Gold Coast, November 2019 by seniors

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INSIDE

PROFILE

EX-POLICE COMMISSIONER CHRISTINE NIXON FINDS NEW WORLDS OF GIVING IN RETIREMENT

ENVIRONMENT

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13 - 24 OCTOBER 2020 Vietnam dazzles the senses. The sights, the sounds, the fragrances. Dramatic vistas and tumultuous history. Beautiful fresh foods, vibrant markets and friendly locals. Let us show you why we love this compelling country so much. This 11 day tour takes in the best of south, central and northern Vietnam and ends with a 2 night cruise on the UNESCO World Heritage Halong Bay. You’ll ﬁnd out why everyone is drawn to this fascinating country and why it should be on everyone’s travel list. Contact us for more details

WELCOME

NOVEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Pioneering legends

INDEX 4 6 8 10 12 18 19 27 32 35 38 39

Profile Story - Christine Nixon News - Choir sings for others News - GC50 runners coming Feature Story - Syd Kirkby Community group guide What’s on Wanderlust Wellbeing Living Money Reviews Puzzles

Gail Forrer Seniors Group Editor

Tips for good health, well-being

Community news and local events

THIS month we feature explorers and pioneers of land, mind and electric cars! Besides the great youthful achievements of our featured profiles, these people have also moved into mature age and transformed their skills to suit the times. In my books, this part of our lives offers fresh opportunities to re-assess our lifestyle and what really matters, to speak up or change our minds or indeed, just settle down. For me, it’s remaining curious besides recognising and happily remaining open to change. Margaret McDonald is certainly driven by future environmental concerns for her children and grandchildren. It’s a key reason she become one of a few Australian people driving a fully electric car. Journalist Alison Houston spoke to Margaret about how she fared during an extensive trip in her new Hyundai Kona. While many of us pay lip service to climate change, among other things, Margaret has installed solar panels on her home, moved to a vegetarian diet three days a week and uses her ‘keep’ cup for coffee in order to reduce her carbon footprint. Tracey Johnstone speaks to another trailblazer, Christine Nixon, the first woman to be appointed a police commissioner, about her life after work. Frankly, in her community service

endeavours, she seems as energetic as ever. The story of legendary Antarctica surveyor Syd Kirkby and his Antarctic adventures, including great pictures, is published across a two-page spread.His explanations and insights describing his pioneering explorations in this wild and beautiful part of the world are awe-inspiring. No wonder he was honoured with many awards, including the Australian Geographic Society’s highest honour, the Lifetime of Adventure Award. In our Living section, Tracey Johnstone has taken an in-depth look at something many of us suffer from — loneliness. Her feature tackles the subject head-on and talks about how we can reach out, change directions and, if necessary, find medical support. I hope you enjoy the read and don’t forget you can find us online at: seniorsnews.com.au. or drop in at our: senior news facebook site.

General Manager Geoff Crockett – 07 5430 1006 geoff.crockett@news.com.au Editor Gail Forrer – 07 5435 3203 gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Tracy O’Connor – 0438 478 204 tracy.oconnor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Gold Coast Seniors Newspaper”. The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in northern New South Wales and southeast Queensland. The Seniors newspaper stable includes Toowoomba, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern NSW, Coffs and Clarence and Central Coast publications. Published by News Corp Australia. Printed by News Corp Australia, Yandina. Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspapers are not necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endorsement by the owner/publisher.

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SENIORS \\NOVEMBER, 2019

NEWS

HOTA looks to a colourful future after Hair style Alison Houston SUZI Mould and Melissa Strong were among a large number of audience members who really got into the 1960s vibe to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hair at HOTA’s outdoor stage. There were flowers, psychedelic colours, tie-dyes, loud stripes, knee-high boots and flares galore. Suzie and Melissa still have their parents’ vinyl record of Hair, and remember listening to hits like Aquarius, Good Morning Starshine, Hair and Let the Sun Shine repeatedly growing up. Other concert-goers discussed having seen the original production. Some remembered the hype and protest which surrounded the show in 1969, with its confronting full-frontal nudity, anti-war messaging and

celebration of hippy culture greeted. Some spoke of the similarities between anti-Vietnam War protests and current climate protests led by youth. Others, experiencing the unique outdoor stage for the first time – it opened in 2018 – marvelled at the venue, set among parkland with a backdrop of the Surfers Paradise skyline. Executive producer Mik Auckland was just pleased the rain didn’t affect the seminal show and, as he put it, cleared to “let the sunshine in”. “This was the first time we’ve had such a large-scale theatrical production on our outdoor stage and we hope it’s the first of many!” he said. Since opening, he said the outdoor stage had been “the centre point of some fantastic and diverse events” from opening with Tim Minchin

to National Geographic’s Symphony for our World, 1990s celebration Young Hearts Run Free to the interactive GLOW festival, this year attracting more than 17,000 visitors, and most recently rock legend Jimmy Barnes in his biggest tour of the 2000s. Capable of seating 5000, Mik said the stage was also used regularly for community events such as tai chi and the free monthly social Dancing on the Green. Coming up in December at HOTA is Home – 20 hugely varied events over 15 days – and HOTA has also just released its sneak peak of indoor events for 2020, including Noni Hazelhurst as Mother, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Jonathan Biggins as Paul Keating in The Gospel According to Paul and Tosca by Opera Queensland. Meanwhile, work continues on the $60.5

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Suzi Mould and Melissa Strong dressed for fun at the 50th anniversary of Hair at HOTA. Photo: Alison Houston million, six-level, purpose-built HOTA gallery, which will be the largest outside of a major city in Australia when completed in late 2020, with its official opening expected in early 2021. Go to hota.com.au for more, or phone 07 5588 4000. OUT DOORS: Hair, starring Paulini, centre, and Hugh Sheridan, was the first time HOTA has hosted such a large-scale theatrical production on its outdoor stage. Photo: Leximagery

PROFILE STORY

NOVEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Trailblazer

Christine Nixon up for a challenge Tracey Johnstone

ANOTHER LIFE: Former police commissioner Christine Nixon has taken on fresh challenges in her retirement. Photo: David Crosling

CHRISTINE Nixon is a woman of conviction who has stood in the line of fire in so many ways. She’s an outstanding changemaker and leader with a deep sense of community who at age 66 is facing her own and her family’s realities of ageing. Ms Nixon was the first woman in Australia to be appointed a police commissioner, taking on the role in Victoria in 2001 and holding it for eight years. She climbed up through the ranks, never wavering from her belief that her gender was irrelevant in relation to her ability to be a leader... but the appointment still came as a surprise. “I was shocked,” she said, having previously applied unsuccessfully for both the South Australia and the NSW police commissioner jobs. “I figured I had a lot knowledge and skills,

experience and exposure. My father was the one who encouraged me to think about Victoria. “I never thought a NSW police officer would get to be the police commissioner in Victoria. “It was very public, very high profile; it was a tricky job.” And the support of her father wasn’t always there. When she decided to enter the NSW police force aged 19, it was against his will. “In those days there were very few opportunities,” she said, with the job choices for women mainly secretarial, nursing or teaching. “University was out of the question for many reasons,” she said. “I wasn’t really taken by the options and my father was a police officer. And I was tall enough, just.” She had to wait several months before she was accepted in October 1972. In those days the NSW police had a quota of only 130 women. There were many highs

and a few low points in her outstanding career. “Few women are in high-profile roles, so you are very likely to attract a lot of attention and a lot of heat,” Ms Nixon said. “Until we get to a point where a woman in a senior position is not anything unusual, and I think we are a long way from there, then you know you are going to get criticised. Part of it is knowing it’s going to happen. Sometimes you have stuffed it up and sometimes you are just being blamed.” Working Monday to Friday has finally stopped for Ms Nixon after 38 years on the police force and 15 months working as Chair of the Victorian Bushfire Reconciliation and Recovery Authority. But that doesn’t mean she has stopped working per se. She took her own advice of thinking about what was going to happen next before she made the decision to leave the force.

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SENIORS \\NOVEMBER, 2019

PROFILE STORY

with much more to do ‘‘

... but I did know lots about people who are poor and need support “I decided I wanted to be involved in some not-for-profit organisations and I thought I would sit on some boards, perhaps for companies,” Ms Nixon said. “I also decided that I knew a lot about women’s leadership, and I wanted to encourage women to think about taking up management and leadership positions.” Most recently, she completed the role of Chair of the national organisation Good Shepherd Microfinance, which she started in 2012. The sisters of Good Shepherd of Australia and New Zealand wanted a much greater focus on their no-interest loans, and they asked Ms Nixon

Former Victorian police commissioner Christine Nixon reflects on the tragic Bourke Street attack, six months on. Photo: Aaron Francis to set up the organisation and chair the board. “I told them I didn’t know a lot about microfinance, but I did know lots about people who are poor and need support and shouldn’t be

exploited,” she said, with the organisation now providing about 30,000 loans a year. “The loans are available to anyone across Australia who are pensioners,” she said

proudly. Ms Nixon’s current roles are chair of Monash College in Melbourne and a councillor and deputy chancellor at Monash University. She also leads conversations on

women’s leadership as a result the Women Leading book she co-wrote with Professor Amanda Sinclair and presents to conferences and events on organisational change. She has about 18 months to go on current commitments and then will turn her focus back to advocating for reducing violence against women. “While I was in the police, I spent a lot of time working with community organisations about family violence,” she said. “I am also a patron of Family Violence Centre and I am on the university advisory group.” Ms Nixon’s life is anything but ordinary, yet the way she has coped with the stresses of life in the past and present is not dissimilar to many of us. In Sydney, her ageing father of 92 is steadfastly still living at home since losing his wife to dementia three years ago. Ms Nixon’s brother lives nearby, and she talks to her father daily and visits often. “You have to do some thinking about the future

but certainly I know a vast amount of people finish up dying in their own homes, not in a nursing home,” she said. Her life at home in a country town outside of Melbourne is happily filled with mosaics, painting and drawing. The backyard has two sheds: one for her creative work and another for her husband John Becquet’s work on technology interests. “What has driven us where we are now is a need for a community around us,” she said. It’s giving her the chance to become reconnected to people, something she really values. Ms Nixon recognises we are all living in a state of flux but that doesn’t mean that people like herself can’t still effect positive change. She has chosen not to go down the politics pathway, but instead use her leadership skills and community awareness to help create positive change elsewhere during what she calls the next phase of her life.

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NEWS

NOVEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Choir voices its support A chance song leads to a melodious fund-raiser Alison Houston A GOLD Coast community choir which was born in Stanthorpe seven years ago is saying thank you by singing their way to much-needed funds for the area’s drought-stricken communities. Co-founding Fasolati (think do, re, me, fa, so …) choir member and manager Leigh Kealton said they would present a drought-relief concert at 3.30pm at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Southport on Sunday, November 24. The aim is to raise about $2000 – enough to help 35-50 families to access adequate clean water over the next few weeks, Leigh said. According to Southern Downs Regional Council’s latest water update, Stanthorpe’s current dam level is at 17.5 per cent and water volume at 362ML. Based on targeted usage, water will

run out in December 2019/January 2020. “There’s no doubt that there are some landowners, because of the drought and then the bushfire, that probably won’t continue in their primary production businesses,” Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Tracy Dobie told the ABC. Leigh said Stanthorpe had a special place in the hearts of members as it was here that four friends on a weekend getaway found themselves breaking into song in a pub late one evening as the band was packing up for the night. Once home, the friends persuaded music teacher and theatre musical director Mary Walters to form a choir with others who love singing. Now 35-strong and under conductor Anne Ryan, Fasolati is a fun-based choir comprising mostly enthusiastic older singers meets weekly and performs about four

DROUGHT RELIEF CONCERT: Fasolati music director Mary Walters, conductor Anne Ryan, the original Fasolati group (front) Diana Dureau, Henk Steenhuis, Leigh and Jan Kealton, with some of the choir in rehearsal. generally free concerts for a cause each year. The concert is free, but visitors will be asked to make a generous donation “recognising this is one small way in which

we can all show our support for our friends and families struggling in our regional towns,” Mary said. St Peter’s Anglican Church is on the corner of

Southport-Nerang Rd and High St, and the concert will conclude with cheese and wine. If you need further details, phone Leigh on

0412 363 094; otherwise, he encouraged people to donate as much as possible to those doing it tough, and just go along to the church to enjoy a wonderful concert.

