmaninov, music so iconically linked with David throughout his whole career. Glasshouse is on the corner of Clarence and Hay Sts, Port Macquarie. Phone (02) 6581 8888 or email info@glasshouse.org.au.

STILL TIME

STILL is a biennial, acquisitive award for artworks in the genre of still life, in all mediums. The award is open to artists at all stages of their careers. Call for entries for the 2019 award opened on Monday, February 11 and will close on Monday, June 10. First prize: $30,000. Still: National Still Life Award seeks to highlight the diversity and vitality of still life in Australian contemporary art practice, broadening the interpretation and meaning of this enduring

17 genre. Go to coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au.

CARS AND KOALAS

KNOWING the North Coast’s love for both koalas and cars, Port Macquarie’s Hello Koalas Festival organisers are inviting owners and car club members to start planning to join them for the Cars for Koalas Show and Shine on Saturday, June 8 at Westport Park. It is all part of a week-long festival of events taking in the June long weekend. So go along and enjoy discovering the attractions of Port Macquarie and the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail and show off your pride and joy at the same time as raising awareness of koala safety, and funds for the Koala Hospital. Phone Denis Mamo on 0419 991 627 or email denis@hellokoalas.com; for symposium details, phone Margret Meagher on 0416 641 482 or go to hellokoalas.com.

IPADS AND BISCUITS: VIDEO-CALLS

JOIN up with other iPad users to discover how to make free video calls on Facebook, Skype or Messenger. Bring along your own device or borrow one on the day and work through all things iPad

apps. To be held at the Harry Bailey Memorial Library, Coffs Harbour from 10am-noon, May 28. Phone (02) 6648 4900.

What's on

DIAMONDS AFTER DARK

ESCAPE to the magical and mysterious world of Diamonds After Dark. This high impact show promises electrifying performances, bringing to life the music of Queen, Cher, Lady Gaga and much much more. An explosion of talent including dancing, incredible vocals and a dynamic cast who have graced stages around the globe. Coffs Harbour Jetty Theatre from 7.30-9.15pm on June 20. Phone (02) 6648 4930.

FUNDRAISER FASHION PARADE

OVER the many years the Maclean Lower Clarence Hospital Auxiliary have raised money to purchase equipment for the Maclean Hospital and Community Health. A fashion parade will be held at the Treelands Drive Community Centre, Yamba on May 24 from 2pm with all proceeds going towards an Ultrasound for Maclean Hospital. Come along and enjoy the delicious afternoon tea, raffles and

LEGENDARY: Australian pianist David Helfgott returns to the Glasshouse, Port Macquarie on June 8. lucky door prizes.

two-on-two volleyball and a colour run.

THE BEACH CARNIVALE

THE Beach (Food Truck) Carnivale is on the move again and heading to Yamba, Prince Street, Grafton 15 June. Once again, there is free entry to Carnivale. Enjoy over 15 of the yummiest food trucks, the beach bar and sports bar, live music all weekend long, carnival rides, jumping castles and more. There will be dodgeball, darts, table tennis, three-on-three soccer, Net4ball,

raises funds for Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise local and overseas community projects and will be held on June 2 this year. The Big Dig Treasure Hunt on Town Beach, Port Macquarie was initially created by the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise to add value to the community by hosting an annual family fun day. Registration will commence from 9am, Walk the Plank at 10.15am with the dig starting at 11am.

ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL

DOG JUMPING

THE Players Theatre Inc is presenting its biannual One Act Play Festival this June 8-9. The weekend will be non-stop theatre entertainment at the Players Theatre on Lord St, Port Macquarie. Theatre groups from interstate, and within their own local community will be competing in their One Act Play Festival. Sessions commence on Saturday, June 8 at 10am and each session has about three one-act plays.

COME along and enjoy the amazing art of Dog Jumping and Agility at the Grafton Dog Obedience Club. The event is held right in the centre of Grafton CBD from 7am-4pm on June 15. Be amazed as a viewer or enter a pet if trained and ready to fly.

DIG DAY

THE Annual Big Dig is a major fundraising event now in its eighth year and

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NEWS

MAY, 2019// SENIORS

Feel good show of the year is on

Hello from SCCA … Dear Readers, this month I would like to mention the current Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. After hearing three separate case studies which shed light on issues relevant to the quality and safety of care provided to people living with dementia in various organisations, Senior Counsel Assisting, Peter Gray QC, highlighted the complexity of the issues of the management of residents who have challenging behaviours and how to balance freedom of movement with the undesirability of allowing individuals to be in peril and to sustain injury. From 13-17 May, further evidence is expected from aged care workers, nurses, clinical experts, innovative provider organisations, policy advocates and representatives from the Department of Health and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. There is no doubt the outcomes from this Royal Commission will help to reshape the sector and tighten regulation around quality and safety, especially for the more vulnerable people impacted by dementia. At Sawtell Catholic Care we are continuing to strengthen our dementia care programs and staff training. Recently we have engaged in partnerships with Southern Cross University and Novaskill to further develop the skills of our staff in leadership and dementia care. Until next month.

Michael Darragh CEO Sawtell Catholic Care

Sawtell Catholic Care of the Aged From the big picture to the smallest details,“we care”

www.scca.net.au Ph: 02 6653 1241 Ph: 02 6658 6133

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FOLLOWING on from their 2018 sell-out concerts and celebrating the most iconic artists of the 20th century, internationally acclaimed group Boys in the Band are excited to present their brand new concert experience – Jukebox Revolution…every record tells a story – performing at C.Ex Coffs on Saturday, July 6. Launching at the iconic Adelaide Fringe Festival on March 1 to five-star reviews and voted as the number two “must-see show” of the festival by FIVEaa’s Jane Reilly, the group are now on a 40-date national tour visiting capital cities of Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Canberra plus regional theatres across the country. The “feel good show” travels through 50 years of classic music hits from artists such as Elvis, Queen, The Beatles, The Bee Gees, Jackson 5 and Australian icons including John Farnham and AC/DC. The cast warn

‘‘

The cast warn audiences “you better warm up your voices...”

audiences “you better warm up your voices and polish those dancing shoes because there’ll be lots of singing and toe tapping!” Australia’s most talented leading men, Hugh Barrington (We Will Rock You, Ch7 All Together Now), Damon Grebert-Wade (Grease Arena Spectacular), Keane Fletcher (Ten Tenors) and Justin Rynne form a powerhouse cast that sing, dance and front a sensational live band. Seasoned performer Keane Fletcher said “it’s a non-stop high energy show that has something for everyone, it’s all the hits you know and love, just like any good jukebox should be!” Boys in the Band headlined the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers in 2016 and 2017 and have

just returned from performing at the 2018 F1 Singapore Grand Prix, a return performance for the group who over the years have supported Bon Jovi, Maroon 5 and Pharrell Williams at the prestigious event. “We can’t wait to bring our brand new show to Aussie audiences,” the show’s creators, Dale Burridge and Dave Malek, said. “It’s a non-stop rollercoaster ride through 50 years of iconic hits from the world’s most loved artists. We dare you to stay in your seats.”

Boys in the Band perform at C.Ex Coffs at 8pm on Saturday, July 6. Tickets from cex.com.au or phone (02) 6652 3888.

SENIORS \\MAY, 2019

Soak up the fun of Vietnam Explore Asia with a little difference

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MAY, 2019// SENIORS

TRAVEL IDEAS

ROAR AND SNORE WITH THE LOUDEST

IT’S an unforgettable overnight experience at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo. During Roar and Snore you will get to take in the spectacular sight of the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as the sun dips down and you drink in the views from the harbourside campsite, get up close to some of Taronga Zoo’s friendliest residents, dine in style at our delicious buffet dinner and breakfast, experience an exclusive night safari led by passionate keepers and guides, unwind in the comfortable safari-style tents while listening to the night sounds of the zoo and join in feeding time and close encounter sessions where you will form a special bond with the animals of Taronga Zoo. Grandchildren over five are welcome. Accommodation is in two or four-person tents. The all-weather, overnight program usually is run as: meeting time is 6.15pm, meet a creature at 7.15pm, dinner at 8pm, night safari at 9pm, unwind at campsite with dessert at 10pm before sleeping to the sounds of the zoo. Next morning, rise and shine at 6.45am, behind the scenes tour number 1 at 7.30am, behind the scenes tour number 2 at 8.15am, continental breakfast at 9am and check-out at 9.30am. For details and bookings, go to taronga.org.au or phone (02) 9969 2777.

ROCK THE BOAT

SUZI Quatro, Jon Stevens, Russell Morris and Ross Wilson accompanied by other legends will be on the Radiance of the Seas from November 24, 2020. Sailing from its new home port of Brisbane,

CAMPING OUT: Taronga Zoo Roar and Snore is a great idea for grandparents and their grandkids, or for adventurous seniors. the 2500-passenger ship will host the seven-night Rock the Boat cruise to New Caledonia. It will take “rockers” to Noumea and the Isle of Pines. The cruise offer includes artist signings, music workshops and dance lessons with concerts day and night. The cruise cost is from $2799 per person, twin-share. For more details, phone Cruise Express on 1300 766 537 or go to cruiseexpress.com.au.

