vfacebook.com/seniorsnews
4 1300 880 265
Seniors
6689807aa
Do You Know the Value of your Property?
FREE APPRAISAL CALL Paul Fitzpatrick 0417 663 821
Coffs & Clarence
May - June, 2018
FREE
Check website or phone for film session times
www.majesticcinemas.com.au
Box Office: Nambucca Heads
02 6568 6677 Sawtell
02 5621 8101
6596004aa
7 www.seniorsnews.com.au
Bringing entertainment to your life
PAGES 3-4
PAGE 19
all
Sm
s
H
e om
ig –B
A
s
age
nt dva
PAGE 5
PAGE 18
Is your backyard being used to its full potential? A granny flat offers: Low cost housing aLternatives for peopLe with disabiLities
assistance for retirees with independent Living options
granny flats for investors:
abiLity for growing or changing famiLies to remain
affordabLe way into the rentaL market
together
generate additionaL income
a Large range to choose from and custom designs avaiLabLe
prices from $99,000 with fast, quaLity construction
potentiaL high yieLding rentaL returns impressive return on investment add vaLue to your property
aLternative home options avaiLabLe
PH 1300 252 858 | www.eastcoastgrannyflats.com.au | 4 Wingara Drive Coffs Harbour BLN: 287600C 6744898ac
2 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
In this edition
Cover Story: Warren Mundine ..........................Pages 3-4 Feature Story: Dame Quentin Bryce.....................Page 5 Money....................................................Pages 28-29 Travel ................................................................Pages31-36 Puzzles ...................................................................Page 39
Contact us General Manager Geoff Crockett – 0413 988 333 geoff.crockett@news.com.au Editor Gail Forrer – 1800 880 265 gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Sue Germany – 0408 286 539 sue.germany@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Now online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Coffs Harbour and Clarence Seniors Newspaper”. The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in northern New South Wales and south-east Queensland. The Seniors newspaper stable includes Toowoomba, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern NSW, Coffs and Clarence and Central Coast publications. Published by News Corp Australia. Printed by News Corp Australia, Yandina. Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspapers are not necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endorsement by the owner/publisher.
Welcome
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 28, 2018
What are we doing for next generation HELLO READERS, This month three high-profile, straight-talking elders (Warren Mundine, Dame Quentin Bryce and author Hugh Mackay) issue some thoughtful insights and challenges to our demographic. While each of these leaders has chosen different life paths, their common ground covers working towards a more fair, just and equitable society. Indigenous leader Warren Mundine talks about his early life as a political activist and his current view that change occurs over a series of battles, not a war. At 61 years old, he has gathered the experience of his past and, despite serious health issues, is using it to fashion fresh initiatives to push for an improved future. Former GovernorGeneral Dame Quentin Bryce pulled no punches when she spoke at a forum at the recent WOW (Women of the World),
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER
Group editor Seniors Newspapers network
Festival in Brisbane. She said it was the duty of our generation to support younger women as they live and engage within the community. She also offers her considered thoughts on care for the grandchildren. In his latest book, 80-year-old Hugh Mackay is calling for nothing less than a social revolution. He believes it’s the only way to reshape our contemporary society which is plagued by social isolation, disillusionment and distrust. Human beings, he said, are herd animals and as such, need to live as social beings. And it’s up to us, the over 55s, the ‘tribal elders’ to once again take the lead in social change by saying “let’s get
❝
each of these people is supported by all of the people who feature in this publication, including those who contribute community notices promoting speciality social groups, through to the experts offering tips in health, wealth and happiness. The old saying that ‘charity begins at home’ moves onto sharing and caring in the neighbourhood and in my case, ensuring this publication spreads the news from grassroots stories (community notes and local profiles) to publishing the stories from people speaking out at a national level. You see, I view our readership as a community that joins with others through the sharing of stories. I trust you enjoy the read and don’t forget to check our websites: www.seniorsnews.com.au and www.facebook.com/ seniorsnews.com. — Cheers, Gail
...it’s up to us, the over-55s, the ‘tribal elders’ to once again take lead in social change by saying “let’s get engaged, be visible and make connections with each other”
engaged, be visible and take connections with each other” in order to shore up our communities. He quotes a survey that that notes just 35 per cent of Australians say they trust their neighbours – which, to him, means we haven’t taken the time to get to know them. “We need to start smiling, say hello or be a listening ear, acknowledge each other and show respect and kindness towards each other,” Hugh said. I believe the voice of
Budget most welcome: COTA
LaZboy Summit luxury lift recliner
is a substantial implementation of the recommendations of the Tune Legislated Review and will change the face of aged care towards greater consumer control. ■ The injection of 20,000 high needs home packages, in addition to the growth already built into the forward estimates, will ensure more older Australians waiting for home care will receive a package over the next year and the
merging of Home Care and Residential funding pools will make more Home Care Packages possible in future. ■ COTA welcomes the government’s commitment of $82 million to a new mental health program for residential care, as well as a $20 million trial of new mental health initiatives in the community. ■ COTA also welcomes increased funds for palliative care in
residential aged care. Supporting mature age workers ■ COTA welcomes the proactive approach to an ageing Australia that takes a whole of life-cycle approach, which includes some very good measures to support employment opportunities for mature aged workers, particularly the employment and health checkpoint at age 45 backed up by a range of support services.
See our large range of quality lift chairs and lounges Cooper lift chair
$799
$1699
Great Value
OPEN 7 DAYS
COFFS HARBOU HARBOUR (02) 6651 1166
Park Beach HomeBase, HomeBa Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour
GRAFTON (02) 6643 1911
72-78 Prince Street, Grafton
6792993aa
FUTURE FUNDING: COTA comments on 2018 Federal Budget.
AUSTRALIA’S leading seniors advocacy organisation, COTA Australia has welcomed the Federal Budget. COTA Australia Chief Executive Ian Yates said the government’s More Choices for a Longer Life Package will ensure better co-ordination of services across government and more support for Australians at every stage of their life. Aged care (home and residential) ■ The aged care package
Cover Story: Warren Mundine
Monday, May 28, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Coffs and Clarence
Seniors 3
Mundine the tireless and fearless disruptor Economic empowerment not political jousting is his answer Tracey Johnstone
DISRUPTIVE. A changemaker. From his early adulthood Nyunggai Warren Mundine AO has been intensively involved in championing changes to the quality of life of his mob, his fellow Aboriginals. Through his recently released candid memoir Warren Mundine: In Black + White I met a man who as a teen knew he wanted to be in public life. He watched Lionel Rose win the 1968 boxing world championship and that win shaped his life pathway. In the 80s he believed activism was the best way to achieve change. Soon after he became an insider, using his astute learning of big business, politics and the media to be heard across all of Australia and all its generations. Many have not agreed with Warren’s ideas for changing the younger generation’s choices. He firmly believes in moving away from welfare centricity to economic centricity, in creating real economies within Aboriginal communities, in creating jobs and facilitating education, and in better access to health services. The road ahead to achieve these changes he admits remains uphill. The Federal Government’s target of halving the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and
non-Indigenous Australians by 2018 isn’t on track. The Closing the Gap targets, 2017 analysis of progress and key drivers of change report states, “the lack of opportunities is an issue on the demand side of the labour market, the lack of skills is an issue on the supply side, and logistical reasons a market barrier to potentially matching workers with jobs”. How can this be changed? “The only way to change the status quo is to disrupt it,” Warren, 61, said. “Everything that has happened in history that has made a change has been through someone who has been a disruptor.” The proud Australian comes from a working background - first as a Sydney factory worker, then a public servant before pursuing higher education. Warren became the first Aboriginal to be elected to a NSW local government role and was national president of the Australian Labor Party in 2006/7. He chose not to renew his party membership in 2012 and went on to vote Liberal - and that’s only part of his extraordinary story. Warren has earned the ear of the politicians and of the mainstream media. This allows him to keep pushing out his message of economic participation
INDIGENOUS LEADER: Businessman Warren Mundine in Sydney.
where outcomes rather than activities are the measure of the success of change within the Aboriginal communities. “Giving a person a job, it deals with a lot of issues like mental health, substance abuse and people’s living style with better housing, and access to better finance to have a better lifestyle,” Warren said. Warren has survived many political upheavals and five prime ministers. In February last year he stepped away from the chair of the Indigenous Advisory Council. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
PHOTO: JOHN FEDER/THE AUSTRALIAN
A group of Aboriginal Australians at a rally lead by Warren Mundine, chairman of the Justice Before Games support group, demonstrating in front of the Queensland Tourist Bureau office in Grenfell St, Adelaide in September 1982. PHOTO: JOHN GUSTER
MOVING AHEAD: Warren Mundine at his family home in Sydney. PHOTO: AAP - DAMIAN SHAW
Helping the Elderly $999
King Single Adjustable beds only
Quality Furniture
$1999
Pioneer St, Nambucca Heads PH: 6568 7484 | Sun 9-12 Mon-Fri 9-5 Sat Closed For our full range visit our website | www.beattiesfurniture.com.au
6749378ad
Lift Chairs from
4 Seniors Coffs and Clarence FROM PAGE 3
“Malcolm Turnbull asked me stay on the Prime Minister’s Indigenous Advisory Council, but I said I was more interested in economic development and doing something at the coal face rather than advising on policy and hoping governments take it up,” he said. Instead, there’s another hill that he is climbing. “I’d been around the political process for long enough to understand that achieving change is not a war but a series of battles,” Warren said. “You have to go out to battle for what you want every single day.” So, he’s back at the coal face, working 24/7 on two new businesses, continuing his advisory roles for public groups, serving on boards for private businesses and charities, and delivering in a variety of written and broadcast media roles including his own business show on Sky News. The two companies he has bought into have 16 offices across Northern Territory, NSW and West Australia. Their focus is on getting Aborigines into work and creating employment opportunities within community.
He also spends about 14 days each month visiting Aboriginal communities – talking to people, and listening to them. Tapping into the power of social media is another of his battles. “I am very vocal on social media which I want to expand, plus looking at more blogs and more media approaches,” Warren said. His lengthy memoir is an easy read. Designed to engage a broad audience, it includes a deeply researched history of his family and of the cultural connections that have help to develop his passion. “I wanted to tell a story of Australia and use my family and myself as a vehicle for that,” Warren said. The book smoothly crosses between family history, personal experiences and Australian political history. “The vast majority that have read it liked it, even though some of the political comments in it they may not agree with them. “I had one bloke who said he totally disagrees with my politics, but he enjoyed it because of the story it told. “He actually said it should be high school and
Cover Story: Warren Mundine
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 28, 2018
university reading as it shows a history of Australia which most people wouldn’t know about or don’t remember it,” Warren said. Facing up to reaching his 60s has been tough for Warren. He already has three stents, courtesy of his mother’s genes. “I wish they told me this when I was 18 that what you are doing at 18 does affect you when you are in your 60s and 70s,” he said. While he now has to watch what he eats and drinks, Warren isn’t physically slowing down nor looking at retiring. “In fact, I probably couldn’t think of anything worse than retiring,” Warren said. “No offence to anyone who is. “I am very focused on doing things which is something I got from my father who worked until he was 72.” Look. There’s another hill. Warren hasn’t climbed that one, yet. WORKING HARD: Warren Mundine in the Sky Studio at News Corp offices in Sydney before the launch of his Sky News Sunday television program Mundine Means Business. PHOTO: BRITTA CAMPION THE AUSTRALIAN
Al
im it Pla ed n ce um me be nts r o * a f Co va ila nce ble ss no iona w l
…Thompson Health Care welcomes you to the next chapter in your life conveniently located at FREDERICKTON…
“Come and make yourself at home” Macleay Valley House
Enjoy the luxury you deserve and the care you need at a surprisingly affordable price.
Macleay Valley House provides a limited number of concessional beds *
(*Pending your Combined Asset and Income Assessment by the Department of Human Services.)
ENQUIRE NOW for Specialised Dementia Care, High Care Respite or Permanent Care Placements Telephone: (02)6561 0900 or www.thompsonhealthcare.com.au
RESORT STYLE ACCOMMODATION
Picture your loved one in a stylish luxury room overlooking the Macleay River. Feel content knowing they are enjoying tasty home cooked meals prepared by our chef and have numerous activities to fill their social calendar each day.
GUESTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME
Be proud to entertain friends and family at your new home, sip on a cappuccino at the In House coffee shop, reflect a while in the chapel, stroll around the gardens or admire the view from the veranda overlooking the valley.
SPECIALISED DEMENTIA CARE
Be reassured that the special person in your life is receiving only the best care at Macleay Valley House from our highly qualified staff, focusing on a holistic approach to our resident’s individual needs. Enquire about our award winning dementia specific wing today…
Contact Wilma Sims - Director of Nursing 80 -114 Macleay St Frederickton NSW 2440
or
Mandy Miller- Administration Email: macleayvh@thc.net.au • www.thompsonhealthcare.com.au Telephone: (02) 6561 0900
6729615gu
“We look forward to you joining the Macleay Valley House Family”……
Monday, May 28, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Profile Story: Dame Quentin Bryce
Coffs and Clarence
Seniors 5
Ex-GG becomes DD Role model Dame lovingly leads future generation Gail Forrer
THE grandchildren call her Dee Dee, a name that evolved from Gee Gee, a reference to her former position as Governor-General. In 2008, Dame Quentin Bryce, became Australia’s first female to hold this position and right from the first official photoshoot she signalled a fresh approach to the illustrious office. Instead of a ceremony featuring the ubiquitous suit and tie we were given a picture of a sophisticated woman decked out in a fiery red dress amidst a gaggle of grandchildren in a suitably matching style of red spots. At 75 years old, Dame Quentin has a completed a life-time of community work together with senior national and international positions which have allowed her to campaign and shape a generation of gender and family politics. While she has officially retired from her public roles, she sees her position as a role model to future generations as of the utmost importance. “There is responsibility in being an elder,” she said, “and it is a serious responsibility.” As patron of the recent WOW (Women of the World) Festival held in Brisbane, Dame Quentin spoke on a panel which included Indigenous leader Lisa Mumbin who was born and raised in Katherine and now leads her community on cultural maintenance, support for women and youth; Agnes Titus a mother of the Bougainville Women’s Movement. She has held many roles in local level
government and with organisations promoting women leadership and peace building, including as UNWomen coordinator for Bougainville. The panel was complemented with the inclusion of philanthropist and pastoralist Gina Fairfax who, along with her husband Tim, has made an enormous contribution to the Arts and regional communities. As Dame Quentin affirmed her own role as a mentor, she recalled the people who made a difference in her life including Connie Bush from Groote Eylandt.
❝
Now it is up to us to support and pass on the torch of the wonderful Australian Women’s Movement. She said she held treasured memories of “my darling pal” and the invaluable contribution she made sharing with her the story of the “stolen generations” and sharing teachings about language, country and culture. “Now it is up to us to support and pass on the torch of the wonderful Australian Women’s Movement,” she said. “We must support our young women to be engaged and involved in the community.” Lovingly, she also recognises her part in the lives of her 11 grandchildren. “Our knowledge of brain development shows how
DEE DEE: Quentin Bryce with her grandchildren Georgette Bryce-Parkin, Alexandra Bryce-Browning, Claudia Bryce-Browning, Lucinda Bryce-Browning and Rupert Bryce-Parkin in 2008. PHOTO: ENGLAND DARREN
incredibly important the early years are for learning,” she said. She admits she had no idea of what challenges lie in the future, but knows that qualities of resilience and strength will always be of assistance and that those qualities can be built through a rich cultural life and accompanying reflection. For the Bryce family grandchildren, quality time with the grandparents can include art gallery and museum trips, listening to music and reading poetry.
One thing that was not mentioned in this conversation was retirement. Each of these women, leaders in their communities, are totally committed to providing ongoing intellectual and emotional encouragement to women besides supporting their place within family, workplace and community. It seems the role of teacher, mentor, mother and grandmother is simply part of their DNA.
Quentin Bryce and friends pictured at Lockhart River in 2013.