SENIORS \\NOVEMBER, 2019

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NEWS

NOVEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

GC50 runners coming Alison Houston THE GC50 Run Festival has been operating since 1997 and Burleigh’s Geoff Last will be lining up at Kurrawa again on Sunday, December 8, having run the spectacular 50km coastal road course to Coolangatta for 21 of its 22 years. But event organiser Adam Goodger said the festival’s beauty was that there was a distance for everyone – this year for the first time including children’s 1km and 2.5km beach runs. “It’s the first year we’ve had a special kids’ event, and the beach run is altogether new and will include our 5km event,” Adam said. “The idea is that will make it a better experience for everyone, and parents and grandparents can enjoy the run together safely with kids.” He said the low tide forecast meant “nice hard, flat sand for people to walk, jog or run along”. (Minimum age for the 2.5km route is 7 years,

and adults run free with kids in the 1km and 2.5km events, with all kids registered receiving medals). Kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult in the 5km event, and there are minimum ages for the longer road distances (15km to Burleigh, 30km to Currumbin and 50km to Coolangatta), with races starting and ending in Pratten Park, Broadbeach. “The average age of participants for the 50km is 46, so that is high for an event of this kind,” Adam said, with at least one runner last year in their 70s. Seven runners, including Geoff Last (No.2) have been given permanent race numbers (awarded after completing 10 x 50km races). The other top 4 Hall of Famers are No.1 Sunshine Coaster Geoff Williams (22 races), No.3 Kelvin Marshall (16 including winning 1999, 2001 and 2008) and No.4 Peter McKenzie (20). “It’s just one of those races that you keep coming back to do,” Geoff

Last said. The former real estate agent is a familiar sight on the beachside roads on his daily morning 9km run, culminating each Sunday with a 4.30am run to Coolangatta and return – not bad for 69 years old. “I’ve been doing that for at least 15 years,” Geoff said. Since completing his first half-marathon in 1995, he has notched up 30-plus marathons and about 80 ultramarathons (generally 50, 80 or 100kms). That includes the old Gold Coast 100 (twice return from Broadbeach to Duranbah), the Glasshouse 100 and 85km Coffs to Grafton, as well as about six 24-hour races. “I just like keeping fit and feeling good,” he said. He also found it a great stress release during his real estate years, allowing him to stay cool and calm when it was really needed. This sort of regime, accompanied by three gym sessions a week (dropped to two this year) and a monthly sports

HALL OF FAMER: Burleigh's Geoff Last has been honoured with a permanent race number of 2, having lined up for 21 of the GC50 Run Festival's 22 years. massage religiously to “iron out any niggles”, has meant he hasn’t had to do any extra training before races, taking only a week off at most between events. If you were fit, Geoff said, the longer distances were ideal as you got older as they weren’t so much a question of speed as mental strength and stamina. “Once you do the longer

distances, you find it’s more of a mind game – certainly staying awake for 24-hour events is,” he laughed. Since Sport 3 took over the GC50 Run Festival a few years ago, it has grown participant numbers to 1200 in 2017, 2000 in 2018, and 3000 this year. “Our goal is to reach 4000,” Adam said. “It’s a really nice

journey people can come on with us, with a lot of people who started out doing the 5km race now doing the higher distances.” To find out more about the race routes and times, after-race celebrations, to volunteer or register as an individual or team, go to gc50runfestival.com.au or email info@goldcoast50.com.

SENIORS \\NOVEMBER, 2019

NEWS

FEATURE STORY

NOVEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

‘Yes’ to a life of huge challenges

IMMENSITY: The vastness of the Antarctic made Syd Kirkby feel small as he set out with his dogs, sledges and two comrades. Photo:

Courtesy of Syd Kirkby.

Legendary surveyor’s awesome achievements Alison Houston

THE universal reaction to first experiencing Antarctica is “awe and wonder”, according to one of the country’s trailblazers, Syd Kirkby AO MBE. The 86-year-old retired surveyor, recognised by the Australian Museum as one of our 50 greatest explorers and by The Australian newspaper as one of our 10 greatest adventurers, said he had seen people “actually incapacitated by awe, they were just so overwhelmed by the grandeur, scale and magnificence”. And despite wintering (1956-57, 1960-61 and 1979-81) and summering there (1961-62, 1962-63 and 1964-65 and 1979-80) as part of Australia’s Antarctic program, undertaking extensive sledging journeys for exploration and mapping, and returning in later years with tourists, he said Antarctica remained fascinating and incomparable. Syd is recorded as having explored and mapped more of the Australian Antarctic Territory than anyone else – much of it by dogsled in temperatures to minus 70 degrees Celsius. He established the most easterly, westerly and southerly astrofixes in the Australian Antarctic

Territory and with two comrades became the first and only people to explore the Prince Charles Mountains on the ground more than 60 years ago. While he has not personally noticed any climate-related environmental changes over the years in Antarctica, he said “it behoves us to treat the planet with complete circumspection and care because that is the right thing to do” rather than continuing with our “profligate and careless use of resources”. Living on the edge Syd said he had never felt any enmity or opposition from the continent, as some people articulated, but it was certainly not an environment to be taken lightly. He recalled winds so strong they had picked up and blown a cable-tied DC3 plane over 12km, and spending months in a 2m x 1.5m tent, hundreds of miles from Mawson station, with just a handful of dogs and two comrades, knowing that a simple tear in the fabric could mean they perished. “Knowing there is no salvation except as a result of your efforts and those of your two comrades is a very privileged feeling,” he said, comparing it to the bond of fellow soldiers or those united by natural disaster. He said he had learnt a

lot “as a 22-year-old kid” working with former Second World War servicemen including Battle of Britain veterans during his first winter in Antarctica. “They knew themselves, and they knew about bravery and honour and comradeship,” he said. “To run like billy-oh trying to keep up with those men and then realise after a few months that they treated you just like one of them was pretty heady stuff … mind you, you’re not like them at all.” However, Syd had fought his own battles to be there. He overcame childhood polio and being told he would never walk again through his own determination and his father’s dedication and gruelling exercise regime. Syd described the comradeship between sledgers as “probably closer than most family relationships”, because so much time was spent in complete dependence on each other, traversing terrain knowing that “no feet have ever been where your feet are”. Working with the sledge dogs, which he described as “wonderful and beautiful animals”, he said was also a privilege, although “a fairly sweaty and hardworking privilege”. However, he admitted it was also a gruesome

Syd Kirkby in the Australian Antarctic Territory. Photo: Courtesy of USC activity. “It was dirty, filthy, brutal, and often a death sentence for the dogs, but it worked at a time and place when nothing else would,” he said. Although in his earliest expeditions about 85 per

Award-winning portrait of Syd Kirkby by Tom Macbeth. Photo: Courtesy of

cent of Antarctica was unexplored, Syd does not see himself as an adventurer, with the label “explorer” sitting more comfortably with him. “An adventurer is someone who does things for the gratification of the

Tom Macbeth

thrill; I and the people I worked with are some of the most rational people on Earth – you have to be to survive,” he said. But having worked in both Antarctica and, at the other extreme, in the Great Sandy Desert with

SENIORS \\NOVEMBER, 2019

FEATURE STORY

A long sea voyage on very rough seas in a small ship meant not being sick was a major preoccupation for about 10 days journeying to Antarctica, Syd Kirkby said. Photo:

Courtesy of Syd Kirkby.

‘‘

I have practically never seen anyone not ennobled by Antarctica and Antarctic service

some of the last Aborigines living completely traditional tribal lifestyles in the 1950s, he said: “I have certainly been blessed to work in wondrous places”. Places which bring out the best in people.

“I have practically never seen anyone not ennobled by Antarctica and Antarctic service,” Syd said. “It demands a great deal of you and you step up to that – you look at your comrades as giants,

and they are tough as goats’ knees yet as concerned as any mother.” He recalled his team running beside or behind the sledge typically 20 nautical miles (38km) a day – on one memorable occasion covering 67 nautical miles (123km) because they were heading home. ■ The Antarctic Treaty and Honours Syd spoke to Seniors newspapers prior to a lecture on The Getting of Australian Antarctica at the University of the Sunshine Coast in association with Royal Geographical Society of Queensland. Australia’s Antarctic

Syd Kirkby said he did not see himself as an adventurer but an explorer. Photo: Courtesy of Australian Museum territory covers nearly 5.9 million sq km, about 42 per cent of Antarctica and 80 per cent of the total area of Australia itself – as Syd said, “a serious bit of real estate”. However, what he marvels at is that Australia gained this land at a time when we still only existed as a colony. He regards the 1959

Antarctic Treaty as “remarkable”, its essence contained in a few short lines in Clause 4, which states that no unilateral action by any power will affect existing territorial claims. That ensures there can be no “territorial ructions” or power plays, as feared in the Cold War days and just as likely during

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today’s political turmoil, to put the land or the scientific work carried out there in peril. And for Syd, that is paramount. “I’m intensely aware of my good fortune … It’s been a great life,” he said, adding a salute to the wives and families who had made it possible for all those who worked in Antarctica “doing these hair-brained and immensely dangerous things” at a time when it was very unusual for women to have to cope with raising a family on their own. “And the majority did it bloody brilliantly,” he said. They and all his fellow comrades and mentors, he said, stand beside him every time he talks about or accepts an award for his work in Antarctica. Syd has been honoured with a number of Antarctic landmarks in his name – Mount Kirkby, Kirkby Glacier, Kirkby Shoal and Kirkby Head – and following the Polar Medal (1958) and his MBE (1966), was awarded in 2018 both an Order of Australia Medal and the Australian Geographic Society’s highest honour

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Community notes

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

CANCER SUPPORT SISTERS

CSS is holding a Tropical Christmas Party on Thursday, December 5, starting at 5pm at Southport Bowls Club, 2 Marine Pde, Southport. Cost is $25 a person for a two-course meal. Dress up in your tropical clothes and come along and have some fun. Payment into Westpac Bank no later than Monday, November 25 – BSB: 034610, account: 329706. Phone Fay on 0421 331 576 or Rhonda on 0401 584 997 after you have deposited your money.

U3A BROADBEACH

UNIVERSITY of the Third Age welcomes new members who are over 50 and looking to continue their learning in a fun and social group setting. Take a look at our website, www.u3abroadbeach.com to get a taste of our broad range of courses, activities and excursions and advice on how to join us. Our activities are centred on Merrimac State High School and opportunities include languages, history and memoirs, mah jong, yoga, art, choral singing, card playing, walking, armchair travel, discussion group,

CENTENARIAN FROM CORAKI: Elma May Wilkinson was born in Coraki, NSW, 100 years ago. She celebrated her birthday recently with friends at Nerang's Liberty Community Connect Inc. lunches and excursions. We are also always delighted to have volunteers to tutor new courses.

PROBUS CLUBS

Burleigh Heads Ladies OUR members were fascinated by the passionate volunteers who donned caps and uniforms and were also the drivers and conductors of the trams they meticulously restored. It happened at the Brisbane Tramway Museum, located at Ferny Grove in a bushland setting. It is an Australian tramway museum that has preserved a collection of trams, most of which

operated in Brisbane from 1897 until 1969. Members were also in awe when they were invited to look back into history, standing in front of a 1914 tram in the workshop, where the tram is in the process of being restored to its original glory. We meet on the third Wednesday of the month at Burleigh Heads Surf Lifesaving Club. Morning tea is enjoyed at 10am followed by a meeting at 10.30am, which includes an interesting speaker. Lunch

can be ordered. A coach trip or social activity is held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Visitors welcome. Phone Helga on 07 5520 2426 or Jennifer 0402 860 650. Burleigh Waters OUR recent outings were a picnic in Preston Park, as well as a trip to the Gympie area, where activities included visits to Yandina Ginger Factory, Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum and the Everglades, plus a ride on the Mary Valley

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A presentation was made at the World Seniors Scrabble Championships in Southport in August. Cr Dawn Crichlow OAM (right) with winner Edith Hollis.

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NEWS

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ALL ABOARD: Burleigh Waters Probus group having lunch on the Gympie Railway Station platform after riding the Mary Valley Rattler.

Burleigh Heads Ladies Probus Club members visited the Brisbane Tramway Museum and enjoyed the informative history lesson.

FROM PAGE 12

sausage sizzle, bacon and egg breakfast wraps and even a gourmet espresso coffee van. A large part of the carpark is undercover so weather is not usually an issue. The event is organised by the Rotary Club of Currumbin-CoolangattaTweed and all proceeds go to local charities. Have you ever thought you would like to give something back to your local community but are not sure how to? Come and join us for a meeting and see just what we do and whether or not our ideas are the same as yours. The CurrumbinCoolangatta-Tweed Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at 6pm in the Gusti Italian Restaurant at Twin Towns Services Club. Visitors are more than welcome to attend or you can email the secretary at rotarycctsecretary@ gmail.com or phone 0421 576 816.

home we went to Canungra for afternoon tea and chatted about the great day. Anyone who would like to become a member should phone Geoff on 0409 673 066 and arrange to come to our Wednesday meetings at Robina Community Centre, Antonio Dr, Robina. The meetings start at 9.30am.

ROTARY CLUB OF CURRUMBINCOOLANGATTATWEED INC.

DO YOU want to grab some fantastic bargains? Or sell some of your unwanted Items? Then make sure you come to the Rotary Car Boot Sale on the second Sunday of each month between 6–10.30am in the carpark at the Stocklands Shopping Centre in West Burleigh Heads. No special stand required, just sell from your car boot. Hundreds of cars, thousands of goods on sale and plenty of eager buyers. There will be a Rotary

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PIMPAMA MEN’S SHED

THE shed is located at 15 Clark Way, Pimpama, behind the School of Arts

opposite Pimpama Primary School, and is open from 8.30am–12.30pm on Monday, Thursday and Saturday. The shed is equipped with excellent woodworking and metalworking equipment. Members can work on personal tasks, help with community projects or just sit and enjoy a cuppa and a chat. Social, health and welfare programs, speciality visits and presentations are also offered. Come along, have a look and decide if you would like to join us. Further details phone Vince on 0428 200 805.

TABLE TENNIS AT BURLEIGH

ANOTHER seniors fun activity now available at the Burleigh/Miami Senior Citizens Club at 40 Matilda St, Burleigh. For only $3 you can play for three hours on Mondays between 1–4pm. Exceptional value and a great way to keep active, healthy and have a lot of fun getting involved. You are never too old. Phone Allan for more on

0433 227 676 or Hailo on 0479 090 310.

