Gold Coast, December 2018 by seniors

December, 2018

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Tony Bonner ... on life, sobriety and the meaning of family

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WELCOME

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Merry Christmas to you

INDEX 4 Cover Story - Tony Bonner 9 News - Seniors priced out of homes 14Community group guide 17Wanderlust 25Wellbeing 29Living 34Money 39Puzzles

New ways to check driving skills

Gail Forrer Seniors Group Editor IT’S seems such a long time ago when the mention of a whole year ahead felt like an eternity, but these days I know I’m not alone when I say that every Christmas seems to come around faster than the last one! Just a couple of weeks ago, I was blessed with my second grandchild, a healthy little girl. I feel there is absolutely nothing that could be a better Christmas gift than the safe delivery of this little one. But I will also be spending time with my other grandchild, five-year-old Maryam who has reached the age of pondering team activities. “GG (stands for Grandma Gail), she says looking up at me with her big brown eyes: ‘What can we do today’?” Fortunately, thanks to a number of community groups who answered our call-out for ideas, I have a list that will keep both of us busy. I hope it gives you some ideas too. This year we have filled many pages sharing the latest news on activities for the mind and body. On that line, I’m happy to say at age 61, I have completed nearly five years of part-time study and gained a Masters of Arts in

Literature (research). I now happily join a fast-growing list of people in my age group who have completed post-grad study. I’m one of those people that find study more natural that exercise! But I’m naming 2019 as my active body year – so watch out for plenty of physical exercise stories. Christmas is time for friends, families and community. I’d like say Merry Christmas to our community of Seniors Newspaper readers, to our advertisers, to all those who contribute community notes and articles, to the great people who have let us interview and write stories about their lives and to my talented work colleagues. Personally, I’m off to spend time with my three sisters and families and hope to catch up with my favourite Aunty Gem and cousins. Best wishes Gail

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

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Premier welcomes new centenarians to club Queenslanders were alive and some old enough to remember when the bells rang out marking the end of the First World War.” Those stories include 100+ club inductees Alfreda McDonald and Albert Lindsay Boyd. Ms McDonald helped the war cause after learning morse code through the walls of the floristry shop in which she worked, while Mr Boyd was on the frontlines

when Darwin was attacked in 1942. However, the Premier would be amiss if she didn’t reserve special praise for the club’s current longest serving member – the ‘Queen of Queensland’, Mabel Crosby, who celebrated her 109th birthday in September. Ms Palaszczuk said the 100+ club embodied what it meant to be a Queenslander.

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WELCOME to the club. That was the message from Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk as she inducted 30 new members into the 100+ at a special Christmas celebration at Parliament House. The Premier said the latest acquisitions added to the rich fabric of living history of the 100+ club. “This year is particularly poignant, because these very special

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

NEWS

Museum of Gold Coast

A special place saving pieces of past history for the future Alison Houston SET between the bustle of Surfers Paradise and the commercial heart of Bundall is a little oasis of calm and memories – the Gold Coast Historical Society Museum. But many people don’t even know it exists. Catherine Elek, whose father John Elliott helped forge the museum back in 1972 and was its president for some 25 years, gave Seniors a tour of the property which is 100 per cent the product of volunteer love and dedication. Volunteer Bob Musgrove said their aim was, and still is “to preserve our past for our future”. “We really want to get the message out there that the museum is here for everyone,” Catherine said. There are many different aspects to the museum, which Catherine explained is set on one of

the last remaining inland sand dunes on the Coast. A former Aboriginal gathering place where a number of artefacts were found as part of a midden, the gardens include one of the last remnants of littoral rainforest, as well as a wallum garden with edible plants. A section of the grounds were also used as a cemetery for workers and families of the adjoining Bundall sugar mill (now Isle of Capri), and while most of the gravestones are long gone, one dates from 1878. But it is the settler’s hut, with its beautiful cottage garden, which first attracts the visitor’s attention. This is a replica of Boowaggan Cottage, home to pioneer Robert Veivers (1861). Former president Bob Nancarrow, a builder by trade, dedicated many years to preparing an amazing collection of tools including cross-cut

HISTORY MAKERS: Gold Coast Historical Society Museum. saws, bikes and steam engines, in Dolan’s Barn. As well as Aboriginal artefacts, there is a display associated with the 1903 Main Beach cable station. One of the

newest exhibits covers fashion, including Paula Stafford, who introduced the bikini to our lives, and 1940-70s designer and early aviatrix Ivy Hassard. Full story:

Photo: Jessamy Tredinnick

seniorsnews.com.au Address: 8 Elliott Street, Bundall. Open: 10am-3pm Sundays, 10am-1pm Tuesday and Wednesday. Volunteers welcome.

Admission by donation, but $5 is requested to help museum’s upkeep. Members ($20 per year) free. Phone 5528 5233, email histsocbun@ bigpond.com.

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COVER STORY

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Digging deep

Bonner’s life rates high on satisfaction, just not happiness

A BIG LIFE: Tony Bonner looks back at history and future dreams.

Photo: Tracey Johnstone

Tracey Johnstone TONY Bonner is sitting on a bench on the balcony of his beloved Manly Life Saving Club. In the background the ocean waves crash. A group of novice surfboard riders tentatively head out under the watchful eye of an instructor. The Norfolk Pines sway in the gentle breeze. Horns honk, running bare feet slap on the pathway below. All is seemingly very everyday. For this internationally recognised actor, it’s his normal. It’s his safety zone. There, he is king of the club – immediate past-president for the fourth time, newly minted Life Member, grandson of the first club president, and still active patrol man. It’s where he comes every day he is at home. More than 50 years of acting, directing, singing, dancing, coaching, teaching and mentoring isn’t enough. Bonner is still looking for happiness in his life. He has travelled the world, worked alongside the likes of Kirk Douglas, Roger Moore, Tom

Selleck, Tony Curtis and Paul Hogan. He will also be forever remembered for stint as the helicopter pilot in the iconic Australian television series Skippy which went to air 50 years ago this year. Some readers will remember when Cosmopolitan boldly launched its male centrefold series in 1972 with Burt Reynolds in America and then Bonner in Australia. “I thought it was great and always have,” Bonner said. Last year’s awarding of an Australian Medal remains one of his Bonner’s fondest life moments. He has received many peer awards, but to also be recognised publicly for his entertainment industry roles, along with his contribution to lifesaving and to several high-profile charities; there has been nothing more precious to him. Bonner’s most recent work was as a feature actor in the Australian crime thriller film Landfall which is due in cinemas this month.

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

COVER STORY

to get to Tony Bonner Unlike America, Bonner says there are less and less roles in Australia open to veteran actors. “Once you hit 50 you kind of start to become invisible,” Bonner said. “ But for Bonner, he has two more films “in the air”, awarded writer and journalist Matthew Condon is working on Bonner’s biography and Katie Rae is painting his portrait for next year’s Archibald Prize. Even with all that to Bonner’s credit, it just seems that still isn’t enough. Bonner’s slight tilt of the head to the left and a gentle creasing of the brow introduces the intense side of the still

very handsome, single, 75-year-old. That intensity is a product of his tempestuous life journey and its outcomes. Bonner ran away from a violent home scene just after he had turned 14. “I caught a daylight train to Melbourne, rented a little room in east Melbourne, and started,” Bonner said. He battled alcoholism from the age of 14 through to 46. “I danced with the devil back then,” Bonner added. He put down the booze and the cigarettes, once and for all. His work improved. His relationships improved.

“It’s only been pluses,” he said. Next year Bonner will proudly mark 30 years of staying dry. “If there is such a thing as miracles in the life, and I believe there is, I am one,” he said. About 14 years ago he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Bonner has since then mentored both men diagnosed with the disease and their partners about the experience, reminding them, “your life is more important that your erection”. So, will he know when he has found his happiness? “I don’t know; I’m sure there will be a feeling that

says to me, this is what you have missed all your life,” he said. A slight lowering of the direct gaze. His tense shoulders ease ever so slightly. The corners of his mouth give way to a gentle, loving smile. The pall over Bonner’s life lifts as he talks about his family; his greatest personal pride. Bonner’s continuing strong relationship with his ex-wife, Nola Clark, and enduring connection with his three daughters and their children are what he says have kept him alive. Living long enough to become a greatgrandfather is absolutely

FROM LEFT: Tony Bonner was the first Australian centrefold for the Cosmopolitan magazine, published in 1972; young Tony (as flight ranger Jerry King) with Skippy the Bush Kangaroo; and Tony with actor Shawn Brack in Travis Bain’s new thriller movie Landfall, in cinemas from this month. at the top of Bonner’s list for the future. “To even say that from someone who didn’t think he would get past the age of 20 because of the way I was living; for me to still be here at 75 and to think, holy crap, there is a distinct possibility you are going to be a greatgrandfather; to me it’s nearly incomprehensible,” he said. Bonner started the day with a swim in the ocean at first light. By the end of the day he has turned his mind to hosting a

fundraising function at the surf club, before heading off to coach aspiring actors and continue his charity work for The Smith Family, Bravehearts, the Variety Club and the Wesley Mission suicide prevention program. “It’s in my nature,” he said. “I have been blessed to have been in a battle and knocked around a bit, and survived. I get great pleasure if I can be of assistance to someone; if I can put a hand out, then I am really blessed.”

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NEWS

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

What will the extended light rail mean for you?

Should other options be considered before rail

What will extended light rail mean for you? SENIORS are being encouraged to seriously consider how the proposed extension of the Gold Coast light rail to Burleigh Heads and then on to Coolangatta airport will affect their way of life. The issue has arisen once more following Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s November announcement of $112 million Federal Government backing for the next 6.4km $670 million stage from Broadbeach to Burleigh to be completed by 2023. Known as stage 3A, the 16-minute trip proposes eight new light rail stations and an upgraded bus interchange at Burleigh, with council committing about $73 million and the State Government to find almost $500 million. At the announcement, LNP Member for McPherson Karen Andrews said the issue remained where the rail would terminate at Burleigh, and called on the State Government and council to “consult properly with the community” to meet the needs of residents as well as tourists. While the light rail has its supporters, particularly among tourist-related businesses, Facebook

and other online comments questioned how extending the light rail would help the larger problem of M1 congestion, calling instead for greater investment in the M1 and improved heavy rail services, and querying the sustainability of light rail, especially without dedicated parking. Others pointed to existing slowing of traffic between Broadbeach and Southport due to the light rail, how small business would be affected and fears for the environment. ‘It’s not the only answer, especially for Seniors’ These are all issues also raised by Southern Gold Coast –Tweed solicitor and businessman Jim Wilson, who believes residents have been conned into believing light rail is “the only answer” because they haven’t been presented with other alternatives. “I’m not anti-development and progress, I believe there should be a mass transport system, but not on dedicated tracks,” he said. He believes electric buses can better service the population, provide flexibility to a changing demographic, and a more integrated system at a fraction of the price of light rail, without the associated parking crunch of people trying to access a single line service. It’s a plan considered in regard to Stage 2 back in 2015 when Karen Andrews told ABC Radio, “We need to be alive to opportunities that present

‘‘

...Iight rail is unsympathetic to a lot people, but distinctly Senior Citizenunfriendly

ALTERNATIVE ADVOCATE: Southern Gold Coast Tweed solicitor Jim Wilson. with rapid bus, so it doesn’t have to be light rail as an extension as we know it’s expensive, at this stage it’s unaffordable”. Cost is just one aspect of concern to Mr Wilson, who believes introduction of the light rail is a case of “social engineering”, with high density high-rise development along the light rail strip, necessary to make it financially viable, pricing Seniors and others of more moderate means out of the community.

“High densification brings a massive change in quality of life and we and our kids value our present lifestyle, amenity and connectivity,” the 66-year-old said, pointing to the different character of the more commercial northern Gold Coast to the more laid-back lifestyle of the south. “This is going ahead at a massive rate and it’s all about money and private developers; the people that really made this town, paid their taxes and rates, are being given very

short shrift. “I believe the light rail is unsympathetic to a lot of people, but distinctly Senior Citizen-unfriendly.” There is currently an over-10,000-strong online petition against the extension. Google No Light Rail in Burleigh, Koala Park and Palm Beach to access it. Council response Mayor Tom Tate, in response, said light rail had been “a massive success since 2012”, eliminating “millions of car movements”.

