Coffs & Clarence, October 2018

October 2018

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OCTOBER, 2018// SENIORS

Smile, you’re recognised Gail Forrer Seniors Group Editor

33 Wellbeing

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Music preview INDEX 3 4 12 18 20 21 32 33 36 38 39

WWI commemorations Cover Story: The Matriarchs Talk ‘n’ Thoughts Community Group Guide What’s On Wanderlust Living Wellbeing Money Music and Book reviews Puzzles

IN ONE way or another a good deal of the stories published in Seniors newspaper, ask us to rethink our ideas on ageing.

It might be our sporting profiles, stories on business ventures, life-long education or the type of accommodation we choose to live in.

This month, our cover story makes it evident that other demographics are also reviewing their ideas on ageing.

That is, they are recognising the view of older age as a slow, quiet and perhaps sad journey into mental and physical decline, is simply a stereotype.

The article shows an acknowledgement of our differences, recognition of our strengths and weaknesses and importantly, that contemporary ageing demands a new story.

In our feature story, it is great to see the older woman upfront and visible.

Breaking away from stereotypes also enables us to have a more authentic view of society, which hopefully enables a fairer treatment for all. In this month’s Talk ‘n’ Thoughs section, we are

pleased to note the move towards a more equitable superannuation scheme in terms of women’s work contributions. Something, that up to this point is sadly lacking.

We also have an interesting review of former journalist Mike Carlton’s memoir.

In his book we can see how political opinions, personalities and conflict shaped the society we grew up in and in turn shaped us.

At 72 years old, Carlton is certainly breaking down age stereotypes.

Finally, don’t miss Robyn Nixon’s tips on travelling with your grandchildren. As an avid and professional traveller Robyn shares some practical tips.

As always, we have provided you with the latest well-being, living, travel and financial advice. I trust you enjoy the read.

CONTACT US General Manager Geoff Crockett – 07 5430 1006 geoff.crockett@news.com.au Editor Gail Forrer – 07 5435 3203 gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Tracy O’Connor – 0438 478 204 tracy.oconnor@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 “Gold Coast 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.

Best-selling tale sure to be man’s best friend SOMETIMES a book comes along with a title that might not appeal to the masses and surprises us by shooting up the best-seller list.

The Dogs That Made Australia by local Guy Hull rose to number five on The Age’s Top 10 and the first print run sold out around the country.

Interest spread quickly and interviews with ABC’s Conversations and filming for Landline followed.

Guy, a dog behaviourist who has recently moved

to the Sunshine Coast from the Snowy Mountains, has written a book about the dogs that made our country: the hunters, workers, the legends.

He says it is a story no one has thought to tell before, but an important one about the role of dogs in building our nation.

“I’ve always had an interest in dogs,” Guy said.

“I have been a dog behaviourist for 40 years and I ran two dog pounds

in NSW and I’ve been a council ranger. I wanted to tell a story about dogs that has not been told.”

The Dogs That Made Australia pays tribute to the dogs that gave their all for Australia’s prosperity: the fearless hounds that saved fledgling colonies from famine, the courageous heelers and tireless collies that powered the rise of beef and wool, the tough little home-grown terriers that protected the homestead and garden

and the extraordinary police dogs.

Guy has written a vivid and meticulously researched history of Australia told from the perspectives of the dingo and of the dogs that were imported and developed here, as well as the humans who loved, feared and worked them.

“Kelpies and cattle dogs, the surf dogs, the police dogs... it’s mostly about the dogs that were developed here, predominately cattle

dogs,” Guy said.

“The history of dogs is long. It was women who domesticated dogs. They handled the currency.

“They had the food. Any dog loves you if you provide the food. The book talks about how the dog spread into all points of the compass and made its way down South East Asia and to Australian then as dingos, and cross bred with native dogs.”

Guy is not surprised by the instant success of his book. He knew the story

of Aussie dogs needed to be told.

“I always thought it was a huge story,” he said.

“It is pushing for top billing. It will be around for ages. It is a book that Australia badly needed.

“Dogs are not just good for just individuals, they are good for society.

“They are companion animals, good company, give people a reason to go out and exercise, to care about something. A well-managed dog is a bonus to anyone.”

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HONOURING OUR MEN: Bob Denner OAM (centre) takes part in the annual Anzac Day.

WWI commemorations

Tania Phillips

REMEMBERANCE Day 2018 will take on a special feel for the community of Dorrigo – and for one of their locals particularly.

Dorrigo RSL Sub Branch Secretary Bob Denner received an OAM for his service to the Dorrigo community and veterans in the Australia Day Honours and he has been one of the driving force of WWI commemorations in the town.

“The Centenary of the 1918 Armistice is a culmination of our focus on the WWI timeline for

Dorrigo and the 460 men who enlisted and the 47 who did not come home to their families,” Mr Denner said.

“It is a debt of honour.

“Our Remembrance Day Service in Dorrigo is normally a small event, but we saw that we had to bring the centenary of the past four years of World War I to a fitting climax and so honour all those who gave their lives during that time so that we could be the nation that we are today.”

As a former military man with a history of service in his family, the significance of WWI and the Armistices is not lost

on Mr Denner.

“I was a Junior Legatee after my dad died from his WWII service in 1945,” he explained.

“My background is regular army; graduated from the Royal Military College in 1965, saw active service in Vietnam 1968/69.

“I left the army in 1982 as a Lieutenant Colonel and since then have been corporate manager in a number of industries, tree change farmer and now actively engaged in my community through the RSL Sub Branch, Legacy and the RSL Club in Dorrigo.”

He described receiving

his OAM as the “the proudest and most humbling day of my life”.

Dorrigo will commemorate the centenary of the signing of the 1918 Armistice that ended WWI on Sunday, November 11, with a wreath laying service at 10.30am and a march of veterans from Dorrigo Memorial RSL to the monument.

This will include several features that will make it a very special occasion for all those attending, including the Dorrigo Light Horse Troop and a soldier in WWI uniform.

Following the service there will be a community

street party in the northern end of Hickory Street from 12-2.30pm.

The street will be decorated with flags, bunting and banner and everyone is invited to take part in this celebration of peace.

Entertainment is being provided by the Bellingen Big Band.

Families are invited to bring tables, chairs and a picnic lunch and enjoy the atmosphere of the event.

There will be games for children and competitions for the best decorated table and period costume.

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COVER STORY

OCTOBER, 2018// SENIORS

THE MATRIARCHS: Krissy Stanley, 68, Carefree campaign for 2018.

Griz Pomirska, 67.

The Matriarchs: sassy,

Tracey Johnstone INSTEAD of a corporate brand telling the younger generation what to expect of the future, it has turned to the people who have been there and done that.

A young creative team in their 20s and 30s in the Sydney office of advertising agency DDB Sydney has developed a marketing campaign for Carefree’s female hygiene products with its essence

being matriarchal trust.

Four women – Krissy Stanley, 68, Griz Pomirska, 67, Yvonne Tozzi, 60, and Gayle Foster-Brown, 69 – talk in the advertisement about what they remember of their teenage to pre-menopause years while reviewing the current crop of Carefree products.

It’s cheeky, bright and brutally honest.

Silver Creek’s retail marketing executive

Stuart Cumming said this Carefree advertisement is ground breaking with its use of women more than double the age of the target market having an authentic conversation with those younger generations.

“It comes down to people believing they are listening to something authentic, that then builds the trust,” Mr Cumming said.

“The Carefree ad was all about authentic

storytelling. Marketing has certainly been heading in that direction in the last five years at least.

“It makes sense to have someone with experience talking as that feeds into the authenticity.”

DDB Sydney executive creative director Tara Ford said the creative team came up with the idea without her input.

“I am absolutely delighted when I see work

like that because I am so conscious of women of a certain age absolutely disappearing from media landscapes or playing a kind of passive role in things,” Ms Ford said.

“I know so many hilarious older people who are so sassy, so smart and have wisdom, so why don’t we show that for a change?”

Carefree’s approach to their product range, Ms Ford said, is unapologetically feminine.

She argues it’s that approach that lends itself well to honest and open discussion.

And who better to have that kind of women’s issues discussion than older women, Ms Ford said.

“The older you get, the more you can say and do whatever you like, and you don’t really worry so much about what people think, how you are going to look,” Ms Ford, who is in her late 40s, adds.

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I received a letter last week (through the email of course) that let us know that the Federal Government is increasing aged care funding to allow services like Clarence Care + Support to offer more subsidised in home care. This is great news for the seniors in our community who need some cleaning or basic level support to remain living at home.

Clarence Care + Support will be able to offer more domestic assistance when this funding is finalised.

To be eligible to receive Commonwealth Home Support Services you will need to register with My Aged Care. This is through a phone call to 1800 200 422 or the website is www.myagedcare.gov.au if you prefer to do some research first. After this the My Aged Care staff will arrange a home assessment with the Regional Assessment Team (low level care) or the Aged Care Assessment Team for higher level services.

After this the type of service required is decided and then referrals put in on My Aged Care or you can take your referral code and contact the services you want to discuss with on what they offer. There has been waiting lists for some services so that is why this additional funding is great news.

So you may want to think about your needs and speak with your family to get an idea on what may be needed. Most of us don’t like asking for assistance however a little bit of help early is known to keep people at home longer.

One of our current customers let us know that with Clarence Care + Support “Life’s good with that bit of service.

They’re flexible, the workers don’t control you and they respect my way of life, I’ve met some nice people.”

Clarence Care + Support also offers Home Care Packages so if you are offered this level of service give us a call to go through what we can offer. Our staff do home visits in the Clarence Valley to go through all the details including costs so you can make a fully informed choice.

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Don’t forget Jacaranda Festival in Grafton – We have our stall in the Staff and customers enjoying the park on Jacca Thursday 1st November. See you there. beautiful Jacarandas in Grafton.

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SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2018

COVER STORY

Yvonne Tozzi, 60.

Gayle Foster-Brown, 69.

smart and authentic

The creative team recognise a lot of older superstars are popping up on Instagram and the younger generations are relating to them.

They are seen as being themselves, having fun and, at times, being outrageous.

“They tapped into that quite a lot,” Ms Ford said.

The women, coined The Matriarchs, were drawn out of a casting call.

They were presented with a handful of

questions with their answers to become part of the advertisement.

None of their responses were scripted so they were highly candid.

The Matriarchs projected confidence, self-worth and unashamed enjoyment at being where they were with a lot of life knowledge.

“We never really discussed it. We never talked about a period, we never talked about sex,

‘‘

The Matriarchs projected confidence, self-worth and unashamed enjoyment at being where they are in life we never talked about depression,” Yvonne says in the video.

But times have changed, a lot.

“Did you have seepage? Did you have

leakage? We all talk about it now. But when I was a kid, you didn’t talk about it,” Krissy adds.

The online campaign has been very successful for Carefree.

Ms Ford said the feedback from younger women has been “really good”.

“Bringing back the crone wisdom archetype that women have been missing” and “Love it! No topic should be off limits in these modern times, glad people can laugh and be open about it all” have been some of the social media responses to the campaign.

Will we see more involvement of older

5

Photos: Contributed

Australians in the endorsement of products?

Mr Cumming said it’s really about the right person connecting with the target market.

“It’s not a matter of rolling out a whole lot of old people to be advocates, it’s a matter of does it make sense,” Mr Cumming said.

“If the answer is yes, then that’s great. But, it’s not going to happen with every product.”

Father Rod Bower speaks frankly about social justice views WE’VE all seen them, those funny and often quirky signs outside churches all over the country. They make us smile, make us give thought, and none more so than those produced

by Father Rod Bower outside his Gosford Anglican Church.

The most famous of all his signs, ‘Dear Christians. Some PPL are gay. Get over it. Love God’ in 2013 kick-started a social media revolution.

This one-time butcher now uses his considerable platform to

raise questions about Australia’s corporate soul, to assert that we are all brothers and sisters – asylum seekers, Muslims, those identifying as LGBTI, indigenous Australians.

But how did this Anglican priest end up becoming one of Australia’s top social justice commentators?

It is revealed in his book Outspoken: All Justice is Social which Father Rod tells of the details of his childhood growing up in NSW’s Hunter region with his

adopted family, and how the sudden death of his father when he was just 13 affected him.

“I was lucky to be adopted into and raised by a wonderful family, but like many adopted people I often felt like a bit of an outsider,” he said.

“This is why I have always identified with the marginalised.

“I once visited a family who were anxious that I would be judgemental of a gay man who was dying.

“This brought me to the dreadful realisation that people could experience

marginalisation because of me and what I represented to them.

“I was deeply challenged by this and put up that first controversial sign, ‘Dear Christians, some people are gay, get over it. Love God’.”

After the death of his father, Rod then quit school as soon as he could and moved to Newcastle to work as a butcher.

But everything changed for Rod when he made a last minute, hungover decision to go to church on Christmas Day in 1984

(the first time since he had been baptised).

This decision soon saw him embark on a path to priesthood. He has never looked back and believes we all have a voice when it comes to social justice, no matter our age.

“Many of us have experiences of exclusion or marginalisation,” he said.

“This may simply be because we are senior people. This is painful. If we reflect on how devastating this experience is for us, then how could we possibly

want to inflict this on another human being?

“The senior voice, because it comes with wisdom, is a very powerful voice indeed. It is also backed with considerable economic clout.

“I have been greatly encouraged by the ‘Knitting Nanas’ and ‘Grandmothers against Detention’.

“These voices have been incredibly powerful and effective for the causes of social justice.”

Outspoken: All Justice is Social is in bookstores.

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NEWS

OCTOBER, 2018// SENIORS

Masters sport good for health and economy Tania Phillips COFFS Harbour could see itself come a regular fixture on the AFL Masters circuit following the success of the 2018 AFL Masters National Carnival held in the city earlier this month.

AFL Masters general manager Neil King hailed the city’s first stint at hosting the event as a big success.

The tournament has been running annually for more than 30 years and was secured for the region by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW and local AFL officials.

King said the event was held in a different state each year, usually in the first week of October, and attracted almost 1000 players and a further 600 officials and supporters.

“The event was held in Geelong last year and the Gold Coast the year

AFL Masters player John Holmquest in action.

ON THE MOVE: Belinda Pride has her eye on the ball during the AFL Masters National Carnival at Coffs Harbour this month.

Photos: Pine Creek Pictures

before,” King said.

“Two years ago we were approached by Dan Perry and Brian Stirling about bringing the event to Coffs Harbour.”

He said the city was able to tick all the boxes required to host the event from sporting facilities and accommodation to things to do while people were there.