STRETCH OUT AT LAKE MACQUARIE

CHOOSE serene or strenuous when you go on a walking weekend at Lake Macquarie. From the pristine coastline to rugged cliff tops, significant indigenous sites and the towering trees at the Watagans Mountains, you’ll feel a million miles away while walking in Lake Macquarie. Three of the best walks are: Stroll along If you are looking to

Bird painting by Xiao Lang.

Photo: National Museum of China

combine a Sunday stroll with a good gossip with the girls, then Warners Bay is the place. The 6.2km walk is mostly flat, so suitable for all fitness

levels. When you’ve returned to Warners Bay Esplanade and have coffee on your mind, you’ll have plenty of choices. Bring the binoculars

A whale-watching hot spot, the picturesque 8.3km Caves Beach Coastal Walk which crosses the clifftops south from Caves Beach to secluded Pinny Beach in Wallarah National Park, is a beautiful walking moderate trail ideal for observing the northern migration between May and July. Have your hiking boots handy The Watagans Mountains is a hiking haven for seasoned walkers and is one of the region’s best-loved escapes. The 8km Watagan Trail is for experienced walkers as it is steep and challenging, boasts rainforest views with dramatic moss-covered walls, stops at historic heritage sites, brilliant birdwatching and spectacular vista across the Hunter Valley from the Hunter Lookout.

WILDLIFE CAMPING

IN 2020, Australia Zoo will open a 108-site camping ground with tent

accommodation, caravan, RV powered sites, glamping-style tents and eco cabins. Camp Crocodile Hunter will open as part of the Australia Zoo 50th anniversary celebrations. Info: australiazoo.com.au.

TREASURES OF CALLIGRAPHY AND INK PAINTING

THE National Museum of Australia in Canberra has open until July 28 a free Australian-first exhibition from the prestigious National Museum of China (NMC). On display are Chinese art and calligraphy and featuring exquisite artworks that have never previously been seen in Australia. The Historical Expression of Chinese Art: Calligraphy and Painting from the National Museum of China features a sweeping 14m-wide animated digital experience, which brings historical figures to life in intricate moving detail. The exhibition consists of more than 100 objects.

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SENIORS \\MAY, 2019

Shandonvale Station heli-mustering sheep.

Charlotte Plains Farm Stay.

Top Qld station holidays

QUEENSLAND’S Outback is the birthplace of legends (Waltzing Matilda was first performed in Winton), it’s shaped a ‘fair go’ attitude (the first worker’s strike was in Barcaldine), and launched some of the nation’s most impressive events (Birdsville Races and Winton Vision Splendid). It’s also home to the best station stays in the land. Here are 10 of the top on offer.

NOONBAH STATION, VIA LONGREACH

station life and hear about farming practices straight from owners Lyle and Madonna Connolly. A tour of the quintessential grand homestead is a must-do before hitting a swag, the shearer’s shed or the jackaroos cottage for the night. Visit bonusdownsfarm stay.com.au. Tip: Just ‘down the road’ (120km) is Roma’s Easter in the Country in April and the Cobb & Co Festival in Surat in August (150km).

SHANDONVALE STATION, VIA BARCALDINE

“Fiery sunsets, dazzling stars, and breathtaking peace” is how owners Angus and Karen Emmott describe the 52,000ha beef cattle station that’s been in their family for four generations. Guests can camp at a secluded waterhole, or, sleep peacefully at the Old Schoolhouse, a renovated corrugated iron cottage where Angus and his siblings were schooled by Air. Visit noonbahstation. com.au. Tip: Stop here on the way to Winton’s Way out West Fest (April, just ask Angus and Karen about the secret back road to get to there faster).

Dust off your stereotypes (and your city clothes). This century-old station gets the gong as the fun capital of the farm scene thanks to the chance to go helimustering, catch a fresh water yabbie, and do a little bit of old-fashioned butchering. The four bedrooms in the 100-year-old shearers quarters offer queen beds, 1000-thread count sheets, a fully-functioning kitchen and a classic claw-foot bath. Visit shandonvale station.com.au. Tip: Close to Barcaldine and the Tree of Knowledge Festival, held in May.

BONUS DOWNS FARMSTAY, MARANOA

MOBLE HOMESTEAD, QUILPIE

Get a true taste of

Join proud wool

producers, the Rutledge family, at their home in Quilpie on a property that has been passed down through five generations. Choose from two huts, a homestead garden room, and a governesses quarters-come-cottage that literally floats above the waterhole, staring from $150 per person including dinner and breakfast. Tip: Spend a day at the Quilpie Diggers Races (May and September).

GILBERTON OUTBACK RETREAT

A tin shed on a property that’s almost the size of Laos is what you’ll find at Gilberton Outback Retreat, an 88,000sq km station that is home to 1200 head of cattle and one incredible guest cabin. This station was started in 1869 and has been passed down through seven generations. Guests can relax, get involved in station life, fossick for gold (hello good fortune!) or explore indigenous rock art located around the property. Gilberton Outback Retreat is four hours’ drive southwest of Cairns. Visit gilbertonoutback retreat.com.

WALLAROO OUTBACK RETREAT, NEAR

CARNARVON

It’s a huge 71,000-acre cattle farm but that’s where the farm experience stops. At Wallaroo Outback Retreat guests trade shearers sheds for eight tepee tents (with real crisp linen and posturepedic beds), six bathrooms, two rustic firepits and an incredible timber lodge built from wood milled straight from the land. The retreat is the brainchild of farmers Pauline and Justin MacDonnell, a couple who grew up in the region and fell in love with cattle country dotted with cycad-filled gorges and Aboriginal rock art. Tents start from $120 per night. Visit wallaroooutback retreat.com.au/about.

HERBERTVALE STATION

Follow station owner Shelley Hawkins as she leads a five-day, 66km trek across the northwestern pocket of Outback Queensland – on foot – and mostly on her Herbertvale Station. Small group tours depart from Mt Isa and continue to the limestone gorges of the Boodjamulla National Park. Hikers enjoy guided trekking, sunset refreshments, chef-prepared meals and an already-pitched tent and sleeping mat for

$3150 per person. Visit trekwesthiking. com.au. Tip: Herbertvale Station is just a few ‘klicks’ driving distance from Mt Isa Mines Rodeo (August 8–11, 2019) and the Drover’s Camp Festival, Camouweal (August 23–28, 2019).

CHARLOTTE PLAINS FARM STAY

This sheep station that once pushed 60,000 animals through its huge shearing shed every year is 54km from Cunnamulla. Take the three-hour tour and find out more about the history and jump in the artesian bore and mineral rich baths. Stay in self-catering shearers quarters, the shearing shed (open air). Visit charlotteplains. com.au. Tip: On August 30, 2019, cowboys, bull riders, shearers and stockmen will descend on Cunnamulla for the Cunnamulla Fella Festival.

KILCOWERA STATION

Halfway between Thargomindah and Hungerford is Kilcowera, a 49,000ha working cattle station with a pretty shearers quarters campground with barbecues, fireplaces stocked with wood, picnic tables and a basic camp kitchen.

Take the 60km selfdrive tour around the station past lagoons, creeks and waterholes, then stay in the comfortable shearers quarters or one of three separate campgrounds. Visit kilcowera.com.au.

10. MYELLA STATION

The first owners of Myella Station hit the jackpot, literally, when they purchased their farm as part of a 1935 land lottery. Today their descendants’ main job is to fatten cattle into prime beef exports, by buying males at two years old and feeding them quality grass. Their other job is sharing their home with guests from all around the world, setting up informal 4WD farm tours and teaching visitors about wildlife, bush tucker, conservation, and farming practices. A two-day package at $270 per person includes bus transfers from Rockhampton (125km northeast of Myella), all meals, two horse rides and farm tours. Visit myella.weebly. com. Tip: Continue the horse theme and check out Paradise Lagoons Campdraft in May or the Rockhampton River Festival from July 12–14, 2019.

Luxury B&B 0n 10 parkland acres close to pristine beaches and spectacular rain forests. Large rooms with en-suites, Formal & Casual Lounges, Indoor & Outdoor Dining, BBQ available. Sumptuous breakfast menu. Easy access from Pacific Motorway midway between Coffs Harbour & Port Macquarie. 340 Stuarts Point Rd Yarrahapinni NSW 2441 • Phone: 0418225810 Email: yarrahome@bigpond.com • Website: www.yarrahome.com.au

OUTBACK STAYS: An artesian bore in outback Queensland.

Photo: Sean Scott

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SEniorS diScount availablE for mid WEEk StayS

MAY, 2019// SENIORS

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We drank in the clean air and quietness after the traffic madness of Hanoi.

NATURAL BEAUTY: A flower farm in the mountainous region of Sapa, northern Vietnam.

Photos: Yvonne Gardiner

Wonders of Vietnam Yvonne and John Gardiner take a 17-day ‘eco’ tour on their first trip to Vietnam

Children enjoy national day celebrations in Hanoi.