He pointed to a November 2015 city-wide Council survey to which 3606 responded and “the vast majority” wanted the light rail to take “the shortest possible route” along the coast direct from Broadbeach to the airport. Cr Tate said the State Government had also recently consulted on the Broadbeach to Burleigh stage (again over 3000 people) and “the majority supported that stage”. According to the 2016 census, the resident population of Gold Coast City was 555,721. With 12,000 new residents to the Gold Coast per year, “planning and managing growth while retaining what we all love” was council’s biggest challenge, Cr Tate said. “As for people’s concerns that southern area roads will be closed, residential densities will increase and the environment will be destroyed … I can only deal with facts, not emotional rhetoric. “The next stage (after Burleigh) has not even been designed …” He argued a light rail bridge crossing at Tallebudgera would have no more impact on the environment than an additional vehicle bridge, which would be necessary if car numbers continued to climb. “By placing the light rail spine along the coast means more people can live along that strip, and commute freely without needing a second or third car in their driveway,” the mayor said.

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

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DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

NEWS

Seniors priced out of homes Support accommodation services receiving more calls Alison Houston LACK of rental affordability is a key factor leading to a rise in homelessness and at risk Seniors. Gold Coast Homelessness Network chair Mona Nielsen said support services were experiencing more inquiries than ever from older residents. Many Seniors were living rough, forced into couch-surfing with friends or going without food or electricity just to keep a roof over their heads. With 27 per cent of the Gold Coast population now over 60, the community needed to understand the pressures on that older population living longer and literally running out of money. How to address those issues was the focus of last month’s 14th annual Gold Coast Homelessness Symposium. The Gold Coast had the

third-highest rent in Australia, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, Mona said. “Seniors do come here to retire, but if you have a mortgage or rental and your partner passes away or you lose a job or have health problems, it can be hard to cope and you can be put in danger of homelessness,” she said. If you don’t have savings, “particularly if you are a Senior on your own, the reality is you can’t afford to rent on the Gold Coast”; the pension alone simply isn’t enough. While My Aged Care, was created by the Australian Government to help people “find information about aged care services and what you need to do to receive them”, Mona said it was generally acknowledged not to be user-friendly. Even services found it difficult at times to navigate, never mind

GROWING PROBLEM: Gold Coast Homelessness Network chair Mona Nielsen said that with people living longer, Seniors are literally running out of money. individuals unfamiliar with the system, using computers or accessing bureaucracy. “Many of these people are in a position where they have never been forced to seek help before,” Mona said.

“Most have been employed and managed their lives well, but in homelessness we say you are only ever two steps away – it only takes a couple of things to knock us.” The symposium heard

from two guest speakers who shared their lived experience of homelessness. Both had been in good jobs, but through unforeseen changes in circumstance had found themselves unable to afford their properties, homeless and having to seek community housing. “We never thought it would happen to us … but it can,” was their message. For Seniors in particular, Mona said, the prospect of homelessness could be particularly daunting, mixed with feelings of pride, guilt, shame, loss of community and sense of belonging. Their needs could be complicated by problems of health or memory loss, and often, even when they reached out for help, demand meant people waited long periods just to be assessed. But there are positive steps being taken, with the Department of Housing and community housing providers now realising that they need to provide purpose-built or renovated

Seniors-focussed housing, on the ground floor, without steps, and with handrails and access to facilities. In Roma, a program is currently taking place developing a purpose-built over-50s public housing community where everything is on site, similar to expensive commercial developments. The State Government has promised almost $8 million in general Homelessness Program funding to seven support services on the Gold Coast for 2018-19, is building 392 new social homes on the Coast over five years and assists with bond loans and rental grants. For full story: seniorsnews.com.au Go to myagedcare.gov.au, phone 1800 200 422, speak with your GP or contact AusCare, Uniting Care or the Salvation Army if you need help. The latter services are also grateful for volunteers or any donations of food or gift cards to help the homeless

NEWS

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Joy comes with giving Retired couple found a job they didn’t see in their future Alison Houston A CHANCE meeting with a friend’s son two years ago changed Sandy and Ian Sneddon’s lives. The young man had gone to America and became involved in alcohol and drugs before being taken under the wing of a program training homeless men to become chefs, which turned his life around. “The minute I met him, I knew that I was meant to help homeless people,” Sandy said. “I say to people, please don’t judge them, they’re someone’s son, brother, father, uncle or grandfather …” Helping the Homeless was born. It’s not a charity, Sandy is quick to point out – they don’t give or receive money. They are just a retired couple – with a little help from their friends and contacts – doing what they can to help “give others a break in this

world”, and achieving some amazing results. They bring clothes, hats, shoes, glasses, backpacks, drink bottles, toiletries and other sundry items to the men, aged anywhere from about 20-80, across four different Gold Coast “feeds” for the homeless. If they don’t have what’s needed one week, they put it on the list to bring the next. “We get things especially for them, and that does a lot for their self-esteem,” Sandy said. “The Kiwis especially call us Ma and Pa, which shows respect; we are very honoured to be called that.” The men now see the couple pulling up before the feed and help them to set up their tables, take them down afterwards, and stay for a chat. Sandy said she was constantly moved by the stories which had brought men to the streets, including sexual assault, family breakdown, mental

‘‘

People say it must be emotionally exhausting, but it’s not – we come home on a high because we’ve helped someone that day. HELPING HOMELESS: Sandy and Ian Sneddon receive a community award for their efforts from Member for Moncrief Steven Ciobo. health, alcohol and drugs. “I’ve had many a 6ft-tall fellow crying on my shoulder,” Sandy said. But the couple, now in their 70s, who once wondered what they would do in their retirement, haven’t stopped at that. They also take clothing to the homeless in hospital, giving them something to wear when they leave, and help

JOHN WOOD

others to furnish rooms or homes. Ian also organises for the men’s teeth to be examined and a hairdresser attends feeds every six weeks, giving the men greater confidence to go out and face the world, and potentially gain employment. It’s no small undertaking, with most of the week taken up

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gathering donations – which have overtaken their garage – and supplying goods and help. Sandy estimated it costs them over $150 a week in petrol, but adds “what’s petrol when you’re helping someone set their life back on track?” “People say it must be emotionally exhausting, but it’s not – we come home on a high because

we’ve helped someone that day,” she said. Sandy and Ian thanked South-East Queensland Professional Assoc, Living Rivers Op Shop Coomera, Kimya Mianji and their friends and family for their ongoing support. If you can help the couple in their work, go to helping.thehomeless@ hotmail.com, find them on Facebook or call 0418 883 266.

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NEWS

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Reflections

O’Brien’s life in historical context Tracey Johnstone

NEWS LEGEND: Kerry O'Brien, political journalist and author writes his own story.

I CAN remember growing into social and political awareness at the hands of journalist Kerry O’Brien. He was at the dinner table with my parents and then myself for almost 30 years that Kerry reported for the ABC on This Day Tonight, Four Corners and 7.30. Kerry’s recently released A Memoir sits on top of my pile of books that I have been quietly and carefully collecting over the last three months in preparation for a few weeks of summer holiday reading. It’s a thick book, but my initial review of it indicates it is going to be well worth taking the time to read it as the veteran journalist takes me on a journey through his experiences of living and working during Australia’s social, political, media and cultural evolution from the 40s through to 2015. Throughout his 50-year career Kerry has borne witness to significant changes to it Australia’s political landscape and the processes in which is reported. “We are certainly in a different era of journalism than the one I grew up in, in many ways,” Kerry said. “The fundamentals of journalism are absolutely still the same, but the trappings have changed massively and the means of delivery have changed massively.” When he started working in television in the 60s the newsroom waited three or four days for the film of major events to reach Australia. The digital storm, as Kerry describes it, has turned television into an

instantaneous medium. “The second thing is where print always saw itself, in my early years, as the superior news medium, these days it is scrambling to keep up and we are converging on each other,” Kerry said. “It’s only a matter of time, and not far away before we are fundamentally using exactly the same means of delivery. In other words, we will be sharing common spaces and not just one space because there will be many means of delivery. I guess the days of hard copy newspapers are all but gone.”

compelled to be available when they are asked, no matter how frequently and regardless of whether they have got something to say, or not, because they worry that if they don’t fill the space, somebody on the other side of politics will fill it for them. The overall quality, I think, has plummeted in many ways.” But Kerry remains a strong advocate for the ABC arguing that now, more than ever, as the social and political landscape changes dramatically, Australia needs the public broadcasting service. “Yet, here we are,

‘‘

The fundamentals of journalism are absolutely still the same, but the trappings have changed massively These changes are driving a reduction in journalism staff, but no decrease in the workload. “That is having an impact on the quality of news,” Kerry said. The other key change in journalism Kerry notes is the 24-hour news cycle which has impacted on political reporting. “It’s this kind of blind desire to fill the digital space simply because it is there whether you have something worth reporting, something worth analysing, or not,” he said. “So, we have wall-to-wall mountain of words that sometimes has something to offer, and often doesn’t. “And we have politicians who feel

watching the place being hit from one side to the other with a wall of hostility from the government, constant attacks from Rupert Murdoch who happens to own 70 per cent of the print output of the country as well as television influence and radio,” Kerry said. “Although I know from personal experience the ABC has been an enormously resilient institution, you can’t simply assume that it can continue with its resilience and can continue just battle on regardless no matter what harpoons are being thrown at it.” The young, carrot-top boy who spent his formative years in the small town of Brisbane

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NEWS

from an Australian reporter and once dreamt of being a jackaroo, came to interview some of the world’s most influential decision-makers and to drive hard Australia’s understanding of the political changes occurring around them. His decision to chronicle his journey and that of his family, including their Irish heritage, has been made possible by drawing on his published articles and spending countless hours reading transcripts and watching his interviews which he rarely watched once recorded, and from going through his extensive collection of notebooks and diaries. “I have been able to take the interviews and look at what John Howard was telling us in response to the questions, compare it with what we now know of those events like East Timor, Iraq, kids overboard, the boarding of the Tampa, gun control laws, the Wik Native Title judgement, the Stolen Generation reports, John Howard’s kind of obsession with the wars and the waterfront dispute, and I think new

patterns emerge which I think might help in the next round of interpretation of that part of history,” Kerry said. While former prime minister Paul Keating said in his 2015 Sydney Opera House interview with Kerry O’Brien, “anyone who is any good never wrote about themselves”, while discussing the motivation to chronicle his life, Kerry neatly side-steps this comment by claiming he believed Mr Keating was referring to politicians at the time, not to someone like Kerry. “The biggest motivator (for me) really was the realisation that simply the accident of the different places I worked in my 50-year journey through journalism, I had a ringside seat for many, many milestone moments in post-war history, not just within Australia, but globally,” he said. “I was standing on the steps of Parliament House when Gough came out to make his famous utterance about Kerr’s cur. “I then followed, for

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Four Corners, Whitlam through that campaign while a colleague, Alan Hogan, followed Malcolm Fraser. I have very vivid memories of that event and the election that followed.” Kerry’s book encapsulates this and

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many other significant milestones and offers a fascinating personal insight, with a few cheeky side observations, while keeping true to the historical facts.

What about Trump? “I don’t think we are necessarily on the brink of something bad, but I do think that democracy is under challenge throughout the liberal democratic world. You can see it in European countries, in Britain, you can certainly see it in America and you can see it in Australia. We can not afford to keep changing our prime ministers like socks. “We can not afford to keep failing the Australian people in the way we are at the moment. The fact that four of the last five prime ministers to have come and gone have been shown the door within their own parties rather than by the voters, is an indictment in itself. We know both major parties are not in good shape. They are not showing any great capacity to reflect on their flaws and work out how on earth they rejuvenate into something that is somewhat more inspirational and has direction, and has conviction about what it is doing.” The Prime Minister he most respects It’s still Gough Whitlam. “The evidence is there of the milestone reforms that he introduced which changed the face of Australia.” What happened to his chin Kerry has his sister to thank for the dent in his chin and the subsequent scar from four stitches, all caused by a game she devised. “The others had enough of a survival instinct to work out how to brake before reaching the barbed wire fence, and in particular the hardwood fence post with this awesome array of splinters,” he writes. Published by Allen & Unwin, Kerry O’Brien, A Memoir is in bookshops now. RRP$44.99.