King said it was also thanks to the support of Destination NSW and the Coffs City Council the event had been a great success in the Coastal city.

“Coffs performed so well we would certainly consider coming here again,” King said.

“We have carried out impact studies every year

King said.

“Coffs marks the third year we have had a women’s division.”

Member for Coffs Harbour Andrew Fraser said the event, which was the largest mass participation event for AFL players over 35 years of age, had provided a significant boost to the local economy.

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since 2002 which show an injection of three to four million into the Coffs economy.”

The tournament attracts players from every state and across numerous age divisions from Over 35s to Over 60s.

“We had 45 teams plying three games through out the week,”

“There are approximately 1200 players, officials and supporters calling Coffs Harbour home for the next week or so, dining in our cafes and restaurants, shopping in our boutiques and enjoying our beaches, parks and local hospitality,” he said.

“Coffs Harbour is renowned for delivering world-class event experiences. We have received an International Festivals and Events Association World Festival and Event City Award the past three years running and have hosted major international events including Rally Australia and One Day Internationals as part of last year’s Women’s Ashes Series.

“The leading ladies of world golf have also called the Coffs Coast home with the Australian Ladies’ Classic – Bonville, and the Women’s NSW Open Golf Championship.”

“Love in action is Service” Mother Teresa.

The Sawtell Catholic Care of the Aged motto and logo is ‘We Care’.

For 26 years, since the first group of visionaries saw the opportunity to create a place offering excellent care in a nurturing environment where the dignity of residents, carers and families is recognized and affirmed, we have been expanding the breadth and scope of that vision.

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But ‘We Care’ is more than just a logo or motto. ‘We Care’ is also the living, breathing, daily expression of our collective mission as a community. Our SCCA community, made up of residents, staff, volunteers, friends, family and others, manifest this expression in their own individual way, weaving the diverse threads of our community together into a powerful and unique pattern. This diversity of expression is our strength.

It allows us to continue improving and transforming our models of care, to provide life enhancing, holistic, personcentered care to our residents that adapts and changes with their current and future needs, without losing the touchstone of that original vision.

SCCA- it’s a great story!

If you’d like to see more visit our blog at https://scca.net.au/lifestyle/blog/

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OCTOBER, 2018// SENIORS

Coffs local uses technology to service pharmacy clients Tania Phillips A PHARMACY degree in the 1980s has led David Metcalf, of Park Avenue Pharmacy, on many different paths – including coming to Coffs Harbour.

He has worked in hospitals and pharmacies and travelled overseas and, while he is back in a pharmacy again, that doesn’t mean what he does is quite as straightforward as just dispensing drugs.

“We focus on general pharmacy but we are also heavily focused on the aged-care sector and providing Webster boxes for nine local aged-care facilities,” David said.

“We service more than 800 aged care residents in and around Coffs Harbour as well as Bellingen and Urunga.

“We do about two and a half thousand Webster packs a week.”

And all that is from a small pharmacy in Park Avenue; with a staff of 14.

“Our staff includes a couple of delivery drivers, four front-of-shop staff and eight back-of-shop working on the nursing home delivery,” he said.

For the uninitiated, Webster Boxes provide a week’s worth of medication for customers all set out in daily packs marked with breakfast, lunch, dinner and night, allowing patients to know exactly what they have to take and when.

He said this was particularly handy for people who take between 20–30 tablets a day.

As well as the human staff, the pharmacy’s dispensing room out the back is semi-automated with a robot arm in place to help out.

It’s not what you would expect at a small local pharmacy, but then David Metcalf has never travelled the normal path.

Relocating to Coffs in the mid-1990s, he worked in the oncology pharmacy at the Base Hospital before moving more into

KEEPING IN FRONT: David Metcalf and staff, with David’s robotic assistant. hospital administration and doing a masters degree in health.

In 2016 he went to Buenos Aires to attend an international advisory board to discuss the

global roll-out of biosimilars.

Biosimilars are generic medicines of biologics used to manage illnesses, including rheumatoid arthritis and

serious inflammatory bowel disease.

However, like all new medicines, the long-term effectiveness on the drugs isn’t well researched.

Photo: Sue Germany

David said the advisory board was the beginning of safe global policy on how biosimilars are handled and dealt with at the community pharmacy level.

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NEWS

Historical connection with Jacaranda Festival Tania Phillips HELEN Templeton’s first memory of Grafton’s iconic Jacaranda Festival was singing 21 Today with a crowd downtown to celebrate the event’s 21st birthday.

She was just a small child at the time and little did she know just how much she would become involved in the much-loved festival – which is now about to celebrate 84 years.

“My youngest daughter Sarah Templeton was a candidate in the first Junior Jacaranda Queen quest back in 1997,” Helen said.

“And then my granddaughter Laura Hall won the Junior Queen title in 2015.”

It was after Sarah won the 2007 Jacaranda Queen title that her mother became involved

FUN FOR ALL: The famous Jacaranda Parade. with the committee of volunteers who run the event – something she has done ever since (though she swears she is handing things over soon).

She has been involved in many facets – organising the baby competition, being committee secretary, assistant treasurer, and running the souvenir and information shop during Jacaranda Week (a job she still currently holds).

“It’s huge and it’s getting bigger and bigger – we have many international tourists coming in and we have great support from our local businesses, Clarence Valley Council and from Destination NSW,” Helen said.

“Who we really rely on is our local volunteers and the enthusiasm of our local community.”

So what is the secret?

Why is the Jacaranda Festival growing when

Photos: Simon Hughes

other events like it are failing?

“It’s the tradition and the memories that make it special.”

And of course that beautiful river of purple that colours the town every October and November.

All the favourites are back with the Bendigo Bank Children’s Morning getting the festival under way at 9am on Saturday, October 27 in Market Square.

Helen Templeton with Junior Queen Laura in the Souvenirs and Information Shop.

There will be kids’ games, activities and entertainment all morning, the presentation of the 2018 Royal Attendants, Party Prince, Party Princess, Page Boy and Flower Girl.

The winners of the Beautiful Baby Competition are announced and see all the stunning banners from the March of Youth.

This year’s theme is Jacaranda Avenue.

The first day of the

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festival is not complete without the Westlawn Finance Queen Crowning Ceremony where we say goodbye to 2017 Jacaranda Queen Alana and 2017 Jacaranda Princess Emilee and their royal party and welcome the 2018 Royal Party.

Also the 2018 Junior Jacaranda Queen and Princess will be crowned.

This year the special guest is no other than former Grafton girl and Paralympian, now motivational speaker, Jessica Smith.

Head down to Market Square from 5.30pm for this unique evening.

Go to www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/2018-jacarandaqueen-crowning-reservedseating-tickets41985076494 to pre-purchase a seat or don’t forget to bring a blanket.

For full story, go to seniorsnews.com.au.

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NEWS

OCTOBER, 2018// SENIORS

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NEWS

11

Family history goes hand in hand with Dorrigo Show ‘‘ Tania Phillips

THERE’S always a Burley involved somewhere at the Dorrigo Show and often more than one.

For the past 74 years, a member of the family has either been on a committee, helping to run the show, or just exhibiting their jersey cattle.

Wayne Burley, 64, followed in his father Norm and grandfather Gus’s footsteps as a member of the show society.

He’s currently president of the Showground Trust, the body that looks after the showground. His own children have had some involvement too.

“I’ve grown up with it – when I was a small child the show was the big day of the year,” Wayne reminisced.

“A couple of years ago there was a bit of drama and talk that they wouldn’t have a show, but I got up at the meeting and said

they wouldn’t have a show over my dead body.

“I just love it. I love the atmosphere – it’s got a lovely feel.

“I love the grand parade – to see all the different animals.

“The Dorrigo Show still has a lovely country atmosphere.”

Wayne and his family still run jersey cows up on the plateau – and still exhibit them at the show.

They have taken home a lot of championship titles during their long history.

“The area’s dairying has declined over the years – back in the 1950s there were 400-500 dairies here and now there are 24 on the Dorrigo Plateau,” Wayne said.

He said interestingly though these days those 24 dairies are producing just as much milk as the region did in the ’50s.

“They were small and not as focused back then – it was a totally different ball game,” Wayne said.

The 107-year-old show, held on the fourth

I got up at the meeting and said they wouldn’t have a show over my dead body

SHOW TIME: Wayne Burley prepares for another show. weekend of November every year, has a very strong agricultural theme.

Committee member Sally Duckett said the show aims to educate and entertain the visitor.

“The committee are very thankful to the local

businesses that support the show and also the huge number of volunteers that are needed to help run all sections,” she said.

Visit a classic country show and see all the arts and crafts, photography,

Photo: Vivian Hoskins

cooking, vegetables and flowers.

Out in the main ring you can watch the horse events, bush dog trials, ute show, motorbike time trials, vintage machinery, whip cracking and kids’ treasure hunt.

There will be large numbers of beef cattle on display on Saturday and Sunday while the dairy cattle are judged on Saturday. It’s also when the woodchop is on.

If you are looking for some light entertainment, check out the large tradespace display, watch the chainsaw sculpture and see the Australian tent pegging team do a demonstration.

You can enjoy a country rodeo on Friday night.

For more information, go to dorrigoshow.com.

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OCTOBER, 2018// SENIORS

Gail Forrer Group Editor THE implementation of a fair and equitable superannuation system for young women of today would go far to alleviating a repeat of the problems that older woman are now suffering.

Women and homelessness is a major issue facing Australia.

The Mercy Report (2014) Older Women’s Pathways out of Homelessness in Australia reveals that one in four homeless people is an older woman.

Besides that, there is a general acknowledgement that this statistic does not account for the women who are living in various styles of temporary and unstable accommodation.

The report also notes: “The largest proportion of older women presenting

Looking after day after tomorrow

with housing crisis in Australia have led conventional lives, and rented whilst working and raising a family. Few have previously had involvement with welfare and other support systems”.

The reasons that have seen older women in this position are complex but foremost among them are pay disparity, divorce, intermittent outside work due to family caring commitments and lack of education.

But it is the broken work transjectory and pay disparity that affects superannuation payments and finally living circumstances.

A government policy designed to bridge the gender gap in superannuation makes total social and financial sense.

— Gail Forrer NATIONAL Seniors Australia says Labor’s new

GOVERNMENT POLICIES: New initiatives are mooted to provide women with appropriate superannuation. policy to bridge the gender gap in superannuation will help improve retirement incomes for women, who are most at risk of poverty and homelessness.

The organisation’s chief advocate, Ian Henschke, said women retired on average with $113,000 less than men in their

super accounts, mainly due to lower wages, the time they spent out of the workforce raising children and caring for ageing parents, and divorce.

Women were particularly vulnerable to homelessness as they aged because of their precarious financial situations.

By the time they are 60, 34 per cent of single women in Australia live in poverty.

According to a Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, these women belong to the lowest income-earning group, surviving on less than $30,000 a year.

Mr Henschke said Labor’s policy would introduce Superannuation Guarantee (SG) payments on the 18 weeks of Government Paid Parental Leave and phase out the $450 monthly pay threshold for eligibility for super payments.

This was something National Seniors had called for in the past.

Super contributions would also be paid on Dad and Partner Pay. “This policy is a key step in ensuring women have the income they need to live comfortably in retirement,” Mr Henschke said.

“It won’t solve what is a complex problem overnight, but it will begin to correct a situation that makes older women particularly vulnerable at a time of their life when they deserve better.

“For a variety of reasons, including divorce and inequity in pay, many older women end up living week to week, totally reliant on their jobs to pay the rent.

“It only takes a bout of sickness when they can’t work and they can end up homeless, living in their car or worse. It’s a growing issue and one that needs to be addressed.

“Moves like this will also help alleviate the poverty faced by people reliant on the aged pension, which we’re trying to address through our Fix Pension Poverty campaign with the Benevolent Society of Australia.”

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SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2018

NEWS

13

Saving a life: Grandmother’s gift creates medical history IT IS not often a standing ovation is observed at a funeral.

But then again Vicki Winmill was no ordinary woman.

The great-grandmother from Ulmarra was a history maker.

She was a hero. She was an organ donor.

Vicki created a moment of medical history when she became the first person to have their organs processed at the Grafton Base Hospital.

The 71-year-old donated her kidneys and eyes after a brain aneurysm tragically took her from her loving family last month.

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Email Seniors.Editor@ seniorsnewspaper.com.au with your story details today.

“It makes you feel very proud,” Vicki’s husband Paul told Seniors.

“We feel pretty proud knowing she was the first one.

“Somebody had to lead the way and I couldn’t think of a better person than Vicki.”

So while tears were shed as family and friends said a final farewell on a beautiful day on the banks of the Clarence River, they were also falling at a hospital bedside across the country as somebody was given a second chance at life.

“Lots of people benefit from organ donation,” director of organ and tissue donations for Northern NSW, Doctor Michael Lindley-Jones

said.

“Most donations result in between five or 10 people having their lives changed through organ donations and quite often their lives are saved having a new organ.

“Universally, they’re all grateful and humbled by the gift they have received.”

Dr Lindley-Jones said the act of donation could also have a “positive” impact on the grieving family, a point proven as Paul described the mixed emotions of losing his wife.

“I would recommend organ donation to anybody,” Paul said.

“If they can save a life do it. It will help the (family) through the

HISTORY-MAKER: Vicki Winmill became the first organ donor to be processed at the Grafton Base Hospital.

Photo: The Winmill family grieving part, knowing that their organs are helping somebody else. It makes the grieving a little easier.”

Vicki’s gift of life was a major accomplishment for the Grafton Base Hospital and its staff, being “one of the smallest hospitals in Australia” to carry out

should be an organ donation and should support organ donations, but Grafton is an exceptional place in that the staff there operate well and above what would be considered their role delineation.”

Full story at: seniorsnews.com.au

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“It’s a real testament to the hospital that they managed to pull this off,” Dr Lindley-Jones said.

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OCTOBER, 2018// SENIORS

A very candid memoir Former Journalist Mike Carlton shares good, bad and ugly

Ann Rickard MIKE Carlton might have a reputation for being outspoken, opinionated and controversial, but when we telephoned him for this interview, we found him in his kitchen prepping for dinner before going out on the school run to pick up his nine-year-old son.

At 72, the Sydney broadcaster, journalist, commentator, columnist, television and current affairs reporter has more than 50 years experience in the cut-throat media industry, but now he’s a mellow fellow, relishing his role as house-husband while his wife, Morag (28 years younger than him) works long hours as a producer of ABC’s Four Corners program.

“I did not believe it was possible when I heard our son was about to be born,” he said.