DAWN’S DAY – COMMUNITY PICNIC

FOOD, music, company and a nice day out at one of the Gold Coast’s prime waterfront venues is scheduled for Sunday, November 17 on the Great Lawn, Broadwater Parklands. The event is to pay tribute to retiring city councillor Dawn Critchlow’s dedication to supporting community spirit over the past 30 years or so. At present there are no less than 99 local groups within Division 6 that enjoy Dawn’s patronage. These groups span a wide range of interests, from music, sport and historical societies to neighbourhood watches and cultural pursuits. Over the years Dawn has tirelessly found funds to support them in some way and has given her time to attend their special events and presentations. As a token of their CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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Rattler. At our meeting Tracy McLean talked about the activities of community support group Rosies. Retired or semi-retired men are invited to join us at club meetings, 10am, on the third Monday of each month at Burleigh Waters Community Centre, 131 Christine Ave, Burleigh Waters. It is nominally a men’s club but wives are very welcome to share the club’s fellowship, friendship and fun at all club meetings and outings. Phone Brian 07 5520 6332 or Des 0434 873 626. Runaway Bay WE MEET at Paradise Point Bowls Club on the third Monday of each month. A guest speaker and morning tea is enjoyed with friends. A luncheon is held on the fourth Tuesday of each month, meeting at 11.30am at the same venue. Don’t miss an opportunity to hear interesting guest

speakers and go on amazing bus trips. Visitors and new members welcome. Phone Lou on 0450 967 961. Sorrento ANOTHER very successful morning tea was enjoyed by our members recently. Our group visited Surfers Paradise RSL to view their beautifully revamped venue. It is larger and brighter, and newly decorated. Members appreciated the delightful morning tea and coffees. We are a growing mixed club, meeting at Southport Bowls Club every second Thursday at 10am. We enjoy excellent speakers, coffee mornings, lunches and great trips. Phone Cate on 0468 370 659 for more information. Varsity Lakes OUR members enjoy a very socially active program such as our recent mystery bus trip to various venues, including the Beenleigh Village and Historical Museum. There we enjoyed lunch and raffles. On the way

SENIORS \\NOVEMBER, 2019

NEWS

JOIN US NOVEMBER 17TH OPEN DAY SAUSAGE SIZZLE AT EAGLEBY 10am to 2pm

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NOVEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Sorrento Probus Club members enjoy a morning tea at Surfers Paradise RSL.

CATWALK READY: Some of the models for the Twin Towns VIEW Club Portofino Fashion Parade (from left) Sharon, Kym, Maureen, Sheila and Beth.

FROM PAGE 14

available at the meeting. Guest speaker will be Tracy Foster from Lindisfarne School, talking about the development of the school garden, their amazing initiatives and their future direction of gardens and children. New members and visitors welcome. Twin Towns and District recently held their National Gardening Week initiative “Picnic in the Park”, which was a huge success.

appreciation, representatives from these pursuits have met to organise this community event especially for her. The picnic will be from 10am–2pm and is a alcohol-free event suitable for families to enjoy. Music will be provided throughout the day by Gold Coast Country Music Club and Gold Coast Brass Band, both of which have been nurtured by Dawn. Bring along everything – food, seating, shade. The restaurant, Fish Shack, will be open as usual. Community groups will have their own weighted-down gazebos but the public is invited to join in. It’s just the sort of event that embodies the community spirit that is so important to Dawn.

TWEED COAST CFS/ME/FMS SUPPORT GROUP INC

FIBROMYALGIA, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Information and Support Group meets on the first Friday of every month at

10.30am at the HACC Community Centre, cnr Heffron St and Minjungbal Dr, Tweed Heads South. All welcome. For more information, phone Bronwyn on 07 5593 9319.

GOLD COAST BRIDGE CLUB

WE WELCOME learners and bridge players at all levels. We conduct regular beginners’ classes. Our experienced teachers will teach you how to brush up your bridge or learn new skills. We provide coaching at all levels and conduct bridge sessions six days and two nights a week. Join “the friendly club” and meet interesting people from all walks of life. We welcome you to take part in our many social occasions. We are located on the highway in Surfers Paradise. For more information, phone Lynley on 07 5538 3112 or 0418 984 856.

NATIONAL SERVICEMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

Heart

The Gold Coast South-Twin Towns Branch SERVING from Tallebudgera to the Tweed. We will hold our next general meeting on Friday, November 29, at 10am (Qld time) in the RSL Sub-Branch Anzac Room of Twin Towns Resort. For further information, phone public officer Tom Hughes on 07 5513 0665. If you served in any forces of the Commonwealth between 1951–72 then why not join us and rekindle the camaraderie you experienced during your service. New Members are always welcome to attend.

TWIN TOWNS AND DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB

WE WILL next meet on November 11 at 10am (NSW time). Doors open at 8.30am. Benching will be accepted until 9.15am. Remember to wear your badge. Trading, cutting and seed tables will start selling at 8.45am. Morning tea (bring a mug), raffles, library, newsletter will be

SIP N SUP CLUB – GOLD COAST

WE MEET each fortnight at great restaurants around the Gold Coast. All men welcome for beer, wine and food. We critique restaurants, have guest speakers but most of all we have a lot of fun. Generally Thursday afternoons, however some evening events. There are 23 meetings a year. Gain more information on Facebook and search for @sipnsupgc, or phone Michel on 0412 757 535 or email michel_44@bigpond.com.

GROUP FITNESS CLASSES FOR SENIORS

GROUP fitness classes to improve fitness, strength and balance. Suitable for men and women over 50 and all fitness levels. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9am. Cost $5. Located at the Maher Hall, Burleigh Heads Senior Citizens, 42 Matilda St, Burleigh Heads. Phone Caroline on 0402 812 227 for more.

VIEW CLUBS

Burleigh Palm Beach MORE than 620 women – representing almost every state of Australia – were treated to a long weekend combining passion with purpose on the Sunshine Coast from Friday to Sunday, September 13–15, for the VIEW Clubs of Australia National Convention. VIEW stands for the Voice, Interests and Education of Women and is a national organisation boasting more than 15,000 members dedicated to supporting children’s education charity The Smith Family. Delegates heard from

19-year-old Sunshine Coast musician Mason Hope. Raised by his grandmother Lisa from the age of one, Mason shared how support from The Smith Family changed the course of his life. Learning for Life provides a range of out-of-school learning programs and support for young Australians in need, to help them complete Year 12, break the cycle of poverty and go on to create better futures for themselves. We meet on the third Tuesday of the month at Treetops Tavern, West Burleigh, at 10am. New members are always welcome at this friendly club. For more information, phone Ros on 0431 442 030. Coolangatta/Tweed MORE than 620 women from around Australia came together recently at the Sunshine Coast for a long weekend combining passion and purpose for the VIEW Clubs of Australia National Convention. Through The Smith Family, young CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

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disadvantaged children are helped to succeed at school so they can create better futures for themselves. VIEW was established in 1960 and we now proudly sponsor more than 1380 students through the Learning for Life program. Four ladies from Coolangatta/Tweed VIEW Club were able to enjoy this informative convention, which is held every two years. We were delighted to learn that in 2021 National Convention will be held in Adelaide. For more information about VIEW clubs in your local area, go to www.view.org.au or phone Di Lutze on 07 5590 9119. Our next luncheon is on Thursday, November 21, at South Tweed Sports Club at 11am for 11.30am start (DST). All ladies are very welcome. We meet on the third Thursday of the month. Our guest speaker this month is Toni Cameron (Jack Evan’s daughter) from the Porpoise Pool. Reminder of our trading table all donations will be welcome.

Apologies/bookings phone Carolyn 07 5524 7265 the Monday prior to our luncheon. Runaway Bay WE MEET every second Tuesday of the month for lunch at a new venue. Enjoy making new friends and listening to interesting speakers. For more information, phone 0428 911 077. Surfers Paradise OUR club supports The Smith Family plus nine Learning for Life students. We hold meetings and lunch on the second Tuesday of each month at Southport Golf Club. Meeting at 11.30am for lunch at noon. Always with an interesting guest speaker. New members and visitors are most welcome. For an opportunity to meet new friends and join in our social activities and really enjoyable outings, phone Nancy Uren on 0412 639 574 or 07 5592 6730. Twin Towns Day SPECIAL 0ccasion: the Annual Twin Towns Day VIEW Club Portofino Fashion Parade combined luncheon will be held on Thursday, November 7, at South Tweed Sports Club starting at 11am DST.

Free 4 Sale classifieds Email your Free 4 Sale classified to advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au. Maximum is $500 for advertised sale price. One item only advertised per month. BOWLS Henselite Maestro deluxe, size 2H in carry case, Olympic flame as logo. $230. Phone 07 5535 5612. Burleigh Waters. CHRISTMAS TREE 195cm, lights and all decorations. Excellent condition. $70. Phone 07 5577 1815. Coombabah.

The fashions come from a very well-known fashion house who have up-to-the-minute designs for all ages. The models are hand-picked to suit the garments and all accessories will also be available. Sales will follow the parade and a percentage will be re-donated to our VIEW club, which will then pass it on to The Smith Family. Our club was represented at the VIEW Clubs of Australia National Convention, with seven of our ladies returning home proudly with the knowledge that our contribution of supporting seven Learning for Life students selected for us by The Smith Family is of great assistance. The Portofino Fashion Parade, followed by a two-course luncheon, will cost $28 and any excess profits go towards our Learning for Life students. For further information, phone Kathie on 0407 709 629 or Freda

FASOLATI CONTEMPORARY CHOIR

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END OF LIFE CHOICES

EXIT International is a voluntary euthanasia group that meets quarterly. Meetings are held at Robina Community Centre. Next meeting is on November 8. Attendees must be Exit members. For further information, go to www.exitinternational.net or phone local co-ordinator Elaine on 0421 796 713.

GOLD COAST LINE DANCING

ALL classes are $7. Beginners’ class is 11.40am–1pm every Friday; improver class is 1.15–3.15pm every Tuesday, Intermediate class is 1.05–3pm every Friday at the PCYC, 24 Cayuga St, Nerang (Next to the bowls club). For more information phone 0410 505 740 or email pamseye@hotmail.com.

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A GOLD Coast community choir wants to raise the roof and plenty of funds for drought-stricken communities out west. Concert numbers will include Lloyd Webber’s The Prayer (popularised by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli) and The Lion King favourite Can You Feel the Love Tonight. Also included is Lied an die Freude (Ode to Joy), the Russian hymn Tebye Poyem, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Annie’s Song, Bridge over Troubled Water and All that Jazz. Fasolati performs at 3.30pm on Sunday, November 24, in St Peter’s Anglican Church, cnr of Southport Nerang Rd and High St. Admission is free and donations are requested in aid of drought relief. The concert will conclude with cheese and wine about 4.30pm.

OLDER WOMENS NETWORK QUEENSLAND AGM

IN SEPTEMBER senior women from Queensland gathered at Gunabul Homestead in Gympie for the AGM of Older Women’s Network Queensland. Attendees came from Gympie, Mackay, Bribie Island, Woody Point, Gold Coast, Logan, Capalaba, and Mitchelton for this major event in the OWNQ calendar. More than 70 women attended from Queensland and enjoyed good food and company along with enlightening presentations from guest speakers. Older Women’s Network Queensland is an organisation dedicated to providing fun, friendship and social connection for older women to enjoy the company of other women at a similar stage of life. To find out more, phone Lee Hodgson on 0429 831 414 or the state office of OWNQ on 07 3358 2301.

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FROM PAGE 16

FUN AND FITNESS: Table tennis instructors Hailo and Debbie will welcome you to the Burleigh/Miami Senior Citizens Club located at 40 Matilda St, Burleigh.

Shop 5 / 1 Naranga Avenue, Broadbeach Waters paulfrancodentures.com.au

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Coolangatta/Tweed VIEW Club members (from left) Joan King, Di Lutze, Penny Thorpe and Beverley Robertson representing at the VIEW Clubs of Australia National Convention.

NOVEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

What's on

Plenty on the Goldie

Markets, music and an Expo are all there for you to enjoy

Alison Houston

SANCTUARY MARKETS

FEEDING time at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary takes on a new meaning every Friday from 4-9pm as the Sanctuary Markets take over. The markets run on The Village Green’s deck and

incorporate a variety of international foods including Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Brazilian, Turkish, Venezuelan, South African and Chilean, craft stalls in the undercover area of the green and a produce market selling Asian greens, fresh produce, eggs and Australian seafood in the car park.

SANCTUARY SECRET: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary takes on a new life after dark every Friday from 4-9pm as the Sanctuary Markets take over. Food can be eaten onsite or taken away. It’s fully licensed, with Burleigh Brewery’s boutique beers and Sirromet Wines and there is live music from local musicians. Go to hcurrumbinsanctuary. com.au/ or phone 0417 759 777.

DRAGON

IT CAN only mean one

thing … yep, the 1980s rock legends are back on tour and playing at Mermaid Waters’ Lonestar Tavern on Friday, November 8. You won’t get Marc Hunter of course, but you will get Bruce Reid, Todd Hunter, Pete Drummond and Mark Williams in a two-hour “best of” concert. They will play all your favourite Dragon classics plus some of the #1 hits from their Countdown tours. Go to lonestartavern.com.au or phone 07 5572 2000.

JONI MITCHELL TRIBUTE

BLUE: The Songs of Joni Mitchell is at HOTA, presented by Australian cabaret and musical theatre star Queenie van de Zandt. It’s an evening of melancholic songs, poetic storytelling and the haunting vocals of Mitchell, who is described as having “created a soundtrack for the Woodstock generation”. Queenie is backed by a live band and takes audiences through Joni’s life, losses and loves, as she reinterprets her music and reveals the stories behind some of her most haunting songs. It’s on Saturday, November 9, with tickets from $35. Phone 07 5588 4000.

NATURALLYGC

THERE is an amazing range of native plants we can use in Coast gardens, but the challenge is often working out which plants suit best. Helping you restore native biodiversity and select the best natives to use for the garden style of your choice is the aim of well-known native plant enthusiast Kate

Heffernan and Catherine Pickering from Griffith Unviersity. Grow Me Instead is on Saturday, November 23 from 9.30-11.30am at Robina. Phone 1300 465 326 or find Grow Me Instead on Eventbrite to confirm venue.