STANDING in a queue for three humid hours alongside hundreds of Vietnamese families was an unexpected but ideal way to “meet the locals”. Vietnam, including its crowded capital Hanoi, was celebrating its national day and we were caught up in the excitement of the city on the second day of our visit. Families had surged into Hanoi to pay homage at Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, which shelters his embalmed body. Their reverence for this former leader was obvious. Despite the long wait in hot, steamy conditions, the Vietnamese people we encountered were polite, cheerful and

friendly. Children impressed us with their good behaviour. Youngsters learning English took the opportunity to converse with us – Aussies who looked somewhat out of place in a sea of Vietnamese faces. This heartwarming introduction to Vietnam was the beginning of a 17-day “eco” tour extending from north to south. From the mountainous region of Sapa to the central districts around Hue and Hoi An and the Mekong Delta down south below Saigon, the trip covered a kaleidoscope of rare and wonderful experiences. An overnight train ride north from Hanoi took us to the beautiful Sapa Valley. Like a Garden of Eden, green hills are topped by mist, while roaring rivers and waterfalls tumble downwards. We drank in the clean air and quietness after the traffic madness of Hanoi. We passed villagers working in the rice and corn fields, aided by water

buffalo. We were welcomed into a primary school and invited to take photos of giggling children. After hours of walking in the mud and rain, we hesitantly accepted a lift from motorbike taxi riders to avoid a further two-hour trek to our homestay. Fully aware of the warnings put out by travel experts about the risks of riding motorbikes in Asia, we climbed aboard, and, after a fast, bumpy journey, were thankful to get to our destination in one piece. The main town, Sapa, is obviously much-loved by tourists, with its swanky restaurants and numerous souvenir shops. Cat Cat village, within walking distance of Sapa, is home to the hospitable Hmong tribe. The ladies weave hemp from the marijuana plant, and dye it with henna. Traditional Hmong houses are very basic, made from blackened timber planks. Corn hangs from the roof inside. There’s an open fire with no chimney, and the top

SENIORS \\MAY, 2019

ANCIENT ROYALTY: The Imperial City in Hue and (inset) a Vietnamese fisherman shows off his skills.

from north to south

floor is used for storing food. From primitive living we progressed to high-tech exhilaration with a thrilling ride on the cable car to Fansipan peak, Vietnam’s highest mountain. We soared into the clouds and a rainbow appeared over the valley. At the top is an ultra-modern complex with gardens, shops, restaurants and temples. In central Vietnam, we were overawed by the magnificent Paradise Cave, a true natural wonder. The 570m steep climb to a small entrance in the mountain tested the body. Inside for a kilometre, cathedral-sized spaces hung with vibrantly coloured stalactites and stalagmites sculpted over millions of years. This wondrous cave was discovered in 2005 by a hunter in the national park. Man-made rather than natural wonders were on display at the tombs of two kings in Hue. Minh Mang tomb was quite a large complex with a man-made lake and

Photos: Yvonne Gardiner

A natural wonder – the Paradise Cave in central Vietnam. tomb on a hill. Khai Dinh, Vietnam’s gay king, had an exquisitely beautiful mausoleum with a statue of himself amid fabulous mosaics. He’d been to the

Palace of Versailles in France and wanted a similar standard in his burial chamber. Enchanting pagodas, 1000-year-old temples, harrowing wartime tales,

myriad bonsai trees, orange-robed monks, diminutive dancers, hardworking people, delicious food, a singing boatman, net-making lessons from a

fifth-generation fisherman … the variety of life and depth of experiences in Vietnam is amazing. As for politics in the country, communism and capitalism seem to exist

comfortably together, although a statue of working-class Uncle Ho seemed strangely out of place alongside the Cartier diamonds showroom.

MAY, 2019// SENIORS

Cruising on the Columbus Maggy Oehlbeck SAILING out of Yokohama at dusk aboard CMV’s Columbus was a promising start to our mini-voyage between Japan and China. We were on the top deck watching the retreating lights of this famous gateway port to Tokyo. On the docks below, an exuberant Japanese high school jazz band was doing its bit for international relations and we couldn’t resist swaying to the beat (or the boat). We left the rails, smoothed our hair and swooshed indoors to the swank Grill, one of five dining options on board. I couldn’t pass up the surf and turf. Columbus is the flagship of independently owned Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ (CMV) fleet of five ships. Many Australians will remember her as Pacific Pearl from her P&O days. Now with new owners, new itineraries and a makeover she is homeported in Tilbury, UK. We joined her on day 67 of her 120-day round-theworld-voyage. Ours was a six-day

UPMARKET COMFORT: The Raffles Lounge on Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Columbus. stint. Those who boarded in London had already adopted her as home. Most were British with a 20 per cent mix of Germans, Dutch and Australians. Many had already signed up for next year’s RTW sailing on January 6, 2020. Columbus carries 1400 voyagers in 775 cabins. 150 cabins are allocated to solo voyagers – a growing trend on cruise ships these days. We found our ample-size ocean view

cabins highly satisfactory. All have plump European bedding, ensuite, personal safe, bar fridge, TV and hairdryer. As on most cruise ships the atrium is the social hub – a good spot to watch the passing parade, shop, have coffee at Hemmingways, scan newspapers, do crosswords and even have a choir rehearsal! I couldn’t believe my eyes – or ears when I saw 30 or so British voyagers avidly practising their choral pieces while – at a

The atrium and main reception on Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Columbus.

‘safe distance’ – a German choir was doing the same. All good fun. Wisely both choirs dispersed before cocktail hour so we could enjoy the melodious renderings of the professional piano and violin duo – a classy accompaniment for champagne or tea, a martini at Raffles perhaps, or any other atmospheric lounge bar on board. The tone is traditional British country house – perfect for couples and solos who like a gracious

style of cruising that delivers classy entertainment, fine food, friendly staff and plenty of fun. Yes, there are formal nights and everyone loves them. Meanwhile in the Palladium Show Lounge, the professional entertainers were brushing up on their dance routines and testing sound levels for the night’s performance of Hello Dolly. Equally, voyagers like the camaraderie of amateur theatrics, ukulele and guitar groups, line-

dancing, ballroom dancing, bridge and special-interest talks. And, of course, shore excursions. Next morning, we awoke to views of Kagoshima’s active volcano letting off steam. Shore choices were a stroll around its slopes, and visiting Sengan-en Garden and museum complex. Others chose natural sand baths at Ibusuki city hoping to emerge revitalised after being buried to the neck in warm sand. Or alternatively a tour of Chiran’s Samurai Houses and Peace museum. Meanwhile, stay-athomes were happy with the gym, spa, creating in the Crafters Studio, or snoozing on deck. Columbus’ crowning achievement is the outstanding cuisine. Restaurants are: Waterfront – full-service dining room; buffet-style Plantation Bistro adjoining the pool deck; Fusion for fabulous Indian cuisine and the exceptional Chef’s Table private dining degustation dinner – a not-to-be-missed experience. For more cruise details, go to cmvaustralia.com.

A deluxe balcony ocean view suite on Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Columbus.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Columbus. Photo: Maggy Oehlbeck

SENIORS \\MAY, 2019

The Taean Tulip Festival is a spectacularly colourful sight.

SPRING BLOOM: For just two or three weeks each year the magnificent cherry blossoms float in the warm Korean breeze.

April and May are perfect months to visit Korea.

Korea’s floral footpaths SPRING is one of the best times to visits Korea as the cherry blossoms and flowers bloom and festivals pop up across the country. While enjoying the season of renewal, when just two or three weeks each year the magnificent pink blossoms float in the warm breeze, here are some of the top spring festival events to experience.

YEOUIDO CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL Location: Yeongdeungpo-gu, Yeouido in April

Spring means flowers colour the country

Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival is the best place to enjoy cherry blossoms in Seoul. Located right next to the Han River, the streets are lined with more than 1400 cherry blossom trees that create a picturesque tunnel for you to stroll down. From 6.30pm onwards, the cherry blossoms are lit up with various illuminations, making the scenery that much more spectacular. Here you can also enjoy

cultural street performances, a flower decoration exhibit and a photo exhibit taking place throughout the festival period.

GYEONGJU CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

Location: Gyeongju City, Gyeongsang-do in April Gyeongju is a coastal city located in the southeastern parts of Korea. Often called the “museum without walls”,

the area has a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage sights. These historic sights are beautiful all year round but particularly mesmerising during spring. Bomun Lake takes on a pink hue from all the fallen cherry blossom petals, making it the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll. There are also duck paddle boats you can borrow for an afternoon and relax along the lake.

Additionally, there will be many street stalls around the festival where you can try local street food and seasonal delicacies.

JINHAE CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

Location: Tongsin-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, April Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Korea’s biggest spring festivals and attracts more than two million visitors every

year. The festival boasts a long history and first began as a memorial service to commemorate one of Korea’s most well-known naval admirals, Yi-Sun-sin. Jinhae is also headquarters to Korea’s naval academy and during the festival tours inside the Korea Naval Academy Museum. There are plenty of things to enjoy during the festival period, such as the Yeojwacheon Starlight Festival, a brilliant night-time illumination event.

