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KISS MY ASSETS Author, academic and forthright thinker Susan Mitchell speaks out as SA Ambassador for older women and talks INSIDE about how to make the best of life after 50

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JULY, 2018// SENIORS

Enjoy our colourful read Gail Forrer Seniors Group Editor

12

COMMUNITY NEWS CATCHUP

27

STAYING HEALTHY AND HAPPY INDEX 3 Cover Story - Susan Mitchell 6 Profile - Spike Milligan 12 Community Notes 13 What’s On 14 Profile - Peter Kuruvita 15 Talk N Thoughts 18 Feature story: Marietta Millard 19 Wanderlust 27 Wellbeing 33 Living 35 Money 39 Puzzles

THIS month we bring you a rich and colourful range of stories inclusive of local people through to national personalities with big ideas.

A trip to South Australia from our Queensland-based journalist Tracey Johnstone resulted in a story with the indomitable author, journalist and academic Dr Susan Mitchell about her latest role as SA Ambassador for Mature Women.

Tracey’s story features Dr Mitchell’s powerful thoughts on the importance of changing the outdated lens contemporary, mature-aged woman are viewed through.

Last month, I attended the DANscienCE program in Sydney. The program explored dance programs and its ability to contribute to wellness.

As program director Liz Lea wrote, “Dance is scientifically proven to benefit health, older people are beginning dance careers at 60. Arts and companies with expert professional legacies are developing new programs for wellness, and wellness is building a new platform of awareness for dance”.

Personally, I found the strong, graceful, intelligent performances – including

one with 103-year-old dancer Eileen Kramer – together with scientific and medical opinions, emotionally stirring and capable of opening a whole new dimension to ageing. I hope you enjoy the uplifting story on Dance for Parkinson’s Disease.

No matter your thoughts on the digital age, it’s here to stay so I am pleased to update you with information on the latest government initiative to support your voyage into technology.

But good health is ultimately what really matters and we have a host of stories with tips and hints to nudge you along the road of wellbeing.

I’m also pleased to present our updated newspaper design and believe our articles featuring health, wealth, happiness and lots of travel sit well within the new-look.

I trust you enjoy the read.

CONTACT US General Manager Geoff Crockett – 07 5430 1006 geoff.crockett@news.com.au Editor Gail Forrer – 07 5435 3203 gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Brett Mauger – 07 5435 3203 brett.mauger@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Brisbane Seniors Newspaper”.

The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales.

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.

Government is being called upon to stop pension poverty

FIXING the problem of more than 500,000 older Australians living in poverty is proving difficult for the Benevolent Society team driving the Fix Pension Poverty campaign.

They know an adequate Age Pension is needed.

They also know the Federal Government needs to support free dentistry for people on the Age Pension, a significant increase in Commonwealth Rent Assistance and introduce a new broadband

supplement.

Joel Pringle is the advocacy voice of the campaign. The passionate change-maker says the society’s drive to focus on the Age Pension has been fuelled by its 2016 Adequacy of the Aged Pension in Australia report.

“What we heard directly from people was some tough stories,” Mr Pringle said.

“People were mashing their food to avoid seeing a dentist because they have an ache and dental

costs are the highest out-of-pocket costs in the Australian health system.

We heard from people who are turning off hot water systems in summer because ‘we don’t need hot water in summer, it’s warm enough and we can shave a few bucks off to help me pay a few other bills’.

“We know for some people they can have a comfortable life living on the Age Pension, if you own your own home and you have health costs, if you are a couple.

There is a disproportionate number of these things which weigh upon older women.”

The society took the report outcomes to a conversation with the then-Federal Government minister of social services Christian Porter.

“We were told ‘yes, we can see what you are saying but this isn’t a priority for us’,” Mr Pringle said.

It was then the society realised a campaign was necessary if the Age Pension was to become a

political priority.

The Fix Pension Poverty campaign was then born, in partnership with other groups, in early 2017.

Since then Mr Pringle and his team have been working in particular communities – Queensland’s Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Coffs Harbour and eastern Adelaide.

The campaign team has been building their local networks, meeting with service groups to inform them of the campaign and

to seek support within their own community to join the campaign and push for change through the local federal member.

“So far we have been below the line,” Mr Pringle lamented.

To turn this around he wants to meet with the local MPs, alongside members of the local support network, in the targeted areas.

“There is a lot the government can do, there is a lot people in the community can’t do,” he said.

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COVER STORY

New role gives voice for mature women

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SPEAKING OUT: Dr Susan Mitchell, mature women’s champion, author, TV and radio presenter. Photos: Contributed

Dr Susan Mitchell is speaking out to drive change in how women are seen and heard

Tracey Johnstone SUSAN Mitchell’s role as South Australia’s Mature Women’s Ambassador is a national first and recognises the frightening depth of the crisis for women who have given their all and yet reach their later years with so little left.

The media personality and noted author has the job of making visible the many invisible issues around mature women.

There is hope her work will have a national impact.

“In the past five years the number of women over 50 facing homelessness has increased by 40 per cent,” Susan said about these women who are struggling to find work.

“What we are doing with these women is throwing them on the scrap heap.”

Governments must act, Susan declares.

“This is a tsunami that is going to happen. There is going to be a surge of women. With technological change, heaven knows how the employment market is going to fare. We need to have an organised

approach to this or these women will be thrown on the scrap heap and just left to die. And that cannot happen.”

However, she isn’t seeing a parliament that is leading the management of this change in our community, nor one that truly reflects Australia’s society and the needs of its significant number of over-50 women.

“It’s like Sisyphus, who was notorious for rolling the boulder up the hill and then it would roll back,” Susan said.

“Then you would push it up again and you would gain a foot every time. It’s how change works, but you have to keep rolling it.

But I think we are in the period where it has rolled back on us.

“In terms of women, how many of them over 50 are in parliament, for example, and yet how many women over 50 are in our society?”

Susan’s ambassador role is the first of its kind in Australia. It’s been created by the South Australian Government to deal with the largest number of people over 50 on mainland Australia.

In there is a “huge

cohort” of women who can’t get jobs because of their age and because of discrimination.

Susan is hitting the Adelaide corporate streets armed with a deeply researched booklet – Mature Women Can! – and using her high public profile as a television, radio and print commentator to spruik the message of what organisations can do to turn around the incoming tide which is going to economically challenge all of Australia.

Susan is well-equipped for the task. “When I was growing up there were no role models,” Susan said.

The child of the ’70s said the best-known woman then was Dame Edna Everage – and she was a bloke.

“I thought, we have to start celebrating women of achievement,” she adds.

So, for the past 35 years, Susan has been championing women’s issues and exceptional women’s stories through her 14 books – among them Anne Summers, Sallyanne Atkinson, Colleen McCullough, Robyn Archer and Margaret Whitlam.

There was a 15th book, about Tony Abbott, but that’s another story for another day.

Meeting Margaret Whitlam was a moment in time for Susan that stands out from her crowded life.

“Highly intelligent and very witty and full of the joy of life,” is how Susan describes her impression of Margaret as she wrote Margaret’s biography.

Back in the present, Susan pines for change; a real, tangible end to mature women’s discrimination. “They have the distillation of everything that is good in us,” she said.

“Look at what they have lived through, what they have done and what they have experienced. They are being treated like an old tub of yoghurt, left in the back of the fridge well past its use-by date. We must stop thinking like this. We have to make the

most of their skills that we have. It’s criminal to treat anyone like this. I would like to see this change before I kick the bucket.”

I’m not exactly sure of Susan’s age. I did ask.

“Do you think women should tell their age?”

Susan asks me back.

“As soon as you tell someone how old you are, they define you by a number rather by your skills, talents and experience.”

After several minutes of impassioned, articulate speech on what is clearly a major issue in the battle for respect and recognition of older women, Susan made a powerful case for women not revealing their age.

Instead of going on the attack against ageism, Susan said you should stand proud as a mature woman and detail why it is so important that you are employed as a mature and capable person.

List your strengths, be proud and loud about them.

“Kiss my assets,” is her call to arms.

“When you get that in your head, it’s a way to deal with it, because as soon as I say I am actually 78 or 75 or 68, they have a picture or an immediate almost visceral reaction,” Susan said.

“The women I have interviewed said things have been said to them like ‘oh, you are much older than you sound on the phone, your voice is very young’. Well, yes, so is my mind. It’s a bit like when women were defined by marriage. You had to be Mrs and take the man’s name. How ludicrous is that?

“Gradually women have said it’s irrelevant if I am married or not.

“Or when you were asked what your children CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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FROM PAGE 3 were doing while you were at the interview. ‘Well, I tied them to the Hills Hoist and left them with a bowl of water’.

“It’s kind of nobody’s business how old you are.”

And the answer to what specifically is her age?

That lays grounded into the pavement of the inner-city Adelaide street where we sat.

Susan’s 16th non-fiction book is starting to get its legs. She simply can’t let this women’s “tsunami” become part of Australia’s social and economic history without an intense insight from this outstanding social commentator.

“I will write until I drop,” she said.

With Maggie Tabberer.

‘‘

In the past five years the number of women over 50 facing homelessness has increased by 40 per cent. What we are doing with these women is throwing them on the scrap heap.

Feminist author Susan Mitchell as a child with her father Mitch.

Photo: Richardson Cameron

Susan Mitchell, author of Winning Women.

Margaret Whitlam, wife of former Australian prime minister Gough Whitlam, with her biography author Susan Mitchell.

Photo: Brodie Campbell

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NEWS

Moving mind and muscle Gail Forrer IT’S a coupling of opposites – dance and disease merging to nourish the body and soul: contemporary dance that strives to connect the mind and body through fluid dance movements, while on the other hand Parkinson’s disease damages nerve cells in a region of the brain vital for the smooth control of muscles and movement.

Ironically, it is the synergy between these opposites that holds the flames to produce a dynamic ball of healing energy.

Last month, dancers, doctors, scientists and dance teachers gathered to share scientific evidence to support the known therapeutic benefits of dance at the Riverside Theatre in Parramatta, Sydney.

But showing is often more powerful than telling, and in this case Canberra-based dance troupe Offbeat, a group of older people living with Parkinson’s disease and coached under the Dance for Parkinson’s Disease concept, proved the

BEAUTY AND BALANCE: Offbeat dance group in Canberra perform the Dance for Parkinson’s Disease concept.

Photo: Lorna Sim Photography

efficacy of dance to stimulate both muscles and mind in their ‘I used to run marathons’ performance, choreographed by Jane Ingall and Philip Piggin with the dancers.

The aesthetic beauty of this spellbinding performance, danced to the Chariots of Fire theme music, pushed boundaries with quiet, expansive and intricate movements. On its conclusion, the powerful expression ensured there wasn’t a dry eye in an audience of more than

200 people.

The story of Dance for Parkinson’s Disease started as a single collaborative program between the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson’s Group in 2001, but it wasn’t until 2012 it arrived in Australia through a performance in Brisbane at the National Parkinson’s Conference.

Since then, Dr Erica Rose Jeffery, director for Dance for Parkinson’s Australia, has worked with the dance and Parkinson’s communities to share the

joys of dance.

In the past 17 years, Dance for Parkinson’s has pioneered an arts-based approach that is being adopted by dance companies and schools, Parkinson’s groups and healthcare organisations in more than 60 communities around the world. The concept sees participants encouraged to approach movement like dancers rather than as patients. The teachers, professional dancers with many years of experience, know all about stretching and strengthening

muscles, and work every day with issues of balance and rhythm.

Most importantly, dancers know how to use thoughts, imagination, eyes, ears and touch to control their movement.

Teachers also encourage participants to use images, narrative and musical input to hone control over how they express themselves physically.

The Offbeat dance group commenced in 2013 in the ACT. It developed in response to the dance

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program specifically designed for People with Parkinson’s, and the inspirational leadership of Erica Rose Jeffrey in Australia, and David Leventhal in Brooklyn, US. The program is presented by Parkinson’s ACT, with Belconnen Arts Centre and Tuggeranong Arts Centre, and is presently funded by a three-year grant from ACT Health.

■ Research was carried out at Queensland University of Technology to assess the effect of dance on gait and dual-tasking in Parkinson’s disease.

Dance for Parkinson’s classes, based on the Dance for Parkinson’s Disease model, were conducted by trained instructors from the Queensland Ballet.

Preliminary analysis indicates that dance has improved gait, speed during normal and dual-tasking, with enhancement in emotional well-being and quality of life. For more, go to: belconnenarts centre.com.au/adults classesoffbeat.

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PROFILE STORY

JULY, 2018// SENIORS

Meet real Spike Milligan

Historian pays tribute to the man and the comedian Alison Houston THE Spike Milligan Exhibition, launched recently at Woy Woy Library, is as much about the man, Terence Milligan and his family, as the comedian, actor and writer who gained fame in The Goon Show.

Council local history librarian Geoff Potter said the exhibition was a unique tribute to “the real Spike”.

Marking a century since his birth, it comprises a specially commissioned 16 minute documentary, The Milligans of Woy Woy, as well as photos, letters, diaries and heirlooms, such as Spike’s cornet, donated by his late brother Desmond, who died last year.

Among the collection currently on show is a copy of The Goon Show scripts, published in the 1970s and dedicated from Spike to his brother saying, “to my brother Desmond, who, somewhere along the way,

helped my sense of humour take the turn it did”.

“What you get is a really intimate portrait of the Milligan family,” Geoff said.

“To the family, he was always Terence, or Terry, and he was actually a very quiet man.”

He said Spike loved being able to relax and be himself when he visited the family in Woy Woy, where they retired around 1954, after moving to Sydney from Britain in 1950.

He visited regularly from 1959, bushwalking, wandering the waterfront, fishing, and writing in the family study, where some of his most famous work was created.

However, the exhibit also gives people a glimpse into where that madcap comedy with Peter Sellers and Harry Secombe was born.

Spike’s dad, Leo, who was described as having been bitten by the theatre bug at an early age, and performed several times

THE MANY FACES: The new Spike Milligan Exhibition at Woy Woy Library shows the man behind the comedy.

Spike (1918-2002) felt Woy Woy was his second home.

Spike (centre) with parents Leo and Florence Milligan at Woy Woy in 1962. Spike was very close to his family and reportedly said “my father had a profound influence on me: he was a lunatic”.

Photos: Desmond Milligan as a child with a then-unknown Charlie Chaplin, was forced into the army by his own father at 14.

But he brought with him to his station posts in India a passion for both the Wild West and the stage, creating cowboy shows which he

performed to troops.

Spike’s mother, Florence, who Geoff described as always “larger than life” was also on stage as a singer when they met.

“So it’s a fascinating family history – quite unconventional,” Geoff said.

Spike Milligan fishing in 1962 at Woy Woy, where he loved to spend time with his family, and had hoped to retire.

While Spike did contentiously refer to the city as “the world’s only above-ground cemetery”, Geoff said his act often included quips about death, such as, “I’m not afraid of dying, I just don’t want to be there when it happens”.

“There is so much evidence in his actions and words that he truly loved the place,” Geoff said.

That included supporting local groups such as the Woy Woy Little Theatre, Rotary Club and the Gosford City Orchestra.

He also used his influence to help save Riley’s Island, near Davistown, from real estate development in the

1970s, to preserve the former St Luke’s Church of England at Blackwall, and to promote awareness of poet Henry Kendall and raise funds to conserve his historic cottage.

