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In this edition
Cover Story: Little Pattie.................................Pages 3&4 Feature Story: Anzac Day .....................................Page 11 Money..........................................................Page 16 Travel: Discover Australia.............................Pages 27-32 Puzzles ...................................................................Page 35
Contact us General Manager Geoff Crockett – 0413 988 333 geoff.crockett@news.com.au Editor Gail Forrer – 1800 880 265 gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Sue Germany – 0408 286 539 sue.germany@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Now online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Coffs Harbour and Clarence Seniors Newspaper”. The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in northern New South Wales and south-east Queensland. The Seniors newspaper stable includes Toowoomba, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern NSW, Coffs and Clarence and Central Coast publications. Published by News Corp Australia. Printed by News Corp Australia, Yandina. Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspapers are not necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endorsement by the owner/publisher.
Welcome
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 23, 2018
Life is a colourful complex tapestry
AHH...the memories, Little Pattie, Normie Rowe, Gough Whitlam. You will find a picture of each of these inspirational Australians in this edition, and for me with each picture comes a memory, if not of the person, then the time and its culture, defined forever by a unique blend of politics, people, power and of course, music. In many ways Pattie Amphlett shaped our image of Australia in the 1960s. She was healthy, happy and upbeat and yet at the same time willing to dive into the harder parts of history, which includes supporting Australian forces in war zones. Pattie’s interview is an uplifting read about a person who was born with certain gifts and has used them not only to better herself, but also the lives of others, including a whole new generation. One would have to say: “Go Pattie”. But we all have different life journeys and this
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER
Group editor Seniors Newspapers network
month I also give it up to the older adult woman who has owned up to being ripped off by an online scammer who she linked up with on an online dating site. That’s not to say, this doesn’t happen in person, nothing really stops a con, but this sort of scumbag has certainly found a fresh operating field on the internet. Thank goodness victims have the courage to speak out. It is a brave person who speaks their truth, when they feel hopeless and perhaps not blameless. As with the #metoo campaign, (which I also speak to social commentator Jane Caro about), it’s up to us to listen and acknowledge their stories, to let them
know that it’s not their fault, it could happen to anyone, and also understand their story offers support to other victims and hopefully stops more people from suffering the same crime. This publication covers a range of sections and we endeavour to share good information in all of them. This month we share professional advice on cervical cancer and screening together with a report on how childhood polio sufferers are again coping with this disease. At the moment we are all talking about hikes in private health premiums and many of us are not just talking about it, we are dropping out of health funds. More on this on our regular Talk’n’Thoughts page. In this edition our finance expert Tony Kaye discusses the implications of various policies mooted by political parties and the possible impact on
Australians who are members of self-managed superannuation funds and many other self-funded retirees who fall outside the age pension safety together with those who qualify for the age pension. Besides this print story, there is more online on our website: www.seniors news.com.au. This month our travel section focuses on Aussie travel and we really have some great holiday ideas; from your choice of transport (have you ever thought of travelling on a cargo ship) to finding food and wine in Victoria and 10 top spots to experience in the Northern Territory. Life is indeed a colourful tapestry, I trust we reflect that in our stories. And please for more news check out our website and facebook page www.facebook.com/ seniorsnews. Enjoy Gail.
Do you have a McLennan in your family tree?
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(Left) Ian McLennan, from Maclean, and Norm Gray, Norm Wall's bullock team. Ian is a former pipe major of two bands and competed in many Australian and World Championships, he will be MC at the reunion dinner. Photo taken October 15, 1996.
The next day sees a bus tour of clan sites around the Manning Valley. On the Saturday, connections can join their clan in the Bonnie Wingham street parade and at the clan stall between the various competitions. On the Sunday, the River-bank church service and Ceilidh will also feature McLennans. All McLennan descendants are welcome. A brother and sister,
Alexander and Catherine McLennan, arrived in NSW in 1837 and found their way to the New England then to the Clarence Valley. There are so many descendants of this brother and sister that they have their own Clan association in Grafton. From the early 1840s McLennan families from Scotland settled on the southern bank of the lower Manning River and made a great contribution to the community there.
Other families found their way to the Gaelic-speaking enclave of Barrington in the upper Manning. Over the last decade, the Clan has built up a worldwide genealogy resource to help descendants track their ancestors: clanmaclennan-world wide.com/genealogy. Local researcher David Freeman is preparing a revised book The McLennan Families of the Manning that will be
released at the reunion. The MacLennan Clan is famous for piping and highland dancing – the Clan badge features a piper. As Clan of Honour for the Bonnie Wingham Festival, the entire four days will feature bagpiping with some of the famous MacLennan music. For more about the Clan MacLennan Reunion and booking events in the Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival go to: manninghistorical.org.
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THERE are now families across the country who have McLennan ancestors from the Mid North Coast of NSW. On May 31, as part of the annual Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival, McLennans will reunite to find out more about their history and to celebrate their ancestors. The celebrations start on May 31 with a genealogy day and a clan reunion evening of entertainment.
Cover Story: Little Pattie
Monday, April 23, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Coffs and Clarence
Seniors 3
Petite Pattie’s life is full of giving back But music remains at the heart of her life Tracey Johnstone
SONGBIRD Patricia (Little Pattie) Amphlett thrives on being busy, whether she is teaching or learning, singing or volunteering, as long as it involves giving back to the world that still loves her. Music remains at the heart of her life, but at the end of the silken tendrils of her music is a life richly filled with professional and volunteer activities that reflect her intellectual depth. Pattie’s journey started with a hit record at age 14 before she headed to Vietnam in 1966 at age 17 where the petite singer found herself the youngest person to entertain the troops. “They’ve got a big place in my heart,” Pattie says. Since then she has been to many other countries where there has been conflict. “We were in convoy in the southern part of Iraq, travelling from one camp to another,” Pattie says. She was told there was an outside chance of being fired at, but her long-standing trust of the Australian army gave her enough confidence to jump in the front seat of the Bushmaster for the journey of several hours. Beside her was a 19-year-old solider who was tasked with looking after Pattie’s group. “We could see where we were going more than the passengers who were
in the back, and I didn’t want to miss a thing. I must have asked this kid Simon a hundred questions about where we were, his life in the army and about his family.” Once they finally arrived at their destination where the group was performing, Simon rang his family back in Australia. “I rang my mum and dad last night,” Simon told Pattie. “I told them about you
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I like imparting the knowledge I have and I genuinely like helping kids get better in what they love to do. and how you asked me all these questions, and said your name was Pattie and described what you looked like. “My dad said you better look after her son and he really lectured me that I had to really look after you because you were very special to him because he was a Vietnam veteran.” “He was a terrific young man: he never left our side after that,” Pattie says. Her music teacher once made Pattie promise she would teach singing, because of her temperament. More than 20 years ago
Pattie started doing just that. She currently works for four Sydney high schools, including a performing arts school. “I have learnt so much from them,” Pattie says. “I learn about life and constantly kept up with the attitudes of young people. Who wouldn’t want to know about young people? “For all the bagging some people give them, I get to see a terrific side of young people and I can honestly say I know we will be in good hands. They are going to be looking after us and I am really happy with that.” Miss Pattie, or Miss Patricia as the students call her, has devised a modified curriculum which uses her experience as an ongoing performer, rather than one that is technique only. “Most of the time I let the kids choose their songs,” Pattie says. She finds many of the children have been to musicals and often choose songs from those performances. “I like imparting the knowledge I have and I genuinely like helping kids get better in what they love to do,” Patti says. There are always a few stars among the students, but it’s the “triple threat” ones she really keeps an eye out for – ones who can sing, dance and act at the same time, and do it well.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
ALWAYS A STAR: Petite songbird Littie Pattie.
SONGBIRD: The Sydney entertainer Patricia Amphlett, who performed as Little Pattie singing to an audience of Australian soldiers at the Bokah Music Bowl, a temporary stage with a parachute as a shade canopy. Ms Amphlett accompanied Col Joye and his band the Joyboys on this and a later tour of South Vietnam in August 1966. PHOTO: AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL
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Cover Story: Little Pattie
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 23, 2018
FROM PAGE 3
Back in 1972 Pattie formed a strong friendship with Gough Whitlam. She was part of the group that performed It’s Time for his election campaign. “I remained close to the principles he espoused, became a Whitlam-ite, and a friend of the Whitlams,” Pattie says. One of Gough’s legacies is the Whitlam Institute at the Western Sydney University which pursues the causes Gough championed. Pattie sits on its volunteer board which oversees debate on public policy in the areas of equality, Indigenous recognition and improving talented Australians’ access to broader community. Pattie also sits on the board of the Jessie Street Trust which was set up in recognition of one of Australia’s 20th century Australian activists, Jessie Street. Each year the trust conducts a luncheon which raises funds to provide grants for projects similar to the ones Jessie championed such as the rights of women and Indigenous people, peace and disarmament, and the elimination of discrimination. Pattie still performs often, mainly at private
AUSSIE ICONS: Little Pattie and actor/singer Normie Rowe warm up in 1997. PHOTO: KELLY DAVID
functions and some festivals, and she practises for an hour every day. “When you teach, you are singing almost every day with the kids,” Pattie says. Has the vibrant 69-year-old exhausted you yet? Can you wait one
moment? There is more. The Order of Australia Medal recipient previously sat on the board of the National Film and Sound Archives of Australia, the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, and the council of the Australian War Memorial. Now she is patron of
Forces Entertainment and patron of the Australian Women in Music Awards. “When I retire I am going to join a book club as I love reading books,” Pattie says. Will she ever retire, really? Unlikely. “If one day I say I have had enough or it’s time to
1972 : PM Gough Whitlam with singer Little Pattie during the election campaign in 1972. PHOTO: FILE PHOTO
put my feet up or it’s time not to have such a busy life… I know I will always be active and busy doing things.
“I will always want to do something for other people, too. That’s kind of in my family’s DNA.” Al
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Online Dating
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 23, 2018
Heartbreaking love scam a lesson for all
She thought she had found man of her dreams Ann Rickard
ONLINE LOVE: Author and survivor Jan Marshall.
PHOTO: CAROL SHEARMAN
JAN Marshall, now 64, is an intelligent, educated woman who held good corporate jobs in Brisbane and Melbourne. But five years ago, in a quest to find love through a legitimate online dating site, she was scammed out of $260,000, her entire life savings. Now facing a bleak future on welfare, Jan is sharing her story to show other seniors how easy it is to be hoodwinked, and to prove that anyone, no matter how smart or worldly you may think you are, can fall victim to professional scammers. “Scammers target people looking for love,” Jan said. “I hadn’t had much experience with online dating. “I was a victim.” Jan thought she’d met
the man of her dreams when he contacted her after she’d been on the dating site for just a day. He told her he was a self-employed civil engineer who travelled the world on projects. He said he was working in Canada at the time and would shortly be travelling to Dubai for another large project, but was not averse to coming to Australia to meet her at the end of the Dubai job. Then the “love bombing” started, a barrage of emails and messages showering Jan with attention, compliments and then passionate declarations of love. “Scammers get you off the legitimate website quickly, saying they would rather communicate with your private email,” Jan said. “Then they close down
their profile on the website and all communication is done through your email and Messenger. “They target you, showering you with compliments and making you feel special, loved. This can change the chemicals in your brain, bring on oxytocin, a powerful hormone. “They deliberately generate that, changing the brain state so you will be less anxious, more trusting.” While many people reading this might wonder at Jan’s naivety and gullibility – and she has had more than her share of people saying ‘how could you be so stupid?’ – the scammers are professional and ruthless, and for someone who has a trusting and CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
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The value of volunteers May is when we celebrate Volunteers Week and we have just celebrated the retirement of two of our volunteers from our Clarence Meals service. Alf Legg and Maurie Stanton have both given over 14 years service and now that they have turned 90 have decided a bit of relaxation is in order. Between them they managed to deliver around 28,000 meals, driven 64,000 kms delivering the meals and 6,000 hours of volunteer time. Volunteering is an integral part of community connectedness and in our community we have been very fortunate to have the likes of Alf and Maurie who contribute significant time, energy and passion to ensure those requiring assistance are never forgotten nor ignored. Thank you to all the volunteers in our communities. Give a little, Change a lot.