The travel mishaps you may be able to claim on insurance FROM an injury during an ostrich-riding accident to cancelling your trip because you’ve been called to jury duty, there are a range of unexpected incidents for which your travel insurance can reimburse you. InsureandGo reveals the most surprising mishaps that Aussies may not know about. ■ Unable to leave cruise cabin If you were confined to your cabin because you were sick, your insurer may be able to cover any expenses incurred. For

instance, InsureandGo will pay sick cruise-goers $75 for each 24 hours spent confined to their cabin – up to $2500. ■ Cancelling your trip for three surprising reasons Having to cancel your trip because your home was burgled, you were made redundant at work or you were called for jury duty will allow you to claim the cost of most of your travel bookings, including airfares. This one of the reasons why it’s a good idea to purchase your travel

insurance as soon as you book your trip, so that you can be covered before your holiday even begins. ■ Trip short-ended due to illness or injury If, unfortunately, your trip comes to an abrupt end as a result of a relative’s or travelling companion’s injury or illness, your travel insurance policy should reimburse you for any travel bookings you were not able to use. ■ Small medical claims You might think travel insurance only covers the cost of major medical

treatments or surgeries, because your excess makes it not worthwhile to claim for smaller expenses. But did you know you can remove your standard excess entirely? This enables you to make claims like visiting a doctor or purchasing medicine for an unforeseen illness abroad, even if the bill is as little as $20. ■ Ship misses a port For each scheduled port your cruise failed to dock at during your trip, you should be able to receive

compensation. For instance, InsureandGo will pay $50–100 per port missed – up to $1000 in total. If you missed your cruise departure entirely, because of an accident en route to the ship for example, InsureandGo will cover pre-booked costs, such as land tours, that you are unable to do. ■ Travel expenses to avoid delays that lead to an event If you’re heading to a wedding, funeral, work conference or sporting event and your transport there gets delayed or

cancelled, your travel insurance can be the difference between you arriving on time or not at all. For instance, as an InsureandGo customer, if your planned method of transport to any of these important occasions is delayed or cancelled during your journey and the resulting delay would mean you miss the occasion, they will step in and pay additional travel costs to try to get you to your event on time. For more details, go to insureandgo.com.au.

MAY, 2019// SENIORS

Twenty reasons to visit Vivid Sydney 5. Play the giant Cascading Harp made of hollow metallic spheres at Chatswood. 6. Explore Sydney’s colonial history from a new perspective by discovering the installations throughout the harbourside quarter where European settlement began in The Rocks, such as Watch Your Chips! and Nostalgia Above. 7. Stroll over Sydney Harbour Bridge to experience City Sparkle, an unforgettable view of Sydney Harbour lit up by thousands of LEDs and projections. 8. Fly through the night sky on Volaré, Luna Park’s newest ride, described as a “magical wave swinger”. 9. See the lighting of the Sydney Opera House sails at 6pm every evening. This year, LA based Andrew Thomas Huang will transform the sails with Austral Floral Ballet. Uniquely Sydney, uniquely Vivid. 10. From the lights outside to the glitter of the stage, catch a show at

one of Sydney’s iconic theatres while you’re there. 11. Warm up with a little exercise – take on the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb at dusk and catch Lights On from a prime vantage point from 6pm each evening. 12. Embrace your inner child at KA3233 at the Royal Botanic Gardens. The interactive installation is overgrown with alien plant matter and reacts to sounds and space. 13. Enjoy the Art Gallery of NSW after hours with a series of free ideas and music events on Wednesday nights. 14. See the largest puppet constructed in Australia at Barangaroo. The glowing giant Marri Dyin, meaning ‘Great Woman’ in Sydney Aboriginal language will hunt and gather along Wulungul Walk each evening from Thursday to Sunday. 15. Walk through Firefly Field in the Royal Botanic Garden to experience the beautiful, unpredictable natural movement of the

VIVID EXPERIENCE: Vivid Sydney 2019 will have 23 days of superb displays.

Photo: Andrew Thomas Huang

rare creatures. 16. Learn what goes on Under The Harbour during Vivid Sydney at Customs House. It’s a surreal underwater encounter sure to delight children and adults alike. 17. Experience a church concert like no other at St Stephen’s Uniting Church. Light Qualities will present

four concerts by emerging Sydney-based composerperformer collective Konxertproject throughout Vivid Sydney. 18. Shrink down and be immersed in a super-sized Trumpet Flowers at Chatswood. 19. Be seduced by the imposing art-deco façade of the Museum of

Contemporary Art as it is transformed by awardwinning AustralianColombian artist Claudia Nicholson underscored by the cool and contemporary sounds of Lonelyspeck. 20. Be part of the experience that is Vivid Sydney by becoming a volunteer.

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VIVID Sydney is the largest festival of light, music and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere. It lights up Sydney and surrounds at 6pm each night for 23 days from May 24 until June 15, 2019. Here are 20 reasons to come to Sydney during that time to enjoy the Vivid festival: 1. Under the Argyle Cut in The Rocks transports you back to your childhood. Enjoy looking at 30 years of animation through the eyes of Pixar Animation Studios, including some of their most loved characters such as Woody and Buzz Lightyear. 2. Take a Sydney Harbour cruise. 3. Experience the magic of Taronga Zoo at night with new lantern, Sumatran Tiger Cubs, marking the birth of three new tiger cubs and highlighting the zoo’s commitment to conservation. 4. Challenge yourself to see something different each day and night – no tour guide needed.

SENIORS \\MAY, 2019

Tips for happy feet and toes Tracey Johnstone IF YOU keep your feet healthy, you will be able to do so much more to stay active and have better overall health. But when you can’t easily see what is happening down there with your feet, chances are you will ignore the problems with them until the road back to good foot health is painful and expensive. Australian Podiatry Association ambassador and podiatrist Charlotte Bodell has some top tips for seniors for better foot health, with the help of your local podiatrist. General foot health ■ Be very careful when cutting your nails that you don’t cut your skin and expose your feet to infection. ■ Recognise that as we get older our nails thicken, which makes them harder to cut. Your shoes will press on the thickened nail, which can cause the nail bed to

become sore and a corn to occur under the nail bed. ■ The fat pad on the ball of your foot and heel wears out over time which can lead to hard calluses on the metatarsal joints on the balls of your feet. The podiatrist can remove the hard skin for you. Bunions In the ’50s and ’60s men and women squeezed their toes into fashionable pointy shoes. Even footballers and boxers were squeezing their feet into tight shoes. This has led to seniors having problems with their nails, and with bunions and retracted curly toes. “If they have a bunion, the big toe comes over (the second toe), but also sometimes the second toe overrides,” Ms Bodell said. “When this happens, a corn happens on top, so you need to make sure your shoes are deep enough.” Other causes of bunions can be hereditary or your foot’s

biomechanics. The bunion can be fixed by a podiatrist if it is painful. This can be done by surgery, orthotics, wearing night splints and doing daily feet exercises, and wearing suitable orthopaedic footwear. Type 2 Diabetes University of South Australia researcher Dr Helen Banwell said there has been a 30 per cent increase in the number of lower limb amputations in the past 20 years. “About 85 per cent of these are preceded by a foot ulcer and could be prevented with appropriate care,” she said. “When the blood level goes above seven, the extra sugars sit at the end of the nerves.” The nerves at the top of your fingers and the top of your toes get killed off, which results in neuropathy disease and no feeling. The extra sugars also stick to the inner walls of the arteries, which affects your circulation and leads to vascular disease.

Wellbeing

HAPPIER TOES: Taking better care of your feet will ensure you have pain-free movement. Photo: Bill Oxford “Also, if you have a cut it will take longer to heal,” Ms Bodell added. A serious side-effect of all of this is if you have a blister on the bottom of your foot and you have nerve damage, you won’t know the blister is there. It can become infected and form into an ulcer, which can then go deeper and become an infection in the bone. Hospital IV antibiotics will be needed, and amputation is a possible outcome.

An amputation can increase your risk of a stroke or heart attack. If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, make sure your GP refers you at least once or twice a year to a podiatrist where you will get neurological and circulation testing. Pedicures Relying on a pedicure isn’t the best choice for managing long toe nails. ■ You need to ensure the equipment is sterile and

the soaking sink is free of flaky skin that might have tinea or wart skin on it, which your feet can pick up. ■ When your big toenails are cut, they may be not shaped to avoid you getting an in-grown nail, especially if a spike of nail is left behind. ■ When your nails are painted, don’t forget the brush has been on other people’s nails, which means you can pick up fungal infections.