“I was shocked, thought it would interrupt my serene retirement, but it has been an absolute joy to have him. He keeps me young. I must keep up with life for him, keep up with the world for him. It is an incredible pleasure.”

Mike Carlton has just released his memoir, On Air, a mighty 550-page tome recording his life – all the good, bad and the ugly – and while he set out to write his personal story, he has written a record of modern Australian history that every baby boomer will relate to.

“I did not consciously write it as (a record of our modern history),” he said.

“But I didn’t want it to be just about me. I wanted it set in the context of the times.”

Those times Mike

refers to begin in the 1950s, when, as a suburban school boy in Sydney, he lived with his widowed mother, younger brother and bigoted grandmother.

Every penny counted in their household. Mike recalls a time of great financial difficulty as a boy after his father died when Mike was just five and his mother struggled to keep the roof over their heads.

However, it was also happy time, an enlightening time of modest ambitions and boyhood and teenage rites of passage.

Unable to afford a university education he left school at 16 and gained a journalism cadetship with the ABC, a journey that began humbly but eventually propelled him to the very top.

“I would like to think my book speaks to baby boomers,” he said.

“Things were a lot simpler then in terms of everything from schooling to education. Now I look at my nine-year-old son, at the range of social media available to him, it’s quite scary.”

In insightful and often hilarious prose, Mike has dredged his memory to talk of school days in Australia in the ’50s, when education taught him little of the world and virtually nothing of real life.

It wasn’t until he wandered into journalism that he started to learn about the outside world, especially on assignment as a foreign correspondent in Vietnam in the ’60s.

“The Vietnam horror. I talk a lot about it in the book. I had had a sheltered life in Sydney

NOT HOLDING BACK: Mike Carlton, 72, is a broadcaster, journalist, commentator, columnist, television and current affairs reporter. INSET: Mike’s new book, On Air. Photo: Carol Gibbons and going out into that was an eye-opener.”

One horrific account in the book tells of Mike driving into a village just over the border of Vietnam into Cambodia looking for stories with different angles.

He and his cameraman came across a burnt and raised village where hundreds of bodies, including many children, had been stuffed into a well. The impact on him was profound.

After stints as a foreign correspondent in Indonesia and Singapore, he returned to Australia, still a young man, but with eyes wide open to the shortcomings of almost all our world leaders of the time.

“Vietnam was the real eye-opener,” he said.

“I learnt how politicians work, the lies and deceit by the Americans and the Australians. I did not believe it possible.”

In the book Mike writes:

“the profound lesson I had learned was that authority has an infinite capacity to distort and lie to protect itself from the consequences of its mistakes”.

Many such harsh criticisms are peppered throughout On Air, and Mike does not hold back in his scathing assessments, whether talking about Gough Whitlam, Indonesia’s Suharto, or Queensland’s Bjelke-Petersen who he describes vividly as “pig-ignorant and cynically cunning, a grasping crook – barely literate, bumblingly inarticulate, but most certainly financially numerate – who plundered Queensland and its people and raped their democracy behind a pantomime of hayseed bonhomie”.

“I held a few things back but not a lot,” Mike said.

“There is no point in trying to gild the lily. No point going around in circles, a memoir should be as candid as possible.”

Candid indeed. Mike does not run when it comes to criticism of some of the media

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industry’s personalities. Many enemies were made during his 50 years during the industry and his criticisms of them are mocking, contemptuous, cutting... and always colourful.

Is he worried about the backlash to his memoir?

“I’m nervous,” he said. “Writing this is stripping yourself bare. After all those years in the media I have built up a slate of both friends and enemies.

“I am more nervous about what my friends will think, and my brother.

I don’t really care what the enemies think. It was fun taking a stick to a few people. It would be dishonest to say it was not enjoyable.”

Mike has two adult children and a 12-year-old grandson to his first wife Kerri, as well as his nine-year old son with his wife Morag.

Now he has finished writing his memoir, he spends his days looking after the family household in Sydney’s Pittwater, supporting his wife in her career, managing to fit in a swim and surf as often as he can as he believes “regular immersion in salt water is essential to life”.

On Air is a big book of our political history, of our growing up, written in riveting and lyrical prose... unabashed, unputdownable. Many egos may be bruised when it is on book shelves this month, but Mike is beyond concern, heading into another direction with his now quiet and contented life.

“It took a while to get used to the slower pace of life,” he said.

“I plan to be around for another 20 years.”

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2018

NEWS

15

Improve cooking skills and enjoy Learning to cook can be a massive boost to self-esteem

Everything you want to know in a cookbook THE Cook’s Apprentice introduces the new foodie to everything they need to know about the kitchen, from utensils and how to use them, how to handle chilli, using a mortar and pestle, how to whisk eggs into soft peaks, to why it’s important to rest meat, how to test if a cake is properly cooked, and removing stones from olives.

Stephanie also explains measurements, weights and volume, and even how to pronounce tricky

ingredients.

Across 54 chapters – from apples to zucchinis – there is information on each ingredient’s seasonality, how to prepare it, its varieties, other ingredients it pairs well with and how to pick the optimal produce at the supermarket.

The Cook’s Apprentice contains more than 300 recipes.

They vary from easy to a bit more challenging in a three-spoon rating system.

COOKING UP A STORM: Stephanie Alexander believes you’re never too old to take up cooking and she’s released a new book to make it easier. INSET: Steph’s new book.

Photo: Mark Chew

“Cooking will give you a reason for being a bit more experimental about where you shop for fresh ingredients. Have you visited your nearest farmer’s markets?”

For the novice – no matter how old – some of today’s kitchen technology can be off-putting but

Stephanie encourages everyone to try, to learn, but at the same time not become nervous about it.

“You do not need the latest gadget in order to make lunch,” she said.

“There are a few gadgets I cannot live without. My food processor is top of the list. Wobbly pans and bendy knives are not only inefficient they can be dangerous. Get rid of them.”

The Cook’s Apprentice will help every timid cook if they treat it as a mentor in the kitchen with Stephanie by their side explaining ingredients and

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techniques in a special “help” section.

According to Stephanie, once you have mastered a few culinary skills the passion will start to grow, you will eat better and be aware of what you are eating because you created it.

“I can help you become a relaxed and confident cook,” she said.

“I can share what I know about choosing the good, better and best in the marketplace so you can join me in supporting our local food heroes.

“On the top of my wish list is a desire to make every one of you a lifelong food lover, to enjoy cooking for yourself, your friends and for your own

‘‘

The Cook’s Apprentice will help every timid cook family without anxiety, and to become a supporter of the very best we have.

“Eating well has been a lifelong priority for me.

Frequently I eat alone. I still set the table, glass of wine, glass of water, clean fabric napkin, and enjoy every bite.

“No book or phone, but I do sometimes watch the news at the same time.”

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SHE is an Aussie living treasure, well respected internationally and much loved by home cooks and strongly admired by professional chefs.

Stephanie Alexander AO has been cooking since she was a child, learning by her mother’s side, and all her life she has been encouraging us to cook nutritious meals for family, friends, and perhaps most importantly, for ourselves.

Her iconic book The Cook’s Companion has a place in thousands of Australian kitchens and now it is joined by the newly released The Cook’s Apprentice, a book that will surely become a go-to essential for everyone, whether already a dab hand in the kitchen or a novice.

It is the definitive guide on ingredients, cooking techniques, kitchen equipment and recipes.

In Stephanie’s continuing pursuit to have us all cooking, she says we must be adventurous, experiment, don’t worry about making mistakes and forget anxiety, the biggest barrier for many non-cooks.

“We cannot forget that for many people,

convenience seems to trump flavour and freshness,” she said.

“I suspect when someone doesn’t feel confident it is easier to go for the convenience. It’s time to start gaining a few new skills.”

For the seniors in our community who have been cooking for the family for decades, Stephanie believes it is time to stand back and re-assess.

Many men in their 60, 70s and beyond have never cooked at all, relying on wives and partners to take care of that “chore”.

“There are many older people who have lost their cooking partner through divorce, death or just carelessness,” Stephanie said.

“Learning to cook can be a useful and enjoyable skill for the next stage of life.

“It can give a massive boost to one’s self-esteem.

“It will give pleasure and gain compliments from guests at your table.

Flavour and texture will be more noticeable, you will delight in seasonal ingredients.

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16

NEWS

OCTOBER, 2018// SENIORS

Energetic $22.9m grant gets over-65s moving Seniors juggle priorities as they battle to be fit, healthy Alison Houston OVER-65s are feeling positive about a new $22.9 million Australian Government program to encourage sport and physical activity providers to help them become more active.

A Gold Coast park vox pop found issues which affected participation currently included cost, accessibility, friendship and socialising, not being “tied down” in the case of grey nomads, level of exertion, interest and existing health problems or injuries.

The number of Australians aged 65 and over is projected to more than double in the next 40 years to nearly nine million people, representing more than 20 per cent of the population.

Sport Australia CEO Kate Palmer said that made it vital for sport and fitness providers to be adaptable and offer more options and products for older Australians, and the Move It Aus – Better Ageing program was an important step towards achieving that.

Sport Australia’s AusPlay research shows that although overall physical activity levels drop as we age, the main motivations to be active remain almost the same for over-65s – physical health and fitness (77.4 per cent); fun/enjoyment (39.4 per cent) and social

reasons (26.1 per cent).

Comments to Seniors didn’t support that, with “getting out” and “socialising” being as important to most people as the exercise itself.

At Burleigh Heads Bowls Club, Gail Rottier, 71, and Margaret Krall, 72, agreed that “social contact, mental stimulation and physical fitness... to a level”, were all part of enjoyment of the game.

Gail has been playing for 3-4 years, and Margaret for just 18 months.

“I moved up here and needed to do something, and it’s the best thing I ever did,” Gail said.

But a drink at the club and time with friends was all part of the fun.

“Just because you get older doesn’t mean you have to give up on everything!” the pair laughed.

Yvonne Moon also joined the club to meet people after moving to the area a few years ago, having played sport when she was younger and later been involved with surf lifesaving.

She said lessons and encouragement to “give it a go” were important to drive participation.

While at 57, Amanda Edwards doesn’t fit the over-65s target group, a health issue forced her to stop working, changing her friendship group, energy levels and general approach to life.

She was keen to point

BOWLS BUDDIES: Gail Rottier and Margaret Krall, at Burleigh Heads Bowls Club, say social contact, mental stimulation and physical fitness are all part of enjoying the sport.

Photo: Contributed out that starting to play bowls four years ago, using an extension arm so she doesn’t have to bend, had lifted her spirits enormously.

It’s an interesting point, given that Sport Australia’s research found that among over-65s who didn’t participate in sport or physical activity, poor health and injury was the biggest barrier.

The research also showed a tendency towards what it considered “recreational activities” than sport.

The most popular activities included: walking (60.9 per cent), fitness/gym (27.8 per cent), swimming (10.8 per

cent), golf (9.8 per cent), cycling (7.3 per cent) and bowls (4.6 per cent).

Again, apart from walking, this didn’t completely marry with Seniors’ quick poll which, taking place on the Gold Coast, found that after walking, it was swimming, surfing, golf and bowls that were most frequently mentioned, with other interests including yoga, tai chi and dancing.

Victoria University sport participation expert Associate Professor Dr Rochelle Eime said her research showed that only 1.2 per cent of Australians aged 50-54, and less than 0.5 per cent of over-55s played sport, compared to

40 per cent of 10-14-year-olds, when participation hits its peak.

She said sport clubs and organisations rarely focused on older adults, and although physical activity in later life was proven to have significant health and social benefits, including connectedness and stopping isolation (often associated with depression), older Australians weren’t getting the message – or at least not acting on it.

Sport Australia’s new sport strategy, Sport 2030, is a 12-year plan highlighting for the first time in Australian history, the idea that national

sport policy must focus on more than competition sport.

Dr Eime said it was critical that the voices of older Australians were not ignored in this new plan, with funding offering “a real opportunity to research the needs, desires and capabilities of older adults, modify sports, and develop new leisure activities for seniors”, including adapting cricket and other team sports to shorter, slower games.

Applications for grants close on October 31.

Guidelines are available at sportaus.gov.au/ betterageing.

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DOUG PARKINSON AUSTRALIA’S GREATEST SOUL VOICE & HIS EIGHT PIECE BAND

HONOURS JOE COCKER, RAY CHARLES, ARETHA FRANKLIN & THE GREATEST HITS OF MOTOWN Friday 4th Jan - Tickets | $45 - Doors open @ 7.30pm Waves Café:

Open from 10am till late each day

PHONE 02 6653 1577 EMAIL: info@sawtellrsl.com.au ADDRESS: 38-40 First Avenue Sawtell

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2018

NEWS

17

Some small joy in aged care investigations Tracey Johnstone

THE BEST MEALS IN TOWN

Bistro & Café: Open 7 days a Week Lunch & Dinner (10am to 8pm) Full Bistro Menu Available

Schnitzel from $12.00

Burger & Beer from $10.00

Steaks from $12.50

“They should lose the right to work in any aged care facilities anywhere in Australia. If they are dismissed from one aged care place, they should be stopped from working in another in that state or any other state. The system doesn’t allow this at the moment.”

It was more than 10 years ago when Barbara started to realise her husband Bob was being physically restrained at the Oakden facility.

Bob was accommodated there due to his Parkinson’s and other complex health issues. It was her absolute determination to find answers and for the public to be made aware of the crisis that led to an Independent Commission Against Corruption inquiry.

The damning chronicled patient abuse at Oakden finally led to it being permanently close in September last year.

MACKSVILLE EX-SERVICES CLUB

“The Family Friendly Club”

Roast from $11.50

Cnr Cooper & Winifred Street, Macksville | PH: 02 6568 1344 E: info@mesc.net | www.macksvilleexservices.com.au

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91 Fitzroy St, Grafton. NSW 2460 Phone: (02) 6642 5097 Email: admin@fm1031lovinglife.com.au Website: fm1031lovinglife.com.au Facebook: /FM10 03.1LovingLifeGrafton

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CHASING JUSTICE: South Australian Senior of the Year for 2017 Barbara Spriggs has welcomed the Royal Commission into Aged Care.

THE Aged Care Royal Commission announcement was greeted with unabashed delight by South Australian Senior of the Year and Aged Care reform campaigner Barbara Spriggs.

It was her work, fuelled by her husband’s experience, that drove her to exposing the atrocities at the Oakden Older Person’s Mental Health Services facility that started the unravelling of a distressing tale of institutional neglect in aged care venues across Australia.