Need help with transport? As we get older, it’s a little harder to get around. The Community Transport Company can help with:
Door-to-door transport to medical and everyday appointments; Flexible travel options for shopping; Meet new friends on our social outings; Low-cost transport;
CALL US NOW 1300 812 504 www.communitytransport.net.au
6 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
Profile Story: Hugh Mackay
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 28, 2018
Taking steps for change Call for over-55s to reconnect with Australia in crisis Alison Houston
AUSTRALIA has become a more socially fragmented, anxious, depressed, stressed, overweight, medicated, debt-ridden and addicted society than ever before. It’s not a pretty picture the country’s most respected social researcher, Hugh Mackay. paints. And it’s up to each of us to take steps to change it. Twenty-five years on from his groundbreaking book, Reinventing Australia, Hugh has penned Australia Reimagined: Towards a More Compassionate, Less Anxious Society. At 80 he says it is the last book he will write which paints the big picture of the state of the nation. But the man who wrote his first book at 55 and has been involved in social research for more than 50 years, sounds every bit as engaged and eloquent as ever. He believes there are two major facts about
contemporary Australia which we all understand exist but which we have failed to make a valuable connection between. Firstly, we are more socially fragmented than ever. More people are feeling isolated and loneliness is a major problem. This is the result of a number of factors including divorce, shrinking households, how busy we are, mobility (moving house on average every six years) and our reliance on information technology, all of which have cut us off from our neighbourhoods and communities. Secondly, we have a mental health crisis with an epidemic of anxiety (two million Australians diagnosed last year) and depression. While job losses, relationships, budgeting or even the state of the planet can affect our outlook, Hugh said when anxiety is affecting so many people, there is an undeniable underlying social factor. He believes our poor
REIMAGINING: Hugh Mackay paints a picture of an anxious and unhappy Australian society, but says the remedy is not difficult. PHOTO: ALAN BENSON
mental health has been brought about by social fragmentation and the accompanying lack of a sense of belonging. “We are herd animals; we need to live as social beings,” he said. “When we shut ourselves off, we’re
denying our humanity.” While 68% of Australians still believe in God or some higher power, a paltry 8% are regular churchgoers, shutting the door on another traditional sense of connection, meaning and belonging.
“When we become more individualistic and live more within our own bubble, we become less trustful of people in general, as well as of our institutions like the church, our politicians, business and banks,” Hugh said. “We have become a more disillusioned, less trusting society.” Hugh described over-55s as today’s “tribal elders”. He said it was up to these social pioneering Baby Boomers, once so impatient to shake off the values and attitudes of their parents, to once again take the lead in social change by saying “let’s get engaged, be visible and make connections with each other” in order to shore up our communities. Presently, he said, just 35% of Australians said they trusted their neighbours – which, to him, means we haven’t taken the time to get to know them. “We need to start smiling, say hello or be a listening ear, acknowledge each other and show respect and kindness towards each other,” Hugh
said. “It doesn’t sound revolutionary, but it goes against the current trend … it’s the revolution we need.” Hugh said reconnecting did not need government or community group leadership, it’s something every individual can do by simply reaching out across the generations, being engaged in clubs or other groups, holding a street party or just saying hello to neighbours or people down the street. And if we don’t? “The future is quite bleak,” Hugh said. The problems of loneliness and social isolation will get worse, levels of trust will fall and levels of anxiety will rise still further. He hopes his book acts as a wake-up call that our mental health and social crisis is no accident, but something we have brought on ourselves by our failure to connect. However, he also sees the book as optimistic. “I think we are going to do this. There is so much disenchantment now that it’s beginning to dawn on us that we have to do something … this is my contribution,” he said.
Coffs and Clarence
Monday, May 28, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Talk’n’thoughts
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Hurdles, highjumps and solutions
Assoc calls for a ‘rightsizing’ JULY 1 is the start date for the Federal Government’s new downsizing policy that was introduced in last year’s budget. However, a survey undertaken by National Seniors Association reported that 82 per cent of older retirees preferred an alternative policy proposed by National Seniors organisation. The government’s policy allows Australians aged 65 and over to sell their home and divert up to $300,000 a person into superannuation. This means a couple’s contribution can amount
to $600,000. However, National Seniors Chief Advocate Ian Henschke said the policy has not been well received by most older Australians. He said the organisation’s Rightsizing proposal would exempt up to $250,000 of home sale proceeds from the Age Pension means test. “The government’s initiative is too narrow,” Mr Henschke said. “We’re not saying it should be abandoned. But our Rightsizing proposal would benefit more seniors and for this reason, we’ve included it
again in this year’s budget submission. “It would enable up to $250,000 of the proceeds from a home sale to be quarantined from the Age Pension means test,” he said. “Older Australians could move to more age-appropriate and suitable housing without losing their pension, and have funds to cover health and other costs in their old age. “Many live in housing that is inappropriate for their needs, for example with stairs and unsuitable bathrooms. This
increases the risk of injury and hospitalisation. It can also bring on early entry into residential aged care.” Many older people cited maintenance issues as a key motivation for downsizing, while others were keen to stay in the home where they raised their families or an area that was familiar. “But if they could sell without losing their pension, there’s no doubt many would,” Mr Henschke said that at the same time the governments’s initative should be maintained.
I WAS non compos when they took me to hospital the first time. I was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in 2000, and refused chemo and radiation, believing what my body has created it can uncreate. The senior doctor informed my two daughters he did not expect me to be alive by the end of the week. Well, I didn’t die. They had me in palliative care for a month, then moved me to the local nursing home into the palliative care. From there I was moved into a locked ward, where they had 24-hour nursing care. Being a determined and stubborn witch, I was soon walking with a walker and I was moved into a free ward Twelve months later I WAS HOME!!! I am curious about death, as long as it is painless and peaceful, to this end I have registered my support with the local MP for the euthanasia pill. I encourage everyone to do the same. Name withheld
The A, B and C of Mercedes-Benz. Owning a new Mercedes-Benz can be as straight forward as A B C. A. Meet Lachlan, he is a Mercedes-Benz Certified Sales Consultant at Mercedes-Benz Coffs Coast. B. Lachlan is professional, courteous and knows just about everything there is to know about Mercedes-Benz vehicles. C. You know that you will get the right advice and friendly service from Lachlan, before and after you have purchased your new Mercedes-Benz.
Make an appointment with Lachlan on 0402 214 323 for your personalised test drive and demonstration of our new A-Class, B-Class or C-Class motor vehicles today.
Mercedes-Benz Coffs Coast 4 Tolhurst Place, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Tel 1800 693 876 www.mbcoffscoast.com.au
LMD3461
Seniors 7
MR RIDDLE an entrepreneur is obviously a healthy senior. A good deal of us mere mortals unfortunately don’t have that good fortune. I congratulate those capable and willing to work on. But to encourage bureaucrats, politicians to understand we need change is a dangerous thing. These people (B&Ps) are hardly likely to have experienced chronic pain due to broken bodies through a lifetime of hard manual labour. So they, the lawmakers, do not understand there are a great many people unable to continue working in latter life. We are not all capable of embarking on a new business venture. It is hardly fair to expect people to risk their meagre nest eggs on a business set-up, which according to statistics is possibly doomed to fail. W. Plummer The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the views of this paper. – Editor
8 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 28, 2018
SPOTLIGHT ON NAMBUCCA HEADS
Meet Nambucca’s Norsie
Loving beautiful Nambucca Heads for over 50 years HI READERS. I’m a happy retired resident living the dream in Nambucca Heads. My love for the Valley began in 1964 during holiday visits to my grandmother’s in Scott’s Head. I fell in love with the beauty of Nambucca’s coastal areas. The wonderful opportunity to relocate permanently to the area arrived in in 2004. I found a relocatable home at the White Albatross Holiday Park. Moving here was life changing. I suffer with various illnesses, one being arthritis. The climate here is perfect for my ailments, with nine months of warm weather. I was overweight on arrival but living next to the V Wall soon fixed that. I would walk the beautiful V Wall overlooking the ocean several times a day. I effortlessly transitioned into six-kilometre morning
walks. It was so picturesque with dolphins playing, whales in season, large tortoises, various schools of fish and ever-changing sands of the river flow. It would change every day. Absolute soul food. I mustn’t forget all the older fishermen that would spin
❝
There are bush walking groups, Curves, aquatic centre and exercises for Seniors at the RSL.
a yarn and joke with me as I passed them by. Everything brought a smile to my face. After nine happy years, I sold my mobile home and moved into a small local retirement village. I have never driven a car and to date have always had to
LIVING THE DREAM: Norsie is a happy retired resident enjoying life in Nambucca Heads.
rely on public transport. The bus service to Coffs Harbour is very good. I am now the proud owner of a
mobility scooter which allows me so much more freedom to go places. I can ride to the Nambucca
Golf Club for lunch, then scooter over to the Plaza to browse the shops, pop into the pharmacy and
take in a movie at the cinema. I can also pick up my groceries from the local IGA and take a few parcels home on the scooter with no trouble. I also ride down to the CBD to browse our fabulous fashion boutiques, novelty shops, chemist, health and beauty salons, thrift shops and library. I often enjoy a bite to eat at one of the diverse eateries. Our health services are very good here and Community Transport is always available for me to access health appointments and other services out of the area. The Nambucca Valley will have a new hospital soon. There are bush walking groups, Curves, aquatic centre and exercises for Seniors at the RSL. There’s plenty to do here in God’s waiting room. As for me, you can take the girl out of Nambucca but you can’t take Nambucca out of the girl. Nambucca Heads is my heart and soul. Norsie
OPENING HOURS Mon-Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm Saturdays 8:30am - 2pm
“For all your health care needs”
Stockists of Jojoba products and Ecoya products
6806367aa
• Prescriptions • Natural health • Gifts / Homewares • Jewellery • Homy Ped Shoes • Friendly service PHONE 6568 6822 Shop online for tickets & vouchers at www.majesticcinemas.com.au
Over 240 level parking spaces, easy access for everybody!
COMING SOON TO NAMBUCCA HEADS & SAWTELL
Andre Rieu’s 2018 Maastricht Concert Breath with Simon Baker M Vince Giordano - Keeping Jazz Alive PG Mama Mia! Sing-Along
2191 Giinagay Way Nambucca Heads NSW 2448
6806339aa
Supermarket, ciNema aNd pHarmacy
6808734aa
18 Specialty StoreS all uNder tHe oNe roof iNcludiNG:
Shellie Morris singing live at Majestic - Visit our Website Nambucca Plaza Cinema 6568 6677
Sawtell Cinema, First Ave 5621 8101
Coffs and Clarence
Monday, May 28, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 9
6651 5333
www.aidacare.com.au
MOBILITY SCOOTER SALE
rit
y
7
0
le
53
Ce
0
Lorem $2999 ipsum dolor SAVE:$596 sit amet, consec b De
luxe
S S c o o te r -
6 CT
2/177 Orlando Street Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450
G
AIDACARE COFFS HARBOUR
oG
13
$1499
o
Bo
T ot S c o o te r - S C
6
6 0 7
RD
RLA
$2999
ND T OS T TC
1 75
Fo
UIT
ng
l
di
54
ST
DR
S6
O
AV E
iGo
ND
P H IL L
LA
IP
OR
A1
ND
S
CO
RE
Po
we r
Wh e elc h a
P r i
W
10 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 28, 2018
Community
Approved
Aged CAre provider
Services under the following programs:
◆ Home Care Packages ◆ DVA Community Nursing ◆ Veterans Home Care Program ◆ Flexible Respite (CHSP) ◆ Private ◆ Disability (NDIS)
MAGNIFICENT MUMS: Blanche Woodhill and Ena Train enjoyed Mother’s Day at Ingenia Gardens, Coffs Harbour. Presents were given to all ladies and lucky door prizes for everyone.
IF YOU have a community notice that you would like included in our monthly publication, please email it to: editor@seniors newspaper.com.au The deadline for our Coffs & Clarence June-July issue is June 13.
Covering the 3 LGA’s of Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca Locally owned and operated for 28 years
WINTER DELIGHT LADIES HIGH TEA
Call us on 1300 770 118
info@nswhss.com.au
6776072aa
ENABLE YOUR LIFESTYLE
Hello from SCCA … “Work for a cause, not for applause” Unknown. June sees SCCA partnering with Southern Cross University to present at the 2018 International HammondCare “Mission Impossible? Truth and Lies in the Age of Choice” Conference in Sydney. HammondCare is an independent Christian Charity incorporating Aged and Dementia Care.
GRAFTON SENIOR CITIZENS WE RECENTLY held a
“Holding the Story” will be one of the first Creative Ageing programs to be opened up to the wider community via The Link (former Cockbain’s Nursery site) in 2019.
Michelle
Take comfort knowing help is available at the press of a button with the Care@Home personal alarm. From as little as $8.95* per week, it’s the smart way to live!
Sawtell Catholic Care of the Aged
Call today 1300 851 771
From the big picture to the smallest details,“we care”
www.scca.net.au Ph: 02 6653 1241 Ph: 02 6658 6133
6737217ao
See you next month
DON’T miss Submerged – Stories of Australia’s Shipwrecks on until July 28. An exhibition from the Australian National Maritime Museum uncovering Australia’s rich shipwreck history. The exhibition is the result of a national project of workshops held across the country to source shipwreck stories. The Coffs Harbour Regional Museum is located at 215 Harbour Drive. Open: Tuesday to Saturdays from 10am-4pm. Phone (02) 6648 4847.
HELP AT THE PRESS OF A BUTTON
Research has found that the arts can play an important role in wellbeing with benefits such as: Overcoming social isolation, improving mental wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem, as well as creating enjoyment and pleasure. Yes, having fun is good for you!
So, wish us luck! SCCA, it’s a great story.
COFFS HARBOUR REGIONAL MUSEUM
www.feroscare.com.au
* Plus a one-off delivery, programming and activation fee.
MACLEAN COMMUNITY MARKETS
MACLEAN Community Markets are held on the second Saturday of each month in the main car park, near the 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 June 9. More dates: July 14, August 11, September 8, October 13 and November 10.
COFFS HARBOUR DAY VIEW CLUB
CLUB members are actively involved in fundraising activities to raise donations for The Smith Family programs. We are always open to new members, so please get in touch today and come and see what it’s all about. Meeting Day is on the second Tuesday of the month at Cex Club, Vernon Street, Coffs Harbour. Phone (02) 6651 3622. FER0643 04/18
Our presenters will be talking about our digital storytelling project “Holding the Story” and how arts in health can impact positively on people’s wellbeing. Wellbeing, as described by the World Health Organisation (WHO), is “a state of physical, mental and social wellness; a way of life which equips the individual to realise the full potential of their capabilities and to overcome and compensate for weakness.”
JOYLAND Carers Retreat are holding our annual fundraising event “Winter Delight” Ladies High Tea on Saturday, June 16 at Opal Cove Resort Ballroom. Registration at 11am-2.30pm. A scrumptious ladies high tea, with fashion parades, pop-up shops, raffle prizes and plenty of fun in store for everyone. Bar available. Tickets: $50 per person. Tickets can be purchased from: trybooking.com/374220. All proceeds raised go to carers having respite. Our annual June event not to be missed. Tell your friends and have a fabulous time, all for a great charity that supports carers.
successful open day during Senior Citizens Week with craft group in action and a craft display. More recently, 39 members attended successful soup and games day, including morning tea, games and trivia quiz and soup lunch. Next bus trip is to main day of Casino Beef Week on Saturday, May 26, followed by mystery trip on August 17. A pie and pea day on June 18 and barbecue day on July 23 are also planned. Phone publicity officer Sandra on 6642 7720.
Coffs and Clarence
Monday, May 28, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 11
Have you been exposed to asbestos from James Hardie Building products? Sean Ryan
Director
mobile. 0457 222 709 toll free. 1800 316 716 email. sean@vbrlaw.com.au
Do you suffer from breathing problems?
Leading Lawyer Asbestos and Dust Disease Compensation 2016, 2017
Call us today as you may have a valuable claim for lump sum compensation
We handle all types of claims for:
Who are we? Sean Ryan has dedicated his entire legal career to acting on behalf of persons who have contracted asbestos disease.
•
Pleural plaques
•
Asbestosis
•
Mesothelioma
•
Lung cancer
•
Oesophagus cancer
Strict time limits apply to making some claims so call 0457 222 709 today for an obligation free discussion on whether you have a claim against James Hardie.
He has successfully handled hundreds of asbestos disease claims and has won many victories including successfully running the first ever jury trial for lung cancer in Australia. Sean Ryan has been voted as a Leading Lawyer in Australia in the prestigious Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession (2017) in the area of Asbestos and Dust Diseases Compensation.
Serving all claims in Northern NSW toll free. 1800 316 716
email. claims@vbrlaw.com.au
www.vbrlaw.com.au
facebook. @vbrLawyers
12 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 28, 2018
What’s on
YAMBA FARMERS MARKET
AT THE Yamba Farmers Market you can buy a scrumptious range of fresh seasonal produce and hand-crafted delights, free-range eggs, honey, chillies and chilli products, rosella jam and organic vegies, gluten-free sweets, pecans, jams, relishes, bread, pork and beef. You’ll have the chance to meet farmers and growers, learn how produce is grown, and gain tips on how to prepare the food. The market operates every Wednesday at the Whiting Beach car park in Yamba. Come for breakfast and follow it up with a surf or a walk along a beach or if you’re an early riser, you can do it the other way around. Weekly event, Wednesdays 7-11am.