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WELLBEING

MAY, 2019// SENIORS

Hope for Hearts campaign

Karl Pool from Brisbane’s St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital said. “There needs to be more awareness of TAVI which has been done for 15 years and has proven

to be superior to open heart surgery.” The results and recovery from a TAVI procedure can be quite remarkable. High-risk patient,

77-year-old Mychael McLoughlin, underwent surgery last year. “I had the procedure on Friday, was sent home on Sunday and could drive a car by the following Wednesday, which is just incredible,” he said. “Before the surgery, I was flat out walking 25 metres, but after the procedure, it wasn’t long before I could do 200metres, then 400 and that’s continuing to improve.” TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) takes about one hour and does not require a general anaesthetic. Patients are often discharged within three days. Patients in the public hospital system often have to wait up to a year for a TAVI procedure, which increases their risk of dying. A Medicare rebate is currently only available to patients considered high or moderate risk and is not covered by private health insurance.

change to your lifestyle. “It’s also important that we need to consume a diverse range of vegetables,” Dr Sim said.

By doing this, you will be consuming a diverse range of nutrients. “One vegetable may be rich in one nutrient, but

not so rich in others. By having a whole suite of vegetables, you are getting like your multi-vitamins.”

Tracey Johnstone BRISBANE cardiologists are teaming up with leading Sydney and Melbourne heart doctors and surgeons to launch the Hope for Hearts campaign which promotes keyhole surgery to replace faulty heart valves for people aged under 80. One of Australia’s most undiagnosed heart conditions, one in eight older Australians are diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis (AS) which is traditionally treated with invasive open-heart surgery. If left untreated, up to 50 per cent of these people die within two years of diagnosis. Caused by a narrowing of the aortic valve, AS symptoms include shortness of breath, angina or chest discomfort, and light-headedness or passing out. Non-invasive keyhole surgery, known as TAVI, eliminates the need for

HEART HEALTH: There is hope for saving more lives with keyhole surgery. open-heart surgery for many patients but is only available for patients aged over 80 years and those who are deemed high risk. The Hope for Hearts

campaign is a call to broaden Medicare rebates and cover from private health insurers. “AS is under-diagnosed and unappreciated by patients and doctors,” Dr

Diet needs to go green EATING one cup of leafy green vegetables every day is all it takes to help you maintain all-important good muscle strength and mobility. The “cup” should be the size of a mug and filled each day full of foods such as nitrate-rich spinach or rocket or lettuce. Edith Cowan University researchers tracked the diets of 1420 women aged over 70 through its longitudinal study of ageing women which was done in conjunction with the University of Western Australia. They found the women who ate more nitrate-rich

vegetables had significantly better muscle strength and physical function. “Nitrate is linked to an improvement in vascular function,” lead researcher Dr Marc Sim said. “In terms of blood supply, we know that high nitrate consumption improves blood vessel health. What we think is actually happening is the constant supply of nitrates from the diet leads to better blood flow to the muscles.” A decline in muscle strength and physical function can place a person at a higher risk of disability and even

premature death. “Poor strength and function are also associated with other adverse outcomes such as falls and fractures, which substantially compromise an individual’s independence,” Dr Sim added. In addition to keeping physically active, eating leafy greens should be added to your ongoing daily target of consuming at least five servings of vegetables each day. If you aren’t doing this already, Dr Sim recommends you start slowly and work up so that you can maintain this

Are you comfortable living in your own home but require a little extra help? Whether it’s getting back on your feet after an illness, an extra hand with day to day personal care or just a bit of help with garden or house maintenance, the team at NVC are to help. NVC In-Home Support provides a range of practical, ﬂexible services designed to keep you living independently in your own home for as long as possible. NVC is an approved Home Care Package provider and currently has vacancies for Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 Home Care Packages. Come along and meet new Podiatrist Brittany Pike, at our new Podiatry Clinic in the Boardwalk Arcade 25 Princess Street Macksville.

Phone: 02 6598 5000

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SENIORS \\MAY, 2019

WELLBEING

It takes a good eye to see this

SO YOU have been diagnosed with a cataract and now you’re wondering what that means and how best to deal with it. Here is some information to assist with your eye health. Cataract A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s naturally clear lens. When the lens becomes opaque, the amount of light that passes through it is reduced and scattered, and the image cannot be correctly focused on the retina at the back of the eye, leading to blurred vision. The eyes may be more sensitive to glare and light, and colours may seem faded or yellowed. Double vision may also occur. ■ There are three types of age-related cataract: 1. Nuclear cataract (in the centre of the lens) 2. Cortical cataract (in the

outer shell or periphery of the lens) 3. Posterior subcapsular cataract (at the back of the lens in the central axis). The three types of cataract often occur together. ■ Prevalence of cataract It is estimated that, in 2004, almost 1.5 million Australians aged 55 or more had cataracts, which represents 31% of that population. Age-specific rates for cataract increase with age for men and women and are well over 70% for men and women aged 80 or more. Prevalence rates are higher among women than men. It ■ Risk factors for cataract Cataracts are largely related to the ageing process. There is some evidence that long term exposure to sunlight, tobacco, and

GOOD VISION: An eye test is a vital check on the health of your eyes. heavy alcohol consumption may be associated with cataract formation. Systemic diseases such as diabetes and vascular disease may increase the risk of cataract development, as may eye injury or the use of some medications, including corticosteroids. Several studies in humans have reported that the risk of developing ocular cataracts is significantly higher in people with low dietary intakes of fruit and vegetables, vitamins C and E and betacarotene (NHMRC 2003). Experimental studies with model systems have

added further support to the notion that above average intakes of antioxidant nutrients may delay the onset of senile cataract. More recently a modest protective effect against the development of cataracts has been observed for higher intakes of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin (NHMRC 2003). The two major carotenoids in the human macula and retina are lutein and zeaxanthin. Similar to -carotene, these pigments are found in various coloured fruits and green leafy vegetables. Of the 40 to 50 carotenoids typically consumed in the human

diet, lutein and zeaxanthin, are deposited at an up to 5 fold higher content in the macular region of the retina as compared to the peripheral retina. The best natural food sources of lutein and zeaxanthin are green leafy vegetables and other green or yellow vegetables. Among these, cooked kale and cooked spinach top the list, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Non-vegetarian sources of lutein and zeaxanthin include egg yolks. Interventions for cataract When symptoms begin to appear, visual aids such as glasses, strong

bifocals or magnifying glasses may be used to improve vision for a while. When the condition becomes serious enough to affect daily life, a surgical procedure becomes necessary to restore vision. The operation is a simple and effective procedure that can restore vision. The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear, permanent intra-ocular lens. Cataract surgery is generally performed under local anaesthetic as day surgery. Source: health.gov.au/internet/ publications/publishing.

General information to understanding cataract surgery ■ How to prepare for cataract surgery On the day of the surgery, you will be given eye drops that include an antibiotic. You will have a small plastic tube inserted into a vein in your arm. You might be given an injection around the eye or eye drops to make

the eye go numb. Most people have a local anaesthetic, although some have a general anaesthetic. Your doctor can give you more information. ■ What happens during cataract surgery? You will be asked to lie on your back for up to 45

minutes. The doctor will make a small cut in the eye to remove the cloudy lens and to insert the plastic lens. ■ What to expect after cataract surgery Your doctor will probably place a pad over the eye operated on. You might have some pain or

discomfort in that eye. If you do, you should tell a nurse or doctor so they can give you something to ease the pain. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure and does not require an overnight stay. You should not drive until your vision has returned to normal so

you will need someone to take you home. Further Info: Visit The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists website. Source: healthdirect.gov.au/ cataract-surgery

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■ Why is cataract surgery performed? Cataracts can make your vision become blurry or hazy. The treatment is surgery on the affected eye to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a permanently implanted plastic lens called an intraocular lens.

WELLBEING

MAY, 2019// SENIORS

More treatment options Diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer is evolving Tracey Johnstone BREAST cancer management options are changing, giving more women potentially less invasive choices and better outcomes. Breast physician and Breastscreen Queensland relieving senior medical officer, Dr Deborah Pfeiffer, 64, reveals some of the most recent changes around the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Standard vs personalised screening The standard screening is 2D mammography. However, for women who are at a higher risk of breast cancer, their screening may need to be tailored and involve 3D mammography, ultrasound and even MRI. Their GP can advise what level of screening is suitable. There are now beforesurgery treatment options During the past 30 years, about 75 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have had it screen-detected early and it was often less than 2cm in size. Prior to widespread screening most women had larger, clinically detected breast cancer requiring a mastectomy and removal of the axillary lymph nodes. The difference now is that specialists are able to know a lot more about the nature of the cancer before the woman goes to surgery. They usually have at

HEALTH BRIEFS

NEW FINDINGS TO REDUCE BREAST CANCER RISK

KEEPING down both the weight down and alcohol consumption could help prevent breast cancer researchers, and reducing the length of consumption of MHT at the University of NSW have found. The study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, found overweight and obesity are responsible for 13 per cent of breast cancers in the next decade reported study author Dr Maarit Laaksonen. More than half of