First of all getting assistance early on can improve your health. Making contact with a service provider can provide you with a range of information and referrals to assist in getting the right support. Our staff are trained and able to assist people so that you can remain as independent as possible. Having a support person can get you out and socialising again. This is very important as we all need to be part of our community and enjoy life. You can also stop the worry and ease the concerns of your family as well if you are having some regular support. This ranges from those who may need staff to assist with medications, food preparation, personal care, shopping or going out for a while, getting to appointments and many other duties. Maybe going to activities to improve your wellbeing such as hydrotherapy or exercise classes is something staff could assist you with. Clarence Care + Support is here to assist with getting support that meets your individual needs. You can contact our Customer service team on 6645 0400. 6687093ai
Monday, April 23, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au FROM PAGE 6
non-suspicious mind, it is easy to fall prey. “I did look at Scamwatch,” Jan said of the time she was in the first heady days of emails and SMS messages. “But at the time I didn’t believe anybody could build this level of intimacy and be a scammer.” By the time Jan’s ‘dream man’ asked for money she was deeply in love, had indulged in cybersex with him, said yes to a marriage proposal and was looking for a property they could buy in Australia to spend their future together. Jan’s scammer did not ask for money directly, rather a loan to help him with taxes due on product being held in Dubai on the job he was working on. Jan sent her first lot of money through bank transfer, believing it to be a loan. Then came other requests for money, always with plausible reasons why his own money was being held temporarily frozen. He even showed Jan a copy of his bank statement with more than enough money to repay her (a false document, obviously). “At this stage the scammer will often introduce a ‘family person’ to normalise the element of it,” Jan said. In
her case, it was his teenage daughter who joined in the email and SMS conversations and even asked Jan if she minded being called ‘Mom.’ Jan says in the beginning the scammer will show a photo of himself, but this is always a stolen photo, and he will never allow his victim to see him on Facetime or Skype, making excuses
Online Dating call centre in Nigeria reading from a well-practised script. “I do believe it was a gang scenario in Nigeria,” Jan said. “After I’d reported it to the police they said it was likely the money had gone to Nigeria.” The money Jan sent went in various amounts over weeks, each time her scammer giving reasonable explanations
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People think it couldn’t happen to them, but it can happen to anybody. If you are looking for love you put yourself out there, you are vulnerable. about his computer having hiccups. “The photos are always stolen,” Jan said. “I have since looked at the top 50 photos used by scammers, a lot of them are of men in the American military.” While Jan was falling in love with the ‘civil engineer’ over dozens of daily emails, texts, phone calls and messages, her scammer was most likely one of a team sitting in a
for his need and stressing it was just a loan until they met when he came to Australia from finishing the project in Dubai. “I had used all my savings and then taken a further $45,000 in credit card debt and then I took money out of my self-funded super fund which I was (legally) not able to do,” she said. After Jan had given all she had, her scammer sent a final dismissive
Coffs and Clarence
message to tell her he was boarding a plane for England and to thank her ‘for everything.’ She never heard from him again. The heartbreak Jan suffered when she realised her dream man did not exist – and not only had all her money gone but she had incurred fines with the Australian Taxation Office for dipping into her superannuation – is difficult to comprehend. “The first month after I found out I was deeply in shock,” she said. “But my feelings (for him) were still so strong if he had turned up at my door, I would have invited him in.” Now five years later, and without hope of retrieving her money, Jan has taken her heartbreak and turned it into a positive, founding a website and blog, writing a book and talking publicly about her experience to help others, especially vulnerable seniors. “I am 64 now with very little reserves behind me,” she said. “People think it couldn’t happen to them, but it can
happen to anybody. If you are looking for love you put yourself out there, you are vulnerable.” Jan says the authorities are powerless to do anything to trace the scammers and warns that men are just as susceptible as women, with statistics showing close to 50 per cent of
Seniors 7
men are looking for the perfect woman. “The scammers have scripts to target men, target everyone,” she said. Jan Marshall’s book, Romance Scam Survivor: The Whole Sordid Story, is available at www.romancescam survivor.org.
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News
Men on notice
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 23, 2018
The campaign, she says, has put men on notice. Because, women not only now have a voice, they have a voice that is being listened to, believed, respected and acted upon. And that’s when the shock occurred; this was the first-time women had spoken out in public and been believed. “This re-balancing of power has made the world a safer place, particularly for the vulnerable.” Ironically, Jane said it may have been a man that initiated this cycle of change, and that man is one of most powerful in the world – Donald Trump She has interpreted his election as a watershed moment. “No matter what you thought of her, Hilary Clinton was the best qualified, most experienced candidate, yet she was defeated by a nutty buffoon with the intelligence of a gnat, and a raging narcissist.” “The injustice of this made women as mad as hell and that’s why there were all women’s marches on Washington.” On the other hand, there have been benefits for our sons and grandsons and this is seen reflected in modern relationships. Where once women asked a partner’s permission to act on a variety of her life decisions, these days, there is more discussion. “Instead of a woman asking permission, couples now negotiate.”
Gail Forrer
JANE Caro, social commentator, author, lecturer and forthright public speaker welcomes the #metoo movement. “It has reframed the woman’s shame as anger,” she said “Anger is energising, and it can lead to collective action.” She suggests that no matter how you see it, the circumstances have shown: “The worst of men and the best of women.” Jane doesn’t believe the men who committed these crimes ever considered their actions were harmless, moreover their surprise emanated from the resulting exposure. “They knew what they were doing, that’s why it went on behind closed doors. “That’s why they paid large sums of money to keep it quiet.”
Income doors open for Coffs Coast seniors Australian-first pilot program where NSW Seniors Card holders can receive a $100 cash reward when they sign up as an Airbnb host and successfully complete their first booking of three nights or more. “I encourage seniors in the Coffs Harbour electorate to consider opening their homes to this opportunity,” Mr Fraser said. “It is a great way for older people to
supplement their income and meet new people.” NSW Seniors Card holders will also be eligible for a $20 Airbnb credit when they book as a guest for the first time via the Airbnb website. Minister for Ageing Tanya Davies said the partnership not only creates real economic opportunities for NSW seniors but also keeps them socially connected to their communities. “This is about
connecting seniors with like-minded people, offering cost effective ways to travel and new ways to keep the cost of living down,” Mrs Davies said. Airbnb Australia Country Manager Sam McDonagh said to help NSW seniors take full advantage of the rewards on offer, free digital literacy workshops will take place over the next six months. “Older people are the
most ‘loved’ or highest rated hosts on Airbnb. With 85 per cent of these stays receiving five-star reviews, we want to encourage more seniors to turn their empty nests into income engines,” Mr McDonagh said. The success of the six month pilot program will be evaluated with a view to form a 12-month partnership that will offer further benefits to NSW Seniors Card holders.
The partnership supports the NSW Ageing Strategy 2016-2020 which identifies housing, social inclusion and travel as key priorities for seniors. More than 5700 businesses offer over 8000 discounts to Seniors Card holders across the state. To access the Airbnb offer or view terms and conditions visit the website: seniorscard. nsw.gov.au.
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MEMBER for Coffs Harbour Andrew Fraser said new social connections and additional income are among the benefits waiting for local seniors as the NSW Government announces a new partnership with home sharing platform Airbnb. To continue NSW Seniors Festival celebrations, the NSW Government has launched an
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Monday, April 23, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 9
Talk’n’thoughts Hurdles, highjumps and solutions
Seniors call for shake-up
Government asked to look into the healthcare system
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER
Group editor Seniors Newspapers network
AUSTRALIA’S health system does work for most people. Good medical staff, hospitals and treatments are available, that’s one of the reasons longevity is increasing. But, it’s a slippery slope to a ‘no money, no treatment’ climate. The kind of world that may enable many of us to live longer, but in poorer health and ultimately wonder what’s the point of going on when constant pain is a daily companion. The country’s middle class is rather like the country’s private health system, membership fees are rising and there’s a reduction in the social benefits. The article below from National Seniors Australia advocate Ian Hensche is calling for the government to check the system that sees “Older consumers being forced to give up their health insurance because of rising costs, while private health funds made $1.4 billion in after-tax profit in 2017 an increase of 7.3 per cent over the
previous year. These are taxpayer-subsidised businesses and we question the appropriateness of this level of profits.” - Gail Forrer Seniors Newspaper supports National Seniors Australia in a renewed appeal to the Federal Government to focus on inefficiencies in the health system, saying average out-of-pocket expenses had increased by three times the inflation rate over the past decade. National Seniors’ Chief Advocate Ian Henschke said revelations to our newspaper owner News Corp report that the Australian Medical Association was recommending specialists charge up to three times more than the Medicare fee for hospital procedures showed why many older people were struggling to pay health costs. “The industry data showed some specialists were stripping pensioners of their superannuation by charging $20,000 for out of pocket fees for Parkinson’s disease deep brain stimulation and $10,000 for hip and knee replacements,” Mr Henschke said. “According to these reports, some doctors are charging 10 times more than what even the AMA
LOOKING AFTER THE PEOPLE: After a lifetime of working hard, many older Australians are now struggling to pay for their healthcare. PHOTO: ALEXRATHS
recommends, contributing to the $1.6 billion a year in gap payments not covered by patients’ health funds or Medicare. “Medicare statistics show 86 per cent of anaesthetics and 53 per cent of operations cost more than the schedule fee.” Mr Henschke said the high cost of specialist fees and the affordability of private health insurance were the two biggest health concerns for older Australians, according to National Seniors research conducted last year. The Federal Government must
address the issue of affordability for older consumers, many of whom had paid contributions for decades. Insurance premiums had increased by more than 40 per cent between 2010 and 2017, and would rise another 3.95 per cent from April 1. In its 2018/19 Federal Budget submission, National Seniors Australia said a survey of members, many on low and limited incomes, revealed that 74 per cent could not afford an average four per cent jump in premiums, forcing them to cut or cancel their cover and back into the public health system.
“People who have worked hard all their lives cannot afford to pay health insurance premiums, or get the cover they need, when they most need it, for operations such as a hip or knee replacements,” Mr Henschke said. “What we said last year still holds true: despite ever increasing premiums, when seniors come to make a claim for a service it’s either excluded or the out-of-pocket expenses have skyrocketed. The current system of government-approved premium setting lacks transparency and improving competition in
the private health insurance sector is needed urgently. “Older consumers are being forced to give up their health insurance because of rising costs, while private health funds made $1.4 billion in after-tax profit in 2017 an increase of 7.3 per cent over the previous year. These are taxpayer-subsidised businesses and we question the appropriateness of this level of profits. “Our message is clear. The system has huge problems and they need to be fixed.”
HAVE YOUR SAY: Email editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or go online to www.seniorsnews.com.au.
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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 23, 2018
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Coffs and Clarence
Monday, April 23, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 11
ANZAC DAY
Respecting our heroes Anzac Day service and march listings for your RSL clubs BOWRAVILLE
Dawn Service 5.30am at Cenotaph. March 5.20am, starts at club. Main Service 9.45am form-up at club. March at 10am to Cenotaph for service.
COFFS HARBOUR
Service 5.30am March 9am Main Service 9.30am ocation At Cenotaph in front of the club.
DORRIGO
Service 5.30am at the Monument. March Assembly at club at 10.40am for march start at 11am.
SOUTH GRAFTON
Service 5.15am Location Cenotaph on Lane Boulivard (Through St), South Grafton NSW all ex-service personnel and members of the public are invited to attend.
NAMBUCCA HEADS
Service 11.45am at the Cenotaph on Lane Boulivard (Through St).
Service 5.30am at the Cenotaph. March 9am, from Main St to the Cenotaph. Main Service 10am at Cenotaph.
MACKSVILLE
REPTON
Service April 24, Battle of Kapyong service at 5.30pm at the Memorial, River Street. Dawn Service 5.30am at the Memorial. March Form up at 10.30am in Princess St for march start at 11am.
Service 5.30am Location Repton Memorial Tablet, situated on the corner of Bailey St and Mylestom Drive. Breakfast will follow at the North Beach Bowling and Recreation Club.
MACLEAN
Service 6am March 10.45am Main Service 11am. Location 38–40 First Ave, Sawtell.
Service 5.30am at the Cenotaph March Form up by 10.30am near the Spa supermarket and starts at 10.40am and goes along River St to Cenotaph. The Grafton Vintage Motor Vehicle Club provides vehicles for older veterans. To find out more, contact 6645 2756. Main Service 11am at the Cenotaph.
SAWTELL
STUARTS POINT
arch 10.30am assembly at the bowling club. March to the Cenotaph starts at 10.45am. Service 11am at Cenotaph.
URUNGA
Service 6.30am at Cenotaph.
By arrangement with ORiGiN™ Theatrical on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
The Criterion Theatre Grafton Presents
LEST WE FORGET: Check the listings of RSL clubs for details on locations and times for march and dawn services.
March 10.45am assembly at the Spa Supermarket. March starts at 11am. Main Service 11.15am at Cenotaph.
WOOLGOOLGA
Service 5.30am, followed
by Anzac breakfast March 11am starting at the post office Main Service 11.20am in front of the club followed by Anzac Day Lunch 12.30pm.
YAMBA
Service 5.45am at the Cenotaph in Queen St, Yamba. March 9.30am Main Service 10am at the Cenotaph.
Hello from SCCA … “We design our lives through the power of choices” Richard Bach. This month we’re talking choices. There may come a day when you notice that you, your parent/s, partner or other members of your family are not coping comfortably at home. If this day arrives you will probably wonder what options are available to you. Calling My Aged Care on 1800200422 or online www.myagedcare.gov.au is one place to find out. Before you can access any government funded services, you must have a My Aged Care Client Record. You may be referred to either a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) for support to stay independent in your home or an Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAT) if you have more complex care needs. An ACAT Assessment is essential for entry into a government funded Aged Care Facility/Nursing Home even for respite care. You may also be referred for assessment by your GP, but you will still need a My Aged Care Client Record.
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Dealing with this issue means that more empowered decisions about the future can be made. Accepting change can be challenging, but the choice is always yours! Thursday May 24th - 7:30pm Friday May 25th 7:30pm Saturday May 26th 7:30pm
See you next month Michelle
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12 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 23, 2018
Community TO ALLOW for readers’ requests for the publication of more neighbourhood news, please keep notices short and to the point (100 word maximum). If you would like to submit a photo please ensure it is at least 180dpi or 500kb to 1mb
in size and of faces, in a nice bright setting. The deadline for the May issue is May 16. Email editor@seniors newspaper.com.au
successful day bus trip to Ballina Thursday Tea Tree Plantation and historic Ballina Manor boutique hotel. Next bus trip will be on Saturday, May 26 to Casino, for main day of Beef Week, with chance to view craft, show and shine of vintage vehicles, beef cattle, food and trade stalls and more. Members are also planning a soup day, with morning tea, games and trivia on Monday, May 7. All inquiries and further information available from publicity officer Sandra. Phone 6642 7720.
GRAFTON SENIOR CITIZENS WE RECENTLY had a
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RESIDENTS enjoyed a long lunch on Easter Sunday. We had a visit from the Easter Bunny who gave everyone eggs. We had an Easter Bonnet parade which was won by two ladies, Maureen Jones and Naomi James. Both decorated their own hats.