MAL’S BLUES BAR
THE BEACH (FOOD TRUCK) CARNIVAL
THE Beach (Food Truck) Carnivale is on the move again and heading to Yamba. Once again, there is free entry to Carnivale. Enjoy over 15 of the yummiest food trucks, the beach bar and sports bar, live music all weekend long, carnival rides, jumping castles and more. There will be dodgeball, darts, table tennis, 3x3 soccer, Net4ball, two-on-two volleyball and a Colour run. It will held on Saturday, June 16 to Sunday, June 17. For more information, go to beachcarnivale.com.au.
GRAFTON OPEN ART EXHIBITION
THE Grafton Open Art Exhibition was established in 2013 by members of the Grafton High P&C. The opening night is a free event with live music and nibbles. The purpose of the exhibition is to allow emerging and professional artists in the area to display their work and gain exposure. The exhibition is also for students both primary and secondary, to showcase their works and celebrate their skills. The exhibition is open to all schools in the Clarence Valley, most mediums are excepted with prizes in all categories. Grafton High
FRESH IS BEST: Visit the Yamba Farmers Market every Wednesday morning.
School is the only school in the Clarence Valley to hold such an event. It will be held on Saturday, June 9 to Monday, June 11. For more, go to goart.com.
GLENREAGH COMMUNITY MARKETS
THE Glenreagh Community Markets are held on the first Saturday of every month (except January) in the School of Arts Hall and surrounding grounds. 62 Coramba Street. Come and browse these friendly markets, heaps of bargains. Bric-a-brac, candles, soaps, plants, books old & new, collectables, knitwear, handmade and homemade goodies and much, much more. We have over 20 stalls including George’s famous locally produced beef pies. Plus a monthly raffle. Sit in the supper room and enjoy a tea, coffee, freshly cooked scones or maybe an egg and bacon roll, everything cooked fresh in our kitchen. The museum is also opened and full of local history, gold coin donation.
First Saturday of the month, next one is on June 2, School of Arts Hall, 62 Coramba Street, Glenreagh. 8am-12.30pm. www.facebook.com/ glenreaghmarkets.
BELLINGEN READERS AND WRITERS FESTIVAL
THE 2018 Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival returns to its full festival format with an impressive program of literary talent. Much-loved cartoonist Michael Leunig, journalist and correspondent Peter Greste, ABC-TV Book Club panellist Marieke Hardy, acclaimed writer Don Watson, investigative journalist Wendy Bacon, Aboriginal historian Bruce Pascoe and author-broadcaster Caroline Baum are among the many guests for this year’s festival. For the full Festival program go to: bellingenwriters festival.com.au. Details: June 8-10 at Hyde Street, Bellingen. For more information, email info@bellingen writersfestival.com.au or go to: bellingenwriters festival.com.au.
PHOTO: LEONORI
SARATON THEATRE
ENJOY a movie in style! The Saraton Theatre was built at Grafton in 1926. In 1940, it was refurbished in the late Art Deco style. It’s a splendid reminder of the heyday of cinema when movie going was extremely popular with all members of the community. Today, it remains a magnificent icon of unaltered picture theatre dating back to the 1920s. The Saraton Theatre is indeed as rare gem of great historical significance at 95 Prince Street, Grafton. To find out more, go to yourmoviescom.au/ cinema/428542/ saraton-theatre.
JETTY MEMORIAL THEATRE
THE Naked Magicians – This show features magic, mirth and more than a touch of mayhem as these two hot and hilarious Aussie magicians say abracadabra and take magic to a whole new level. This boisterous R-rated magic show strips away the top hats and capes, promising full-frontal illusions. Left without sleeves or
pockets, their saucy magic is baffling and entertaining, bringing a new meaning to “now you see it”. Good magicians don’t need sleeves and great magicians don’t need pants. This show proves just that at 337 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour. Showing: Sunday, June 24, Times: 7.30pm. Ticket prices: Adult $49.90, Conc $44.90, Group 6+ $44.90. Premium $79. Includes VIP Seating, meet & greet, photo opportunity with The Naked Magicians and a VIP Lanyard. Audience warnings: 18+ only Includes coarse language, sexual references and male nudity.
WHALE WATCHING
MUTTONBIRD Island Nature Reserve adjacent to the Coffs Harbour Marina is a great whale watching vantage point. You’ll also definitely want to go whale watching in the Coffs Coast Regional Park, where Woolgoolga Headland is the highlight, with easy vehicle access and extensive views. Be sure to take your binoculars for up close views of these amazing creatures.Just near Coffs Harbour, you’ll find 11km of unspoiled beaches and rainforest in Bongil Bongil National Park. While the whales and dolphins are a drawcard, the park is also important habitat for a variety of waterbirds. Enjoy many nature based activities as there are options for cycling through the flat terrain on fire trails through the coastal forests. The Coffs Creek and Harbour loop is a 24km cycling track that provides cyclists with a great way to escape traffic. 6737540aa
YAMBA Golf and Country Club’s back deck becomes a ‘blues central’ on the last Sunday of every month with Australia’s premier electric guitarist Mal Eastick and monthly invitational guest performing. Mal has been a long-time performer playing with some of the best acts on the Australian music scene. He has performed at high profile events such as Broadbeach Blues Festival, Bimbadgen Blues festival, Thredbo Blues Festival, and as a guest in a premiere guitar show featuring Kevin Borich, Phil Emmanuel, Phil Manning and others. Catch Mal and special guest on the last Sunday of every month at Yamba Golf and Country Club. For details about the guest acts or for more
information visit the club’s website or Facebook page. Entry is free and the club courtesy bus is in operation from 2pm. Seafire Steak and Seafood will be open for lunch and dinner. Sunday, May 27 to Sunday, October 28. For more, go to yambagolf.com.au.
PHONE 02 6653 1577 EMAIL: info@sawtellrsl.com.au ADDRESS: 38-40 First Avenue Sawtell
Waves Café:
Open from 10am till late each day
Coffs and Clarence
Monday, May 28, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Full Dentures Partial Dentures Chromes Flexi Dentures Relines and Repairs (Same Day Service)
Seniors 13
Wheelchair Access Home Visits Mouthguard’s Hospital Vouchers (Bulked Billed)
Dan Backhouse
Prosthetist DipDT AdvDipDP BSc BBioMedSc ADPA
2 Locations 20 Park Avenue 252 Harb-our Drive
Coffs Harbour NSW Coffs Harbour NSW
0407 140 447
dan.c.backhouse@gmail.com.au
6736621ag
We Can help! Don’t let snoring or sleep apnea be a problem for you or your partner. 1300 776 673
14 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
Local Story
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 28, 2018
Story-telling sculptures Capturing all elements of our environment in a display of art
THE striking interactive sculptures that adorn the transformed jetty foreshores have become popular talking points in the community – but do you know the stories behind each one? “It’s great that people are using my design as a gathering place, which is the literal meaning of the piece,” said Gumbaynggirr artist Brentyn Lugnan, who trained at Sydney College of Fine Arts, TAFE and the EORA Centre in Sydney and has worked with SBS, ABC and the National Aboriginal Design Agency. “When I’m at the jetty I see people sitting and playing there. But I’d like people to know it is more than just a picnic place; it has significant cultural meaning as a gathering place for Gumbaynggirr people into the future. My concept was always to create a meeting place for future generations of Gumbaynggirr people whilst instilling a sense of place and respect for those Elders past, who
paved the way for us.” Local artist Emma Louise Davies, who also studied at Sydney College of Fine Arts, says that the concept for her design, Cruising, grew from walks she has had along the marina boardwalk where she was captivated by groups of fish darting
❝
The Jetty4Shores Project is all about celebrating our special identity as the community of Coffs Harbour and each component. about in the water. “In my concept design I wanted to capture this sense of cruising fish and to draw attention to the complex marine environment on our doorstep. I enlarged the fish enough to allow an
ART ON DISPLAY: This sculpture, Cruising, is by Emma Louise Davies.
opening which would comfortably fit a person – the idea being that children in particular may enjoy being ‘inside’ the fish. The fish has been placed on the ground at an angle to increase its stability but also to allow
a sense of movement as if the fish is diving,” she said. Sculptor John van der Kolk’s Pod, representing a pod of whales, has already proved popular with young visitors to the foreshores. He has also designed a larger
sculpture Playscape, which is due to be installed shortly. “Playscape is loosely styled on a beachweathered whale vertebrae that I have in my studio,” he said. “From ground level it appears as a number of
curved walls pierced with various sized and shaped holes and crawl spaces for kids to explore.” The large-scale works at the foreshores stand alongside a variety of designs and smaller sculptures in wood, metal and concrete created by students from local high schools. “Interactive sculptures that embody a story or response to the space were always an important and integral component of the whole Jetty4Shores experience,” Coffs Harbour Mayor Councillor Denise Knight said. “The Jetty4Shores Project is all about celebrating our special identity as the community of Coffs Harbour and each component – whether it’s the walkway, the ramp and steps, the marketplace or the public art – is all about connecting us to our environment and enriching our enjoyment and sense of wellbeing. “I love the way all the artists involved, professional and emerging, have given us a unique view of the way they connect to the jetty foreshores. It’s wonderful.”
Clarence Care + Support for Seniors Positive ageing in the Clarence Valley • Aged care • Home Care Packages • Short term Restorative Care • NDIS services • Shopping • Personal Care • Home from hospital support
Be wise and immunise
Be Winter Wise
Why should you get the flu shot each year? Did you know that the influenza virus is constantly changing? Recent research has also discovered that the effectiveness of the vaccine does diminish over time. Therefore it is best to maintain your annual vaccination program to ensure your full coverage.
Content 1 Winter is a time where flu and other illnesses occur. So it is best to be winter wise and prepare. The best thing you can do is keep well. So here are some simple things to remember: Catch it and bin it - Germs can spread easily. Always carry a tissue and use it to catch your cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, coughing into your elbow is better than your hands. Germs can live for several hours on tissues. Throw used tissues in a rubbish bin as soon as possible. Kill it - Hands can transfer germs to every surface you touch. Wash your hands thoroughly and often, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Wash hands for at least 10 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand rub. Stay at home - Wait at least 24 hours after your fever ends before you return to work or other public activities so you do not infect others.
You can receive your flu shot from your local doctor, participating pharmacies and other immunisation providers. The flu vaccination is free for people who are classed as high risk. This can include: • Persons over the age of 65 • Persons who identify as ATSI • Persons who suffer with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease • Persons who are pregnant If you are travelling overseas it is also worth checking with your doctor before you go on what vaccinations to get. Prevention is definitely the best cure as colds and influenza can easily be spread from person to person through infected droplets in the air or via our hands.
See a GP - If you can’t get to a GP:
Good hygiene is the single most important way to prevent the spread and protect you from these harmful bugs. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, particularly after touching your nose or mouth and before handling any food items. Sneeze or cough into a tissue and dispose of this immediately.
Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak to a registered nurse. This service is free and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What is the best thing to do if you do catch a cold or flu: • Stay in bed • Be sure to drink plenty of fluids • Paracetamol to assist with the control of fevers, aches and pains
Call 000 immediately if your situation is urgent or life-threatening, or go directly to an emergency department for assistance.
Always remember to consult with your doctor if the symptoms get worse.
Get a jab – see Be wise and immunise
This is also now available for those over 70 years. Shingles is a painful blistering rash caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox. So ask about this as well. Keeping healthy and well and preventing illness is best for everyone.
Make a Winter Wise plan Cold weather during winter can worsen pre-existing chronic illnesses such as asthma and diabetes, so it’s best to be prepared. Asthmatics and diabetics should review their illness management plans, or speak to their GP if they do not already have one in place.
Shingles vaccine
Whooping Cough Adults may require to have a booster shot of the Whooping Cough vaccine. As there are outbreaks every 3 to 4 years and you have a chronic health condition this may also be necessary. 6687093aj
Local Story
Monday, May 28, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Coffs and Clarence
Leaping to happiness
Seniors 15
Store asks seniors how to make them happy Alison Houston
A BROKEN shoulder has led The Happy Frog owner Kim Towner to consider a new range of services for Coffs residents who may want food delivered for a variety of reasons. Kim said being incapacitated, unable to drive or even chop food for eight weeks without pain, had been a real eye-opener for her, and made her think about all the other people who, whether through age, injury, disability or just for convenience, may need a helping hand with food. She has prepared a survey to find out exactly what seniors and others may want from the café and grocery store, with its focus on ethical, fresh, local vegetarian offerings and catering for special dietary needs. Questions include whether you would
use a delivery service, and if so how often, your budget and whether you are interested in pre-prepared food or fresh produce, including bread, cheese, fruit and veg. “I’m just looking at how we can help make people’s lives a little easier,” Kim said. As part of her thinking, Kim has also begun a range of ‘Happy’ prepared sauces, the first being Happy Coconut Curry in-a-jar. “It’s like a really delicious dahl and everyone’s loved it,” Kim said, adding that already customers had chosen to use it both as a soup and as a meal, with some adding spinach, mixed vegetables or tofu (and yes, some even adding meat). At $15 for a jar it makes about eight large serves, and is suitable for freezing, but Kim said a
smaller jar was on the way for couples or those living alone. Also in progress are minestrone and Mexican varieties. The café already sells a selection of curries, soups and Mexican beans by the litre ($14) on top of its café takeaway offerings, including pies, patties, salads and lasagne, the latter sometimes being confused for a meat lasagne because of its thick, rich, tasty sauce. “Ladies often come in to buy some to take home for dinner and say ‘I don’t know if he’ll eat it,’ and I say, ‘just don’t tell them it’s vegetarian’,” Kim laughed. She recalled a tradie who had been doing some work in the café and enjoyed the lasagne three or four times before someone mentioned that
Power prices hit Aussie homes hard
HAPPY AND HELPFUL: The Happy Frog owner Kim Towner puts together a basket of the store's beautifully fresh vegetables, as she asks for opinions on a possible delivery service.
the café was vegetarian, and he couldn’t believe that what he had eaten wasn’t meat-based. “But I think seniors’ eating habits are changing and they are more adventurous than they were say 20 years ago,” Kim said, amused at the idea that at over 55 she could herself be considered a senior. “Two things are happening: firstly seniors are getting younger in their mindset, and secondly they have a broader tastebud, having grown up in an era when we have a real melting pot of cultures and tastes. “And I think we are all
getting more health conscious too. “All these things mean more people are prepared to have a go and break out of their habits and discover new, exciting tastes.” If you would like to take part in the survey, or let The Happy Frog know any other ideas you may have, pop into the store at 16 Park Ave, Coffs Harbour, or email thehappyfrogcoffs @gmail.com. THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW THE Happy Frog is very sustainability conscious: ★It uses solar energy. ★Spare food goes to
REAP for redistribution. ★Waste and scrap food goes to feed dogs, chooks, rabbits, guinea pigs and worms at the community gardens. ★The ‘free useful things’ trolley out the front of the store lets residents collect potato sacks, big tins, buckets and other re-usable items for home projects. ★Catering is delivered on a bike. ★Boxes and bags are re-used and the café’s own packaging is recyclable and generally compostable. ★It washes and cleans with natural cleaning products.
ADVERTISEMENT
HOUSEHOLDS across the country are reeling from summer electricity bill shock, and the cry has gone out, calling on the government to do more to reduce the crippling cost of power for households and businesses alike.
5.5 kw NOW ONLY
Have you got the time to wait around while they work out what to do? With no end in sight anytime soon, and energy prices set to rise again, solar energy makes more sense than ever before. With rapid advancement in technology, and falling prices on solar systems, households and businesses stand to see a return on their investment in clean affordable energy much quicker than ever before. There’s no need to sit and wait, you can take the power back right now. If you’re thinking its time you looked at solar, we’ve put together a couple of key points to help you navigate your way to choosing the right solar energy partner. 1. How long have they been in business? Choose a company who will be around long enough to honour the warranties they offer. A company that deals exclusively in solar is also one to be weary of, with government policies changing so often, solar can plummet overnight and leave companies floundering, especially if their cash flow comes from one source. Find a company that has a number of different income sources, so you know you can call on them in five to ten years’ time. At SAE Group, we are a local energy company, established in 2010, and have more than 15 years’ experience in the industry. SAE Group is a diverse electrical company with experience in powerline construction, major electrical infrastructure and air conditioning installations. In 2017 SAE Group were the 5th largest installer of solar in Australia, based on STC creation. 2. Playing the long game. Don’t be lured in by just a competitive price. Technology is moving fast and it’s an exciting time to make the move to renewable energy. While you may not be ready for battery storage just yet, make sure the system you choose is battery ready. If you’re serious about investing in your energy security, look for a provider who has experience in off-grid solutions as well, you will stand to benefit from their experience and knowledge. 3. Installation when an industry grows exponentially in a short space of time, problems can often arise (we all remember the home insulation program). Ask the question, who is installing your solar system? Are they accredited electrical contractors? Should it come to pass you need to use your warranty, where does the buck stop? With the subcontracted installer? The answer is NO. At SAE, we are Master Electricians, and we stand by our workmanship on every job we do. For more honest, expert advice, jump on our website www.saegroup.com.au, or call 1300 18 20 50 for a tailored solution that is designed with you in mind.