ALTERNATIVES: Research has resulted in more refined choices being offered to breast cancer patients. hand information on the tumour size, type and grade, and in many cases the hormone receptors, before surgery. In some cases, they may also know whether the lymph glands are positive or not. As a result, in appropriate cases, such as when a woman has a large tumour or where two or more lymph nodes are affected, neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be offered before surgery to assist in reducing the size of the tumour. In some cases where the tumour is significantly reduced by the neoadjuvant treatment, the subsequent surgery may be only be a local excision (lumpectomy)

and axillary node sample. Another recent change is that some older women who have an oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer tumour may be offered an anti-oestrogen tablet before surgery. And in some cases, for example, those aged over 80, they may not even end up having the surgery. In the past women have often said, ‘it’s cancer, cut it out’. Specialists are rethinking how much treatment they give to women aged 75 and over because for many they may not live long enough for the cancer to reoccur. For older women there are some cancers, particularly if they are less

than 1cm in size, low-grade and oestrogen receptor positive, that may not need any surgery. Reconstruction is taking a different shape With greater access and techniques in breast implant technology for reconstruction, more women are choosing a mastectomy after an early breast cancer diagnosis. For the majority of women, lumpectomy with no reconstruction is chosen. However, for those with very small breasts they may want a reconstruction of the tissue that has been lost. With large breasted women the incision may result in their breasts

being unbalanced. This can affect the woman’s bra size and clothing fit, posture and even self-esteem. So, it’s become increasingly common for a woman to be offered a shaping procedure, such as a cosmetic reduction on the unaffected breast which can return both breasts to being symmetrical. This can be done using implants or fat and muscle, or a combination of both, or lipofilling, which is transferring fat only from one area of the body to another area. Is genotyping worthwhile? If an oncologist is uncertain as to whether

chemotherapy will be beneficial to a woman due to the size, grade and hormone receptor of the tumour, they may recommend the patient have genotyping. This is done by a blood test or swab of the mouth. The test can cost about $2000. Its purpose is to help the specialist refine the decision on what is appropriate treatment for that patient. Remember to get screened From the age of 40 all Australian women should be involved in annual breast screening. If you still aren’t doing this, then it’s time to talk to your GP.

Australian women report drinking alcohol regularly, and three in five Australian women are overweight or obese. “Regular alcohol consumption is the second largest contributor – 13 per cent of premenopausal and six per cent of post-menopausal breast cancers, that is 11,600 cases over the next 10 years, are attributable to consuming alcohol regularly,” Dr Laaksonen added. This is the first time that regular alcohol consumption is shown as the leading modifiable cause of breast cancer burden for pre-menopausal women.

The recommendation is to not drink more than two alcoholic drinks per day on average. The researchers also found the current use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) explains seven per cent of post-menopausal breast cancers, with over 90 per cent of this burden explained by a long-term use of at least five years. “Our findings support the current Australian and international recommendations of using MHT for the shortest duration possible, and only to alleviate menopausal symptoms, not for the prevention of chronic

disease,” Dr Laaksonen said. “When it comes to oral contraception, it is not recommended that women restrict their use of OCs – the latest position statement from Cancer Council says that over the course of a woman’s lifetime, the net effect of OCs is actually cancer-protective, as they provide protection against endometrial and ovarian cancers, meaning that the potential benefits, including reproductive benefits, outweigh the harms.” These behavioural and hormonal factors explain about one in five breast cancers.

APP FOR RECORDING CONSULTATIONS

There isn’t a timeframe available as yet for when the app will available as further work is being done with health services on how the app can be implemented.

RESEARCHERS at Melbourne’s Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre are working on an iPhone app, called SecondEars, which patients will be able to use to share recordings of their medical consultations with family and friends. This could be very useful when English is your second language in emergencies. The idea of this app, when chosen by a patient to be used to record a consultation, is for it to be integrated by health services as part of a patient’s health record.

PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE WEBSITE

THE updated website – privatehealth.gov.au – is now live. It’s designed to be Australia’s leading independent source of consumer information about private health insurance. It is also the only website that allows users to search the features and premium costs of every policy available in Australia.

SENIORS \\MAY, 2019

New bowls program for over 65s BOWLS Australia is receiving $1.2 million to spend on its new initiative, Roll Back the Clock, which aims to boost physical activity rates among Australians aged 65 and over through bowls, light exercise and education. This funding from the Sport Australia Better Ageing program will enable 180 programs to be run across 40 locations around Australia. The Roll Back the Clock

sessions will be adapted for individuals. The program benefits include flexibility, muscular endurance and strength and in some instances aerobic/ cardiovascular exercise. Each session will cost $5 for the accessible activities. Inactivity, isolation and loneliness are key concerns for the increasingly ageing Australian population. This program will provide opportunities for

Living

those who are socially isolated to engage with new people, have supportive conversations while getting active and learning about better health. Lawn bowls has all the attributes that can help you feel part of your community.

JOIN UP: Sport Australia Better Ageing program is funding Bowls Australia’s Roll Back the Clock program for over 65s. Photo: HamidEbrahimi

WALKING FRIENDS: Village ambassadors provide a great help in motivating fellow residents to get active by walking regularly either in groups or individually.

A new idea moves residents to get on their feet WITH a little help from a friend researchers have found a simple way to get more seniors more active through a peer-support walking program. A selection of retirement village residents, who were already quite active, became volunteer ambassadors in each of the 14 test villages. They were tasked with motivating 116 less active fellow residents across those villages to

get more active during a 16-week test period. The Curtin University project leader, Professor Cecilie Thøgersen-Ntoumani, reported the research participants ultimately increased their daily steps by about 750, reduced their prolonged sitting periods by seven per cent and increased the quality of motivation by 20 per cent through the work of the trained ambassadors.

“We trained them in different motivational techniques and interpersonal communication styles in order for the less physically active individuals to increase the quality of their motivation,” Dr Thøgersen-Ntoumani said. “The people who became the ambassadors were ones who were already physically active and

generally had been quite active throughout their lives, were quite interested in helping others increase their activity and often, people who were quite integrated into their villages.” The ambassadors didn’t need any skills to start. Instead, Dr ThøgersenNtoumani’s team provided them with the necessary motivation, supportive

communication and logistical skills to build strong connections among the research participants. At the start of the trial, residents completed three weekly group walks and were encouraged to independently do two extra walks per week. In the final six weeks residents completed self-organised walks which were designed to encourage residents to continue walking

independently after the trial had finished. “A very powerful motivator for the people in their groups was the feeling of social connection within the group and the village overall,” Dr ThøgersenNtoumani said. To access the ambassador training manual and the walker’s manual, phone Dr Thøgersen-Ntoumani on (08) 9266 5171.

MAY, 2019// SENIORS

Money

Andrew Heaven I WAS recently asked by a couple who have just updated their wills if they need to nominate each other using binding death benefit nominations in their superannuation. Why, they asked, does it need to be a binding nomination? Your will is a legal document that sets out your wishes for the distribution of your estate assets on your death. Assets owned jointly as “joint tenants” are not covered by your will as ownership will revert to the surviving owner on your death. Similarly, assets held in trust on your behalf are generally not dealt with under your will, but are governed by the terms of the applicable trust deed. Superannuation is an example of an asset held in trust on your behalf. As the trustee owns the assets on your behalf, the

Secure inheritance rights on your super

legal mechanism to instruct the trustee on how to distribute the proceeds of your superannuation on your death is contained within the fund’s trust deed. As such, superannuation death benefits are generally not able to be dealt with under your will. A superannuation lump sum death benefit can only be paid to an eligible beneficiary or be specified to be paid to your estate as the death benefit nomination. An eligible beneficiary must be a spouse, your child, an individual financially dependent upon you, or an individual you have an interdependency relationship with. An interdependency relationship is defined as a close personal relationship, where you live together, one or each of you provide financial support and domestic support and personal

care. Broadly, there are two types of superannuation death benefit nominations – binding and non-binding. A non-binding death benefit nomination is not binding on the trustee of the superannuation fund to pay out the funds to your specified beneficiary. In some circumstances, a superannuation trustee may allocate a portion of your superannuation benefit to an individual regardless of your nomination, provided they meet the definition of a beneficiary, that is the fund trustee retains discretion as to how your death benefit will be dealt with. On the other hand, a valid binding death benefit nomination compels the trustee to pay your death benefit to the nominated beneficiary provided they are an eligible beneficiary at the time of your death. That is, the surviving trustee will not have any discretion with regards to

SUPER ADVICE: Make sure your death benefit nomination is up to date and valid. who it allocates your superannuation death benefit to. Presumably, your solicitor has

recommended binding death benefit nominations for your superannuation funds.

Making a death benefit nomination is as critical as ensuring you have a valid will.