COFFS Harbour City Council is developing a Positive Ageing Strategy and is inviting input from members of the community aged 55 years or older. The strategy will highlight the council’s commitment to supporting positive ageing and provide direction for how the council will respond to the opportunities and challenges of an ageing population.
DON’T miss Submerged – Stories of Australia’s Shipwrecks from May 18-July 28. An exhibition from the Australian National Maritime Museum uncovering Australia’s rich shipwreck history. The exhibition is
the result of a national project of workshops held across the country to source shipwreck stories. 68 stories were nominated by 46 museums from around Australia with 14 of the most compelling selected to feature in the exhibition. The exhibition will also include a local
Coffs Harbour shipwreck: the collision of the Keilawarra and Helen Nicoll in 1886, one of NSW’s worst peacetime maritime disasters. The Coffs Harbour Regional Museum is located at 215 Harbour Drive. Open: Tuesday to Saturdays from 10am-4pm. Phone (02) 6648 4847.
Positive Ageing is about creating an age-friendly community which facilitates older people’s participation and involvement in the broader community. It recognises the key roles ageing people play as family members, carers, volunteers, neighbours, workers and consumers. A positive ageing community is a place where older people can actively participate in community activities and
feel respected and involved. It is a safe place that supports good health so that everyone can live with dignity and joy as they age. “Our population is ageing and the number of people over 65 years of age will increase by 50 per cent from 2011 to 2026,” Coffs Harbour mayor Denise Knight said. “We want to understand what is important for older
people and what can be done to improve the experience of ageing in our Local Government Area. “If you are aged 55 years or older, I invite you to contribute your views and experience to this survey to assist the development of council’s Positive Ageing Strategy.” The survey runs until May 18. To take part or find out more, visit have yoursay.coffsharbour.nsw .gov.au/Ageing.
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EASTER CELEBRATIONS: Pictured with the Easter Bunny (Zoe Green) is Francis Delolmo from Ingenia Gardens Coffs Harbour.
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BY VOLUNTEERING for Lifeline, not only will people be making a real difference to the lives of other Australia who use Lifeline services, but they will also be enriching their own life. It takes a lot of dedicated people from all walks of life to provide Lifeline’s telephone crisis support services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, across Australia. Lifeline relies on 3000 plus volunteers nationwide to support the crisis support line
(13 11 14). Specifically, the call centre in Coffs Harbour takes up to 15,000 calls from people located anywhere across the country each year. To provide a sufficient amount of support, Lifeline North Coast’s trainer Jason D’Onofrio is putting out the call for more volunteers. People will undertake a 10-week part-time program which trains them to be crisis supporters. It is tremendously rewarding,
and volunteers do not need any experience, all they need is to simply care and have a willingness to learn. Our information session is scheduled for May 8. Potential volunteers can phone (02) 6651 4093 to register and find out more before this date. Lifeline North Coast (NSW) on behalf of Lifeline Australia RTO 88036 delivers a nationally recognised training course in crisis support.
Monday, April 23, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Entertainment News
Coffs and Clarence
Seniors 13
PHOTO: MICHAEL DANIEL
Boy from the bush musters up goosebumps Alison Houston
CROWDS at the Gympie Muster this August will get the first taste of new music from Lee Kernaghan, with his latest album to be released in October. Speaking to Seniors Newspapers , Lee spoke of the “magic when a new song is born” but said it was no easy process, with this album involving hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of songwriting. “Maybe 90 per cent of them aren’t that good, but every now and then you get a gem that puts goosebumps on your arm – I’m a big believer in the goosebumps factor; they never lie,” he laughed. One song that continued to give goosebumps, he said, was 2013’s Flying with the King, about his journey to Perth as a young man sitting beside the iconic Slim Dusty, a tribute which still brings tears to the audience’s eyes every time he plays it. Lee said he had been honoured when Slim had agreed to record Leave Him in the Long Yard with him on his second album, Three Chain Road. “He was always incredibly supportive of new talent and we won the Golden Guitar for Best Duet Performance of the Year,” he said. But it was Boys from the Bush, from his 1992 debut album The Outback Club, which put Lee on the map, although it caused a bit of consternation among the pundits, who argued it was “too rock” to be country. He said that was his dad Ray’s influence, playing the records of 1950s rockers
like Chuck Berry and Elvis, but he’d always been “country to the core”. “Country music tells the story of our country, our people and our way of life – that’s what keeps me so passionate about it,” Lee said. While he now lives south of Brisbane, and has as many fans in the city as the country, Lee said he had spent his formative years growing up “a regular country kid” riding horses and motorbikes around Albury-Wodonga. His mum’s parents were dairy farmers and his father’s father, Pat, was a drover for 50 years. Lee said he loved doing concerts in the small, more isolated country towns, like Longreach where he had just played. “They may be little towns but they’ve got huge hearts and great community spirit,” he said. “A lot of those places have provided the inspiration for so many of my songs over the years … and the people there don’t just know the songs, they’ve lived them as well.” The Gympie Muster has a big place in his heart, being his first outdoor show back in August 1992. In the 25 years since, Lee has released songs, albums and videos at the Muster, but particularly recalls releasing Three Chain Road there in 1993 in “a relentless downpour of rain”. “Everyone stayed out in it, and after the show I signed autographs and there was such a huge line-up of people waiting there in the rain … I wasn’t going to let one person go without an autograph or saying g’day. “It was about five in the morning by the time I finished and people were all recovering in their swags and a new day was dawning – it was incredible.” He loves the theme of this year’s Muster, ‘Mates, music and making a difference’, which are the cornerstones of his life. The Gympie Muster is from August 23-26, book online: muster.com.au.
It’s Good to Share 6729615hs CR115679AA-4
Submit your photos, stories, events and notices online. Look for the ‘share your event or story’ box on our home page. Visit us at seniorsnews.com.au
14 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
Profile Story: Ian McFadyen
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 23, 2018
Cruising into retirement Ann Rickard
REMEMBER Con the Fruiterer? “Coupla days... bewdiful”. He made the phrase famous and brought it into the Australian vernacular in the 1980s. There wasn’t a person in the country who didn’t laugh out loud every time Con spat into a bag, placed a few tomatoes in it and said “coupla days”. Con the Fruiterer (aka comedian Mark Mitchell) was just one of the many colourful characters of The Comedy Company, the 1980s fast-paced sketch comedy series than won the hearts of the country and launched many careers. Ian McFadyen, actor, writer, author and creator of The Comedy Company, remembers those years with nostalgia and even a sense of awe at how he and his colleagues managed to write so much original material every week. “We came with the
ideas fast,” McFadyen, now 70, said. “We had to come up with 45 minutes (of entertainment) every week. “The key to it was a writers’ meeting. We would sit down for two hours. “I used to record the meeting on a cassette recorder and we would discuss ideas and sketches. When the cassette was half full, I’d turn it over and fill the other half. “Then I’d go (out of the meeting) and edit it and there would be at least five or six sketches almost already written, just from the meeting. “All I had to do was tidy it up. They were a talented lot.” That talented lot refers to Mark Mitchell, Mary-Anne Fahey, Glenn Robbins, Kym Gyngell and others who went on to become household names, many of who are still performing today. “The show became
almost like a sitcom for some of the characters, with ongoing stories,” McFadyen said. “Characters like Con the Fruiterer. He and his wife and children became their own sitcoms.” McFadyen, who now lives quietly in retirement in Brisbane with his wife, has taken up the artist’s palette, painting portraits of his friends. “I used to do painting a bit when I was a teenager, dropped it for 40 years, and about 10 years ago I started painting again,” he said. “I found I’d improved without having done anything in the meantime. My wife Jo is a painter, not as an earner; you are lucky if you can cover the cost of the materials. I started doing portraits of my friends just to see their reaction. I did one of Mark Mitchell as an entry to the Archibald Prize.” Artistic pursuits are not the only things in McFadyen’s life. He has been invited to host a comedy-themed cruise in August to the British Isles stopping in Edinburgh for the iconic
An alternative that is often overlooked is an investment in fixed income securities. Fixed income securities are generally suited to investors seeking stable income rather than capital growth. They are intended to pay a consistent stream of distributions based on either fixed or floating rates. At present, there are fixed income securities being offered by the “Big Four”
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Edinburgh Comedy Fringe Festival. “I am looking forward to it,” he said. “I have sent people to the Edinburgh Festival, but I’ve never been myself. I’ve never been to Scotland. I’ll be with people on the cruise in my own age bracket and upwards and that’s alright with me. “I will be able to indulge my love of the comedy I grew up with in the ’50s; the classic stuff. “We are going through the (cruise) program now, the main part looking at comedy suitable for that age group to enjoy.” McFadyen will host a series of talks on board the cruise ship and escort passengers on shore excursions. Passengers will cruise through Amsterdam, Scotland, Ireland and England for 18 days from August 4-21, on Celebrity Eclipse, enjoying sightseeing and world-class comedy performances at every stop. Go to travelrite.com.au, phone 1800 630 343 or visit your travel agent.
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Life Stories
Monday, April 23, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Coffs and Clarence
Seniors 15
Having rock hard buns isn’t always a good thing
That teenage job can carry good and bad memories WHAT after-school job did you have as a teenager? No need to answer, I’m sure it was something all of us over a certain age have experienced. There was never any consideration we wouldn’t have after-school jobs. It went without saying, you found work at the local milk bar or grocery store, or if you were really unfortunate, the local abattoir. In my case it was at the drive-in, in the canteen. I was assigned to the hot food section which meant I had to drain rancid grease from deep fryers, pack heavy boxes in cold rooms and scrub fridges. Very hard work, even for a big-boned teenager like me. When I had a chance to lift my sweaty head from the deep fryer I would look across the cafeteria in undisguised envy at the
SNAPSHOTS OF LIFE ANN RICKARD ann.rickard@apn.com.au
girls working the lolly section. Cool and calm, all they had to do was smile and dispense Fantails and Kool Mints. The manager who operated the canteen was not a nice man. What am I saying? He was an exploitative fiend who ripped off us young ones without mercy. You could do that in the 1950s. Actually, you could do lots back then, like store burger rolls in the cold room for weeks on end, for so long they became harder than rocks. The manager instructed us to soften the rolls by a
TOUGHING IT OUT: Working hard for the money at the drive-in, in the canteen.
dodgy but cunning method. A wet, none-too-clean sponge, was dabbed onto the cut rolls, then they were immediately put in the
oven for a couple of minutes to moisten them. We’d flip a rubbery burger on the soften bun quickly, give it a squirt of tomato sauce, and hope
the bun stayed soft until the customer got the horrible thing back to his car. Mostly people did not complain in those days. But one night, two young
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men did. They came back with their rock-hard buns and demanded the manager refund them. He refused adamantly. An argument ensued, the young men threw the rock (sorry, bun) at him and then went about giving him a thorough beating. It was dreadful for a 15-year-old girl to witness, and I recall it to this day with shivers. Even though the manager had exploited me terribly (under paying, often not paying at all), I felt his pain and humiliation. He was hospitalised for a week... but he didn’t have to give the men a refund. I’d like to say the experience made me wise but it didn’t. It only taught me that a hard bun will stay hard even when it is doused with a grubby wet sponge. Read more of Ann’s musings at www. annrickard.com
16 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 23, 2018
Money
Labor makes changes but still hits franking credits THE spectacular u-turn by the Labor Party on its plan to remove the ability of retirees on the pension who own shares to claim a cash rebate on the tax-paid company dividends is certainly a welcome step. But it will do little if anything for close to one million Australians who are members of self-managed superannuation funds and many other self-funded retirees who fall outside of the age pension safety net. If the ALP is elected at the next election, and manages to get its planned legislation enshrined into law, there is likely to be considerable upheaval in the retirement space as people are forced into selling assets, to shift capital into other areas, and perhaps even to sell and spend up some of their retirement funds to qualify for the age pension. Indeed, the latter strategy may become the favoured choice of many who are outside of the age pension qualification limits but who actually earn less from their retirement savings than those being paid a part or full government pension.
FINANCE TONY KAYE The ALP backflip After pressure from the Federal Government as well as superannuation and financial lobby groups, Opposition leader Bill Shorten went back to the drawing board and came up with a new draft of his plan to tax retirees. The political olive branch from the ALP is there would be a “Pensioner Guarantee” on its policy. That means any pensioners owning shares and receiving either a full or part age pension, a disability support pension, carer payment, parenting payment, Newstart or a sickness allowance, would be able to avoid the planned dividends slug. SMSFs with at least one pensioner or allowance recipient also would be exempt from the changes. The revised plan will reduce the additional revenue Labor’s policy was estimated to make in its first two years from $11.4 billion to $10.7 billion.