“I just felt wow, I can’t believe this,” an emotional Barbara said when her son contacted her with the news.

“Finally, the enormity of the situation is being recognised,” she said to Seniors.

“It needed to be done.

This is a huge step forward in the right direction. It’s a real wake up call to what has been going on. We need to make people more accountable and let Australians know these people aren’t able to get away with the things that have been going on.”

Barbara wants the Royal Commission to address two keys areas – staffing and prosecution of abuse offenders.

“Finding the right people, training them properly, paying them properly, and making them more accountable so that they are doing the right thing by the people in aged care,” she said.

“They should hand-pick the right staff”.

She also wants the Commission to deal with people who have done wrong.

“Where are they now?”

Barbara demanded.

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OCTOBER, 2018// SENIORS

Community notes

Community group guide TO ALLOW for readers’ requests for the publication of more neighbourhood news, please keep notices short and to the point (100 word maximum). If you would like to submit a photo 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.

VIEW CLUBS

Bonville-Boambee WE WERE pleased to welcome students from William Bayldon School at our monthly meeting on September 13. The recently formed debating team presented their views on the topic of whether school uniforms should be compulsory.

This was the first time the team had presented in front of an audience but after some initial nerves, they were able to present interesting views on the topic.

GRAFTON SENIOR CITIZENS WE RECENTLY completed an eight-day

coach tour to the Mudgee area, with 42 passengers, taking in tourist attractions in Mudgee, Gulgong, Kandos, Rylstone, Hill End and Sofala. Day trips to Eungai Creek Buffalo in October and annual picnic at Brooms Head in November will complete bus trips for this year.

Annual Christmas luncheon, including entertainment, in December has just gone on sale and it is expected over 100 will book for this popular event. Plans for 2019 trips and special activities are currently being considered and will progressively go on sale.

Regular weekly activities

GREAT DEBATE: Bonville-Boambee VIEW Club members with students from the William Bayldon School debating team. continue. Members are encouraged to support all these activities to ensure their continuation. Phone Sandra on 0417 464 946.

BOWRA REGIONAL WRITERS’ EXPO MEET local authors, book signings, workshops, second hand book sale, raffle and refreshments. From 9am-4pm on Sunday, November 18 at Pioneer Community Centre, 70 High Street, Bowraville.

New parts of the event include poetry, songs and book readings on the pub

veranda – spaces available if you’d like to participate. Phone (02) 6564 7908 or 0400 828 471. Email bowra.writers.expo @gmail.com.

MYCOFFS CONNECT

THIS a new online space and app for the local community to find out what’s on, join a group, or access events and services. During the MyCoffs Community Strategic Plan consultation, people were very keen to have an

easy-to-use online platform to support the Community Vision of being “connected, sustainable and thriving”.

MyCoffs Connect is an easy platform for community groups and service providers to list their details and also create and manage events. If you are part of a community group or a service provider, go to mycoffsconnect.com, create a login, list your group or service and get your events in the diary and become a part of this online directory.

PROBUS CLUBS

Coffs Harbour THE Probus Club of Coffs City Inc will hold its October meeting on Wednesday, October 24 at the Cavanbah Centre, Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour at 9.30am for 10am. The guest speaker will be a representative from the Bananacoast Credit Union speaking on scams in the community.

Morning tea will follow the speaker. This is a friendly mixed group and visitors and new members are always welcome. Phone Brian on (07) 5619 2484.

Get in with our Flynn at movie ADVENTURER, opium smuggler, gambler, street fighter, buccaneer, gold prospector and lover...

The remarkable early life of one of Australia’s most famed sons has captivated moviegoers since Umbrella Entertainment released the adventure biopic In Like Flynn across cinemas nationally in early October.

Directed by Russell Mulcahy (Highlander 1 & 2, Resident Evil: Extinction, Teen Wolf) with rising star, Thomas Cocquerel (Kidnapping Mr Heineken, Billionaire Boys Club, Red Dog: True Blue) in the titular role, In Like Flynn transports audiences to 1930, before Errol Flynn became a matinee idol of Hollywood’s Golden Age. While serving as a guide for a Hollywood producer in the jungles of Papua New Guinea, young Flynn discovers a trail that will lead to a fortune in gold.

Back in Depression-era Sydney, he recruits a motley group of fellow opportunists with whom

LEGEND: In Like Flynn transports audiences to 1930, before Errol Flynn became a matinee idol of Hollywood’s Golden Age. he sets sail in a yacht stolen from Chinese opium smugglers.

What follows is a satirical coming-of-age story about four men on a journey to find hope, adventure and fortune at a time when the world was spiralling into despair.

Shot entirely on location in Queensland’s Gold Coast and co-starring Corey Large, William Mosely, Isabel Lucas, David Wenham, with Dan Fogler and Clive Standen, this is the story of a man whose real life exploits were more

colourful and outrageous than any he depicted on the silver screen.

A 308 Enterprises Presentation and ILF AU Films Production, In Like Flynn is produced by Corey Large and James M Vernon, with a screenplay

by Marc Furmie, Corey Large, Steve Albert and Luke Flynn (Flynn’s grandson) who also served as executive producer alongside Gary Ousdahi, Felipe Dieppa and Joan LeSeur.

For info, go to facebook. com/UmbrellaEnt.

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2018

COMMUNITY

19

20

OCTOBER, 2018// SENIORS

What's on

THE SummerSalt festival will bring some of Australia’s biggest music names to Coffs Harbour in February.

Missy Higgins and the John Butler Trio will headline the familyfriendly event at Park Beach Reserve, supported by a line-up of established and emerging Aussie and international talent including crowd favourites Tesky Brothers and Stella Donnelly.

For more information and tickets, go to summer saltmusic.com.au.

OPEN HOUSE

TAMWORTH Textile Triennial at Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery from November 16 to January 25 celebrates the open-ended nature of textile practice today.

The participating artists are all linked with things outside of themselves and their studios.

Through the process of creating, talking and exhibiting, the artists join together with visitors as equal participants in an open house where all

ideas and responses are welcome.

YARN & YAK

COFFS Harbour Library welcomes all knitters and crocheters to come together and share their love for their craft at our regular Yarn & Yak morning from 10am-noon on November 6.

No need to book; just come along with your needles and hooks and connect with like-minded people.

We look forward to seeing you in the library.

Inquiries: please phone the library on 6648 4900 or email coffs.library @chcc.nsw.gov.au.

JACARANDA FESTIVAL

FROM the last weekend in October to the first weekend of November every year, the longest running floral festival in Australia, the Grafton Jacaranda Festival, is held under canopies of purple blossoms.

The festival begins regally with the crowning of their Jacaranda Queen and Princesses and culminates with a float

RED HOT: One of the vehicles from the Yamba Rod Run in 2017. It’s on again this year. parade on the Saturday afternoon followed by a sunset family concert on the Riverbank.

YAMBA ROD RUN

TO BE held November 9, 10 and 11, the Yamba Rod Run is held every year with the town hosting hot

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

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SUMMERSALT TICKETS

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

rod enthusiasts from up and down the East Coast.

Some splendidly restored modern and vintage rods can be seen tootling around Yamba streets, adding an extra layer of colour to the sun and surf.

CLAY INTERSECTIONS

Clay Intersections is an ADC On Tour national touring exhibition, first presented by Australian Design Centre in 2016 and running at the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery until November 10.

Curated by gallery co-ordinator Cath Fogarty, the exhibition highlights the work of eight contemporary makers selected for their diverse approaches to their ceramic practice: Kenji Uranishi, Tania Rollond, Bridget Bodenham, Helen Earl, Ulrica Trulsson, Natalie Rosin and Cone 11’s Colin Hopkins and Ilona Topolcsanyi.

CLARENCE VALLEY MUSTER

SOME of Australia’s top country music stars will head to the Clarence Valley Muster from October 22-27.

The stage is set for the magnificent country music festival that in 2013 broke new ground on the NSW North Coast.

The artists for the 2018 line-up have been confirmed: Beccy Cole, Wayne Horsburgh, Col Finley, Kiara Rodrigues, Charmaine Pout, Samantha Bellamy and Ray Pratley, Owen Blundell, Terry Gordon OAM, Justin Standley, Craig Giles, John and Christine Smith, Dale Duncan, Graeme Hugo, Laura Downing, Lindsay Waddington and Digger Revell.

YAMBA TRI

THE Yamba Tri will be held November 17 and 18.

It’s the chillest tri on the coast.

Bring your mob, grow

Photo: Jenna Thompson

your mo’ for Movember and get active together.

They’ve got a multi-fun vibe covered with a Fun Run, McDonald’s Kids Tri, and Tempta/Sprint Triathlon. Early Bird entries now open. This is not one you’ll want to miss.

YAMBA VILLAGE MARKETS

THE Yamba River Markets will be held November 25 at Ford Park on the foreshores of the beautiful, scenic Clarence River.

There’s always something new at the Markets which include about 120 stalls, and more in the peak seasons. It’s the best way to spend a Sunday morning in the beautiful coastal town of Yamba.

The stalls include fresh fruit and vegetables, plants, second-hand furniture, books, jewellery, clothing, arts and craft, and plenty of food stalls including Asian foods.

Congratulations to our Winners

Bev McMahon Peter Walker Beth Milne Bernadette Reid Alison Dillon

Colin Bell Sandra Grayson Neville Bridgen Angela Armstrong

Congratulations to the winners of our Miles Franklin Book Giveaway

Bree Pawlasty Robyn Whitehead Patricia Parlane

Julie LaBruniy Janet Timmins

Stay tuned to the paper and our website for the latest Seniors News Giveaways

Visit seniorsnews.com.au/competitions

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Congratulations to the winners of our Event Cinemas Screening Giveaway to see Disney’s “Christopher Robin”

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SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2018

Discover the Island and its pleasures Call Simes Bros Coaches now to join our Around the Bend Travel Club!

Day trips, musicals, shorter tours and much more.

Beautiful Bright A fantastic, historical road trip from Northern NSW to Bright in Victoria 14-22 May (9 Days, 8 Nights)

$2,475.00 per person twin share

Darwin to Perth tour inclusions

Flights to Darwin and return from Perth Airport, hotel and airport coach transfers, entry fees to most attractions, National Park fees, all breakfasts OUR NORTH-WEST WILDERNESS THE KIMBERLEY & PILBARA and dinners and some 21 days/20 nights 21st August-10th lunches September 2019

From $8,995.00 pp twin share

Call now 02 6621 5416 or visit our office Shop 8, Wyrallah Road Shopping Centre, East Lismore

Wa Wildflower tour inclusions

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INSIDE

Airport transfers, flight from Brisbane to Perth, flight from Adelaide to Gold Coast, 15 nights motel style accommodation, all breakfasts and dinners, most lunches, travel in luxury, airconditioned coach, WA Wildflower Tour entry fee to most 16 days/15 nights attractions experienced 29th September-14th October 2019 driver & tour leader

$5,995.00 per person twin share

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OCTOBER, 2018// SENIORS

10 reasons to stay in Vietnam Ranh Peninsula. A 40 minute fight from Ho Chi Minh gets you to Cam Ranh, from there a 15-minute drive to the resort. Easy.

3. Atmosphere: Mist-shrouded mountains swathed in junglegreenery form a verdant backdrop for The Anam.

Add a few hundred palms swaying among the lush gardens, hand-cut green lawns as smooth as bowling greens, glittering pools and tinkling water features at every turn, and the stage is set for resort hedonism. With more than 300 sunny days each year... well... icing on the tropical cake.

4. Food, food and more: With a carefully planned variety of restaurants, the exhilarating flavours and exceptional freshness of

local produce, eating is a priority. From fine dining at The Colonial to fusion dining at Indochine Restaurant, to classic Vietnamese dishes at Lang Viet Restaurant & Bar overlooking the beach, the choices are myriad. Then there is afternoon tea (scones anyone?) in the Saigon Bar, and the extravagant buffet breakfast at Indochine with its Asian and Western offerings.

Mix it up... try everything.

5. Mama’s Cooking: Twice a week, Mama’s Vietnamese buffet presents a limitless range of diverse specialities in the airy Lang Viet Restaurant & Bar. Adding to the overwhelming choices, mamas and aunties from nearby villages come in to

bring a street-food atmosphere, cooking satays over hot coals, making traditional pancakes, and dishing up the omnipotent noodle dishes. A contrast, an insight to street-food. A highlight.

6. Pamper and polish: You deserve coddling, and there is plenty of it at the resort’s Sri Mara Spa. “Is the room temperature and lighting to your liking?” you will be softly asked by one of the therapists as you quietly recline on the table with the fragrance of lemongrass and the sounds of trickling water in the air.

“Everything is to my liking,” you’ll reply before drifting off beneath the ministrations of soft hands massaging, soothing, easing. Spa products are organic tea-inspired known for

their textures and antioxidant and regeneration properties.

7. The Saigon Bar: Between 5-6pm, the cocktails flow freely. Yes, that is free drinks for an hour, from local beers to international wines and an excellent cocktail list.

Drink, eat complimentary snacks and listen to cool piano music, either on the terrace overlooking the pool or inside with its welcoming sofas and black and white photography.

8. Accommodation: You choose: terrace sea views, balcony garden views, ocean front, pool villa, three-bedroom suite.

Everything is covered in the resort’s 117 villas.

9. Warm Vietnamese service: From the general manager and his team strolling the property to ensure everyone is happy,

Photos: Contributed

through to the cheerful housekeeping staff, to the calm, soft-spoken spa attendants, to the smiling gardeners, everyone makes you feel special.

You are a VIP here.

10. Go touring: Shuttle buses will take you into Nha Trang if you can bring yourself to leave the open arms of The Anam. From cultural and adventure tours to the daring Nha Trang By Night tour on the back of a motor scooter, you decide.

Jetstar International gets you to Vietnam for such modest cost, there is plenty left to indulge in the affordable luxury of The Anam, go to jetstar.com. The Anam welcomes with a variety of accommodation packages. For more, go to theanam.com.

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VIETNAM’S newest luxury beach-front resort is attracting Australian guests in droves. Ann Rickard checked in to The Anam in Cam Ranh to see what it was all about.

These are her 10 favourite things ...

1. Luxury: Vietnam is opening to tourists at a giddy rate, yet it is still very affordable. You get a lot of bang for your buck in in this beautiful country and none more so that at the 18-month-old The Anam, Vietnam’s first five-star colonial-style beach resort. Better still, Jetstar will fly you comfortably there for small cost. Win-win.

2. Location: Away from the frantic pace of nearby Nha Trang, the resort sits on the pristine shore of Long Beach on the Cam

AMAZING: Lush gardens and water features at The Anam.