And now, the State Library grant associated with the exhibit has also allowed an upgrade of the Woy Woy Library, including a new six-seat theatrette, lounge area with space to use laptops, and mobile book shelves to allow greater flexibility, such as author events.

“I think we owe Spike an apology,” Geoff said.

The Spike Milligan Exhibition is free and open during regular library opening hours.

ODDSPOT The British Independent cited a number of Spike Milligan’s famous quotes in honour of his 100th birthday, one of which they noted was particularly apt for today’s world, although Spike died in 2002.

“You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all the people some of the time, which is just long enough to be president of the United States.”

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NEWS

JULY, 2018// SENIORS

Co-existing on roads Road sharing education campaign for caravans, trucks

Kate Dodd “THE road is there to share.”

That’s the message Australian Trucking Association chief executive Ben Maguire is trying to get out there when conversations turn to the gripes truckies have with grey nomads.

“The grey nomad tourism business is very welcome in regional Australia but those caravans, when they get to these towns, are going to expect (service stations) to have fuel in them, that there’s food on supermarket shelves,” he said.

“That will only happen if trucks are on the roads so just some understanding is the first thing we want.”

Mr Maguire said while truckies had specific things they wanted caravan drivers to be aware of – such as not blocking truck parking bays, communication or

what speeds they were driving – he reiterated it was a community issue.

“The issue is not about caravans versus trucks,” he said.

“This is a community issue.

“Everyone on that road, assuming they’ve paid their registration and have their licence, they have a right to be there.

“But if we show each other a bit of common courtesy, we can make it all happen safely and politely.”

Mr Maguire recognised that some grey nomads might be apprehensive about being on the road and towing a caravan for the first time, so suggested if they were scared about travelling the speed limit, just to jump on the UHF and communicate with fellow drivers.

To help combat some of the issues cropping up on the roads, the Caravan Industry Association of Australia and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

LET’S ALL GET ALONG: ATA chief executive Ben Maguire said it's not just about trucks versus caravans but the whole community.

Photo: Big Rigs created the “Co-Exist” education and awareness campaign.

Co-Exist will focus on the use of truck stops, professional driver requirements and

communication on the road.

The program promotes use and understanding of UHF radios as a communication tool and improved education

around effective parking, stopping distances, avoiding trailer sway, caravan weights, speed and improved training on how to tow.

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Roy’s story Roy lives at his family home and let one of our staff write and share some of his story.

Roy spoke about his Dad, Arthur, a veteran of the 15th Light Horse, with pride and it’s easy to see that the old boy’s values in Roy. Clarence Care + Support assisted Roy’s parents to continue living their life at home, the way they wanted, until their passing. Roy plans to continue living in the family home knowing the challenges of slowing down will be supported with the help of the Homecare Package with Clarence Care + Support.

The eldest son of six, living on the land with community minded parents brought Roy to value his community and respect the environment.

Roy attended schools in Grafton, worked in Sydney, and spent 4 years in the Army Reserves. “I loved it,” says Roy. He proudly lines up his medals for active service and emergency services on his favourite coat next to his dad’s war medals. Supporting the community is an important part of Roy’s life.

He volunteered with the Rural Fire Service for 35 years and was a founding member of the local Red Cross Emergency Response Team. Roy continues serving at the Anglican Church, with the Red Cross, the Hospital auxiliary and the SES. Roy said he likes catching up with friends at the Coppo Pub to watch the footy. He now likes going to local productions at the Criterion Theatre, Clarence Care + Support Men’s Group outings and enjoys his digital camera and computer.

As Roy shared a glimpse of his life and a joke, he spoke about Clarence Care + Support, “Life’s good with that bit of service. They’re flexible, the workers don’t control you and they respect my way of life, I’ve met some nice people.”

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SENIORS \\JULY, 2018

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NEWS

JULY, 2018// SENIORS

A health care choice Do you want to have a digital record of your health history?

AUSTRALIANS can now opt out of My Health Record.

For the next three months, the Australian Digital Health Agency is giving all consumers the opportunity to decide whether they want an online summary of their key health information.

Professor Meredith Makeham, chief medical adviser to the Digital Health Agency, said people can choose which healthcare information they'd like to store in their My Health Record and who they'd like to share it with.

“My Health Record aims to deliver better healthcare outcomes and safer care for people,” Prof Makeham said.

“It will reduce harm caused by medication errors because people and their healthcare providers will have access to important information about medicines and

allergies. This could save your life in an emergency.”

Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) acting chief executive Dr Linc Thurecht said the record had the potential to reduce hospital admission, adverse drug events and duplication of diagnostic tests and could also result in better coordination of care among multiple healthcare providers and more informed decisions being made.

Digital Rights Watch was less confident.

The group, which aims to defends digital rights in Australia, marked the beginning of the opt out period by urging people to be aware of what it deemed “deeply concerning” privacy issues.

Chair Tim Singleton Norton said Digital Rights Watch is encouraging everyone to consider opting out.

“A range of privacy concerns have been

DIGITAL HEALTH RECORDS: There is a three month period to opt out of the Government system. raised in relation to this system since it was first proposed years ago,” Mr Singleton Norton said.

“Despite this, no guarantees have being given that individual citizen's personal

information will be kept safe and secure.

“Health information is incredibly attractive to scammers and criminal groups. Creating such a massive database of Australian's personal,

private health information is highly likely to become a target in the future.”

As of July 1, more than 5.9 million Australians and nearly 13,000 healthcare professional organisations were

registered with My Health Record.

The opt out period ends October 15 but you can do so at any time.

This story was first published on Aged Care Insite.

THE KING OF TALKBACK RADIO JOHN LAWS ON 2HC AND 2GF With over sixty years of commercial broadcast experience, John Laws asks the hard questions – and cuts through the political spin. For unmissable news, information, entertainment and talkback, Australia relies on John Laws.

Don’t miss the host who calls it like he sees it.

Listen every weekday from 9am – midday.

Coffs Coast 100.5 FM | 639 AM www.radio639am.info

Clarence Valley 1206 AM | 103.9 FM www.radio2gf.com.au

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JULY, 2018// SENIORS

Community notes

Group guide GRAFTON SENIOR CITIZENS

FOLLOWING a two-week break during July Racing Carnival, Grafton Senior Citizens’ members will enjoy a barbecue in late July. Our next bus trip is on August 17 to a mystery venue, followed by an eight-day tour to Mudgee area from mid-September.

Next meeting is on Tuesday, August 14, at 10.30am, guest speaker is Francis Keane. All inquiries and further information is available from publicity officer Sandra on 02 6642 7720.

COFFS HARBOUR COMMUNITY RADIO

THE motto of the Coffs Harbour community radio 2AirFM 107 is “good music stands the test of time”. This year 2AirFM is celebrating 20 years of broadcasting to the Coffs Harbour district and now

TO ALLOW for readers’ requests for the publication of more neighbourhood news, please keep notices short and to the point (100 word maximum). If you would like to submit a photo ensure it is at least 180dpi or 500kb to 1mb in size and of faces, in a nice bright setting. Email editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au. to the world through streaming 24 hours a day.

To help us improve our already high standard we are asking for your likes and dislikes. You can find a survey page on our website, go to www.2airfm.com.au. In the past five years we have purchased a house at 24 Glenreagh St and turned it into a modern studio complex.

Volunteers raised the finances to pay for the work that we couldn’t do ourselves. If you would like to join this progressive group either as a presenter, office volunteer or handyman, phone 02 6652 1071. It’s a lot of fun.

MACLEAN COMMUNITY MARKETS

MACLEAN Community Markets are held on the second Saturday of each month in the main carpark, near Maclean

Bowling Club. Stalls offer an array of items including jewellery, clothing, plants, craft items, freshly baked cookies and cakes and a great range of fresh produce. So bring yourself and the family and come on down to the Maclean Community Markets.

Details: 7am–noon on August 11, September 8, October 13 and November 10. Phone 0418 431 567.

PROBUS CLUB OF COFFS CITY INC

WE WILL hold our next general meeting at the Cavanbah Centre on Harbour Dr on Wednesday, July 25, at 10am. The guest speaker will be from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

Morning tea will follow the guest speaker. This is a friendly mixed-gender club and visitors and new members are welcome.

For further information, phone Brian on 5619 2484.

THE COMPLETE STORY: Abstract Entertainment proudly presents Elvis – An American Trilogy.

Elvis tribute artists do the King justice in a live concert experience ABSTRACT Entertainment proudly presents Elvis – An American Trilogy, the Complete Story, starring Vic Trevino Jnr, Gino Monopoli and Greg Miller.

The legendary Elvis Presley has been celebrated worldwide – he was one of the biggest and most important stars of 20th century pop culture. A cultural icon who was often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll”.

Elvis – An American Trilogy, the Complete Story takes three of the

world’s leading Elvis tribute artists starring in one of the most spectacular live concert productions that takes you on a journey through the music of the the King in the history of entertainment.

The three stages in the success of Elvis are represented by Trevino Jnr, who embodies the rockabilly sound of the young Elvis; Monopoli recreates the sophisticated sound of the Elvis movie years, with tracks from iconic films

GI Blues, Speedway and more (he is magnificent as he recreates the 1968 comeback TV special); and, lastly, Miller channels Elvis in the famous white eagle jumpsuit and was the only Elvis impersonator to have known the King personally.

Catch the show on Thursday, August 23, at Ballina RSL Club – bookings on 02 6686 2544 – and Friday, August 24, at Sawtell RSL Club – bookings 02 6653 1577.

SENIORS \\JULY, 2018

GLENREAGH TIMBER FESTIVAL

THE 14th annual Glenreagh Timber Festival is on Saturday, July 28 from 8am-4.30pm. Entry prices are still the same as previous years, Adult $5, Child aged 5-15 $2 and children under 5 free.

There’s so much to see and do, get there early and make a day of it.

There’ll be wood chopping, working dogs, vintage cars, bikes and tractors, jumping castle, Steve’s Reptile World, over 60 stalls and lots more. ATM facilities available and great food and coffee outlets.

Canteen opens at 8am.

THE WEDDING SINGER

THE Criterion Theatre’s next production is a stage version of the classic movie The Wedding Singer. Written by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy and with music by Matthew Sklar, this musical is a faithful rendition of the well-loved movie which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The writers have very cleverly kept to the feel of the original, with the same colourful characters, but with added snappy songs and up-tempo dances. Under the direction of musical

13

director Adam Wills, the ensemble cast of The Wedding Singer does great justice to the show’s musical numbers which feature great singing from this small but talented cast.

Wesley Chegwidden, fresh from his star turn in Seussical the Musical at the Jetty Theatre in Coffs Harbour, shines as the hapless Robbie, supported by Dan and Sam as The Band. Leigh Wright makes a return to the Criterion as Julie, the waitress with a heart of gold, ably assisted by Erica McKimm as her cousin Holly, the good-time girl.

Newcomers in this show include Roy Hennessy as Glen, the sharp, go-getting fiancé of Julie, and Kaisey and Krystal, also from Seussical who are strong as Linda, who dumps Robbie at the altar, and Robbie’s grandma Rosie who lets him live in her basement.

The Wedding Singer is shaping up to be fun, smart, colourful and entertaining. It starts on Thursday, August 16 with the Preview Show and runs until August the 26 for seven shows, including two Sunday matinees.

Tickets will be available online and at Buckley’s Music in Prince Street,

What's on

GREAT THEATRE: The Criterion Theatre's next production is a stage version of the classic movie The Wedding Singer, starting on August 16.

Grafton. For more information, go to: criteriontheatre.org.au or find us on Facebook for latest updates and goings on at the Criterion Theatre Grafton. 8 Villiers Street, Grafton,

MISSION SONGS

MISSION Songs Project is an initiative to revive contemporary Australian Indigenous songs from 1900 to 1999, focusing on the Christian missions, state run settlements and native camps where Aboriginal and Torres

The Criterion Theatre proudly presents

Directed by Fran McHugh

Musical Director Adam Wills

Strait Islander people were relocated.

Searching for the secular songs that were sung after church, Mission Songs Project looks to explore the day to day life of the mission days, from cultural identity to love and loss. These unique songs consist of almost forgotten stories that shed light into the history of Indigenous elders, families and communities.

Details: August 3, 8 Villiers Street, Grafton, 7-9pm.

Presented in association with Musica Viva Australia.

CLARENCE VALLEY CAMP OVEN FESTIVAL

AN ANNUAL festival located amidst the glorious natural surroundings of Nymboida Camping and Canoeing, the Clarence Valley Camp Oven Festival is a weekend full of entertainment for the whole family.

We kick off at 4pm on Friday, August 17 and

continues until 4pm on Sunday, August 19 with live bands, bush poetry, competitions and performances, camp oven cooking demonstrations and competitions and much more.

Come and join us as we celebrate our diverse Aussie culture at: Location: Nymboida Camping and Canoeing, 3518-3520 Armidale Road, Nymboida, Grafton area. All ages. Ticket info: Weekend Festival Pass Adult: $60. Weekend Festival Pass (5-15 Years): $25. Weekend Festival Pass with Camping: $84.

Weekend Festival Pass with cabin accommodation twin share: $110. Adults Friday night only: $10. Children (5-15 – Friday night only): $5. Adults Saturday all day: $40. Children (5-15 – Saturday all day): $15.

Adults Sunday: $10.

Children (5-15 – Sunday): $5. Door sales only.

For more go to: eventfinda.com.au /2018/clarence-valleycamp-oven-festival

Hello from SCCA …

August sees SCCA joining with other local organizations to promote “Living Well” for our community.

There is a perception that older people can’t learn and are not creative. But here’s the good news according to the www.ageingcreatively.com.au website.

“We are born with a 100 billion neurons and each one of them is capable of making 10,000 connections. Every one of us continues to produce new brain cells until the day we die.”

Based upon the New Line Cinema film Written by Tim Herlihy

Research tells us that social isolation is not healthy for humans but in today’s world, especially for many older people, this is the norm.

Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia).

All performance materials supplied by Hal Leonard Australia.

August 16th - 26th 2018

Thursday August 16th 7:30pm Friday August 17th 7:30pm Saturday August 18th 7:30pm Sunday 19th August 2:00pm Friday August 24th 7:30pm Saturday August 25th 7:30pm Sunday 26th August 2:00pm

Currently, there is a growing movement for older people to tap into their creativity and connect with each other and their wider community through expressing itwhether via an ‘art’ or by way of learning, teaching or sharing life skills.

So get creative and Live Well! See you at the Expo.

Michelle

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

TICKETS ONSALE 16TH JULY AT BUCKLEYS MUSIC GROUP BYO Drinks and Nibbles Light Refreshments Available

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

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Book by Music by Lyrics by MATTHEW CHAD and TIM CHAD SKLAR BEGUELIN HERLIHY BEGUELIN

Creativity is inherent in how we connect and share information. When you think about it, most art forms are about communication, aren’t they? Think about the best books, movies, images and music - they’re all communicating something to you from the creator/s of that work. And when they are successful, they generate more communication and connection.

14

PROFILE STORY

JULY, 2018// SENIORS

Age of celebrity chef Dealing with a plateful of family, food and fame Ann Rickard SUNSHINE Coast chef, restaurateur and television personality Peter Kuruvita returns to the television screen this month with his popular Coastal Kitchen series, this time to shine a light on the Margaret River region.