PENSIONER GUARANTEE: An ALP policy that would see pensioners able to avoid the planned franking credit changes. PHOTO: BLIZNETSOV
But even those revised figures show many Australians benefiting from the current dividends policy will still be caught in the crossfire. Those people are the trustees and members of SMSFs and other self-funded retirees, who will be bearing the brunt of this proposed legislation. Actuarial research house Rice Warner says the plan is “extraordinarily bad policy”. These are six reasons why: ■ It is product-specific,
attacking SMSFs but no other types of superannuation funds. ■ Labor’s forecast additional revenue figures do not take into account the major tax changes which took effect from July 1, 2017 and mean retirees with larger balances already face reduced franking credit refunds or an increase in their tax bill. ■ It is easily avoided by a change in asset-allocation, or by partial or full transfer into
an APRA fund, so it will not deliver much of the tax claimed. ■ It signals that retirees should shift away from Australian shares to less appropriate assets, weakening our domestic capital market. ■ It will lead to some SMSF retirees earning less and moving to a part age pension earlier. ■ It further weakens confidence in the stability of government policy towards superannuation – even those not directly
affected may experience reduced confidence that saving extra for retirement will be rewarded. “We accept that there are still many members of SMSFs with very large balances (which Labor ignored when it did its comprehensive review of superannuation),” Rice Warner says. “If it is deemed that they need to pay more tax, there is a relatively simple solution. Simply have a limit on the total amount allowed to be held in superannuation at retirement.” SMSF Association CEO John Maroney says many SMSF members receiving a partial age pension will be subject to an “unfair, two-tiered and complex” system. “Potentially, these SMSF members are worse off than people with less savings but refundable franking credits and a part-pension,” he said. “The end result is to reduce people’s incentive to save for retirement to achieve self-sufficiency.” Tony Kaye is the editor of Eureka Report, which is owned by financial services group InvestSMART. For more go to: www.investsmart.com.au.
Doing nothing could be costly, so take action DOING nothing may be the path of least resistance. But it can cost you. Taking a few simple steps can be the difference between forging ahead financially and merely coasting along. And action, rather than inertia, can pay off both for saving and making money. On the savings front, sticking with the same service provider you’ve always used could mean paying more than necessary. Comparison site Finder says one in five Australians have been with the same telco for the last decade. Yet
THINK MONEY PAUL CLITHEROE these days we have over 30 providers to choose from and plans are becoming cheaper all the time. So, it’s worth looking around to see if you could get a better deal. It’s a similar story with electricity bills. Most of us know it may be possible to save by switching to a cheaper provider. But it can all seem too hard. However,
a report by the Australian Energy Regulator found it’s possible to save as much as $1400 by making the move to a cheaper supplier. With that sort of cash up for grabs, it can pay to visit the Energy Made Easy website to compare offers. Taking positive action also counts towards achieving financial security. An easy step we can all take is to set up a regular transfer from an everyday account to a savings account. A colleague of mine did this a bit over a year ago, putting savings of $50 per week on
autopilot. In a busy life she pretty much forgot about it, thinking a $50 weekly deposit wouldn’t add up to much. Last week she checked the balance and found her savings had grown to over $3000. In another two years she could have more than $8000 – and that’s allowing for today’s low interest rates. So, imagine the possible benefits of regularly adding to investments backed by growth assets. In fact, a 20-something who adds an additional $50 per month to their superannuation savings could supersize their final
retirement nest egg by $50,000. Taking an active approach to your finances is important though there can be times when it pays to sit tight. As a guide, in February we saw the Australian sharemarket take a dip, something that concerned many investors. But let’s put it in perspective. Research group SuperRatings did the maths and found the 3.3 per cent drop in local shares in the first fortnight of February would have resulted in a $2000 loss on super savings of $100,000.
That’s hardly cause for panic, and history tells us that quality shares will go on to recoup their value. That said, sitting by and allowing short term storms to subside is quite different from turning a blind eye to your finances altogether. Make a point of taking a few extra steps to make your money go further – you’ll come out the winner in the long run. Paul Clitheroe is a founding director of financial planning firm ipac, chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money Magazine.
Coffs and Clarence
Monday, April 23, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 17
Living
Time for politicians to learn about dementia Tracey Johnstone
A RECENT conversation between the Aged Care minister Ken Wyatt and dementia services innovator, Noosacare’s Sandra Gilbert, highlighted the importance of politicians knowing more about dementia. Mrs Gilbert voiced her concern to Mr Wyatt that state and federal politicians need to be across the issues around dementia now and into the future. Dementia Australia estimates there are 425,000 Australians living with dementia. That number is expected to
Dementia Australia estimates 425,000 live with the disease increase to more than 530,000 by 2025 and more than one million by 2056, unless a medical answer is found. Through NoosaCare’s consultancy arm Dementia and Living, Mrs Gilbert works on improving dementia knowledge and empathy within the local community. With a waiting list of 40 for the Carramar facility, Mrs Gilbert knew education could help make the community more dementia friendly for those families on the list. “So, we decided to start
educating local businesses,” she said. They have so far worked with councillors, Westpac, the butcher and hairdresser, dog catchers and art gallery staff. After that meeting, Mr Wyatt advised Seniors News, “I welcome Sandra’s work in this important area and will work with my parliamentary colleague Llew O’Brien MP to support her engagement with federal politicians. “This could complement the work of Dementia Australia, which
raises dementia awareness among politicians through networking events through the Parliamentary Friends of Dementia at Parliament House.” Parliamentary Friends of Dementia The Friends’ events are run twice a year. They bring together federal MPs from both sides of parliament, which Dementia’s Australia executive director consumer engagement, policy and research, Dr Kaele Stokes, said ensured a bipartisan approach to informing and educating federal politicians. “The intent is to get
dementia as an issue into the attention span of our politicians,” Dr Stokes said. Educational dementia immersive experience Dr Stokes said the most effective education tool for politicians is Dementia Australia’s portal virtual reality goggles, which show the wearer the perspective of a person living with dementia. “It puts people in the perspective and shoes of someone living with dementia and shows how cognitive impairment can affect their ability to do something as simple as go to the bathroom in their own house,” Dr Stokes said.
Consultative meetings Dementia Australia meets with Mr Wyatt regularly to discuss broader aged care reforms and the NDIS sector. The organisation is also represented on several health department and ministerial committees, such as the Aged Care Sector committee. Policy consultation “We provide written submissions to government inquiries, Senate committee hearings, and attend meetings,” Dr Stokes said. “In terms of influencing politicians and political positions, that’s one other way we achieve that.”
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20 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
Living
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 23, 2018
How you can expand your wine knowledge
There’s a variety of wonderful wines throughout the world Ann Rickard
MOST seniors, just by way of their age, have reasonable wine knowledge. But it is easy to get stuck in a rut, to order the same wine just because you know it. “It’s convenient to drink something you already know, but the world of wine is vast and wonderful, so you should definitely challenge yourself to try something new every once in a while,” cellar director at Cellarmaster Christine Ricketts said. Although shiraz, cabernet, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay still top Australian wine sales, there’s plenty of exciting wine varieties on the rise. “The most popular alternative wines in Australia are made in Mediterranean style, such as Sangiovese or Nero d’Avola. They tend to be food friendly with beautiful textures and refined flavours, so they are definitely worth trying,” Christine said. If you like sauvignon blanc... ■ Go for a Friulano. Friulano (formerly known as Tocai Fruilano) is a grape variety most famous for its role in the white wines of Friuli, north-eastern Italy. Friulanos range from light and crisp to richer and full-bodied, but tend to be fruit-driven. ■ Food pairing: Friulano is a versatile food wine, pairing well with antipasti, fish and poultry. ■ Wine to try: Fabric
Wines Mornington Peninsula Friulano 2017 If you like cabernet sauvignon... ■ Go for a Malbec. Malbec is a full-bodied red wine that grows mostly in Argentina. Known for its plump, dark fruit flavours, smoky finish and robust tannins, it will give your favourite Cab Sav a run for its money. ■ Food pairing: This robust red wine holds up well with dark meat poultry, roasted pork, and leaner cuts of red meat. ■ Wine to try: Stonyfell Regional Langhorne Creek Malbec 2016 If you like chardonnay... ■ Try Macabeo. Macabeo is a versatile, Spanish white wine grape and is used in still, sparkling dry and sweet wines – just like the chardonnay grape. When served as a table wine, Macabeo tends to have quite neutral, fresh flavours and is low in acid, so it makes for easy sipping. If you prefer an oaky chardonnay, try Chenin Blanc. ■ Food pairing: Pairs well with savoury dishes with herbs, such as pesto pasta, frittatas or pizza. ■ Wine to try: Divinis Macabeo 2016 If you like grenache... ■ Try a Mataro. In fact, mataro and grenache are often used in wine blends together (and make up for the GM in GSM wine), but Australian winemakers in predominantly South Australia have started to produce very fine examples of single-variety mataro wines. Just like grenache, mataro is a
NEW WINES: Cellar director at Cellarmasters Christine Ricketts.
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You should definitely challenge yourself to try something new every once in a while.
Challenge your taste buds with a new wine choice from this list.
medium-bodied wine with rich and spicy dark berry fruit flavours and firm tannins. ■ Food pairing: Mataro is a great match for duck,
and the tannins in the wine make it the perfect pairing with barbecued red meats, char-grilled portobello mushrooms or meaty sausages.
■ Wine to try: Teusner Riebke Mataro 2015 If you like shiraz... ■ Try a shiraz sangiovese. The blend of these two varieties – which can shine on their own –is just pure perfection. Shiraz brings the dark chocolate, plum and spice flavours, while sangiovese tempers the rich juiciness of the shiraz, and adds fresh, red cherry flavours with a touch of savoury.
The result is a smooth and elegant finish. ■ Food pairing: Perfect with an array of foods but cured meats in particular. ■ Wine to try: Stefano De Pieri Shiraz Sangiovese 2016 If you like pinot noir... ■ Go for a Nero d’Avola, Sicily’s most famous red wine – and it certainly deserves the spotlight. This medium bodied red wine tends to have lovely red berry aromas with earthy and meaty flavours. In other words, if you like a pinot noir, you will love a Nero! ■ Food pairing: Roasted and grilled red meat and meaty fish such as tuna. ■ Wine to try: Stefano De Pieri Merbein Vineyard Nero D’avola 2017
Coffs and Clarence
Monday, April 23, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 21
Wellbeing
Important Pap tests news
New screening process for cervical cancer detection Tracey Johnstone
WOMEN’S cervical screening is a confronting and, for many seniors, an unpleasant experience, but a necessary medical exercise, at least until the age of 74. Up until December last year Australian women aged 25 and upwards were encouraged to have a Pap test every two years by their GP. A new testing regime is now in place, called a Cervical Screening Test which collects cells in a similar way to the Pap test. But this test is looking for human papillomavirus which can lead to cell changes in the cervix, while the Pap test was used to look for existing changes in cells. When a CST is normal, testing will be done every five years by a GP. This timeframe is based on that being the minimum time cervical cancer can develop. Gynaecologist Dr Bogdan Benga explained that the change in the testing regime was in response to false negatives in some Pap test results and some missed lesions. “The main driver for us to change the screening is because nearly all cervical
WOMEN’S HEALTH: A specialist explains the new cervical screening test and to keep having it done until your mid-70s.
cancers are due to an infection from a high-risk papilloma virus,” Dr Benga said. “The new test can pick up the high-risk viruses that are linked with cancer. “It revolutionises the way we look at screening for cervical cancer.” The Pap test still exists, but will only be used to obtain further information on abnormal cells where an HPV screening test returns a positive.
The specimen collected in one examination will be used for both tests. Dr Benga expects the viral test combined with the Pap test will become the “mainstay” in cervical screening. Risks ■ The new screening test is particular to asymptomatic women such as a woman who is post-menopausal and hasn’t had any more bleeding. ■ If a woman experiences
abnormal symptoms like bleeding with intercourse or in between periods she then needs to be assessed by a specialist even if her cervical screening test was negative. ■ “Women aged 70 to 74 with negative viral test are eligible to safely exit cervical screening,” Dr Benga said. However, if they get a positive during their last tests they will need to see a specialist for further
assessment. ■ The risk increases with changing sexual partner as this exposes the woman to new high-risk viruses that she has no immunity for. Dealing with discomfort For women who have gone through menopause and then find the use of speculum, which opens up the vagina, a painful experience, they should talk to their GP about using topical oestrogen
PHOTO: EVA KATALIN KONDOROS
cream, such as Ovestin, before being tested. “This treatment needs to be done for a short period of time prior to the examination and is very safe even in women with prior history of breast cancer,” Dr Benga said. In the future “We are still in the process of testing to see how easy it is for patients to self-collect their screening test,” Dr Benga added.
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22 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
Wellbeing
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 23, 2018
Childhood polio virus catches up with seniors
Some people are experiencing the residual effects of disease Tracey Johnstone
AS WE age, natural cell degeneration has started to raise health issues in some people that may seem inexplicable unless they unknowingly had polio as a child. Australia has been announced as polio virus-free since 2000, but as we are ageing after experiencing the polio epidemics of the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s and as late as 1962, there are residual effects from those earlier years that are surprising. Whether you had polio or were living in a household where there was polio, the gastrointestinal virus could have had an impact on you. Polio Australia’s national program
manager, Maryann Liethof, said if you are experiencing symptoms such as muscle weakness which don’t seem the norm for you, particularly if you are 65 or 70, it’s important you tell your GP and your physiotherapist about your family’s history of polio. Paralytic polio sufferer Eric Rushton, 72, suggests going even further, ensuring that any medical personnel you are working with know about any polio history you have. During his late-50s, Eric started to again experience gradual decline in muscle function. “I wasn’t aware polio was something you could mostly recover from only to have symptoms return decades later,” he said. Eric found medical personnel from dentists to
physiotherapists and even hospital surgical staff were not aware of the late effects of polio. “It’s not the polio virus you have got to worry about, it’s what the polio virus did to your body,” Ms Liethof said. Could you have had non-paralytic polio? Ms Liethof said if a baby had flu-like symptoms, they may have been diagnosed with encephalitis. “Everyone who contracted polio would have had some form of encephalitis or inflammation of the brain because that is what the disease does,” Ms Liethof said. “You may not have been diagnosed with polio, but that doesn’t mean that you weren’t infected with the virus.” Subclinical damage
means a child had minimal motor neuronal damage and if the child had anywhere between 10 and 30 per cent of their motor neurones killed off, they would have had some form of muscle weakness. “As a child, that may have looked like slow physical development without it appearing to be anything more sinister,” Ms Liethof said. “Where the motor neurones were killed off they would have regrown little sprouts to take up the innovation of the muscle.” However, as cell degeneration starts to occur in older Australians, those who contracted the polio virus as a child may find themselves experiencing Post-Polio Syndrome where the sprouts retract from the muscles leading to
CHILDHOOD POLIO: Paralytic polio virus survivor Eric Rushton is on the road educating other seniors about the return of the virus symptoms to some ageing Australians. PHOTO: SPINAL LIFE AUSTRALIA
muscle atrophy, muscle and joint pain and even respiratory problems. What is paralytic polio? “You have to have had at least 50 per cent or more of your motor neurones killed off at the time of the viral infection for paralysis to have set in,” Ms Liethof added. Paralytic polio would
have left a child with a residual disability such as slight limp, smaller foot or shorter leg, or with upper body conditions like a withered shoulder and respiratory problems. Seniors diagnosed with late effects of polio, they are invited to join the Polio Australia register. Details: www.poliohealth.org.au.