Israel & Jordan

ThaIland aT leIsure

$7995 20 day Tour dep. Feb 5

$2,890 2 Week Tour dep. mar 13

sIngapore For garden

$3655 15 day Tour dep. apr 23

balTICs, russIa & sCandInavIa

Flying Singapore Airlines into Bangkok.

Flying Emirates into Amman, Jordan. 5 day 5 nights Bangkok. 4 nights Hua Hin beach resort. $5995 3 Week Tour dep. may 1 Flying Thai into Copenhagen & out of Stockholm.

Jordan tour including Petra. 11 day Israel tour. 2 3 days touring.

17 day tour of northern Europe. 2 day Bangkok ChIna WITh YangTze CruIse day Dubai stopover. stopover.

lovers $2995 8 day Tour dep. Feb 21 Flying

Singapore

Airlines

into

Singapore.

Extensive touring including Gardens by the Bay with Rhapsody Light Show, Botanical Gardens, National Orchid Garden, the Horticultural Park & Chinese & Japanese Gardens.

vIeTnam & CambodIa advenTure Tour $4825 24 day Tour dep. mar 5 Flying Singapore Airlines into Hanoi & out of

Flying China Eastern into Shanghai & out of Beijing russIan WaTerWaYs plus 3 flights within China. 4 nights first class $6575 20 day Tour dep. may 3.

Yangtze cruise. Tours of Shanghai, Shongguin, Flying Qantas & Finnair into Moscow & out of Xian & the Terra Cotter Warriors & Beijing.

Helsinki. 12 day river cruise from Moscow to St. World’s Top gardens Tour Petersburg. Stopovers in Helsinki, Hong Kong & $11975 24 day Tour dep apr 24 Singapore.

Flying Thai into Brussels & out of London. 20 day coach & rail tour of Belgium, Holland, France & InsIde vIeTnam Britain. 2 day Thailand stopover. The outstanding gardens visited include Keukenhof, Versailles $3985 20 day Tour dep. June 3 & aug 12 Palace Gardens, Monet’s Garden, Sissinghurst Flying Singapore Airlines into Saigon & out of Hanoi Castle Gardens, RHS Garden Wisley, Royal plus a flight within Vietnam. 18 day coach & air tour Botanic Gardens Kew, Hidcote Manor Garden & of Vietnam. No extra charge for having a single room. the spectacular Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens in souTh aFrICa & vICTorIa Falls.

Thailand.

amerICa’s golden WesT

$7965 19 day Tour dep. July 11

Flying Qantas into Johannesburg plus 3 flights Siem Reap. 19 day tour of Vietnam off the beaten $4,595 17 day Tour dep. mar 29 Flying Qantas into Los Angeles. 15 day tour within Africa. 2 week overland tour Johannesburg track. 4 day tour of Cambodia including Angkor of California, Arizona & Nevada including to Capetown. 3 days Victoria Falls. Game viewing in Wat. 3 game reserves Las Vegas & several national parks.

The prices listed mainly include return air fares from Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane, airport taxes & fuel levies, tipping, good twin share accom., many meals, all transfers, Australian tour leader & local tour guides.

Australian Federation of Travel Agents Travel Accreditation Number: A1038

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SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2018

Skipping a generation to share travel passion

camera. I then get that made into a video for each of them to have as a memory,” Robyn added.

“It really opens their eyes to the world – that people speak different languages, don’t have all the advantages that we have, and that countries have different history and traditions.

“The trip really brings it to life for them.

“It also gets them to understand their privilege.

“The travel has definitely created an interest in them seeing more of the world – it’s broadened their horizons massively.”

Tracey Johnstone ROBYN Nixon is skipping a generation to focus on introducing her grandchildren to the wide world, which is helping them to develop a keen interest in what’s outside their Melbourne backyards.

Her love of travel, which has been fuelled by 66-year-old’s job as general manager of the Intrepid Foundation, has led her to organising international travel experiences with three of her six grandchildren, without a parent in sight.

“When my daughter had the grandchildren, they were living overseas in different places for a while, so we travelled together with the kids quite a bit,” Robyn said.

“Then I decided, because we have a range of Intrepid family holidays, that one of the things I would like to do is take the kids away on their own, just with me.

“I started that with my eldest grandson when he was 11 and we went to China.”

Robyn enjoyed the shared travel experience as she watched grandson Josh became enthralled by the country and make new friends with the other children in the group.

She also found herself with like-minded adults who wanted their children and grandchildren to have similar experiences.

“We experienced The Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, quiet country villages and the energy of big cities,” Robyn added.

“All the kids were super excited about the Great

SKIP GEN TRAVEL: Robyn Nixon with grandson Josh and the other members of the family adventure tour in China.

Photos: Contributed

Wall of China. They literally ran up it.

“The other thing they got into, which none of them had done it before, was bargaining for things in the markets.

“They were kind of blown away by that. Also, we had a hot pot meal so they got to cook their food.”

Robyn came back from China determined to give the same travel opportunity to her other five grandchildren.

She has since taken Isaac to Japan and plans to in February to Ben, 11, to The Galapagos and Equatorial Amazon.

“When you get to spend a decent amount of time with your grandchildren

Robyn Nixon and her grandson Josh. and you see them interact with other parents and children, you build more of

a relationship because their parents aren’t there so it’s just you and them

working it out,” Robyn said The decision on where each child travels is based on each one’s personal interests. Robyn chose China for Josh as he had just done a school project on that country.

Isaac chose Japan.

Ben talked about going somewhere with animals.

“He is a mini marine biologist,” Robyn said Each trip Robyn encourages her grandchild to write a daily tour diary along the way.

She also collects mementos which Robyn then puts into a scrapbook and gives to her grandchild.

“I also takes lots of photos and videos, and get them to talk to

Robyn’s tips for travel with grandkids ❚ Book somewhere you haven’t been before so you can discover something new together.

This makes for the best memories. ❚ Consider booking a small group adventure where you can benefit from local tour leaders and the company of other children, parents and grandparents. ❚ Encourage kids to keep a journal or a daily video diary so they can look back on their cherished memories. ❚ Embrace all opportunities for them to get outside of their comfort zones and try new things from local food to playing popular local children’s games. ❚ Carry books, cards and activities for long travelling days, plus take extra snacks than usual.

Also, pack refillable water bottles and cloth bags, to avoid single-use plastics and plastic bags overseas.

Australian Dutch Clog Barn

Tom Hartsuyker is now 85 years young and still making model houses today.

THE big question often asked is: “If I can’t afford to go all the way to Holland to see historic villages and wooden clogs being made, where else is best?”

Well, how about beautiful Coffs Harbour on the NSW mid-north coast and visit the Clog Barn and Holiday Park just 1.5km on the north side of the town centre.

You will see clog making demonstrations three times a day for free, and also visit an amazing miniature Dutch village with all sorts of beautiful

COFFS HARBOUR: Clog making demonstrations are held three times a day for free. Photos: Scarr Photography and perfectly constructed Dutch buildings.

They are true miniature replicas of the actual buildings I have seen many times in the Netherlands and it’s a photographer’s paradise.

It’s all free, complete with working Dutch

windmills and two little working trains.

Take a delightful stroll around the model Dutch Village at 215 Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour.

For more information go to clogbarn.com.au or phone (02) 6652 4633.

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OCTOBER, 2018// SENIORS

Napier is a notch above Erle Levey FIRST impressions certainly last. When I stumbled upon Napier in the Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand’s North Island it was like discovering the land of autumn.

The grape vines in the seemingly endless vineyards were turning shades of yellow, gold, crimson and brown. The sky was clear but there was a crispness in the air.

And the city was wedged between a mountain range and the ocean, reminiscent of an English seaside town.

That first visit in the 1970s was by train from Gisborne, on the eastern-most point in New Zealand. I had stayed at a youth hostel overnight and caught the train the next morning.

It was while on a working holiday and I remember the railway went through the golf course then followed the coastline of Poverty Bay before crossing a range that brought glimpses of the Pacific Ocean and Hawke’s Bay for much of the journey.

I must have arrived in Napier mid afternoon and was immediately taken by the charm of the coastal town.

The beers at the sailing club at sunset were some of the most enjoyable I can remember. The Leopard Brewery was right there.

Today, half a lifetime later, I have driven down from Auckland. The early light of dawn revealed seas of fog in the valleys of the areas south of Thames – Matamata, Morrinsville, Tairu, down to Taupo.

Taupo is like a snow town – Cooma or Jindabyne in Australia’s

A highlight of the Murals for Oceans project is seen in the morning light at The National Aquarium on the foreshore of Hawke’s Bay at Napier, New Zealand.

SILENT BEAUTY: Sunrise on Hawke’s Bay, Napier, New Zealand. alpine region or something out of Alaska perhaps. There’s thermal power as well as hydro electricity from the wild rivers and geo-thermal activity.

Taupo is on the northern end of a Great Lake, known for its fishing. Trout. Well, there was this time in the ’70s when we tried to tickle some trout rather than catch them with a hook and line.

Quietly slip your hand into the water and under the fish as it lazily swims in the clear water, then tickle its belly.

That was the plan. But we could never quite pull it off. Maybe it needed the Maori touch ... or our workmates were fooling with us.

On our recent journey to New Zealand the drive through the range was in showery conditions yet being in a rain shadow the outlook for Hawke’s Bay

was good. Virtually as soon as we dropped down into the valley the sun broke through and the last silvery drops of rain were illuminated against the ranges as well as the grape vines in this wine-growing region.

Napier was decimated by an earthquake in 1932 so when the rebuilding took place it took on this art deco look.

Now it is a highlight. A town preserved with a theme.

East facing at the foot of the ranges, it is washed by the Pacific Ocean and bathed by the breezes.

Little wonder that it is home to some delightful wines and seafood.

The importance of the sea is celebrated in a glorious series of murals throughout the port city.

Murals for Oceans was a public art project in Napier in early 2016. It has resulted in about 30 large-scale murals

A highlight of the Murals for Oceans project is seen in the morning light.

Photos: Erle Levey

highlighting the ocean’s beauty and marine environment issues.

A series of thought-provoking works that can be appreciated by anyone who walks along the streets and laneways or by the wharves.

By collaborating with internationally-renowned artists, the murals and community-based educational efforts focus attention on major environmental issues impacting the oceans, and promote the importance of long-term sustainability of natural resources.

After all, if someone had asked where most of the oxygen we breathe comes from I would have said plants and trees, but no, it’s from the ocean.

In fact, every second breath we take comes from the ocean. Reason alone to look after a precious resource. And

Mission Estate Winery at Taradale, Hawke’s Bay. never mind the plastic.

A benchmark mural is at the National Aquarium on the foreshore, Cinzah Merkens’ endangered Longfin eel on the back wall glistens in the early morning light.

Joggers and walkers are silhouetted against it and give it a sense of scale.

Then there is the artist Phibs and his mural showing a turtle being affected by pollution.

Ocean acidification and rising sea levels as well as endangered NZ seabirds are all depicted.

The town is quiet, seeing how it is the middle of winter. Tourism must be of vital importance, along with timber, wine, agriculture and other horticulture such as peaches, nectarines, maybe cherries, apples and citrus.

I pull up at the wharf, looking for the sailing club.

Mission Estate Winery, Taradale, Hawke’s Bay.

The brewery is long gone, swallowed up by one of the international brands.

The old warehouses and wool stores are going through a revival driven by arts, crafts, professional offices and technology centres.

An esplanade runs along the long curve of the bay. Foreshore reserve on the ocean side, the town on the other.

Pacific gulls mix with silver gulls along the esplanade.

There are vacancies in the accommodation houses, a mix of motels and guest houses, backpacker hostels as well as bed-and-breakfast places.

Getting a table at one of the esplanade restaurants is easy enough on this winter’s evening, except some don’t open Monday while others might have Tuesday off.

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SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2018

mountain and seaside The entrance to Mission Estate Winery at Taradale, Hawke’s Bay.

Hawke’s Bay at Napier, New Zealand.

ATMOSPHERIC: After the rain at Linden Winery at Napier, New Zealand.

I am taken by the retro charm of Hunger Monger, recommended by the people at the Linden Winery as one to put on the must-do list.

It’s the same with Pacifica and Bistronomy.

Both highly recommended.

Indeed, Pacifica knocked over the heavyweights of the Auckland dining scene to claim the 2017 Cuisine Good Food Awards after winning best regional restaurant the two previous years.

Hunger Monger is a dedicated seafood restaurant and, well, Hawke’s Bay has a strong fishing industry.

The restaurant has those chintzy plastic table cloths, plastic tomato sauce containers that look like tomatoes, HP sauce bottles, period lamps, woollen skins thrown over the chairs.

The owners stake their reputation on the quality of the produce.

Fraser has more than 20 years experience as a chef, mostly in Auckland and elsewhere in New Zealand as well as in Australia.

Agnieska is Polish and has 20 years in hospitality in England, Scotland and New Zealand.

The 1932 art deco building that houses the restaurant was formerly

Mission Estate Winery, Taradale, Hawke’s Bay.

the home of Haynes Butchery.

The couple pride themselves on sourcing locally-caught fish and pairing it with local produce.

As Agnieszka says, “Hawke’s Bay is horticultural heaven and we know it.

“We’re swimming in wine here and the breweries have a great selection.’’

So it’s fish and chips, with a difference: Just $14.

There are also prawns spaghetti, seafood bouillabaisse or clam chowder. Sashimi for raw-fish lovers and fresh salads.

Photos: Erle Levey

The lightest of batters is used on the tempura prawns and the crispy squid: $10 and $12 respectively.

Steamed Coromandel greenlip mussels with Thai green curry sauce and wholemeal pita toast.

And the Bouillabaise is $28.

The beers include Zeelandt Brewery Jerry Rig blonde lager while the wine list features such labels as Elephant Hill Le Phant blanc, Pig’s Back albarino, Flying Sheep pinot noir, Squawking Magpie “The Gravels” syrah, Trinity Hill High Country pinot noir.

A visit to Hawke’s Bay would not be complete

without seeking out New Zealand’s oldest winery.

Mission Estate was established by a group of French missionaries in 1851 in Hawke’s Bay, where vines were planted to produce both sacramental and table wine.

The first record of a commercial sale dates back to 1870 when a parcel of mostly dry reds was sold.

In 1897 the 800-acre Mission Estate at Taradale was purchased from the Tiffen family and the Marist Brothers travelled each day from Meeanee to work the new land.

Then in 1911 the 57 English plane trees were planted along the driveway that today make such a spectacular entry to the winery.