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Community notes

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

VIEW CLUBS

VIEW (Voice Interests and Education of Women) is a proud supporter of The Smith Family and its Learning for Life Programmes. Coolangatta Tweed OUR club’s last meeting for 2018 will be held on Thursday, December 13 at the South Tweed Sports Club, Minjungbal Drive, South Tweed Heads commencing at 11am for 11.30am DST. This will be our Christmas Luncheon so we will have the pleasure of an Entertainer, John Broomhall and Santa will be along too. Come dressed in traditional Christmas colours and

please bring a gift to the value of $8-$10 for the Secret Santa. For apologies phone Elaine on (07) 5524 4461 or for information about VIEW contact President Penny on (07) 5534 3931. Southport Day OUR next meeting will be held at the Southport Yacht Club from 11.30am on December 19. Our last meeting’s guest speaker was David Lomman on Men’s health. We also had a fashion parade with Kelly Bradford “The Style Forum” which everybody thoroughly enjoyed. We club meets on the third Wednesday of each month CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

REMEMBRANCE DAY: Carinity Cedarbrook resident Gordon Jamieson, 97, in a WWII Jeep, is one of Queensland’s last surviving POW’s and Thai-Burma railway workers. Gordon honoured his fallen army mates on November 11.

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COMMUNITY

ALL-ABOARD: Burleigh Heads Ladies Probus club members were passengers on the “solar train” in the lush country side at Byron Bay recently. The train used to be the Red Rattler in 1949. FROM PAGE 14 for a delicious luncheon at the picturesque Southport Yacht Club, Macarthur Parade, Main Beach overlooking the Broadwater. Time: 11.30am for noon. Each month there are interesting guest speakers or entertainers. This is a great way to meet and make new friends. The first Friday of each month is Social Day when various ‘get togethers’ are organised. Visitors are most welcome. Inquiries and bookings please phone Robin on (07) 5537 4593. Surfers Paradise WE HOLD our meetings and lunch on the second Tuesday of each month at the 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 on 0412 639 574 or (07) 5592 6730.

SCLERODERMA SUPPORT GROUP

THE Scleroderma, Raynauds and Sjogrens Gold Coast Support Group will hold their Christmas Lunch at Varsity Lakes Tavern from 10.30am on Monday, December 10.

SOUTHPORT MILITARY HERITAGE MUSEUM

THE Southport Military Heritage Museum will again open on Sunday, January 6, 2019 from 9am-noon. Our display, honouring some of “Our Forgotten Anzacs”, And more renovations, have been favourably received thus far, by every visitor. Our newest display honours WWI General Sir John Monash, and his WWI allied Commanders. Groups of 6-20, will be gladly accommodated, just phone Noel on 0437 732 575 and organise a time and day during any week. The Southport Military Heritage Museum is located in the Qld Naval Brigade Drill Hall at Owen Park, Mick Vievers Way, 201 Queen Street, Southport (next to the

Southport Primary School). Entry is free and there is free parking. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

GROUP FITNESS

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

OVER 50’S EXERCISE TO MUSIC

SENIORS fitness and strength class to improve cardio health, balance, coordination, strength and general well-being. Suitable for all fitness levels. Great music, meet people – Mondays 9.30am Aveo Retirement Community Hall Glenside Drive, Robina; Tuesdays 9am Casey Hall, Fairways Drive Clear Island Waters; Thursdays 9am Robina Community Centre. Cost $7. For further information, phone

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Burleigh Waters Probus Walking Group are pictured at the Eddie Kornhauser Recreational Reserve. Rochelle on 0438 333 308.

END OF LIFE CHOICES

EXIT International is a voluntary euthanasia group that meets quarterly. Meetings are held at the Robina Community Centre. Attendees must be Exit Members. Further information on our website, go to exitinternational.net or phone local co-ordinator Elaine on (07) 5580 8215 or 0421 796 713.

WWII POW HONOURS FALLEN MATES

A PRISONER of War who is one of Queensland’s last surviving Thai-Burma railway workers honoured his fallen army mates at a special Remembrance Day service on November 11. Gordon Jamieson, 97, laid a wreath in respect of soldiers and civilians killed in war at his home, the Carinity Cedarbrook aged care community at Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast. Gordon served in the Australian Army during World War II and fought in the Malayan campaign.

Following Japan’s capture of Singapore in February 1942, he was a prisoner of war for three-and-a-half years. Gordon was held in prison camps in Singapore before he and fellow Allied troops were “herded into metal rice vans” and transported to a remote jungle area to work on construction of the infamous Thai-Burma railway. The prisoners of war (POWs) would work shifts of up to 18 hours building embankments, bridging creeks and digging cuttings with picks and shovels. More than 2800 Australians were among the 12,500 Allied POWs who died while working on the railway, while around 75,000 Asian labourers also perished. The Remembrance Day ceremony at Carinity Cedarbrook featured one minute’s silence, playing of Last Post, and a display of World War II and Vietnam War vehicles supplied by Military Jeep Club of Queensland members from Mudgeeraba.

PROBUS CLUBS

Burleigh Heads Ladies

OUR club members were passengers on the “Solar Train” in the lush country side at Byron Bay recently. The train used to be the Red Rattler in 1949. The diesel engine was removed and replaced with solar. Now it is the first Solar Train in the world and boasts 100 very big comfortable seats. 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. Visitors welcome. Phone Helga on (07) 5520 2426 or Glenda (07) 5576 0303. Burleigh Waters OUR members enjoyed a ride on the world’s first solar train during a recent visit to Byron Bay, and at our meeting John Crittenden told us about U3A and their programmes. Retired or semi-retired men are invited to join us at club CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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COMMUNITY

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FANTASTIC FRIENDSHIPS: Friendship Force Gold Coast members visit Travemunde, Germany.

KNOWN as the “friendliest little club on the coast” we are seeking new female and male members. No experience necessary. Free coaching with bowls provided. Twilight bowls and Barefoot Bowls are popular. Great game and lots of new friends. Phone the club on (07) 5536 6677 or Pam on 0411 650 709 or drop

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

On returning from a threeweek Christmas holiday, all my vegetables were as I left them in these bags in the fridge – fresh and ready to eat. I have been Roslyn Roberts using these amazing bags Hammond Village for more than two years and Coombabah, QLD they are still going strong. Bags are washable and reusable and can be kept anywhere in the fridge - on shelves, in the fridge door and the crisper. To purchase immediately visit www.superfreshbags.com.au or call

Super Fresh Bags on 02 9631 0143.

SOLACE

SOLACE is an organisation for people grieving the loss of a partner. We meet every second and Fourth Wednesday at 10.30am at Broadbeach Senior Citizens Centre TE Peters Drive, Broadbeach. For more information, phone Betty on (07) 5580 7034.

FANTASTIC FRIENDSHIP FORCE ADVENTURE

RECENTLY 13 members of Friendship Force of the Gold Coast together with one member from FF Melbourne club, returned from a once in a lifetime journey. Their trip included one week of generous home hosting with members of FF Toulouse in France and one week with FF members of Lübeck, Germany club. A Few Highlights: Toulouse week – exploring the Rose City with the locals, day trips to nearby Albi which boasts the 13th-century, red-brick Gothic Sainte-Cécile Cathedral and the “Toulouse Lautrec”

Recently, 13 members of Friendship Force of the Gold Coast together with one member from FF Melbourne club, returned from a once in a lifetime journey. They are pictured stopping for lunch at La Croisee des Saveurs, Grenade, France.

Museum, another day through the countryside to see where the “Canal du Midi” originated then on to “Château et remparts de la cité de Carcassonne” with its amazing ancient fortress and cathedral sitting atop the city. Together with long lunches in locally known boutique restaurants, there were visits to places of local historical interest & of course time spent with their hosts and other club members. Just some of the amazing and enjoyable experiences, seen through the eyes of friendly, generous locals. Two of the Gold Coast members had enjoyed one week with Bergen, Norway club & Derbyshire, UK club with a group from Friendship Force, Wellington, NZ. The option of joining other clubs adds another dimension to travel as there are over 350 clubs worldwide, 24 in Australia with a similar number in NZ. Friendship

Force offers travel of a different kind and is well worth investigating to see if it could be for you. Go to FriendshipForce GoldCoast.org.au, email friendshipforcegoldcoast @gmail.com or phone Mary (07) 5539 1814 or John 0414 376 110.

TWEED HOSPITAL AUXILIARY

RECYCLING PLASTIC BOTTLES – Do you recycle your plastic bottles at the Tweed City Return & Earn Station? From now until February 24 you will be able to donate to the Tweed Hospital Auxiliary by using the donation button when you return your bottles. This is a great way to recycle and also help the local hospital. The auxiliary would like to thank everyone who supported its many fundraising activities during 2018. All the funds raised go towards purchasing equipment for the local hospital. We wish all the

members who have worked so hard during the year and all the supporters, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The Sunday Bingo will continue every Sunday at noon at the Tweed Heads Bowls Club over the Christmas break. We look forward to your support in 2019.

U3A

Twin Towns NEW volunteer tutors and course leaders are always welcome. Share your knowledge and experience for short courses or full year classes in topics such as history, geography, philosophy, film appreciation, music, craft, technology, exercise and dance. Share your ideas with the friendly members at U3A Twin Towns. Located at 4 Boyd Street, Tugun, we run more than forty classes per week. Phone (07) 5534 7333 or email u3atwintowns @gmail.com.

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meetings at 10am on the third Monday of each month at Burleigh Waters Community Centre, 131 Christine Avenue, Burleigh Waters. 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 on (07) 5520 6332 or John (07) 5520 6661. Coolangatta Tweed Heads WE RECENTLY awarded a Life Membership to long time Member John McKean. Presenting the award to John at a morning tea with a small group of fellow members, club president Bruce Cowled mentioned John’s outstanding contribution over a period of 15 years including eight years as secretary fostering the Probus aspirations of providing fun, friendship and fellowship for members. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month (except January) at Tweed Heads Bowls Club featuring a guest speaker and has monthly dine outs to local restaurants and other activities for the enjoyment of members and visitors. Anyone

interested in joining, recently retired or new to the area seeking more information about our club, phone Barbara on (07) 5523 4840. Runaway Bay FELLOWSHIP, friendship and fun are promoted by the Probus Club of Runaway Bay. Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at the Paradise Point Bowls Club, Thrush Avenue, with an interesting guest speaker invited to each meeting. The next meeting is on Monday, December 17. Lunches, starting at 11.30am are held at the same venue on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Regular bus trips and group activities are enjoyed. Phone Marilyn on 0407 758 854.

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FROM PAGE 15

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

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DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

A new winter cruise tour NORWAY and Iceland – two of the most popular destinations for Australians right now – are showcased in a new 2020 winter cruise tour combination package released by Cruise Express. The 23-night combo tour, which includes 15 nights on land and six at sea, features Norway’s spectacular Northern Lights, a husky sleigh ride, a hotel made of ice, stunning fjords and snow-shrouded villages as well as the volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, glaciers and whales. The journey begins with the 15-night ‘Northern Lights of Norway’ cruise tour which will see Australians fly on January 25, 2020, to Norway’s capital, Oslo, for a two-night stay and tour showcasing the city’s Viking heritage. Guests depart Oslo by train to the renowned fjord country for overnight stays in Voss and Bergen. A tour highlight is a journey on the panoramic Flam Railway – one of the world’s steepest and most picturesque train rides.

SPECTACULAR SHOW: The Northern Lights from Hurtigruten. Rising over 860m, the track traverses a winter wonderland of snowy peaks, icy waterfalls, mighty rivers and whispering pine forests. In contrast, a breathtaking cruise through two spectacular

fjords – Naeroyfjord and Aurlandsfjord – provides perspective of this stunning region from sea level. The tour includes a guided walking tour along the colourful harbour-front of Bergen from where the

itinerary moves to sea for a six-night voyage aboard Hurtigruten’s 690-passenger ship, MS Kong Harald. Named after the king of Norway, the ship serves as a passenger, freight, mail and car service for

Photo: Rjan Bertelsen

isolated Norwegian towns along the coast. Magnificent fjords, mighty glaciers and snow-clad mountains are just some of the picture-postcard spectacles on show during the voyage.

Quaint towns like Trondheim and Alesund offer a chance to experience a different way of life high above the Arctic Circle. After rounding the most northerly point in Europe, North Cape, the voyage ends in the remote town of Kirkenes where guest can stay in accommodation made of snow, see reindeer, join a thrilling husky sled ride and scour the dark, night skies for the swirling colours of the Northern Lights. The Norway tour ends with a flight back to Oslo for a night before flying back to Australia. Guests can add on Cruise Express’ eight-night adventure holiday in Iceland which includes return flights from Oslo to Reykjavik, accommodation and extensive touring taking in Iceland’s dramatic landscape of geysers, lava fields, fjords, thundering waterfalls and abundance of humpback and minke whales. Phone Cruise Express on 1300 766 537 or go to cruiseexpress.com.au.