The value of a lasting legacy for your community is a priceless gift BY LEAVING a gift to the Community’s Own Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, no matter how small or how large, you create the opportunity to help those who are in urgent need of medical attention. Denman resident Norm Jones experienced first-hand the life-saving services provided by the Rescue Helicopter after suffering symptoms of a heart attack. The helicopter arrived at his Denman property and transported him to
the John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. “The crew on board the helicopter provided me with top medical service. This really is the most important community service we have and we need the community’s support to keep it going. It doesn’t matter if it’s $1 or $1000 – it will always help somebody,” Norm said. There are four AW139 helicopters that service about 1.5 million people throughout Northern NSW, from the
Hawkesbury to the Queensland border, making it one of the leading aeromedical services in Australia. The helicopters operate from three bases at Belmont, Lismore and Tamworth. Maintenance, engine-ering and administration are undertaken from Broadmeadow in Newcastle. Along with the pilots and aircrew, every primary response mission leaves with a dedicated NSW Ambulance Paramedic
and NSW Health Doctor on board. Together the highly trained Rescue Helicopter team is working to ensure the highest standard of care is provided for every patient. Nobody has ever had to pay to be assisted by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. That is because people in our community, along with the support from NSW Health and NSW Ambulance, provide the funds that ensure the
Rescue Helicopters are there when and where they are needed 24/7. This work includes attending to people at accident scenes, search and rescues and inter-hospital transfers. Service CEO Richard Jones said a bequest was a simple and very powerful way to support a cause. A bequest is when you make a gift in your will of personal property, such as cash, real estate or shares to a named person or an
organisation. After you have provided for family or friends, making a charitable bequest is a powerful reflection of your values. If you would like to find out more visit: ■ Hunter, Tamworth: rescuehelicopter.com.au ■ Lismore: helirescue.com.au Or if you would like to talk to someone who works with the service, phone 1800 155 155 or email enquiries@rescue helicopter.com.au. ADVERTORIAL
Event Cinemas “Breath” Screening Giveaway
Thanks to Event Cinemas, we are giving away double passes to their Seniors morning tea screening of BREATH on Wednesday 9th of May at BCC and Event Cinemas. BREATH (M) is based on Tim Winton’s award-winning and international bestselling novel set in mid-70s coastal Australia. Two teenage boys, hungry for discovery, form an unlikely friendship with a mysterious older adventurer (Simon Baker) who pushes them to take risks that will have a lasting and profound impact on their lives. To be in the running, simply visit seniorsnews.com.au/competitions to enter online. Good luck! Want to buy some tickets to the screening? Cinebuzz for Seniors members can get tickets for just $10* from April 18 and best of all, membership is free! You can join online at eventcinemas.com.au
Visit seniorsnews.com.au/competitionterms for full competition terms and conditions. Promoter is ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd of 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore Qld 4558. Promotional period 16/04/18 - 27/04/18. Competition drawn 3pm 27/04/2018 at Cnr Mayne Rd and Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Winners announced in Seniors May Editions 2018. Total prize value $80.00 (including GST). Entry is open to all permanent residents of New South Wales, residing in the Northern NSW, Central Coast and Coffs & Clarence Seniors distribution areas. Authorised under Permit NSW/LTPM/17/02038
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Monday, April 23, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Time for a service?
Wellbeing
Coffs and Clarence
Seniors 23
Men: When was your last check-up and tune Seniors News
ARE you in your 60s? Then you are in a time of major change where most men have plans for life outside the workforce into the future. The importance of good health is realised and there can be room for improvement. Good health can provide an opportunity to enjoy retirement, travel and spend time with family. Seniors News will present in the coming months tips from Foundation 49 Men’s Health for what you should be looking for to keep healthy and happy. You can use the following check list for some of the items you should consider talking to your GP about and to find out more information.
★Alcohol (fuel additive) – therightmix.gov.au ★Anxiety (computer system) – beyondblue. org.au/the-facts/ anxiety/signs-andsymptoms ★Dementia (computer system) – dementia. org.au/risk- reduction ★Depression (lacking power) – beyondblue. org.au/the-facts/anxiety/ signs-and- symptoms ★Drug use (fuel additives) – druginfo.adf.org.au/ drug-facts/drugs-the-facts ★Hearing protection (doof doof sound system) – www.hearing.com.au/ protecting-hearing ★Hearing tests (doof doof system testing) – www.hearing.com.au/ hearing -assessments ★Macular Degeneration (headlights) – mdfoundation.com.au/ page122150.aspx ★Medicine use (fuel additive) – nps.org.au/
medicines ★Skin cancer (duco rust) – melanomapatients. org.au/what-is-melanoma /facts- about-melanoma ★Smoking (smoking exhaust) – cancer.org.au/ preventing-cancer/reduceyour-risk/quit-smoking. html ★Stroke (computer malfunction) – strokefoundation.com.au/ about-stroke/preventingstroke/stroke-risk-factors ★Tinnitus (feedback in the doof doof system) – hearing.com.au/tinnitustreat ★Vision (headlights) – visionaustralia.org/eyehealth/eye-conditions Now might be a good time to book in your annual health check and discuss your health issues with your GP. For more men’s health information, go to: malehealth.org.au.
MEN'S HEALTH: Check out these list of health items to check out and talk to your GP about at your annual check-up. PHOTO: AUSTRALIAN MEN'S SHED ASSOCIATION
Five top tips towards healthier bones 2. Get your sunshine quota YOUR body needs vitamin D to help it absorb calcium. Vitamin D is found in oily fish, liver, fortified spreads and cereals, and egg yolks. Your body also makes its own vitamin D when you're exposed to sunshine. To produce enough vitamin D most Australians only need a few minutes a day of sunlight during summer and a couple of hours of sun exposure spread
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over the week while during winter. 3. Eat a balanced diet KEEP your diet balanced. Your meals should contain protein (meat, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds), fresh fruit and vegetables, and carbohydrates (bread, pasta, potatoes and rice). 4. Quit smoking THE more you smoke, the weaker your bones get, the more likely you'll get osteoporosis. Aim to cut down or, better still, quit smoking altogether.
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1. Eat calcium-rich foods CALCIUM is important for maintaining strong bones. Women and men aged 19 and over (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) are recommended to have 2 ½ serves of milk, yoghurt and cheese and/or alternatives a day while women over 50 should have 4 and men over 70 should have 3 ½ a day. Calcium is found in a number of different foods including dairy foods, green leafy vegetables, and tofu.
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24 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
Wellbeing
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 23, 2018
Seniors aged over 65 can get the newest flu shot for free
DEMENTIA TRAINING
A NEW training program pioneered in Tasmania is promising earlier dementia diagnosis and better support for patients, their families and carers. The General Practice Training Tasmania’s Dementia Care Training and Education Program module could have national application and become part of a suite of materials offered by Dementia Training Australia. The program, offered online, aims to deliver tailored, quality training and education in dementia care to health professionals. Go to the website dementia.org.au or phone the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
DEMENTIA TALKING BOOK GET VACCINATED: The vaccines have been fast-tracked to ensure lives are saved and that older Australians receive greater protection.
PHOTO: ALEXRATHS
Get your free flu shot Tracey Johnstone
IF YOU are aged 65 and over, the newest flu vaccines, targeted at protecting vulnerable older Australians, are available to you at no cost. Federal health minister Greg Hunt recently announced the government is providing two stronger flu vaccines through its national immunisation program – FluAd and FluZone – from April, and in a bid to prevent another deadly outbreak. “Along with the chief medical officer we’ve focused on ensuring that this year we would have
the best available drugs from around the world to provide the new vaccination regime, and the two new vaccines are about giving Australians the best chance at getting through the flu season with as little impact as possible,” Mr Hunt said. “We know that the over 65s are more vulnerable, but this is part of our flu vaccination program. “It’s an important breakthrough.” Last year, more than 90 per cent of the 11000 flu deaths were people aged 65 and over, and living in nursing homes and with an immune system struggling to fight off infections.
The flu was found to have mutated mid-season meaning people who had been vaccinated earlier in the year had no immunity to the new strain. “That was an unusual shift and it’s being analysed very closely by the world health organisation,” chief medical officer Brendan Murphy said. “Medical advice from the vaccine producers, the World Health Organisation and the chief medical officer, is last year’s mutation will be specifically addressed by these new vaccines,” Mr Hunt added. The vaccines have been fast-tracked to ensure
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We know that the over 65s are more vulnerable, but this is part of our flu vaccination program. lives are saved and that older Australians receive greater protection. The Federal Government also want to mandate that residential aged care providers make available a seasonal influenza vaccination program to staff. “The government is striving to implement this
requirement for the 2018 flu season, in consultation with the aged care sector,” a health department spokeswomen said. To reduce the risk of catching or spreading the flu, experts recommend: ■ When ill limit contact with other people ■ Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing ■ Throw away used tissues ■ Avoid touching your face unless necessary ■ Wash your hands When getting your annual flu vaccine injection, it is advisable to ask your GP how long the vaccine will last.
A NEW digital talking book, Information on Dementia in English, which provides information in plain English, aims to make important information easily accessible for people with dementia and carers. The book can be viewed or listened to on a computer or tablet. It presents information on how to look after yourself in a way that is easy to understand. It is accessible for everyone, including people with low general literacy, disabilities such as vision impairment and people who would receive the information through an interpreter. Go to boltonclarke.com.au/ talking-books/ information -ondementia/english.
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Monday, April 23, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Coffs and Clarence
Seniors 25
LIVING WITH PAIN
Help to cope with chronic surgical pain Voice your concerns to your GP as soon as possible BECOMING better informed on why post-surgery chronic pain occurs could assist you in ensuring this notoriously difficult to treat condition can be managed more effectively. There are three types of post-surgical pain – acute, chronic and intermediate. Not unsurprisingly after the trauma of a surgeon cutting into you, it’s highly likely your body will react with acute pain in the first three, five or seven days after that surgery. Pain expert and director of pain medicine at the Royal Perth Hospital, Professor Stephan Schug said this is primarily caused by nerve injury. “That’s why bigger and more interventional and traumatic surgery like total knee joint replacement causes so much more chronic pain than hip joint replacement,” Dr Schug said. The ongoing or chronic pain, which affects between five and 10 per cent of anyone who has been through surgery, often remains difficult for seniors to understand and deal with, both physically and mentally. Pre-operative risks The risk of chronic pain can depend on several factors – ■ The type of surgery
such as total knee replacement. “Up to 15 per cent of people who have had this operation can have severe chronic post-surgical pain,” Dr Schug said. “It’s much less for a total hip replacement; possibly under 5 per cent. The reason is most likely there is much less tissue and nerve trauma when you replace a hip then when you replace a knee.” ■ Repeat surgery. ■ Once you have an injury or ongoing moderate to severe pain, acute pain after surgery can become chronic. ■ Females have a higher risk of developing chronic pain. “We don’t know why exactly,” Dr Schug said. “There is a lot of thinking that this has to do with the hormones.” ■ Younger age patients due to the plasticity of the nervous system. “For a 30-year-old, the same surgery causes more pain than for a 70-year-old,” Dr Schug said. ■ If you have long-term chronic pain before an operation, the risk of that pain remaining increases. “Most people who have a knee or hip replacement, already have chronic pain which has made them have the operation,” Dr Schug said. Their nervous system is already sensitised to pain and they have a much higher risk of developing chronic
UNDERSTANDING PAIN: Chronic post-surgery pain often remains difficult for seniors to understand and deal with, both physically and mentally. PHOTO: DEAN MITCHELL
pain afterwards.” ■ Psycho-social factors such as re-operative anxiety or a person who is a significant catastrophiser, can increase the risk of post-surgical chronic pain. Post-operation actions Often the post-operative pain is in response to injury to nerves. Nerve pain is continuously there, but Dr Schug said it can become more obvious when you are lying bed and without the distractions of the day around you. “Taking a good post-operative analgesic can reduce the risk of
If you are a public or private patient suffering from any of these conditions you can now access an assessment by a Specialist Pain Medicine Physician. The following procedures are available and may form part of your treatment plan.
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post-operative pain and with joint replacement, getting proper rehabilitation,” Dr Schug added. “It will improve the function of the joint, improve the nerve function and reduce the risk of developing chronic pain.” Intermediate pain “There are more and more pain clinics, but because there is so much chronic pain, the waiting lists are relatively long,” Dr Schug said. “That is why we are trying to fast track people who come out of surgery with a problem so that they don’t go on the wait list and
NEUROPATHIC PAIN LUMBAR PAIN CERVICAL PAIN HEADACHE, CRPS OTHER TYPES OF PAIN
have to suffer in chronic pain.” The new approach is to provide a transitional or intermediate pain medicine service, between acute and chronic, which is aimed at recognising and treating developing nerve pain before a person becomes a chronic pain out-patient. “If we notice after the initial post-surgery acute pain period there are problems, and we are offering an in-patient acute pain service, then we can offer for a patient to come back to a chronic pain appointment later,” Dr Schug said.