SENIORS EXPO

GOLD Coast Seniors Health and Lifestyle Expo at Southport provides free wellbeing information. Learn about retirement living options, in-home care, seniors travel, insurance, financial planning, investment advice, free hearing and eyesight checks, and mobility aids. Information is available from Centrelink, City of Gold Coast and more. Find it all one location and on the same day from 9am to 1pm, with free entry. There are over 60 exhibitors. Go to gcseniorsexpos.com.au or phone 0409 277 430.

TUGUN LIGHTS UP

THE annual Tugun Lights Up kicks off a month-long celebration of Christmas in Tugun Village. It all starts at 4.30pm on Saturday, November 30 with an evening of family fun. Enjoy free Christmas entertainment and carols, shop at the market stalls and dine under the stars with special menus from local restaurants. Now in its seventh year, Tugun Lights Up promotes the village spirit of coming together to enjoy the Christmas lights displays in each shopfront window.

CAROLS AND MORE

THE eighth annual Mayor's Christmas Carols presented by

Mercedes-Benz Gold Coast is returning to Broadwater Parklands on Saturday, December 7. But as we went to press, details were still to be announced, so all we can say is keep an eye out for news. There are, of course, a heap of other festive events coming up, including A Sanctuary Cove Christmas at The Marine Village, Sanctuary Cove with plenty of family fun from 4pm-8pm on Thursday, December 5. On December 7, Pacific Pines celebrates with community carols at Christmas in the Park at Central Park from 4-8pm. Celebrate by the water at Marina at Coomera Waters on December 7, with a Christmas market and twilight event from 11am-8pm. There will be food trucks, mulled wine, over 30 affordable Christmas gift stalls, face-painting, character entertainment and more.

DOGS ON THE GREEN

FOLLOWING well-received events in May and September, Dogs on the Green is doing it again at Benowa State Primary School from 8am-1pm on Sunday, December 8. And there are plans to make this free community market for dog-lovers a quarterly event. Bring your dog along for a fun day out to socialise with other dogs and support small businesses specialising in products and services for your furry friends. Perfect timing to find a Christmas gift for your dog! There’s even a mobile dog groomer on site. Phone 0450 173 338.

SENIORS \\NOVEMBER, 2019

Going Dutch pays off Riding high in Amsterdam

TRAVEL CLUB 2020

SENIOR COACH TOURS Home Pickup and Return

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FLOWER GARDEN SHOW GREAT OCEAN ROAD, DANDENONGS, BALLARAT, BENDIGO, ECHUCA, LAKES ENTRANCE, EDEN, BEGA, GRAND PACIFIC DRIVE - N.S.W STH COAST 13 Days: Saturday 21st March - Thursday 2nd April 2020.

$2,700 Fare Includes: Motels, ALL Breakfasts and Dinners, ALL Admissions and touring, Great Ocean Road, International Flower & Garden Show, Dandenong PufďŹ ng Billy Steam train, Victoria Markets, Crown Entertainment Complex, Daylesford Historic Town, Ballarat, Sovereign Hill, Bendigo, Echuca Murray River Paddlesteamer Morning Tea Cruise, Bega Cheese Heritage Factory, Eden Killer Whale Museum, Lakes Entrance Tour. $

2,700

(inc. GST)

Coastal Variety Tours p/L

ESTABLISHED 1982

MUDGEE - LIGHTING RIDGE DUBBO ZOO, BATHURST, WARRUMBUNGLES, GOONDIWINDI, WARWICK 9 Days. 9th - 17th May 2020

$1,999 Fare Includes: Motels - Parklands Resort Mudgee 3 nights, Lightning Ridge 2 Nights, Armidale, Goondiwindi, Coonabarabran. All Dinners and Breakfast, 3 - Lunches, All Admissions: Taronga Western Plains Open range Zoo, Lightning Ridge Walk-in Mine, Chambers of the Black Hand, Mudgee Wineries and guided tour of Historical Mine, Bathurst Abercrombie House, Mount Panorama, Warwick Glengallen Homestead and Heritage Centre.

Home Pickup & Return: Sunshine Coast, Caboolture, Redcliffe Brisbane, Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast Area

1,999

(inc. GST)

Please Phone Coastal Variety Tours 3343 6722 for Free Tour Brochure

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Travel options for you

NATURE’S BLISS IN KARUIZAWA

As night falls, you can hear the clatter of guests donning their yukata and geta clogs, making their way for a soak in the meditation bath — a peaceful and spiritual experience where you can sharpen your senses. A limited offer is available for three-night stays from October to December. Info: hoshinoya.com/ karuizawa/en.

LOCATED just 90 minutes by train from Tokyo is the mountainside resort Hoshinoya Karuizawa. Be enchanted by the crisp, clean air and the soft sounds of the surrounding forest. It is rich in greenery and life, and the Picchio Wildlife Research Center (located next door) runs numerous nature walks and tours for you to spot some magnificent bird species. Onsen in Japan is appreciated for its therapeutic value. You can melt away your worries at two onsens located on the premises. At the foot of the mountain is Tombu no yu, where you can relax in both an indoor and open-air bath while taking in the spectacular view.

FLINDERS RANGES TOUR

JAPAN BLISS: Hoshinoya Karuizawa's rice terrace.

FLINDERS Ranges Odysseys has launched a new three-day Flinders Ranges Outback Tour beginning April 3, 2020. This twice-weekly tour offers exclusive accommodation and incredible food and wine, all while discovering the spectacular and rugged scenery of Wilpena Pound

and the magnificent Flinders Ranges. Departing from Adelaide, guests will explore the 540 million-year-old Flinders Ranges in air-conditioned Mercedes Benz vehicles, in small, intimate groups of up to eight and accompanied by a local

AFFORDABLE LUXURY COACH TOURS BOOK NOW FOR GREAT SPECIALS

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW

5% OFF all tours booked before 30.11.2019

BUNDABERG MON REPOS

TANTALISING TASMANIA

TURTLE HATCHING

$849

22/2/20 – 25/02/20

10 DAYS

BRUNY ISLAND

BUNDABERG BARREL

PORT ARTHUR/TASMANS ARCH

BOTANIC GARDENS

BLOW HOLE & DEVILS KITCHEN

BURNETT RIVER CRUISE

CATARACT GEORGE RIVER CRUISE

MON REPOS TURTLE HATCH

CRADLE MOUNTAIN

EMUNDI MARKETS

GORDON RIVER CRUISE

MONTVILLE

CASCADE BREWERY

MARVELLOUS MELBOURNE

INTERNATIONAL FLOWER SHOW

23/3/20 – 28/3/20

$1750

INTERNATIONAL FLOWER SHOW

KOOKABURRA QUEEN RIVER CRUISE SUNSHINE COAST /

QUEEN VIC MARKETS

GLASSHOUSE MTNS

MORNINGTON PENINSULA

MALENY BOTANICAL GARDENS

AUTHURS CHAIR

MT TAMBORINE DAY TRIP

BALLERINE PENINSULA

BEENLEIGH HISTORICAL VILLAGE

QUEENSCLIFFE FORT

MORETON ISLAND

CAPT COOKS COTTAGE

DOLPHIN FEEDING

4/5/20 – 9/5/20

8 DAYS

1/6/20 – 8/6/20

FIELD OF LIGHT EXTENDED

THE Field of Light at Uluru has been extended indefinitely. The exhibition called Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku, or

$1780

CHINESE GARDENS / CHINA TOWN

SKYRAIL RAINFOREST CABLEWAY

BLUE MOUNTAINS / ECHO POINT

MOSSMAN GEORGE

SCENIC WORLD / RAILWAY

DAINTREE RIVER CRUISE

SEACLIFF BRIDGE (WOLLONGONG)

GREEN ISLAND

KIAMA BLOWHOLE

PARONELLA PARK

CITY SITES TOUR / MANLY

BABINDA BOULDERS

SYDNEY SHOW (TBA)

PORT DOUGLAS

25/6/20 – 30/6/20

Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Gold Coast. This tour will take you via the Pacific Hwy to Coffs Harbour, Sydney, NSW south coast, Bega and Lakes Entrance, arriving at Melbourne for the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most-loved horticultural event – the international flower and garden show. Your Melbourne tour is not complete without experiencing the beautiful mountain scenery while travelling aboard the Puffing Billy Stream Train and spectacular Great Ocean Road. There’s more to this tour and it’s well worth discovering for yourself by phoning Coastal Variety Tours for the full itinerary on 07 33436722

TROPICAL TREAT CAIRNS/DAINTREE

$1750

NTH NSW-TWEED/BALLINA 6 DAYS

BRISBANE/MORETON ISLAND 6 DAYS 1/3/20 – 6/3/20 $1650

MELBOURNE CITY TOUR

SENSATIONAL SYDNEY 6 DAYS

$2950

10/2/20 – 19/2/20

MT WELLINGTON/CITY TOUR

HINKLER HALL OF AVIATION

6 DAYS

IMAGINE a Coach Tour that combines the history and culture of Melbourne with the spectacular scenic beauty of the Dandenong Ranges and the Great Ocean Road. This is Coastal Variety Tours 13-day trip to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden show which departs March 21, 2020, including home pick-ups from the

HOBART/LAUNCESTON/STRAHAN

VIVA SURFERS PARADISE-ELVIS

$1399

5 DAYS

TWEED RIVER CRUISE BYRON BAY / LIGHTHOUSE TWIN TOWNS SHOW (TBA) MURWILLUMBAH / MT WARNING | YAMBA /ILUKA MT TAMBORINE TROPICAL FRUITWORLD

10/7/20 – 14/7/20

$1480

SURFERS CANAL CRUISE BYRON BAY / LIGHTHOUSE VIVA SURFERS PARADE & ENTERTAINMENT AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK SPECTACULAR CABARITA / KINGSCLIFF TROPICAL FRUIT WORLD BURLEIGH HEADS / ELEPHANT ROCK

Phone: 1300 188866 Mobile: 0428 188866 Email: carefreetouring@gmail.com Website: www.carefreetouring.com

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4 DAYS

tour guide. Cost starts at $2242 per person, twin share and includes all accommodation, meals, morning pick-up and evening set-down at selected Adelaide CBD hotels, personalised touring, expert commentary from a local driver/guide, all entrance fees, special permits and all activities. Info: kangarooislandodysseys .com.au.

Hoshinoya Karuizawa's Mizunami Room in summer.

“looking at lots of beautiful lights” in local Pitjantjatjara, is made up of more than 50,000 slender stems crowned with radiant frosted-glass spheres over an area the size of nine football fields. Each evening, guests enjoy the Field of Light Uluru and each morning before sunrise, AAT Kings operates Field of Light Sunrise. Info: ayersrockresort.com.au/ fieldoflight.

MORE TOURS IN JANE GOODALL COLLECTION

G ADVENTURES has added its Dr Jane Goodall-endorsed collection of wildlife-focused tours for 2020 with 12 more adventures in Indonesia, Botswana, Belize, north-west USA, mainland Ecuador, the Arctic and Antarctic, and other destinations. All trips in the collection are endorsed by the UN Messenger of Peace,

SENIORS \\NOVEMBER, 2019

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CAIRNS CHRISTMAS CAPERS

Cairns, Kuranda, Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, Daintree River Cruise, Sky Rail, Reef Casino Xmas Lunch, Dundess Restaurant, Harbour Cruise *6 Days Tour Only $1,590, *8 Days with Return Rail Fare, QPC Economy Seat $1,640, QPC Deluxe Rail Bed $1,990, Sole Use Room Add $400, Departure Dates: 21 December

A GOLDEN COAST CHRISTMAS

Gold Coast, Broadwater Cruise, Mermaid Beach, Tweed River Cruise, Xmas Day Lunch at The Star Casino, Coolangatta, Byron Bay, Mt Tambourine, Lunch at St Bernards with magical views over the Gold Coast. 5 Days from $1,590, Single add $400 Departure Dates: 23 December

OUTBACK TRAVEL: Flinders Ranges's Wilpena Pound. whose institute protects endangered species through conservation strategies that incorporate the needs of local communities, with the understanding that helping people saves wildlife. Info: gadventures.com.au/ jane-goodall.

FLY A380 IN DUBAI MALL

DUBAI Mall’s Emirates A380 Experience is the region’s only public A380 flight simulator. Enthusiasts can test their flying abilities, and those curious about the full experience of flying an A380 can take command of the cockpit for take-off, cruising and landing at thousands of international airports, including every airport in Emirates’ global network. A qualified instructor will be on hand to guide customers through the full experience. A variety of packages are available, starting from 15-minute sessions all the way to 45-minute

experiences. Info available at: emiratesa380experience .com.

SYDNEY BRIDGECLIMB

THE iconic BridgeClimb turns 21 this year. It operates four different climbs spanning from day to night. For bookings and information, go to bridgeclimb.com.

ANDREW DENTON AND JENNIFER BYRNE JOIN CHIMU

CHIMU Adventures is hosting TV personalities Jennifer Byrne and Andrew Denton aboard its Antarctica Untouched voyage’s new small ship vessel the Ocean Endeavour, which departs November 22, 2020. The trip will raise funds for the Mawson's Huts Foundation. The voyage will see them share their passion for this destination with fewer than 200 other passengers through intimate lectures and

discussions, and Chimu are overjoyed to be sharing the experience with them again. www.chimuadventures .com.au.

SPLIT YOUR GHAN JOURNEY

GUESTS travelling on the three-night, four-day Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Adelaide can split their journey in Alice Springs, giving them the chance to explore further afield. From June to August Expedition guests can spend three days in Alice Springs before re-joining The Ghan and continuing south to Adelaide. The new nine-night Territory Tour package has been curated that highlights the best of the Northern Territory. In includes three nights on The Ghan Expedition and three nights in Alice Springs. Prices start from $3999 per person Gold Service twin share. Info: journeybeyondrail.com.au /territorytour or phone 132 147.