Stop cyber-crims cleaning you out THERE was a time when crooks made off with television sets or jewellery – items that were easy to cart off and hock around town. These days, they focus on far more transportable stuff, like details of our personal accounts. And it’s an all too lucrative business. Mention cyber-attacks, and we often think of dodgy malware that infects entire computer systems. But for cyber-crims, malware is yesterday’s news. ‘Credential stuffing’ is the latest trend among

cyber-thieves. In mid-March the Australian Federal Police arrested a Sydney man who had allegedly made $300,000 selling account details including email addresses and usernames for subscribers of various websites. The man is believed to have got hold of these details through a process known as credential stuffing. In simple terms, credential stuffing involves a hacker feeding thousands or millions of stolen username and password combinations

(obtained on the black market) into multiple websites to see if any of the details match a live account. If the hackers are able to log in successfully, they can pull out personal information to sell on the dark web. Long story short, it can open the door to identity theft, or worse, having your bank account cleaned out. Consumers are vulnerable to these attacks because of our habit of using the same password across multiple sites. A 2018 US study found 52 per cent of

consumers use the same or very similar passwords for different sites and services. How can you protect yourself from these attacks? The most important step is to use distinctly different password and username combinations for all your online accounts. If one company you have an account with experiences a data breach, all of your accounts that share the same username/ password combination could be in jeopardy. If you have a lot of

‘Kick start your day with Damo’ FM 103’s Breakfast Show, Monday to Friday 6 am to 9 am 6945592ab

UNDER ATTACK: Credential stuffing is the latest trend among cyber-thieves. Photo: AaronAmat online accounts, which many of us do nowadays, consider a password manager to help you keep track of the details. Where two-factor authentication is offered, take advantage of it. It’s also worth paying

attention to news of major data breaches. Paul Clitheroe is chairman of InvestSMART, chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money Magazine.

SENIORS \\MAY, 2019

MONEY

In which situations can you contest a will? By estate litigation solicitor Melissa Tucker PEOPLE contest a will for many reasons not related to challenging the validity or contesting like family provision. It is an unfortunate reality that disputes arise after the death of a loved one. Disputes are often an argument as to what the will means, how the will is being administered or distributed, whether there are errors in the will, whether a beneficiary named in the will is not entitled because of a crime committed, removal of an executor or administrator, or other disputes about the use of a power of attorney during the deceased’s lifetime. There are four different types of will challenges: 1. On the grounds someone didn’t have mental capacity to make a will 2. The will-maker didn’t have knowledge or approve a will 3. The will was written under the influence of others 4. The will was fraudulent or forged When can you contest a will because the will maker did not have mental capacity to make a will? This is a difficult area and in many instances family members simply obtain a medical certificate from a treating general practitioner. This cannot always be relied upon as being conclusive in relation to whether someone has testamentary capacity. It is quite a complicated process to understand the relevant issues and ensure that the person making the will has the required testamentary capacity. All adults are presumed to have capacity, unless the contrary is established in court and is for a judge to determine. No one can stop any person from writing his or own will, with or without cognitive impairment, and it is only after the death of the will maker that a judge will be asked to determine whether or not the will is valid. Solicitors have a duty to ensure the client has the requisite legal capacity

before either taking instructions or assisting them to make a will. The legal test for establishing testamentary capacity is well-established, with little change since its 1870 inception in Banks v Goodfellow. The test established by Banks v Goodfellow must be brought to bear on “existing circumstances” in modern life. The adaptation of the test to modern life requires that: 1. The testator/testatrix must be aware and appreciate the significance of the act in the law upon which he/ she is about to embark 2. The testator/testatrix must be aware, at least in general terms, of the nature, extent and value of the estate over which he/she has a disposing power 3. The testator/testatrix must be aware of those who may reasonably be thought to have a claim upon his/her testamentary bounty and the basis for, and nature of, the claims of such persons 4. The testator/testatrix must have the ability to evaluate and discriminate between the respective strengths of the claims of such persons The assessment of testamentary capacity is growing in complexity and increasingly demands an interdisciplinary approach which utilises the skills of legal and medical professionals. Can a person with dementia make a will? There are many thousands of people in society who would be attempting to write a will either with or without a solicitor’s assistance and many of these will-makers may have dementia. Another term used for lack of mental capacity is “cognitive impairment”, which greatly increases from the age of 65. Dementia is described as a chronic or persistent disorder of the mental processes caused by brain disease or injury and marked by memory disorders, personality changes and impaired reasoning, a chronic or persistent disorder of the mental processes caused by brain disease or injury and marked by memory disorders, personality changes and impaired

IN THE DETAILS: Estate litigation solicitor Melissa Tucker. Photo: Murray Waite reasoning. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in 15 people over 65 – increasing to one in four people over 85 – suffer from dementia. It is also estimated that each week in Australia 1600 new cases of dementia are diagnosed, a figure expected to grow to 7400 a week by 2050. Give an example of where a will was challenged because a will-maker had dementia or no capacity Let’s take, for example, a will-maker in their late 90s with dementia, where a carer, friend or other family member has organised for a will to be signed (in their favour), when it appears the will-maker is not in a position to understand and approve that will. The will-maker may be paranoid or delusional and making a will that’s influenced by their delusions to the effect he or she did not possess the required mental condition at law to be able to make a will. In this instance courts would need factual evidence to prove the will-maker lacked mental capacity at the time the will was signed. However sometimes there is no factual evidence that exists to prove this. Family members may be absolutely convinced, for example, their mother or father did not have mental capacity at the time the will was signed. But if there is insufficient factual evidence you will not be able to convince a judge. It is for this reason doctors often give

evidence of what they observed many months or even years before the signing of the will but if the patient (will-maker) was “in and out” of mental capacity from time to time the doctor’s evidence may be uncertain and insufficient to prove the will-maker’s lack of knowledge and approval. Can you contest a will because a will-maker did not have full knowledge of his/her approval? This is similar to lack of mental capacity and sometimes they are both conducted in the course of a hearing before a judge at the same time if a will-maker did not have the required mental capacity to make a will (also known as lacking testamentary capacity, mental capacity) then clearly that will-maker would not have the knowledge nor given his or her approval to the will because they were incapable of doing so at law. However lack of knowledge and approval can apply when a will-maker does have testamentary capacity and, for example, could occur when a will-maker of sound mind has signed a will not fully understanding its contents and thereby not giving his or her approval to the will. Take, for example, when a judge has decided that the will-maker did indeed have testamentary capacity but then goes on to look at the evidence as to whether the will-maker did not have knowledge of the contents of the will and therefore did not give approval to it.

In such a case the judge might decide the will-maker was mentally capable of making a will but at the time of signing the document he or she did not understand the contents. The rules regarding the preparation and signing of a will are very important in society to ensure the correct transfer of the assets to the person or persons intended by the deceased. Can you contest a will because of elder abuse? As I mentioned earlier, it is possible to contest a will on the grounds that the will was written at a time when the will-maker was being unlawfully influenced by others. HOWEVER: Challenging the validity of a will on the grounds of undue influence (alone) is extremely difficult to win and very few cases have ever been successful. Sometimes this challenge is alleged together with and at the same time as lack of mental capacity and lack of knowledge and approval because all three allegations are often very closely related and the same evidence is used in relation to each challenge. Over the past 100 years only three cases have been successful – one each in NSW, Victoria and Queensland. The onus of proving undue influence rests upon the person making the allegation and he/she must prove beyond doubt that the deceased will-maker at the time of signing the will was actually unlawfully influenced. The two biggest hurdles to overcome is firstly the fact the will-maker is no longer available to give evidence and secondly the alleged influence would have to be around the time of the signing of the will. In these cases, common sense does not prevail. You and I may be fully aware that family member/s or a friend or carer has influenced the will-maker by continually asking to be left in the will or even making threats about not looking after the will-maker in his/her old age unless included in the will. However at law this type

of influence is not sufficient to win the case. The influence required is actual duress (force), almost like holding a gun to the head of the will-maker. Very surprisingly, badgering the will-maker is not regarded as undue influence. Continually harassing the will-maker to include you in his/her will, even to the extent of taking the will-maker to your solicitor, is certainly wearing him/her down, however is not (in wills law) “undue influence”. There is some good news. When all of the evidence is before the court regarding lack of mental capacity, lack of knowledge and approval and undue influence, sometimes there is sufficient evidence for a judge to determine the will is invalid for one or more reasons. Can you contest a will because of forgery? Challenging the validity of contesting a will on these grounds usually does not involve the will-maker. The allegation, of course, is that the will being challenged is not that of the deceased at all. The onus of proving the fraud or forgery rests upon the person/persons making the allegation. The evidence required is usually from one or more experts in the field of handwriting, pencil, ink, paper, photocopy machines and any other evidence proving a fraud or forgery. How long does it take to contest a will? Depending upon the complexity of the case, it could possibly take nine to 12 months for settlements to be approved by the court and possibly 12 months to two years or more for a court hearing.

About the author Melissa Tucker is a senior wills and estates solicitor at Attwood Marshall Lawyers and is a member of Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. Established in 1946, Attwood Marshall Lawyers has offices at Robina Town Centre, Kingscliff, NSW, and The Strand Coolangatta. For a free estate planning review phone 1800 621 071 today.