He noted this new approach will be discussed further during this month’s Australian Pain Society conference. How can you help yourself? Start with talking with your GP, many of whom are receiving training in recognising and treating chronic pain. The GP may also refer you to a chronic pain clinic. If you are visiting your surgeon immediately post-surgery, you should voice your concerns directly to the surgeon so he/she can exclude infection and prothesis issues.
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175 Rose Avenue, COFFS HARBOUR | PHONE: 02 6699 2184 | FAX: 02 5606 2162 | www.pathiapainmanagement.com.au
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Tracey Johnstone
26 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 23, 2018
What’s on
OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR
DESIGNED to mesmerise and enthral, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour showcases more than two hours of sublime footage taken above and below the water’s surface. This carefully curated selection of short films document the beauty and power of the ocean, and celebrate the divers, surfers, swimmers and oceanographers who live for the sea’s salt spray; who chase the crests of waves; and who marvel at the mysteries of the big blue. The films feature captivating cinematography, complete with awe-inspiring underwater scenes and fast-paced wave sequences that have been captured from unbelievable vantage points. Each of the festival’s films conveys a deep respect and appreciation for the world’s oceans and the creatures that call them home. At the Jetty Memorial Theatre (337
Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour) on Saturday, April 28 at 7pm one night only. Phone 6648 4930 or for more info including ticket prices, go to oceanfilm festival.com.au.
THE PARTY
SALLY Potter’s caustic comic satire of a broken England is a masterclass of acting from a stellar ensemble headed by Kristin Scott Thomas, Patricia Clarkson and Timothy Spall. Also featuring Bruno Ganz, Cillian Murphy, Emily Mortimer and Cherry Jones, The Party invites us to an intimate celebration hosted by Janet on the occasion of her promotion to shadow health minister. What should be a discreet soirée of the bourgeoisie quickly descends into chaos as the (mostly) genteel guests one-up each other with dramatic announcements and secrets bubble over until everything bursts. On Thursday, May 10 at 10.30am, 1.30pm and 6pm. Ticket prices: $12.50, $10 Groups 10+. At the Jetty Memorial Theatre
(337 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour). Phone 6648 4930.
SAWTELL FAMILY MARKET
HELD on the fourth Saturday each month. A vast range of handmade, cards, artworks, craft, soap candles. jewellery, incense, plants, CDs /DVDs cakes, and breads. Grab a bargain with pre-loved clothing, books and other treasures, Enjoy a barbecue breakfast or lunch or a delicious Devonshire Tea with tea and coffee. Next market is on April 28 at the CWA Hall, 21 Elizabeth Street, Sawtell from 8am-1pm. Phone Lorna on 0427 291 207.
BOLLYWOOD BEACH MARKET
LOCAL market with Bollywood flavour. Live music, local produce and much more by the beach. Expect to be asked to dance with others on random Bollywood and bhangra songs. Next market is on April 28 at Woolgoolga Beach Reserve,
Beach Street, Woolgoolga from 8am-2pm. Phone 0418 465 930, 6654 7673 or go to bollywoodbzr @gmail.com.
FAIR ISLE KNITTING
JOIN in for a fun-filled afternoon of knitting, tea and scones and good company. This workshop is designed to teach you all the skills you need to start knitting Fair Isle designs and show you just how rewarding and fun colour work knitting is. You’ll learn all the techniques you need while knitting a beautiful polka-dot mug cosy – this is the perfect project to cover all you need to know about Fair Isle knitting, and at the end, you will have a beautiful cosy to use. You’ll learn the basics of Fair Isle knitting, giving you the skills to confidently knit more complicated Fair Isle designs. You’ll be taught how to read a chart, how to carry yarn across the back of your work (stranded knitting), how colour work effects tension and also which yarns are best for colour work knitting. The
Workshop Ticket price includes everything you need to complete your project – a complete knitting kit including tools and materials, and a delicious afternoon tea will be provided by Cedar Bar & Kitchen. On May 5 from 1.30-4.30pm at 8 Church Street, Bellingen. Phone 0448 927 101 or go to saylittlehen@gmail.com.
COFFS HARBOUR REGIONAL ART GALLERY
GROUP exhibition: Kerry Johns, Frances Larder, Elizabeth Tinker, Timna Taylor and Glen Wilkinson. On May 1-July 7 from 10am-4pm, Tuesday-Saturday. An Open Response features small landscape paintings, made en plein air by Kerry Johns in the forests around Canberra and on the NSW south coast. Elizabeth Tinker’s Cloudscapes series questions whether we take the time to properly look, experience and feel the power of nature. Glen Wilkinson and Timna Taylor
present hand-made fibre and ceramic vessels and forms. Frances Larder’s multimedia project The Silent Past of the Buitenkampers explores the loss and trauma experienced by people of mixed Dutch and Asian descent who were forced to flee their homes due to war, occupation and the Indonesian National Revolution. Corner of Coffs and Duke Streets, Coffs Harbour. Phone 6648 4863 or email gallery@chcc.nsw. gov.au.
WALL ART PROJECT IN THE GALLERY CAR PARK
Local Artist Stuart Murphy has transformed the Gallery Car Park Mural Wall with assistance from his daughter Emily. Primary Colours runs until May 27. Opening hours: 10am-4pm Tuesday to Saturday 10am-2pm Sunday. Closed Monday. Where: 158 Fitzroy Street, Grafton. Phone 6642 3177 or email gallery@clarence.nsw. gov.au.
A ‘heavenly’ good time greeting card company to raise funds for the burials. The greeting cards were enormous success. They had enough money to bury the 52 deceased sisters. Then Reverend Mother bought a plasma TV and ran out money after they had only buried 48. They still had four dead sisters in the freezer. With the deceased nuns on ice in the deep freeze, they decide to stage a variety show in the Saint Tucabia’s
School auditorium to raise the necessary amount. This show is a ton of laughs. So don’t miss it. Reverend Mother Kim Connor; Sister Mary Hubert Jeannie Miller; Sister Robert-Anne Robyn Nixon; Sister Mary Amnesia Meg Lucas; Sister Mary Leo Eva Miller. Director is Anne Newbold and Musical Director, Jenny Worrell. Nunsense is showing at the Criterion Theatre Grafton, 149 Oliver
HOLY LAUGHS: The nuns are (from left) Meg, Jeannie, Kim, Robin and Eva (in tutu). Nunsense is showing at the Criterion Theatre Grafton from May 17-26.
Street, May 17-26. For more details, phone
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FIVE of the 19 surviving Little Sisters of Tucabia (at one time the missionary order ran a leper colony on an island south of France) discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, accidentally killed the other 52 residents of the convent with her tasty vichyssoise while they were off playing bingo with a group of Jesuits. Upon discovering the disaster, Mother Superior had a vision in which she was told to start a
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Monday, April 23, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
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Seniors 27
including DISCOVER AUSTRALIA feature
New ways to travel DISCOVER Australia a different way, transporting yourself along the waterways and highways to the many corners of this magnificent country using transport that isn’t the norm but still offers an exciting experience. You might have to use a car, coach, plane, cruise ship or train to get to your newest destination, but once there why not book yourself a cargo ship, houseboat, motorcycle, or go cycling or on a walking tour. Better still, why not try a combination of these experiences.
CARGO SHIPS, NO NEED TO DRESS UP The only booking agency around for cargo ship cruising in Australia
seems to be Freighter Expeditions. They offer a weekly experience on board the 28-passenger, 80m ship Trinity Bay, which works between Cairns and Thursday Island. The working ship delivers supplies to isolated communities located inside the Great Barrier Reef. Freighter Expeditions also offers a trip on the MV Malu Titan, which sails from Horn Island for a seven-day round trip, departing on a Sunday. This ship has only five cabins.
FLOATING HOTELS
Well, you can’t actually travel around Australia on a houseboat, but you can try hiring one in different locations during your tour. Here are some places where houseboats are
available for hire: About two hours drive from Melbourne in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range is Lake Eildon, with 540km of shoreline, bays and coves to discover. Just outside of Sydney, head north to the Hawkesbury River where there are at least eight houseboat hire businesses on the stunning waterway. . Discover Walpole on Western Australia’s far south coast where the tranquil waters of the Frankland and Deep rivers will help calm your travelling soul.
rentals for touring. Here are just a few. The Victorian business Scenic Wheels has discovery tours plus short and long-term rentals of new and late-model BMWs. BikeRoundOz does several tours plus rentals in Australia for touring on sealed roads and off-road, short and long distances. They have offices in all capital cities. Southern Cross Motor Bike Tours are in Darwin. They offer small group guided tours to locations “where no other operator can”.
RUMBLE HIGHWAYS
GET FIT WHILE TOURING
There are actually a surprising number of companies offering guided and self-guided motorcycle tours, and
Do the distance at leisure and by a healthy method; go cycling. Better still, load your bike up on the
back of your car or caravan and stop in interesting places. Cycling Tours has small-group guided and self-guided tours across some fantastic locations. Each tour includes accommodation, luggage transfers, vehicle support, airport transfers, GPS navigation and cycling equipment. Australian Cycling Tours has guided and self-guided tours in Victoria and NSW, plus long-distance tours, with everything down to the last detail looked after. The Melbourne company All Trails organises fully supported tours in various locations around Australia.
ONLY NATURAL SOUNDS TO SAVOUR
Sometimes walking is the best way to discover a new place. Simple to do, cheap, healthy – with a friend, group or on your own. No need to be a mountain climber, just enjoy the great outdoors. Check out Park Trek. They specialise in small-group walking holidays, visiting destinations all over the country. The small-group Australian Walking Holidays team can take you on the Larapinta Trail, Overland Track and many more fascinating trails. Great Walks of Australia offers guided day and multi-day tours through Australia’s World Heritage-listed national parks. You get to experience incredible nature during the day and luxury during the night.
Join Us Online Get online to find your news, your way.
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Tracey Johnstone
28 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
Travel
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 23, 2018
Victoria: Food and Wine
Have you mixed a holiday with a culinary adventure?
IMAGINE learning new cooking skills using local produce and then enjoying the fruits of your labour over a glass of chilled wine. Regional Victoria offers travellers the opportunity to indulge in the pleasure of using their love of food and taking on new challenges by joining in culinary experiences which go from masterclasses to simple joys. Add in some food festivals, craft markets, the odd sculpture park, fine art galleries and even finer wines, and you have the makings of a wonderful experience. Mornington Peninsula George’s Boutique B&B & Culinary Retreat offers gourmet hands-on cooking retreats and new half-day classes for small groups. Half-day classes include Chocolate Unwrapped, Patisserie and seasonal produce. Tre Gusti at T’Gallant is a ‘three tastes’ cooking class combining food, wine and song in the winery’s cucina barrel garden. Daylesford and Macedon Ranges Discover the secrets of perfect wood-fired sourdough bread at the RedBeard Historic Bakery in Trentham. Spoons Kitchen provides a rustic country-style cooking-class experience utilising fresh local produce that changes with the seasons. High Country At Rinaldo’s Casa Cucina cooking classes in the King Valley, chef Adam Pizzini shares with students his experience, knowledge and Italian family traditions in a relaxed and informal setting. And at Pizzini Wines, learn how to make dishes like antipasti and tapas, ravioli and gnocchi, delectable desserts and, of course, The Dinner Party. Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges It’s where ‘Italy meets the Yarra Valley’. Al Dente Cooking offers a banquet and hands-on informative cooking lesson complete with wine from Sticks Yarra Valley and Italian espresso. Bella Vedere has cooking classes with
Daylesford offers great food and wine.
A country hotel in the heart of the Yarra Valley. PHOTO: ROBERT BLACKBURN
DISCOVER VICTORIA: Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove.
PHOTOS: VISIT VICTORIA
Murray markets.
River
farmers’
PHOTO: THE MURRAY
Around the Bend A Tavola! cooking school at Pizzini Wines. PHOTO: KATRINA PIZZINI
charismatic head chef Gary Cooper two days a week. Great Ocean Road Hands-on cooking classes at Sunnybrae Cooking School in Birregurra run every Monday. Bread baking in one form or another is covered and the wood oven is often used. Gippsland The flavours and ambience of Sri Lankan village life are enjoyed at the Claypot Cooking School in Woolamai. At Culinaire Cooking School, participants actively engage in the food identification and
preparation. Lessons range from Seafood Cookery to Basics for Blokes and Girls, to guest chefs and specialty workshops. Philip Island At Cleanskin Kitchenware and Larder Store, cooking classes can be either participatory or through demonstration depending on the individual’s preference. Discover knife skills or Spanish paella. For more cooking school ideas and to find out more information on any of these regional venues, go to visitvictoria.com.
Call Simes Bros Coaches now to join our Around the Bend Travel Club! Day trips, musicals, extended tours and much more. Call now 02 6621 5416 or visit our office Shop 8, Wyrallah Road Shopping Centre, East Lismore
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Coffs and Clarence
Seniors 29
Discover the wild side along Limestone Coast Explore and indulge in SA SOUTH Australia’s Limestone Coast stretches down the south-west coastline which offers visitors a diverse experience. The coast goes from the mouth of the Murray River and to the Glenelg River. Beaches and caves, stunning coastline, delectable local coastal and country food, and famous South Australian wine are there to be seen, touched, smelt and tasted. The wild coastal scenery, natural wonders and World Heritage site at Naracoorte are an adjunct to the renowned Coonawarra region inland from the coast. It’s the jewel in the region’s wine-making crown and is well-regarded as Australia’s top producer of premium red wines thanks
SOUTH AUSTRALIA: The Oberlisk, a stunning landmark located on the Limestone Coast. PHOTO: BEN GOODE
to the rich terra rossa soil. GETTING THERE Fly, catch a coach or drive your way to the Limestone Coast. Mount
Gambier, the region’s biggest town, is approximately 500 kilometres from Melbourne and Adelaide.