ECCENTRIC LIGHTNING RIDGE The most unique mining town in Australia, Lighting Ridge boasts with over 100yrs of opal mining history. Fossick for your own treasure on lands that 100mil years ago dinosaurs roamed. Visit Museums, Mines and Caves and even an artesian pool! 5 Days from $1,460 Departing 13th May 2020

TOTAL TASMANIA

Tasmania, “the Island of Inspiration” is an island of dramatic coastlines, quaint villages, convict-built heritage and magniﬁcent food and wine. Incl Hobart, Port Arthur, Derwent Bridge, Tamar Valley, Beauty Point, Cradle Mt & Gordon River Cruise. 11 Days, $3,490. Return Airfares $3,925 Departure Dates: 1st April 2020

NEw ENGLAND HISTORICAL TRAIL *4 Days* – Depart Brisbane. Enjoy Historical Armidale, Glen Innes and Tenterﬁeld, Booloominbah & Saumarez Historical Homesteads, Standing Stones*, *Lunch at Abby of the Roses Manor 4 Days - $799 *PP Twin Share, Single add $195 *Departure Dates 2020: 25th March*

YAMBA & BYRON BAY 4 Days – Depart Brisbane. Enjoy lunches overlooking beautiful oceans, colourful ﬁshing trawlers and pelicans, also Clarence River Cruise. Picturesque Villages and Maclean, known as the Scottish Town of Australia. 4 Days - $699*, *PP Twin Share, Single $195 Departing: 27th February

TURTLE HATCHING OF MON REPOS

MELBOURNE FLOwER SHOw, 25TH ANNIvERSARY

4 Days – Depart Brisbane to see the Turtle hatchlings at Mon Repos. Mon Repos is a very special place; it supports the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the eastern coast. Here we can learn about the Mon Repos Turtles and their colourful history. Then enjoy a Burnett River Cruise, Visit a Bundaberg Bundy Rum Distillery and gorgeous Tin Can Bay. 4 Days - $799*, *PP Twin Share, Single $195

*4 Days* *– “25th Anniversary Show”* Depart Brisbane to Melbourne. Enjoy the International Flower and Garden Show with over 300 exhibits. We also visit Old Melbourne Gaol and Queen Victoria Markets, Old Treasury and Exhibition Buildings and tour the famous MCG Cricket Ground. 4 Days, Return Flights Included Ex, BNE $1480 *PP Twin Share, Single Add $195

Departing: 4th March

*Departure Dates 2020: 28th March*

CLASSIC SOUTHERN OUTBACk PUBS AND CUNNAMULLA

*8 Days* - *Classic Outback Pubs – if only the walls could talk! *Discover the pubs where Australian folklore characters came to life including “Dad & Dave” Rudd’s Pub, Stanthorpe, QLD oldest 1864 Nindigully Pub, 1866 Club Boutique Hotel, Cunnamulla Fella Centre, Charleville Cosmos Observatory & Historic Corones Hotel, Mitchell Great Artisan Hot Water Pools, Big Rig Night Show Roma, Dalby. *8 Days $2180*PP Twin Share, Single add $420, *Departure Dates 2020: 1st April*

ICONIC PUBS OF NORTH QUEENSLAND *10 Days* -Depart Brisbane to Cairns on the Spirit of QLD Train – See spectacular scenic destinations whilst visiting well known and historic pubs including the 1878 Court House Hotel, Port Douglas, highest pub in QLD Ravenshoe Hotel, the Iconic *“Pub with no Beer”* Ingham, 1901 Great Northern Hotel, Townsville, Charters Towers 1865 Eureka Hotel *10 Days with Return Rail Fare. QLD Pension Economy Seat $1840. QLD Pension Deluxe Rail Bed $2190. Seniors Card Deluxe Rail Bed $2480 *Departure Dates 2020: 28th April 25th July; 19th Sep*

* On all tours up to $3,000 value

OUTBACK TRAVEL: Flinders Ranges's Rawnsley Park Eco Villas.

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Rare view... Rembrandt is among the famous Dutch painters whose work is on display at Museum Square.

Bikes, bikes and more bikes. Special storage areas are available to the thousands of commuters.

BLOOMING LOVELY: The canals are pretty enough in their own right, but the frequent floral touches just add another level of beauty to Amsterdam.

It’s time to get on your bike to start exploring Graeme Wilson BIKES and bongs…these are my lasting impressions of Amsterdam. Oh, and windmills. And canals. And art. It’s taken me 60 years to navigate my way to the city of tulips, but it was well worth the wait. As a regular recreational cyclist, this city is made for me. Everywhere you go you’re surrounded by bikes of all shapes and sizes, and their proliferation seems to mean power to the pedallers. So none of the road rage associated with venturing out on Australian roads, where so often it’s an angry car v bike showdown. Live and let live seems to be the Dutch motto, and that suits me just fine. A leisurely pedal out to the historic windmill

Water features everywhere around Amsterdam... here it leaps skywards outside the Rijksmuseum.

The traditional wooden shoes (clogs/klompen) are an important part of Dutch heritage and are still worn in rural areas today.

village of Zaanse Schans (see Wanderlust cover) was a highlight of my three-night Amsterdam adventure. No helmet required, so it was a ride on the wild side with the wind in what

All your senses are alive in Amsterdam, but your nasal passages in particular certainly get a workout as you wander along the winding canals and alluring laneways. I’m not one to partake

little remains of my hair. My normally dormant arty side also came alive in Amsterdam, with a visit to the Van Gogh museum providing a great insight into this master of the easel.

in such things, but the distinctive aroma of cannabis is a regular reminder of the relaxed drug laws here. Perhaps fortunately, these accompanying pictures aren’t scratch

and smell, but hopefully they paint many thousand words of praise. If you ever get the chance to visit this unique city, pack your padded bike shorts and get ready for the ride of your life.

SENIORS \\NOVEMBER, 2019

‘‘

Activities range from a Segway Safari along bush tracks to a flying fox zip line

STILL GREEN: O'Reilly's Mountain Villa survived the recent bushfires and open for business.

O’Reilly’s is ready for you Phil Hawkes IT’S late October on a beautiful clear mountain-fresh day at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in the Lamington National Park, the traditional land of the Yugambeh people. In the lobby I overhear a conversation between a couple from Brisbane and the receptionist. “We’re lucky to be here,” says the wife. “This morning my mother told us we should cancel our booking as the place had been burnt down in the recent bushfires, so we made a phone call and found that wasn’t true. So here we are.” Yanina and Apoorva at the desk say they’ve

heard this comment from a number of guests, and there’s been much confusion caused by dramatic scenes on TV. Later, at the manager’s daily guest briefing over afternoon tea (where appropriately, lamingtons are served), Brendan Long explains that in its 93 years of existence, O’Reilly’s has not been damaged by bushfires because it’s in the Gondwana subtropical rainforest area dating back millions of years, unscathed. Tragically, the Binna Burra lodge and other properties across the range were destroyed, the difference being those sites also contain eucalypt and sclerophyll forest which is prone to bushfire events. The

Lost World Spa Couples Treatment Room.

village of Canungra (the jumping off point for the road into O’Reilly’s) was not damaged although it was used as a base for fire-fighting authorities. Still, the false perception exists that the whole Scenic Rim area was burnt out; local businesses are just getting back on their feet and visitation is very welcome. Back at O’Reilly’s, an Advanced Eco-Tourism resort, there’s much to enjoy in the clean air nearly 1000 metres above sea level, away from the coastal humidity. Ideal weather for walking, so I set off with another couple on a leisurely two-hour return hike to pretty Moran’s Falls where there’s a picnic area, good for a BYO lunch. There’s

historic interest there too, being the site of a bark hut where the O’Reilly brothers first lived when they moved here to establish a dairy farm in 1911… but that’s another story. Apart from a number of different walks up to seven hours (a bit too much for me, I’d admit) there’s plenty to do at the resort, ranging from a Segway Safari along bush tracks, highly recommended, to a flying fox zip line experience down a valley which certainly gets the adrenalin moving. Less strenuous is a billy tea tour to a lookout by 4WD, with damper and a few yarns to accompany the magnificent views over the green mountains. No fire damage here.

Sunset from the summit of Moran Falls.

Photo: Ryan Fowler Photography

The highlight for me is the 6.45am bird walk. Armed with a camera and bird seed, we stroll quietly along the Booyong track where many different rainforest species including king parrots, Regent bower birds and the inevitable bush turkeys appear on cue, posing for happy snaps and a bit of birdsong. Our knowledgeable guide Sylva even seems to know many of them by name; she’s obviously a dedicated bird whisperer. Back at the dining room, a substantial breakfast awaits and having given the birds just small handfuls of seed, everyone is overcompensating by diving into the hot and cold buffets with abandon, fuelling up for

Shane O'Reilly.

another day’s activities. Just down the hill there are a number of separate villas and the Lost World Spa with an infinity pool, an excellent place to soothe tired muscles after all that walking. And good news for campers: according to Shane O’Reilly of the retreat’s owning family, the Green Mountains camp ground is being completely redeveloped adjacent to the resort with new facilities, giving visitors another option for accommodation in one of Queensland’s most beautiful mountain rainforests. For more info, go to oreillys.com.au * Phil Hawkes was a guest of O’Reilly’s Rainforest Resort

NOVEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Facts about airline points

TRAVEL TIPS: Savvy travellers should check on rewards credit card deals, airline cabin upgrades and new airport lounges. Photo: Wavebreakmedia Ltd

THE point hackers are behind one of Australia’s largest independent platform of airline rewards experts, Point Hacks (pointhacks.com.au). Here are some points around earning and redeeming airline rewards points . Point Hacks reveals some fallacies around airline rewards programs: 1. You can earn points when you buy flights with points. Unfortunately, purchasing most reward flights with your points will not earn you points. This applies to every frequent flyer program. Flights purchased using frequent flyer points, otherwise known as Classic Flight Rewards on Qantas and Reward Seats on Virgin Australia, will not earn you any points. 2. Points Plus Pay is good value. Through Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia, you can purchase award flights outright with your Qantas Frequent Flyer

points, or you can purchase flights using a mix of points and cash (called ‘Points Plus Pay’). There is more seat availability when you use Points Plus Pay to purchase a flight, but this kind of redemption hugely devalues your points and is considered poor value: at a rate of around 0.7 cents per point. For a good value redemption, you should be looking between 1.5-14 cents per point, depending on your class of travel. 3. You can upgrade most ‘cheap tier’ flights with points. This is false as you can generally only upgrade on certain tickets. For instance, Qantas’ discount economy — the cheapest Economy fare, also known as Red e-Deal or Sale fares — will only let you use points to upgrade on domestic flights, not international. Meanwhile, Virgin Australia offers upgrades on all domestic Economy fares but for Business

upgrades on international flights, this is only available to Velocity Gold or Platinum members who have purchased the more expensive ‘Freedom’ fare. A saver upgrade from Sydney to Brisbane would be 10,000 points, while an outright Business redemption would be 13,800 points. Short-haul international flights from Australia (Fiji, Samoa, Bali or New Zealand) only allow upgrades from flexi fares. 4. Frequent flyer points will never expire. Not so. Points do expire. Some frequent flyer programs, such as Qantas and Velocity, have a ‘soft’ expiry for points (the points expire if they haven’t had any activity within a specific timeframe), whereas others such as KrisFlyer and Cathay Pacific Asia Miles have a ‘hard’ expiry (the points expire after a set time, regardless of whether points have been earned or used in the account).

Book a tour with us and enjoy the Palmer’s difference Summerland Camel Farm Wed 27th Nov 2019 Here we go from the Gold Coast to a Camel farm, you will go behind the scenes here and hand feed camels, learn all about the powerful immune proteins and anti-ageing ingredients that are found in camel milk. Taste delicious camel milk products before enjoying morning tea with fresh baked scones with camel milk fromage blanc and homemade jam with organic tea or coffee. Only few minutes away is the tiny town of Kalbar, experience good old fashion hospitality in the Kalbar hotel for lunch before heading home. Price includes return luxury coach transfer, guided camel farm tour, morning tea, lunch and refreshment pack. $80 pp

Glasshouse Mountains, Montville & Maleny Wednesday 11th December 2019

Enjoy fun with farm animals at Albert River Wines Feb 11th 2020

Heading North to the Hinterland enjoy morning tea and take a stroll at your own pace through Montville boutique shopping village. We then travel to Maleny for lunch before we visit the magnificent Maleny Botanic Gardens with the Glass House Mountains as a backdrop. Includes admissions to gardens, morning tea & lunch. Bird aviary and golf buggy additional cost. $98 pp

The friendly staff at Albert River Wines would like to welcome you for morning tea and tour of their historic colonial farm. Arrive around 10 am for a lovely Devonshire tea of homemade scones and fresh Jam & cream, at 11 am you will take in the beautiful historical tour of Albert River wines homesteads, feed the farm animals, enjoy a live sheep dog demonstration and even have a go at whip cracking and boomerang throwing. We make our way to lunch at the Historical Rivermill Café after you enjoy a nice lunch you can feed the alpacas, deer ducks chooks or turtles. Take in the Beauty and enjoy the tranquillity of the gorgeous River Location. Take a stroll along the riverbank as the Turtle Community swim up to greet you. $80 pp includes morning tea, farm tour, and lunch.

Morning tea is at Thursday Plantation, famous for its amazing range of tea tree health products, where you can enjoy the handcrafted Tea Tree Maze and sample some of the tasty local delights from the Verandah Café. Then it’s off to Macadamia Castle for light lunch and animal interaction. Taste a wide range of Macadamia nuts roasted and fine foods before heading to the Animal Fun and Adventure Park which is home to more than 150 amazing animals including kangaroos, wombat, koala, a fabulous array of birds and reptiles including snakes and crocodiles as well as a Farmyard Nursery. Don't miss the free Flight Bird Show at the Nocturnal Theatre. You will enjoy the opportunity to get up close and personal to the amazing animals. $85 pp

Palmer’s Coaches

Carnival of Flowers Back By Popular demand Departs September 2020 A breathtaking 10 days of flowers, flavours and sounds, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers takes over the Southern Queensland city with experiences including award-winning parks, stunning private gardens, streets bursting with floral colour, internationally acclaimed musical acts, some of the best food and wine to be found in Queensland and a multitude of cultural and natural adventures Prices coming soon.