With a frantic schedule that keeps him stretched all year, he spoke to Seniors Newspapers about how he deals with the stresses of the kitchen, running his restaurants and life filming on the road.

“Filming and being on the road is all part of the job, and at the end of the day I end up in the kitchen anyway,” he said.

“I now find myself in at least 10-20 different kitchens every year.

“This is great motivation to learn and adapt to new environments.

“I love the challenge; it keeps my mind fresh and active.”

With the recent tragic death of rock-star chef Anthony Bourdain, Peter Kuruvita believes more than ever in the importance of keeping mind and body active and healthy.

“It is tragic when someone who has it all commits suicide,” he said.

“It was very sad that he was struggling so much.

“Even sadder that he left behind a 12-year-old daughter.

“To me, my family is important, way more important than myself.

LIFESTYLE BALANCE: Peter Kuruvita lives a fulfilling life.

“I get regular health checks and try to eat healthy food.

“I reason with myself that good things are a positive and that I am travelling well, and the negatives are a lesson in how I could do better.

“I try not to let bad thoughts get the best of me and try to look forward positively.

“Each person has their own way of coping with this type of challenge.

“When I am travelling, I go to the gym, do not go out, and immerse myself in the work.

“I often joke with people that when I walk into a hotel, the only time I leave is to get into the taxi to the airport.

“This is the way I deal with it.”

The new series of

Coastal Kitchen sees Peter meeting with traditional owners to hear their stories, artisanal producers to learn their craft, passionate farmers who are transforming the future of agricultural and aqua-cultural practice and award-winning wine makers who have defined the region.

“Just meeting the people was a highlight but cooking a whole lamb on a homemade spit was a bit of fun,” he said.

“I was also so impressed with the Bravo apple. It inspired me to make five dishes with the humble apple.

“There was one surprise, Mike the man who makes the black garlic was an ultra-marathon runner, he was second best in the

Photo: Dan Freene ACS

world, able to run for days straight.

“I was blown away with that bit of knowledge.

“People are all different and interesting.

“It is always good to spend time talking to new people – you never know what you will find out.

“What really surprised me was the amount of tree changers that have moved to Margaret River.

“It seems that most of the people I met had another life before going into what I was talking to them about.”

Inspired by the beauty of the landscape and the glorious food and wine in the region, Peter also cooked a variety of dishes incorporating his Euro-Sri Lankan culinary ethos with the Margaret River discoveries, all to make

‘‘

I have often thought that if all was to fail, how would I deal with it mentally? an insightful and entertaining six-part television series.

Peter’s advice to seniors, apart from escaping with him to the beautiful WA region and enjoying his new television series, is to keep fit and always push yourself, regardless of

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age and stage of life.

“Constantly keep your mind active and look forward to things,” he said.

“Physically I push myself.

“I’ve had three shoulder reconstructions, and three knee arthroscopes.

“After each surgery, I’ve pushed my rehab and pushed through the pain, so I can get as close to 100 per cent as possible.

“Lack of mobility can really be a bummer.

“It can mess with your mind and make you feel like you cannot do the things you used to.

“An example is that I do not have much cartilage left in my knees and they used to ache a lot. I could have thought ‘that was it’, but I was told if the muscles around the knee were strong it would be better.

“They were right. I can do most things totally pain free and I surf and cycle every day.

“My shoulders are the same – I can now lift my body weight with no pain at all.

“As you age, you need to keep strong to live a fun and long life.

“I have often thought that if all was to fail, how would I deal with it mentally?

“I have decided I will always keep that in mind so as I age and slow down, it will not be a shock.

“Everyone is different; this is just my way of looking ahead to fun and family as far into the future as I possibly can.

“Be positive, love life and remember that your family are also part of your life and they will be affected by any thing you do, good or bad.”

■ Peter Kuruvita’s Coastal Kitchen screens on SBS, Thursdays at 8pm.

SENIORS \\JULY, 2018

15

Join the campaign to end elder abuse

NATIONAL Seniors has joined a new concerted campaign to help stop elder financial abuse.

The campaign includes the Australian Banking Association, Council on the Ageing, the Older Persons Action Network and the Financial Services Union.

People are being urged to write to their state and territory Attorney-Generals to introduce three key changes to help better recognise, report and stamp out elder financial abuse.

The changes are: Standardised power of attorney orders around Australia; Establish an online register of powers of attorney; and Establish a hotline for people and bank staff to report suspected elder financial abuse.

The Australian Banking Association’s Anna Bligh said this was a chance for all Australians to show their support and

call on lawmakers to make the changes needed without further delay.

“While elder abuse can take many forms, elder financial abuse is one of the most common forms

‘‘

A chance for all Australians to call on lawmakers to make the changes and one that local bank branch staff witness regularly,” Ms Bligh said.

“The Australian public can now take part in our campaign by logging onto our website and writing directly to their state or territory or federal attorneys-general calling on them to take urgent

action.

“Bank staff unfortunately all too often see people who are their customers being pressured to give access to their accounts and the accounts being drained by family member or by friends they trust and care about.

“This is a really difficult, complex problem, but there are things that can be done about it.

“We need a standardised power of attorney order, with an online register and a designated safe place to report suspected abuse to help address this growing problem in our community.

“Australian banks, along with seniors’ groups and the Financial Services Union, are calling on the Federal Government and the states and territories to take these actions to empower local branch staff to detect and report suspected elder financial abuse.

Talk 'n' thoughts

“The last meeting of Attorneys-General was an important step in taking action, however, every day we delay the problem continues and grows in our community.”

To join the campaign, go to: ausbanking.org.au/ elderabuse.

ELDER ABUSE: The ALRC recommendations balances dignity and autonomy on one hand with protection and safeguarding on the other.

New rules for compassionate super release of early release applications, improve the integrity of the process and allow the funds to be released more quickly to successful applicants,” Minister O’Dwyer said.

The ATO is responsible for most of an individual’s interactions with the superannuation system.

This change will enable the ATO to build on these existing relationships and provide a more streamlined service to members.

A key improvement under the new process is the ATO providing

electronic copies of approval letters to superannuation funds at the same time as to the applicant.

This will mitigate fraud risk and negate the need for superannuation funds to independently verify the letter with the Regulator.

Individuals will also upload accompanying documentation simultaneously with their application, rather than the current ‘two-step process’.

DHS will accept early release applications up until 30 June 2018.

SUPERANNUATION: Government reforms planned to give consumers more power.

There will be a short transition period where DHS will continue to process those existing applications and complete any necessary reviews.

From 1 July 2018 the ATO

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will process all new applications.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank DHS and its staff for administering the early release provisions since

2011,” Minister O’Dwyer said.

This transfer of function is one of a range of measures the Government is progressing to ensure that the rules governing superannuation serve the interests of members.

It complements the review underway on the rules governing the early release of superannuation benefits on compassionate grounds and in cases of severe financial hardship.

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THE Turnbull Government is improving the early release of superannuation process by ensuring successful applicants receive funds sooner in their time of need.

From July 1, responsibility for the administration of the early release of superannuation benefits on compassionate grounds was transferred from the Department of Human Services (DHS) to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

“These changes will expedite the assessment

16

FEATURE

JULY, 2018// SENIORS

THE GIFT OF GIVING

Join Coffs City Rotary for friends making a difference MANY BENEFITS: Volunteering and helping others can keep you young at heart, build friendships and provide a sense of purpose.

Photo: bowie15

Limitless possibilities research shows that just two to three hours per week, or about 100 hours a year, can confer the most benefits — to both you and your chosen cause.

The important thing is to volunteer only the amount of time that feels comfortable to you.

Volunteering should feel like a fun and rewarding hobby, not another chore on your to-do list.

Unlike your professional career, you don’t need qualifications and experience to explore new paths, all you need is time and a willingness to help.

The possibilities in volunteering are

limitless…you can be an historian, a librarian, a curatorial assistant, an event planner, a wildlife rescuer, a secretary, a shop assistant, a chef, an accountant, or a driver, and while the benefits to your local community are undeniable, the benefits can be even greater for you.

Volunteering and helping others can keep you young at heart, keep you mentally stimulated, reduce stress, combat depression, build friendships and provide a sense of purpose.

For more information. phone (02) 6640 3813

How Giving to Others Makes You Happier and Healthier

REWARDING: Volunteering gives you a chance to help others in your community.

Photo: Wavebreakmedia their goals, along with myriad other youth activities.

We are a service club.

Our business is people.

Our product is service.

Rotarians provide community service to local and international communities.

This is perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian: the chance to do something for somebody else and to feel the self-fulfilment that comes in the process and return

of that satisfaction to one’s own life.

It is richly rewarding.

If you have retired or relocated to Coffs Harbour and are looking to connect with people who love making a difference, then we invite you to come along to our weekly meeting held at the Coffs Ex-Services Club (C’ex) every Monday at 12.30pm.

Go to coffscityrotary.org.au.

COFFS CITY ROTARY

Proudly Servicing Coffs Community Since 1986 Enhance your life by joining us.

Simply come along to our next meeting Every Monday at 12:30pm

Raising funds for charity, enjoying friendships, organising events, helping the local community and beyond

Benefits of volunteering....

Lets “Make a Difference” together www.coffscityrotary.org.au

• Connects you to others • Is good for your mind and body • Brings fun and fulfillment to your life

Meetings held every Monday at 12:30pm at:

Call us today on

Vernon Street, Coffs Harbour

6640 3812

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Become a Rotarian today

ENQUIRIES - GEOFF 0411 269 685

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HERE’S a one-stop shop to find the best volunteer position for you.

Volunteering Clarence Valley is a volunteer resource centre servicing the local volunteer sector.

We can discuss a large range of volunteer opportunities across all industries and provide you with contacts and referrals to those that most appeal to you. While there are numerous volunteer opportunities available, the key is to find a volunteer position that you would enjoy and meets your goals.

Volunteering doesn’t have to take over your life to be beneficial. In fact,

AROUND the world, practically every religion, country, culture, race, creed, political persuasion, language, colour and ethnic identity is found in Rotary.

Joining Rotary means instant friends in both one’s own community and in the world community.

We at Coffs City Rotary pride ourselves on being involved in some of the biggest and best events on the Coffs Coast, including the C’ex McDonald’s Coffs Coast Cycle Challenge, Bonville Golf Charity Day and Wine Beer and Food Fair.

Funds raised from our activities are donated to Rotary and local charities.

Coffs City Rotary is also proud to support the National Youth Science Forum by identifying and supporting talented young science students and aiding them in pursuing

SENIORS \\JULY, 2018

FEATURE

17

THE GIFT OF GIVING

Community engagement Learn skills with the NSW Rural Fire Service

CARE AND SUPPORT: Volunteering gives you the opportunity to meet new friends and keep active.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter, but being a Helicopter Volunteer means much more than this.

Volunteering is a great means to engage with your community, the opportunity to meet new friends and for some provides an avenue to adjust to a life of

retirement and keep active on a weekly basis through functions and outings.

The service has volunteer co-ordinators who support the volunteers with inductions, uniforms and rostering.

The team at the Westpac Rescue

Helicopter know that for some volunteers, their time spent supporting the service can also have a deeper meaning, with many having a connection due to either themselves, a family member or friend having been transported in an emergency at some stage.

If you have a few hours

to spare each week, or maybe as little as once a month, your support can make all the difference and will you will help save lives.

To find out more, phone 1800 155 155 or email enquires@rescue helicopter.com.au.

Community ‘back bone’ needs more volunteers GRAFTON Meals on Wheels has been delivering nutritious meals across the Clarence for over 50 years.

Today they operate from Bacon Street in Grafton and rely heavily

on the generosity of local volunteers. Delivering up 90 meals a day in Grafton and up to 300 meals to Evans Head and Ballina, there is always a need for more helpers. Meals on Wheels manager Jenny

Davidson would like to thank all of the wonderful volunteers who she says “without their help, we would not exist”.

“They are the back bone of our community and it is a highlight of my every day to see how

these helpers are improving their own lives by making a difference in our community,” she said.

If you would like to give back by joining the volunteer team, pop into the Bacon Street depot

and grab a police check form. Once your check has been processed and approved you can then choose to help in either the kitchen or do a run delivering meals.

Phone (02) 6642 3879.

THERE are many reasons to join the NSW Rural Fire Service.

You may want to protect your family and friends, your home and assets, your community or your way of life.

Volunteering offers the opportunity to learn new and valuable skills that will not only assist you in your voluntary role but also in day-to-day life.

It can provide an opportunity to meet people you wouldn’t normally meet.

For many of our members, it’s also about being part of a wonderful tradition and an organisation with a very proud history.

What role can I play?

The NSW RFS relies on a team of dedicated women and men who fulfil a range of important roles including: ■ Firefighting ■ Administration ■ Communication ■ Catering ■ Community ■ Education/ engagement ■ Training ■ Operational logistics ■ Support ■ Equipment maintenance ■ Youth development.

No matter what your experience, there’s a role for nearly everyone.

Becoming a volunteer with the NSW RFS is easy. To apply, contact your local rural fire brigade or phone Coffs Harbour Fire Control Centre (02) 6651 6133.

Make a difference

volunteer with the nsw rfs Visit: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au | email: volunteer@rfs.nsw.gov.au

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Meals on Wheels Grafton supplying meals to M the aged and disadvantaged.

Please call us if you can help in our kitchen or delivery areas.

Volunteering with us is very rewarding

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

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VOLUNTEERS are the backbone of many community groups, service clubs, sporting clubs and charities all across Australia.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service – with bases in Newcastle, Tamworth and Lismore – is one such organisation, who relies heavily on the willingness of volunteers, through their gift of time and energy to help raise vital funds to help save lives.

Since the service’s early beginnings, volunteers have been integral to their operations and in 2018, they remain an important part of who they are and what they do.

There are 37 support groups and more than 1000 volunteers throughout Northern New South Wales, who wear their red helicopter volunteer shirt with pride.

You might have noticed them in your community at local events, op shops, shopping centres, cooking up a storm at sporting grounds or hardware stores, or you might have added a few coins to the tin they were shaking.

The one common goal for all of their Volunteers is to help ensure that nobody will ever have to pay to be assisted by the

18

FEATURE STORY

JULY, 2018// SENIORS

Shaping a future with education

Hairdresser teaching a generation in South Africa Gail Forrer MARIETTA Millard might be thousands of miles from home, but she feels right at home in a hairdressing salon in Brisbane.

This month, the vibrant 68-year-old South African discovered Alexa’s Teneriffe salon on her first Australian visit to see her brother, the legendary cricketer Kepler Wessels.

With her father a vascular surgeon and her brother’s high-profile career (Kepler Wessels captained South Africa after playing 24 Tests for Australia and he was the first man to have played one-day international

cricket for two countries), it would have been easy for Marietta to lead a reasonably quiet and comfortable life.

Instead, in her mid-30s, after attaining degrees in teaching and acting, she travelled yet another road into hairdressing.

Once she had attained her qualifications, she merged these skills with her teaching practice and some 26 years ago established what has now become the biggest hairdressing training school in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Today, most students, some 150, come from the Xhosa tribe and for students considered as

disadvantaged the government allocates bursaries to pay their fees.