$4999 NORMALLY
*
$5559.00
Take the Power back Make the switch to solar energy and save
+ SOLIS INVERTER
SERAPHIM PANELS
1x Solis 5K-4G 2MPPT inverter & 20x Seraphim 275w panels For a free on site solar assessment call:
1300 18 20 50
or visit: www.saegroup.com.au *Price includes racking. Net meter changeover not included. Does not include export limitation if required. Finance is subject to eligibility, terms and conditions, fees and charges may apply. Electrical License Qld: 72250, NSW 227526C
16 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
Profile Story: Margaret McMurdo AC
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 28, 2018
Judging by her activities McMurdo isn’t really retired Being mentally and physically active is an ongoing affair STEPPING out of her judicial robes has freed Margaret McMurdo AC to apply her substantial persuasive skills to several leadership roles. It has also given her the opportunity to spread her creative wings, developing previously hidden passions into enjoyable outcomes. Mrs McMurdo’s four children wondered if she would cope with moving from a high-profile and extremely busy life, to retirement. She has proven she can, and can do it successfully. “I am using the skills of my prior life in the things I am now doing in the private sector,” Mrs McMurdo said. The former president of the Queensland Court of Appeal, Acting Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court of Queensland, judge of the Children’s Court of Queensland, judge of the District Court of Queensland among many other leading legal roles, theoretically retired from active work 12 months ago. But, at 63, Mrs McMurdo is just as busy and engaged in community work now as she was during her time on the bench. Currently under her guidance is the $88 million Queensland Community Foundation charitable trust which gives out millions of dollars each year. The low-profile charity, estanlished in 1987, raises funds for community projects. Mrs McMurdo also holds several other volunteer roles, including working with the Australia Institute on promoting a
POSITIVE AGEING: The former president of the Queensland Court of Appeals, Margaret McMurdo AC, remains active in all aspects of her life.
national integrity commission. “In essence, (it’s) a federal ICAC to look at integrity and stop corruption at federal level,” she said. “I could never have
done that when I was a judge because it is entering into the semi-political sphere and crossing the boundary from the judicial arm of government into the executive.”
“I have all these projects which I put aside for when I had more time in my life which I am still trying to find,” she said. Participating in community activities and spending time with like-minded people is an important part of Mrs McMurdo’s retirement plan. She now has time, after 35 years of membership, to be active in Brisbane’s Zonta Club. Mrs McMurdo still sticks to a regular fitness routine. “Health is everything when you are ageing,” she said. “I think you age much more positively if you are fit and well.” She recognises that the cycle of life may be what forces her to move away from the organisations that she is currently committed to, but in the meantime the elegant, highly intelligent and talented Mrs McMurdo is giving them the best of her community-minded skills and energy.
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
CR114733AA
Tracey Johnstone
She also chairs Queensland’s Legal Aid Commission. “It’s a very important organisation, an essential element of the justice system in Queensland,” she said. “They do an amazing job on limited funds.” With the formality of court and being in the public eye behind her, Mrs McMurdo is finally enjoying lots of “nice things” while spending time with her grown-up family and friends is at the top of her retirement list. “I do French every Friday morning at Alliance Francaise in Brisbane,” she said. “I have done a creative writing course and I am hoping to do a bit more creative writing, but I am finding it very hard to be disciplined to fit it in. Her children’s retirement present of oil painting lessons has turned into a keen interest. Learning the guitar is on her to-do list, as well as quilting.
Special Interest
Monday, May 28, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Coffs and Clarence
Seniors 17
Say hello to the koalas at beautiful Port Macquarie Annual festival centres around Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail
sponsored by Catholic Care of the Aged. Why not spoil yourself with a Hello Koalas High Tea at Rydges Port Macquarie any time from 9am–4pm on June 9–11, or take the kids and grandkids to enjoy the Hello Koalas Festival Family Picnic on Sunday, June 10, from 8.3am–2.30pm at Douglas Vale Historic Homestead and Vineyard, with Devonshire teas, barbecue, all-day musical program and NSW
When there is grief you need SUPPORT. When there is loss you need COMFORT & UNDERSTANDING. When it is time to PLAN or say farewell there is
KEITH LOGUE & SONS
Funeral & Cremation Directors Since 1967 34 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour
6652 1999
National Parks games and activities, koala face-painting and arts and crafts exhibits. Port Macquarie is less than two hours drive south of Coffs Harbour, 3.5 hours north of Gosford, making it the perfect distance for a long weekend getaway, or to stay for the week, enjoy the festivities and all this spectacular region has to offers. To discover the full program, go to www.hellokoalas.com and
GETTING TO KNOW YOU: The second annual Hello Koalas Festival and inaugural Caring for our Koalas and our Environment Conference mix expert information with fun in the spectacular Port Macquarie region during June. PHOTO: HELLO KOALAS
to find out more about Port Macquarie, go to: portmacquarie info.com.au. For special Hello Koalas Festival accommodation rates at Sails Hotel, phone (02) 6589 5100 or Rydges Port Macquarie on (02) 6589 2888.
ChrisBarrow DentureCliniC • Dentures & Mouthguards • No Referral Required • All Funds • Vet Affairs Patients • Repairs • Hospital Voucher
6652 2406 11/20 Gordon Street, Coffs Harbour
6476007aa
would a dancing queen be without an Abba tribute band? Australia’s premier tribute band MamaMia will perform all your favourites at Panthers on Friday, June 8, from 6.30pm. Then on Saturday, June 9, from 8am–1pm, join the fun, Hello Koalas sculptures and artists and Port Macquarie’s Conservatorium Big Band at Port Macquarie’s popular Foreshore Markets at Westport Park on the banks of the Hastings River. You can even watch local artist Yvonne Kiely work on her new Hello Koalas sculpture,
It’s Good to Share
Submit your photos, stories, events and notices online. Look for the ‘share your event or story’ box on our home page. Visit us at seniorsnews.com.au
CR115679AH-4
THE second annual Hello Koalas Festival offers something special for Seniors of all interests, from fun activities to expert, up-to-date Koala conservation information from June 7–11. The festival, encompassing the June long weekend, is held in beautiful Port Macquarie on the NSW Mid-North Coast, boasting 17 uncrowded beaches, rainforest hinterland, the largest koala population on Australia’s east coast, remarkable bird life, and a host of activities and attractions in an unspoilt setting. The festival will include everything from the inaugural Caring for our Koalas and our Environment Conference (June 7–8) at Sails Hotel, Port Macquarie, to an Abba tribute concert, ballet and classic cars to high teas, markets, artist-guided tours and more. It is built around the success of the gold medal-winning Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail, open year-round and combining art and environmental awareness in the form of 62 individually hand-painted one-metre high fibreglass koala sculptures. Each has its own theme and character and takes you to places and towns across
the region which you may never have otherwise discovered. The trail scores top-billing on TripAdvisor, where grandparents are full of its praises, including, “The koala sculpture trail is entertaining, educating and fun! My grandchildren are enthralled and all I know have the same feeling!” “My grandchildren love searching for the Hello Koalas sculptures too and each time it seems like a brand new adventure. “Lovely way too for families to be out and about together having fun and enjoying the talent of our local artists.” And, of course, the Hello Koalas Festival and Trail are a reminder of just how important the iconic koala is, and how much both koalas and the environment need our care and protection – the serious focus of the conference. It will feature expert speakers from the Koala Hospital, Taronga Zoo, Planet Ark, Forestry NSW, the Koala Health Hub at Sydney University and NSW and National Parks. But you don’t have to attend the conference to be part of the festival fun, which is led this year by Lady Lola the Dancing Koala – the newest addition to the Hello Koalas sculpture population. And what
6744970aa
Alison Houston
18 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
Wellbeing
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 28, 2018
Slow down ageing skin
TAKE the advice of an expert and use these tips for women and men for slowing down your skin’s ageing process. Melbourne dermatologist Dr Michelle Rodrigues reminds us to have on hand sunscreen, cleanser and moisturiser, but we don’t need to spend a lot on them to get a result. She recommends talking to your healthcare professional for help on navigating your way through the mire of cosmetic treatment choices for your face, because everyone’s skin is different. “Creating a regime is not a one size fits all,” Dr Rodrigues added. The best approach is always individualised.” Sunscreen ●There’s no surprises when you hear the sage advice; “it’s never too late to start with a good sunscreen”. ●Aim for sunscreen with
a SPF factor of 50 or more, and a label saying high UVA protection. ●The key here is UVA which does a lot more damage to the second layer of the skin. “With regular sunscreen, we can to a degree, decrease the amount of sun spots and decrease the amount of pigmentation on the face,” Dr Rodrigues said. “It is over time going to actively improve the skin.” Add an active ingredient ●For your morning skin moisturising regime, and under your sunscreen, add niacinamide which comes in pharmacy over-the-counter products such as serum, gel and in creams. ●It should be in a concentration of five per cent or more. “It can actively provide antioxidants to the skin and actively try to prevent further UV damage, and help with pigmentation and small blemishes,” Dr Rodrigues said.
SIMPLE & SINCERE FUNERALS
ATTENTION ALL GRANDPARENTS
QUALITY PLUMBING A Quality Job at a Fair Dinkum Price
Justin Sheldon proudly provides honest & reliable plumbing services and
and Lady Cameo Funerals affordable and dignified funerals
6696318aa
a large variety of timber and environmentally friendly cardboard coffins
WE URGENTLY NEED FOSTER CARERS
Do you have a culturally safe home for Aboriginal children in need?
SPECIALTES
secure funeral plans available
124 West High Street, Coffs Harbour
BETTER FACES: Looking at how you can slow down the effects on ageing skin. PHOTO: CECILIE_ARCURS
TRUE BLUE
ALLIED FUNERAL HOME
6651 2363 or 6651 4155
and in addition the creams, can yield quite nice results,” Dr Rodrigues said. But, a word of warning – because operating and licensing rules are different across Australia, be careful who you use for laser treatments. So, it’s best to start with your GP for a referral to a dermatologist who can determine if these laser treatments are suitable to your skin condition.
WE OFFER CARERS • 24/7 Access to caseworker advice & assistance • Peer support • Respite Care • Social activities and more
SENIORS RA
0418 650 438 jsheldon084@gmail.com
6747073aa
Tracey Johnstone
Include Vitamin A It’s only available by prescription from your GP or dermatologist, but a Vitamin A derived tretinoin-based cream is another item to add to your skin repair shopping list. “There are a lot of over-the-counter products that claim they contain retinol and vitamin A for anti-ageing, but the only one that has been proven scientifically to reverse the signs of ageing over about a six-month period is the tretinoin,” Dr Rodrigues said. “It decreases fine lines and wrinkles, helps with pigmentation and increases luminosity of the skin. It is a proven anti-ageing method that’s simple and effective, and inexpensive.” Skin care advances The newest laser technology can help rejuvenate men and women’s skin, decrease redness, decrease subtle pigmentation and fine lines. “There is some breakthrough, powerful technology that can help
6756971aa
Dermatologist offers tips on delaying the ageing process
www.abcare.org.au | Ph: 5615 8300
DAY
4 August 2018
6791560ab
I am looking forward to
Coffs and Clarence
Monday, May 28, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 19
Wellbeing Men’s Health: Is the chassis getting rusty? Now is a good time for a wear and tear check-up Tracey Johnstone
WHETHER you are in your 60s, 70s or older, it’s a good time to check out the chassis for wear and tear, and maybe be some rust. 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. ■ Arthritis (ball joint lubrication)
– www.arthritisaustralia.com.au ■ Falls Prevention (stability control) – www.myagedcare. gov.au/getting-started/healthyand-active-ageing/preventingfalls-in-elderly ■ Osteoporosis (chassis rust) – www.osteoporosis.org.au/men The good advice from men’s health group Foundation 49 is: ■ Find a GP you are happy with. ■ Have an annual check up with your GP. ■ Know your body and what is
normal for you. ■ Promptly check out any concerns or health issues with your GP. ■ Know the health risks for your age group and what to do to reduce them. For more men’s health information, go to www.malehealth.org.au. CHECK-UP: That chassis of yours might need an overhaul.
Aged care staff get flu shot
QUICK JAB: Vaccinations can saves lives and they are fundamental to our health system. PHOTO: FSTOP123
THE Federal Government has announced that all residential aged care staff must have a flu injection. The government hopes this will help to see a significant reduction in the worrying number of reported cases among residents during this flu season. No details were provided in the announcement about how and when the vaccine program will
come into place, nor who will pay for it. The only guide as to who looks like being made responsible for its implementation is the Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt’s comment that “it will now be mandatory for every aged care provider to offer the flu vaccine to every single worker”. “Vaccination is imperative for staff and residents in aged care, where the flu can spread
quickly and have devastating consequences,” Federal Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt said. “I urge all Australians to have their flu shot, especially those who regularly visit loved ones living in aged care homes. Every one of us has a responsibility to reduce the chance of spreading the virus among some of our most vulnerable citizens.” Additionally, under the
National Immunisation Program, those eligible for a free flu shot include people aged 65 years and over, pregnant women, most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those who suffer from chronic conditions. Last year more than 4.5 million doses of the influenza vaccine were provided at no cost to Australians who were most at risk from the flu.
No Gap checkup and clean for all health funds
Visit us for modern and gentle dental care
Ask u abou s dentat impla l nts
Call our friendly staff today or book online Port Macquarie 6583 8868 Urunga 6655 6127 www.portsmiles.com.au
6747851ad
• Includes all X rays and polish • Modern digital X rays, including state of the art 3D X rays on site • Twilight sedation available for nervous patients • Visit us to find out why more people are making the switch to Port Smiles for all their dental needs
TA5277957
20 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
Wellbeing
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 28, 2018
Healthy teeth top tips
Taking a look at why dental hygiene is so important WHETHER you think you have healthy teeth or not, reviewing your oral health between visits to the dentist by following these expert tips from Australian Dental Association Oral Health Committee chair, Professor David Manton, can help keep you smiling.
WHICH TYPE OF TOOTHBRUSH MANUAL VS ELECTRIC?
A soft brush is best, with the head not too large. For those people with dexterity difficulties, the handle should be as thick as possible. The evidence suggests powered brushes will do as well or better than manual brushes. The powered brushes also tend to have a larger and thicker handle, that may be of some advantage. The downside to most powered brushes is the cost of them.
WHEN TO BRUSH
Teeth should be brushed twice per day with a fluoridated toothpaste.
HOW SHOULD WE BRUSH?
Brushing should cover all tooth surfaces in a gentle rotating motion, with the brush at 45 degrees to the gum line – avoid a scrubbing action.
WHAT SHOULD WE
BRUSH WITH?
Adult toothpaste should be used in individuals who are not at high risk of decay. For those who are at high risk, your dentist may recommend a highstrength toothpaste such as a 5000 parts per million fluoride paste (Neutrafluor 5000®), and a crème that helps strengthen teeth such as Tooth Mousse®.
SHOULD WE BE USING MOUTHRINSE?
A mouthrinse containing fluoride can decrease decay rates, but if it is being used in conjunction with other fluoridated products, its efficacy may not be great. Your dentist can advise you about this. Other mouthrinses, such as those with an alcohol base, may have some benefits in the short term, however, be cautious about long-term use. Specific mouthrinses, such as chlorhexidinebased rinses, have targeted uses, such as if you have a gum infection. Once again, these mouthrinses should only be used short term as they can eventually stain the teeth and often change taste perception with long-term use. Mouthrinses have specific uses, so they should be used according to need. Your dentist can
ORAL HEALTH: The evidence suggests that powered brushes do as well or better than manual brushes.
advise on their use.
SHOULD WE USE FLOSS?
Interdental cleaning is important and can be done using floss, interdental brushes and interdental sticks. Often the easiest way to floss is to buy flossettes – these have a small length of floss attached to a plastic handle, often with an interdental stick at the other end. The floss should be moved between the teeth gently, so as not to
damage the gum tissues – once between the teeth, the floss should be moved up and down against the tooth surfaces. Flossing once a day is fantastic, but less frequently can also have a positive effect on gum health and decay rates – just don’t do it only when something gets stuck between your teeth.
WHAT SHOULD WE ASK OUR DENTIST TO DO?
Your dentist should give you a thorough check
each recall examination. This should include teeth, gums and the soft tissues (tongue, cheeks, etc), as well as checking your saliva, especially if you feel as though you have a dry mouth.
GENERAL DENTAL HEALTH TIPS
Two main issues arise with oral health – dental caries (decay) and periodontal disease (gum disease). Regular brushing and flossing, eating a diet low in sugars, limiting
PHOTO: ALLIANCE
snacking and regular dental check-ups can limit the effects of these two diseases, however, there are other potential problems that should be looked out for – ■ Oral cancer (especially among smokers and drinkers), ■ Tooth erosion caused by drinking or eating acidic foods and drinks, and ■ Dry mouth (often caused by medications) is important as it increases decay risk greatly, and can also mean foods stick around in the mouth for a lot longer.