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FEEL SAFE & SECURE FROM START TO FINISH

ToTal Tasmania

sydney mini subs

On the night of 31 May 1942, 3 Japanese This amazing tour takes in the complete circuit midget submarines entered Sydney harbour Including Hobart, Port Arthur, Queenstown, On this fascinating tour we cruise the Gordon River Cruise , Cradle Mtn, Dove Lake, Stanley, Devonport, Cataract Gorge, Launceston Harbour and visit the attack locations Tamar Valley, Legerwood, St Helens, Coles Bay, plus much more !!! 5 Days from $1790 including 1 way ﬂights to SYD. Freycinet NP & Richmond. 11 Days from $3490. Save $100pp when booking in December for April Departures

The Gahn experienCe

CookToWn

TALENTED: Country singer, comedian and instrumentalist Lindsay Waddington.

Everyone can join in for some serious fun

Cooktown is known for is its well documented history after Captain Cook ran aground. Later it became a bustling port, exporting gold and had 47 licensed pubs So, step back in time and enjoy the living history paying homage to an era of great hardship. 8 Days from $1490* Plus Pension Rail Fare when travelling by QR Rail*

CoWboys / Caves

This unique tour visits Cowboys at Texas Longhorn Ranch, Historical Charters Towers, Caves at the incredible Undara Lava Tubes and Castle Ruins of Paronella Park. 8 Days from $1390* Plus Pension Rail Fare when travelling by QR Rail*

Join us on the Iconic Ghan Gold Class Adelaide to Darwin and experience the vast Australian Outback in Style and comfort. $3490.

uluru – Field oF liGhTs

Welcome to our special Uluru and Alice Springs tour. The Field of Light is a global phenomenon created by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro which comes to life under a sky brilliant with stars. 7 Days from $3690.

Save $100pp when booking in December for April Departures

Go See Touring invites whole family to come Tracey Johnstone COUNTRY musician and comedian Lindsay Waddington is leading a group on a wonderful adventure to Norfolk Island for the Go See Touring’s 2019 A Little Bit Country tour. He’s going to have a busy time between performing in three shows with the six other Go See Touring hosts and ensuring his group members are having a fantastic family time during the island visit from July 26 to August 2. The celebrity host will be entertaining guests with his country rock instrumental and singing talents. He’s also a comedian; quick to share a cheeky joke to brighten up anyone’s day. Alongside Lindsay for the

concerts will be singer Graeme Hugo and yodeler Wayne Horsburg, rocker Lucky Starr, crooner Fortunato Isgro, singers Rodney Vincent and Geoff James. “There will be a lot singing, a lot of partying and a lot of fun stories,” Lindsay said. On the nights when there is no show there will be time to sit back, relax and enjoy the laid back music sessions. “If there are stories to share, a poem to be told; it will be just like a big family get-together, that’s what we want,” he added. The cost for the tour to Norfolk Island, which has a stunning backdrop to its interesting history, includes a convict settlement tour, a murder mystery dinner, a night as a convict, airfares, accommodation, meals

and much more. Lindsay’s group already has several bookings locked in, but there is room for more. “It’s going to be a real family environment for people who just want to have a good time, go sight-seeing, learn about Norfolk Island and enjoy being with other people,” Lindsay said. “We have a few things up our sleeve, a few little fun things that will happen; I’m a bit a practical joker,” he offered. But, as to what Lindsay’s alluding to means you will have to join the tour to find out more. For full tour information and costs, go to goseetouring.com or phone 07 3868 4760. itunes link: itunes.apple. com/au/album/ nullarbor/ 1433935034.

The majesTiC river murray

It’s by far the largest river in Australia. It begins as a small stream in the Australian Alps and 2520 river kilometres later it empties into the Southern Ocean near Goolwa in South Australia. 10 Days from $3495.

yamba & byron bay shorT break

Join us on the wonderful 4 Day tour to Yamba, Byron Bay, Clarence River Cruise, Maclean, Evans Head, Angourie, plus much more. All inclusive with accomm & meals. Departing Brisbane 3rd March from $699.

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Drive toward the Southern Peninsulas and explore grand capes with towering spines

A MAGICAL WORLD: Beautiful view of Halong Bay, Vietnam, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Photo: Nikolay Tsuguliev

Live the travel dream This month we profile destinations and experiences 40 to 36 as we count down the 2018 list of the World’s Best Journeys which we hope will inspire you to live life to the full.

THE top 50 bucket list has been selected by Flight Network and over 500 top travel journalists, agencies, bloggers and editors. There are travel experiences to suit different styles and budgets.

DRIVE THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY

❚ CRUISING along the Wild Atlantic Way on Ireland’s west coast harmoniously connects rugged landscapes with unique people, many of who still speak Irish Gaelic. Skirting around the coastline, expansive views and traditional villages captivate drivers along the route from the Northern Headlands down to the Havan Coast. The road opens up as you steer toward the Surf Coast and the wildness of the seaboard captivates with red-gold beaches. Continue driving south towards the Bay Coast to discover crystal coves and islands perfect for swimming, kayaking, and kiteboarding. Ride to Cliff Coast and immerse yourself Ireland’s music

capital, spending the day listening to live bands in local pubs. Drive toward the magnificent Southern Peninsulas and explore grand capes with towering spines extending far out in the ocean before stopping for an overnight stay on the Haven Coast to dine on artisan fare. Getting there: Choose a small but sturdy rental vehicle when arriving at the airport. All of the major airports in the country whether it be Dublin, Shannon or Cork will get you close to the Wild Atlantic Way, but the closest is Shannon Airport with accessible road links to a number of counties along road and is less than an hour from the Cliffs of Moher. For drivers who decide to start their tour at its southernmost point, Cork Airport is just a 20 mile trip.

CRUISE THE MEKONG RIVER

❚ THE Mekong River is one of the most fascinating on the planet. It starts in the Tibetan plateau and snake its way through China, Myanmar, Laos,

Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. It has been an important medium for transporting people and goods for thousands of years and today is an important international trade route. Cruise from the very end of the river north through Vietnam’s Mekong Delta area up into Cambodia’s capital city, where it meets that Tonle Sap and travels through the Cambodian countryside. The scenery is unmatchable and the journey unforgettable. Travellers will transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho Port to board an incredible teak ship that has been specifically built to cruise the Mekong River. Visit local artisan villages, the Gao Giong bird sanctuary, a beautiful Taoist temple and Koh Okhna Tey, otherwise known as silk island. Explore Con Phuoc Island, Koh Trong Island and Phnom Penh, visiting the National Museum, Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, and the Killing Fields and Genocide museum. The journey ends in Siem

Reap staring at the famous Angkor Wat monuments. Getting there: Fly into Tân Son Nhât International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport is the departing airport.

TAKE THE ROAD TO HANA DRIVE

❚ NAVIGATING curves near crashing waves of the Pacific and stopping for tide pool swims beneath waterfalls attracts drivers to a single stretch of Hawaiian coastline. Unrivaled as the top attraction on the lush island of Maui, the Road to Hana drive winds along the 52-mile stretch of coastline from Pa’ia town to the community of Hana. If you’re able to lease a convertible, you’ll have panoramic views of the surf and scenery. Drive from the town of Kahului in central Maui and head towards Hana through the surf town Pa’ia on Maui’s north shore. Tour Maliko Bay before heading to Twin Falls to cool off in one of its natural pools and

waterfalls. Drive up to Honomanu Bay Lookout and stop for a walk on the beach before steering towards the Keanae Peninsula lined with vibrant hibiscus and jagged lava rocks. Reaching the Koolau Forest Reserve, park the car and explore Wai anapanapa State Park where tide pools turn red several times a year due to the arrival of shrimp. Follow the signs to Wailua Falls and awe at the waterfalls cascading over the mountains before ending the drive with a stop Waimoku Falls to gaze up at its magnificent 400 foot waterfall. Getting there: Kahului Airport is east of the Kahului CDP on the island of Maui and is the main airport servicing Maui. You can also fly into Honolulu International Airport on Oahu before commuting to Maui on a brief, 30-minute flight. Major car rental companies are at the airport or you can take a taxi or shuttle bus and lease a cruising vehicle like a convertible. There is also daily ferry service to

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

Black sand beach,Waianapanapa State Park. Maui, Hawaii.

The epic Irish Landscape and seascape along Ireland’s The Wild Atlantic Way. Champ, down on the valley floor and walk along the crystal stream. Returning to Chamonix, be sure to take a ride on the city’s world-class cable car and get a bird’s eye view of the Mont Blanc massif. Getting there: You can hike alone or benefit from a mountain guide’s experience. Several guide companies are available when you arrive in Chamonix. The most direct way is to fly into Geneva Cointrin International Airport. Once there, you can take an airport transport to Chamonix or hire a car. Another option is to take the Eurostar or TGV train from Paris or Lyon and connect on local train onto Saint Gervais Les Bains where you can pick up the Mont Blanc Express Train into Chamonix. Long Son Pagoda, Nha Trang, Vietnam. and from the nearby island of Lanai.

HIKE THE TOUR DU MONT BLANC

❚ REACHING a cumulative 10,000m of descent and ascent, the Tour de Mont Blanc’s 170km hike is a trekker’s dream with plenty of hotels and mountain huts along the way for taking in the

landscape to its fullest with very little gear. Set out in Chamonix, France, for an 11-day hike towards Les Houches to photo chamois, deer, and eagles during the excursion. Continue ascending to Les Contamines and take in the mountain resort vibe and renowned cuisine. Hike onward to Les

Photo: AND-ONE

Chapieux, a small hamlet on the tour inhabited by shepherds and their flocks. Refuge Elisabetta is next on the route providing a comfortable overnight stay for walkers. Trek to the resort of Courmayeur and take a ride on the SkyWay Monte Bianco cable car and peer at peaks of the Matterhorn and Monte

Rosa. Spend some time at La Vachey, the seasonal inn and restaurant, before hiking to La Fouly to scale winding trails of its mountain peaks. Walk to Champex and take in the culture of the Swiss village. Hike to Trient and take a detour to explore Trent Glacier before continuing to Tre le

MOTORCYCLE FROM HO CHI MINH TO HANOI

❚ TRAVEL from Vietnam’s coast to the highlands with the wind blowing in your face and your heart pumping with excitement the entire way. There is no better way to travel from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi than on a motorcycle, zooming past some incredible scenery. This 2770km ride is equal parts of beach and

Photo: 7Michael

Photo: upthebanner

mountain, giving travellers the chance to be totally immersed in the beauty of Vietnam. The ride is an unforgettable. Weave through highlands, mountains and along coast lines, gazing at magnificent undeveloped beaches, stopping in lonely villages and visiting cultural sites like the Ninh Hoa Salt Fields, Imperial City in Hue, and Vinh Moc Tunnels. Spend time exploring cities, lazing on beaches and sampling regional Vietnamese cuisine. Snap photos of beautiful French colonial architecture, pristine beaches, and the Long Son Pagoda. Wander around Hoi An’s old town, explore the Tràng An Scenic Complex and ride the Vinpearl Cable Car. Visit must-sees and find hidden gems, but most importantly, enjoy the ride! Getting there: Fly into Tân Son Nhât International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Check the dates of the 6-day Vietnamese New year before booking your flights to try to avoid motorcycling from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi at this time. The roads will be congested with locals much more dangerous to be on.

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

On Foot Holidays walking France

Stay close to ground ON FOOT Holidays has announced a new walking route in the picturesque Dordogne region of southwest France, their fourth in the country. The new, self-guided, inn-to-inn walk follows the Dordogne River through classic French countryside and medieval villages and is ideal for Australians looking to experience a taste of quintessential France. On Foot Holidays has designed the Dordogne route so walkers can feel like a local as they take in the less-travelled byways and backwaters of the Middle Dordogne

landscapes and the unique flavour of the Dordogne Valley. Beginning in the medieval city of Beaulieu sur Dordogne, the seven-night walk takes travellers through the Dordogne valley’s country meadows and picturesque villages as guests stay in traditional inns and hotels along the riverside, experiencing local life and authentic French cuisine. After four days of walking amongst the hills and quaint villages above the charming countryside, the route heads over the limestone plateau to the striking village of

STRIKING BEAUTY: Dordogne, village of Beaulier-su. Rocamadour. The village climbs up a cliff face and is a pilgrimage destination that sees over one million people visit each year. The journey comes to an end alongside the Ouysse river, a tributary of the Dordogne, at a Michelin-starred restaurant to celebrate the end of the walk. The seven-night walking holiday is graded medium with up to five and a half

hours of walking each day (shortening options usually offered). Including seven nights’ accommodation, seven breakfasts, four evening meals and all luggage transfers – meaning travellers simply carry a day pack – the route costs from £1060 per person, twin-share (approximately A$1869 depending on exchange rates). Shorter six, five and four-night options are also

available. Payments can be made by via Earthport FX transfer, a system which offers Australians the convenience of paying for walks in Australian dollars at a local bank, saving transfer charges and credit card fees. The Dordogne inn-to-inn walk is available from May 2019. On Foot Holidays offers 33 self-guided walking tours across Europe.