“I love working with the learners,” Marietta said.

Her joy in teaching means she harbours no thoughts of retirement.

“I’m there from 7.30am to 4.30pm five days a week. It’s an adventure,” she said. “I’ll work until I drop.”

In South African hairdressing, there are three areas where qualifications must be gained – caucasian hair, Afro hair and barbering.

Marietta praises many of the young women for their digital dexterity, resulting in creative styles through braiding and

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LEFT: A student in training (above) and (below) students work on styling. LEAD PICTURE: Marietta Millard and daughter Anny. weaving.

But male students make up a significant part of the classes.

Marietta described the auspicious day a young boy’s grandmother came to Eastern Cape and asked her to admit her grandson who was deaf and dyslexic.

“She told me he was passionate about learning hairdressing,” she said.

At first Marietta said she wondered if his hearing impairment would affect his learning ability.

But on second thoughts, she felt it wasn’t up to her to say she wouldn’t train him – rather it was up to her to give him a go.

“It’s always been in my heart to give back, no matter how different the circumstances,” she said.

It turned out the young man, Sheldon Aspeling, could lip read and interpret through movements.

Soon the class was communicating through sign language and after three years of training he graduated.

In 2016, Sheldon joined many of the college’s alumni and opened his own successful salon in Port Elizabeth.

As Marietta talks, it’s evident that this vivacious woman sees more than students, rather she sees a generation of South Africans with education and training to carve out a life for themselves.

STUDENT’S HAIR HERO

A further insight to Marietta comes from a

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former student, Leo Van Deventer, who nominated her for a ‘Hair Hero’ award. He wrote: “I would like to nominate Marietta Millard, director of Images 1 Hair Academy in Port Elizabeth.

“Marietta is like a mother to all hairdressers in Port Elizabeth.

“She not only teaches with love and patience, she also uplifts the community by training less privileged students with the skills development program.

“Marietta once planted a tiny seed in my heart...

If you can dream it, you can do it. I’ve carried these words with me every day.

“She’s a mentor like no other.

“Need help starting your salon? Call Marietta.

Need well-trained staff?

Call Marietta. Need a shoulder to cry on? Call Marietta.

“She’s always there, hairdressing related or not. So much love and respect for this inspiring, amazing, super awesome guru.

“May she keep touching hearts for many, many years to come.”

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SENIORS \\JULY, 2018

ESCAPE TO

island paradise Six tropical isles to keep your spirits warm PAGES 24 & 25

The Forum For Your Two Cents Join our exclusive online community, where you’ll find other seniors ready to socialise and share. Seniors online - connecting you to an exciting retirement.

Like us on Facebook!

Visit facebook.com/seniorsnews

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JULY, 2018// SENIORS

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Take time out to breath in the pure air of a pristine tropical island and totally rejuvenate

WINTER WARMTH: Kempinski Seychelles Resort, a tranquil winter hideaway in the Seychelles.

Photo: Tomas Alonso Salvado

Travel: Be dazzled by RUGGED adventure, soft beds, peaceful evenings, lively experiences: the choice is yours to make from any one of these islands in the sun that are waiting for you to discover.

BEDARRA ISLAND, AUSTRALIA

Your island delights may include moonlit meals, free diving, fishing, a view of dolphins and turtles or simply just star-gazing

IT’S the most perfect place to hide away from all the stresses of life, to chill out in warmth and warm up in luxury.

Located 10km off Mission Beach in tropical north Queensland, access to the island is via the daily fast boat or by helicopter from Cairns.

On the island are 10 villas in among the 45ha of tropical rainforest with a front yard view of the sublime views over the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

The open terrace restaurant, bar and lounge are the heart and soul of Bedarra, where the maximum of 20 guests meet to indulge in a delicious and ever-changing menu which changes daily, or at the open bar.

A candlelit dinner for two on your own private beach, a gourmet hamper

and your own dinghy for a romantic picnic on one of the nearby deserted islands or the entire resort with a group of friends, all is possible.

For the more active guests there are sea kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, snorkelling, fishing, tennis and self-guided interactive walks through the verdant rainforest.

For adventurers there is outer Great Barrier Reef snorkelling or SCUBA trips as well as deep sea fishing charters.

For more information, go to: bedarra.com.au.

MERGUI ISLANDS, MYANMAR

THE Andaman Sea archipelago, which is located off the far south coast of Myanmar, is comprised of 800 hundred islands that have coral reefs and beaches.

It offers opportunities for exploration and diving among spectacular marine life and untouched coral reefs. Access to the area is usually with a tour group.

It’s not just the scenery which makes the Myeik

Archipelago such a fascinating place to visit: its indigenous inhabitants, the Moken people, also known as the Salone or sea gypsies, are one of the most distinct of Myanmar’s many ethnic groups, living a nomadic, seabased life here.

They are the masters of free diving, being able to focus their vision underwater and hold their breath far longer than most other humans can.

There are three places to choose from that have good accommodation – MacLeod Island with its 22 bungalow Myanmar Andaman Resort which boasts outdoor activities including CMAS certified dive centre, snorkelling, island hopping tours, sea kayaking, hiking the island’s peak, swimming in the bay and traditional massage to bring an adventurous day to a close; the nearby Nyaung Oo Phee Resort, with luxury tent-style lodging; and the further out, the Boulder Bay Eco Resort on Boulder Island.

They are open October to the end of April.

It is also possible to do day trips to the archipela-

go from Kawthaung and from the town of Myeik as well as multi-day trips with overnight camping on the islands.

For more information, go to: go-myanmar.com/ the-myeik-archipelago.

MACKEREL ISLANDS, AUSTRALIA

This is the place to reconnect with your true nature at the stunning Mackerel Islands which are a two-hour flight and boat transfer from Perth.

Only two of the 10 pristine islands and atolls scattered across 22 miles off the coast of Onslow welcome guests – Direction Island and Thevenard Island.

You can go completely wilderness and rent the sole beach shack on Direction Island, or stay connected on Thevenard Island in a choice of beachfront cabins and club village accommodation.

If you are already in Onslow in the Pilbara region, you can take a 20 minute boat ride day trip out to the islands.

Soak up the fishing,

diving, snorkelling, swimming, boating, nature watching and relaxation in protected, calm waters and watch sea turtles haul themselves up the beach to lay eggs, glimpse dolphins and whales playing in the bluegreen waters, admire the kaleidoscope of colourful fish, crabs and stingrays among the coral reefs while you snorkel, or wrestle in the catch of your life from the Pilbara’s fishiest waters.

As the sun goes down and the night sky lights up with a dusting of silver, you can simply stargaze in awe and breathe in the quietness.

This is the amazing, off the beaten track experience.

For more information, go to: mackerelislands.com.au.

COCOS KEELING ISLANDS

They are Australia’s last unspoilt paradise, lying in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean and offering spectacular snorkelling, world-class diving, excellent fishing and the adrenalin-rush of kitesurfing.

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SENIORS \\JULY, 2018

Myanmar Andaman Resort on MacLeod Island.

Lombok, Indonesia.

Boulder Bay Eco Resort, Myanmar.

Cocos Keeling Islands.

Mackerel Islands, West Australia.

beauty of tropical isles You can relax on empty beaches, visit uninhabited islands by canoe, watch spectacular birdlife or catch the ferry to Home Island to stay at the original Clunies-Ross residence and discover the culture and traditions of the Cocos Malay people.

Located 2750km northwest of Perth, the Cocos Keeling Islands are a group of 27 coral islands that form two atolls.

Only two of are inhabited.

Virgin Australia flies twice weekly to the CKI from Perth.

There are eight accommodation places to chose from between West Island and CKI. Hire a car and go adventuring, play golf, learn Malay cooking, practice your wildlife photography with a local expert, experience a motorised canoe tour and a whole lot more while you drift along enjoying year-long warm days and balmy nights.

For more information, go to: cocoskeeling islands.com.au.

SEYCHELLES

Located in the western Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa, the Seychelles are made up of 115 granite and coral islands which extend from between four and 10 degrees south of the equator.

The climate is always warm with the temperature rarely dropping below 24°C or rising above 32°C. Fifteen of these islands, each with its own particular geography, character and history, have some form of accommodation.

There are affordable, new and refurbished hotels, self-catering and charming Creole guesthouses joining the ranks of existing five-star hotels and exclusive resorts.

There are four main islands – Mahé, Praslin, La Digue and Silhouette – with ferry services, domestic flights and helicopter transfers available on a daily basis.

The capital Victoria on Mahé has the National History Museum which is tiny, but full of information on music, local customs and superstitions and, of

SUN ISLANDS: The giant tortoises of the Seychelles Islands.

Photo: Torsten Dickmann / Facebook

course, the prized national plant coco de mer.

The Seychelles are renowned for their diversity: for their multi-ethnicity, culture, flora and fauna.

They offer lots of experiences – fishing, sailing and cruising, diving and snorkelling, spa retreats, island-hopping, golf and trekking.

The islands’ geography includes lofty, cloud-covered, mist forests that are home to ferns and other moisture-loving species,

through lower woodlands with their variety of palms, right down to a shoreline fringed in some places by mangroves and their associated ecosystems.

For more information, go to: seychelles.travel/en.

LOMBOK, INDONESIA

The 80km wide island is located between Bali and Sumbawa in eastern Indonesia. Its capital is Mataram.

Lying just eight degrees below the equator, the climate is a very pleasant 21°C to 33°C. The best time to travel there is during its dry season of May to October.

Lombok is dominated by 3762m Mount Rinjani.

The island centre has rich alluvial plains and fields irrigated by water flowing from the mountains.

There are various vegetation and animals that are found in Australia because this Island is like

a line that divides Asian and Australian flora and fauna.

The natural beauty of the island is beguiling.

You can stretch the legs on amazing walks and mountain hikes, surf, dive, snorkel, horse cart riding, cooking classes, cycling, learn to weave, immerse yourself in the many cultures of the islands, and shop for stunning pearls.

Some of the attractions that should be on your list are Senggigi beach, Gili Air, Cakranegara, Mount Rinjani, Gili Trawangan, Lombok Kuta Beach, Narmada Park and Mayura Park.

The diving is not to be missed with the underwater life of Lombok incredibly beautiful. Surfers also come to Lombok, especially South Lombok.

There are simply numerous choices of resort, luxurious and affordable hotels dotted across the island.

You can choose from several airlines that fly Australia to Lombok with one stop on the way.

For more details, go to: lombok-tourism.com.

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JULY, 2018// SENIORS

Wine, dine across Victoria

TANTALISING TOUR: Enjoy some bubbles at the beautiful Chandon winery in Victoria’s famed Yarra Valley. breathtaking scenery.

Visit the Yarra Chocolaterie for chocolate and ice cream tastings and the beautiful Chandon winery where a tour and bubbles tasting is a must.

Guests will also visit Yering Station for a fabulous modern French lunch and indulge in a wine tasting session at the historic Coombe Yarra Valley Estate, once owned

by Dame Nellie Melba.

You will also get the chance to explore the beautiful seaside area of the Mornington Peninsula where you will experience more gourmet delights and boutique wineries.

Next is the Montalto

Winery and Olive Grove for lunch and a wander through the sculpture garden.

Tuck into breakfast and bubbles at the Woodman Estate, experience Arthurs Seat gondola and

fly over the state forest and take in the breathtaking views of the peninsula, then visit a Main Ridge goat farm.

The tour would not be complete without a classic paddock to plate experience at the Linenderry Winery’s famed Linden Tree Restaurant for a delicious dinner with paired wines.

On the last day, you will visit Cruden Farm, the much-loved home of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, for morning tea.

All these amazing food and wine experiences, including accommodation, return economy airfares from Brisbane, coach and coach captain, seven breakfasts, one morning tea, one afternoon tea, three lunches, four dinners, all touring and meals admissions as per the itinerary is only $3480 per person, twin share (single supplement $698).

For more information on this Mouth-Watering Melbourne Tour, phone 1300 551 997 or 3868 4760, or email info@goseetouring.com or go to: goseetouring.com.

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HERE’S a mouth-watering opportunity too delicious to miss.

You are invited to join in a delectable tour to experience the sight, sounds and cuisine of Australia’s food capital on Go See Touring’s escorted tour to Melbourne.

Christine Perkin, a long-time local and wine and food aficionado, will host the tour and take you to her favourite restaurants and wineries in and around Melbourne for eight deliciously decadent days.

You will experience Neil Perry’s Spice Temple for dinner at the Crown Casino, lunch at Shannon Bennet’s Jardin Tan in the stunning Royal Botanical Gardens, take a Le Cucina di Sandra cooking class and enjoy an Italian cooking and eating experience, see the magnificent old-world Windsor Hotel for afternoon tea and the amazing Tram Car Restaurant, and visit the iconic Queen Victoria Market.

The trip takes in the picturesque Yarra Valley where you will experience quality food and wine and

VIETNAM EXPLORER

EUROPE IN DEPTH

$2,625 15 Day Tour Dep. Oct 17

$9,575 33 Day Tour Dep. Nov 1

Flying Singapore Airlines into Saigon and out of Hanoi plus 2 flights within Vietnam.

4 nights Saigon, 4 nights Hanoi, 4 nights Hoi An, 1 night Halong Bay with cruise

Flying Singapore Airlines into London & out of Paris. 31 day tour of western & central Europe visiting 11 countries. 1 night Singapore stopover.

4 star accommodation.

ITALY, FRANCE & SPAIN

THAILAND 5 STAR TOUR

$5,995 20 Day Tour Dep. Sep 26

$2,990 12 Day Tour Dep. Oct 17

VIETNAM & CAMbODIA ADVENTURE TOUR $4825 24 Day Tour Dep. Mar 5 Flying Singapore Airlines into Hanoi & out of Siem Reap. 18 day tour of Vietnam off the beaten track, 4 day Cambodia tour including Angkor Wat.

KOREA CHERRY bLOSSOM TOUR

Flying Cathay Pacific into Madrid & out of Rome. Flying Thai into Bangkok. 3 nights Bangkok, 7 16 day tour from Madrid to Rome,, including the nights in a superb beach-front resort hotel in $4985 15 Day Tour Dep. Mar 29 Hua Hin. Full program of included day tours.

French Riviera. 2 days Hong Kong.

Flying Cathay Pacific into Busan & out of Seoul.

11 day South Korean tour during cherry blossom THAILAND & CHIANG MAI NEW ZEALAND GARDEN TOUR time. 2 days Hong Kong with tours.

$5,835 15 Day Tour Dep. Oct 24

FLORAL FESTIVAL

Flying Qantas into Auckland & out of Christchurch.

15 day tour of both north & south islands with inter-island cruise. Visits to 12 spectacular gardens plus the usual tour highlights.

$3,490 2 Week Tour Dep. Jan 28

IRAN (PERSIA) $6,495 15 Day Tour Dep. Oct 31

AMERICA’S GOLDEN WEST

Flying Thai into Bangkok plus a flight within $4595 17 Day Tour Dep. Mar 29 Thailand. 13 day tour of Thailand including visits Flying Qantas into Los Angeles. 15 day tour of California, Arizona & Nevada including Las to 6 spectacular gardens & orchid nurseries.

Vegas & several national parks.