Teeth Whitening Emergency Appointments Extended Opening Hours Family Friendly Practice Visiting Prosthetist Macksville 6568 1335
Urunga 6655 5800
Complete denture service Coffs Harbour 6651 1350
Grafton 6643 2225
freshdentalcare.com.au
Monday, May 28, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Wellbeing
Coffs and Clarence
Seniors 21
Keep an eye on your health Let’s take a look at macular degeneration expert advice EARLY detection can make all the difference to losing your vision due to the onset of the sightinhibiting disease, age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It’s the most common condition to lead to irreversible vision loss for Australians aged 60 and over, AMD specialist Dr Matthew Russell said. Macular tissue forms part of the retina which captures the image within our eye and provides our detailed central vision. When AMD occurs, two distinct diseases are diagnosed – dry and wet.
DRY AMD
■ It’s a slow degeneration of the macular tissue. ■ The central vision becomes gradually damaged. ■ It leads to not being able to read, recognise faces and perform day-to-day tasks. ■ The condition is irreversible. “Many people who have dry macular degeneration don’t go onto develop
severe vision loss,” Dr Russell said. “They may have no vision impairment, mild vision impairment or moderate. A few people do go onto develop severe vision loss.” There is no treatment to slow down the progression of dry AMD.
WET AMD
■ It’s the blurring or distortion of the central vision. ■ It develops rapidly over weeks or months. ■ Abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the central part of the macular causing fluid leakage and bleeding. ■ It stops you from carrying anything requiring detailed vision. ■ Untreated, it can lead to profound loss of vision in a short timeframe. Some patients can find their vision restored once they start treatment, if it is detected and treated in its early stages. Treatment includes drugs and taking AREDS2 supplements which are
VISION HEALTH: An older man uses an illuminated magnifying glass to help him read because he suffers from wet macular degeneration. PHOTO: CLARKANDCOMPANY
antioxidants found in Omega-3 (salmon, mackerel, trout and sardines), Vitamin C (citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, tomatoes and capsicum), lutein and zeaxanthin (dark leafy vegetables – kale, spinach, broccoli, silver beet, pumpkin, peas, corn and beans), zinc (seafood), Vitamin E (nuts and seeds) and selenium (Brazil nuts, mushrooms, oats and brown rice).
These supplements are known to reduce the risk of developing AMD of people who are at risk of the disease by about 25 per cent over a five-year period, Dr Russell said. Self-monitoring through the use of an Amsler grid, checking each eye separately on a regular basis, can help to detect further decline in vision. “With drug treatment I have many patients who living completely full
normal lives, maintaining their driver’s licence,” Dr Russell said. The drug treatment involves injections into the eye. “Almost universally, the treatment can be performed without any discomfort whatsoever and with a very low rate of side effects.”
EYE HEALTH
Don’t assume a significant change in your
vision is caused by cataracts or a change in your prescription, Dr Russell said. He recommends immediately visiting your optometrist for a thorough eye health examination. If you are over the age of 60, you should have your eyes checked every 12 months by a qualified optometrist who can do a physical examination of your eyes including imaging. “It’s not sufficient to have pictures taken of the eye,” Dr Russell said. “While imaging is very good at detecting macular diseases, it’s not good at assessing the entire health of the eye. “Even if you don’t have Dry macular degeneration it’s important to consider lifestyle and nutritional factors that may increase your risk of developing it, but which can protect you later in life. “They are a diet high in leafy green vegetables, Omega-3 supplements, protection from sunlight, and smoking which is a significant lifestyle factor involved in the development of macular degeneration.”
Drink up with these cues for good hydration THE old adage of drinking at least eight glasses of water a day is out the door. Instead, an expert advises we should consume as much as our body needs. Nephrologist and Transplant Physician at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne and Deakin University School of Medicine deputy head, Professor Karen Dwyer, said there are many variables to consider when determining just how much water we need each day to quell our thirst and keep us healthy. “Your body is finely tuned to regulate your fluid and you need to respond to the cues that your body initiates,” Professor Dwyer said. Some of those variables are age, weight, gender, amount of activity, the climate where you live in and the presence of one or more diseases or disorders. People with health problems such as chronic liver disease, cardiac disease or diarrheal issues - all
MORE OR LESS: The body gives cues on whether we should change the amount of water we are drinking each day. PHOTO: KHUNI
need to have their fluid intake considered on an individual basis. The cues for needing to drink more can be you feel thirsty or a bit dizzy, or have a headache, you are hardly going to the toilet during the day or your urine is dark yellow. The cues for drinking less may be that you are running to the toilet many times during the day or your urine is clear or light colour. “It’s responding to your cues and looking at what your body is
trying to tell you,” Professor Dwyer said. Water only? When working out how much water your body needs, don’t forget to consider all the different forms water comes in – tea, coffee, and through rice and pasta, fruit and vegetables, for example. While the base amount of water you need each day is probably around two litres, while consuming these drinks and foods you are taking in a lot of that recommended fluid
amount. Water will always be the first and prime recommendation. However, “A cup of coffee or tea is still a significant amount of fluid that is being replaced,” Professor Dwyer said. “And yes, you will wee some of that out due to the mild diuretic effect. You are unlikely to become dehydrated just by drinking coffee, for example.” Why drink water? Since 60 per cent of our lean body mass is
made up of water, it’s a very important to our body’s functions. When you become dehydrated you will lose fluid initially from outside the cells, but eventually the cells will also lose fluid and that’s when your body stops working properly. Our kidneys keep busy The kidneys regulate the salt content in our blood. “If you reduce your fluid intake, the kidneys will concentrate and not wee out so much fluid so that you maintain this concentration in the blood,” Professor Dwyers said. “If you take a heap of fluid in, it’s going to wee it out.” Can you drink too much? For the average person it’s reasonably safe to drink as much water as you like during the day. “The kidney is quite a sophisticated organ and has a high regulatory capacity so that it varies your output according to your intake,” Professor Dwyer said. “We lose fluid through sweat, our
lungs and bowel, but that is probably a minimal amount unless we are in a really hot climate and we are doing a lot of exercise. On a day-to-day basis, our fluid balance is regulated by our kidneys. If you drink a heap, you are going to week a heap out.” Knowing when to drink? It’s particularly important to remain aware of the hydration needs of people with dementia whose perception of what they need and what is affected by their cognitive decline. “For people with comorbidities there may need to be some encouragement to ensure that they are drinking, and thinking about things like constipation which may be a symptom that they are not drinking enough fluids,” Professor Dwyer said. “The body’s cues will change with time and they become subtler as someone ages which is consistent of the ageing body.”
22 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
Wellbeing
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 28, 2018
SPOTLIGHT ON THE SENSES: ARTHRITIS
Take an active role in managing your arthritis Osetoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common Tracey Johnstone
COMING to terms with what arthritis is and how it can be managed will greatly help sufferers to live a well life. Out of the 100 forms of arthritis, which affects the body’s joints causing pain and stiffness, the two most prevalent for ageing Australians are osetoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis It’s the most common form of arthritis, with two million Australians living every day with the incurable condition. Once considered a ‘wear and tear’ condition, Arthritis Australia policy manager Franca Marine said there has been a significant shift in knowledge and approach to osteoarthritis. It is now considered a breakdown in the normal repair processes of a joint. “There are lots of micro-tumors in the joint and it’s constantly repairing itself,” Ms Marine said. “It’s when that repair process either gets overwhelmed, such as when you have had a traumatic injury to the joint or the constant onslaught of minor things, that’s when you start to get osteoarthritis.” Osteoarthritis is usually diagnosed clinically by your GP. Treatments:
■ Reduce your weight to take pressure off your joints. “Every extra kilo of weight you carry puts an extra four kilos of load on your knees,” Ms Marine said. “Even minor weight loss has been shown to reduce the symptoms and pain.” ■ Keep physically active. “It encourages blood flow to the joints which nourishes the joints and strengthens the muscles around the joint to give them extra support,” Ms Marine said. “Research shows physical activity has the same benefits as taking anti-inflammatory medicines or other pain killers, but without any of the side effects.” To find out what exercise you should be doing, Ms Marine recommends you talk to a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist. Rheumatoid arthritis The auto-immune, inflammatory and incurable condition is commonly diagnosed before the age of 50. While reducing weight and keeping physically active are part of the treatment program, so too are medications. “The sooner you treat this condition, the better your outcomes are going to be in terms of reducing the severity of the condition in the longer term,” Ms Marine said. “If someone over 60 is
ARTHRITIS UPDATE: Don’t assume it’s just old age.
experiencing stiffness in their fingers, especially if it’s in both hands equally, or both feet equally, and they are particularly stiff for a long time in the morning for more than 30 minutes and their hot and swollen, they should go and see a doctor as soon as possible to eliminate the possibility of rheumatoid arthritis. “Don’t assume it’s just old age.” The risk factors for this condition are smoking, which can also impede its treatment, and possibly genetics. Diagnosis usually starts with a visit to a GP who
will then refer you to a rheumatologist. Ms Marine said there is no evidence to support a particular food being an arthritis trigger, but once you have the condition, turning to a healthy diet can help you manage both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Knowledge advancements There is newly started research looking at the microbiomes, which are the communities of bacteria in the gut, and their possible impact on inflammatory arthritis. Ms Marine expects it take up to five years
PHOTO: DAISY-DAISY
before the researchers can determine if there is a link. Researchers are also looking at how the treatment of arthritis can be personalised. The first step is the establishment of a biobank to collect specimens from people with arthritis so that researchers can search across the specimens for markers that may impact on the development or progression of the condition. “The data will then be matched with clinical data for that person so that you know how severe the condition is when they
developed it, what the risk factors were, how they were treated, what their response to the treatment was, so that you can then try to find what is the best treatment pathway based on a person’s own physical make-up,” Ms Marine said. “At the moment we don’t really know which of the medicines available are going to best for a particular person. It’s a bit of trial and error.” Arthritis Australia’s updated website has extensive resources on arthritis diagnosis and treatments. Visit arthritis australia.com.au.
Are you comfortable living in your own home but require a little extra help? Whether it’s getting back on your feet after an illness, an extra hand with day to day personal care or just a bit of help with garden or house maintenance, the team at NVC are to help. NVC In-Home Support provides a range of practical, flexible services designed to keep you living independently in your own home for as long as possible. NVC is an approved Home Care Package provider and currently has vacancies for Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 Home Care Packages. Come along and meet new Podiatrist Brittany Pike, at our new Podiatry Clinic in the Boardwalk Arcade 25 Princess Street Macksville.
Phone: 02 6598 5000
www.nambuccavalleycare.com.au-home-care
6805221aa
We take the time to understand what is important to you, and what your exact needs are for you to feel comfortable and supported in your own home.
Monday, May 28, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Wellbeing
Coffs and Clarence
Seniors 23
PALLIATIVE CARE WEEK
What matters most when the horizon is getting closer? Talking about your end-of-life care is important Tracey Johnstone
HAVE you thought about what are the most important things in your life that you want protected if you are faced with a life-limiting illness or something untoward happened to you? These are tough questions for many of us to answer. It’s a confronting concept to be planning for the end of our life but by having the conversations now, we can trust in our wishes being implemented at a critical time when it may not possible for us to voice what we want and how we want it done. What matters most to you? Writing down or recording your thoughts will help you to start the process. Consider travel, food, laughter, pets and music, mementos, family trinkets, experiences, your funeral, medical support, Power of Attorney, finances, substitute decision makers, friends,
family and anything else you want to add to your list. Getting your thoughts recorded and then verbally sharing them with others could turn into an interesting journey as you reveal to yourself new elements of your character, perhaps challenge yourself to re-prioritise your choices and goals, and even revive long-repressed wishes. Palliative Care Australia’s chief executive officer Liz Callaghan said where a person talks openly to their family and doctors they are more likely to get the care they want. “If you don’t have these conversations, we believe you can end up receiving care you don’t necessarily want because you haven’t been asked or you haven’t volunteered that information for yourself, or not receiving the care you do want,” Ms Callaghan said. Don’t wait until it’s too late It’s not about waiting
until the end of your life that Ms Callaghan is advocating; she wants you to start planning the details now so you can use those plans to start a conversation with your significant others and then get on with living life to the full. You can then return to those conversations over time as circumstances change. “There is a very strong consensus among Australians that talking about their end of life care is important, should something happen, but most haven’t had the conversation,” Ms Callaghan said. Anything can happen to anyone at end time, she reminds us. “You might see something on the television and say ‘I would love to experience that one day’ or ‘I would never want to live like that if that happened to me’,” Ms Callaghan said. “Continually exploring those ideas with your family is the first step.
“It’s really about understanding and thinking about what you want.” To find ideas on how to start the conversation, go to www.dyingtotalk.org.au where there is a range of tools to help you put together your ‘what matters most’ list. What is palliative care? “It is about helping people live their life as
fully and as comfortably as possible when living with a life-limiting or terminal illness,” Ms Callaghan said. “Part of that is caring for them at the very end when they do die. “The majority of care is provided for those who can still achieve many things.” The care, which is available to anyone of any
age, is often also provided to family members and carers. “The aim of palliative care is to help people live as long as they can in a quality way,” Ms Callaghan said. Palliative Care Australia’s website has fact sheets and videos on www.palliativecare.org.au to help you start the conversations.
24 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
Wellbeing
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 28, 2018
Trusting in the universe ❝ Simone’s adventure of a lifetime is a never-ending story
It is so exciting to meet and listen to other travellers on the road. I have made many friends, young and old.
Australian, bought a campervan (Mitsubishi IMAGINE this. You are a Delica) and went on my single 67-year-old female journey.” with two little dogs. You Some minor adjusttake off on a year-long ments to the campervan, journey around Australia meant Simone had a bed, in a small van, camping minimal cooking facilities most nights in the bush and two solar panels, but surrounded only by nature not much else. and wildlife and all the “I never stayed on the accompanying nocturnal road after dark and I never noises. stayed in any one place for Very few women (or more than two nights,” men) would have the she said. courage to embark on “At about three every such a trip with just the afternoon I started looking two cross-bred for a place to stop. I chihuahuas for company. preferred to stay in the But Simone Lienert is bush. I cooked every no ordinary woman. She night, vegetables and rice has spiritual beliefs so or noodles and fish. The strong they eradicate any dogs were fed dried food notions of fear or potential and fresh meat and bones danger. when we went through “I understand the big towns. I had three buckets universe and what takes of water, one for the place for us as souls on kitchen, one for rinsing this earth,” she said. “I and one for my ‘shower’. never had a moment’s Toilets were never a fear. I am problem. I very much had doggie attuned with bags for the our planet, dogs and with life and myself. I with (what never left a happens) trace beyond life.” anywhere.” The Simone’s Cairns-based adventure adventurer took her was on the north in WA Sunshine to Coast Kununurra, recently after inland over a year on the Cooling off at Emma Gorge, El Marble Bar in Questro Station, WA. road, on a the Pilbara to trip that Karijini and began in Geraldton in WA then back to Geraldton and will finish when she before tackling the returns to Cairns later this Nullarbor. month. She has already “The Nullarbor really is covered 27,679 an adventure,” she said. kilometres. “You have miles of Originally from Germany nothing, then these but raised in South Africa, amazing cliffs. It’s very Simone has been in beautiful.” Australia for a number of Into South Australia and years, including a stint then up to Alice Springs working in and near Alice and back down by Uluru Springs with indigenous and the Olgas and on to communities. Coober Pedy Simone “I had done a few continued, always inspired smaller trips when I lived and awed by the beauty of in Alice Springs, into the the country, never Kimberley around the frightened. desert area,” she said. “It was amazing,” she “I looked after my said. “When it gets dark (ailing) mother for 11 and the sun sets you hear years and when she the cooing of the owls and passed I flew to Western birds, it is so exciting. And
the sunrises are beautiful.” The only small brush with danger came from emus near the Oodnadatta Track. “The emus run next to the van, and then turn and attack the van,” she said “I saw a lot of them dead on the road. But nothing else bothered me. You see wildlife and you slow down, you don’t get out to take photos.” Although the last thing on Simone’s mind was looking for love on her epic journey, it came to her in one of the lonely
Travelling through The Pinnacles, WA.
London Bridge, Sandstone Country, WA.
Ann Rickard
— Simone Lienert
ON THE ROAD: Simone Lienert at the WA/SA border.
CANINE COMPANY: Simone pictured at The Three Sisters, Blue Mountains in NSW with her two cross-bred chihuahuas.
camp spots she had chosen for the night. “We were in a free camp,” she said. “My dog wandered over to a man to say hello, I went and stood in front of the man and a voice inside my head said ‘that is your man’.” Her ‘man’ (Barry) met her later in the Adelaide Hills and again in Tasmania after Simone had travelled Victoria by herself and taken the van on the Spirit of Tasmania to spend a month on the island. Then he returned to his home.