ACCOMMODATION There is a wide range of accommodation options from motels, serviced apartments, bed and
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“Great treat after a day of driving.”
breakfast, camping and caravan parks. IT’S HERITAGE Take in 20 sites of international and national significance including Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake. The Pool of Siloam at Beachport is seven times saltier than the sea. The megafauna fossils in the World Heritage listed Naracoorte Caves are around half a million years old. Australia’s first Saint, Mary MacKillop, lives-on in the town of Penola. COORONG NATIONAL PARK Scenic campgrounds are located on both sides of the lagoon. You’ll need a permit to enter the park. This is great place for 4WD, fishing, boating and birdwatching. More than 80 bird species live in this series of long, shallow saltwater lagoons. Only towering white sand dunes separate the Coorong from the wild Southern Ocean.
You can explore the park on foot along one of many walking trails, in a kayak, or by four-wheel driving along beach tracks. WINE REGIONS The coast’s wine industry was founded in 1891. Start with Coonawarra and its red wines before sampling wine from cellar doors in Wrattonbully, Mount Benson and Padthaway. COAST DELICACIES Salivate over the local honey, native preserves, pickled walnuts and emu mettwurst, plus lobsters and Wagyu beef. Keep an eye out for Eat Local signs. There are visitor information centres at Beachport, Bordertown, Millicent, Mount Gambier, Naracoorte, Penola and Robe which are open every day. For more information, go www.southaustralia. com.
30 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 23, 2018
NT: Top end top 10
DISCOVER NT: A memorable moment; sunset at Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park.
PHOTO: TOURISM AUSTRALIA
Seniors News
WARM welcomes and laidback living is at the heart of the Northern Territory. But don’t be fooled; there is a lot of great things to do in this amazing part of your Australian backyard. Fish for silver barramundi Try helifishing for the ultimate barramundi adventure or join one of the many tours from Darwin that go into Arnhem Land where the fishing is some of the world’s best. Meet local artists and watch them work Meet Aboriginal artists and watch them create their magnificent artwork. Visit the galleries on the Tiwi Islands north of Darwin or sit with the Maruku artists near Uluru, or join in the art festivals like the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, Walking with Spirits at Beswick near Katherine or Desert Mob in Alice Springs. Cruise Nitmiluk at dawn Wake early and cruise peacefully up Katherine Gorge as dawn breaks. Drift past Aboriginal rock art with the changing colours of the dawn light, mist rising from the water and wildlife stirring on the bank. See ancient rock art in Kakadu National Park Kakadu’s rock art is world class and one of the reasons for its dual World Heritage status. Visit Kakadu’s rock art galleries at Ubirr, Nourlangie and Nanguluwur and see their fascinating record of life over thousands of years. Watch the changing colours of Uluru at sunset Catch an Uluru sunset from one of the viewing areas or join a gourmet dinner, watch it from atop
There are lots of indigenous tourism tours to choose, including this experience with Davidson's Arnhemland Safaris.
camel or on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle, or you can even do a sunset skydive. Walk Kata Tjuta domes Take a walk to experience Kata Tjuta’s 36 steep domes which are only a 20-minute drive from Uluru. Choose from three walking trails. Explore the West Macs Swim in the Glen Helen Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge or Redbank Gorge waterholes. Explore the desert country and its escarpments where the walls glow bright red at noon. Enjoy the Mindil Beach Markets On Thursdays and Sundays during the May to October, the Darwin markets have food stalls that serve dishes from every corner of the earth. Eat on the beach as the
PHOTO: TOURISM AUSTRALIA
Aboriginal women at their creative work at Maruku Arts, Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park.
sun sinks into the ocean right in front of your eyes. Swim at Litchfield National Park Just over an hour away from Darwin, experience the double cascades of Wangi and Florence waterfalls that drop into sublime natural swimming holes, or soak in the rock pools at Buley Rockhole. Catch Karlu Karlu sunset
Plan a sunset stop at Karlu Karlu (the Devils Marbles), an hour south of Tennant Creek. The hundreds of granite boulders scattered around a shallow valley turn a fiery red as the sun sets—an unforgettable sight. For more details on these activities and other Northern Territory travel ideas, go to northernterritory.com.
The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets in Darwin. PHOTO: NORTHERN TERRITORY TOURISM
Travel
Monday, April 23, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
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Seniors 31
Hobart: Defined by a style of stately charm Erle Levey
IT’S a part of Australia yet it’s apart. A place steeped in history that relies on those foundations to look to the future. Mention its name and most associate it with the sea … sailing in particular. Yet we were on a plane, a direct flight from Brisbane even though there are more flights available with stopovers at either Sydney or Melbourne. Our destination? Hobart. Its co-ordinates: 42.8 degrees south, 147.3 degrees east. That’s the thing about Tasmania. The different air … cleaner, crisper. The pace, not as hectic. Time is your friend, not your enemy. It’s like that first date ... dinner and fine wine, music, maybe a visit to an art gallery. There is a gentleness in the air ... of caring, sharing secrets. It’s so easy to fall in love with Hobart. There’s a sincerity, a friendliness. Old-fashioned sense and sensibility mixed with the flirtiness of modern times. As an introduction, we are whisked off from the airport to the Museum of Old and New Art, as much an attraction now as the convict settlement at Port Arthur, the view of Hobart and the Derwent River from Mt Wellington. There is no traffic jam on the expressway. Bellerive Oval is off to the left. The limousine glides along the highway beside the river before pulling up a curved drive and we are at the gallery. MONA is the largest privately funded museum in Australia. It deliberately underwhelms you from the outside – Hobart and Mt Wellington are reflected on an entry wall. Step inside and be confronted by one of the most controversial collections of art in the world. Comparisons are immediately drawn with Queensland’s Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane. They are similar but not the same. While GOMA is above ground and a celebration of the light and space of Queensland’s sub-tropical climate, MONA is cut deep into the sandstone – dark and confronting. MONA will seduce you,
MODERN TRADITIONS: Henry Jones IXL Art Hotel, Tasmania.
The Salamanca Markets, Hobart.
provoke you, inspire you. To truly see Hobart is to arrive by sea. Standing on the docks, with tributes to Antarctic explorers, you realise how much of Hobart’s history is bound up with the ocean. Ships, ferries, yachts and fishing boats pull up in the city centre at Sullivans Cove. At the end of the Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race weary sailors make it to the safety of Constitution Dock in the heart of the city. But you think back to the early settlers in Van Diemen’s Land. Think of whalers and sealers who fished the southern ocean. The early explorers in their square-rigged sailing ships. How did they navigate through raging oceans from their ports in the northern hemisphere to the other side of the
PHOTO: ERLE LEVEY
world ... one step from Antarctica? The docks open on to the streets; to the south is historic Salamanca Place with its sandstone warehouses converted into bars, coffee shops and restaurants as well as art galleries and theatres. To the north is the Henry Jones Art Hotel that includes the IXL Atrium, once the factory for IXL Jams. You’re in a city ... but you’re not. Hobart is a very walkable place. Battery Point with its beautifully preserved early buildings and inviting bakeries and tea houses. The Saturday markets at Salamanca Square are a good example of how connected Tasmanians are with the land and the sea, with what they grow, with what they produce.
The view from Mt Wellington, Hobart.
Ask a waiter or chef at a restaurant the origin of the food they are serving and they will most likely be able to tell you the farm it has come from. It’s like seeing the way things are supposed to be. Grounded yet open to ideas. That’s the way I felt walking around the streets of Richmond, a classified historic town in the Coal River Valley, about 30km north-west of Hobart. Initially, the banks of the river were the source of coal for the newly founded settlement of Hobart. That was in 1803. Today, the picturesque valley is the source of another valuable resource in the form of outstanding wines. Richmond is the most recognisable name on the Coal Valley map, the home of more than 50 historic
buildings and structures. None is more famous than the bridge that straddles the crystal clear waters of the Coal River. So clear that platypus are said to live in its shadow. The second-most photographed bridge in Australia and the oldest still in use, it was built in 1823 by convicts from sandstone quarried at Butchers Hill and hauled by hand carts to the site. Sitting high on the hill is St John’s Catholic Church (1837) and burial ground, the oldest Catholic Church still in use in Australia. Richmond Gaol was built in 1825 as part of Governor Arthur’s system of police districts. Originally, Richmond was an important military staging post and convict station linking Hobart with
PHOTO: ERLE LEVEY
Port Arthur. Today, accommodation ranges from Georgian-style cottages to B&Bs, historic inns and hotels to farm-stays or lofts and studios among vineyards. However, it is wine that has got heads turning. It is now home to more than 200 vineyards and demand for Tasmania’s high-quality pinot noir and other premium wines now exceeds the capacity to supply. The beauty of Tasmania is its size ... small enough to explore easily, large enough to be enthralled by its diversity. Expect the unexpected, expect to be surprised, expect for your senses to be captured by the softness of a shower of rain or the chill of a breeze from the Southern Ocean against your cheek.
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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 23, 2018
Heart of Queensland Carnarvon Gorge: so near yet far enough to get away Erle Levey
MENTION Carnarvon Gorge and most people will tell you they would love to go there. But they haven’t. It’s so near to Brisbane and other major population centres of Southeast Queensland yet far enough to leave it for another time. The roof of Queensland they call it. The range of mountains are so vast and diverse. The rain that falls here gives rise to some important rivers and streams. Five major river systems rise within the park's boundary: the Comet, Dawson, Maranoa, Nogoa and Warrego. Such is the geography of the range that it virtually creates its own climate. Arriving in late afternoon it was beautiful to see the cloud hanging majestically around the imposing sandstone cliffs … much like you see in the New Guinea Highlands. It added to the mystery that surrounds the gorge, said to be where there are still trees and plants dating back to the age of dinosaurs. A good introduction to the national park is to attend the 4.30pm briefing at the Wilderness Lodge Discovery Centre. It was arranged that I join Michelle Whitehouse, of Australian Nature Guides, as part of the guided hike up the gorge the next morning –
Friendly face wallaby at Carnarvon Gorge.
The Ampitheatre at Carnarvon Gorge.
SPECTACULAR: The entry to The Ampitheatre at Carnarvon Gorge.
7.30am start from the Rangers Centre near the creek. The tour takes you up the lower gorge to the Ampitheatre, Ward’s Canyon, the Art Gallery and the Moss Garden. It’s the diverse nature of Carnarvon that appeals so much. The gorge is beautiful in its own right but those
us as if it was the dawn of time and there is no need to be worried about our intrusion into their domain. You could see where the echidnas had been digging in the dirt for ants. Apparently they sense the movement of the ants and listen for them. The rock formations are stunning. So weathered and pitted.
creeks and gullies off to the side hold some real surprises. The soft early-morning mist swirls around the cliff faces and the moisture drips from the trees. The wildlife is incredible. Wallabies and kangaroos feeding on the new shoots of grass beside the walking track. They are not disturbed by our approach. They treat
BREATHTAKING: The view from Boolimba Bluff at Carnarvon Gorge.
The trees reaching up towards the sky. The bird calls, the parrots darting through the trees. As we walk Michelle tells me a major factor of the national park is the geology. Three river catchments interact here and it provides a major intake for the Great Artesian Basin. This is a resource that is millions
of years old, the minerals adding to the quality of the water, providing a resource as pure as you could find. Despite the arid nature of the Queensland Outback the Carnarvon Creek has not dried up in five million years. To read the full story, go to www.seniorsnews. com.au
PHOTOS: ERLE LEVEY
Coffs and Clarence
Monday, April 23, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Let’s save
Seniors 33
Tasty homegrown tomatoes
HOME-grown tomatoes are the tastiest and they are very easy to grow from either seed or seedlings, provided you follow our simple, step-by-step program.
PREPARATION
Garden Beds: Add one barrowload of 5-in-1, Real Compost or animal manure per square metre to growing area and dig thoroughly into soil. Sprinkle with garden lime at the rate of one handful per square metre. Mulch thoroughly. Raised beds are usually best unless soil is naturally very well drained. No-dig method: Beds can be built up from layers of organic material topped with compost or potting mix into which seeds or seedlings are planted. One method is to make a
newspaper base to suppress weeds and then add successive layers of lucerne or cane trash, animal manure, straw, another layer of animal manure and well-made, mature compost into which seeds are planted. Each layer is about 20 cm thick and must be watered. Sides can be left open or contained by boards or wire mesh. Growing from seed: Use a proprietary Searles Seed Raising mix and make shallow holes about 0.5cm deep and 10cm apart. Cover lightly with the mix, firming it down and watering gently. Thin out seedlings to 3cm apart when they are 2cm high. Plant out when about four weeks old and the same size as bought seedlings.