Accommodation and information packs are provided for all the routes and optional guides are available on select itineraries. Walkers select their departure dates, luggage is transferred between inns each day and all routes are designed by locals and tested by staff from On Foot Holidays. Visit onfootholidays.co.uk

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

Right way to the out back Ann Rickard EVER since he was eight years old, Alan ‘Smithy’ Smith has known the Australian outback is unique to the world. Way ahead of his time, he held a deep love for the outback and would spend days wandering into the bush from his home in Blackall, Central West Queensland. “As a child whenever we had visitors, I would take them out to some amazing places,” he said. “Sometimes the visitors were blown away with the simple things, the bush, the petrified wood, the stories about what the families had done in developing the land, the pioneer shearers. “My family owned a soft drink factory for 34 years in Blackall. “I was always engaged in different parts of the community and there was an amazing mix of characters in the community. Lots of stories to tell.” By the time he was 21, Smithy knew he had to share his love of the bush and his prodigious knowledge with others and start a small tour company. That was 30 years ago in 1988 before our outback had much of a profile. “There were not the visitors that there are now,” he said.

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Visitors were blown away with the simple things, the bush, the petrified wood, the stories...

BORN IN THE BUSH: Alan ‘Smithy’ Smith was a natural to lead outback tours. “I started with a billy made from a three-litre juice tin, a camp oven, a troop carrier, photocopied brochures and an answering machine. I traded in my little 4WD and convinced the bank to lend me $28,000.” That was the beginning of Outback Aussie Tours. Surviving in a remote marginal area was tough but Smithy had the confidence, in-depth knowledge and as many stories as there are stars in the sky. “Looking back, I

realised I pushed (tour guests) them too hard, I was so eager to share,” he said. “I had no idea what the market could bear. Some of the people did not care for a swag or to be driven all over the place. “I learnt and developed smaller packages, one was to drive to Longreach, collect wood on the way, light a fire, boil a billy, give them a cup of tea while I mixed the damper, throw the damper in the camp oven, take people to look for petrified wood, come

back and have tea and damper. That worked well.” Now Smithy, with his wife Sue, runs short break packages from Longreach, Charleville and Brisbane to iconic destinations including Winton, Birdsville, Corner Country, Gulf Savannah and Cape York and the Torres Strait. “Now it is a lot of fun, but I worked hard in the beginning, juggled three jobs, a cleaning business, packing supermarket

shelves,” Smithy said. “I had to survive and buy new equipment. Then the grey nomad market started coming. Then the Midlander train twice a week. “In those early days, the Hall of Fame had just opened in Longreach, I would get down to the train, pull on my jacket and big hat, walk through the train with brochures doing promotion. “I bought my own little mini bus and doubled my fleet.” Three decades later,

with the outback now a major tourism destination, Smithy can say he was one of the pioneer tourism operations. He has many return guests and made countless friends. “A lot of American tourists have stayed in touch,” he said. “A lot of the traditional grey nomad market, who are finished with driving, will take the train or fly here, do the tours. “One of our guests is on her fifth tour, the same one every year. She loves it. “We have fantastic encounters with wildlife, but it is the stories the people love the most and meeting the people who live here. We look after seniors, we don’t have early starts. 8am is a good time.” To find out more, go to outbackaussietours. com.au.

Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show which departs March 24, 2019 including home pick-ups from the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Gold Coast. This tour will take you via the Pacific Highway to

Coffs Harbour, Sydney and Albury, arriving at Melbourne for the Southern Hemispheres 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. 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 Euhuca.

■ There’s more to this tour than is written here and it’s a journey well worth discovering for yourself. Phone Coastal Variety Tours for a full itinerary today on (07) 3343 6722.

Win a double pass to see

Cold Pursuit

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of snow country Colorado, COLD PURSUIT is a pulsepounding revenge thriller with a unique look that will excite filmgoers the world over. Quiet family man and hard-working snowplow driver Nels is the lifeblood of a glitzy resort town in the Rocky Mountains because he is the one who keeps the winter roads clear. He and his wife live in a comfortable cabin away from the tourists. The town has just awarded him “Citizen of the Year.” But Nels has to leave his quiet mountain life when his son is murdered by a powerful drug lord. As a man who has nothing to lose he is stoked by a drive for vengeance. This unlikely hero

uses his hunting skills and transforms from an ordinary man into a skilled killer as he sets out to dismantle the cartel. Nels’ actions ignite a turf war between a manically unpredictable gangster known as Viking and a Native American gang boss. Justice is served in one final spectacular confrontation that will leave (almost) no-one unscathed. Want to see the movie? We have 5 double passes to give away! To be in the draw, just fill in our form online at www.seniorsnews.com.au/ competitions

^Visit seniorsnews.com.au/competitionterms for full competition terms and conditions. Promoter is ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd of 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore Qld 4558. Promotional period 03/12/18-10/1/19. Competition drawn 2pm 14/1/19 at Cnr Mayne Rd and Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Winners announced in Seniors February Edition 2019. Total prize value $200.00 (including GST). Entry is open to all permanent residents of Queensland, residing in the Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay Gold Coast and Toowoomba Seniors distribution areas and NSW in the Northern NSW, Central Coast and Coffs & Clarence Seniors distribution areas. NSW Permit Number LTPM/18/03133

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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

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

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Games bring in best of Masters

Wellbeing

Good sports means being defined by ability not age Alison Houstone FOUR nonagenarians with a combined age of 365 set a Pan Pacific Masters Games 50m freestyle relay record of 5:18:54 at the 11th biennial Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast last month. It’s just one of the memorable moments from a Games which organisers have rated the biggest and most successful in the Pan Pac’s 20-year history. The numbers are impressive, with about 16,000 people from 40 countries taking part in 42 sports at 45 venues over 10 days. But it’s the stories that really stood out, like Gold Coaster Don Robertson (93) who swam his way through 10 events, including teaming up with the Sunshine Coast’s Patricia Wornall (91), fellow 91-year-old Marion Beulke, from Victoria, and 90-year-old China Johnson to set their 360-399 division record and of course take gold. After the race, Patricia was already looking to their return in two years time. “We’re actually getting

younger every day,” Patricia enthused. “It feels terrific.” New South Wales athlete Heather Lee, who turned 92 at the Games was another talking point, breaking the world record in the 10km road race walk on the final day of competition, clocking 84 minutes 21 seconds for the women’s 90-years and over. “I love coming here to compete at the Pan Pacific Masters Games because I’m not defined by my age – I am just one of the competitors regardless of being 91,” she said. It completed a golden hat-trick for Heather, adding to wins in the 5000m and 3000m walks, and she was congratulated by Games ambassador and athletics legend Glynis NunnCearns, 57. The oldest competitor at the Games was 93-year-old Redlands indoor rower Vince Home, accompanied by his 87-year-old wife of 68 years and fellow indoor rower Beryl. Both won gold in their age-groups and said they had been playing sport all their lives. “Sport has always been

WINNING FEELING: Don Robertson, China Johnson, Patricia Wornall and Marion Beulke, with a combined age of 365, won gold in their 50m freestyle relay. Photos: PAN PACIFIC MASTERS GAME

Oldest Games competitor 93-year-old Redlands indoor rower Vince Home, and his 87-year-old wife of 68 years and fellow indoor rower Beryl, say being active has kept them young. a part of our family – our eldest son played baseball for Australia for over 10 years, our other son plays cricket and does rowing, and our daughter is the CEO of Softball Queensland,” Beryl said.

The couple, introduced to indoor rowing six years ago, both believe the sport has kept them young. “It’s not about chasing records but giving it a go,” Beryl said. “We’ve met such nice

people here and we watch them all compete too.” But perhaps 54-year-old fitness challenger Cherise Walmsley’s comments about her event best summed up the spirit of the Games. “You cheer on the

person coming first all the way to last. Every achievement is different but all get the same celebration.” So, if you want to be part of the action, you have two yearsto pick your sport and get active.

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meet old friends and make new ones...

OVERWHELMING RESPONSE: Queensland Veterans Cricket vice-president and Gold Coaster Rod Rice goes for a big hit, which is exactly what the sport has become.

Veteran’s cricket hits high IS THERE life after cricket? A lot of die-hard fans are finding there is, and it’s called Veterans Cricket. Queensland Veterans Cricket vice-president Rod Rice said the sport was growing at an unbelievable rate despite only being in its infancy here, having started with an over-60s challenge in 2008. Just 10 years later, there’s a growing calendar of events across three age-groups and two divisions – over-50s, over-60s and over-70s –

not just in Queensland but around the country and the world. There’s now about 400 players across 31 teams in South-East Queensland alone, including Gold Coast, Redlands/ Logan, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay, Toowoomba, Ipswich and Lockyer Valley. The first over-50s World Cup, featuring eight countries, was just completed in Sydney, with over-60s and over-70s titles played earlier in Penrith and the Sunshine Coast respectively, an over-70s team recently touring England and an over-60s team heading to

New Zealand in April next year. So what’s the attraction? “I’d liken it to the Men’s Sheds – it’s a social outing for like-minded people,” Rod said. “People still love their cricket and want to be involved in some way. “Here they get to play and talk cricket, sometimes with people they played 20-30 years ago.” Among famous faces in the fraternity are former Queensland opener Mark Gaskell, 62, and Aussie Test bowler (1974-1980) Geoff Dymock, 73, who was famously only the third player ever to dismiss all 11 opposition

players in a Test match. But you don’t have to have been that calibre to be involved, with some participants not having played for decades due to family and/or work commitments, but keen to see what their skills are. Rod played for about 20 years for Beenleigh-Logan, and has been coaching Junior representative cricket, but became involved in Veterans Cricket seven years ago after hearing former Gympie schoolboy cricket mate (circa 1967), Kerry Emery, on the radio. Kerry, from the Sunshine Coast, is now president of Veterans

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old friends and make new ones, it’s ideal.” Rod is currently organising a mixed team of predominantly over-60s to tour from Brisbane to Cairns next May, playing Country sides including Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Townsville and Mackay to help get the sport more established in rural areas, as well as playing in a Great Barrier Reef Masters in Cairns. Membership is just $50 per year, with match fees paid on the day. Phone Rod on 0409 287 931 or go to qvcricket.co.

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Cricket Australia and a big believer in the importance of promoting sport and exercise throughout life, especially as we live longer. “I’ve got two replacement knees and that hinders me a little,” Rod admitted. “We’ve got a lot of people with knee and shoulder replacements – probably about 80% have some ailment. “It’s very different as a veteran in the field, because you can’t run like you used to or throw hard from the boundary, but it’s still competitive. “If you want to do something social that you’ve always loved, meet

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SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

WELLBEING

Lift for eye’s droopy lids

Examinations point to proper help

Tracey Johnstone HAVE you ever wondered why you have dropping skin about your eyes? Wondered if there is anything you can do about it? Ophthalmologist Dr Elizabeth Livingstone has some advice to help you find a solution. Droopy eyelids are a condition where ageing skin comes down over the eye which may obstruct a person’s vision. This often occurs at the corner of an eye which will impact more on your side vision than your direct vision and which can have a significant impact on your vision, including when driving. Dr Livingstone, who works with elderly patients in her Livingstone Clinics at the Gold Coast and Sydney, says some of the reasons for droopy eyelids are: ■ As we age the skin above the eye can becomes less elastic and stretches. The skin can then rest on your eyelashes, making them feel heavy ■ Having a lot of fat tissue under the skin ■ Some medical

conditions including thyroid disease, and those that cause fluid retention ■ Atrophy, or allergies, which causes lots of swelling of the eyelids early in life ■ Senile ptosis, which is where the ageing muscle in the top lid stretches, causing the eyelid not to open properly ■ Having a genetic disposition Surgery is an option for dealing with droopy eyelids, but Dr Livingstone cautions against having it before you have an essential eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. “We need to make sure your eyesight is good,” Dr Livingstone said. “You may need a field examination done. “Ideally you would get a referral from your GP or optometrist for an ophthalmologist.” If you object to the way your eyelids look, cosmetic, plastic, ENT and ophthalmologist surgeons can rectify the condition. But the cost of this surgery isn’t covered by Medicare and can be expensive. “The satisfaction of the

patient is a lot harder to achieve because they are younger and more critical,” Dr Livingstone said. “They are not getting it just for the eyelids, they are looking at it from every point of their face, from all directions, and tend to notice differences after the surgery more than before.” Because of that, medical indemnity for that sort of procedure is much higher. “For the elderly patients, they just want to see better – and if they look better they are so happy.” To rectify a skin problem, the surgery is similar to a cosmetic treatment. “If it’s skin and fat, again it’s pretty much the same surgery but just a bit more involved,” Dr Livingstone said. “But if you are starting to get stretching of the muscle and the drooping of the top eyelid margins so it’s coming down over the pupil, then it belongs in the domain of the ophthalmologist. “That operation requires relocating the muscle and stitching down onto the eyelid.”