Palmers Coaches – Gold Coast. Phone (07) 5522 0028 | www.palmerscoaches.com.au

7004401as

Thursday Tea Tree Plantation & Macadamia Castle Wednesday 15th January 2020

SENIORS \\NOVEMBER, 2019

Scenic coach tour full of beauty and discovery Experience Melbourne culture, gardens and Great Ocean Rd BRAND INSIGHTS IMAGINE a coach tour that combines the history and culture of Melbourne with the spectacular scenic beauty of the Dandenong Ranges and the Great Ocean Road. Experience this on the Coastal Variety Tours 13-day trip to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, which departs March 21, 2020, including home pick-ups from the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Brisbane. This tour will take you via the Pacific Highway to Coffs Harbour, Sydney, the NSW South Coast, Bega and Lakes Entrance, arriving at Melbourne for the southern hemisphere’s largest and most loved horticultural

event, the International Flower and Garden Show. Your Melbourne tour is not complete without experiencing the beautiful mountain scenery while travelling aboard the Puffing Billy Stream Train and the spectacular Great Ocean Road. Go from the ocean to the famous mining region of Ballarat, where you will be transported back in time with a tour of Sovereign Hill. Another tour highlight is a paddle-steamer boat cruise on the Murray River at Echuca. There’s more to this tour than is written here and it’s well worth discovering for yourself. For more, phone Coastal Variety Tours for a full Itinerary on 07 3343 6722.

SPECTACULAR: The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is the southern hemisphere's largest floral and garden event. Coastal Variety Tours’ 13-day trip incorporates the show and so much more. Photo: Contributed

Experience the newest deluxe ship on the Mekong

Deluxe Mekong River Cruising ON THE NEW EMERALD HARMONY

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13 DAY MAJESTIC MEKONG DISCOVERER RIVER CRUISE • 7 night cruise on board the new Emerald Harmony • 2 nights in historic Ho Chi Minh City, 3 nights in Siem Reap • Visits to Oudong Temples, Cu Chi Tunnel tour and Angkor Wat at sunrise • Exclusive ‘You’re Invited’ program includes a traditional Buddhist monk blessing, Phare Cambodian Circus performance and much more • 30 superb meals including highlight dinners

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All About Travel Tweed Heads Suite 15 Corporate House, 8 Corporation Circuit Tweed Heads South NSW 2486 T: 07 5513 1433

CAMBODIA

Phnom Penh 7 EMERALD HARMONY

Mekong River

VIETNAM 2

Ho Chi Minh City

VIETNAM

7 night cruise on board the new Emerald Harmony 2 internal flights included 2 night Halong Bay cruise 2 nights Hanoi, 3 nights Hoi An, 1 night Hue, 2 nights Ho Chi Minh City, 3 nights Siem Reap • Exclusive ‘You’re Invited’ program includes a cyclo ride through Dai Noi, visit to a unique family owned silk factory • 47 superb meals including highlight dinners

6,595

GROUP DEPARTURE AVAILABLE

Siem Reap

(EWHH)

• • • •

per couple*

21 DAY GRAND TOUR OF VIETNAM & CAMBODIA

From

(EWVS)

per couple*

Hanoi

Hue

HALONG BAY CRUISE

Danang 3 Hoi An

Siem Reap 3 CAMBODIA Phnom Penh EMERALD 7

Mekong River

HARMONY

Ho Chi Minh City

E: allabouttravel@bigpond.com www.allabouttravel.travel ATAS A10619

Conditions Apply. All prices based on per person twin share. Valid on new bookings only. For FULL conditions, refer to Evergreen’s brochures & website. Not valid with any other offer. All prices based on land and cruise components only. Prices based on EWVS based on 19/8/20 departure in a category D suite includes Dollar Discount and Early Payment Discount for full payment 6 months in advance. EWHH based on 19/8/20 departure in a category D suite includes Dollar Discount and Early Payment Discount for full payment 6 months in advance. A non-refundable booking deposit of $100 per person per cruise/tour is due at time of booking. A second non-refundable deposit of $900 per person per cruise/tour must be paid within 48 hours of making a booking. Valid for bookings with deposits until 31/12/2019 and subject to availability at time of booking or until sold out. Surcharges may apply on credit card transactions. Prices, dates, taxes and availability correct as at 17/10/19 and subject to change. Evergreen Tours (a division of Scenic Tours Pty Ltd) ABN 85 002 715 602. EVA919 *

NOVEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Great days of rail travel

A train lover buys and renovates unused trains Tania Phillips THERE is something romantic and nostalgic about overnight train journeys – the chance to unpack once and just sit back and enjoy the sound of the train and the sights out the window. For many of us over 50 it takes us back to the days of summer holidays and school trips when getting anywhere without being crammed into the back of the Holden station wagon meant getting on the train. And for those growing up in the southern states, that meant taking the glorious old Southern Aurora – something you can do again thanks to the Vintage Rail Journeys company. According to company CEO and self-confessed train lover Simon Mitchell, the Southern Aurora sleeping carriages have been restored to their sparkling 1960s condition and reinstated back into service under the new name of Aurora Australis. “We have kept the carriages in as close to original condition as we could,” Simon said. “Mid-century vintage is very ‘on trend’ right now and as custodians we are proud to be able to maintain the heritage of these carriages.” While the company has, where possible, kept the vinyl wallpaper along with features such as the original light fittings, there has been some modernisation. “However, we have updated the share bathrooms in the single compartment carriages, removed ashtrays and added modern

conveniences such as USB sockets,” Simon said. The Southern Aurora provided an overnight shuttle service from Sydney to Melbourne (and return) until the mid-1980s. Considered first class in its day, the Southern Aurora provided air-conditioned luxury to its passengers. Simon himself had been a passenger in the carriages in the past, joining train trips run by the Canberra Railway Museum, so when the Australian Railway Historical Society (ACT) went into receivership he knew he had to do something to return them to service. “I have always been interested in trains and rail heritage,” he said, “and I felt strongly that we needed to put the Southern Aurora train back together and allow people to enjoy travelling on her again.” The trains are now back on the tracks, with the company developing a Golden West Trail Tour which does a loop that transports passengers from Sydney and takes in the Hunter, Dubbo, Orange, Werris Creek and the Blue Mountains, mainly aimed at those of us who still remember what it was like to ride this iconic train or wished we had. “We have found that the over-55s have a real nostalgia for train travel,” Simon said. “In the 1960s, the Southern Aurora was a first-class train used by travellers to go from Sydney to Melbourne and back. “At the time, travelling on the train was aspirational and in talking with passengers for our

VINTAGE RESTORATION: A chance to enjoy the nostalgia of train-travel.

Photo: RailGallery.com.au (C)

‘‘

Mid-century vintage is very ‘on trend’ right now The Southern Aurora - now renamed Aurora Australis.

Photo: RailGallery.com.au (C)

rail tours, the train is still held in high regard.” The first Golden West Trail Tour set for April 1-5 next year sold out within three months and tickets for September 9-13 are

now selling well. “We have developed the Golden West Rail Tour mainly for the over-55s – it is an iconic five-day and four-night itinerary over 1500km that we think

everyone will enjoy,” Simon said. “Starting in the heart of Sydney, we have off-train experiences that include the always popular Riverboat Postman and

also some out of the way places in NSW that you may not have experienced before.” For further information and a full itinerary: Go to: vintagerailjourneys .com.au to book or call 1300 421 422.

How does your grandchild’s school compare? An exclusive education series every grandparent must read. To find out more visit education.news.com.au THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO DECIDE YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE

SENIORS \\NOVEMBER, 2019

Coping with cancer

Wellbeing

Tips on how to take care of your mental well-being WHEN experiencing cancer, whether yourself or through a loved one, your mental health is often challenged. Trained psychologists have provided several tips to help Queenslanders improve their mental health. ■ Be active When you exercis,e your body releases stress-relieving hormones. Physical activity can be an effective way to “burn off” the effects of stress and lift mood. Start slowly and be kind to yourself — gradually build your endurance. ■ Go to bed on time Research shows that good sleep habits improve our mental wellbeing. Try going to bed at a regular time and build good habits into your sleep routine, like turning off screens at least an hour before bed. ■ Make some time for you The busyness of life can squeeze out time for

the activities that help you to unwind and recharge. Create spaces in each day to stop the busyness and just “be”! Think about the activities that help you to relax and feel good and make time to do them. ■ Deal with unhelpful thinking Take a step back and look at the problem from a different viewpoint. This can help us keep our reactions in check and cope better. ■ Take a break Take a break from what’s causing the stress. Sometimes doing a simple breathing exercise can help: Close your eyes and breath in to the count of four, hold for the count of four, and breath out for the count of six. Repeat this breathing pattern about 10 times. ■ Build a support circle Develop a support network around you; people you can open up to. It may include a trusted friend, your doctor,

HEALTH CARE: Being active can help your state of mind during illness. a work colleague. Talking to others can help you to make sense of how you are feeling. ■ Eat healthily Take steps towards a balanced diet and try to

limit sugary drinks and alcohol. ■ Practice gratitude Gratitude has been shown to improve wellbeing and mental health. To increase

feelings of gratitude, write a list of things that you are grateful for or keep a gratitude journal. If you or a loved one are

coping with a cancer diagnosis or challenges associated with survivorship, please know our Cancer Support and Information team are here to help. Phone 131 120.

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NOVEMBER, 2019// SENIORS IN BRIEF

FUNDING BOOST FOR WA PALLIATIVE CARE

DEMENTIA Australia welcomes the announced $17.8 million funding boost for palliative care in Western Australia. Maree McCabe, CEO Dementia Australia, said the funding would help provide improved support and services for all Western Australians in need of palliative care, including those living with dementia. From the funding boost, $9 million will be used to provide an additional 10 in-patient palliative care beds in northern metropolitan suburbs. Community-based services across both metropolitan and regional Western Australia will be expanded to better meet demand via $6.3 million of the funding.

PROVIDER CALLS FOR LEADERSHIP

Photo: thodonal

Scalp protection tips Tracey Johnstone YOU may be very aware of regularly applying sunscreen on our face, hands, arms and even our legs, but what about taking care of your scalp? Dermatologist Dr Yan Pan says it’s an area of the body that is often neglected. “Hair loss can affect both genders,” Dr Pan said. “With females, as they age, there will be thinning and increased parting of their hair on

the scalp. It’s a risk that people should be aware of.” The scalp is a high-risk site which if neglected, can lead to some nasty outcomes. Protection ■ Wearing a hat is critical. Aim for a wide brim rather than relying on baseball caps. ■ Avoid relying on a visor for protection. ■ Treat wearing a hat like you treat putting on sunscreen; put it on as you head outdoors, particularly if you are going outside for an

‘‘

extended time. ■ Be aware of the UV index which you can find through the Sunsmart app which you can download from the App Store or Google Play. ■ Use sunscreen with a SPF factor of 30+, broad spectrum and is water-resistant. Apply 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours. ■ Make sure the sunscreen you are using hasn’t expired. Detection ■ It can be hard to

Wearing a hat is critical. Aim for a wide brim rather than caps. successfully self-examine your scalp health, so ask your partner, friends or hairdresser to look for you. ■ “Sometimes the skin cancer can be in

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hair-bearing areas which can be tricky to self-assess,” Dr Pan advised. ■ If there is anything you are worried about, talk to your GP. They can then refer you to a specialist, if required. Skin examination “I think you should have your skin examined annually by your GP,” Dr Pan said. “For high-risk patients, it should be done more regularly.” For more information, go to www.sunsmart.com.au

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SUN SENSE: The scalp is a high-risk site which, if neglected, can lead to some nasty outcomes.

A NOT-FOR-PROFIT aged care provider has called for strong leadership to tackle workforce issues, with a Minister for Ageing sitting on Cabinet demonstrating a powerful commitment to Australia’s ageing popluation. Speaking at the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, Sandra Hills, CEO of Benetas and also a member of the Aged Care Workforce Industry Council, said there was much work to be done and this could not be done by the Workforce Council or providers alone. When asked by the counsel assisting if the Department of Health was providing enough leadership, Ms Hills responded with: “No, more leadership would be welcome.” The Aged Care Workforce Industry Council is charged with delivering 10 of the 14 Strategic Actions identified in Australia’s Aged Care Workforce Strategy.

SENIORS \\NOVEMBER, 2019

WELLBEING

GOOD BONE HEALTH

PREVENTION TIPS Diet: Ensure you are consuming enough calcium — three to four servings daily are recommended Aside from diary, good sources of calcium include almonds, green leafy vegetables, salmon, sardines and tofu. Exercise: Daily physical activity is important for the health and function of your bones. Increase Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps to absorb calcium into the body. Good sources of vitamin D include vegetables and oily fish. Quit smoking: Tobacco can affect hormone levels, which can impact how much calcium is absorbed. Limit alcohol intake: Excessive drinking can decrease bone density. Ultimately, early detection is vital. Bone conditions that aren’t detected and treated effectively can severely impact a person’s mobility and quality of life.

ADVOCATE: National Osteoporosis advocate Ita Buttrose (centre) with osteoporosis patients Elaine and Carol.