“He was travelling alone,” Simone said. “I was too. I did not set out to find a man like me, as crazy and courageous as I am, and I did not expect to find him in the desert.” After Tasmania, Simone continued her journey up to NSW through Eden and Byron Bay and then to the Sunshine Coast where we met up with her. She will gradually make her way back to Cairns. “I had actually planned to be away two years but it has been brought forward (by meeting Barry.) When I get back to Cairns I will
travel with Barry for two years,” she said. Advice from Simone to all seniors who may let nerves or fear hold them back from experiencing the wonders of our country: “Travelling, as we do, broadens the horizon and it is so exciting to meet and listen to other travellers on the road. I have made many friends, young and old, and all were open to sharing their stories. I can recommend true adventure for seniors using their savings to travel around our beautiful country.”
Visiting Honeymoon Gap, Alice Springs, NT.
Coffs and Clarence
Monday, May 28, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 25
Living SUNNY DAYS: Hua Hin, the Royal Resort town on the Gulf of Thailand, three hours from Bangkok, is laidback enough to feel like a beach town but has all the modern conveniences of a Western city.
Your ticket to affordable beach living in retirement Many Baby Boomers anticipate having to work beyond age 65
JOURNALIST ALISON HOUSTON A PLANE ticket could be the answer to Australia’s spiralling cost of living which makes you think you can never afford to retire in comfort. According to News Corp’s 2017 Ready to Retire Study, more than 50% of Baby Boomers anticipate having to work beyond 65, and one in 10 don’t think they’ll be able to afford to retire at all. Global wealth and retirement consultant Mercer similarly found more than 60% of retirees face running out of money before they die, with most people’s savings only enough to last 14 years beyond retirement. Charities say that many pensioners are already struggling to meet their
everyday bills and put food on the table. But the solution might not be so unpalatable with International Living suggesting overseas retirement can significantly cut costs and it’s possible to have “a laidback retirement in the sun on a budget of as little as $1325 a month”. “Look in the right places and you’ll discover Baby Boomers can retire – and retire well – in idyllic beach towns, for less than the cost of daily life back home,” International Living’s executive editor Eoin Bassett said. They have put forward three Asian locations in which expat retirees report they are enjoying healthy, fulfilling lifes on a modest budget – Da Nang in Vietnam, Sanur in Bali and Hua Hin, Thailand. Da Nang is central Vietnam’s biggest city and is located on the coast of
the Eastern Sea. Despite a population of about one million people, it is clean, modern and progressive, boasts a 28km-long beach with promenade and numerous parks and is generally considered the most liveable city in Vietnam. Gary Stapleton, 64, has been living in Da Nang since 2013 on a budget of about $1300 a month. He rents a three-bedroom furnished house in An Thuong District, less than 1km from the beach, for which he pays $470 a month rent. “Honestly, after living here, going back to Australia full-time would be disappointing,” he said. “People here have a great deal of respect for older people – I like that. “Vietnam is also much more vibrant, entertaining and interesting, plus, I love the beaches and the
laidback lifestyle here.” International Living states a couple could live comfortably in Da Nang on a budget of about $1325 per month, including rent, utilities, food, frequent meals out and incidentals. Sanur, on the south-east tip of the Indonesian holiday isle of Bali, is described as “just the right balance of familiar Western comforts and Balinese culture”. According to International Living, a couple can live on as little as $1500 a month in this small beachside town with its good restaurants, quiet cafés and white sand beaches; $2500 if you want to live the high life. Gold Coaster Josephine Brierley and her husband Rob fell in love with Bali in 2004, holidayed there repeatedly, and moved there 18 months ago. “Days pass easily, beginning with a long walk
on the beach,” Josephine said. “We make time to discover new places and there is never a month when we don’t have family or friends in town.” Sanur also has a big expat community and Josephine said Bali gave them a simpler, less cluttered life to enjoy the little things like reading, talking and relaxing. Hua Hin, the Royal Resort town on the Gulf of Thailand, three hours from Bangkok, has a beach lined with hotels and restaurants and boasts year-round temperatures in the mid-20s. With its population of about 85,000 people, it’s laidback enough to feel like a beach town but has all the modern conveniences of a western city, including health care. Michael Cullen and his wife Vivien moved there from
Brisbane in late 2015, having decided they were ready to retire but facing another 10-15 years of work to be able to afford to do so in Australia. They have embraced the beach lifestyle, verdant countryside, ancient ruins, cuisine and culture, as well as the friendliness of locals and expats alike. “We bought our own home here for $140,000 and live very well on a budget of about $2500 a month which allows us to continue to pursue our passion for travel,” Michael said. After Seniors News last spoke to Michael he had several people contact him, with one couple returning for a second visit in February, and another “well down the path of evaluating Thailand as their retirement destination”. For more ideas, go to internationalliving. com/au.
26 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
Wellbeing
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 28, 2018
Do you know what is a healthy blood pressure? WHAT is a healthy blood pressure? When the heart is squeezing blood into the arteries, the pressure is high. When the heart is relaxed, the pressure is lower. Your blood pressure is a measurement taken of the highest reading (systolic) and the lowest reading (diastolic). It is given as two figures – highest over lowest or systolic over diastolic. Your blood pressure varies from day to day, even moment to moment. Most doctors would say that a healthy blood pressure is higher than 90/60mm/Hg, but lower than about 140/90. Optimal blood pressure is 120/80. High blood pressure: Generally, if a person has a blood pressure
reading greater than 140/90 taken at least twice at the same clinic, they have high blood pressure. Your doctor may confirm this using a 24 hour blood pressure measurement. Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms, and may feel quite well. This is why it’s important to see your doctor and have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you have one or more of the known risk factors. A few people with very high blood pressure may experience headache, dizziness or the sudden effects of diseases of the arteries such as chest pain or stroke. Low blood pressure: Most doctors would say that you have low blood
pressure if it is below 90/60. For some people, low blood pressure is a sign of good health. These are generally people who are very fit and who have a slow pulse. For other people, low blood pressure is a problem. The following steps towards a healthier lifestyle can help you lower your blood pressure and keep it at a healthy level: ■ Exercise regularly ■ Follow a healthy diet ■ Reduce your salt intake ■ Lose weight if you are overweight ■ Drink less alcohol ■ Don’t smoke
PHOTO: EHSTOCK
Is it time for your sea change?
Discover this amazing jewel of the mid-north coast, call us today for details (02) 6556 0057
Harrington Waters offers you a fantastic coastal
including; the Harrington Waters Golf Course,
lifestyle with picturesque golf course lots in an
Shopping Village, Harrigan’s Irish Pub, fantastic
idyllic community by the stunning Manning River
fishing and boating, community centre, library,
- a gateway to the Pacific Ocean. Live life to the
waterfront walks, national parks, Crowdy Head
full with a wide variety of activities at your doorstep,
Beach and more.
House an d Land Packages
AVAILAB LE
NOW!
harringtonwaters.com.au
Monday, May 28, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Coffs and Clarence
Seniors 27
NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION & SELLING FAST! SECURE YOURS TODAY!
LIMITED EDITION LUXURY BEACHSIDE APARTMENTS RIGHT ON MARGATE BEACH Bathers Beachside is the Peninsula’s newest and most prestigious waterfront development. Designed and developed by Traders in Purple with luxury living in mind, these exquisite residences deliver an unprecedented attention to detail and finishes second to none. Perfectly positioned in a premier waterfront enclave, right by the beach on Margate Parade, each apartment features three large bedrooms, two deluxe bathrooms, contemporary kitchen with Miele appliances as well as spacious living areas and large balconies that encapsulate the breathtaking never-to-be-built-out blue water Moreton Bay views. A limited number of three bedroom apartments are available starting from $899,000. Move in Early 2019.
CALL CHRIS KING ON 0477 432 432 OR VISIT OUR DISPLAY LOCATED AT 113 LANDSBOROUGH AVENUE SCARBOROUGH OPEN WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY 10AM-4PM WWW.BATHERSBEACHSIDE.COM
28 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 28, 2018
Money
Comprehensive credit reporting from July 1 New credit reports to give lenders a better overall credit history
THINK MONEY PAUL CLITHEROE PAYING bills on time always makes good financial sense, but with comprehensive credit reporting due to kick off from July 1, it just became a lot more important. Whenever you apply for credit – and this can include opening a new mobile phone or gas/ electricity account – the service provider is likely to take a look at your credit history.
At present, this shows any applications you’ve made for credit as well as negative information like unpaid bills, overdue accounts and loan defaults. These details can stay on your credit history for years, potentially making it difficult to secure a competitively priced loan. Yet people often don’t know they have a tarnished credit record until they’re knocked back for a loan. This system is set to change from July 1 when “comprehensive” credit reporting (CCR) is due to
kick in. The proposed legislation calls for our big financial institutions to provide details of positive as well as negative events, and up to 24 months of debt repayment history can be recorded on your personal credit file. It may all sound a bit “big brother” however the new credit reporting changes will give lenders a more rounded picture of your credit history. Paying bills and loan repayments on time will reflect favourably on your credit report and hopefully
make it easier to secure credit. On the flipside, consistently dragging the chain with bills can make it harder to get a loan. Positive credit reporting has been in place overseas for some time, and anecdotally, borrowers often use a strong credit rating to negotiate a lower interest rate. While July 1 is still a few months away, the big banks have already begun compiling details of your repayment history in readiness for the new system to come into
effect on July 1. That makes it more important than ever to pay bills on time. In our busy lives it can be easy to overlook bill payment dates. Setting up an automatic direct debit can help, or if you have a credit card debt, it can be worth asking your bank whether an automatic payment system is available. These autopay systems usually let you choose between paying the closing balance of your card, the minimum payment or a set sum each month.
If you regularly struggle to meet bills for utilities like power and gas, ask your energy provider about “bill smoothing”. This is where you work out your total power bill for the last year, divide it by 12 and then pay a monthly sum into your energy account. A lot of people say it is far more manageable than paying a large quarterly bill. Paul Clitheroe is a founding director of financial planning firm ipac, Chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money Magazine.
Don’t Jeopardise Your Wealth with a Hasty Aged Care Decision
In times of crisis, you can give
In the lead up to entering aged care, many decisions may need to be made including: • Should the family home be kept, sold or rented?
• Is it best to pay an upfront lump sum, make ongoing payments or a combination of both?
• How is your Centrelink/ Veterans’ Affairs Pension affected and can If you, or a loved one, this be improved? is planning a move into • What are the best residential aged care and investment options for would like to ensure that any surplus money? the decisions made today will result in the best • How to manage any possible outcome for the taxation implications? future, call the team at • What are the Morgans on 02 6651 5700 implications for to arrange on obligation your estate? free meeting.
FINANCIAL ADVISORS
where it’s needed most
Please donate now 1 3 S A LV O S | S A LV O S . O R G . A U
Neil Cole AR 000259352
In our experience, there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer to these questions. Rather, it depends on the unique circumstances of the person entering aged care.
Hugh Anderson AR 000303568
Simon Callaghan AR 001009438
Ph 6651 5700
• Financial Planning • Superannuation • Stockbroking • Personal Insurance Suite 5/38 Park Ave Coffs Harbour www.morgans.com.au/coffsharbour
Morgans Financial Limited A.B.N. 49 010 669 726 AFSL 235410. A Participant of ASX Group
6782444ad
The uncertainty around where to move, how much it will cost and the best way to fund the costs of aged care can be overwhelming. Getting the right information and advice now will help you (or your loved ones) make the best choices regarding future care, security and happiness.
Monday, May 28, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Money
Coffs and Clarence
Seniors 29
SPOTLIGHT ON FINANCES
The spotlight on finance Find a good adviser to act in your best interests
FINANCE TONY KAYE THE harrowing tales of gross financial misconduct emanating from the Royal Commission into the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry have once again raised huge concerns about Australia’s financial advice industry. They’ve included sensational revelations of big banks and financial institutions such as AMP providing questionable if not fraudulent advice, charging for advice not given, and even charging fees to the accounts of deceased customers. Then there’s the case of a high-profile financial planning firm that provided misleading advice to a member of the Fair Work Commission (after impersonating her to gain personal details from her superannuation fund) that, if acted upon, would have resulted in a $500,000 loss. The motive was pure and simple – the ability to earn large fees and commissions. Don’t be unduly surprised. It’s clear that the efforts aimed at cleaning up the advice industry, including the government ban on product commissions and volume-based payments introduced in 2015, have
GOOD ADVICE: Learn from an expert by using these tips for working well with financial advisors.
only scraped off the tip of the iceberg. There are still major flaws in the advice system, especially in the quality of advice being delivered. But, let’s face it, it would be wrong to tar all financial advisers with the same brush. There are many very good advisers out there that do act responsibly and in the best interests of their clients. What can you do? If you use the services of a financial adviser, or are planning to, the cornerstones of your relationship should always be based around transparency and trust.
Transparency is all about the adviser explaining how they operate, and exactly why they are recommending a specific investment strategy or financial products. There has to be very clear reasons, and there should never be unanswered questions around fees and commissions. ■ If your adviser will not charge a flat fee for their service, walk away. And don’t be afraid to ask them about their own financial plan, including the level and types of insurance held. ■ A good strategy should be very detailed and take all your financial goals and needs into account.
■ If the adviser is recommending you buy direct shares, you need to be sure you are comfortable with the degree of risk involved, and how this might impact you over the long term. If they are recommending a more passive investing approach through exchange-traded funds, ask for an explanation of the risks and benefits over the medium to long term. ■ Don’t establish a self-managed super fund just because your adviser recommends you do. The fact is that not everyone needs their own fund, and most people can get the investment control they
PHOTO: SELECTSTOCK
need without having one. Financial adviser Theo Marinis said one strategy is to appoint an adviser who is around five years younger than you, which makes sense if you are close to retirement. “Remember, super is tax-free from 60; so if your potential adviser is aged 59, they may harbour a plan to retire very soon,” Mr Marinis said. “You may wish to know who will be left behind to help you if you intend to stay on until age 67. Are there competent younger people working with your adviser?” Your first step should be to call and book an initial appointment, and
tell the financial adviser you have prepared a list of questions you would like to send them via email. Do this at least a couple of weeks before your meeting. You should be able to get a sense of how appropriate your potential, or existing, adviser is for you, based on their response. If they don’t respond at all, that’s obviously a bad sign. If they don’t answer all your questions, ask for more clarification. And if you’re still not satisfied, it’s probably time to seek another adviser. Tony Kaye is the Editor of InvestSMART. www. investsmart.com.au.
30 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
Reviews
Love and loss in Eleanor’s Secret THE story of Eleanor’s Secret is at once a surprising tale tangled with compelling love, an engrossing wartime mystery of past deceptions, family secrets and long-lasting love. It’s London in 1942. Art school graduate Eleanor Roy is recruited by the War Artists Advisory Committee and she comes one step closer to realising her dream of becoming one of the few female war artists. But breaking into the art establishment proves difficult until Eleanor meets painter, Jack Valante, only to be separated by his sudden posting overseas. Go forward to Melbourne in 2010. Although reluctant to leave her family at home, Kathryn can’t refuse her grandmother Eleanor’s request to travel to London to help her return a precious painting to its artist. When the search uncovers a long-held family secret, Kathryn has to make a choice to return home or risk her family’s future. Eleanor shows her that safe-guarding the future is sometimes worth more than protecting the past. Written by Australian author Caroline Beecham. Published by Allen & Unwin. RRP $29.99.
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 28, 2018
Freedom, love, rage and regret
FROM the best-selling author of Still Alice comes a powerful and heartbreakingly moving exploration of regret, forgiveness, freedom – and what it means to be alive. An accomplished concert pianist, Richard’s inspired performances received standing ovations from audiences all over the world. Every one of his fingers was a finely calibrated instrument, dancing across the keys and striking each note with exacting precision. That was eight months ago. Richard now has ALS, and his entire right arm is paralysed. The loss of his hand feels like a death, a loss of true love, a divorce – his divorce. As poignant and powerful as Jojo Moyes’s Me Before You, Every Note Played is a masterful exploration of redemption and what it means to find peace inside of forgiveness. Published by Simon & Schuster. Paperback RRP $32.99 and ebook RRP $12.99.
Panic room secrets?
PANIC Room is Robert Goddard at his nerve-shredding best. A sliver of a mystery kicks off a juggernaut of a thriller. Layers of secrets, half-truths and lies must be peeled back to reveal what really lies within. Sometimes the danger is on the inside. High on a Cornish cliff sits a vast uninhabited mansion. Uninhabited except for Blake, a young woman of dubious background, secretive and alone, currently acting as house sitter. The house has a panic room. Cunningly concealed, steel lined, impregnable – and apparently closed from within. Even Blake doesn’t know it’s there. She’s too busy being on the run from life, from a story she thinks she’s escaped. Her remote existence is going to be invaded when people come looking for the house’s owner, missing rogue pharma entrepreneur, Jack Harkness Published by Bantam Press. RRP is $32.99.