PROBLEM: The eye of a woman showing a drooping eyelid.

Photo: ElFlacodelNorte

Three top tips to deal with cramping leg muscles

SORE LEGS NO MORE: Managing pain

CRAMPS are fairly common among older Australians – almost 50 per cent of us suffer the often incredibly painful spasming of the muscles. They are an involuntary and painful contraction of a skeletal muscle which

can last for anywhere between seconds and a few minutes. Sitting for long periods with your knee bent can also bring on a cramp. Some tips for managing cramps are: ■ During the day stretch the leg muscles out is one

way to get relief from a cramp and help avoid cramps occurring in the first place ■ Pre-stretch your calf muscles before you go to bed. Try this stretch – keep your feet flat on the floor, then carefully lean forward and touch a wall

■ Keep well hydrated, particularly during the hotter months He said there is no real evidence that taking magnesium or salt is useful unless you have an electrolyte issue. “They appear to be more prevalent in

diabetics and can be more prevalent in hypertension and venous insufficiency. “Cramps have been linked diuretics, aerosol beta agonists and some statins which in some people does cause lower leg weakness.”

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DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Medical monitoring 24/7 ‘‘

Professionals on-hand to deal with emergency situations BRAND INSIGHTS

“DON’T self-monitor a medical alert device. Just DON’T do it.” Paul Joseph, the heart and soul behind Emergency Medical Services Pty Ltd, is emphatic on this point. His company supplies the safeTwear medical alert device but more importantly also provide 24/7 monitoring for them. “I’ve heard so many horror stories over the years from customers who come to us because self-monitoring went horribly, horribly wrong,” he said. “Having a family member or friend responsible for the medical alerts is a terrible idea. It puts enormous pressure on them to be by their phone and available to take the call. “Imagine the guilt you would carry if you missed a call from your loved one that resulted in injury or worse, death! I would never want to put that

kind of pressure onto the people I love. “As well as that, often the person wearing the medical alert device won’t push the button because they don’t want to be a nuisance. “Having a professional, independent, specialist response centre with experienced responders manage the emergencies is far better than relying on friends and family. “Our response team are trained professionals who deal with medical emergencies every day. They are calm, fast acting, and know the right information to collect to ensure the ambulance has everything they need, including the customers exact location and full medical history on screen brcause in an emergency situation, every second and the small details count.” Paul’s extensive experience in this medical alert and the home security industry has equipped him well to put

The response team are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week... — Paul Joseph

otherwise. The response team are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. “We actually call it the ‘Danger of Self-Monitoring’ because to us, it really is that serious. Friends and family will often panic in these situations and fail to collect the relevant information the ambulance will need. Just don’t do it, I can’t stress it enough.” “With the holiday CALM AND CARING: Our response team are trained professionals who deal with season approaching we medical emergencies everyday. have some excellent deals for seniors which together this service that members is almost as their phone 24/7... include the medical alert is literally saving lives. bad as an actual “Each month we deal device and in certain “We also save grey emergency, especially if with thousands of false cases a lifetime of hairs!,” he said. they miss the call for any alarms and every alarm is monitoring.” “The stress of false reason ... typically a treated as an emergency alarms on family person isn’t connected to until we can determine Phone 1300 699 159 .

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SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

Clarifying TV audio for those with hearing loss BRAND INSIGHTS HEARING Specialists have developed a new wireless headset specifically for those with hearing loss to clarify television audio. The headset was developed following extensive hearing assessments of over 1000 people with hearing loss who struggle to hear the TV clearly. Hearing specialist Don Hudson says the TV Voice Pro headset will deliver better clarity for TV audio than even the world’s best hearing aids. This comes down to the fact that the original audio for TV is often highly inconsistent. “The clarity of the TV audio itself is often highly variable, as many channels differ dramatically in the clarity of the dialogue, and the volume is often changing

too. We know as hearing specialists that hearing aids find it hard to correct this problem, as the originating problem is how the audio has been mixed for each TV program.” The new wireless TV Voice Pro headset overcomes this problem by altering the original TV audio. The adjustment to the TV audio puts a deliberate focus on speech frequencies to clarify TV dialogue for the user. “The TV Voice Pro headset automatically recalibrates the TV audio to focus on speech frequencies, so the user can hear the dialogue clearly. With adequate volume control function, it will work to clarify TV audio for those with any level of hearing loss.” The wireless TV Voice Pro headset weighs just 70 grams and allows wearers to listen to

all owner occupied

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television at their own preferred volume without affecting the audio volume for others in the room. It uses RF transmission to allow wireless use from anywhere in the house, up to 20 metres. The TV Voice Pro system is guaranteed to connect in under two minutes to any TV in Australia. It is a rechargeable device and no batteries are required. The purchase price is $349. TV Voice Pro comes with a 30-day money back guarantee. To order, phone 1300 300 446 or order online, go to TvVoicePro.com.au. TV Voice pro is currently offering free express courier deliver for all pre-Christmas orders.

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Easy home care app A simple and safe way to find a local carer with the app Kynd

BRAND INSIGHTS FOR decades now, we’ve seen more and more people choosing to live and stay in the homes they know and love. It sounds romantic, right? But too often, the reality can be far from romantic. Navigating Australia’s home care ecosystem can be complex, costly and confusing. While we live in a lucky country, there’s real challenges and with over 105,000 Australian’s on the government’s waiting list for care packages, planning ahead is key. So what are your options and how can you access the right help at home? The first step is understanding what funding you’re eligible for. Maybe a Home Care Package or depending on your age, even NDIS funding. When it’s time to start organising care, it’s

important to check your options. Many people lose 30% to 50% of their package funds to high admin fees and then incur higher hourly rates fees, meaning they receive far less support. A new service that’s created a better way for people to save money, get more support and have real choice… is called Kynd. It’s a mobile app and flexible care service for all ages and abilities, where locals care for locals. You can signup free, post jobs, browse nearby carers, request a free “meet & greet” and set-up carer support. It was created to really empower people. With Kynd, you can choose a “self-managed” home care package, or if you have a provider already, ask them about choosing the carer you want through Kynd. It’s the best way to get bang for buck and with lower hourly rates that you agree, some people double or

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Government boost to upskill senior careers

UPSKILLING: New program assists with finding jobs for older works.

Photo: piranka

ARE you looking for a new career before retirement but are having a rough time matching your skills to the dream job? The government has announced a $17.4 million boost to help mature-aged Australians to upskill or transition into new careers through the Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers Program. The four-year commitment is expected to provide 20,000 eligible

Australians – between the ages of 45 and 70 – with advice and guidance on taking the next step in their careers. The Skills Checkpoint Program uses individually tailored assessments and referrals, to provide workers with advice on how best to use their existing skills in the workforce, or identify opportunities for upskilling. It can also refer participants to educational and training

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SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

LIVING

Ideas for busy kids Tracey Johnstone WE HAVE reached out to some of the many clubs that contribute their monthly news to Seniors News to share their great ideas for grandkid and great-grandkid holiday activity ideas.

PROBUS CLUB OF BURLEIGH WATERS

Grandchildren can use their imagination to create some wonders, such as: ■ Christmas bells from egg cartons – cut out the raised bell-shaped parts. ■ Christmas pom pom balls using polystyrene balls, wire and art flowers, bows and ribbons. ■ Decorate pine cones using spray paint and glitter. ■ Lanterns – make from coloured paper. ■ Christmas decorations – create stars and other shapes from coloured cardboard. ■ Cooking is so much fun – gingerbread people, Christmas trees, chocolate fudge squares, chocolate or apricot balls, muesli bar squares (these can all be made in a

microwave). ■ Make your own gifts such as lavender-filled pillows about 8cm square, plus allowance for seam. ■ Also, make ribbons and bows for dressing up other gifts. ■ Christmas table – make napkins and design your own centrepiece. ■ Christmas bon bons – use toilet roll, paper towel centres, coloured paper and ribbon.

HERVEY BAY VIEW CLUB

For grandparents to share some activity with the grandchildren, all it takes is a bit of imagination and simple everyday items. To start, all you need is some white cardboard, scissors, glue, pencil, coloured texta pens, old Christmas cards and you are under way. Let the kids use their own imagination and ideas. If able, let them cut out pictures from the old cards and glue onto the blank cardboard cards, use their own words and writing to and from inside the card and enjoy their

CRAFTWORKERS: Bev Cornwell, Edna Down, Heather Ramm, Lyn Smith, Glenda Reinke, Robyn Busk and Mary Pape from the Hervey Bay VIEW Club Committee. display of pride at having made the card themselves. Decorations for the Christmas tree can be made the same way... bells and more from silver or gold paper.

U3A TWIN TOWNS, TUGUN ■ Creating a cubby from cardboard boxes. ■ Make a Christmas tree from a tree branch, painting it white and hanging it with decorations made by the kids. ■ Cook coconut ice or fudge and make little boxes to hold it – give it as a gift. ■ Go on a walk and get the children to draw what they saw while out, and

accompany it with a short description. ■ Make a book out of folded A4 paper and write a sentence or two on each page with an accompanying drawing. ■ Make up bubble mixture and have fun blowing bubbles. ■ Make a kite with lots of colours and streamers and fly it. ■ Press some flowers. ■ Create a diorama, which is a fun way to build an exciting scene in a small space.

GLASSHOUSE COUNTRY VIEW CLUB

View clubs struggle each year to make enough library bags for the Smith Family’s Learning for Life

Living

students who are unable to make their own. These are easy enough for grandparents to teach their grandchildren how to make; all you need is some bright and interesting (for young ones) material. Doing this activity can help the grandkids feel that they are helping those in less fortunate circumstances. For more information on what sizes for the bags, phone Janet on 0448 845 303 or Gillian on (07) 5496 9474.

PROBUS CLUB OF COFFS CITY

Some great activites seniors can share with youngsters include: ■ Cooking. ■ Puzzles. ■ Memory games. ■ Reading children’s stories. ■ Charades.

GRAFTON SENIOR CITIZENS

Our grandmothers suggest: ■ At home – cooking, especially pikelets; French knitting; colouring-in; making Christmas

decorations and cards; making pasta necklaces, button pictures and wooden spoon dolls. ■ Out of the home – join in the local shopping centre activities including painting of plaster moulds, magic sand and tie-dyeing; check out the activities at the local library.

TOOWOOMBA MEN’S SHED

■ Spend time with the grandkids as they cycle around the local park. ■ Get them to take you to a local historical site and ask them to guide you around the site and tell you all about it. ■ Visit your nearest library. ■ Make cards from pieces of paper, cardboard, stamps and anything else you have stored in your craft room or box. ■ Visit the local museum and National Trust locations to see their current exhibitions. ■ Show the grandkids how to fix little things around the house like pumping up bike tyres.

Reading tips with kids materials. Where we might have got away with having no literacy when meeting the functional needs of day to day lives, we just can’t do that any more.” Dr Merga says children gain valuable vocabulary skills and confidence from reading, if they do it regularly. “We know that when we are not engaging in regular reading, our literacy skills don’t stay the same; they start to move backwards,” Dr Merga said. And if we can foster in them a love for reading, children will find the activity pleasurable.

HOW TO DO IT

■ Share with them books that were your favourites, and tell them why you liked those books. ■ Ask them what sorts of books they like to read. If they find it hard to choose, give them guidance and recommendations about books they might like. ■ Share the books together. ■ It’s vital to encourage reading aloud to help your grandchildren develop their vocabulary skills. ■ If you are choosing books for them, aim for something a little bit harder than they would choose, as a way to

expose them to more complex vocabulary and word structures. “It can also help them to get into ideas, words and concepts that are too advanced for them to independently access but which can be incredibly enjoyable for both you and the grandchildren”, Dr Merga added.

AFTER THE HOLIDAYS

Dr Merga says don’t let the grandchildren stop regular reading at the end of the holidays; keep encouraging them to read every day and to enjoy doing it.