ISRAEL & JORDAN

$7,995 20 Day Tour Dep. Feb 5

ACROSS AMERICA

Flying Qatar Airlines into Tehran & out of Shiraz. Flying Emirates into Amman Jordan. 5 day $7465 29 Day Tour Dep. May 7 Visits many historical sites including Persepolis. Jordan tour including Petra. 11 day Israel tour. 2 Flying Qantas into New York & out of Los Small group tour. night Dubai stopover.

Angeles. 27 day tour right across U.S.A..

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

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SENIORS \\JULY, 2018

PROFILE STORY

‘‘

Handicap of 23 at 97 years young Quinn Jones

Golf truly is ‘the game for life’ for Australian seniors.

GREAT GOLFER: Golfing equals health, happiness and friends for Tom Tyne.

Federal Golf Club in Canberra and Bega in southern NSW. He’s even part of a group that take monthly golf trips across the nation.

“I really look forward to those trips and getting together and just being with other people,” he said.

“When you live on your own that becomes really important. It’s hard to imagine what life would be without golf. Even now I’m dreading saying it’s time to call it a day.”

Vic may not be as active on the fairways as he once was, a series of injuries ending his regular

hit, but the former four-handicapper believes his more youthful playing days put him in good stead heading into his twilight years.

“Walking. Whether it’s on the course or elsewhere, is a fantastic pastime,” he said.

“Your mind wanders away, and it’s not only exercising your muscles, it’s exercising your mind as well and keeping it active.

“I miss walking the golf course because in a cart you don’t see the same things as you do on foot.

You can see the break and feel how the ground moves underneath you

when you walk.”

The health benefits of playing the game as you age are enough to convince anyone to pick up the clubs and head out the door: Seniors who play golf are happier and are less likely to suffer from chronic disease such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

But if you needed concrete, flesh and blood evidence, then look no further than Tom. A war veteran, Tom maintains the game has kept him in great physical condition – even spurning the chance for a comfy ride in a cart just to prove

he can still walk the walk as much as he talks the talk.

“I’ll play with anybody and give them a good run,” he said.

“I’ve always had a bit of muscle in my arms and if I have that I know I’m going to go out there and do all right.

“Everyone comes up and shakes my hand now.

I’m getting more shakes of the hand and compliments since I turned into the 90s than ever before.

“So I’ll keep playing as long as I can. Golf’s been a big part of my life, and I’ll keep it that way for as long as possible.”

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TOM Tyne pulls out the driver and stares down the fairway. He cranks his arms back and lets rip, watching the ball soar out of sight. A smile beams across his face as his playing partners mutter to themselves: another long day at the office against Tom! The South West Rocks native plays golf once a week, boasts he can beat anyone on “the day” and has a handicap of 23.

He’s also 97 years old!

“What other game could you still be playing into your 90s?” Tom asked when questioned

by Golf NSW about his love of the game.

“Maybe Lotto, but you can’t win at that!”

Health, happiness, friendship – golf truly is ‘the game for life’ for Australian seniors.

The game has long been associated with the older generation – and for good reason.

Golf offers unique benefits unlike any other sport: a low-impact physical activity that entices players into nature alongside some great friends.

“I treasure those days,” Pat King, 84, said.

“If I didn’t have golf to go to I would probably be doing something at home and not getting out and

talking to people.”

Pat regularly hits a round at the Port Kembla Golf Club near Wollongong.

And though her handicap has taken a hit in her later years and she’s partial to a trip around the course in a cart these days, she wouldn’t give up the game for anything in the world.

“I think it’s important to keep playing as long as you can,” she said.

“It’s just such a wonderful game in so many ways. I always enjoyed the challenge of it as well as being out on the course itself and the surrounds.

“And I’ve made some very special friends thanks to the game as well.”

Friendship and social interaction is one of the game’s greatest gifts to seniors. Australia faces serious questions as its population continues to age, several of them concerning isolation and loneliness.

But golf gives players a break from their routine, a chance to meet new people and make long-standing friendships.

Vic Nunn is a testament to that power.

The 85-year-old lives alone and while he doesn’t play as much as he once did, he regularly makes the trip to both the

23

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FEATURE STORY

JULY, 2018// SENIORS

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I changed and adapted the lyrics to suit the song...

INTERNET SENSATIONS: Coolum Men’s Shedders in fine form.

A Men’s Shed goes global with a surprise hit song ALL men need a shed.

It’s a simple message that has connected with senior men across the world after a revamped Aussie folk classic became a global surprise hit.

Members of the Coolum Men’s Shed gave it little thought when they posted their song - a reworked version of John Williamson’s All Australian Boys Need A Shed – to YouTube last week.

But the men were shocked when, overnight, the song, with its lyrics of mateship and having a place to come together, had travelled across the

world and back!

“How would you feel?” song writer and guitar player Ross Baldwin asked the Seniors News.

“I’m a retired music teacher, I’m now 68 going on to 69 … and one of my bucket lists was to record some of the music I produced.

“It all occurred from a song that was put together by the men’s shed probably about four years ago when we were first establishing ourselves in Coolum Beach.

“I changed and adapted the lyrics to suit the song … and now we’ve recorded it.

“It’s now gone overseas, it’s in almost every men’s shed country in the world and everyone

is loving it and they’re all coming back with wonderful feedback!

“We’ve been very fortunate to be able to do what we do and we’re very proud.”

Ross and other members from the men’s shed debuted the song when they were asked to perform at Crazy Musical Capers, a charity event sponsored by local choir Cool Harmonies, in 2014.

But it was when he, alongside fellow guitarist Doug Harbrow and harmonica player Paul Nicholas, played it late last year that a buzz began to grow around the tune.

“They asked us to sing it for the opening for the new shed,” he said. “And

we thought that was about it, thought that was all very well.

“Next thing, by that evening, we were all over the place! We didn’t realise how many people were (filming) it on their phones and doing all that stuff.”

Ross said even local politician Ted O’Brien got in on the act, sharing the song with his followers.

But the new-found attention unnerved some of the Coolum Men’s Shed members.

“A couple of the guys pressed the panic button and said: ‘John’s not going to be happy’,” Ross said.

“So I decided, rather than getting a little summons at the door, I’d contact John Williamson

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and ask permission to use the words to the song.”

But Ross just didn’t ask.

Instead, the songwriter used his creative talents to win over a like-minded artist. He wrote him a poem.

These are just a few of the lines: “Gidday John Williamson. It’s Roscoe Baldwin here.

I was just sittin’ out the back, with my coldest stubbie of beer…

Mate I’ve sung your songs round Pubs and Clubs for as long as I can remember.

From Bill the Cat to Hey True Blue and that photo in December…

I’ve penned this verse.

For better or worse; to

humbly ask that you endorse, Our Coolum Men’s Shed anthem and not send us a legal discourse…”

How could John Williamson say no?

“When we finished recording our version of the song, we had official recognition and permission from John Williamson to do it,” Ross said.

Now Ross, Doug, Paul and the Men’s Shed Crew – Mike Griffin (vocals), Stephen Foote (vocals), Geoff Hawes (vocals) and Fredi Hartsch (vocals) – are sharing their message around the world, one view at a time.

“We’ve got one thousand views! How about that?!” Ross said.

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SENIORS \\JULY, 2018

FEATURE STORY

25

An Outback Odyssey

Mates call time out to enjoy adventure of the open road Andrew Mevissen TURNING off your car ignition is not usually a big deal but at the end of an epic road trip across Australia, arriving back in your home driveway becomes a poignant moment of reflection.

What started as a wild idea over a beer with a mate – to escape our busy, domestic lives for two weeks and roam the outback – had become reality and now it was over.

While many just talk and dream about the great, Australian road trip, we did it – a daunting drive from our homes in Mittagong, south of Sydney, all the way to the top of Kakadu - and back.

All up, 8600km, including side trips – all in 15 days.

Day one of our daring adventure began with a restful bush camp beside the Murray at Robinvale before we pushed north-west through Renmark, Burra, Port

Augusta and Cooper Pedy along the seemingly endless, black belt which connects Australia’s top and bottom, the Stuart Hwy. The lure of the open road and the big horizons of the outback was compelling. Two mates chasing freedom and adventure on a “boy’s trip” across the continent.

As we ate up the ks, we played music – loudly –solved world problems, shared life stories, laughed till it hurt, daydreamed out the window, ate too many roadhouse meals, slapped together sausage camp dinners in world record time, toasted sunsets over campfires, stayed in some dodgy motels when camping seemed too hard, shaved our full heads of hair as a desert dare, encountered swarms of flies immune to Aeroguard, visited pubs in the middle of nowhere and met so many colourful characters along the way – each with an emotive

OUTBACK JOURNEY: Author Andrew Mevissen. back story worthy of reality TV treatment.

And when something interesting grabbed our attention, like the eye-dazzlingly white expanse of Lake Hart, a huge salt lake near Woomera, we stopped and stared in awe.

While our destination was Kakadu and its wild swimming holesour trip was all about the journey: the magic of unfolding scenery, the overwhelming scale of our great continent, the simple joys

of moments unplanned and our own pursuit of happiness. Each day promised new discoveries.

Finally crossing into the Northern Territory, we treated ourselves to a bit of luxury with a night at the Double Tree by Hilton in Alice Springs, with its soft beds, fine dining restaurant, inviting resort pool and relaxing jacuzzi.

Back to camping, we pushed further north past the intriguing Devil’s Marbles boulders at

Photo: Contributed

Tennant Creek, with a soak in the tropical, thermal pools at Mataranka before arriving at tropical Katherine for a two-day stay at the boutique Cicada Lodge at Nitmiluk Gorge. The highlight here was a Nitmiluk Tours helicopter ride to a remote waterfall and swimming hole in the gorge and a dip at the paradisiacal Southern Rockhole waterfall.

And then, far from home, we were in Kakadu – Australia’s largest

national park, embracing 20,000 square kilometres of timeless landscapes, fresh and lush and pumping with water after the summer wet.

Based at Cooinda Lodge for two nights, we busily bagged a series of experiences we had dreamt about – swimming at impossibly beautiful waterfalls – Motor Car Falls was our favourite – seeing crocodiles on the Yellow Water Billabong and flying over spectacular Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls with Kakadu Air (another must if you want to take in the majesty of Kakadu but are short of time) or need to drive over 4000km back home as we did.

While our trip north was filled with anticipation, our journey back south the same way was more melancholic and on the last night, camped by the Murray again near Mildura, we relaxed by the campfire and reflected on our great escapade, vowing, from now on, to feel the freedom of the open road every year.

In the endless pursuit of happiness.

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Second Prize

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Third Prize

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Fourth Prize

$300

Fifth Prize

$200

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FEATURE STORY

JULY, 2018// SENIORS

Curious case of Irene Tracey Johnstone

ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT: Irene was given a Canon EOS M50 to record her more than 1000 memories of Greece.

Irene Zagoridis lives it up during her return trip to Greece.

Irene records experiences.

photographed a couple dancing in a cafe and before I knew it, one of them invited me to his 30th birthday gathering.

“Through them, I also discovered a poppy field not too far away – it made me feel like a little girl again, running through my grandmother’s farm.

“The whole experience was a special one for me, a dream come true. Using my camera also pushed me to see the world in a

Armed with her camera, Sydney’s Botanical Gardens, the Manly Ferry and more are experiences Irene now wants to enjoy and capture.

“I am finding out about Sydney all over again,” the happy traveller said.

“When the weather improves I am definitely not going to stay home all the time.”

Irene also spent a lot of time walking in Greece.

That experience refreshed

different way, something I had never done before.”

Back home, Irene admits she previously tended to stick to her own suburb.

“There is a lot of people like that, that don’t venture outside of their circle,” Irene said.

“It becomes like a habit. But when I came back I thought it would be nice to start becoming more familiar with my own city.”

her

Capturing the stark contrasts of colours in the back streets of a town Irene visited during her Greece trip. and reinvigorated her to keep walking since she returned home.

She took more than 1000 photos in Greece.

“You talk about curiosity. A photo just makes you want to keep taking photos because every single thing you capture you look at and think ‘oh wow, I didn’t do a bad job of that’ so I will take something else and do it a bit different.”

Once Irene finishes

collecting all her photos together she will have a family get-together to share her special journey.

To her friends, Irene says, “If you can, do it.

Because we can’t all do it.

If you can’t, think about what you would like to do and then slowly, slowly go forward towards it. It doesn’t matter how long it’s going to take, but at least you have interest, that feeling that I would really like to do that.”

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UNCURIOUS to start, it didn’t take long for Irene Zagoridis to step out of her comfort zone to rediscover her childhood memories and absorb the changed world when she returned to Greece after 63 years.

Irene travelled from Sydney back to Greece earlier this year as part of the Canon Australia’s bringyourcuriosity.com.au project.

She left behind her family to take on the journey that became one of self-discovery.

“I was born in Greece and came to Australia when I was nine,” Irene said.

“I haven’t travelled overseas in my lifetime and haven’t really been curious about what’s out there either. I guess it’s because everything in my life has been planned out, from my wedding and marriage to my children and family.”

So her daughter entered Irene in the Canon competition.

The 72-year-old was given an EOS M50 camera and set loose to experience Greece all over again.

“Going back there was such an unreal feeling,” Irene said.

“Growing up here, you tend to lose that little bit of your nationality because you are full on doing things here.

“This is my life and I am an Aussie, but born in Greece. When I went back it was just wow. It woke me up to what I really am about in a way.”

Irene found every day there was something new to spark her curiosity.

“I will never forget it as long as I live,” Irene added.

“One of the days I

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Men’s Health: Are your body panels bulging?

Get online and check the list Seniors News

IT DOESN’T matter whether you are in your 60s, 70s or older, it’s a good time to check out the girth of the hug; your waist.

You can use the following check list from Foundation 49 for some of the items you should consider talking to your GP about and to find out more information.

Gastro-intestional cancer (bearing rumples): gicancer.org.au/ gi-cancer-explained Kidney health (blocked fuel filters): gicancer.org.au/ gi-cancer-explained Exercise (body panels bulging): heartfoundation.org .au/active-living/getactive For more men’s health go to: malehealth.org.au.

GIRTH GUIDE: It might be a good time to get your waist health checked out.

Wellbeing

Why not become a Dementia Friend?

THE pollies are being asked to lead the lead the way in joining the social movement Dementia Friends which is helping to transform the way we think, act and talk about dementia, but why wait for them?

We can all help out now by joining in the free, online education program which provides access to resources to increase awareness and knowledge of dementia.

Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said the Dementia Friends program was an exciting opportunity for community engagement.

“By taking 15 minutes to sign up to be a Dementia Friend, you will open the doors to a program that will empower people who live with dementia to stay and remain their community with the respect and dignity they deserve,” Ms McCabe said.

“We now know from research that 70 per cent of people living with dementia are living in our communities, yet the majority feel a profound sense of isolation and lack of purpose due to the lack of awareness of dementia.”

Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt AM has put out the call all his ministerial colleagues.

“I am challenging all parliamentarians –

federal, state and territory – to sign up as a Dementia Friend today, to demonstrate support for the 425,000 Australians living with dementia and their families and carers,” Minister Wyatt said.

“Going online and joining Dementia Australia’s Dementia Friends program will help people understand more about this condition and how it affects the lives of so many people.”

The Federal Government has put in “a significant part” of the $3.9 million national Dementia-Friendly Communities project.