Adventures on Leopard Rock GLOABL best-seller Wilbur Smith has lived an incredible life of adventure. In On Leopard Rock he shares the true stories that have inspired his fiction. “I’ve been writing novels for over 50 years,” he said. “I was lucky enough to miss the big wars and not get shot, but lucky enough to grow up among the heroes who had served in them and learn from their example. I have lucked into things continuously. “I have done things
which have seemed appalling at the time, disastrous even, but out of them have come another story or a deeper knowledge of human character and the ability to express myself better on paper, write books which people enjoy reading. “I have been privileged to meet people from all corners of the globe, I have been wherever my heart has desired and in the process my books have taken readers to many, many places. “I always say I’ve
started wars, I’ve burned down cities, and I’ve killed hundreds of thousands of people – but only in my imagination.” From being attacked by lions to close encounters with deadly reef sharks, from getting lost in the African bush without water to crawling the precarious tunnels of gold mines, from marlin fishing with Lee Marvin to near death from crash-landing a Cessna airplane, from brutal school days to redemption through
writing and falling in love, Wilbur Smith tells us the intimate stories of his life that have been the raw material for his fiction. Always candid, sometimes hilarious and never less than thrillingly entertaining, On Leopard Rock is testament to a writer who has written over 30 novels and whose life is as rich and eventful as his novels are compellingly. Published by Allen & Unwin, On Leopard Rock: A Life of adventures is available in bookshops and online. RRP $39.99.
Coffs and Clarence
Monday, May 28, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 31
T ravel
WINTER is nigh, and while temperatures in Queensland and Northern NSW are friendlier than those down south, it still gets cold enough to chill the bones of seniors and retirees who can indulge in a long escape to climates more agreeable. Ann Rickard tells of some of her favourite escapes and gives tips on how to enjoy winter sunshine on a budget. 1. COOK ISLANDS COASTAL lagoons and reefs, lush hinterland and volcanic mountains mean paradise around every corner. That’s not counting the warm welcome from locals. Street food and
public buses will keep you on-budget for a long stay. A must-do; attend church. The melodic and harmonious singing of the parishioners will give you goose bumps. 2. ELLIS BEACH, QUEENSLAND JUST north of Cairns, this beach is home to a friendly caravan park/camping ground right on the water. You could stay here for the entire winter in a caravan or rent one of the self-contained beach-front bungalows. It’s a laid-back, dreamy place, and there is the iconic pub across the road serving hearty food at cheap prices. 3. PORT DOUGLAS GUARANTEED warmth without the humidity, this luxury escape can be done on a budget if you do your research. A self-contained apartment for a
long-term stay is good for those who like space and home cooking, but there are a number of camp-sites that will welcome you and your tent/campervan at senior-friendly prices. 4. DARWIN NO-ONE wants to be in Darwin in the summer, but the winter months? A different story all together. A self-contained apartment is best. You have space and comfort and can shop at the Mindil Beach Night Markets for produce to cook or better still eat at the food stalls. 5. GREEK ISLANDS A LONG way to go but if you want day after day of sunshine, blue skies and warm sea-water, this is your stuff. Some of the lesser known islands (Karpathos, Samos, Skiathos) are budget-friendly, especially if you seek modest family run
Join Us Online Get online to find your news, your way.
establishments willing to give discounts for long-term stays. 6. TOWNSVILLE DRIER than its northern counterpart Cairns, it still has a magical tropical ambience. It’s a perfect town/city place to base yourself throughout the winter. There’s the Esplanade to browse and wander and all the sandy beaches of Magnetic Island just a ferry-ride away. 7. VIETNAM YOU get so much bang for your buck in Vietnam it’s almost embarrassing. Luxury hotels are a fraction of the cost in other Asian countries and the choices are many. Food, if you eat at the myriad street stalls, costs next to nothing. With three different weather systems you are best to plan carefully. There is plenty to enjoy in this vibrant country.
8. BROOME CONFESSION…we haven’t been. But it’s on our bucket list because everyone should experience Cable Beach before they die, even if they don’t get on a camel. It’s way north over there in WA which means warm winter temperatures and sunshine are assured. 9. PHILIPPINES UNLESS there is a typhoon lurking, this is a glorious sunny escape with more than 700 islands to choose from. Filipinos are warm and friendly, and we haven’t met one yet who can’t sing like an angel. 10. WHITSUNDAYS AIRLIE Beach is a good base for the winter months to set sail to some of the glorious islands of the Whitsundays. With average temps of 22–23 during winter, it’s the perfect escape.
Feeling social? Join the conversation!
Visit us at seniorsnews.com.au
CR115679AH-7
10
places to escape winter
32 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
Travel
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 28, 2018
SPECIAL FEATURE: SPOTLIGHT ON ASIA
Asia in relaxed luxury Enjoy a personal adventure with small group tours
suite of tailored tours lead by experienced drivers and tour leaders. One of the new feature itineraries is the 12-day Vietnam and Cambodia Discovery. Limited to a maximum of just 14 guests a departure, this spectacular journey begins in French-influenced Hanoi where dinner on the first evening is at KOTO (Know One, Teach One) – a social enterprise restaurant founded by Vietnamese-Australian Jimmy Pham. After a day spent touring this amazing city with entrance included to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, it’s time to prepare for the majesty of Halong Bay where’ll you’ll enjoy an unforgettable overnight cruise (included). The journey continues to Da Nang and Hoi An and onward to Ho
MAJESTIC: Halong Bay, where’ll you’ll enjoy an unforgettable overnight cruise.
We’ve Gone
Social!
Join the conversation on Facebook.
Visit us at seniorsnews.com.au CR115679AA-1
SMALL group touring is exploding in popularity. The ideal compromise between having everything organised for you and still remaining an intimate, personal adventure, it makes perfect sense particularly if you are going to a place for the first time and expect to make the most of it. One of the world’s leading small group tour specialists, Back-Roads Touring takes it a step further by deliberately venturing off the main roads and freeways and taking you into the heart of the destinations it visits. You really do get to experience a place like a local when you get away from the massive tour coaches that generally can’t access where Back-Roads will take you. And now, you can add the highlights of Asia to the company’s adventure list with a recently announced
Chi Minh City. Internal flights are included in the fare. In vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll visit stunning pagodas and markets, enjoy skyline cocktails and even take in a performance at the Opera House. Heading toward Siem Reap in Cambodia and the jaw-dropping Angkor Wat, you’ll first enjoy a discovery tour of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta canals. Enjoy more sightseeing cruises at Siem Reap including a trip through the mangroves to an isolated Khmer community where the houses are all built on stilts. This amazing trip also takes in the fascinating Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. With so many inclusions and unique experiences, it would take you months to organise a trip like this on your own. Why not join a small group tour and have it all done for you? For more information: https://backroadstouring. com/asia-destination.
Monday, May 28, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Travel
Coffs and Clarence
Seniors 33
Rarotonga tells its story
Passionate, colourful and energetic Shirley Sinclair
shirley.sinclair@scnews.com.au
HE ARRIVES looking menacing in traditional tribal cloak and headdress fashioned from jungle materials. A proud warrior. Larger than life. But we soon discover he is simply a fierce protector of history, family and the community he holds dear. He puts us all at ease with his funny anecdotes and friendly demeanour, telling us that despite his long-winded tribal name “you can call me Danny”. Animated in his storytelling, he takes the United Nations-like audience on an enlightening cultural journey. His family. His heritage. His story. Rarotonga’s Highland Paradise Cultural Centre Sunset Cultural Night is much more than a glimpse into a 600-year-old Cook Islands village. The dancers, musicians, chefs, barmen and guides are all descendants of Ariki (High Chief) Tinomana – the last highland king – and his four wives. Together, they ensure his spirit, his
CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: The Drums of Our Forefathers show.
descendants and this special mountain paradise remain at the forefront of island storytelling through Drums of Our Forefathers. The great warrior and cannibal was much-feared until one of the first Tahitian missionaries to the country converted the king to Christianity. Tinomana’s epiphany and complete transformation saw him put down his weapons and seal them in a cave,
choose only one true wife and command his tribe to come down from the mountain and live in harmony by the majestic turquoise lagoon. The passionate, colourful and energetic production tells the story of the ancient hill-top tribal settlement, sometimes known as “the lost village”, abandoned in the early 1800s. The sanctuary lay forgotten for 150 years until one man decided to reclaim his
rights as a descendant of the hill tribe, and subsequently work began to restore maraes and rebuild this sacred place nearly 40 years ago. As well as on the on-stage presentation in music, song, dancing and narration, the night includes a warrior
welcome, Maungaroa village cultural tour, sacred marae visit, umu (underground oven) feast and audience participation, including the presentation of each table’s visiting “chiefs”. The award-winning Highland Paradise Sunset Cultural Nights are held
on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. In Rarotonga, phone 21924, see local travel desks or go to the website highlandparadise.co.ck for bookings. Transfers are available from your accommodation, find out more when you book.
Around the Bend Call Simes Bros Coaches now to join our Around the Bend Travel Club! Day trips, musicals, extended tours and much more. Call now 02 6621 5416 or visit our office Shop 8, Wyrallah Road Shopping Centre, East Lismore
The majestic Cook Islands.
6755689aa
34 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
Travel
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 28, 2018
#19 Take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, Turkey.
The World’s ultimate Discover the best destinations set to inspire and captivate WELCOME to the world’s best bucket list ever assembled – a diverse collection of hidden gem locations and exhilarating activities from every stunning corner of our planet. To create the World’s Ultimate Bucket List for 2018, Flight Network has consulted 800+ of the world’s leading travel journalists, agencies, bloggers and editors – the people who do this for a living – to gain insight from their opinions and expertise. By consulting the world’s top travel professionals, Flight Network has produced the most reliable and precise bucket list for the modern era – meant to captivate and inspire travellers all
over the world. But don’t just take our word for it – dive into this list yourself. Pack your bags and book a flight to the wonders of an African safari, the gorgeous purple night skies of the Sahara, ancient ruins infused with power, and crystallised waters begging you to dive in. This comprehensive list will transport you from the otherworldly landscapes of Iceland to the sensational views of French Polynesia, Bali, Melbourne, New Zealand, Fiji, Greek Islands, Singapore, South African capes, Oceania, Europe, Asia, Africa, USA, Australia, Caribbean, and everywhere in between.
Volunteer at an Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee; Chiang Mai, Thailand; or Kenya, Africa.
50
of the best 1. Take a wildlife safari in Africa. Gambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Africa. 2. Embark on an expedition to Antarctica. 3. See The Northern Lights, Iceland, Sweden, Canada, Norway, Africa. 4. Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru. 5. Sail the Galapagos Islands, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. 6. Lose yourself in the streets of Paris, France. 7. Stay in an over-water bungalow, Maldives, French Polynesia, Fiji. 8. Gorilla trekking in Central Africa, Virunga National Park, Rwanda, DR Congo. 9. Explore otherworldly Iceland. 10. Go island hopping in Greece, Europe. 11. Visit the Grand Canyon, Arizona, United States. 12. Explore Western Cape, South Africa.
Monday, May 28, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Travel
Coffs and Clarence
Seniors 35
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Great Wall of China, Huairou, China; walk around Historic Havana, Cuba; trek to Machu Picchu, Peru; take in the sights in Rome, Italy; and stay in an over-water bungalow in the Maldives, French Polynesia or Fiji.
bucket list for 2018 13. Dive and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Australia. 14. Walk around the ruins of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia. 15. See the Taj Mahal, Agra, India. 16. Tour vineyards in Bordeaux, France. 17. Sleep under the stars in the Sahara Desert, Morocco. 18. Experience amazing Bali, Indonesia. 19. Take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, Turkey. 20. Take an Alaskan Cruise, Alaska, United States. 21. Visit the Pyramids in Giza, Egypt. 22. Swim with whale sharks, Mexico, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Isla de Mujeres, Donsol, Tahiti, Fakarava, Philippines. 23. Soak up city life in the Big Apple, New York City, United States. 24. Visit Petra, Jordan. 25. The Great Wall of China, Huairou, China. 26. Volunteer at an elephant sanctuary, Hohenwald – Tennessee, Chiang Mai – Thailand, Kenya –Africa.
27. Trek to Mount Everest Base Camp, Kathmandu, Himalayas, Nepal. 28. Ignite your senses in Tokyo, Japan. 29. Visit New Zealand’s South Island, New Zealand. 30. Drive the Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia. 31. Visit the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia. 32. The Canadian Rocky Mountains, British Columbia, Banff Alberta, Canada. 33. Hike Through Volcanoes in Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii. 34. Explore the Australian Outback, Flinders Ranges, South Australia, Alice Springs, Australia. 35. Swim in the Dead Sea, Israel. 36. Soak in the Salt Flats in Bolivia, Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia. 37. Visit Tiger’s Nest, Paro Taktsang, Bhutan. 38. Watching Polar Bears roam, Canada, Norway, Greenland, Russia. 39. Visit The Mayan Ruins, Mexico, Guatelama, Belize.
40. Take in the astonishing Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. 41. Walk around historic Havana, Cuba. 42. Take a slum tour in India, Delhi, India. 43. Soak up the sun in Sydney Harbour, Sydney, Australia. 44. Marvel at nature on the Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii, United States. 45. Ride The Glacier Express, Switzerland, Europe. 46. Take in the sights in Rome, Italy. 47. Watch a centre court match at Wimbledon, United Kingdom. 48. Drink a beer at Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. 49. Stay in an Ice Hotel, Sweden, Canada, Finland. 50. Experience Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Visit the Grand Canyon, Arizona, United States; visit the pyramids in Giza, Egypt; take in the astonishing Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe; and soak up city life in the Big Apple, New York City, United States.
FOR MORE GO TO: flightnetwork.com.au/ blog/the-worlds-ultimate- bucket-list/
36 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
Travel
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 28, 2018
Prague the magical city
Artistic heritage reflects the path into new millennium Erle Levey
PRAGUE ... it’s said to be the city of 100 spires. In fact there are more than 400 spires in this bewitching city. And surprises at every turn. One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Prague as the capital of the Czech Republic has witnessed the tramp of history, especially through the struggle for self-determination and nationhood. And while fellow travellers return with wonderful accounts it is so much better to see it for yourself, in your own time. It’s more hilly than expected and road tunnels are used in the city to good effect. But don’t even think of driving in the old city ... the streets are narrow and the temperament of fellow road users an unknown factor. Besides, it is a city made for walking. And it has a cheap and efficient public transport system. The River Vltava, that reflects so much of the city’s beauty, is wider than you think it will be. Each of Prague’s districts has its own characteristic atmosphere and unique charm. It presents as a changeable city, one that likes to alternate styles: it is romantic and successful, ancient and modern. It is also the historical capital of Bohemia. Situated in the north-west of the country, the city is home to about 1.26 million people while its larger urban zone is estimated to have a population of nearly two million. This is in a country of about 10 million. The city has warm summers and chilly winters. Indeed, the river is known to ice up. Prague has been a political, cultural, and economic centre of central Europe with waxing and waning fortunes during its 1100-year existence. Founded during the Romanesque and flourishing by the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque eras, Prague was an important city to the Habsburg Monarchy and its Austro-Hungarian Empire. After World War I it became the capital of the newly-created
Czechoslovakia. The city played major roles in the Bohemian and Protestant Reformation, the Thirty Years’ War, and in 20th-century history, during both World Wars and the post-war Communist era. Prague is home to a number of famous cultural attractions, many of which survived the violence and destruction of war-torn Europe. These include the gothic Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square with the Prague astronomical clock and the Church of St Nicholas in the Lesser Town, the most beautiful Baroque church in Prague. Then there are the winding lanes of the Jewish Quarter, made famous by the novels of Franz Kafka. Closed to road traffic, the 621metre-long Charles Bridge was started in 1357 under King Charles IV and made Prague important as a trade route between Eastern and Western Europe. Among the sculptures found on the bridge is that of Saint John of Nepomuk, the patron saint of bridges. He refused to divulge the secrets of the confessional with the confessor of the queen of Bohemia, and at the behest of King Wenceslaus was thrown from the bridge and drowned. In modern times it has become traditional to touch the bridge here; this is held to bring good fortune and to ensure that the visitor will return to the city of Prague. Installed in the year 1410, the 600-year-old astronomical clock is the world’s oldest still in operation. Mounted on the southern wall of Old Town Hall in the Old Town Square, the clock mechanism has three main components: the astronomical dial, representing the position of the sun and moon in the sky and displaying various astronomical details; statues of various Catholic saints stand on either side of the clock; The Walk of the Apostles, a clockwork hourly show of figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures – notably a figure of death, represented by a skeleton, striking the time; and a calendar dial with medallions
BREATHTAKING: Looking towards the Church of St Nicholas in the Lesser Town, Prague.