REVIEWS

MAY, 2019// SENIORS

Share the tales of Aunt Sally

WELCOME to friends and relatives of young children. Here are two books to read and enjoy with the little people in your life. How Aunt Sally Got Her Name and How Aunt Sally Went to the Zoo, were written by Brisbane author Jean Peel. They follow Aunt Sally, a loveable, intrepid, adventurous, pussy cat from the time she runs away from home as a 10-week-old kitten, through the trials and tribulations she encounters during her lifetime. They say cats have nine lives. Well, Aunt Sally has surely proved that and there are nine stories waiting to be told. Now she’s old and very fat, she has time to lie on her favourite mat, remembering how she got her name, how she ended up at the city zoo, how she almost drowned and how she survived a cubby house fire. There are also the stories of how she went to sea, how she beat the bullies at the paintball park, how she went on holiday, how she became a mother and how she beat the burglars. You’ll laugh at her antics as she travels from one adventure to another. These rhyming stories for young children are very loosely based on the author’s own White Puss, another loveable pet, who spent 14 years with the family, seeking adventure and finding it. These are Jean Peel’s debut children’s books, with more to come. Books available at jeanpeel.com.

Sail Away across the Atlantic

Who is the murdering number 55? WILBROOK in Western Australia is a sleepy, remote town that sits on the edge of miles and miles of unexplored wilderness. It’s home to Police Sergeant Chandler Jenkins, who is proud to run the town’s small police station, a place used to dealing with domestic disputes and noise complaints. All that changes on a scorching day when an injured man stumbles into Chandler’s station. He’s covered in dried blood. His name is Gabriel. He tells Chandler what he remembers. He was drugged and driven to a cabin in the mountains and tied up in iron chains. The man who took him was called Heath. Heath told Gabriel he was going to be his 55th victim. Heath is a serial killer. As a manhunt is launched, a man who says he is Heath walks into the same station. He tells Chandler he was taken by a man named Gabriel. Gabriel told Heath he was going to be victim 55. James Delargy’s debut novel is a thriller with a killer hook and an ending that will make you gasp. Published by Simon & Schuster UK, Who is 55? is available in paperback, RRP$35.

BOOK EXCERPT How Aunt Sally Got Her Name This story you’re about to hear Will hopefully please, so do not fear. It’s how Aunt Sally was given her name By a little girl called Matilda-Jane. The story begins a long time ago, On the opening day of the annual show. When a mother cat left her two kittens to play So she could go hunting to find some prey. The kittens soon grew tired of their games And ended up calling each other names. When her brother curled up to have a nap Aunt Sally ran off without thought of mishap. Her nose to the ground, her tail in the air Irresistible smells led her straight to the fair Where nimbly she skipped, and hopped, and leaped, Keeping out of the way of hundreds of feet.

IF YOU ever thought nothing really exciting happens on cruise ships, then you should take a cruise across the Atlantic on the Blue Mermaid with author Celia Imrie. At the centre of her new novel Sail Away are two over-60s women; both lost souls trying to find their foothold on life. Neither expected to be tangled in a complex web of lies, murder, love and strange cruise shipmates when they found themselves on board the Blue Mermaid. Actress and ’80s TV star Suzy Marshall is coming to terms with being over 60 in a young person’s profession. Amanda Herbert is a guest after finding herself homeless when she sold the family home and was forced to wait for a very delayed settlement on the purchase of an apartment. She thought she could stay with her children in the interim, but found out quickly they only wanted her when it suited them. The trip across the Atlantic for both women is a chance to put money back in their pockets and hide from the crises they have left back home. Published by Bloomsbury, Sail Away is in bookshops. RRP $17.99.

A triumph against all odds IT WAS one of the most extraordinary and inspirational prison breaks in Australian history, The Catalpa Rescue. Australian author Peter FitzSimons tells the engaging true story of the members of the Clan-na-Gael. It’s New York in 1874. The agitators for Irish freedom from the English yoke hatch a daring plan to free six Irish political prisoners from the most remote prison in the British Empire, Fremantle

Prison in Western Australia. Under the guise of a whale hunt, Captain Anthony sets sail on the Catalpa. His mission is to rescue the men from the stone walls of this hell on earth known to the inmates as a ‘living tomb’. What follows is one of history’s most stirring sagas. It splices Irish, American, British and Australian history together in its climactic moment.

For Ireland, which had suffered English occupation for 700 years, a successful escape was an inspirational call to arms. For America it was a chance to slap back at Britain for its support of the south in the Civil War. For England, a humiliation. And for a young Australia, still not sure if it was Great Britain in the South Seas or worthy of being an independent country in its own right, it

was proof that Great Britain was not unbeatable. FitzSimons’s uses his trademark combination of arresting history and storytelling verve to share the tale of rescue. It’s courage and cunning, the fight for independence and the triumph of good men, against all odds. Published by Hachette Australia, The Catalpa Rescue is available in paperback RRP$34.99 and ebook RRP$16.99.

SENIORS \\MAY, 2019

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

Across 1 What word originally meant “kill one in every ten”? (8) 7 Which river ﬂows through Paris? (5) 8 Which artist painted 62 self-portraits? (9) 9 What is an item in an auction sale? (3) 10 Which district of London has the name of a harehunting cry from when the area had ﬁelds? (4) 11 Which planet is seventh from the sun? (6) 13 In 1999, Prince Abdullah succeeded his father as king of which country? (6) 14 Which pasture and fodder grass has about 100 species? (6) 17 In Welsh, what does cwm mean? (6) 18 What is the monetary unit of Thailand? (4) 20 What word can precede bucket, age and hockey? (3) 22 What creature has existed on Earth for over 300 million years? (9) 23 What is a score of two strokes under par at a golf hole? (5) 24 Pencil lead consists mainly of what substance? (8)

7 8 9 10

11 12

16 17

21 22

PUZZLES

Down 1 In what game do players start with 501 points, then try to reduce to zero? (5) 2 What substance from a tree wood is used in celluloid manufacture and as a cold treatment? (7) 3 Which is the Red Planet? (4) 4 What is the vast treeless zone between the timber line and the northern ice cap? (6) 5 What are the respiratory organs of fish? (5) 6 Which planet is about one-fifth as bright as the faintest star? (7) 7 What is the capital of the Falkland Islands? (7) 12 Who is Gromit’s inventor master? (7) 13 Which is the largest planet in our solar system? (7) 15 In Indian cookery, what is a flat, thin cake of unleavened bread? (7) 16 Who uses an épée? (6) 17 What is a grass border along a road? (5) 19 Which lake lies high in the Sierra Nevada on the California-Nevada border? (5) 21 What is an assistant in a camera crew called? (4)

27/4

23 24

SUDOKU

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

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

5x5

ALPHAGRAMS

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

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

M 10

12 14

18 20

SOLUTIONS

M I X E R

U N I T E

T E A R S

S A L E S

QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 1. Mischievous 8. Stopper 9. Strap 10. Anew 11. Gallows 12. Awe 13. Snub 15. Test 17. Rue 19. Concise 20. Solo 23. Extra 24. Aquatic 25. Pretty penny. Down: 1. Mishap 2. Shove 3. Hope 4. Enrage 5. Obsolete 6. Serious 7. Oppose 12. Abdicate 14. Nonstop 16. Scream 17. Recant 18. Touchy 21. Often 22. Jump.

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word. No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb. TODAY: Good 18 Very Good 26 Excellent 33

ALPHAGRAMS: REALM, SOUGHT, TARNISH, UMBRELLA, VALUATION.

L T

SUDOKU

5x5

S T A M P

643

Down 1. Accident (6) 2. Push (5) 3. Optimism (4) 4. Anger (6) 5. No longer in use (8) 6. Grave (7) 7. Resist (6) 12. Renounce (8) 14. Unceasing (7) 16. High-pitched shout (6) 17. Renounce a previous belief (6) 18. Sensitive (6) 21. Frequently (5) 22. Leap (4)

WORD GO ROUND

A I

LAMER TOUGHS IN TRASH RUB ALL ME AUNT VIOLA

WORD GO ROUND

alibi alibis ambit bail bails bait baits balm balti barm bars basil bast bats bias bits blast blat blats brail brails brat brim brims iamb iambi ibis lamb lambs limb ribs slab stab tabs tibia tibial timbal tribal TRIBALISM

Across 1. Annoying, in a playful way (11) 8. Bung (7) 9. Belt (5) 10. Afresh (4) 11. Gibbet (7) 12. Reverence (3) 13. Rebuff (4) 15. Trial (4) 17. Regret (3) 19. Succinct (7) 20. Alone (4) 23. Additional (5) 24. Relating to water (7) 25. Considerable sum of money (6,5)

S I

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

R M

22 23

GK CROSSWORD Across: 1 Decimate, 7 Seine, 8 Rembrandt, 9 Lot, 10 Soho, 11 Uranus, 13 Jordan, 14 Fescue, 17 Valley, 18 Baht, 20 Ice, 22 Cockroach, 23 Eagle, 24 Graphite. Down: 1 Darts, 2 Camphor, 3 Mars, 4 Tundra, 5 Gills, 6 Neptune, 7 Stanley, 12 Wallace, 13 Jupiter, 15 Chapati, 16 Fencer, 17 Verge, 19 Tahoe, 21 Grip.

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MAY, 2019// SENIORS