Osteoporosis national action plan under way Seniors News

OSTEOPOROSIS Australia and the Federal Government have launched the National Strategic Action Plan for Osteoporosis. The $4 million plan provides critical support to the 4.7 million Australians aged over 50 who live with poor bone health, and embarks on a preventative approach to reduce future bone fractures and the impact of osteoporosis on the Australian healthcare system. Just ask NSW Central Coast resident Carole. Her world was turned on its head when she celebrated her 50th birthday with a bone density scan at the request of her GP. Some 10 years before, Carole had sustained multiple bone fractures. What followed was intense treatment but also further fractures. Her healthy lifestyle and good diet weren’t enough. After being properly diagnosed with osteoporosis, Carole’s endocrinologist started her on medication, various forms of which

she has since tried. “You just don’t realise, or recognise, the damage that fractures can cause before they occur,” Carole, now 65, said. “It’s time that people took their bone health very seriously, and recognised that by taking action sooner rather than later, painful fractures may be avoided.” The National Strategic Action Plan on Osteoporosis has three key priorities — increasing osteoporosis awareness and education

with a focus on prevention; improving osteoporosis diagnosis, management and care; and data collection, monitoring and strategic research. The evidence-based plan provides a roadmap to improve the prevention, diagnosis and management of osteoporosis. The plan aims to reduce the personal and economic burden that osteoporosis and related fractures have on the community, and in particular, on older

Australians. Currently, 66 per cent of Australians aged over 50 are estimated to have poor bone health. Hip fractures remain the costliest type of fracture related to osteoporosis. Other types of fractures remain widespread — wrist, spinal, arm and leg fractures. While osteoporosis mainly affects women, men also need to check their bone health, with 25 per cent of cases occurring in men.

Info: osteoporosis.org.au

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THE basic rule is eat and drink plenty of calcium. Unless you have broken a bone, most of us will never have our bones examined closely. The fact is, with 206 bones in the adult body that help with everything from movement to protection, bone health is crucial and shouldn’t be overlooked, especially as we get older. Understanding bone health The bones that make up the skeleton are living, growing tissue and as a result new bone is constantly being made. As we get older, our bone mass decreases and bones become weaker. As we age, bone diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis become more common; it’s estimated that 3.8 per cent of the population are living with osteoporosis. What is Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a disease where the bone thickness decreases and bone quality is compromised, resulting in brittle bones. These bones become prone to breaks and fractures, even from the most minor bumps. While osteoporosis is more likely to occur in women aged over 50, it can strike anyone at any age. Risk Factors These are: age; previous broken/fractured bones — from only a minor fall/bump; being underweight; and family history. Screening – Bone Density Scan “It’s important for people with increased risk factors to ensure they ask their GP for a bone health assessment, especially given there are typically no symptoms in the early stages of bone loss,” Dr Uday Ahluwalia from PRP Imaging explained. “A bone density scan is recommended to provide an insight into the overall health of the bones.” The test will reveal whether the bone density is normal, whether there is bone loss and if further action needs to be taken to prevent worsening or whether the patient’s fracture risk is high and osteoporosis medication is required.

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NOVEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Living

VIVA ELVIS: Diehard fan David Johnstone with an exact replica of one of Elvis's famous jumpsuits –- the only pieces in the museum which are copies rather than originals.

Photo: Alison Houston

The King’s Castle a portal through to Graceland ‘‘ Alison Houston

HOW much do you really know about Elvis Aaron Presley? You will find out at The King’s Castle – the Gold Coast’s new Elvis museum. Established by Greg Page – yes, the Yellow Wiggle – and David Johnstone – long-time Elvis tragic responsible for starting the first Viva Surfers Paradise Elvis tribute competition – the Coast museum is a “Kissing Cousin” to the original Parkes venue in NSW, and the two will rotate memorabilia every few months. The Colosseum room which houses the museum at the Gold Coast Italo-Australia Club is filled with treasures dividing Elvis’s life into sections – the early years, movie years, army, Elvis and Priscilla, Colonel Parker, the comeback and concert years. David said Greg admits to being a relatively new convert to Elvis. He was introduced to his music and to Graceland in 1999 by fellow band member Anthony Field – yes, the Blue Wiggle. At America’s

And what about the origins of that famous phrase “Elvis has left the building”?

Photos and personal details from Elvis's army years, an original Christmas card sent by Colonel Parker in 1959, and a cardboard display used to advertise Elvis's appearance as "the outstanding event of the TV season!". Photo: COURTESY THE KING'S CASTLE

second-most visited residence after the White House, Greg was fascinated to walk the same floors Elvis had walked, see the things he had loved, and to hear more about the man behind the image … and he wanted more. An authentic cheque signed by Elvis and framed with a photo was Greg’s first purchase some years later, and what followed was an enviable collection of about 1500 items over the years, including cars, furniture, guitars, books,

jewellery, scripts, letters, microphones, movie and personal clothing, accessories and more. Parkes, as home to the Elvis Festival each January, was the obvious place for Greg to first share his collection with the public. The original King’s Castle opened in 2009. But he always wanted to find a spot on the Gold Coast – Australia’s Vegas – and with the new Baz Lurhmann movie tracing Elvis’s (Austin Butler) relationship with his manager Colonel Parker

(Tom Hanks) soon to be filmed on the Coast, “it’s now or never”. But the project has had its hitches. The opening had to be delayed from its original July date to August 17 – eerily enough August 16 in the US, and the 42nd anniversary of Elvis dying in 1977 at the age of 42. While not huge, the museum is a comprehensive and authentic walk through Elvis’s life. David said even the most ardent fans invariably comment at one point or another, “I didn’t

know that”. For instance, did you know that every year Elvis would give $1000 to 50 Memphis charities, or that he was enthralled by the police and had his own collection of police mementos? And what about the origins of that famous phrase “Elvis has left the building”? David said that dates from Elvis’s earliest days, when girls would attempt to follow the then up-and-coming star after he played on the Louisiana Hayride broadcast, leaving the other bigger name artists without an audience. “Letting the girls know that he had left was a sort of appeal to them to come back and watch the rest of the show,” David said.

An original early press release by the Colonel referring to Elvis as “a fireball” with “no serious interest of heart” is among documents to be seen on the Coast, along with Elvis’s handwritten lyrics for Trouble and a humble letter penned to a fan. David said the aim was to let fans and historians alike know a little bit more about the times and the man whose bigger-than-life image arguably overtook the reality, but whose music lives on. The King’s Castle is open 10am-6pm daily in the Gold Coast Italo-Australia Club, 18 Fairway Dr, Clear Island Waters. Go to thekingscastle.com.au or phone 0447 491 511. Every three months the club hosts a live Elvis tribute show. The next concert, on January 18, will feature Australasia’s best tribute artist, Brody Finlay. Tickets are $10. Tickets to the King’s Castle are $25 adults, $18 concession and children over 13 – mention Seniors News to receive half-price entry until December 31.

SENIORS \\NOVEMBER, 2019

More local news. Now easier to read.

From next month, you’ll notice our new, easier-to-read size. Even though we’re changing the size of the paper, we’ll continue to bring you more of the local stories that matter. With our new look and feel, and more local news than ever before, we’re fitting more of the news you care about into a handier size. We’re excited about the changes coming. It’s all part of our commitment to covering the news that matters and our mission to make your favourite papers even better.

NEWS

FEATURE

NOVEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Friends are important Tracey Johnstone AN OLD friend mentioned in a recent email to another school friend that I had just moved to town and was feeling lonely so could I be included in a reunion lunch. Turns out, the email wasn’t supposed to have me copied in. When I read it, I felt quite miffed that I was seen as being lonely. It might have been true, but the public labelling of me in this way without me ever saying that as such left me feeling lousy. There is a strong stigma associated with admitting you are lonely, Dr Barbara Neves, a senior sociology lecturer at Monash University, has found. “Particularly in later life,’’ she said. “This is because some older people already feel so stigmatised, so patronised because they are old and frail, and so loneliness adds another layer to a comprised sense of personhood and dignity, particularly in a society obsessed with being young.” But, is it that I am just alone rather than lonely? Al: “I never allow myself to (be) LONELY! Occupy your mind with activity that you’ve always wanted to do while you can. I love being on my own (not lonely).” Being alone is often when we choose to be by our self. Loneliness is something quite different. It’s not something that we can see; it’s a feeling, and it’s subjective. It comes from a lack of companionship, a sense of neglect, feeling as though you don’t belong. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare puts it simply: “Having a lower level of social contact than desired.” According to the AIHW, older Australians are at an increased risk of social isolation due to a number of environmental factors, primarily the loss of physical or mental capacity or the loss of friends and family members. It estimates that about one in five (19 per cent) of us are socially isolated. The highest rates occur in the largest urban regions and in sparsely populated states and territories. Margaret: “Groups are fine for some people…thankfully I don’t need them.” But what about Al and Margaret’s natural social

GET-TOGETHERS: Being part of something is a good feeling. needs? Humans are social animals and we need to belong. By forming meaningful relationships, we can stave off many major and costly health issues including depression, anxiety and possibly the onset of dementia. “Loneliness increases the risk of dementia by more than 40 per cent for older people,” Dr Neves said. ❚ Reach out Queensland University’s Professor Alex Haslam argues that we all need groups in our lives, but there is one very important component to groups that can make them work for you, and that is meaningfulness. “The critical thing that gets people out of loneliness, or drives them into it, is loss or gaining valued group memberships,” he said. Just spending time around other people isn’t necessarily the answer. If the people you are with aren’t valued by you, it can make things worse. “The critical thing is being a member of meaningful groups. “It’s not just about not having anyone to talk to; it’s about not being part of

these groups that take you out of yourself or individuality.” Let’s face it, how often does some bright spark suggest you join this group or that group while not fully understanding what type of connection you really need? So, being forced into a group isn’t necessarily the answer for you. You need to achieve a sense of being connected to that group and that means finding people who think the way you do. “The key message is that you should join groups, not which groups should you join,” Prof Haslam said. “Any group is good for you as soon as you can identify with it and it works for you. “It’s the meaningfulness of the group that matters, not the nature of the group,” he added. Ted: “You can choose to be lonely or not lonely. That said, you can be lonely in a relationship too. If I was to be lonely, I would rather be lonely on my own than in a bad relationship.” It’s the quality of relationships that is important as well. You need to surround yourself with people who

mean something to you. That might be many or just one or two, but the critical choice is ensuring they complement you and allow you to be who you are. ❚ Change direction The first step is to realise loneliness is not your fault Dr Neves says. “It’s a social issue, not just an individual issue.” Chari: When my husband passed away eight years ago, my life went from being super hectic to nothing doing. I learned how to keep myself busy by volunteering, watching movies, joining several groups of friends for regular lunch outings, and most importantly, I learned to do things on my own and enjoy it rather than wait for someone to do things with me. I still do feel lonely sometimes but that’s OK.” Secondly, you need to determine who you want to spend time with. “Trying to go around negative behaviours and being more open to quality time with others is crucial,” Dr Neves said. Her next tip is to find out what social activities are happening in your neighbourhood or retirement community,

Photo: Cecilie_Arcurs

and that interest you. “It’s where you can meet people with similar interests,” she said. Pat: Best thing ever when I joined a VIEW Club. You can also look at where you can share your experience and knowledge within a volunteer role. “Volunteering and helping others can help with our own feelings and can help us see the value in ourselves,” Prof Haslam said. “Everyone has a role to play in helping to address loneliness. In our research we have found that helping other people is one of the best ways to stave it off yourself.” He says viewing your neighbour as someone who you can share common group membership or a sense of identity with, consequently developing “us-ness’’, is a valuable “way to interact with them and the way you perceive them and the expectations you have around them”. “Beyond joining a group, you can also look at the relationships you have and see how you can make them better for you,” Dr Neve says. “And be open to new relationships.”

Another idea from Beyond Blue is pets, particularly dogs, who provide constant companionship and unconditional love, and need to be kept active. They give you a purpose of getting you out of your home even when you’re feeling down, forcing you to be more active and opening opportunities for you to connect with others in your community. If you are still feeling lonely, then Dr Neves recommends you talk to a social worker or your GP. ❚ Social prescribing The Royal College of General Practitioners reports in its 2019 General Practice: Health of the Nation that psychological issues such as depression, mood disorders and anxiety “again appear as the most common health issue managed by GPs”. In the UK, GPs are being encouraged to connect these patients with relevant social services. “Its impact is a bit mixed precisely because you are often imposing solutions or groups on people and doing that in a not very structured way,” Prof CONTINUED ON PAGE 33

SENIORS \\NOVEMBER, 2019

FEATURE

part of good health Haslam said. On a recent episode of the ABC show The Drum, former AMA president Kerryn Phelps explained the challenges around this type of health support approach as GPs are often only able to allocate 20 minutes for a consultation. “I think there is an artificial divide between psychological and physical illness,” she said. “The two almost always coexist. Somebody might present with trouble sleeping or a headache or some other somatic condition or physical symptom, whereas the underlying or coexisting condition is one of anxiety or depression or difficulty with life circumstances. And, of course, the GP is the first point of call and should be for someone suffering from any kind of health condition.” The burden lies with the GP who Dr Phelps says would find it almost impossible to provide FROM PAGE 32 sufficient support to a patient within a 20-minute consultation, especially

when a patient does not express their psychological issue until the last minutes of an appointment. In Australia, University of Queensland’s Associate Professor Genevieve Dingle is leading The Ways to Wellness Social Isolation Project research team which is testing this social prescribing concept, where patients are referred to a link worker and on to non-medical group programs in the community. Prof Dingle’s team are examining the effects of this social prescribing project with a view to developing a model that can be implemented across Australia. ❚ Tackling the conversation head-on Talking to others about being lonely is hard. Often those that matter most to you will divert the conversation away from what you are trying to voice rather than listen to what you have to say. If this keeps happening, there are free phone services you can contact so your concerns can be heard. “Although we are talking

GOOD COMPANY: Pets can be a great comfort. about strategies that people can take at the individual level, it is important to think about our social responsibility,”

Dr Neves said. “One thing that is extremely important is more initiatives to destigmatise loneliness

and deconstruct the idea that loneliness is associated with a personal weakness.”