The initiative was developed after consultation with people living with dementia, their families and carers and with a wide variety of cultural organisations.

Dementia Australia has built on the global movement in place in the United Kingdom, other parts of Europe, the USA and Canada.

Those programs have inspired more than one million people to show their support and interest in finding out how they can make a difference to the lives of people impacted by dementia.

For more information about the Dementia Friends program, go to: dementiafriendly. org.au.

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WELLBEING

JULY, 2018// SENIORS

Think twice and check out your immunity Try an holistic approach to body’s good health THE downside to ageing is our immune system tends to struggle with winter ills such as respiratory tract infections.

Just having an annual flu injection isn’t enough.

It’s a misconception that this jab will cover you for all respiratory illnesses, Gold Coast holistic GP specialist Dr Cris Beer says. “It just covers you for influenza,” she said.

“It’s one of the thousands of respiratory viruses we can contract during the winter months, in particular, because we are indoors more and in closer contact with other humans.

“It does protect you against the flu in most cases, but it’s not fail-proof because it mutates so quickly. By the time we get the flu injection and then by the time the flu strain is out and about, which is this time of year, the virus has

mutated quite a bit so the influenza vaccine may not cover you completely,” Dr Beer added.

So, it’s important to look after your whole immune system all the time. You can start by using Blackmore’s online two-minute Immune Health Check at www.immunehealth check.com.au to test your immune health.

Then you can boost your immune system using the following six tips from Dr Beer.

Nutrition Fuel your body with a healthy dose of fresh fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and fibre-rich foods to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy in winter.

Include powerful antioxidants and foods which contain vitamin C and zinc. Good food choices include oranges, berries, kiwifruit, and

natural sources of prebiotics like yoghurt, garlic, kefir, kimchi, onions and leeks.

Hydration Water, water, water drink at least eight cups a day to help flush away unwanted toxins.

Caffeinated drinks like coffee can be dehydrating, so balance intake with clear water.

Herbal tea or hot lemon water can also be the perfect addition.

Sleep Restorative, good quality sleep is vital for winter wellness, as it’s when your body has the chance to rest and repair.

If your body is rundown, you can become more susceptible. Establish regular sleeping patterns and aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep every night.

Exercise A healthy and strong body can work wonders

WINTER HEALTH: Great tips for keeping your immune system strong. for supporting your immune system so get moving with regular, moderate exercise.

“Getting out for a brisk walk three mornings or afternoons a week of 20 to 30 minutes duration is enough to boost immune systems,” Dr Beer said.

Vitamin D

While you might be frightened about skin cancer, you still need to get a daily dose of natural Vitamin D. Step outside for a short while and enjoy a few warm rays, but avoid the hottest time of the day. It’s also worth asking your GP to check your Vitamin D levels. “It

Photo: iStock

doesn’t just affect bones,” Dr Beer said.

“We now know it also affects your immune system.”

Hygiene Be vigilant with washing your hands regularly, especially before handling food or touching your eyes, mouth or nose.

Hologram doctors? Seniors to stay at home longer in trial IMAGINE this scenario: Sitting in your loungeroom while you discuss medical advice with a hologram.

That could very well be a look into the not-too-distant future after the Australian Government launched a trial into home-based treatment that includes holographic virtual doctors.

The Australian-first Integrum Aged Care+ trial promises to reduce

hospitalisation and help senior Australians live independently in their homes for longer.

Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt said the trial, run by Silver Chain, a not-for-profit organisation delivering community health and aged care services, could hold the key to unlocking technologies that would assist seniors staying in charge of their health.

“This trial aims to overcome the challenges

of fragmented care and poorer patient experiences, which can happen when a person is transferred between hospitals, specialists and aged care providers,” Mr Wyatt said.

“It’s hoped that through Integrum, older Australians will have more control over their care, through a wraparound network that delivers both health and social support.

“It will include the

Australian-first application of the Enhanced Medical Mixed Reality interface, allowing healthcare professionals to link with doctors and data through holograms and video conferencing, while they are visiting clients’ homes.

“The Silver Chain Integrum team will communicate with the client’s regular GP, if they have one, to complement the care they provide as part of a shared care

model.

“This care team will oversee and manage processes like care planning, co-ordination of health and aged care services, referrals and escalation of care, if needed.

“The second phase of the trial will see the program offered to up to 300 people with multiple chronic conditions who have been hospitalised between one and five times in the previous

year.

“As part of the trial, the project team will be testing whether this integrated care approach helps senior Australians to better manage their conditions at home and reduce hospitalisations and emergency department visits.”

More details on the Integrum program are available at www.silverchain.org.au

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NVC is an approved Home Care Package provider and currently has vacancies for Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 Home Care Packages.

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Smile, oral help is at hand a skill and knowledge base as to how to deliver these services to all sorts of areas throughout Australia.”

Tracey Johnstone EVEN though more Australians are living longer and more are retaining their own teeth, it doesn’t mean teeth health in older Australians is improving.

Instead, the increase in population is adding further pressure to public dental health services.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare also reports up to two-thirds of older adults are financially disadvantaged, which can lead to affordability issues when accessing timely and appropriate dental care.

One group trying to make a dent in a ongoing battle of costs, availability and accessibility is the Australian Dental Health Foundation.

Chairman David Owen said its focus is on offering full-quality, pro bono dental services to less-advantaged Australians.

The foundation launched in 2008 with a focus on indigenous and rural communities, but

SCHOLARSHIPS

FOCUS ON DENTAL HEALTH: The Austalian Dental Health Foundation continues to build on its programs which help Australians access dental treatment.

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has since broadened its reach.

COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANTS

Thanks to assistance funding from US company Wrigley Foundation, these grants are given to volunteer dentists and dental students who take health initiatives into their communities.

REBUILDING

This program helps people recover the use of their mouths.

“Our first target audience is victims of domestic violence,” Mr Owen said.

This program, which has been running for about 18 months, receives its applications from DV support

agencies.

DENTAL RESCUE DAYS

Dentists nominate to open their practice for half a day or a full day to provide free services to people who have been identified by support agencies as needing dental services.

ADOPT A PATIENT Where a person needs

more than a single dental visit, a dentist may then ‘adopt’ the patient and continue their treatment until the problem is fixed.

“We are only a relatively small foundation and if we make too big a promise, we are not going to be able to service things,” Mr Owen said.

“So, we are building up

The foundation provides scholarships for indigenous students to pursue oral health therapy and dental hygiene education which they can then ultimately practice within their community.

Five study grants have been awarded this year.

The foundation is still developing its resources through the support of the Australian Dental Association and its members.

Mr Owen knows that at some stage the foundation will have a solid enough base to look at further developing its programs and take on more programs that benefit the community.

“As we progress, it will speed up very rapidly I believe,” Mr Owen said.

To find out more about the foundation and which agencies refer patients to participating dentists, go to: adhf.org.au.

Sink your teeth into some of these top dental prevention tips BABY Boomers and older Australians face real challenges with their oral health as a result of lifestyle choices of the past and the limited funding for public health dental services.

The Australian Dental Association is working to change the latter issue by pushing forward to the Federal Government the ADA’s Australian Dental Health Plan, but with no further dental services money in the May Budget, it’s an uphill battle.

Many of the dental health issues among our older community come from consuming

medications which can interfere with dental problems and cause dry mouth, and growing up in a non-fluoridated era which has led to loss of tooth structure.

“Because of the lack of tooth structure, the risk of things like tooth fractures is increased,” ADA president Dr Hugo Sachs said.

“When you come to fixing these sorts of problems, you are running into the most expensive end of dentistry.”

Aged Pension recipients can seek out free public dental services which are mostly financed by the

individual states, but Dr Sachs said there was a long waitlist of 18 months, two years or even longer.

“The per capita spend is pretty pathetic, to say the least,” Dr Sachs said.

“There is, at best, about 12 or 13 per cent of registered dentists working in the public sector and about a third of the population eligible to be treated.”

Those dentists are responsible for treating all community members, from teenagers right through to seniors, all vying for their time.

There is one bit of good news – in May the

Victorian Government announced a $12.1 million ‘dental waiting list blitz’ to drive down treatment delays, ensuring another 18,300 people will be treated by the end of June.

It’s hoped the other state governments will take notice.

diet.

■ Be wary of what you bite on, particularly if your teeth fracture easily.

■ Use a fluoridated toothpaste. If you have a high decay rate, then use a high-concentration toothpaste such as NeutraFluor 5000 and chew on sugar-free gum.

There are some things you can do to reduce the incidence of dental problems and the impact of those problems while waiting for treatment.

Some of these include: ■ Improve your oral hygiene.

■ Minimise sugar in your

Dry mouth increases the acid concentration which increases the decay rate of your teeth.

Talk to your GP about the medications that may be causing it.

There are several conditions that can cause dry mouth, such as

WHILE YOU WAIT

DRY MOUTH

Sjogren’s syndrome.

As saliva neutralises the effects of acid in your mouth, when your mouth feels dry you can make an artificial saliva using 500mls of water, a heaped teaspoon of soda bicarbonate and 10mls of glycerine which you can purchase from a chemist, and which you can then swill around your mouth and then spit out.

In an emergency, you can go to the outpatients at your local hospital to seek treatment or referral to a dentist that can treat your acute problem, or talk to local private practice dentist.

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FEATURE

JULY, 2018// SENIORS

SPOTLIGHT ON PARKINSON’S

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‘‘

Once we know what is wrong with the brain, then we can say these are the treatments that might work and we can start trialling them in people.

— Professor Caroline Rae

HEALTH SPOTLIGHT: Research continues into trying to understand the cause of Parkinson’s disease and how to treat it.

Searching for the signal Tracey Johnstone IT’S not curable yet, nor do we know what causes it, but early detection of the neurodegenerative disease Parkinson’s is gaining some ground through the work of researchers at the Neuroscience Research Australia.

“We are looking for a particular signal from an area of the brain called the substantia nigra,” NeuRA’s lead researcher Professor Caroline Rae said.

“It’s one of the first areas to disappear when a person gets Parkinson’s disease.

“Once someone has Parkinson’s, most of the substantia nigra is gone by that point.”

The researchers have been measuring the number of connections between the substantia nigra and other parts of the brain that it talks to.

They have found a person with Parkinson’s has about 10 connections where the healthy members of their control group have about 500.

The NeuRA team is aiming to narrow down the population to those who are more at risk of getting the progressive disease which attacks the nervous system and to help discover an effective

treatment.

“All the treatments that are aimed at the substantia nigra aren’t going to work as it’s not there anymore,” Professor Rae said.

“Once we have a method of detecting it, we can keep measuring it to see if the treatment is actually working, if it stops deterioration.

“Once we know what is wrong with the brain, then we can say these are the treatments that might work and we can start trialling them in people.”

Volunteers needed Professor Rae highlighted that researchers need to start looking at people in their

30s and 40s.

“There is a huge gap in research of people in their 40s,” Professor Rae said.

“They don’t have time to volunteer for research. We actually don’t know very much about people aged between 35 and 50.”

To help the NeuRA further its research into early detection of Parkinson’s, Professor Rae urges seniors located in Sydney or who can travel there to volunteer their time by phoning Karl Aoun on 0452 266 672 or email volunteers@neura .edu.au.

How is Parkinson’s managed?

There aren’t any tests for Parkinson’s and it is

still a guess as to what causes it – possibly genetic and environmental factors – and Parkinson’s Australia chief executive officer Steve Sant said age is unequivocally considered a significant factor in its onset.

“A definitive diagnosis of Parkinson’s is quite hard,” Mr Sant said.

“There are some very non-specific symptoms which people may notice in the very early days of Parkinson’s, such as constipation, depression, anxiety and even loss of your sense of smell.”

Parkinson’s also isn’t all about tremors. Mr Sant said about 30 per cent of all sufferers never have

Photo: LPettet

tremors.

Other symptoms are rigid muscles, slowness of movement and postural instability. Other non-motor symptoms can be gastro-intestinal problems, pain, fatigue and even sleep disturbances.

“If you have some things that don’t feel quite right, then talk to your GP about it to see if it is Parkinson’s or something else,” Mr Sant said.

The GP may refer you on to a neurologist specialising in movement disorders.

For more information, phone 1800 644 189 or go to: parkinsons.org.au.

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WELLBEING

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Building healthy bones There are several things you can do to maintain your bones

FROM our 40s onwards, our bones gradually lose their density as a natural part of ageing.

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the bones, causing them to become weak and fragile and more likely to break (fracture).

It has no symptoms so the first clue may be that you fracture a bone.

Whether you have osteoporosis or just want to build strong bones for the future, there are several things you can do to maintain your bones.

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.

If you can’t get the recommended amount of calcium from your diet you may need to take a calcium supplement, particularly if you have low bone density.

Osteoporosis Australia recommends taking a maximum of 500-600 mg of calcium per day.

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 over the week while during winter. The amount of exposure to sunlight needed depends on your skin type (darker skin requires longer exposure), the time of year, which

BE ACTIVE: Bones get stronger when you use them.

Photo: LightFieldStudios

state you are in and your lifestyle. Overexposure to sunlight can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.

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).

Quit smoking The more you smoke, the more likely you’ll get osteoporosis. Aim to cut down or, better still, quit smoking altogether. A

great place to start is to check out the Quit Now website and its variety of information and tools to support you in quitting smoking. The Quit Now: My QuitBuddy is a personalised interactive app with quit tips, daily motivational messages and countdown to quitting reminders. The user records their goals in pictures, words or audio messages and the panic button when craving provides a range of distractions. Phone the Quitline on 137 848 or a buddy from the app, or

post a note on the community board. The Quit Now: My QuitBuddy is free to download on iPhone, iPad and Android phones.

Cut out the salt Salt is thought to speed up the body’s loss of calcium. So try to limit your daily salt intake to the recommended amount. Australian adults are recommended to consume less than 4g salt (equivalent to 1600mg sodium) with 6g salt (equivalent to 2,300mg of sodium) the maximum daily upper limit. This upper limit is equivalent to about a teaspoon of salt. Try not to add salt to your food, flavouring with herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice can be a good substitute.

Looking at nutrition labels can also help you reduce your salt intake. Look for foods with 120mg sodium or less per 100g.

Be active Bones get stronger when you use them. A great way to strengthen them is with weight bearing exercise. This includes walking, running, dancing, golf or tennis. It

doesn’t include cycling or swimming (although swimming is good for staying flexible). Bones also benefit if you lift and carry things. Weight training is ideal, but carrying shopping, gardening and housework all count.

Drink sensibly Alcohol, tea, coffee, cola and other soft drinks reduce the amount of calcium you absorb, and weaken bones. Stick to the recommended amounts of alcohol, and swap caffeine-fuelled drinks for water.

Maintain a healthy weight Being underweight is a risk factor for osteoporosis.

Losing too much weight too fast under a crash diet can increase your risk of osteoporosis. Being underweight can affect the amount of oestrogen (a hormone that helps to protect your bones) in your body.

If you need to lose weight, do it sensibly.

Source: healthdirect.gov.au/ healthy-bones

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WELLBEING

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‘‘

Eating foods containing fibre could be good for your digestion.

EAT REGULARY: If you don't feel like preparing a meal or cooking, have a tinned, chilled or frozen ready-prepared meal instead. Photo: bhofack2

Healthy eating over 60

YOUR body changes as you get older, but a balanced diet will help you stay healthy.