Mission Estate is a museum as well as a

Mission Estate Winery, Taradale, Hawke’s Bay.

much-awarded winery and restaurant.

There is so much to like about the region. And while the train doesn’t run from Gisborne any more, there are railway tracks headed south towards Hastings.

That’s the way I head.

Along a road fringed by giant palm trees.

It gives great perspective – like driving in a Hollywood movie set.

Then maybe I am.

That’s what Napier’s like.

ART DECO FESTIVAL Each year people visit Napier for the Hawke’s Bay Art Deco Festival.

Fox furs, boaters and beads are the order of the day, the roads are reclaimed by vintage vehicles The 2019 Art Deco Weekend runs from February 13-17. For more information go to: www.hawkesbaynz.com

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OCTOBER, 2018// SENIORS

‘‘

I think you’re going to be impressed with the amount of hosted holiday options you now have at your fingertips.

LOOKING FOR NEW EXPERIENCES: Patti Newton has signed on as a brand ambassador for My Hosted Holidays.

Photo: Living In Pictures

Patti Newton on board with touring website Claudia Slack AUSTRALIAN icon Patti Newton is the proud new ambassador for travel site MyHostedHolidays.com, a site that allows you to compare escorted, guided and hosted holidays, all from your own home.

MyHostedHolidays.com is the brainchild of company director Ash Hayden, who has worked in the accommodation

and coach tour industries for over 25 years.

When he realised there was a gap in the market for the semi-retired to be able to easily compare and book hosted holidays, My Hosted Holidays became a reality.

“Why isn’t there a travel website out there where guests can go, see all the tours available to their selected destination, and be able to deal direct with the tour operator?” Ash

said.

“Everyone knows arranging a holiday can be stressful,” Patti concurs.

MyHostedHolidays.com comes as a solution to this booking nightmare by creating one destination to view hundreds of tours.

“I think you’re going to be impressed with the amount of hosted holiday options you now have at your fingertips,” Patti said.

MyHostedHolidays.com

allows you to search, compare, enquire about and book a range of hosted, escorted and guided holiday tours all in one destination.

They will also put you in touch with the tour operators themselves, to ensure your trip is in safe hands.

Hosted holidays are perfect for those who are looking for new experiences, to meet new and interesting people

and love the convenience of being able to sit back, relax and have their trip planned for them.

As the site grows and more tours and refining methods are being included, Ash loves seeing people excited about the site and is hopeful that it can further open the world of touring to over 50s.

Ash also said the beauty of the site is that customers can do

everything from the comfort of their own home.

Patti loves the convenience of the website, saying “My Hosted Holidays.com has made the whole process really easy for you, it really is a one stop shop”.

Looking to set off on your own guided, hosted or escorted tour? See what all the fuss is about at www.myhostedholidays. com.au.

Share the Good News

If you’ve got big news, a heart-warming story or community event coming up, spread the word and share it online with Seniors!

Visit seniorsnews.com.au today!

27

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2018

COMPaRe huNdRedS

of escorted, guided & hosted

hOlIdayS

Patti Newton

Brand Ambassador

Let TV Icon Patti Newton show you how to avoid all that confusion and stress trying to find your perfect holiday.

Discover and compare hundreds of guided, hosted and escorted holidays right here - all in the one place !!!!!

Call Today on 1800 849 132

myhostedholidays.com m Start the search!

Visit myhostedholidays.com to find your next getaway.

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SeaRCh. COMPaRe. BO OOK. It’S that eaSy!

28

OCTOBER, 2018// SENIORS

Staying alive: Top outback survival tips WE ALL love to get away.

To escape our day jobs in the city and get in touch with the splendour of the Aussie outback, we go camping with the family.

It’s cost-effective, good for the soul and it gets the kids off their screens.

Caravaning, off-roading and camping are great ways to entertain the whole fam: Dad, Mum, the kids and the dog alike.

We live in an amazing country, full of sights and sounds that people from all over the world travel to witness – and we’re lucky enough to have it all right here in our own backyard.

But what would you do if the car broke down, got bogged or ran out of fuel?

There are plenty of spots outside of the tourist sectors without mobile reception.

The threat of being stranded for longer than

your supplies will last is extremely real.

So if, or perhaps when this happens, it’ll be up to you to keep calm and keep everyone alive.

Here’s what to do if you’re stranded in the outback: Stay with your vehicle: Having one of your crew head a few hundred metres away to find a bit of tucker during the day is totally fine.

But when search and rescue rock up, you better believe they’ll be looking for a car.

They’re easier to spot than people are and will offer an extra level of comfort for the little ones during the night.

Hydrate like it’s your job: Australia is bloody hot at the best of times. Now consider how hot it can get out bush.

The kids, especially, will need periodic hydrating on

the hour (supplies permitting).

Avoid more frequent small sips, opting for less regular more hearty gulps to ensure there’s enough H20 being absorbed.

Make sure you look after yourself too, though, as it’s you who is in charge of keeping everyone safe.

Seek shade and rest up: Depending on what’s in your vehicle, you’ll either be setting up your own shade or seeking the best of what nature has to offer.

Be it an awning or gumtree, staying shady is the best way to keep the body temp down and facilitate a cool head.

Avoid strenuous exercise when you can.

Preserve your energy for important jobs like searching for food or water.

Jase Andrews is the host of Australia’s number one four-wheel-drive and adventure show, All 4 Adventure.

Figure out where your next drink is coming from: A healthy person can go for up to three weeks without food.

Without water, it’s four days, so it’s pretty bloody important you get this part of your involuntary stay in the bush sorted.

What you’ll want to do is set up a rain trap.

A tarp is best, but any non-absorbent material could work too.

Use cable ties or rope to sling it up and make sure there’s a bucket or receptacle underneath to collect the rainwater.

Time to get help: Assuming you’ve done the smart thing and let people know when and where you’re going, people will soon start

searching for you when they figure out that you haven’t returned on time.

You’ll be wanting to help them out.

Reflective surfaces such as aluminium foil, mirrors, and even CDs are effective ways to hail down help.

Post these items strategically around your campsite and vehicle to increase your findability, making sure you’re covering a 360 degree radius.

Failing this, and pending appropriate weather conditions (you don’t want to start a bushfire), a big ol’ burning campfire is another way to catch the attention of helicopters.

Prevention is best: The best way to stay

alive in the outback is to be prepared and prevent where possible.

Invest in a sat-phone, purchase yourself a solar powered water-purifying device and solar powered lights for night-time visibility.

Bring plenty of non-perishable food, a jerry can of fuel and stacks of water.

With any luck, you’ll be so well stocked your emergency will almost feel like quality family time.

Follow the guide and keep you and the family safe.

Australia is a marvellous place, but she can be very unforgiving.

Go to the website all4adventure.com.

RALLY AUSTRALIA NEEDS MORE OFFICIALS TO ASSIST IN RUNNING THIS WORLD CLASS EVENT

We need approximately 1,000 volunteers to cover all the positions at this world class event – currently we have around 700 so still many positions available. The majority of the positions don’t need any experience - some such as scrutineering have special requirements but others just need a bit of common-sense and a sense of humour. Preference is for people to help for a minimum of 2 days out of the 3 days of competition.

All Officials go in the draw for some great prizes. > A chance to visit one of the manufacturers service park areas and watch the service crews work their magic > Signed memorabilia > Major prize trip for two to the F1 Australian Grand Prix in March 2019 (airfares, accommodation and General Admission tickets)

Every volunteer gets shirt(s) a cap or wide-brimmed hat, goody bag of various things and a “buddy pass” that they can give to a partner or friend - allows access to all the event spectator points.

Officials pass gives access to all spectator points when not working.

Every volunteer invited to the thank you party on Sunday evening - provided with food and a couple of drinks and the opportunity to meet new friends and exchange stories (some might even be half true).

Join our officials family by going to https://rallyaustralia.com.au/officials-archive/register-as-an-official2018/

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2018

NEWS

29

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SPECIAL FEATURE

OCTOBER, 2018// SENIORS

REGIONAL RETIREMENT LIVING UPDATE

NEW DEVELOPMENTS: Retire in style and enjoy the community centres, pools, country clubs, lawn bowls and more, available at your new villa, vertical village or home.

Retirement hits a high

VERTICAL villages are taking off as a new style of retirement village across the country.

In the last three months, Aveo Group has led the way in terms of completing this style of village.

Its 19-level Aveo Newstead development in Brisbane opened in late August and the nine-level Waratah building at Aveo’s Bella Vista village in Norwest, north of Sydney opened earlier this month.

While those villages are both closer to city hubs, those looking to retire to an apartment on the Coffs Coast rather than a standalone villa, will soon

have that option here.

Construction has already begun on the $150 million multi-storey retirement and aged care development The Shoreline Park Beach which will become the north coast’s largest retirement facility when completed.

Expected to be home to about 450 people when finished, the property is being developed by The Bachrach Naumburger Group, owners of the Park Beach Plaza and Park Beach HomeBase.

Early civil works have begun on the site which is on the corner of Arthur and York Streets.

The final development

‘‘

There’s plenty of activity in the more traditional retirement living space. is expected to include a 120 bed aged care facility, 162 independent living units, 18 villas, a resort-style community centre and a large pool.

Given the size of the development, it’s likely to take up to six years to finish.

While it’s too early for pre-sales, the development has its own Facebook page at facebook.com/theshore

lineparkbeach where people are able to register their interest and follow the feed for updates as the project progresses.

For those that still prefer to keep their feet closer to the ground, there’s plenty of activity in the more traditional retirement living space.

Finding homes by the beach for future retirees is also on the minds of

the team at Ingenia Lifestyle.

Work is under way on the second of the company’s Star Collection communities, Plantations, at Woolgoolga.

Set on 19.5 hectares the land lease community will deliver 196 homes, with 68 homes and a display village scheduled to be completed within the first stage, go to liveincoffs harbour.com.au.

Facilities to be built for the community include a gold class clubhouse, library, bowling green, gym, pool and spa, cinema and sports bar.

Further afield, at Macksville Nambucca

Valley Care, known as NVC is busy creating a new luxury retirement Fairway Gardens, offering two or three bedroom homes and direct access to the Macksville Country Club for a round of golf or bowls.

At Harrington, south of Crowdy Bay National Park, the Harrington Waters development offers another option for retirees with house blocks still available for sale in the estate which features a range of facilities including an Irish Pub, Golf Course, a 20 berth marina for casual moorings and a range of house and land packages for sale.

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2018

SPECIAL FEATURE

31

REGIONAL RETIREMENT LIVING UPDATE

Isn’t it time your life was more about you?

NAMBUCCA Valley’s newest retirement community Fairway Gardens is designed for seniors to embrace and enjoy life.

This community, full of like-minded people, helps over 55s to shape a new and exciting life for themselves away from the hustle of the city on the beautiful Mid North Coast of NSW. Our retirement villas feature fully maintained courtyards and grounds that enable owners to “lock and leave” when the travel bug bites!

Do the things you want, when you want, without the worry.

Apart from the beautiful landscaping, our retirement homes maximise space and offer practicality to make your home your own.

With spare rooms, a personal outdoor area or backyard and ample living space, you’ll be inviting friends and family over in no time!

With a choice of two or three bedroom homes, apartments, standalone or duplex accommodation, you will surely find a home to suit your needs and budget.

Being a gated community affords our home owners a sense of security rarely experienced outside of such an incredible community.

However, Fairway Gardens is far from isolated. Its convenient location halfway between Sydney and Brisbane means it has easy access to all the conveniences of the big city without the stress of city life.

Coffs Harbour is only a short drive down the highway and offers direct flights to Sydney and Brisbane and offers ample shopping opportunities for those things you can’t find in Macksville.

It is always important to maintain your fitness and health, which is why our facilities are so important!

We offer a gym, indoor heated swimming pool, all weather tennis court and direct access to the Macksville Country Club for some golf or bowls.

The units are expertly designed to achieve low maintenance living, the modern, open-plan designs of the homes maximise space and offers the flexibility to adjust the area to suit your personal tastes and lifestyle.

HOME SWEET HOME: If you would like to visit the display home at Fairway Gardens, give one of our very friendly team a call.

Photo: Sinclair Black The large main bedroom overlooks a lush garden area and offers a spacious walk-in robe and tasteful ensuite.

The stylish, well-appointed kitchen and dining area flow seamlessly onto a beautiful private courtyard and barbecue area,

perfect for year-round entertaining and living.

The multi-purpose room is well placed and has custom sliding doors, adding an extra level of privacy or quiet when required.

All villas come with the latest telecommunications services

including free to air TV, and an installed telephone system.

If you would like to visit the display home at Fairway Gardens, open 10am-3pm Wednesday to Sunday or by appointment. Phone (02) 6598 5000.

Brand New Luxury Coastal Retirement Living FACILITIES INCLUDE: Modern Luxury Low Maintenance 2 or 3 Bedrooms Gated Community Private Yards

• • • •

Heated Indoor Swimming Pool Gymnasium All Weather Tennis Court Café

DESIGN OPTIONS: Multi Storey, Dual Occupancy,

Single Level, Stand Alone, Open Plan Designs • Close to Hospital • Public Transport • 2 minutes to shops A great place to maintain an active lifestyle adjacent to the Macksville Country Club.

Prices start from

$395,000 Fairway Gardens Contact 02 6598 5000 www.fairwaygardens.com.au

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• • • • •

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OCTOBER, 2018// SENIORS

Living

It’s a very good life

A perfect position to enjoy the qualities of a country town BRAND INSIGHTS RELAXING and enjoying your retirement doesn’t come easier than living on the beautiful Clarence River.

Grafton by Gateway Lifestyle is a modern over-50s community close to all the amenity that Grafton has to offer.

Our residents love the location, many of them have stayed close to home, near to all their family and friends but now with all the advantages of community living.

Set among paddocks, the community is perfectly positioned to enjoy life in a country town.

Whether you are just moving up the road or from the hustle and bustle of a big city, Grafton by Gateway Lifestyle is a well designed seniors community to support you in your retirement.

If you enjoy travel either by plane or caravan the community is in the perfect location which

includes parking for your caravan or motorhome on site – the perfect lock and leave location.

When at home there are facilities and activities to enjoy including a swimming pool, tennis court and community clubhouse set among landscaped gardens.

Whether your retirement dream is to free up money to enjoy travel, socialise or to put away for later, Grafton by Gateway Lifestyle may be the right choice for you.

With no entry or exit fees plus no stamp duty or council rates payable there are many good financial reasons why a Gateway Lifestyle community may be right for you.