Photo: Jevtic

If any part of this story raises concerns, phone Lifeline 131 114, Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 or Red Cross Telecross, 1300 885 698.

Mutual support and meaningful connections THE team at Lively are young, enthusiastic and energised and ready to roll out their innovative intergenerational home-care service. The management group of four in their early 30s, led by Lively founder Anna Donaldson, are bringing to the aged-care space a new model for delivering in-home support which is a fresh, youthful approach Ms Donaldson says is sometimes lacking in the industry. “It’s about young and older people coming together and supporting each other in an enthusiastic and energetic way on both sides, and recognising both young and older people can be lively and have a whole lot to contribute and offer,” Ms Donaldson said. The not-for-profit organisation has been operating in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane for about four years, offering technology help to 700 older Australians. Last month it expanded its operations, after running

a pilot, launching its home-care service model in Melbourne. The service is based on the Netherlands’ Buurtzorg low-cost model which uses a local team of helpers who are established in a local community and work directly with people in that area with the autonomy to self-manage as a team, but supported by a central office. “Teams can then pop up anywhere around Australia in the near future rather than us growing to become a huge organisation,” she said. Ms Donaldson says the new business aims to address youth unemployment and underemployment while also tackling social isolation among older Australians, and the disconnection and ageism between the generations. “We train and employ job seekers in the 18 to 25 age bracket to work with older people in their local communities, providing support and

NEW MODEL: Lively’s newly launched home care service is working to build reciprocal relationships. Photo: Lively services that help older people maintain social connection and general wellbeing,” she added. “Through the process we try to facilitate and encourage the formation of meaningful relationships and friendships between the older and younger people where they are learning from the older people’s knowledge and experience, and breaking down some of the stereotypes, attitudes

and preconceptions young people might have about older community members.” The young workers are selected based on their attitudes, values and mindset instead of just their qualifications. Lively put them through an introductory course which Ms Donaldson says is about establishing an empathy and awareness of the people they will be working with.

“And (we do) some foundation work around their communication and interpersonal skills, and the skills they need to manage themselves in this environment,” she said. “We give them a lot of autonomy to be connected with the older clients and work with them to self-manage how they work together and support each other. “Through the training we impress on them the responsibility and

expectations of their role.” This approach is an innovative way of creating a new entry point for young people moving into working in aged care. “It gives them an introduction to the sector and a sense of how rewarding it is, and build their motivation to take on more training and qualifications.” The services provided will be basic support that doesn’t include personal care and support with mobility. The workers will be paid for doing simple tasks like gardening, shopping and jobs around the house The workers are paid through the Home Care Packages program. It’s a two-way relationship where both generations value getting to know each other, Ms Donaldson says. “We are trying to build reciprocal relationships where there is a sense of exchange,” she said. “The older person is contributing to the younger person rather than just receiving care and support.”

LIVING

NOVEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Gourmet guide to health A variety of wholesome meals delivered straight to your door BRAND INSIGHTS THE recommended intake of fruit and vegetables is five serves a day. This is a recommendation not to be taken lightly, despite how challenging it can sometimes be to achieve. Studies have proven that people who eat enough fruit and vegetables in their daily diet have a reduced risk of many chronic diseases including cancer, stroke, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Many of us don’t quite hit the target of five each day, and many of us struggle to even come close because we simply don’t have the time to prepare snacks and meals that provide a balanced intake of healthy foods. Fortunately for us, when work and a busy lifestyle all get a bit too hectic, Gourmet Meals is readily available with a wide range of wholesome

meals packed with fruit and vegetables. Your health is our key priority, which is why we pack plenty of vegetables into each meal. If you’re still not entirely sure how much you should be eating and why, here are some frequently asked questions on the importance of fruit and vegies. How much is one serve of fruit/vegetables? One serve is about 80g of fruit or vegetables. Therefore in one day you need a minimum of 400g in total to meet your daily requirements of five serves. What nutrients do I get from eating fruit and veg? Fruit and vegetables provide a source of many nutrients, including potassium, fibre, folate and vitamins A, E and C. What are the benefits of potassium? Potassium helps you maintain a healthy blood pressure. What are the benefits of fibre?

NUTRITIONALLY BALANCED: Gourmet Meals are readily available with a wide range of wholesome meals packed with fruit and vegetables, like a delicious lamb roast. Dietary fibre, from vegetables in particular, helps reduce your blood cholesterol levels and can lower the risk of heart disease. What are the benefits of folate? Folate helps the body form healthy red blood cells.

Folate is particularly important for pregnant women to reduce the risk of neural tube defects and spina bifida. Gourmet Meals has a varied menu filled with great tasting meals that can help you achieve a nutritionally balanced diet without the time and fuss

of preparing several meals each day yourself. Our meals have no added preservatives, flavours or colours and all the meals on our menu are gluten free. Check out our menu today to discover the delicious and wholesome meals that can be

delivered straight to your door at a competitive price. For more, phone 1300 112 112, 07 5529 3000, email sales@gourmet meals.com.au or go to gourmetmeals.com.au.

Spread the Word With Seniors Think you’ve got news and information that needs to be shared? Whether an upcoming community event, heart-warming tale or an update on anything local we want to tell your story!

Opening Doors to the Seniors Lifestyle

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SENIORS \\NOVEMBER, 2019

Planning ahead for the perfect lifestyle in your retirement WHEN we finally start to see our retirement on the horizon a lot goes through our minds. We start to think about all the things we want to do but haven’t yet. The adventures and places we’ve always wanted to explore but never had the time to. We ask ourselves big questions like: what do I want to do for the next 30 to 40 years? Then we start to think about money. Do I have enough money to tick off all those things on my bucket list? I’m over work, but what happens when I no longer receive my fortnightly pay check? Will I/we be able to manage? We all have different goals. And each different retirement lifestyle brings with it its own unique set of questions. Here are some helpful pointers to help you navigate a few different types of retirement lifestyles. Globe trotter, cruiser or adventure seeker Firstly, you need to establish what kind of traveller you want to be. Are you a flash packer or backpacker? Are you looking to tick off as many places as you can off your list? Or, are you the kind of traveller that likes to really get a feel for the place they are visiting and stay put for a while? Establishing the above will help you determine your budget. I encourage my clients to think about their retirement savings in buckets: the income nest egg and the lifestyle bucket list funds. By keeping your funds separate you’re less likely to eat into your income fund. Knowing exactly how

‘‘

big questions like: what do I want to do for the next 30 to 40 years? much you have in your nest egg and that you have enough to cover your day to day costs will bring peace of mind. This will give you the space to enjoy whatever adventure you choose to go on. The working retiree Sometimes our retirement is not about stopping paid work altogether. But it’s important to be very clear about why you are continuing to work. Working in retirement because we need to rather than because we want to isn’t retirement at all. We define retirement as ceasing work because you have enough money for the lifestyle you want. I tell my clients that they shouldn’t rely on their part time income. Some companies offer a Transition to Retirement approach which involves reducing your working hours over several years prior to retirement. This can valuable for both the employer (who doesn’t lose valuable knowledge all at once) and the employee. Transition to retirement is a flexible option that allows you to work longer and retire later and on your terms, and rewards you for staying in the workforce by allowing you to access some of your super to make up your

MONEY ADVICE: No matter the retirement lifestyle you are hoping to achieve, planning ahead and early as possible will reap rewards. Photo: jacoblund income to the required amount. However, as it can be complex, we strongly suggest you discuss your options with your super fund and seek licensed financial advice. There’s a difference between transitioning to retirement and having a part time job in retirement. Be sure you know which one suits you best. Relocation retirement Whether you’re looking for a sea or a tree change, or you just want to downsize, it pays to do the numbers. Selling the

family home is not a simple or easy decision and there are many financial, practical and emotional factors to consider. Clients will often say that they’ll top up their super with the “extra money” from downsizing their home. Sadly, the new smaller home in the dream location often comes with a similar or higher price tag. But if you’re lucky enough to have money left over after you downsize you could look at using the government’s

downsizing contribution scheme to add the extra money to your superannuation and top up your nest egg. The scheme is open to those who are aged 65 or over and sell their principal residence that they have owned for at least 10 years. If you tick that box, you are eligible to make a non-concessional contribution to super of up to $300,000 from the proceeds. Couples can contribute $300,000 each. Downsizing your home may have an impact on

the amount of social security you receive because your Age Pension entitlement depends on the value of your assets and the amount of income you receive. No matter the retirement lifestyle you are hoping to achieve, planning ahead and early as possible will reap rewards. Dianne Charman, of Jade Financial Group, is an Authorised Representative of AMP Financial Planning Pty Ltd, ABN 89 051 208 327, AFS Licence No. 232706.

New Way Lawyers is a law firm with a difference. We are Australia’s First Non Proﬁt Law Firm. As a non profit law firm we are not motivated by profit or financial gain because there are no shareholders or partners in our organisation. This means that our fees for services are more affordable because unlike other law firms, the purpose of our fees is to cover costs, not to generate profit. We practice exclusively in the emotional areas of estate law and family law.

• Separation and Divorce • Parenting Matters • Property Settlement • Child Support • Wills • Powers of Attorney • Will Disputes and Family Provision Claims • Probate • Letters of Administration • Superannuation Disputes www.newwaylawyers.com.au • (07)

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REVIEWS

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Rescued against all the odds

Are we friends?

PEOPLE went on about death bringing friends together, but it wasn’t true. The graveyard, the stony dirt - that’s what it was like now. From the author of The Natural Way of Things, Charlotte Wood, The Weekend is a tale of three women who know each other better than their own siblings, But, their friend Sylvie’s death opens up strange caverns of distance between them. Four older women have a lifelong friendship of the best kind: loving, practical, frank and steadfast. But when Sylvie dies, the ground shifts dangerously for the remaining three. Can they survive together without her? They are Jude, a once-famous restaurateur, Wendy, an acclaimed public intellectual, and Adele, a renowned actress now mostly out of work. Struggling to recall exactly why they’ve remained close all these years, the grieving women gather for Christmas at Sylvie’s old beach house – not for festivities, but to clean the place out before it is sold. Without Sylvie to maintain the group’s delicate equilibrium, frustrations build and painful memories press in. Fraying tempers, an elderly dog, unwelcome guests and too much wine collide in a storm that brings long-buried hurts to the surface –

True colour revealed in new novel

and threatens to sweep away their friendship for good. The Weekend explores growing old and growing up, and

Grandmother run-arounds

A FUNNY and heartwarming novel about four very different grandmothers, from the bestselling author Salley Vickers. Grandmothers follows four grandmothers. Blanche can't seem to stop stealing things from the local pharmacy. Minna just wants a quiet life in her shepherd's hut, though the local children have other ideas. Cherry is adjusting to life in a care home. And Nan, whose favourite occupation is researching funerals. All four lives and the grandchildren become

‘‘

Seriously, how much adventure and fun can four grand -mothers cope with? unexpectedly entangled in Salley Vickers’s Grandmothers. In bookshops from November 14. Published by Penguin, RRP$32.99.

what happens when we’re forced to uncover the lies we tell ourselves. A celebration of tenderness and

friendship that is nothing short of a masterpiece. Published by Allen & Unwin. RRP $29.99.

CAPTAIN James Cook is one of the most recognisable names in Australian history; an almost mythic figure who is often discussed, celebrated, reviled and debated. But who was the real James Cook? Australian author Peter FitzSimons reveals in his new novel who was the real James Cook. This Yorkshire farm boy would go on to become the foremost mariner, scientist, navigator and cartographer of his era, and to personally map a third of the globe. His great voyages of discovery were incredible feats of seamanship and navigation. Leading a crew of men into uncharted territories, Cook would face the best and worst of humanity as he took himself and his crew to the edge of the known world – and beyond. Focusing on his most iconic expedition, the voyage of the Endeavour, where Cook first set foot on Australian and New Zealand soil, author FitzSimons contrasts Cook against another figure who looms large in Australasian history: Joseph Banks, the aristocratic botanist.

IT’S the inside account of the breathtaking Thai cave rescue that captured the world. In Against All Odds Australians of Year 2019 Dr Craig Challen SC OAM and Dr Richard Harris SC OAM share their story of the Tham Luang cave rescue Challen is an Australian veterinary surgeon, technical diver and cave explorer. His partner in the story is Richard Harris, an Australian anaesthetist and cave diver who played a crucial role in the rescue. “I just want to warn you. You’re going to dive to the end of the cave. You’re going to see these kids. They’re all looking healthy and happy and smiley. Then, you’re going to swim away, and they’re probably all going to die.” In June 2018, for 17 days, the world watched and held its breath as the Wild Boar soccer team were trapped deep in a cave in Thailand. Marooned beyond flooded cave passages after unexpected rains, they were finally rescued, one-by-one, against almost impossible odds, by an international cave-diving team which included Dr Harris and Dr Challen. Published by Penguin. RRP $34.99.

Hachette RRP $49.99.

Dementia home design MOST people who live with dementia want to live in the familiar comfort of their own home and maintain engagement with their community. Associate Professor Colm Cunningham with Agnes Houston MBE and Natalie Duggan have written My home, my life. The book is packed with practical ideas for people with dementia and carers, and brings together the voice of people with dementia and carers with the best learning from research and care experience to provide insightful tips and

strategies. To get your copy of My home, my life, go to hammond.com.au/shop/ dementia-and-aged-care/ my-home-my-life. Cost $19.99.

SENIORS \\NOVEMBER, 2019

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DE PAUL MANOR ESTATE

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