Here's what to eat and how to keep healthy as you get older.

Whatever your age, it's important to eat a healthy, balanced diet.

This means you should try to eat: Plenty of fruit and vegetables Aim for at least five portions of a variety of fruit and veg a day some bread, rice, potatoes, pasta and other starchy foods – choose wholegrain varieties if you can some milk and dairy foods some meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non-dairy sources of protein – try to eat at least two portions of fish a week, including a portion of oily fish.

Plenty of foods rich in starch and fibre Eating foods containing fibre could be good for your digestion.

Constipation tends to become more of a nuisance as you get older, but fibre-rich foods can prevent constipation and other digestive problems.

Using raw bran as wheat bran in cereal can reduce the absorption of calcium in foods such as dairy or when you take a calcium containing medication if taken at the same time.

This may be an issue in

managing healthy bones.

Iron-rich foods Iron is important for our general health.

A lack of iron can make us feel as though we have no energy, so include some iron-rich foods in your diet.

The best source of iron is lean red meat.

The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend older men over 51 should eat 2 ½ serves and women over 51 should eat 2 serves of protein a day.

A serve is 65g of cooked lean red meat such as beef, lamb, veal, pork, goat or kangaroo (about 90-100g raw).

Iron is also found in legumes (such as peas, beans and lentils), oily fish such as sardines, eggs, bread, green vegetables and breakfast cereals with added vitamins.

Liver is a good source of iron.

However, be careful how much liver you eat as it's also rich in vitamin A, too much of which can be harmful.

Calcium-rich foods Eating calcium-rich foods can help you avoid osteoporosis.

Good sources include dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt.

Choose lower fat varieties when you can, or eat higher fat varieties in smaller amounts.

Calcium is also found

in canned fish with bones such as sardines, green leafy vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage (but not spinach), soya beans and tofu.

Less salt Too much salt can raise your blood pressure, which puts you at increased risk of health problems such as heart disease or a stroke.

Most of the salt we eat is already in foods such as cereals, bread, tinned soups and other ready-prepared foods.

Check food labels before you buy and choose ones that contain less salt.

Don't add salt to your food when cooking and at the table and try to have less than 6g of salt a day.

Enough vitamin D Vitamin D is important for bone health and in the prevention of osteoporosis. The safe exposure to sunlight in Australia remains the easiest access to Vitamin D. Good dietary sources include eggs, oily fish, some fortified breakfast cereals and fortified spreads.

Vitamin A Having too much vitamin A (more than 1.5mg of vitamin A a day from food and supplements) might increase your risk of bone fracture.

Liver is high in vitamin

A. Don't eat liver or liver products, such as pate, more than once a week, or eat them in smaller portions.

If you do eat liver more than once a week, don't take any supplements containing vitamin A or fish liver oils (which also contain high levels of vitamin A).

Keeping healthy - As well as making sure you eat enough of the right types of food, try to follow these food and diet tips described to stay healthy: Stay a healthy weight As you grow older, if you're overweight, you'll become less mobile.

This can affect your health and quality of life. Being overweight also increases your risk of diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Being underweight isn't healthy either and may be a sign that you're not eating enough or that you're unwell.

Being underweight also increases your risk of osteoporosis.

If you're worried about your weight, ask your doctor to check it.

They may refer you to a dietitian, who can advise you about changing what you eat to meet your current needs.

Watch out for lack of appetite However, it's important to get all the energy and nutrients that your body

needs.

If you don't eat as much as you used to, eat smaller meals more often and supplement them with nutritious snacks, such as fruit, vegetables and wholegrain toast.

You may eat less because you find it more difficult to buy or prepare food, or because you find it harder to get around if you have a condition such as arthritis.

Eat regularly, at least three times a day.

If you don't feel like cooking from scratch, have a tinned, chilled or frozen ready-prepared meal instead.

Don't get thirsty Drink plenty of fluids every day to stop you getting dehydrated.

All non-alcoholic drinks count towards your daily fluid intake, including tea and coffee.

However, water, milk and fruit juices are the healthiest choices.

Drinks that contain a lot of caffeine, such as strong tea and coffee, might make your body produce more urine.

If you mostly drink strong tea or coffee (or other drinks that contain a lot of caffeine), make sure you also drink some water or other fluids each day that don't contain caffeine.

Source: healthdirect.gov.au/ healthy-eating-over-60

Access to aged care simply

AGEING is inevitable. So deciding to access aged care should be one of the simplest choices older Australians can make.

That’s the rally cry from the Australian Government after it was announced the bureaucratic path into aged care will be streamlined thanks to an $85 million investment.

Australia’s population is continuing to age with seniors now one of the major demographics in the country. But accessing aged care has proven a confusing and problematic hurdle to overcome. However, help is at hand with the Turnbull Government overhauling several services – including the means test and the My Aged Care portal – on the path towards aged care.

Human Services Minister Michael Keenan said a taskforce will investigate a means test that for too long has been a barrier between Older Australians, including those with complex finances, and proper aged care.

“The current 28-page form can be challenging, so we plan to have major simplifications in place by May next year,” Mr Keenan said.

“Led by the Department of Human Services, the taskforce will include representation from consumer groups, aged care providers, financial advisers and relevant government agencies.”

Meanwhile, the My Aged Care portal will undergo a major facelift with $61.7 million injection upgrading services such as an improved website, more self-service options, a client journey dashboard and referrals system for health professionals.

“My Aged Care is a vital tool for older Australians and their families and carers, with more than 3.5 million website visits per year and over one million phone calls, said Mr Wyatt said.

“It must be as easy to use as possible, providing people with the right information in a people-friendly format, during what are often challenging times.

“This will allow doctors and specialists to send referrals to My Aged Care directly from their clinical information systems, and to track the progress of their clients through My Aged Care.”

SENIORS \\JULY, 2018

33

Hometown comfort Great location gives residents access to modern amenities BRAND INSIGHTS HOMETOWN Australia Communities (or ‘Hometown’), is a wholly owned subsidiary of the renowned Hometown America group, which was founded in 1997.

The US parent company has a long and respected history in providing impressive lifestyle communities and today operates over 60 residential communities with more than 27,000 home sites across America.

Hometown’s properties are known for their quality amenities, professional on-site management and the affordable lifestyle they provide for residents.

Hometown Australia looks forward to offering the same level of dedication and expertise to enhancing the lives of residents within their growing number of Australian communities.

Hometown Australia secured its first

residential land lease community with the acquisition of Newport Village in Port Macquarie.

This friendly and welcoming community is perfectly located right in town and is only minutes to every amenity.

Brand new homes as well as pre-loved gems are now on offer.

A major expansion is under way at Newport Village with impressive new home designs offering a range of features and inclusions.

Following on from Newport Village, Hometown has acquired further communities.

The communities include Lake Macquarie Lifestyle Community, a lovely boutique community set in rural surrounds and perfectly located close to lakes, beaches and wine country.

In Morisset NSW Lakeside Lifestyle Community is yet another cosy community right on the water at Chain Valley Bay NSW which has brand

AFFORDABLE LIFESTYLE: The luxury homes are designed to be eco-friendly with many cost saving features included as standard. new as well as pre-loved homes available.

Green Wattle Villages with its substantial recreational facilities and central location close to everything is located in Burpengary, Qld. Hometown’s latest project is Sunrise Lifestyle Resort at Port Stephens which has just gone under construction.

Sunrise Lifestyle Resort

will set a new benchmark in lifestyle resort living for the over 55s offering superb facilities which include a state of the art clubhouse complex with two swimming pools, gymnasium and wellness centre, tennis and pickle ball courts, bowling green, theatre, library, function and dining room, sports bar and recreation areas, craft room, workshop,

caravan storage and so much more.

The luxury homes are designed to be eco-friendly with many cost saving features included as standard.

Located just minutes to pristine beaches and nestled in a gorgeous semi-rural setting Sunrise Lifestyle Resort is picture perfect.

The modern resort

Living combined with all the fabulous amenities of this wonderful locale with its breathtaking natural beauty, a myriad of dining options, health and fitness choices, great shopping and easy access to Newcastle Airport and large regional centres, makes Sunrise Lifestyle Resort a dream come true for those looking for an idyllic retirement!

Homes will be available to move into early 2019 and expressions of interest are now being taken.

With affordable prices, no stamp duty on purchase, no exit fees and full retention of Capital Gains/Profits Hometown Australia Communities are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a safe and secure community lifestyle, surrounded by like-minded people who are enjoying life to the full.

To learn more about Hometown Australia and it’s communities, go to hometownaustralia. com.au.

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34

LIVING

JULY, 2018// SENIORS

‘‘

This is a great time to be downsizing into a lowmaintenance lifestyle.

QUALITY LIVING: The community has a range of facilities to complement its relaxed and easy-going atmosphere.

Photo: Alain Bouvier

Come for the festivals, stay for the lifestyle

THERE is never a dull moment in Casino, whether it’s a few thousand people visiting town for a corporate AGM or tens of thousands for Beef Week, there is always something going on.

In August alone the calendar boasts a truck show, the Casino Cup races, an arts and craft fair and winter markets.

Many of the residents at Casino by Gateway Lifestyle moved to the community after visiting Casino as grey nomads, attending events like the Casino Cup or Beef Week

and deciding they liked the place so much they wanted to put down roots.

The town provides easy access to the nearby Richmond Range National Park, as well as many other beautiful national parks.

With easy access both north and south, it’s a great spot from which to hop in your RV and take off for a week or more.

Gateway Lifestyle charges no entry or exit fees under the land lease living model, which allows residents to purchase a home at a

lower price than traditional housing options.

This simple model means residents can free up capital that was previously tied up in land and use it to travel, take up new hobbies or for retirement.

Gateway Lifestyle chief executive Trent Ottawa said the organisation was finding that a high proportion of residents, working or retired, were moving into their communities specifically to free up capital.

“The quality in lifestyle and affordable cost sees

many of our residents living the sort of life they’d always wished for,” Mr Ottawa said.

“We have lots of residents that travel and appreciate that they can lock up and leave and feel secure in doing so.”

Mr Ottawa said their community had a range of facilities to complement its relaxed and easy-going atmosphere.

“With a limited number of new, purpose-built homes – all of which have space for your RV or trailer – available right

Gateway Lifestyle charges no entry or exit fees under the land lease living model.

Photo: Brendan Ray now, this is a great time to be downsizing into a low-maintenance lifestyle,” he said.

The Casino sales team would love to hear from anyone interested in

coming by for an inspection.

Phone on 1300 361 311 or go to gatewaylifestyle.com.au for more information.

SENIORS \\JULY, 2018

MONEY

Bequest guidelines

35

Money

Learn options and tips for leaving a bequest Tracey Johnstone

THIS month, wills and estate planning lawyer Dylan Heffernan of the Sydney law firm McCabes outlines what can be in a bequest and what are the rules around them.

What can I bequest?

You can give any personal property away that you own – cash, investments, property, even loans owed to you.

“Clients with family trusts will often have loaned money to the trust but may not have realised that the loan will remain owing to them when they die,” Mr Heffernan said.

“That’s an asset which will form part of their estate, and it should not be overlooked when the client is implementing their estate management plan.”

Like other assets, the right to be repaid money under a loan can generally be given to beneficiaries under a will.

Loans can also be forgiven under a will, which is yet another form of a bequest.

BEQUEST NEWS: Private ancillary funds are a great way of teaching younger generations about gifting to charitable organisations.

Photo: Wavebreakmedia

Registered charities You should ensure the charity is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and that your will accurately describes the charity by using its full name, registered address and even its ABN so that you leave no doubt as to who the intended recipient is.

“The law is pretty

restrictive when it comes to leaving property under will on trust for a specific purpose, rather than for actual people,” Mr Heffernan said.

“By checking the ACNC register, you can ensure that the charity you intend to make a gift to under your will has a recognised charitable purpose.”

Private funds Private ancillary funds

are becoming a more common way for older Australians to set up charitable gifts.

It’s also a way of teaching the younger generations of a family about gifting to charitable organisations.

Set up while a person is still alive, funds are gifted from the private fund while the person is alive and maybe also on the

death.

“The control of that fund can pass to their family under the terms of the will,” Mr Heffernan said.

“It then becomes the family’s job to determine how those funds are applied for charitable purposes.”

It’s not a complicated to process to set up such a fund, but a lawyer is

needed to draft the documents, a well-researched investment strategy put in place and a commitment made to meet the various regulatory requirements that go with private ancillary funds.

There may be tax benefits attached to this type of gifting which an accountant would be able to advise.

Some facts about self-managed super funds OVER one million Australians have their retirement savings invested in a selfmanaged super fund (SMSF), and that number grows every year.

There can be real upsides to running your own super but plenty of drawbacks too, and a

report by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) reveals that one in ten SMSF members could be left short-changed in retirement.

The figures from ASIC’s review of SMSFs highlight some worrying issues.

It found 10 per cent of

SMSF members were likely to be “significantly worse off in retirement” because of poor financial advice.

One in five SMSFs face serious risks because the fund doesn’t have a diversified portfolio of investments.

And highlighting a key

Leave the legacy of a cancer-free future for children Consider leaving a gift in your will to The Kids’ Cancer Project, a charity dedicated to funding childhood cancer research.

Visit thekidscancerproject.org.au/giftinwill to learn more or phone Veena Singh in confidence on 02 8394 7715.

Complete the form to learn how your will can help the littlest cancer patients.

Post to (no stamp required): The Kids’ Cancer Project REPLY PAID 6400 ALEXANDRIA NSW 2015

Title:

Name:

Address: State:

Send me more information

Telephone:

Request a call from Veena

Email:

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Postcode:

knowledge gap, 33 per cent of SMSF members aren’t aware their fund is required by law to have a formal investment strategy in place.

Setting up a SMSF can be the right strategy for your retirement savings, but it’s critical to be aware of the realities. Two out of

five people say running an SMSF takes up more time than they expected. One in three find it’s more expensive than they anticipated.

If the idea of having direct control of your investments is the main point of appeal of an SMSF, consider whether

you have the time and money to make a success of it. There’s a lot riding on the decision.

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

36

MONEY

JULY, 2018// SENIORS

Franking credits on the radar Refund in danger

UNTIL a couple of months ago, dividend franking tax credits were not on the radar screens of most investors.

For some, they still probably aren’t. But those relying on dividend franking credits to supplement their income in retirement were definitely jolted to attention after the Australian Labor Party announced its plan to overhaul current tax breaks.

The ALP’s plan to abolish cash refunds on excess dividend imputation credits, announced in March, has created great consternation among many seniors.

Dividend imputation was introduced some 30 years ago to avoid the double taxation of company income.

Because most Australian companies are taxed at 30 per cent these days, when a fully franked dividend is paid it comes with a tax credit attached for that 30 per cent of tax already paid by the company.

Currently, if you are in pension mode and paying no tax on your income, all franking credits are returned to you as a cash rebate.

The ALP plans to abolish them for good but has now stated it would create a “Pensioner Guarantee” if elected to exempt people on the Age Pension who are also receiving these tax credits.

including foreign stocks.

In an update based on franking credits data to the end of December last year, Macquarie says that another outcome of the ALP’s plan could be an acceleration of capital management initiatives by companies with large franking account balances, including special dividend payouts.