The final release of brand new homes are ready to move into before Christmas – make an appointment to look at what is on offer or visit our community and meet with the residents.

New homes start from $250,000.

HAPPY AT HOME: Grafton by Gateway Lifestyle residents love the location and many of them have stayed close to home, near to all their family and friends and have gained all the advantages of community living. Photo: Alain Bouvier Grafton sales manager Chris Ryder has seen many new residents move in and find a new lease of life in the community.

“It has been amazing to see just what community living has brought to our residents’ lives,” he said.

“Everyone is different, whether it has been the

benefit of new neighbours and social connections or the comfort that comes with a low-maintenance new home in a secure community, we are seeing our residents settle in and thrive.

“Our current residents range from locals enjoying the financial freedom by

capitalising on the great prices that our homes offer or seniors who have travelled to be in Grafton – drawn by the location and the access to fantastic amenities including hospitals and all that a large country town has to offer.”

To find out more about

what Grafton can offer, phone Chris Ryder on 0428 120 086 to book an appointment to view a new home. Or go to gatewaylifestyle.com.au or phone 1300 361 311.

Start living now in your brand new home and enjoy your first summer in the country.

Embrace your sea change today!

Discover this amazing jewel of the Mid-North Coast, call us today for details (02) 6556 0057 Harrington Waters offers you a fantastic coastal

including; the Harrington Waters Golf Course,

lifestyle with picturesque golf course lots in an

Shopping Village, Harrigan’s Irish Pub, fantastic

idyllic community by the stunning Manning River

fishing and boating, community centre, library,

- a gateway to the Pacific Ocean. Live life to the

waterfront walks, national parks, Crowdy Head

full with a wide variety of activities at your doorstep,

Beach and more.

GES A K PACG D N L A ELLIN & E S S HOU NOW

harringtonwaters.com.au

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2018

LIVING

Keeping records

33

Wellbeing

Electronic records can make major health difference

SENIORS have until November 15 to decide whether or not they would like a My Health Record.

For many older Australians, the decision is an easy one.

Ballina resident Ken Knight, 88, has a long history of suffering from atrial fibrillation (AF).

AF is a type of abnormal heart rhythm which causes the upper chambers of the heart to quiver instead of beating normally.

Ken registered for a My Health Record in 2012 when it first came out and often talks about the benefits he has realised over the years.

“When the doctors ask me a lot of questions and then the hospital staff ask me the same questions, such as what tablets I’m taking and what health problems I’ve had, I tell them to look at my My Health Record and they can see everything there,”

Ken said.

“At Lismore Hospital I told them I have a My Health Record and they looked it up. It saved me having to repeat myself.”

Having Ken’s health history – such as diagnosis and medications – in one place, his My Health Record, means that when he is not feeling well he doesn’t have to remember all the information and respond to a lot of questions.

North Coast Primary Health Network (NCPHN) have been engaging with the community about My Health Record this year.

“Seniors are generally very positive about My Health Record as they can see the benefits of connecting information across their health providers. Common questions are around how they can access their record if they don’t know how to use a computer very well. We explain how loved ones in their family might like to be

RECORDS KEPT: Ballina resident Ken Knight and his wife Joan Knight.

Nominated Representatives so they can access and view the record and be kept informed of their loved ones medications and test results. Others are happy their doctor, pharmacist and hospital can see the information and don’t feel the need to

see it themselves” Program Manager of NCPHN Amanda Wilkinson said.

“North Coast PHN has been very engaged with the older population.

“We have engaged with seniors at local public events, libraries and hospitals as well as local

COTA names necessary fixes AUSTRALIA’S peak advocacy body for older Australians, COTA Australia, has outlined the five priority fixes that need to occur in the near future to address well documented failures in aged care while the Royal Commission into aged care is conducting further investigation of the sector.

COTA Chief Executive Ian Yates said keep fixing Australia’s aged care system sets out urgent actions the

government must implement with the Royal Commission if it is serious about aged care reform.

To help fix some of the priority issues facing Australia’s aged care COTA is calling for: 1. Funding in the MYEFO or 2019 Budget for 30,000 more high level Home Care Packages so no one waits more than three months for care; and getting the creation of one integrated Care at Home program on track.

2. Legislation by March 2019 to set a definite date for putting residential aged care places in the hands of consumers, not providers – as government has already done with Home Care Packages.

3. Compulsory publication of aged care services, staffing levels, price and quality performance by mid-2019 so consumers have information and transparency about

better value. better service. better care.

• • • • • •

which service is right for them.

4. More funding to build the capacity of the aged care workforce to deliver higher quality care.

5. All quality inspections of aged care providers to be totally unannounced at least once a year for all, with extra targeted inspections for at risk providers.

■ COTA Australia is the peak policy development, advocacy and representation organisation for seniors.

community groups.

“If you would like an opportunity in the next month to further explain My Health Record, please phone (02) 6618 5436 to make arrangements for us to talk to your community group, or attend one of our already planned sessions listed on our

Photo: Contributed

North Coast PHN events page, go to ncphn.org. au/events.”

More information on My Health Record can be found at MyHealthRecord. gov.au or phone 1800 723 471. Those wishing to opt out have until November 15.

Do you want to know how to store your fruit and vegetables in your fridge, so that they stay fresh for more than two weeks?

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On returning from a threeweek Christmas holiday, all my vegetables were as I left them in these bags in the fridge – fresh and ready to eat. I have been Roslyn Roberts using these amazing bags Hammond Village for more than two years and Coombabah, QLD they are still going strong.

Bags are washable and reusable and can be kept anywhere in the fridge - on shelves, in the fridge door and the crisper. To purchase immediately visit www.superfreshbags.com.au or call

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34

WELLBEING

OCTOBER, 2018// SENIORS

SPOTLIGHT ON CANCER

Let’s find cancer cure

LOVING LIFE: Kerrie Claffey’s desire to survive is underpinned by the knowledge the cancer could return. heard about a tour guiding course, she happily signed up.

“While you are on chemo, it’s not good to have a lot of free time on your hands,” Kerrie said.

“You don’t need to have time to think; you need to stay occupied.

“When you are happy, free time is awesome.

When you are not happy, free time is dangerous.”

Subsequently Kerrie secured a part-time guiding job in Australia and New Zealand for an international company.

Kerrie’s drive to survive is underpinned by the knowledge that the cancer could return.

Last time she had four

lymph nodes involved.

“That is a sign it may have spread to other areas of the body,” Kerrie said.

“There were no other areas evident at the time, or till now. But, that doesn’t mean it’s not there. There is no way of knowing.”

Walking a fine line “Every time your big toe hurts or you get a headache, the first gut wrenching fear is, is it cancer?” Kerrie says.

“It takes a deal of mental discipline to say to yourself, no, I just kicked my toe on the bed leg; chances are I have a sore toe. The first reaction is the panic about cancer,

Don’t hide this Summer!

Skin Checks Skin Cancer Treatments Skin Cancer Management Wart Treatment Fungal Nail Treatment Skin Care Treatment Extended hours on Mon & Wed

‘‘

When you are happy, free time is awesome.

When you are not happy, free time is dangerous.

but you just have to say to yourself, hang on.

“The fact that you have cancer doesn’t stop these things from happening.

You have to say to yourself, don’t panic.

Investigate the likely cause. But, there is a fine line between paranoia and vigilance.

“If something goes on like your toe remains sore for a couple of weeks, you shouldn’t ignore warning signs.”

Whoo hoo, what a ride!

Life is short and with a diagnosis of cancer, “it may be shorter” due to the illness or the treatments, or both Kerrie philosophises. It’s living with this cloud over you that has Kerrie fighting back.

“Get on with it. There is no time to waste,” Kerrie said. “There is a saying, something like - life is not a journey designed to

arrive at my destination wrapped in cotton wool, more to skid in sideways with champagne in one hand and chocolates in the other saying whoo hoo’.”

How you can help Both the NBCF and the Breast Cancer Network Australia celebrate this year milestone anniversaries of their battles to raise awareness and understanding, and fund research. Each are encouraging all Australians to get involved in a variety of events during October. Go to www.nbcf.org.au and www.bcna.org.au.

Dr Hilton Beck Dr Dan Martin Dr Annemarie Winters Dr Jo Walker Dr Garth Plunkett

9 Murdock Street Coffs Harbour

02 6651 9536

www.sundoctors.com.au

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FINDING an answer to breast cancer that will help save her life is all National Breast Cancer Foundation speaker Kerrie Claffey cares about.

“I just want to live,” Kerrie, 65, states firmly.

“Any money they raise goes to research. That is what is going to save my life.”

In the meantime Kerrie has the throttle down as she lives life to the full with competition gliding to pursue, as well as kayaking, bushwalking and cycling near her home in southern Sydney, and a fun new job.

Kerrie was diagnosed with stage 3 infiltrating lobular carcinoma, twice; once at age 45 and again at 54.

Sadly, the early cancer diagnosis and consequent chemotherapy treatment stopped Kerrie’s desperate attempts at getting pregnant through IVF. “Apart from facing a cancer diagnosis, and that the fact that chemo brings on an early menopause; you are entering another stage of your life and facing your own mortality,” Kerrie said.

“But then facing not being able to ever have your own child; it was a lot to take in at once.”

But this confronting experience hasn’t dampened Kerrie’s desire to support women who are on the same pathway as herself.

Keep busy The former computer programmer retired at 55 from work during the recovery stage of her second diagnosis. Kerrie wasn’t ready to do nothing, so when she

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2018

WELLBEING

UPDATED TIME: Some medical alarm devices may be incompatible with the new system.

35

Photo: paul6winch

Act now to save your life later BRAND INSIGHTS IT’S time to upgrade your unmonitored medical alarm device to ensure it works seamlessly with the NBN network.

NBN has put out a call for anyone with medical alarms that currently rely on an emergency landline call, when activated, to a designated person – whether it’s a family member, friend or neighbour – or to 000.

With new phone and internet technology being rolled out across Australia, some medical alarm devices, auto diallers and emergency call buttons may be incompatible with the new

system.

NBN chief customer officer residential Brad Whitcomb, said moving to the new network wasn’t automatic – everyone needed to request for migration of their services, including medical alarms.

“Even if you are unsure, you should submit your details to our register and we will advise you on what support is available,” Mr Whitcomb said.

It’s critical to remember the NBN needs power to work. If there is a power outage, alarms that rely on a landline may not work.

In that instance the only alternative is using a mobile network, so acting

now to check whether your device is capable of dialling through a mobile network should be a high priority.

Where to start Before contacting NBN you need to check whether you and your device are eligible for the upgrade offer.

You must: ■ Own an unmonitored medical alarm or be authorised by its owner to upgrade it to an eligible one.

■ Use an alarm that relies solely on their home phone line. Alarms that can connect to a mobile network are ineligible.

■ Live where you can get a new fixed line connection over the NBN

network. People who live in an NBN fixed wireless or sky muster area are ineligible.

■ Register your alarm on NBN Medical Alarm Register at www.nbnco. com.au/residential/ learn/device-compatibility/medical-alarms. html or by phoning 1800 227 300.

■ Have purchased your existing alarm on or before August 31, 2018.

■ Not previously received a medical alarm upgrade rebate or subsidy through any other similar NBNsupported program or offer.

You will be requested to return your old alarm to the original supplier for disposal once the new

device is in place. A new alarm will come with a reply-paid post bag.

If you are eligible for the upgrade offer, you could save up to 80 per cent on the participating device supplier’s normal retail price of the device, capped at a maximum discount of $300, when you order a new alarm from a list of participating companies.

Currently, participating companies are CareAlert and The INS Group.

Getting connected Once on the Medical Alarm Register, NBN will contact you when your home is ready to be connected to the NBN. You will then receive advice on existing device

compatibility and upgrade options before your current landline is switched over to the NBN. “We are providing support for unmonitored medical alarm users to improve their experience when they migrate to the NBN network,” Mr Whitcomb said.

“NBN will provide enhanced communications, education campaigns and access to the Unmonitored Medical Alarm Upgrade Offer available through its participating device suppliers.”

Details on the upgrade offerare available at nbn.com.au/alarm upgrade.

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OCTOBER, 2018// SENIORS

Money

Asbestos disease claims made easy BRAND INSIGHTS THE partners of vbr Lawyers are among Australia’s leading asbestos compensation lawyers.

We do the hard work in the background to ensure a quick, stress free and above all successful process for our clients.

Sufferers of asbestos disease, many of whom have never engaged a lawyer, can be anxious when considering the compensation process for the first time, only to end up being pleasantly surprised about the speed and the outcome of the process we can achieve for them through the expertise and experience of vbr Lawyers.

These questions often asked by new clients: ■ Aren’t I too old to claim compensation?

No. vbr Lawyers regularly bring claims for clients with asbestos disease in their 70s, 80s and even their 90s.

If you have an asbestos disease, meaningful compensation is likely to be recoverable no matter what your age. While we acknowledge that no amount of money can be true compensation for one’s health, our clients genuinely appreciate the peace of mind and security that the lump sum compensation we can recover can provide them in their advanced years.

■ How can I afford to pay legal fees?

There will be no out-ofpocket costs to you at all.

We act on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal costs to us unless and until you actually recover compensation.

Even then our costs amount to only a small fraction of the compensation recovered and in many cases the vast majority of your costs will be paid for by the entity paying the compensation.

■ Won’t it take too long?

At vbr Lawyers we are able to complete an asbestos compensation claim usually within three to six months. It is very rare for an asbestos compensation claim to go over the eight months.

■ I have asbestos disease but it’s not cancer. Can I still make a claim?

Some of the noncancerous or benign asbestos conditions such as asbestosis, asbestos related pleural disease and pleural thickening can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain even though

Healthy dose of reality never goes far astray Paul Clitheroe LIKE most investors, I’m a big reader of the news, and there’s certainly never any shortage of macroeconomic commentary to pore over.

Some reads like fiction, some like comedy – and that’s why we need to read news about the economy carefully.

It tends to take one position or another and a healthy dose of scepticism never goes astray.

The times I worry most are when the commentary is uniformly optimistic – shouts of “buy now” make me nervous.

But when I read that Chicken Little is correct, and the sky is about to fall in (which, of course, it never does) I think ‘gee if everyone is selling, it’s got to be time to buy’.

Right now our economy is better than most people probably believe.

Yes, there’s a quite a lot of negative macroeconomic commentary around Trump and trade wars but I’m seeing a reasonable balance of views – some positive,

some negative and some in the middle.

A bit of balance never hurts so, when people ask me if I’m a contrarian investor, I say I see myself as a common-sense investor.