Growing from seedlings: In hot weather plant out in the late afternoon or evening; about 50cm apart in rows 1.2 metres apart. Set roots firmly in place, leaving plenty of top growth above the surface and removing any leaves which might be buried. Dose each plant with a dilute application of SeaMax Fish & Kelp to promote strong root growth. Put 2m stakes next to each, train one or two shoots up the stake and secure with a soft binding material tied loosely round the stem but not right under the leaf. Watering Tomatoes: Give plants a good soaking around the roots every other day, keeping the soil slightly moist below the
surface. In extremely hot weather watering once or even twice a day may be necessary; heat stress is shown by wilting. Overwatering can cause root rot. A perforated soaker hose or trickle/drip irrigation system is best. Feeding Tomatoes: Keep soil healthy with regular mulching and applications of 5-in-1 or Real Compost and/or animal manures. Tomatoes will grow very well in a healthy soil that is rich in nutrients, particularly if boosted with applications of SeaMax Fish & Kelp to the leaves and soil. Pruning: Not strictly necessary but occasional pruning of top growth will encourage a low, bushy plant. Pests: Most common pests can be kept at bay
GROW YOUR OWN: Tomatoes grow well in a healthy soil.
with an all-purpose organic spray such as Ecofend Vegetable & Garden. Always try organic solutions rather than chemical solutions. Fruit can be covered by paper bags just before it starts to colour up. Diseases: Visible signs are blotches on fruit and/or leaves, wilting of leaves or whole plant, unsightly patterns on fruit,
leaf-yellowing or distortion, sudden collapse of plant. Most common prevention and control methods are copper-based fungicidal dusts and spray of Mancozeb but seek advice from your garden centre, taking a specimen of the problem with you. More info at: searlesgardeniproducts. com.au
Quinoa, tomato, asparagus and goat’s cheese tart INGREDIENTS
190g (1 cup) quinoa, rinsed, drained 1 teaspoon Massel vegetable stock powder 500ml (2 cups) water 400g grape tomatoes 2 bunches asparagus, trimmed, halved 2 eggs 50g (1/2 cup) parmesan, finely grated 150g soft goat’s cheese 150g low-fat ricotta 2 tablespoons fresh continental parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped 2 teaspoons lemon
Delicious and nutritious.
rind, finely grated Fresh basil leaves, to serve Balsamic vinegar, to drizzle
METHOD
Step 1 Place the quinoa in a small saucepan with the stock powder and water. Stir to combine and bring to the boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat and then set aside to cool.
Step 2 Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan forced. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Place the tomatoes and asparagus on prepared tray. Spray with olive oil. Roast for 8-10 minutes or until tender. Set aside. Step 3 Place the cooled quinoa in a large bowl. Add the eggs and grated parmesan. Season and stir until well combined. Step 4 Lightly spray a 26cm non-stick fluted tart tin with a removable base with oil. Press the quinoa
mixture evenly and firmly into the base and side of tin to form a thick crust. Place on a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes or until light golden. Step 5 Combine the goat’s cheese, ricotta, parsley, chives and lemon rind in a bowl. Mix until smooth. Spread the cheese mixture over the quinoa base. Top with the roasted tomatoes and asparagus. Roast for a further 5–10 minutes or until warmed through. Sprinkle with the basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
Staying connected with the free Wi-Fi available MOST of us with mobile phones are on a plan with a service provider that includes some data. It is important to not exceed your data usage and be hit with unexpected charges. One way to avoid this is by taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi available in most public places. Wi-Fi technology may be used to provide Internet access to devices that are within the range of a wireless network that is connected to the Internet. One gigabyte (GB) is made up of 1024MB. The most popular plans offered by mobile phone companies, (unless you
BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN have unlimited usage) are 1GB, 2GB or 5GB of mobile data allowance. Devices that can use Wi-Fi technology include personal computers, video-game consoles, phones and tablets, digital cameras, smart TVs, digital audio players and modern printers. Wi-Fi compatible devices can connect to the Internet via a WLAN and a wireless access
point. Such an access point (or hotspot) has a range of about 20 metres indoors and a greater range outdoors. Hotspot coverage can be as small as a single room with walls that block radio waves, or as large as many square kilometres achieved by using multiple overlapping access points. Your Apps can be busy running updates, checking for new emails or backing up content to the cloud like your photos – without you doing anything. Therefore, you can be using data without realising. Be sure to close the windows/opened
pages from your phone to avoid this from occurring. Wi-Fi provides service in homes, businesses as well as in public spaces at Wi-Fi hotspots set up either free-of-charge or commercially, often using a captive portal webpage for access. Organisations and businesses such as airports, hotels, and restaurants, often provide free hotspots to attract customers. If travelling overseas and you’re concerned about data roaming charges – simply keep your phone settings on ‘Aeroplane mode’ and this will disable any access to
TAP IN: Wi-Fi provides service in private homes, businesses, as well as in public spaces at Wi-Fi hotspots.
data, yet still enabling you to access free Wi-Fi. How to access free Wi-Fi: 1. Tap the Settings icon to open the Settings menu. Tap WiFi. 2. Select the name (SSID)
of your WiFi network from the list of available connections. 3. Enter the WiFi password and then tap Join to finish. Some devices may be different.
34 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 23, 2018
Reviews The Little Book of Big Happiness
One Knife, One Pot, One Dish
Classic spy thriller
ONE of the great purposes of life is to be happy. If you’re one of the millions of people searching for happiness, stop chasing your tail – it’s already here. Right here, right now. You just need the tools to access it. They can be found in Bernadette Fisers’s The Little Book of Big Happiness. Written by the bestselling author of The Little Book of Big Weightloss, it’s a simple, down-to-earth guide to tapping into that greatest source of happiness: you. In this empowering little book, Bernadette shares her practical steps to a joyful life that you can start straight away. From living in the moment and moving your body, to getting out into nature and embracing failure, these are real tips for real people that anyone can embrace. In an hour, you’ll be on your way to a happier you. Published by Penguin Random House, The Little Book of Big Happiness, is available from mid-April in bookshops and online. RRP$22.99.
A RUSSIAN honey trap agent targets a young CIA operative to uncover a senior-ranking mole at the heart of the Russian Intelligence service. Dominika Egorov, former prima ballerina, is sucked into the heart of Putin’s Russia, the country she loved, and spat out as the twists and turns of betrayal and counter-betrayal unravel. American Nate Nash, idealistic and ambitious, handles the double agent, codenamed MARBLE, considered one of CIA’s biggest assets. He needs to keep his identity secret for as long as the mole can keep supplying golden information. Will Dominika be able to unmask MARBLE, or will the mission see her faith destroyed in the country she has always passionately defended? Written by Jason Matthews and published by Simon and Schuster, Red Sparrow is available now in bookshops and online. RRP $19.99.
BEST-selling, internationally celebrated chef Stephane Reynaud pares down delicious French food to its essential best ingredients with 160 one-pot recipes that even the most inexperienced or time-poor cooks will love. One Knife, One Pot, One Dish offers pre-dinner dips and snacks, hearty vegetarian dishes, slow-cooked roasts delicately seasoned with herbs and spices, classically simple one-pan desserts such as clafoutis, simple one-pot recipes for fish, beef, lamb, veal, pork or poultry, and even ideas for the perfect cheese course. Stephane has demystified and made simple good French cooking – preparing dinner has never been this easy. Stephane is chef and owner of restaurant Villa9Trois in Montreuil, just outside Paris. Published by Murdoch Books, One Knife, One Pot, One Dish is available in bookshops. RRP $39.99.
Gold coins, Roman wishes THREE Gold Coins is a deliciously complex non-fiction novel of families, food, adversity, hope and love. The coins are for love, for marriage and to return to Rome. Two days ago, Lara Foxleigh tossed three gold euros into the Trevi Fountain. Now, she is caring for a cranky old man and living in a picturesque villa... half a world away from her home and the concerns of her loving family, but cloying family. Soon, it seems as if those wishes she made in Rome just might be coming true, and she may even be able to help heal a 15-year-old tragedy, until Lara’s past threatens to destroy everything she loves . . . Three Gold Coins is a masterfully written celebration of food, family, triumph over adversity, love. Australian author Josephine Moon wrote The Tea Chest, The Chocolate Promise and The Beekeeper’s Secret. Published by Allen and Unwin, available from bookshops. RRP $29.99.
To advertise, call 1300 136 181 or visit finda.com.au to view more ads online. Trades & Services
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Marc Bailey 0417 256 934
Pre-packing service available Free quotes
Ph: 6651 1004
email: welmove@hotkey.net.au
Buyers should be cautious when dealing with car sellers that are overseas and should always arrange to view the vehicle prior to the transfer of any money. 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.
More information is available at scamwatch.gov.au
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lic. No. R96832
LOCAL & INTERSTATE MOVES
Buyers and sellers should be cautious of possible scams when buying or selling a vehicle.
4023971aaHC
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• Fit new doors and handles • Relaminate old benchtops or replace with rolled edge tops • Add an extra cupboard or two
BEWARE OF SCAMS
BANANACOAST FURNITURE REMOVALS
Give your kitchen a facelift!
Motoring
LOCAL BARGAIN
Puzzles
Monday, April 23, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
JIGGERED
9/4
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 3 3 s uare ts in with that letter and write in the letters. ou can also shade the black s uares i you nd it hel ul. ter co leting the rst 3 3 area work out which s uare oins on to it and continue until you have ade a co lete crossword.
V E C L T
M
A L L O
N C Y E T W
B
R E
L M E
E
E B R O A
I
TRIO
22
SUDOKU
Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
B
EMPIRE ENRAPT GLADES HEARTH HOOKED INDIGO INTEND NOODLE OUTLET PARIAH REALMS REOPEN SLALOM STREET VAPOUR
QUIZ
7 LETTERS LENDING PADDING
QUIZ
1. In 1971, which Queenslander became Australia’s first Aboriginal parliamentarian? 2. Who ate Turkey Lurkey? 3. The musicals West Side Story and Kiss me Kate were based on whose plays? 4. In golf, where would you find a links course? 5. What is the lake behind the Aswan High Dam called? 6. Who had a mountain retreat in Berchtesgaden? 7. Who played princess Leia Organa in Star Wars? 8. And who were her famous parents?
E A T E R Y
6 LETTERS APOLLO AROUSE BREWER DOREEN EATERY
E L E C T
4 LETTERS BEEN CLUB HENS LEAK LEER PALM PAST ROOT TEST
S P A T E
A N T
5 LETTERS AIMED AORTA HYDRA KOPEK LOGIC MOLES SHEEN SLOBS STEED THESE TIGER TREEN
R O B E
Solution opposite
TORE TUSK VAMP
R
Fit the words into the grid to create a nished crossword
3 LETTERS AND ANT ATE EAR KEN LIE MIL OAT ORE PAN SOU WED
R
WORDFIT
I S R O D N Y E W T E A X I C O T E R C H E
Good 13 Very Good 18 Excellent 22+
O C I A L H L G E O E N U B R A E A C S P R I N E E B M M A L A R B S P E S O M A A N I L B L A T
U C
CANOE STIR UP REqUITE NO LARIAT ASSISTANT
S W A T S A E C A R E N T A R B R I V I A O B O A R M L M E T A S E H U S H A I N E W R L L I V E C S C L A E E T P
534
N T
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.
S C I S S O R S
Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the ve solutions are sequential. For example, if the ve-letter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.
WORD GO ROUND
TODAY
P
23
Can you complete these four words, using the same three-letter sequence in each?
cape nape neap pace pact pane pant pate paten patent patten pean peanut peat pecan pent puce PUNCTUATE punt putt tape tapu taupe teacup unapt uncap
A E
21
N
T
U T
19
20
ALPHAGRAMS
WORD GO ROUND
18
H E A R T H
I
A A I L L A T
A B
17
S L O B S
T
C E O E R
I
16
H E S E E A L M S N R A P T S L I E T O R E A I M E D N G T E N D R O O T C O R E L A D E S U T L E T B E E N
M A L B P E S
I
V
15
T R E L E E N N D I I N N D G I G O
A M W A R S
S C A S
N U A E C
14
M P I A H L L O MO K K O P E P A D E N K A L O W E R E E T D R A
A R
13
A R O U S E
H
12
V A P O U R
S E L
A R T R I E O
11
P A S T
A T E E N T
C O M A N P B
10
WORDFIT
I S E R L O D E
8
9
1. Neville Bonner, 2. Foxy Loxy, 3. William Shakespeare, 4. Near the sea, 5. Lake Nasser, 6. Adolf Hitler, 7. Carrie Fisher, 8. Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher.
R O B
R C H E R
7
QUICK CROSSWORD
T E A X
P
6
5
Across: 6. Author 7. Hasten 10. Impulse 11. Talon 12. Fear 13. Scars 16. Knoll 17. Bike 20. Oddly 21. Acrobat 22. Yelped 23. Agenda. Down: 1. Satisfactory 2. Stopgap 3. Coyly 4. Lantern 5. Stale 8. Nonessential 9. Herculean 14. Enzymes 15. Ribbing 18. Adult 19. Drugs.
W S A P A R
T H
S E
4
JIGGERED
S
I
U N R
3
TRIO: OpE
I S S
Down 1. Acceptable (12) 2. Temporary (7) 3. Demurely (5) 4. Portable light (7) 5. Lacking freshness (5) 8. Incidental (12) 9. Requiring great strength or e ort (9) 14. Proteins (7) 15. Poking fun (7) 18. Fully grown (5) 19. Narcotics (5)
2
SUDOKU
I S E
Across 6. Writer (6) 7. Hurry (6) 10. Sudden urge (7) 11. Claw (5) 12. Dread (4) 13. Dis gures (5) 16. Small hill (5) 17. Cycle (4) 20. Peculiarly (5) 21. Tumbler (7) 22. Squealed (6) 23. Meeting plan (6)
1
ALPHAGRAMS
O L R S E
QUICK CROSSWORD
Seniors 35
OCEAN, puRIST, QuIETER, RATIONAL, SATANISTS.
S O C C H A G E
Coffs and Clarence
36 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 23, 2018