YOUR READING SKILLS

■ Not everyone is going to feel confident with reading out loud with their grandchildren, so Dr Merga suggests just having a go will be appreciated by the kids. ■ Try sharing with the grandchildren by listening and reading along to an audiobook together which can help both the child’s and grandparent’s literacy skills. ■ Get your grandchildren to read to you which gives them a special role and shows them the purpose of reading.

HOLIDAY FUN: These Christmas holidays could be a good time to start with helping your grandchild develop strong life-long reading skills. Photo: katiko-dp

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CAN you imagine anything more pleasurable than being a part of your grandchild’s development of competent reading skills which will set them up for life? These Christmas holidays could be a great time to start, making time each day for you and them to read together. Whether you are a strong reader or not, Edith Cowan University’s senior lecturer in education Dr Margaret Merga says you can make a powerful difference to your grandchild’s life by encouraging them to make reading daily a part of their everyday life. Grandparents may also find themselves learning better reading skills along the way which is not such a bad thing as all the generations are going online to get informed and educated, and to socialise. “It’s never been as important as it is now,” Dr Merga said. “If you think about the amount of reading that is involved in our daily lives in terms of understanding forms that we read on the internet and internet banking; so many of the things we used to engage in face-to-face have moved into online reading

LIVING

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Staring down the demon of dementia

Sarah shares her secret on organising her life

Alison Houston

EYE OF THE STORM: Sarah Ashton earned a standing ovation as she told how she has organised her life to cope with dementia and to help others do the same.

Photo: NADINE FISHER

“SOME days the Devil whispers, ‘You are not strong enough to withstand the storm’ ... and some days I get up and say, ‘Today, I am the storm’.” The closing words to Sarah Ashton’s presentation on the lived experience of dementia earned her a standing ovation at the 10th International Arts and Health Conference last month. Sarah, from Port Macquarie, was one of several speakers with the courage to share their mental health struggles to help others better understand their condition. None sought or engendered pity, instead displaying their incredible inner strength to not just cope and reclaim control of their own lives but actively work to help others. “My life got turned upside down the moment I got this diagnosis,” Sarah acknowledged. But she has discovered

ways to manage what she calls “the everyday frustrations”. All her bills, for example are on auto payment. She has diaries everywhere detailing her appointments and what she needs to do. She has clocks and calendars everywhere “in

‘‘

She has diaries everywhere detailing her appointments and what she needs to do.

case I want to check what day I think it is today”. She keeps busy socialising, as a member of various groups, doing advocacy work including Joining the Dots for Dementia, taking part in research, doing art and craft, listening to music and caring for her pets

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and her garden. She recently won the Impromptu section of her Toastmasters International area speaking competition and will compete at the District competition next March. Looking after your diet, walking or exercising every day, engaging in intellectual exercises such as puzzles, brain training, games and reading were also important. Legal paperwork, she urged, must be put in order as soon as you receive a diagnosis, so you are still considered legally competent to truly know your wishes. That included a professionally written will, advanced care directive and power of attorney, all with “meat and bite” as to where you want to live, and what is to happen to the assets if your home has to be sold if you need higher level care. But she admitted the challenge of dealing with aspects of dementia and “pretending to be a functional adult” was exhausting. She described dementia as a process of loss; “your brain being torn apart from your body and mind” and warned what was once seen as an older person’s affliction, was now striking all ages, even a young mother. “No one is immune,” she said. Still, she said, she has hope because “hope opens people’s eyes”. For information on Alzheimer’s and other forms of Dementia go to dementia.org.au or phone the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

NEWS

New method to monitor driving

Talk 'n' thoughts

Gail Forrer Group Editor

DRIVER SAFETY: New technology can help us identify the state of our capacity to keep driving.

‘‘

Sensors are also installed to measure the driver’s reaction times

FOR many people realising it’s time to let go of a driver’s license can be one of life’s greatest challenges. Often the ability to drive has meant the freedom to travel when and where you like, no need to rely on other people or deal with public transport. It’s recognition that your body and mind are still fine tuned enough to handle the roads without danger to yourself or others. If you don’t come to terms with ageing (poorer eyesight, less hearing, perhaps some frailty or memory loss) and make your own choice to relinquish your licence, it may mean you have had to concede to the wishes

of people younger (perhaps ones that you may not even feel are wiser) than you and that can be difficult. So it’s heartening to see that modern technology has been employed which can assist with the driving experience. For instance a federally funded project has developed a new Virtual Reality Driving Simulator for Older Drivers targeting people between 70 and 80 years of age. This project is now being trialled in the Inverell district of northern New South Wales and aims to check the driving skills of senior Australians and improve road safety. Called Hector VR, it is touted as a groundbreaking innovation, to enable Australian seniors to live longer, better lives as they are supported to maintain their proficiency on the road. It can also be used to test driving skills and

make the decision to keep driving or not. Developed by aged care provider McLean Care in partnership with Deakin University’s School of Engineering, the trial uses emerging interactive virtual reality, linked with smart sensor technology. The driving simulator is contained in the shell of a Holden Captiva vehicle, to increase the sense of reality for drivers. “Sensors are also installed to measure the driver’s reaction times and heart rate to assess their responses to a variety of situations that can arise when driving,” Member for New England Barnaby Joyce told the National Seniors. “In addition to helping older drivers maintain and test their skills, Hector VR is designed to help those with medical conditions, such as dementia and who can no longer drive, to re-live the driving experience. “The virtual driving

scenarios are modelled on the township of Inverell, including important local buildings, major shopping centres, retail outlets and landmarks, to make the user’s experience as realistic as possible. “The simulator includes differing road environments and realistic scenarios such as country driving and various levels of traffic.” Development of the virtual reality driving simulator was funded through the government’s $34 million Dementia and Aged Care Services grants scheme, which is promoting innovation across the country. * The Federal Government funded $726,000 towards the project. * Info sourced from NationalSeniors: https://nationalseniors. com.au/news/latest/ high-tech-boost-to-road -safety-for-seniors .

Landmark report shows areas needing support THE Council on the Ageing Queensland is calling for greater focus on older person’s health and wellbeing, in response to a new landmark national report launched in Canberra this month. The State of the (Older) Nation 2018 Report is the most comprehensive national study ever undertaken to seek the views of Australians aged over 50. Queensland chief executive Mark Tucker-Evans said the

report highlighted the need for older people to not only be valued but to feel valued in society. Support systems need to in pace for those who are at risk or are vulnerable, and to have adequate access to health and mental health services in Queensland. “Whilst the report shows that a high percentage of people rated their quality of life highly, seven percent rated their lives as mediocre citing health,

financial, and negative emotional issues as the top three contributors. Today most Queenslanders can expect to live into their eighties and some beyond. Longer life provides the opportunity to reconsider not only what older age might be but how our whole lives might unfold. Key findings in the report with particular relevance to Queensland were: ■ The vast majority of

older Australians feel younger than their current age, with more than half feeling at least 10 years younger. ■ Women feel 12 years younger than their actual age, whereas men feel 10 years younger on average. ■ On average, those aged 80-89 feel 13 years younger than their age ■ More than three quarters of survey participants (78 per cent) rated their quality of life highly, at 7 or more out of 10, including a quarter

who feel particularly positive (26 per cent rated their quality of life a 9 or 10). Meanwhile, just over one in five (22 per cent) rated their quality of life at the mediocre or poor end of the scale, with seven per cent giving a low rating of just 0-4. The group is seeking a commitment from all political parties to develop a comprehensive long-term national strategy to address the needs of older Australians

– including raising rent assistance by 40 per cent; taking a whole-ofgovernment approach to budget funding; and reducing ageism, particularly age discrimination in the workplace. The report investigated issues including employment, age discrimination, cost of living, financial security, health, home and aged care, housing, later life planning, consumer rights and transport.

Embrace the Internet!

It’s time to jump on the social media bandwagon! Let Seniors ease you into the exciting world of online. Get every news story - big or small, the latest exclusive offers, plus a whole heap more when you connect with Seniors on social media.

Visit facebook.com/seniorsnews or seniorsnews.com.au

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

MONEY ADVICE: How much money does one need to live a comfortable retirement?

Money

Photo: Arisara_Tongdonnoi

THERE’S an old joke that if you ask three economists for their views on the economy, you’ll get four answers. To an extent, the same variance in views appears to be the case when it comes to answering the question: how much money does one need to live a comfortable retirement? Or more to the point, do most Australians have enough funds to last them through their life? The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia calculates that to have a ‘comfortable’ retirement, single people will need $545,000 in retirement savings, and couples will need $640,000. Such balances would generate $42,950 per

annum for a single, and $60,604 for couples, according to ASFA, which assumes the retirees own their own home outright and are relatively healthy. Yet, how much is needed to be comfortable in retirement does depend on who you ask. A new study by the public policy think tank Grattan Institute suggests that the conventional wisdom that Australians don’t save enough for retirement is wrong, and that the vast majority of current and future retirees are likely to be financially comfortable. Grattan says its modelling shows that, even after allowing for inflation, most workers can expect a retirement income of at least 91 per

cent of their pre-retirement income. Furthermore, it says that through a combination of the Age Pension and their compulsory superannuation savings, many low-income earners will actually get a pay rise when they retire. “Australians tend to spend less after they retire, and even less into old age,” according to the study’s authors, John Daley and Brendan Coates. “Their medical costs increase, but are largely covered by the taxpayer. “Many retirees are net savers, and current retirees often leave a legacy almost as large as their nest egg on the day they retired.”

They note that loosening the Age Pension assets test could boost retirement incomes for around 20 per cent of retirees, rising to more than 70 per cent of retirees in the future. This would also deal with anomalies in the system, where some people who save $100 while working increase their total retirement income by less than $100 in real terms. But the institute has hit a raw nerve with Industry Super Australia (ISA), the umbrella organisation for industry superannuation funds, in suggesting that the legislated plan to increase compulsory superannuation contributions from 9.5 per cent to 12 per cent should

be scrapped. Grattan said because it believes most Australians will be comfortable in retirement, there is no need to boost retirement incomes. In addition, it states that superannuation tax breaks and age-based tax breaks should be reduced to ensure the retirement incomes system does not become an excessive burden on future budgets and endanger funding for aged care and health. However, the ISA says Grattan’s modelling showing the current 9.5 per cent Superannuation Guarantee levy will deliver adequate incomes for future retirees is “deeply flawed”. ISA says the research’s

Tony Kaye is the editor of listed financial services group InvestSMART and Eureka Report.

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How much retirement money is enough?

flaws include assuming that everyone can top up their super with extra voluntary contributions; that workers have a continuous, uninterrupted 37-year working life and contributions; and that living standards in retirement shouldn’t keep pace with the rest of the community. Ultimately, most Australians will want to have created a sizeable nest egg for their retirement to ensure they can have a reasonably comfortable lifestyle. But how much we should have saved for retirement depends on who you ask. With average life expectancies continuing to rise, one thing is indisputable: the professional number crunchers will need to keep revising up their estimates as many of us have longer lives.

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

MONEY

Scrooge hits pricey gifts

It’s always wise to think twice before spending Paul Clitheroe IT COULD pay to hang out some of your smaller stockings for Santa Claus this year. Research by Finder shows three out of four Australians are tightening their purse strings this festive season, and drawing a line on gift giving. Ebenezer Scrooge may have been onto something when he said, “Bah! Humbug” to Christmas presents because in pure economic terms gift giving doesn’t always stack up. I may spend $100 on a present for my wife, but if she doesn’t like it she won’t get $100 worth of enjoyment. And for economists that means breaking one of the golden rules of spending. It’s a line that fewer of us are willing to cross this year. From bulk buying to DIY gifts, Finder says 76 per cent of Australians are

looking to cut costs this Christmas. One in two people are setting a spending limit for gifts, while 17 per cent are running a Secret Santa to cut the number of people they have to buy for. The same percentage will make their own gifts, and 13 per cent of us will rummage through last year’s presents to re-gift unwanted items in 2018. A further 15 per cent will take a leaf straight from Scrooge’s book and skip presents altogether. It’s not the sort of news that will be welcomed by the retail sector, which relies heavily on the bumper Christmas spending boom. But the next few weeks are a time of year when we’re under a fair bit of pressure to buy something – anything – for friends and family. Perhaps this explains why so many of us don’t receive gifts we particularly value. Gumtree’s 2017

Unwanted Gifts Survey found Australians collectively received more than 21 million unwanted gifts last year, with an average value of $68 each. It doesn’t help either that one in five of us admit to shopping online after we’ve had a few too many festive drinks. Christmas really is a magical time of year, but it’s always worth thinking twice before wasting money. Make a list, make a budget, and make it count are handy guidelines to follow. It can be worth doing some research to find out what you could give that will be truly valued – and kept. Paul Clitheroe is Chairman of InvestSMART, Chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money Magazine.