But the investment has added that given the relatively small proportion of investors overall that would be impacted, it was unlikely companies would be incentivised to alter their dividend policies.

Australia’s second-largest company, BHP, holds more than $14 billion in franking credits, followed by Rio Tinto ($4.7 billion), Woodside ($2.6 billion), Woolworths ($2.6 billion), and Commonwealth Bank ($1.1 billion). Westpac also holds around $1.1 billion in franking credits, followed by Caltex with $868 million.

The response, therefore, is more likely to be on the investor side, potentially with a rotation out of stocks paying 100 per cent franked dividends into high-quality companies paying attractive yields.

Macquarie’s research suggests there could be a rotation into companies currently paying unfranked yields of between 4 per cent and 7 per cent from those paying higher, fully franked dividends.

Tony Kaye is the editor of Eureka Report, which is owned by financial services group InvestSMART.

Downsizing Incentives for Seniors

Current Rules Currently, voluntary contribution rules for people aged 65 and older are quite restrictive. For 65 - 74 year olds a 40 hour work test must be met and no contributions are allowed for those over age 75 regardless of work arrangements. Under rules What is it about? proposed for the new From 1 July 2018, downsizing measures, these individuals aged 65 and contribution restrictions over will be able to make a have been lifted. It means a personal contribution of up couple can contribute up to to $300,000 using proceeds $600,000. from the sale of a family home, which has been Centrelink Assessment owned for at least 10 years, Age pensioners should exercise caution before into superannuation.

As part of its “housing affordability” theme, the Federal Government is incentivising older Australians to downsize their family home by allowing them to invest the proceeds into superannuation.

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considering this strategy.

The full value of a family home is exempt from both the Income and Assets test for Centrelink purposes.

However, any remaining sale proceeds (after a new home is purchased) will be assessable. Therefore, a sale of the existing family home could actually result in the individual, or couple, losing some or all of their age pension benefits.

If you would like to consider whether downsizing is right for you, call the team at Morgans on 02 6651 5700 to arrange on obligation free meeting.

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This will do little if anything for close to one million Australians who are members of selfmanaged superannuation funds and other selffunded retirees who fall outside of the Age Pension safety net.

What that means is that many people who had created a retirement strategy around stocks paying out fully franked dividends, whose share prices had effectively been inflated as a result of investor demand for their tax credits, could be looking further afield if the ALP is elected.

A new research report

by Macquarie Wealth Management points to a likely major shift in Australian equity asset allocations by retirees and others should the ALP’s contentious policy be passed at some stage in the future.

Despite the ALP’s recent backflip on who its franking credits crackdown would apply to, Macquarie notes that those in the firing line, including self-managed superannuation fund trustees in retirement receiving dividend tax credits, will likely shift capital into higher-yielding stocks paying unfranked dividends.

A Treasury review of the proposal, conducted over the past two months, has found that the expected $10.7 billion in additional tax revenue the ALP had calculated it would receive from the policy in the first two years would not eventuate because many retirees will likely move into other assets paying better returns,

SENIORS \\JULY, 2018

37

Powers of fruit, flowers THERE’S no need for gardeners to hibernate during July.

By planting flowering plants and growing delicious vegies, you can keep your kitchen well-stocked with healthy home-grown ingredients and brighten your outdoor spaces.

Yates horticulture consultant Angie Thomas has some great tips for plantings this month.

Alyssum – Carpet of Snow Alyssum is commonly grown as a pretty filler in among other flowers in pots and garden beds.

Alyssum can also take centre stage and make a gorgeous border plant on its own.

Carpet of Snow is a long-lasting and hardy annual that is smothered in masses of tiny honeyscented white flowers.

Scatter seed direct where they are to grow and only just cover with 2mm of loose soil or seed

At home reach 10-15cm long.

Sweet Potatoes You can start sweet potatoes by letting a tuber develop some 15cm-long sprouts (slips) and planting these directly into moist soil.

These sprouts will form roots and sweet potato tubers will develop over 5-6 months.

As the vine grows, the stems will try to put down new roots where they touch the soil.

You want to avoid this happening by lifting the foliage regularly to encourage tuber growth instead of leaf growth.

raising mix. Firm down and keep soil moist while seeds germinate.

Argyranthemums – Madeira If you’re after vibrant colour during winter, then look out for the Madeira range of argyranthemum daisies, including richly coloured Red Double and very pretty Pink Crested.

The Madeira range is quick to grow and will reach up to 75cm high.

They’re hardy perennials that like growing in a full sun position.

To keep them healthy, I recommend regularly feeding with a fast-acting liquid fertiliser that’s boosted with additional potassium to promote lots of gorgeous flowers.

Bird’s Nest Ferns Asplenium australasicum, commonly known as the bird’s nest fern, is native to Australia’s east coast from Cape York in Queensland down to the

WINTER PLANTS: White alyssum Carpet of Snow is a hardy annual that is smothered in masses of tiny honey-scented white flowers.

Photo: Angie Thomas south coast of New South Wales.

In its natural habitat it’s found in moist and sheltered forests where it grows on trees or rocks but is happy to grow in urban settings in protected gardens and also indoors.

Bird’s nest ferns have a striking upright vase shape which adds structural interest and with green fronds reaching up to 1.5m long can create a wonderful garden focal point.

Cherry Tomatoes Tropical and sub-tropical gardeners can plant cherry tomatoes – Tiny Tim throughout the winter months.

They can be sown directly into backyard vegie patches in a position that receives at least six hours of sun per day.

To encourage healthy growth and a great harvest, keep the soil consistently moist and feed regularly with tomato plant food.

Zucchini – Blackjack In warm winter climates, zucchini can be grown all year round in vegie patches.

It’s a delicious and versatile vegie that can be used in stir fries, made into zoodles or added to cakes. Grow zucchinis in full sun to promote healthy growth and a great harvest. Form a few mounds of moist soil, sowing two seeds at the top of each mound.

Zucchinis are best harvested when they

Lettuce – Greenway Iceberg Greenway iceberg lettuce is a variety that’s been specially bred for warm climates. It has crisp, tender leaves and is a hardy lettuce that’s resistant to downy mildew.

Seeds can be sown directly into a sunny vegie patch and lettuces can be harvested in as little as nine weeks. Sow more seed each week to give you an ongoing supplyof this essential salad ingredient.

For more information, go to yates.com.au.

From your garden to gourmet A HEALTHIER alternative to hash browns, these zucchini and bacon fritters with garlic yoghurt are the ideal snack to sneak in a serve of greens.

INGREDIENTS ■ 2 medium zucchini, grated ■ 1 medium Desiree potato, peeled, grated ■ 4 shortcut bacon rashers, trimmed, finely chopped ■ 1/4 cup plain flour

■ 1 egg, lightly beaten ■ 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives ■ Vegetable oil, for shallow frying ■ Chopped chives Garlic yoghurt ■ 2 garlic cloves crushed ■ 1/2 cup Tamar Valley Greek Style Yoghurt METHOD Step 1 Squeeze excess moisture from zucchini.

Drain on paper towel.

Combine zucchini, potato, bacon, flour, egg and chives in a bowl.

Season.

Step 2 Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Spoon a quarter of a cup of zucchini mixture into pan, pressing to flatten. Repeat to make three more fritters. Cook for five minutes or until golden underneath. Turn, pressing again to flatten.

Cook for five minutes or until golden and crisp.

Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Repeat process with remaining mixture.

Step 3 Meanwhile, make the garlic yoghurt. Combine garlic and yoghurt in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle fritters with extra chives. Serve with garlic yoghurt.

WINTER VEGETABLES: Zucchini and bacon fritters with garlic yoghurt.

Quick, easy and extra delicious

WINTER WARMER: Try out this tasty dish.

IF YOUR vegie patch is sprouting and those pots of herbs flourishing then you may have a good deal of the ingredients for this tomato, basil and feta spaghetti dish right at hand.

If not, a short trip to the supermarket will have all these ingredients.

With a few simple ingredients, this colourful and delicious pasta can be on the table in under half an hour.

This dish not only looks great, but the basil and

garlic lend it a touch of warm flavour just right for the cooler weather.

Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS ■ 400g Barilla Spaghetti ■ 100ml extra virgin olive oil ■ 2 garlic cloves, crushed ■ 500g grape tomatoes or mini roma tomatoes, roughly chopped ■ 2 cups roughly-torn basil leaves ■ 150g Greek feta cheese, crumbled METHOD

Step 1 Cook spaghetti in a large saucepan of boiling salted water, following packet directions, until tender. Drain spaghetti and set aside.

Step 2 Return saucepan to medium heat. Add oil, garlic and tomatoes.

Season well with pepper.

Cook, tossing, for 1-2 minutes or until tomatoes are hot. Add spaghetti, basil and feta. Toss gently for one minute or until heated through. Serve.

38

JULY, 2018// SENIORS

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

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Cars

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

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

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Going to the Mountain

PUBLISHED to coincide with the worldwide 100th birthday celebrations in July 2018, Going to the Mountain is the story of Ndaba Mandela’s unforgettable time living with, and learning from, one of the greatest leaders and humanitarians the world has ever known, his grandfather, Nelson Mandela.

In Going to the Mountain, Ndaba weaves the trials and frustrations of his early life with tales of Madiba’s watchful eye and council to paint a new portrait of the man to whom so many feel a unique connection.

Ndaba shares the story of his coming-of-age alongside South Africa’s rebirth - a journey that took him from the violent, segregated Soweto ghettos to his

grandfather’s presidential home.

As a young boy, Ndaba was shunted from place to place. At 11 years old he was unexpectedly invited to live with his grandfather, Nelson Mandela – even though they had only met once before, during a prison visit. While his teen years were complicated, as he approached his twenty-first birthday, Mandela decided that Ndaba was ready to ‘go to the mountain’ – a test of courage during which you become a man. At the end of this gruelling ritual journey, the elders of the Mandela’s tribe gathered

and Ndaba’s grandfather was there, as ever, to share his greatest life lessons.

From his grandfather, Ndaba learned the spirit of endurance, the triumph of forgiveness, the power of resistance and the beauty of reconciliation.

Most importantly, he has continued to demonstrate in many ways the many things Madiba taught him.

Going to the Mountain is a testament to the potential for all of us to change ourselves and our world.

Published by Penguin Random, Going to the Mountain is available in bookshops. RRP$35.

Voyage through lens of apprentice IT MAY BE fiction, but the cabin boy’s story of Captain Cook’s greatest voyage of discovery to Australia is still an enthralling tale told by award-winning author Anthony Hill.

When young Isaac Manley sailed on the Endeavour from England in 1768, no one on board knew if a mysterious southern continent existed in the vast Pacific Ocean. It would be a voyage full of uncertainties and terrors.

During the course of the three-year journey, Isaac’s eyes are opened to all the brutal realities of life at sea – floggings, storms, press-gangs, the deaths of fellow crewmen, and violent clashes on distant shores.

Isaac also experiences the tropical beauty of Tahiti, where he becomes enchanted with a beautiful Tahitian girl. He sees the wonders of New Zealand and is there when the men of the Endeavour first glimpse the east coast of Australia, anchor in Botany Bay, and run aground on the Great Barrier Reef.

Acclaimed and award-winning historical novelist Anthony Hill brings to life in Captain

Cook’s Apprentice this landmark voyage with warmth, insight and vivid detail in this exciting and enlightening tale of adventure and discovery.

Published by Penguin, Anthony Hill’s Captain Cook’s Apprentice is available in bookshops RRP $32.99 and as an ebook.

SENIORS \\JULY, 2018

PUZZLES

N U A N A T I

N S E I M T P

A T P A R

I N N D S

S A P T I

C

E

N C E A I A L

M Y

B A K

N A D E O

D D L

I B M L P R E

L S L A

L E S E Q A U

O L A A D

L L U C

Y A W

I S T S E R Y

A N N A E R R

R

D U G R E D

E O T H R T

T

W

E X

R Z E A

I

I C T

O W R E

TRIO

13 14

15

16

17

18

19 21

22

23

SUDOKU

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

E S Q U C E A A L L L E X S E M P S T

R Y

EQUIP RISQUE MIRACLE RIP TIDES DISSENTER

S A L P T E I A O C E N K P E C I R I S C T A R I N Z E I A T T W I S B A K E

Good 17 Very Good 25 Excellent 29+

12

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

R R

11

A N N A E R R W R S P A T L E O T H R T E N E R D F I I B L M P R E

558

10

WORD GO ROUND

TODAY

G

A T

9

agar agate ages garret garter gate gates gaze gazer gazes gear gears gets grate grater grates graze grazer grazes great raga rage rages rags saga sage sarge stag stage stager stargaze STARGAZER tags zags

S A

E Z

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

There is at least one nine-letter word.

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

8

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

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

GO ROUND WORDGO WORD ROUND

7

20

ALPHAGRAMS

F

6

5

QUICK CROSSWORD

W R S P A L T

4

Across: 6. Engine 7. Retake 10. Lookout 11. Tinge 12. Whet 13.

Merry 16. First 17. Semi 20. Earns 21. Naughty 22. Kindly 23.

Harden.

Down: 1. Yellow streak 2. Ignores 3. Snoop 4. Texture 5. Taunt 8. Electrifying 9. Stressing 14. Missile 15. Methods 18. Front 19. Rural.

O C E K P E C

3

JIGGERED

E N E R D F I

Down 1. Cowardice (colloq) (6,6) 2. Shuns (7) 3. Pry (5) 4. Consistency, feel (7) 5. Jeer (5) 8. Thrilling or shocking (12) 9. Accenting (9) 14. Projectile (7) 15. Ways (7) 18. Facade (5) 19. Pastoral (5)

2

TRIO: LIc

R O P I L F L E

Across 6. Motor (6) 7. Repossess (6) 10. Sentry (7) 11. Tint (5) 12. Sharpen (4) 13. Cheerful (5) 16. To begin with (5) 17. Partly (4) 20. Deserves (5) 21. Badly behaved (7) 22. Benevolent (6) 23. Set (6)

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SUDOKU

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

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

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

ALPHAGRAMS

2/7

PIQUE, QUIRES, REcLAIM, SPIRITED, TIREDNESS.

JIGGERED

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Win Tickets to Book Club Thanks to Event Cinemas, we’re giving away 10 double passes for readers to attend the seniors morning tea screening of ‘Book Club’, from 10am on Wednesday 29th August.^ Tickets $10* for Cinebuzz for Seniors Members.

Sign up to be a member for free online at eventcinemas.com.au Tickets for this screening go on sale on 25th July.

Enjoy a hilarious but heartwarming tale - starring Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen - as four lifelong friends and how their lives change after reading 50 Shades of Grey in their monthly book club.

Enter online at seniorsnews.com.au/competitions

*Online booking fees apply. ^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 02/07/18-03/08/18. Competition drawn 2pm 06/08/18 at Cnr Mayne Rd and Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Winners announced in Seniors September Editions 2018. Total prize value $400.00 (including GST). Entry is open to all permanent residents of Queensland, residing in the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Toowoomba Seniors distribution areas and NSW in the Northern NSW, Central Coast and Coffs & Clarence Seniors distribution areas. NSW Permit Number LTPM/18/03133

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JULY, 2018// SENIORS