And that’s not just based on my macroeconomics views.

One question I’m often asked is “how can I earn 20 per cent annually on my investments”.

Seriously.

Yes, on the odd (make that rare) occasion I have earned 20 per cent on an investment but pick up your calculator and do the sums.

No, wait, there probably aren’t enough digits.

Better use your computer.

Because, if you take a look at how our wealth would grow with 20 per cent returns each and every year, we’d all be billionaires in no time.

Clearly, expectations about returns are often out of whack with reality.

A better question to ask is “what can a balanced fund do for me?”

And the answer is a return of around 4–5 per cent per annum above

inflation.

But, and it’s a big but, you need to watch for whether that return includes costs.

One thing I know for sure in life is that returns are a hope but fees are a certainty.

If I can earn 4–5 per cent annually above inflation, after fees, I’m delighted.

And frankly, these days with modern technology streamlining investing, there is no reason for investors to be paying high fees.

Bottom line, be realistic about what your money can earn and pay careful attention to the returns after costs.

No matter how good the economic outlook, there’s not much in it for you if you’re paying above the odds on your investments.

It just means lining someone else’s pockets instead of yours.

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

they are not malignant.

Some of these conditions can get worse with time. If these socalled benign diseases are causing those symptoms, it is highly likely you will be entitled to significant compensation.

It will cost you nothing to contact us and have us investigate your entitlements which we will advise you about at no obligation.

■ I have lung cancer. I have been exposed to asbestos but I have also been a smoker. Am I entitled to compensation?

Unlike the specific asbestos cancer mesothelioma, asbestos related lung cancer often requires some additional proof in order for there to be an entitlement to compensation, so if the asbestos exposure is

TOP ADVICE: Director of vbr Lawyers Sean Ryan. significant, compensation may be recoverable irrespective of a smoking history.

If you are in this situation, you will lose nothing and pay nothing to have us at least undertake an initial obligation fee investigation of your entitlements.

■ I have known about my asbestos condition for some time but I haven’t done anything about it.

Am I too late to claim?

In most Australian

states, time limits for common law compensation for asbestos disease have been completely removed.

There remain some time limits in certain types of compensation claims but even where these have expired, there may be a basis to extend them.

Contact vbr Lawyers today on their toll-free number 1800 316 716 to find out if you can bring a claim for lump sum compensation.

Do you have all of your eggs in one basket?

By spreading your savings across different types of investments, you not only reduce the risk of your portfolio losing money, you also increase the chance that it will make money. Of course no matter what asset allocation you choose, there’s no way to eliminate risk entirely.

another could be outperforming – if you had all your money in just one asset class you could be missing out on potential returns from other sectors.

The right mix of assets will vary from person to person, depending on their individual needs and circumstances. In practice however, with many investors exposed to We often speak to investors property through their own who do just this (hold home, the asset allocation all of their wealth in one decision comes down to asset class) whether that how much to invest in be directly held property shares, and how much to or Australian shares. As an invest in fixed interest A dilemma every investor example, someone who only and/or cash. faces is that it is very held property in Sydney difficult to predict future would likely have seen their To discuss whether your performances of each type investments devalue by current investment of investment (property, around 5% over the past positioning can be Australian shares, 12 months, while missing improved, please call the international shares or fixed out on 12% gains for team at Morgans on interest). When one type of Australian shares over the 02 6651 5700 to arrange on asset is underperforming, same period. obligation free meeting.

FINANCIAL ADVISORS

Neil Cole AR 000259352

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Andrew Cragg AR 000243232

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• Financial Planning • Superannuation • Stockbroking • Personal Insurance

Suite 5/38 Park Ave Coffs Harbour www.morgans.com.au/coffsharbour

Morgans Financial Limited A.B.N. 49 010 669 726 AFSL 235410. A Participant of ASX Group

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2018

NEWS

The biggest Pan Pacific Masters Games ever

To advertise, call 1300 136 181 or visit finda.com.au Motoring

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Be wary if the number in the ad is disconnected.

If the buyer/seller says the number is disconnected because they are overseas, ask for a landline phone number at their current location as well as a mobile phone number.

All contact details of the person buying or selling the car should be verified to ensure they are genuine.

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37

The world races into Gold Coast

Alison Houston THIS year’s Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast will set a new record for participation, with more than 15,000 athletes registered to compete across 10 days from November 2-11.

This is the 11th biennial Games, featuring 43 sports from archery to volleyball, and from individual to team events at venues throughout the Coast.

Assistant Tourism Industry Development Minister Meaghan Scanlon said events would use many of the same venues as the Commonwealth Games, including Coomera Indoor Sports Centre, the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre and Gold Coast Hockey Centre as well as community club venues like Gold Coast Archery Club at Tallebudgera Valley.

While the age limit varies, depending on the sport, in some like running, separate divisions go right through from 30 to 95+, with

competitors from throughout Australia and 30 different nations.

“The beauty of this event is that it allows both former champions and those who never quite made it to compete side-by-side in a friendly environment where no qualification is required,” Events Management Queensland Chief Executive Officer Cameron Hart said.

“After the day’s play has wrapped up, opponents become friends and the Games Village is buzzing with the camaraderie for which the event is renowned.”

Ms Scanlon said the increase in athlete numbers, likely to be accompanied by over 18,000 supporters,

should equate to a healthy $20 million boost for the Gold Coast economy.

“More than 1.5 billion people watched the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast – we’re working hard to capitalise on this great exposure from the Games to grow our major events industry and position the Coast as a hub for international sport,” she said.

Live entertainment at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre will include Killer Queen, Lisa Hunt, and The Voice’s Koi Boys.

To find out more about where to see your favourite events, or be part of the Games, go to mastersgames.com.au.

You of course want to get your car looking its best inside and out before a potential sale. One tip you might have forgotten: ensure that your radiator and windscreen washer reservoir are topped up.

This tip brought to you by www.finda.com.au NEW RECORD: Giving their all in individual and team sports, the Pan Pacific Masters Games will attract more than 15,000 athletes.

38

REVIEWS

OCTOBER, 2018// SENIORS

New single out is a magical mix THE Round Mountain Girls have released Magical Mix, their new single featuring Australian legend John Williamson.

More than a magical mix, releasing a single with John Williamson marks a magical moment for the Round Mountain Girls, who have become crowd favourites at festivals around Australia thanks to an electric live act that Beat Magazine called “an awesome, classic bluegrass riot,” noting that “foot stompin’ fury pulses through”.

Having played six of the past seven Bluesfests, Round Mountain Girls are festival stalwarts and in 2017 they opened the main stage for Santana, Zac Brown and Jethro Tull.

They’ve also whipped crowds into a frenzy at Gympie Muster, Tamworth, Groundwater, National Folk Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival and Caloundra Music Festival, but it was at Cruisin’ Country 7 that Chris Brooker looked down and saw John Williamson standing in the crowd.

“I lost my mind. We all thought he’d leave but he seemed to be getting into it and at the end of the gig he came up and introduced himself to us,” Chris said.

“They blew me away with their energy and the tightness of their music.

I became a fan,” said John about the band, and after the festival the two began communicating with each other.

Olivia says don’t stop believin’!

Ordinary days that change life

“I was hoping he’d accept my offer to catch up for a beer and chat, but I was blown away when he suggested a co-write,” Chris said.

They started writing letters and an idea took shape, and a few weeks later Chris found himself in John’s shed drinking tea, playing guitar and singing what was to become Magical Mix. Magical Mix is a peaceful song about what it means to be Australian.

It’s an anthemic track encouraging us to preserve our amazing culture and country, with Williamson sharing vocals.

“Mixing Round Mountain Girls with John Williamson seems crazy,

but it works in a refreshingly, beautiful way,” Chris said.

“It’s just like the mix of people in Australia.

“It’s so broad but when you break it down, we all just want a peaceful, happy place to live.”

This is a track that’s sure to become a favourite sing-along.

As Marika Bryant wrote for Artshub: “Round Mountain Girls play like they’re on fire: a veritable carnival all by themselves and you just have to be part of it”.

Become a part of the band’s magical place and join them throughout 2018 on the following dates: Saturday, October 13 – Tweed Heads Bowls

Club - Tweed Heads Saturday, October 20 – Wingham Akoostik Festival – Wingham Saturday, October 27 – Crabbes Creek Hall – Crabbes Creek Saturday, November 3 – Murwillumbah Show – Murwillumbah Sunday, November 4 – Shaws Bay Hotel at Ballina Country Music Festival – Ballina Saturday, November 10 – Sawtell Street Party (w/ The Bockstocks & Col Finlay) – Sawtell Sunday, November 11 – Hotel Brunswick – Brunswick Heads Saturday, November 17 – Rowan Robinson Park – Kingscliff More information at roundmountaingirls.com

AN UNREMARKABLE start to an ordinary day is no guarantee that what follows won’t sweep you off your feet.

Dual Walkley Award-winner journalist Leigh Sales investigates how ordinary people endure the unthinkable as she takes the reader on a journey of blindsides, resilience and what happens after the worst day of your life.

The day that turns a life upside down usually starts like any other but what happens the day after?

As a journalist, Leigh often encounters people experiencing the worst moments of their lives in the full glare of the media.

But one particular string of bad news stories – and a terrifying brush with her own mortality – sent her looking for answers about how vulnerable each of us is to a life-changing event.

What are our chances of actually experiencing one?

What do we fear most and why?

And when the worst does happen, what comes next?

SHE’s seen so much of the good and the not so good moments of life and yet Australia’s sweetheart, Olivia Newton-John, is prepared to share it all with her greatest supporters.

Olivia’s Don’t stop Believin’ autobiography covers her journey from Melbourne schoolgirl to international superstar in a deeply personal book.

It’s a warm, candid and moving account in her own words of her extraordinary life. Throughout it all, she has retained the mantra: don’t stop believin’!

Olivia is known for her strength, courage and grace. After her own personal experience with cancer, she has thrived and become an inspiration for millions around the world.

A tireless advocate for countless charities, Olivia’s true passion is as the founding champion of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in her hometown of Melbourne.

From every hardback sold, $1 will be donated to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre.

Published by Penguin, Don’t Stop Believin’ is available in bookshops for RRP$45, in audio download for RRP$32.99 and as an ebook.

An Ordinary Day is available in bookshops for RRP$32.99, in ebook and as a audio download from Penguin.

An adventurous walkabout life

TAKE A WALK: Joan Benbow, 94, at the launch of her fourth book.

Photo: Tracey Johnstone

JOAN Benbow’s working life has been an extraordinary 62 years of nursing life in Australia and in PNG. Her fourth book, A Walkabout Life, brings the former nun’s journey all together in an entertaining read that regales the reader with the highs and lows of battling bureaucracy, ignorance, the Catholic Church and harsh climates as she grabbed hold of her many roles that regularly delivered

the greatest gift of all – new life.

At 94 and “three-quarters” Joan is a wonderful story teller.

“I just thought it should be recorded in the annals of nursing what it was like back in the 1950s,” Joan said.

“Who else is going to record it?”

She worked in remote locations in Australia – NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory – and in three provinces in PNG. Joan has written

about the out-of-the-way places she lived and some of the marvellous people she met along the way.

“I left the bad ones out,” she remarks cheekily.

“It was a wonderful journey. I thank God every day that I had that experience.”

The start of the book provides the perfect tantalising introduction: “With nursing certificates under my belt (and nun’s habit) as well

as a tumbler half-full of hope and love – I set out buoyantly on yet unchartered seas, my sails at full mast! A life beyond another six decades was to follow – I had much to learn, and since then to reflect on.

Enjoy the journey I share with you today, dear reader.”

Books available for $20 from Coast Life Midwifery, 2/22 Beach Rd, Maroochydore or by phoning 5443 5555.

SENIORS \\OCTOBER, 2018

PUZZLES

S E R A S E N

X E O R

I S C

A S T A C

S K

I

F V O C R

I T

A L

R E S A P L U

R N O B L B O Y

S T H E I

I

R G E D

S D E R

I N T F O T U T

C O T P H L E

J B A D O N A

T R A O M B

S C I S F I E

C M L E A A N

C O P R A E T

E I P R O E

I T T Y O D

Y G M P E P

O L E E A T

T

I

13

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15

16

17

19

TRIO

21

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

SUDOKU

22

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

C

R

O P E N L Y

J B A D O N A I T T Y O D R G I S T I C R I G E D S K I T

DEATH BINDER INTO JAR MOD KINGS HOMELIEST

I A L

Good 23 Very Good 31 Excellent 38+

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

E T

11

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

584

10

WORD GO ROUND

TODAY

C

H R

9

ache acre arch carat care caret cart carte cater cere cert char chart chat cheat cheater cheer cheetah chert crate create each earache echt erect etch etcher hatch HEARTACHE hectare race reach react retch reteach teach teacher tech terce trace trachea tracheae

H A

E A

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

There is at least one nine-letter word.

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

8

20

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

WORD GO ROUND

6

7

18

ALPHAGRAMS

Y

5

QUICK CROSSWORD

R G

4

Across: 1. Periodic 7. Abate 8. Unfounded 9. Nor 10. Elan 11.

Assent 13. Consciousness 15. Bandit 16. Brim 18. Tie 20.

Maintains 21. Rally 22. Inspired.

Down: 1. Pause 2. Refrain 3. Onus 4. Indisposition 5. Faint 6.

Decrees 7. Adverse 12. Economy 13. Captors 14. Earlier 15.

Belly 17. Mused 19. Stop.

C A S A T L O O

3

JIGGERED

G P E R

Down 1. Hesitate (5) 2. Hold back (7) 3. Responsibility (4) 4. Illness (13) 5. Indistinct (5) 6. Edicts (7) 7. Unfavourable (7) 12. Frugality (7) 13. Jailers (7) 14. Previously (7) 15. Stomach (5) 17. Contemplated (5) 19. Halt (4)

2

TRIO: AlI

E N C G L

Across 1. Happening at regular intervals (8) 7. Lessen (5) 8. Unsubstantiated (9) 9. Neither (3) 10. Panache (4) 11. Agreement (6) 13. Awareness (13) 15. Brigand (6) 16. Lip (4) 18. Bind (3) 20. Continues (9) 21. Recovery (5) 22. Outstanding (8)

1

SUDOKU

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

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

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

ALPHAGRAMS

1/10

HATED, INBRED, JANITOR, KINGDOMS, lITHESOME.

JIGGERED

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AUSTRALIAN OWNED

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COFFS & CLARENCE

OCTOBER, 2018// SENIORS