NIFTY THRIFTY: Ebenezer Scrooge may have been onto something when he said, "Bah! Humbug" to Christmas presents.

Your financial specialists in life Our one purpose, the reason we exist, is to help each of our clients GET MORE out of life. We are pleased to announce that our brand new office in the Strand Shopping Centre provides exceptional financial advice and services to the local community. If you are: • Planning retirement or already retired • Wanting to make the most of your retirement income • Receiving an inheritance and looking for objective advice • Looking to optimise Centrelink/DVA pension benefit Call us today! We are offering a 1 hour complimentary meeting to discuss your plans, what is important to you and how you want to live your ideal life! Phone 1800 634 378 to book an appointment and receive a copy of our ‘How to Retire Successfully’ e-book. • • • • • • • •

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What's on

Alison Houston Journalist

DEEP WATER RUNNING

WITH the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time to try out a beginners’ class of deep water running. It is offered at a number of local pools and introduces you to working out in deep water, with a buoyance belt to improve mobility without strenuous impact. Costs range from $11-$17, depending on location. Contact your local community pool for details.

CURRUMBIN CAROLS

CURRUMBIN Community Christmas Carols is a traditional concert at Galleon Park, Currumbin Waters on Monday, December 10. Enjoy singing to the classics and be amazed by the roving entertainers or the laser light show. The free event starts at 5.30pm and concludes at 8.30pm. Phone 07 5581 5275 for details.

CHRISTMAS IN SURFERS

SURFERS Paradise is hosting a range of festive activities from Thursday, December 13. As well as a visit from Santa in boardies for the grandkids, adults will love the 12 Days of Christmas event with daily Advent prizes. The climax is the annual Carols on the Beach on Sunday, December 23 with a host of local artists and closing fireworks at 8pm. Phone Katerine from Surfers

FIT AND FUN: Deep water running is an ideal fitness option for Seniors because it works the muscles without strenuous impact.

Photo: GOLD COAST CITY COUNCIL

Paradise Alliance 07 5584 3720 for more.

LIGHT SPECTACULAR

THE Forest Oak Dr Light Spectacular from 5-10pm on December 14-24 offers beautiful lights for a good cause. Bravehearts charity has been working closely with this Upper Coomera community to create “a sense of childlike wonder for all ages”. A Westfield Coomera courtesy shuttle, picking up and dropping at Jagera Dr, takes away the difficulty of parking, so you can enjoy the lightshow without the stress. To find out more about the lightshow or Bravehearts, phone Jess Ward on 07 5552 3000.

MARINA’S CHRISTMAS

ONE of Australia’s most-loved musical stars, Marina Prior has appeared 27 times in the annual televised Carols by Candlelight, but now you can see her singing your favourite Christmas carols and some of the other songs she’s famous for – expect a little Phantom of the Opera – live at HOTA in a special matinee from 11am on Tuesday, December 18. Tickets $27, to purchase go to hota.com.au or phone 07 5588 4000.

BRISBANE HEAT VERSUS HOBART HURRICANES

SUMMER is synonymous with cricket, so get your dose of some top-grade cricketers at Gold Coast Metricon Stadium when Brisbane Heat takes on the Hobart

Hurricanes on December 22. As well as the excitement of live action, there’s added entertainment and fireworks to finish. It’s from 6pm and tickets ($8-$22) are through Ticketek.

NIGHTQUARTER CAROLS

MISSING the swinging Christmas carols from Elvis Presley, George Thorogood, crooning Bing Crosby or Johnny Cash? The Colt Seavers Band brings back 1950s and ’60s rockabilly carols at the NightQuarter on Saturday, December 22 from 4pm. Entry is only $3 and there’s also a huge range of food options. Phone 1800 364 448 for details.

SYDNEY-HOBART

IT’S A tradition, isn’t it, watching the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on Boxing Day? What better place to do it than in a yacht club setting? Southport Yacht Club is showing the start on the big screen from 11am-4pm on Wednesday, December 26 and it’s open to the public. Phone Bronwen on 07 5591 3500.

NEW YEAR’S

FIREWORKS and dancing – what more could you want for an exciting New Year’s Eve? Broadbeach Mall is hosting two fireworks displays at 8pm and midnight, as well as Latin dancing from 7pm and a live Latin band from 9.30pm. Dance the Cha Cha as you celebrate the end of 2018. Phone

Broadbeach Alliance on 07 5656 0100 for details. For those to the south, Coolangatta will have displays at 9pm and midnight, and of course there’s the option of an earlier New Year over the border in Tweed Heads.

TAI CHI

FALEN Dafa is a form of Tai Chi that provides gentle exercises and meditation to help improve the health of the body, as well as your state of mind. What better way to start off your new year than getting into the practice. It is offered daily at Harley Park in Labrador and weekends at Pratten Park, Burleigh. It is free, but bring your own mat or towel. For details phone the Falun Dafa Association of Australia on 0424 670 349.

Big stars in big laughs for the senior moments

SERIOUSLY SILLY: The cast of Senior Moments get into the Christmas spirit ahead of a busy touring schedule for their comedy revue.

OPEN up the wallet and do yourself a favour this Christmas by giving the gift of laughter. The cast and crew of the hilarious comedy revue Senior Moments have announced they’ll be at it again from February 2019 with a 17 show tour across Australia. Actors John Wood, Max Gillies, Benita Collings, Kim Lewis and Russell Newman will be joined by Midday Show maestro Geoff Harvey on piano as

they share hilarious stories of growing old. Senior Moments is described as a “deliciously funny and fresh collection of comic senior moments, scenes and songs, with hilarious sketches and wonderfully witty songs performed by some legendary show business seniors”. “It’s a seriously silly show for otherwise sensible seniors.” The 90 minute show will tour theatres is Adelaide,

Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Hobart and Canberra, and regionally on the Gold Coast (February 27 to March 2), Newcastle, Wollongong, Caloundra, Port Macquarie (March 15-16), Wyong (February 2) and more.

Tickets start at $55 and are on sale now, go to seniormoments show.com.au for more information.

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

G E N E R A L K N O W L E D G E

Across 1 In Russia, what is a grandmother called? (8) 7/8 Whose 1956 album was the ﬁrst to sell over one million copies? (5,9) 9 Which television broadcasting system is used in most of Europe? (3) 10 What is the resting place of a wild animal? (4) 11 In croquet, with what does a player strike a ball? (6) 13 What is the upward projecting part at the front of a horse saddle? (6) 14 Crossing the Paciﬁc in 1520, Magellan lost more than 80 per cent of his crew to what? (6) 17 Which jungle dweller had a monkey friend named N’kima? (6) 18 What is a protective crust over a healing wound? (4) 20 In billiards, with what does a player strike a ball? (3) 22 What is a skilful teller of anecdotes called? (9) 23 What colour comes from Urdu for “dust-coloured”? (5) 24 Which sea lies between the West Indies and the Azores? (8)

7 8 9 11

10 12 13

16 17

20 22 23

PUZZLES

Down 1 In the Bible, which tower was built in an attempt to reach heaven? (5) 2 Detective Hercule Poirot came from which country? (7) 3 What strong, lockable cabinet protects valuables? (4) 4 Aviator Amelia Earhart was born in which US state? (6) 5 What is an underground vault beneath a church? (5) 6 Which branch of medical science is concerned with muscles? (7) 7 Socrates died by drinking what? (7) 12 From 2000 to 2004, Michael Schumacher won ﬁve consecutive world drivers’ titles with which team? (7) 13 What might you eat on Shrove Tuesday? (7) 15 Which weapons of war had their origins in China over 2000 years ago? (7) 16 What board covers the ends of rafters? (6) 17 “I Don’t Want a Lover” was the 1986 debut single for which Scottish band? (5) 19 From Spanish, what is a small donkey used as a pack animal? (5) 21 What word for “sausage” originated in Australia in the 1940s? (4)

1/12

SUDOKU

Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

7 8

5x5

ALPHAGRAMS

Insert the missing letters to make ten words — ﬁve reading across the grid and ﬁve reading down.

Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the ﬁve solutions are sequential. For example, if the ﬁveletter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.

11 12

T E

N S

LEASE HOT FUR NOUGHTS TEACHERS SUNLIT SEA

R D

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

19 20

SOLUTIONS about auto BATHHOUSE bathos boast boat boats bosh both bout ethos hoes hose host hots house oast oath obeah obtuse oust sabot shoe shot shote shout south stoa those thou toes tosh

WORD GO ROUND

E N T R Y

Find a ﬁnished crossword by deleting one of the two letters in each divided square. Solution opposite

BLACKOUT

ALPHAGRAMS: EASEL, FOURTH, GUNSHOT, HECTARES, INSULATES. QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 6. Lateral 7. Defer 9. Mad 10. On the road 12. Hardhearted 15. Acclimatise 17. Boorishly 19. Cap 21. Bares 22. Cadaver. Down: 1. Carat 2. Few 3. Gain 4. Terrorise 5. Relaxed 8. Threat 11. Tall order 13. Demise 14. Scholar 16. Valet 18. Loan 20. Hay.

DOUBLE CROSS

D O S E D

A H

A G A T E

601

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word. No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb. TODAY: Good 16 Very Good 22 Excellent 26

P R O N E

WORD GO ROUND

U B

SUDOKU

5x5

S A T E S

T S

E H

Down 1. Gold measurement (5) 2. Not many (3) 3. Proﬁt (4) 4. Intimidate (9) 5. Unstressed (7) 8. Menace (6) 11. Formidable task (4,5) 13. Death (6) 14. Academic (7) 16. Manservant (5) 18. Advance (4) 20. Mown grass (3)

GK CROSSWORD Across: 1 Babushka. 7/8 Harry Belafonte. 9 PAL. 10 Lair. 11 Mallet. 13 Pommel. 14 Scurvy. 17 Tarzan. 18 Scab. 20 Cue. 22 Raconteur. 23 Khaki. 24 Sargasso. Down: 1 Babel. 2 Belgium. 3 Safe. 4 Kansas. 5 Crypt. 6 Myology. 7 Hemlock. 12 Ferrari. 13 Pancake. 15 Rockets. 16 Fascia. 17 Texas. 19 Burro. 21 Snag.

Across 6. Sideways (7) 7. Postpone (5) 9. Demented (3) 10. Travelling (2,3,4) 12. Uncaring (11) 15. Adjust to a new environment (11) 17. Roughly, crudely (9) 19. Limit (3) 21. Reveals (5) 22. Body (7)

F T A I G A H R F H O B E Y S

J O C L V R P E X O P O M I J

G O B L E T T G R I S T L E C

A K K E J I O I L N E C S L G

S W A G A S I M O N M H I D E

S A A A O A B E O E P E I E R

F S A L O N L N A B C D O D O

X F B Q B E Q G P E C J I E W

N I T P I C K O F A R I S E N

D N P O L H E R F T Y M C X F

S H A M Z P A S T D B P I T O

O A T P K L P O K K P R L R M

V B L Y L A V A F N E E D E D

D I C I W Y G K S E U S W M L

V T H I R S T B T E N S U E U

BLACKOUT

Work out which squares need to be deleted to reveal a completed crossword. Solution opposite

DOUBLE CROSS

R E G I R I N O S B O T C E L Y I E L S

G A S N T O O W A S I N A B A A T P O I L L E G A L G E O B I C A R T I S A N I K E M E N O A N B E A T R I M H E D I O S D E D E X E O W N

S H A B I A M P L P L A Y A V S O A K T K N E E P R E S I D T R E M D

E N S U E T H I R S T

GOLD COAST

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

DE PAUL MAN MANOR NOR ESTATE

Vibrant Retirement community co-located with

1, 2, & 3 Bedroom Apartments from $320,000 to

De Paul Villa Residential Care, Aquinas College,

$515,000

Guardian Angels and Southport Parish Child Care.

Undercover Car Park & Storage Cage

Retirement Village Manager of the year Finalist 2018

Fun Activities & Outings

No Stamp Duty

Cinema, Gym, Snooker Room, Heated Pool & Spa

24 hour emergency call buttons

Close to Shops/ Transport/ Hospitals

Safe and Secure

Meals Available

De Paul is a vibrant, growing and ever-changing community working together for a bright future. We are blessed with feelings of connection and a sense of belonging in this lovely community. Seasons Greetings to you all. 1 Edmund Rice Drive, SOUTHPORT, Gold Coast, Qld 4215 Ph: 1300 732 306 or (07) 5582 7999 www.depaulmanorestate.com.au