The River Vltava with Prague Castle on the skyline.
PHOTOS: ERLE LEVEY
Public transport in Prague is efficient and economical.
Buskers play classical music on the Charles Bridge.
representing the months. Legend has it the the city will suffer if the clock is neglected and its good operation is placed in jeopardy. Accordingly, it is undergoing maintenance at the moment but is expected to be started again in June this year. The thing about Prague is you can wander and stumble upon absolute treasures. Whether it be the intercontinental train station or a cafe off
Wenceslas Square. The city boasts more than 10 major museums, along with numerous theatres, galleries, cinemas, and other historical exhibits. The National Gallery for the centre of Modern and Contemporary Art has four vast floors that house a wonderfully impressive collection of 19th to 21st century European and Czech art. A full day can easily be spent wandering around this museum but on the
third floor is where you will find 19th to 20th century French art (some Rodin, Gauguin, and Van Gogh) and Czech art from 1900 to 1930 – most notably Frantisek Kupka. The fourth floor showcases the works of various intriguing Czech artists such as Josef Myslbek, Josef Manes, and Julius Marak, including Art Nouveau sculptures, beaming portraits and lush landscapes, while the first floor displays Warhol,
Lichtenstein, and Picasso. Yet, on this day, the ground floor featured the Slav Epic, an exhibition of works by Czech painter Alfons Mucha depicting the struggle of the Slav people through history. In a way that part of the building says a lot about the present-day Prague. Large windows open to the street displaying the transparency and a confidence for the next millennium.
Coffs and Clarence
Monday, May 28, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 37
Live and let’s save
Coriander…love it or hate it?
IS IT tasty or terrible... and before you answer, remember looks can be deceiving. Coriander is a green leafy herb also known as cilantro or chinese parsley. It’s used in a variety of meals and adored by some and despised by others. I’m definitely in the latter on this one! All parts of the plant are edible but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds are the parts most traditionally used in cooking. The leaves have a different taste from the seeds. Some people find the leaves to have a pleasant citrus taste, while a small percentage experience a soapy taste. This has been linked to a gene which detects
BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN aldehyde chemicals, which is also present in soap. Others experience an unpleasant aroma, like sweaty socks. The health benefits of coriander can include: the treatment of skin inflammation, high cholesterol levels, diarrhoea, mouth ulcers, anaemia, indigestion, menstrual disorders, smallpox, conjunctivitis, skin disorders, and blood sugar disorders, while also benefiting eye care. Unfortunately, some people (like me) have a severe reaction to
coriander. In fact, it has spoilt many an evening out, not knowing what was causing the pain. Sometimes unbearable …. not dissimilar to childbirth. How is it so, that a small healthy looking herb could be a villain in disguise? I believe it is the seed more so than the foliage that is the real issue for me, but none-the-less it’s horrible either way. A coriander allergy is an immune system reaction to parts of the coriander plant, including the leaves and the whole or ground seeds. It may be caused by oral allergy syndrome. Many spice allergies are a result of oral allergy syndrome, or a pollen-food allergy. Coriander is related to the birch tree,
so people allergic to birch pollen may experience a mild and brief allergic reaction, such as itchy or tingling lips, severe stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and constipation. It may also affect the respiratory system, causing wheezing and trouble breathing. Like most allergies, it may take some time to discover the cause and then realise that avoidance is key. For me, that means being vigilant and on coriander alert! Facebook has a page dedicated to the passionate people who can’t stand the humble herb. Love it or hate it, the “I hate coriander page” is a good laugh. Check it out, go to: facebook. com/ihatecoriander/.
NOT SO HAPPY HERB: Coriander is used in food as a condiment, flavour enhancer and even as a garnish. PHOTO: KITZCORNER
Pretty sweet peas and delicious broad beans
SEED OF THE MONTH: Yates Sweet Pea Bijou. Sow gorgeous sweet peas during May for a beautiful spring display.
YATES SWEET PEA ‘BIJOU’ BIJOU can mean something delicate and elegant, which certainly describes the beautiful flowers on Yates’ Sweet Pea Bijou, which has masses of brilliantly coloured white, pink and mauve fragrant blooms. It’s a low-growing semi dwarf variety, about 60cm tall, that can be grown in either a garden bed or in pots. It can create a lovely border planting or spill wonderfully out of a window box or hanging basket.
Sow seeds 25mm deep, 5–7cm apart, in a sunny spot with well-drained soil or in a pot with good drainage holes filled with a good quality potting mix like premium potting mix. Moisten the soil or potting mix before sowing and don’t water again for a few days. Too wet soil can lead to the seeds rotting. Seedlings will emerge in 10–14 days and flowers will appear in 12–14 weeks. Bijou has long, flowering stems, ideal for a vase. Pick flowers regularly to encourage flowering.
BRILLIANT BROAD BEANS BROAD beans, sometimes referred to as faba or fava beans, are a great source of fibre and protein as well as containing vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Broad beans (Vicia faba) are a fantastic bean to sow during May that will yield heavy crops of beans in about 4–5 months. Yates® Broad Bean Early Long Pod is a vigorous variety that produces long 20–25cm well filled pods. In a sunny spot in a
well-drained garden bed, sow seeds 4cm deep into moist soil that’s been enriched with some Yates Dynamic Lifter® Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. Don’t water again until the seedlings emerge in about two weeks. Limiting watering helps to reduce the chance of seeds rotting before they germinate. Yates Broad Bean Early Long Pod will need to be planted next to or within a support as the plants can grow up to 2m tall and become heavy when covered in their large pods.
Supports can be constructed from tomato stakes or bamboo poles and strong garden twine. To encourage a great harvest, as soon as the broad bean seedlings are established start feeding each week with plant food. Young and tender pods can be harvested, sliced and cooked as a green veggie or allow them to develop until you can feel the beans swollen inside the pod. To “extract” the beans, boil the full pods for a few minutes, cool and then slice the pod lengthways and pop out the beans.
Indulge in a simple chorizo and broad bean bruschetta TRY growing some broad beans in your own garden. Some of nature’s best gifts are in abundance right now, so enjoy them in this fresh dish. Ingredients ★ Sourdough baguette ★ Two tablespoons extra virgin olive oil ★ One garlic clove, halved ★ Two chorizo sausages, thinly sliced diagonally ★ 200g fresh or frozen broad beans, skins removed ★ One tablespoon sherry vinegar ★ 50g soft feta, crumbled
★ 1/4 cup small mint leaves Method Step 1 - Heat a char-grill on high. Use a serrated knife to cut the baguette into 1.5cm-thick slices. Brush each bread slice lightly with half the oil. Cook the bread slices on the char-grill for 1-2 minutes each side or until lightly charred. Remove from heat. Rub the hot bread with the cut side of garlic. Set aside. Step 2 - Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the sausage and
cook, turning occasionally, for 5 minutes or until golden brown and heated through. Add the broad beans, vinegar and remaining oil and gently toss until well combined. Remove from heat. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Step 3 - Spoon the chorizo mixture onto the toasted bread slices. Sprinkle the bruschetta with feta and mint leaves and serve immediately. For more recipes, go to: taste.com.au.
SIMPLE AND TASTY: Impress with a delicious chorizo and broad bean bruschetta.
38 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
Travel
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 28, 2018
10 joyous reasons to vist Banyan Tree Samui Ann Rickard
SOMETIMES indulgence is called for; a holiday where you don’t have to leave the luxurious arms of your resort if you don’t want to. Such a place is Banyan Tree Samui on Thailand’s tropical island of Koh Samui. I have 10 reasons why you will come to love this special place. ■ We’ll get to the resort’s myriad charms in a minute but it is the welcome of the staff that tops our list. The wide smiles, the cold towels and refreshing drink, the warm Sawasdee greeting and the gentle nod with the raising of both hands with palms together that makes you feel like visiting royalty – and you deserve it. ■ The resort tumbles gently down a steep and verdant hill surrounded by controlled jungle and lush gardens in the private Bay of Lamai overlooking the magnificent Gulf of Thailand. We need say no more. ■ All villas have their own infinity pools and ocean or part-ocean views, apart from spa villas which are nestled among lush gardens High ceilings, tasteful Thai furnishings, king-sized beds, robes and slippers, flat screen televisions, and a pillow and bed-linen menu, all add to the sense of luxe. Spacious terraces have sun beds and if you want to take the kids or your mates, two-bedroom villas are available. ■ Every guest has their own villa host who will
THAI TRAVEL: The stunning Banyan Tree in Koh Samui, Thailand.
arrange everything from dining or spa reservations, to buggy pick up and drop off. But there’s more…call your host any time on the personal phone given to you at check-in and use the same phone to make free calls to anyone anywhere in the world. ■ Banyan is home to the sumptuous rainforest/ hydrotherapy experience. This is like a mini-visit to the Daintree Rainforest but with lots of pampering. Inside this watery sanctuary (swimsuits necessary) with is bamboo and greenery, you are guided through a wet and
wonderful journey by a dedicated therapist. First a walk through a mini jungle drenched in soft rain, then a quick steam and shower, then a fun bucket drench followed by a Swiss shower, sauna, ice mountain experience, sole therapy and finally into the vitality pool with built-in lounges, high-powered jets and rain showers to ensure every part of you is massaged and soothed. Finish by the pool on a curved-to-your-body warmed day bed. ■ A fitness and yoga centre, kids’ club, spectacular main pool, dedicated kids’ pool, a
PHOTO: PHIL CLARK, HELICAM
calm and soothing library, water sports galore… didn’t we say you may never want to leave this resort? ■ Dining…very important …and Banyan Samui has it all covered. We love lunch at Sands overlooking the beach where fresh seafood competes with enormous steaks, or for the lesser appetites, zingy salads and the always-right pizzas and burgers. International fare is served with views at The Edge, and for a true Thai epicurean adventure, dinner at Saffron is the go. In-villa dining works for those days when you don’t want to step outside your
gorgeous space, and for the ultimate in romantic dinners staff will set up a private place for you on the beach beneath a floaty marquee surrounded by candles. ■ Private beach, true indulgence. Giant boulders form a rocky surround for the calm and warm water of the Gulf of Thailand, which means safe swimming and snorkelling. Giant sun-beds, shaded sun-lounges, swinging hammocks and oval lounge chairs for two… which to choose for a day on the beach? ■ If you must leave the resort – and it’s unlikely
with its immaculate grounds brimming with water features, floating lilies, lush growth and orchids – a shuttle bus will zip you into town in a jiffy. ■ Location, location, location. Sitting aloof away from the madness of Chaweng, Banyan Tree Samui in Lamai is far enough away from the bedlam to give you a memorable stress-free break. It is also close enough to have you in the bright lights if you seek that. For more information, go to: www.banyantree.com/en/ thailand/samui.
To advertise, call 1300 136 181 or visit finda.com.au to view more ads online. Trades & Services
Cars
Kitchens
Buyers should be cautious when dealing with car sellers that are overseas and should always arrange to view the vehicle prior to the transfer of any money.
More information is available at scamwatch.gov.au
6546920aa
Be wary if the number in the ad is disconnected. If the buyer/seller says the number is disconnected because they are overseas, ask for a landline phone number at their current location as well as a mobile phone number. All contact details of the person buying or selling the car should be verified to ensure they are genuine.
Clearing Out Collectables?
BANANACOAST FURNITURE REMOVALS
Give your kitchen a facelift! • Fit new doors and handles • Relaminate old benchtops or replace with rolled edge tops • Add an extra cupboard or two
6263388aa
BEWARE OF SCAMS
Buyers and sellers should be cautious of possible scams when buying or selling a vehicle.
Removalists
LOCAL & INTERSTATE MOVES
Pre-packing service available Free quotes
lic. No. R96832
Marc Bailey 0417 256 934 Visit www.finda.com.au
4023971aaHC
Motoring
Ph: 6651 1004
email: welmove@hotkey.net.au
finda Buyer, www.finda.com.au
Puzzles
3
4
5
Across 7 Which novel by Robert Louis Stevenson is set in late 15th Century England during the War of the Roses? (3,5,5) 8 In botany, what is the name for the woody layer around a peach or cherry stone? (8) 9 What liquid is stored in the gall bladder? (4) 10 What is an extreme irrational fear of something? (6) 12 Who might carry a quiver? (6) 14 Radio pioneer Marconi and others formed which company in 1922? (1,1,1) 15 What is a catchy musical advertising slogan? (6) 17 What do many think dying Nelson said to Hardy instead of “kiss me”? (6) 19 What is a playing card or dice with three spots? (4) 21 Which anxiety-relieving drug is best known under the trademark Valium? (8) 23 Children’s character who first appeared in 1926 and was worth $50m a year by 1931 (6,3,4)
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14 15
19
16
20
17
21
18
22
Down 1 Which is China’s most populous city? (8) 2 What word derives from the Latin for “from” and “suck in”? (6) 3 What Pacific Islands cloth is made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree? (4) 4 What variety of tuna with dark horizontal stripes is found in the Pacific? (8) 5 The word assassin originates from which language where it means “hashish-eater”? (6) 6 What light, flexible, blunt-edged sword is used in fencing? (4) 11 Which city is the UK centre for the North Sea oil industry? (8) 13 Elisha Otis invented the first safe what in 1852? (8) 16 Georgetown is the capital of which South American country? (6) 18 What is a large flat unforested grassland in Siberia? (6) 20 What word can precede forest, dance and check? (4) 22 Who (Arthur __) won Wimbledon in 1975? (4)
23
SUDOKU
Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
QUICK CROSSWORD 1
2
3
4
6
5
7 8
9
ALPHAGRAMS
Insert the missing letters to make ten words — five reading across the grid and five reading down.
Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the five solutions are sequential. For example, if the fiveletter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.
A
10
12
13
Across 6. Thoughtful (7) 7. Music group (5) 9. Wipe (3) 10. Watered (9) 12. Early (5,2,4) 15. Upsetting (11) 17. Permits (9) 19. Poorly (3) 21. Vicious (5) 22. Worry excessively (7)
ALPHAGRAMS: PACED, QUINCE, REBATES, SALINATE, TRANSPIRE.
R E
H C
How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word. No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb. TODAY: Good 21 Very Good 29 Excellent 37
QUICK CROSSWORD
541
WORD GO ROUND
THE BEST MEALS IN TOWN
Bistro & Café: Open 7 days a Week Lunch & Dinner (10am to 8pm) Full Bistro Menu Available
Schnitzel from $12.00
Burger & Beer from $10.00
Steaks from $12.50
SUDOKU
5x5
Across: 6. Pensive 7. Choir 9. Dab 10. Irrigated 12. Ahead of time 15. Distressing 17. Tolerates 19. Ill 21. Cruel 22. Agonise. Down: 1. Began 2. Ask 3. Over 4. Thwarting 5. Dilemma 8. Minors 11. Shattered 13. Arenas 14. Rigours 16. Bliss 18. Edgy 20. Ant.
V
Down 1. Commenced (5) 2. Inquire (3) 3. Finished (4) 4. Frustrating (9) 5. Quandary (7) 8. Children (6) 11. Smashed (9) 13. Sporting venues (6) 14. Hardships (7) 16. Ecstasy (5) 18. Nervous (4) 20. Colony insect (3)
SOLUTIONS
S T E W S
22
E R R E D
21
GK CROSSWORD
20
Note: more than one solution may be possible.
Across: 7 The Black Arrow. 8 Endocarp. 9 Bile. 10 Phobia. 12 Archer. 14 BBC. 15 Jingle. 17 Kismet. 19 Trey. 21 Diazepam. 23 Winnie The Pooh. Down: 1 Shanghai. 2 Absorb. 3 Tapa. 4 Skipjack. 5 Arabic. 6 Foil. 11 Aberdeen. 13 Elevator. 16 Guyana. 18 Steppe. 20 Rain. 22 Ashe.
19
D
CAPED CINQUE BEATERS NIL AT SEA TERRAPINS
WORD GO ROUND
18
W
alive archive aver calve carve cave caver cavil chervil clave clavier crave curve evil halve have haver hive lave laver live liver rave ravel rival rive uvea uveal vail vale value valuer veal VEHICULAR veil vela velar vial vicar vice vile viral
17
R A
16
T R
T
15
U A
E P
14
L I
E
A
11
5/5
5x5
L E A R N
2
A L P H A
1
Seniors 39
M A S T S
G E N E R A L K N O W L E D G E
Coffs and Clarence
MACKSVILLE EX-SERVICES CLUB
“The Family Friendly Club”
Roast from $11.50
Cnr Cooper & Winifred Street, Macksville | PH: 02 6568 1344 E: info@mesc.net | www.macksvilleexservices.com.au
6702303ah
Monday, May 28, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
40 Seniors Coffs and Clarence
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 28, 2018